DESPITE A FLUB in the announcement of the Third Runners Up during the latter part of the coronation night, candidates from the different departments of the College still managed to showcase their wits and their looks for the Mr. and Ms. College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) 2024 at the Abbot Lopez Hall, January 24. 

After previously taking place online back in 2022 during its first iteration, the pageant transitioned this year to an in-person format. Zakiah Valmocina, the President of the San Beda Elite Circle of Ushers and Usherettes (SBECU) said that they had originally wanted to hold the pageant as a part of the celebrations for the Pista ng Sto. Niño sa San Beda 2024.  

“Gusto namin siya isabay sa pista and also, wala [kasing] Mr. and Ms. San Beda so si Dr. Marvin [Reyes] in-encourage niya kami na ituloy ‘yung Mr. and Ms. CAS. Since walang Mr. and Ms. San Beda, ‘yung department na lang natin,” said Valmocina. 

She also highlighted certain differences in terms of preparation and execution of the event compared to its previous iteration. An example of this was in the production of the advocacy video, which was previously an effort wholly of the candidates but is now a joint effort with SBECU. Alongside this was also the provision of resources necessary for the pictorial and the training of the candidates. 

However, an error was made during the announcement of results for the top 4 finalists. Initially, Hugh Orfinada from the Department of Psychology was announced as the third-runner up. It was then corrected by the hosts that the actual third-runner up was Brien Ugaddan from the Department of Political Science.  

“This occurred because of a mispronunciation of the emcee, as the tabulated results of the judges were accurate. On our part, we have given the right results with the guidance of the judges and we did not lack on that part. We have computed and double-checked it many times before giving it to the emcee. However, the emcees read the woman’s top 4 winners instead of the men’s and we already reminded them about it, even before the event started.” Valmocina stated, elaborating on the incident that occurred. 

Francis Gangcuangco from the Department of Political Science took home the crown and the title of Mr. CAS 2024 while looking back by stating: “I prepared for the pageant, first for my advocacy, I was able to go home back to Subic Bay to film with the indigenous people, and then for my Q and A I was taught by Attorney JV; for the catwalk, that was all me.” He also bagged two other special awards: Best Advocacy and Most Photogenic. 

On the other hand, Einna Clare Tan from the Department of Accountancy and Taxation was crowned as the Ms. CAS 2024. “I believe my winning moment was every moment I was in, especially when I was entering the question. When I answered the free speech competition, I knew for a fact that I would be able to make it to the top 4 already. I was that confident in my abilities.” said Tan. She also won the Most Photogenic Award alongside Gangcuangco. 

Meanwhile, Cenio Padilla from the Department of Political Science and Mari Okol from the Department of Psychology were hailed as the First Runners Up, respectively. 

The question-and-answer portion was one of the most important parts of the competition, as stated by Luiz Kyle Pagnamitan, a member of the audience, “Some of the highlights that really stood out for me are the candidates’ impromptu speeches and the question and answer portion because it really showcased their wit and intelligence which is the most crucial part as candidates, and they proved that they could uphold the responsibilities that the title asked them of.” 

As for the special awards, Ma. Beatrix Lareza from the Department of Psychology won the most awards with Best Advocacy alongside Gangcuangco, Best Modern Filipino Casual Wear alongside Edriane Timothy Tabor from the Department of Legal Management, and Best Evening Wear alongside Robert Dylan Dela Paz from the Department of Political Science. 

Meanwhile, the Mr. and Ms. Congeniality Awards were given to Hugh Allistair Orfinada from the Department of Psychology and Mika Kikuchi from the Department of Political Science. 

To end her interview, she asks “that all of you educate yourself on what is currently happening around our country and around the world as well, and focus on taking small steps so that we can practice sustainable ways wherein we can take these small steps into a larger impact,” Tan shared. 

(with Paolo Vital)