Maria Gail Devora Tobes, sixth year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine student of the University of Eastern Philippines (UEP) was crowned Miss National State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) held on 09 February 2015 at the Campus Gymnasium, Cagayan State University Andrews (Main Campus), Tuguegarao City.
After her successful feat as the 2014 Miss Regional SCUAA, Tobes earned the right to represent the Eastern Visayas region and went on to win the crown besting 11 other candidates in the most coveted national pageant among SUCs. Aside from winning the crown, she also bagged awards as Best in Swimsuit, Miss Photogenic, and Best in Cocktail Attire.
Tobes is the second UEP student to win the title. In 2011, the Miss National SCUAA was Jem Francelle Lucero Sanico. Beauties from UEP have represented Region 8 thrice, and had produced two (2) national winners. In 2012, Miss UEP Dionessa Bustamante also represented the provinces of Samar, Leyte and Biliran in the same contest held in Western Visayas State University, Iloilo City. Last year, the pageant was not held due to the devastations left by typhoon Haiyan in the Visayas.
On the other hand, the 2014 Mr. Regional SCUAA James Michael Tigranes Barnett, sophomore Bachelor of Science in Development Communication student, also represented the region in the Mister SCUAA National competition.
The 2015 Miss National SCUAA tilt was organized by the Cagayan Provincial Tourism Office, supported by the City Council of Tuguegarao, and the provincial government of Cagayan. It was hosted by Mr. World First Runner Up, Andrew Wolff and Bb. Pilipinas finalist, Emma Tiglao. The pageant’s board of judges composed of Jun Macasait (Chair, Manhunt International), Nicole Manalo (Bb. Pilipinas Semi-finalist), Lito Trinidad (talent manager/ entrepreneur), Zahara Soriano (model), Marx Topacio (actor/model), Ervin David (model), and Lance Serrano (actor/model).
The University President, Atty. Mar P. de Asis, extends his warmest congratulations to Miss Tobes, and to the people behind her success, most specially to her parents; coaches, Dr. Allan Orejudos, Mr. Jay Neil Verano, and Jem Francelle Sanico; her make-up artists, Roy Briva and Jeno Castillo.# (Brenfred N. Romero, UEP Website and On-line Media Coordinator)