The bright morning sun greeted the grounds of West Visayas State University as students, faculty, and administrators gathered to kick off Pag-Iririmaw 2024. The day’s events began at 7:00 in the morning with the much-anticipated Hugyaw Sayaw: A Cavalcade of Deities through Street and Mass Dance. The WVSU Field was alive with energy as the College Student Councils facilitated the registration of participants and ensured a seamless flow of attendees into the venue. A little later, the field was filled with vibrant colors and lively music as students, representing various colleges, danced in the Cavalcade of Deities. With costumes inspired by Filipino mythology, they portrayed various deities, each group blending elements of their own cultural traditions with modern dance. This artistic fusion showcased not just their creativity but also their deep appreciation for their heritage. Following the performance, the formal program began with the National Anthem, Prayer, and the stirring rendition of the WVSU Hymn led by the USC, Panayana, and SPEDSA organizations. WVSU President, Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz, delivered a heartfelt opening message, emphasizing the significance of cultural events in fostering unity and pride within the university. Afterward, the contest facilitators took the stage to explain the rules for the Mass Dance Competition, setting the stage for a highly anticipated showdown. The competition began at around 9:00 in the morning, as five colleges presented their meticulously choreographed routines. Each performance was judged not only on dance but also on how well they represented the chosen deities through their storytelling, costumes, and synchronization. The audience, filled with cheering students and faculty, marveled at the grandeur of the performances. After a short intermission to acknowledge sponsors and check the crowd, the last four colleges presented their own breathtaking performances, continuing the dynamic spirit of the competition. As the clock neared 11:00 AM, USC Councilor Jarell Ralf Halili delivered the closing message, thanking everyone for their participation and enthusiasm. Cllr. Fritz Jaime L. Sumbo then provided instructions for the afternoon’s events before the program concluded with a powerful Community Dance to the WVSU Pag-iririmaw Song, bringing the entire WVSU community together in a moment of unity and celebration.

     After a short break, the festivities resumed in the afternoon with Sambuwa sang mga Abilidadan: A Divine Extravaganza, held at the WVSU Cultural Center. The crowd eagerly filed into the venue, led by the USC Crowd Control Team and College Student Councils, setting the stage for an extraordinary display of talent. At exactly 1:00 PM, the event commenced with a dramatic production number by the West Crew and the contestants, who dazzled the audience with their skillful dance moves and confident stage presence. The Maxi Challenge, a highlight of the competition, saw contestants showcase their advocacies and strut down the runway in outfits that symbolized their causes. The reigning SSMA 2024 Queen, Del Marie Callado, made her first appearance, sharing inspiring words during a brief interview. The competition became even more intense with the announcement of the Bottom 2 contestants, who were then challenged to a Lip Sync LaLaPaRuZa, adding a theatrical flair to the proceedings. The tension peaked as the Top 4 contestants were revealed, each vying for the coveted crown. After a final showdown, the event chairs awarded special titles such as Best in Production Number, Best in Advocacy Video, and Fashion Queen, culminating in the announcement of the new SSMA 2024 Queen.

     At 4:00 PM, the evening program, Mr. & Ms. Pag-iririmaw 2024: Ethereal Elegance, began with the opening curtain rising to reveal the contestants in a spectacular production number. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as they showcased their formal wear, delivered advocacy speeches, and battled in a thrilling dance showdown. The competition tested their poise, eloquence, and charisma, especially during the acting challenge and final interview segments, where the contestants were asked thought-provoking questions about leadership and social responsibility. By the time the SDE (Same Day Edit) Presentation by Link.exe was shown, the audience was on the edge of their seats. The reigning Mr. and Ms. Pag-iririmaw 2023 took their final walk before the winners were announced. After a tense deliberation, the hosts revealed the Mr. & Ms. Pag-iririmaw 2024, who were greeted with thunderous applause as they took their victory walk. The program concluded with a heartfelt Closing Remarks from Cllr. Fritz Jaime L. Sumbo, who expressed gratitude to all the organizers, sponsors, and participants, bringing the spectacular day of culture, talent, and unity to a triumphant close. With the evening winding down, participants and spectators left with a sense of accomplishment and pride, looking forward to the next edition of Pag-iririmaw and the rich traditions it continues to uphold at WVSU.