AFTER SIX YEARS, the Mr. and Ms. San Beda pageant crowned its new titleholders, Jacob Godwin Joaquin and Mary Grace Tayag, during the University’s grand coronation night at the MVP Gym during the first day of the Pista ng Sto. Niño sa San Beda 2026 last January 30.
The Mr. and Ms. San Beda 2026 pageant brought together students from different departments and grade levels. The coronation night opened with a joint production number featuring the Vasileia Dance Team, who were later joined onstage by the candidates.
At the end of the night, Jacob Godwin Joaquin from the Senior High School (SHS) Department took home the Mr. San Beda 2026 crown.
Joaquin shared that his participation in the pageant went beyond winning the title.
“It’s not only about the crown,” he said, “but about the journey and the people who supported me along the way, from my classmates to my family, and most importantly, myself. It’s not just about growing as an individual, but also about helping others grow so I can serve them better.”
He also mentioned his thoughts on the event’s significance in reflecting Benedictine core values.
“The value that resonates with me most is community,” he said. “I learned that success is not achieved alone, but through cooperation, love, and respect for everyone. Leadership is not about standing above people but standing beside and with them.”
Meanwhile, Mary Grace Tayag, a student from the Department of Political Science of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), was crowned Ms. San Beda 2026.
Tayag remarked that she joined the pageant to uplift other Bedans. Reflecting on her second year, she admitted she struggled to navigate challenges.
“I realized how important it is to have someone to look up to, and that became my purpose in joining this pageant,” she said.
Moreover, she also highlighted community as the value that resonated most with her during the pageant. “I really found a new family with the contestants, organizers, and teachers in charge,” she said.
Utilizing her platform to make a positive impact, Tayag emphasized leading by example, embodying the core Benedictine principles in all endeavors.
“As Miss San Beda 2026, I want to uplift and encourage others by staying positive myself. I aim to live the Benedictine values—loving one another, being compassionate and empathetic—and to embody excellence, not just academically but also spiritually and morally,” she said.
The coronation night also recognized the runners-up of the competition. Ian Uy from the SHS Department and Gwendalynne Gutierrez from the CAS Department were awarded the 2nd runner-up titles for Mr. and Ms. San Beda 2026, respectively. Meanwhile, Chris Roniel Salar and Sofia Cornejo, both from the College of Law (COL), were named 1st runners-up.
Outstanding performances by the contestants were also recognized during the coronation night. Gerard Ilagan from the College of Medicine (COM) and Tayag (CAS) were named Mr. and Ms. Photogenic, while Jazshua Suelo from the College of Nursing (CON) and Krystelyn Mae Tan (COM) received Mr. and Ms. Congeniality.
Meanwhile, Timothy Gregorio (CAS) and Ma. Juvine Laguipo (SHS) was honored as Darling of the Press, and Spirit of Pageantry awards went to Su-Bin Kwon (SHS) and Tayag (CAS).
On the other hand, Joaquin and Tayag also claimed Best Casual Wear and Best in Production Number, while Best in Cultural Wear was awarded to Uy and Tayag.
Joaquin and Gutierrez won Best in Sports Wear, while Joaquin (SHS) and Cornejo (COL) earned Best in Philanthropic Work. The Mr. and Ms. Beauty Reborn titles were awarded to Joaquin and Chelsy Libiran (SHS), and Best in Formal Wear/Evening Gown honors went to Joaquin and Gutierrez (CAS).
Highlighting the vision behind this year’s pageant Ranmark A. Ralotin, one of the coordinators, explained that the theme, #ModelOfExcellence, reflected the Benedictine ideal of Ora et Labora, encouraging candidates to demonstrate excellence in academics, character, and integrity.
He also noted the pre-pageant activities, including tree planting and a visit to an orphanage, which allowed candidates to engage with the community while embodying the value of community.
“Leadership and excellence go beyond the stage—it is about caring for others and living the values we uphold as Bedans,” Ralotin said.
He added that the winners are “role models of confidence, character, and social responsibility,” inspiring others to embody Benedictine values in every aspect of life.
To close the night, the newly crowned winners took their first walk as Mr. and Ms. San Beda, while CAS Student Council (SC) President Mitziko Yema led the closing prayer, officially marking the end of the first day of the three-day Pista ng Santo Niño festivities.
(with Catherine Botalon)