Northwestern Visayan Colleges

“I prepared so much because stepping onto the Queen of Aklan stage has always been my dream.”

This was the statement said by Nikay Matangga, a student of Northwestern Visayan Colleges (NVC) as she secured a spot as one of the top three finalists in Queen of Aklan 2024 talent competition. She delivered an interpretative dance to the song “Maybe This Time”. Her performance, rich in emotion and artistry, left both the audience and judges in awe.

“The song is about love rediscovered, a second chance to make things work. It’s like the saying, ‘Love is sweeter the second time around.’ I wanted to convey that through my dance, blending expressive movements from various styles,” she explained.

But Matangga’s journey is not just about dance or competition. For her, joining the Queen of Aklan is an opportunity to make a difference.

“I joined this advocacy pageant to make my family proud. They’re my motivation in every competition I join,” she emphasized.

More than that, she’s determined to be a role model for young people living with HIV.

“I focus on representing myself as someone who advocates for their needs and inspires others to take action,” she said.

As she prepares for the coronation night, Matangga hopes to encourage more people to join her cause. She shares a motto she lives by: “Get informed, get tested, get involved, and take the lead.”

: Jean Gelito, Associate Editor

: Alexandra Joy Soriano, Section Editor