"I DID not expect it really, that is why I was very surprised when they announced me as the Miss Palakasan. But I am very happy for the title and I will do my best to live by its expectation," said Ragde Annika Plete when she was crowned Miss Palakasan 2016 on Monday, October 3.
Plete, 18, stood out from 16 other candidates vying for the title at the social grounds of Southern de Oro College Philippines (SPC).
Plete was born and raised in Bukidnon but currently residing at Camaman-an, Cagayan de Oro.
She is a daughter of a professional golfer and a businesswoman. Her mother encouraged her to study in Cagayan de Oro as her parents would always encouraged her to take the opportunities that she may have in the city.
Plete, a freshman of Bachelor of Science in Education Major in Secondary English, said she is doing her very best to do well in her studies.
"When I was still deciding on what course I will take, I was insistent on taking up Fine Arts. But since schools in Cagayan de Oro, where my parents want me to study, do not have a Fine Arts course, I went for my second course which is education," Plete said.
Even though Plete is largely concentrating on her academics, she also has time to engage in sports. She is SPC’s soccer player as the midfield striker.
"I enjoy soccer, really. Aside from its healthy benefits, it is fun and it makes a balanced person by honing the body's capabilities aside from focusing everything in academics," she said.
Being a college freshman, Plete knows that a lot has yet to happen in her stay in SPC and in the city. But while her title entails a lot of campus fame and fun, Plete said that she is determined to finish her college career with flying colors.
Sports aside, Plete said she will give all her effort in concentrating on her subjects and possibly gaining high grades in each semester.
Plete also talked about what she plans to do with her college education saying that she still has so many things to do in life.
"I am looking at taking up a master's degree in teaching or maybe a pre-med after graduation," she said.
As the Miss Palakasan 2016 Plete noted the importance of not only academic excellence but also physical fitness as the key to being a well-rounded individual.
"To my fellow students in SPC, let us all remember that we have so much capability in our hands. We must give effort in making ourselves fit and healthy and aim to represent our school as one of the finest here in Cagayan," Plete said.