FOLLOWING THE GRAND finale, Juan Vicente Cullamco and Mary Grace Tayag won the title of Mr. and Ms. College of Arts and Science (CAS) 2025, respectively, at the Abbot Lopez Hall last January 22.
The event, organized by the San Beda Elite Circle of Ushers and Usherettes (SBECUU), is an annual pageant joined by students from different departments within the CAS now in its second year since the return of face-to-face activities.
Juan Vicente Cullamco, a junior from the Department of Psychology took home the title of Mr. CAS 2025.
During his Question and Answer (QnA), Cullamco defined the essence of goodness that he learned from his grandmother, saying, “good is something that you do for the benefit of others–for the benefit of society without expecting anything in return… And I also believe, firmly believe, that San Beda teaches that very well and that’s why [the] Benedictine hallmarks have stewardship and humility.”
As an advocate of anti-bullying, he said in an interview with The Bedan, “Be more open-minded… You would be so surprised about the people you can meet along the way, along our community. Each person is their own unique story with their own unique perspective and if you take the time to get to know them, I’m very sure that you’ll come out very knowledgeable.”
Meanwhile, Mary Grace Tayag, a freshman from the Department of Political Science, was crowned as Ms. CAS 2025.
Promoting the influence of a responsible model in the Bedan community during her interview, she said, “Aking hihikayatin ang aking mga kapwa estudyante, ang mga kapwa Bedista na alagaan ang kanilang mga kagamitan katulad ng ating pag-aalaga sa ating mga kapaligiran katulad ng mga kalikasan, karagatan, at ang mga kapunuan, at mga kagubatan dahil meron iniatas sa atin na responsibilidad ang Panginoong Diyos.”
Jaina Dableo from the Department of Economics and Public Policy and John Moises Venezuela from the Department of Business Administration Operations Management were later awarded as the 1st runner-up. Later, Lovable Princess Tomaquin from the Department of Political Science and Jeremy Lanze Tomas from the Department of Accountancy notched the 2nd runner-up award.
Transitioning to the special awards, Ashanti Lou Orfinada from the Department of Legal Management won the People’s Choice award with Jeremy Lanze Tomas claiming Best in Ethnic Wear with John Moises Venezuela.
Moreover, Tayag won the Best in Evening Gown alongside Cullamco who earned the Best in Formal Wear.
Sharing a word about the event, Audrey Munsod, SBECUU President, emphasized how the pageantry does not franchise solely the looks of the candidates, rather, “The goals and objectives of this pageant [are] to promote confidence, school spirit, awareness, and of course, recognize excellence,” she told The Bedan, adding that the event “honors diversity, inclusivity, and the vibrant culture in the CAS.”
Albeit challenges concerning time constraints, insufficient budget, and miscommunication, Munsod shared that it was “proper planning and teamwork that helped” the organization to push through their successful event, instilling a striking impression to the Bedan community.
As a final remark, Munsod conveyed her admiration for all the candidates, stating, “I am very proud of all the candidates. You all did great and gave your best. I pray that the six winners will have a great impact on the Bedan community.”
(with Maegan Belicena)