APMC – Aklan Shines with First-Ever Mr. and Ms. Health 2025

By Maria Solita Zaldivar-Guzman

KALIBO, Aklan-It is not every day that a hospital goes all out to celebrate National Hospital Week, but Asia Pacific Medical Center (APMC) – Aklan is not your ordinary hospital. Known as a pioneer in many aspects of healthcare in the province, APMC – Aklan once again raised the bar by organizing a vibrant and meaningful celebration of wellness.

On August 12, the hospital staged its first-ever, and truly spectacular, Mr. and Ms. Health 2025 pageant. The event was not just about glamour; it was a powerful display of the hospital’s commitment to promoting a culture of health and holistic well-being among its staff.

Supporting such activities goes beyond just fun and fanfare. Events like these reflect APMC – Aklan’s investment in the overall well-being of its human resources. In today’s demanding healthcare landscape, addressing employees’ physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social needs is essential to building a thriving workplace. The organization understands that empowered employees make for better healthcare givers, and this event is just one of many steps they are taking to support their people.

The program opened with remarks from Dr. Claire Bolivar-Perez, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer, who highlighted the hospital’s strong support for Department of Health programs and its vision of cultivating a healthy workplace. She emphasized that APMC – Aklan’s leadership—its executives, department heads, and medical professionals—values the well-being of every member of the organization. In fact, despite having only five days to prepare, the hospital went full steam ahead with the Mr. and Ms. Health 2025 pageant.

Five vibrant teams—Red, Brown, Green, Blue, and White—set the tone for the day with phenomenal entrances during the parade of teams. With banners waving, balloons flying, and drums pounding, the energy was electric. Cheers filled the air, and joy was undeniably contagious.

The pageant officially kicked off with a lively production number to the beat of “Golden”, a hit song featured in the #1 movie KPop: Demon Hunters. Contestants strutted onstage in red APMC-logo tops—creatively styled by the women into crop tops and accessorized, while the men sported matching pieces with jackets and blazers. The result is a fashionable and unified look that screams confidence and pride.

Each candidate had their fan club in the audience, bringing high energy and sky-high decibels. Cheers, chants, and applause echoed throughout the venue, creating a festive and competitive atmosphere.

As the contestants introduced themselves, many cleverly tied their messages to their respective departments—demonstrating not just personality, but also how they advocate for health and wellness in their daily roles.

After the first intermission number performed by the Nursing Services Office, the contestants returned to the stage in their sportswear. This segment highlighted the importance of incorporating sports and physical activity into our lives as a means of promoting overall wellness. Some contestants showcased unique and diverse sports such as yaw-yan and even bullfighting—uncommon choices, but they were accompanied by thoughtful explanations that reflected creativity and awareness. The candidates fully embraced their roles and passionately embodied the spirit of the sports they represented.

Following this was another entertaining intermission number, this time by the Housekeeping and Administrative Departments, who impressed the crowd with their groovy dance moves. The contestants then reappeared in their official uniform attire—first individually, then gracefully walking down the runway together. It was a sight to behold, seeing them in pairs, each with gestures and expressions that complemented one another beautifully. Some truly stood out with their charisma and synchronicity.

The interview portion was hosted by the glamorous and wacky duo, Dr. Marsha Lourdes P. Conanan and Dr. Nikki James C. Francisco, who lit up the stage in striking, bloody red gowns and coordinated ensembles. They kicked things off with a few comedic questions to lighten the mood before diving into more serious topics. The real questions tackled issues such as addressing office burnout, strengthening teamwork within the workplace, promoting a healthy lifestyle, and encouraging smoking cessation.

Several contestants spoke straight from the heart, sharing personal stories and passionately discussing their advocacies. Their sincerity and authenticity shone through, effectively conveying messages of hope and empowerment in the workplace.

Another intermission number, this time from the Finance and Nursing Services Office, added energy to the crowd before the awarding of special awards and the much-anticipated announcement of the Top 3 finalists.

The Top 3 pairs came from the Administrative Division, Nursing Services Office, and Finance Division. And while every pageant crowns its winners, all the contestants were truly champions in their own right—some first-timers bravely stepping out of their comfort zones, others proving they were born for the spotlight.

In the end, both nurse contestants took home the titles, but above all, everyone enjoyed a fun-filled afternoon. The event was filled with laughter, cheers, and unwavering support from the medical doctors, especially the founders and members of the Board of Directors.

In her closing remarks, Dr. Mary Karen Veronica R. Icamina expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the entire APMC – Aklan family for their all-out support in making the pageant possible. She gave special thanks to Dr. Ma. Ester L. Alfaro, who served as the overall chairperson of the Mr. and Ms. APMC 2025.

The celebration was a joyful highlight of National Hospital Week and one that not only honored wellness but also strengthened camaraderie.