By Lara Charmaine Lagorra
A three-word portrait captures her essence perfectly: compassionate, confident, and a comedian—words that reveal the layers of a woman who was bathed in gold light, her purple-waved hair cascading behind the elegant gown that mirrors her vibrant spirit.
Beyond the sparkling heels and the dazzling spotlight, she is the warmly, lively friend who fills a room with her smile and laughter and a quietly reflective soul who listens deeply to the unspoken stories around her.
Reigning from the College of Nursing, she is your 79th Miss Silliman: Kathryn Gay Alar Saguban.
Beyond the Crown
A fourth-year nursing student and intern in slippers with a heart of gold, both sociable and self-sufficient, playful yet deeply grounded, Kathyrn radiates like a sunbeam through every part of her life—from the love of her family and friends to the broader embrace of the Silliman community.
These cherished connections transform the university into a true home for her; their encouragement, humor, and presence constantly remind her that achievements are far sweeter when shared. She is marked by humility and empathy, as her journey reflects a character shaped by love, strong values, and an unwavering commitment to serving others.
Raised in a humble home where character mattered most, Kathyrn learned dependability early on. She approaches life with enthusiasm, exploring everything from traveling and skateboarding to painting and baking.
She knows the power of quiet patience and never shies away from owning her mistakes. This delicate balance between liveliness and introspection, confidence and humility, has helped her navigate life’s challenges with grace and persistence.
“I make many mistakes, but I don’t try to hide them. Those stumbles gave me empathy; they taught me to put my feet in other people’s shoes and meet them where they are,” she said.
A Grand Homecoming
It has been three years since the College of Nursing hailed a Miss Silliman, and Kathyrn takes pride in bringing the crown home again. To her, it is not just a win for herself but for her college community, which embodies values of service, compassion, and resilience that shine just as bright on the stage.
“More than anything, it feels like giving back to the college that has shaped me, and I’m grateful to be part of this chapter in our story,” she shared.
To her, Miss Silliman is not merely a title; it is a rich tapestry woven from the stories of women who have graced the stage before her, carrying with them both grace and grit.
But her journey did start brightly. Her path brought trials that tested her spirit—overwhelm, moments of distress, and the desire to retreat into the comforting arms of her family. These vulnerable moments became her strength, with faith guiding her to face fears courageously.
“I taught myself not to dwell on yesterday or worry about tomorrow, but to focus fully on the now. That mindset grounded me, and with the love of those around me, I found the strength to keep moving forward,” Kathyrn shared.
Perhaps the most heartwarming part of her pageant experience was the deep sisterhood forged among the candidates. Far from a rivalry, their shared journey became a bond of encouragement, laughter, and mutual growth.
“For me, this journey wasn’t about winning; it was about becoming a better version of myself, supported by a sisterhood that made every step feel lighter,” she expresses.
From the start of her journey toward the crown, Kathyrn has passionately committed to a platform addressing the health issue of head lice infestation, or pediculosis.
Her advocacy is not abstract but rooted in personal experience. Having struggled with head lice in fourth grade, she intimately understands the shame and isolation it can cause.
Years later, her concern deepened upon learning that thousands of learners in Central Visayas still face this problem. A story of a 13-year-old girl from Argao, Cebu, known as “Princess,” who bravely faced severe infestation despite stigma, inspired Saguban to raise awareness.
While nurses teach prevention and community wellness, Kathyrn aligns this focus on a condition often dismissed but linked to embarrassment, sleep loss, disrupted learning, and social stigma.
“That’s why I chose this advocacy. Not just to fix an itch, but to ease shame and spark understanding. As Miss Silliman, I want to use this crown not for glamour, but to shine light on the smaller things that matter,” she asserts.
Balance and Harmony
For Kathryn, balancing her duties as Miss Silliman with her nursing studies is a harmony, not a conflict. Her academics—clinical shifts, lectures, and reviews—build the nurse she aims to become.
“I stay grounded on purpose because, then again, this isn’t about sacrifice, it’s about harmony. My nursing studies deepen my advocacy, and being Miss Silliman enriches my compassion in the classroom,” she said.
She plans to visit schools and communities not only to deliver speeches but to hold heartfelt conversations that resonate deeply with her platform. She pledges to show up at every moment, even when tired or late, because, for her, the crown symbolizes service and opportunity, not the spotlight.
As a proud Sillimanian, Kathryn vows to carry on the university’s mission of whole-person development—promoting not just competence but character and compassion. Her goal is to create spaces where everyone feels heard and uplifted, nurturing a community embodying Silliman’s values.
“Through simple efforts, I aim to amplify voices that often remain on the outskirts and help weave a narrative where everyone belongs,” she affirmed.
Sincerity on path
At the heart of her story, Kathryn carries a message for the community who look up to her to always be your true, authentic self and focus on one’s own journey ahead.
“Walk your own path with confidence, without stepping on others along the way. Be unapologetically yourself, because no matter what you do, people will always have something to say. And that’s alright. You don’t have to please everyone, you just have to remain true to who you are,” she said.
And perhaps that’s what makes her story resonate to us. The crown may glitter under stage lights, but Kathryn shines brightest in the small acts of kindness, the laughter she shares, and the humility she carries. She reminds us that beauty is not just seen but lived through compassion, resilience, and the courage to keep showing up.
For the 79th Miss Silliman, victory is not an endpoint but a profound beginning—a lifelong calling to embody grace, strength, and unwavering responsibility in every step she takes, whether striking the stage in dazzling heels or humbly serving her community in worn slippers.
