ARIDBE brings home both crowns in MMC 2025

Article by: John Marvin A. Corsino and Alexa Juliana Karaan

Graphics by: Cassius Klai C. Francisco

Photo by: Kaizer Zeth R. Cabrera

Lou Brandon Mesina and Charisse Anthea Abanico, both from the School of Architecture, Industrial Design, and the Built Environment (ARIDBE), bagged the crowns of Mr. and Ms. Cardinal 2025, respectively, during the coronation night held at the Intramuros Campus Gymnasium last March 7.

This year’s pageant followed a Hunger Games theme-inspired concept, wherein 22 candidates from 11 schools and departments of the University showcased their charisma, alluring visages, and advocacies during the preliminary competition last March 3 and in the final round on March 7. Followed by Mesina and Abanico; in first runners-up were Nathaniel Beltran (SOHS) and Claire Anne Martinez (SOIT), Niel Jurgem Ilao (SOIT) and Sai Grace Nicolas (CEGE) as second runners-up, and John Ryan Sabater (SHS) and Yumi Lee (ETYSB) as third runners-up.

Beauty and Brains

Despite being experienced in several national pageants, Abanico was hesitant to represent ARIDBE for two years. "I need to be truly ready to represent what it means to be a Mapúan," Abanico stated. She aspired to become a figure of strength and resilience for her fellow Mapúans, and though she did, it was not without its trials and tribulations.

Up to and during the competition, Abanico was balancing her internship, academics, and preparing for the pageant, focusing on presenting herself to the Mapúan community. The ARIDBE queen was not only able to achieve the balance she needed, but also managed to claim the title for herself and her department, “…with the collective effort of our department’s team, I was able to push through any challenge. They dedicated their time to ensure we could perform, from crafting the theme wear to providing the unwavering support that drives us every day.”

As the new Ms. Cardinal 2025, Abanico now aims to empower other self-sufficient students like her. The drive to advocate for mental health and a supportive environment for her fellow students fuels Charisse’s inner flame. She cited some examples such as “initiate programs such as peer support groups, provide free counseling, and collaborate with NGOs to address mental health concerns.”

She also noted time management to be an important factor for her, particularly throughout her pageant journey, and encourages Mapúans to “always prioritize yourselves, and never hesitate to take a rest and focus on your well-being."

Might and Mettle

The journey to the crown is no easy feat, especially for Mesina, as a freshman winning the coveted title of Mr. Cardinal 2025, he was able to redefine on stage what it means to represent and inspire.

Throughout the pageant, the ARIDBE community was Mesina’s backbone, which he made sure that every step he took reflected confidence with a purpose. “But luckily for my department, everybody's so close-knit. The teachers are very forgiving, and I'm really thankful for that. But to hold myself accountable, I also want to output the best work I can while still trying to hit every deadline.” the ARIDBE student highlighted.

Through his peers and motivational support, he learned to face the competition with determination and perseverance.

The crowned Cardinal advocates for empowering the youth to bring positive change through action. He sees youth in architecture and infrastructure with immense potential. By empowering change, he believes that this can lead to better national development.

He intends to leverage his new platform as the new ambassador so Mapúans can embrace authenticity and passionate determination, as he puts it “…Be more authentic and have a little more joy in what you do. We're only here for four years, maybe a bit more. But all in all, we're still young. Everybody here still has something to laugh about. And I hope we don't forget that within all the [academics] we pursue and everything.”

Being crowned as early as his freshman year, Mesina now directs his focus on the future, “…I have my sights on bigger things. And I wish that I can, upholding my academics, also continue to speak for the university in any way […] I would also like to impart anything I can to this community, because despite everything, Mapúa is promising, and Mapúa is a great community.” the ARIDBE student stated.

The pageant serves to bridge the gap between the different departments and create a unified, holistic campus life for every Mapúan.

During their extensive rehearsing, candidates from different districts formed a brotherhood by making the most of their time together. As Mapúans, they stood in solidarity with each other as they understood their individual struggles in and out of the pageant.

Though the pageant is over, and the centennial stretch of the Mr. and Ms. Cardinals has passed, ARIDBE’s Mesina and Abanico reign is just getting started. Their crowns represent that despite the obstacles they have faced, they will continue to champion the Mapuan spirit.

Below are the full list of winners of this year’s Mr. and Ms. Cardinals:

Face of the Night

- Patrick Daniel Centeno (IE-EMG)

- Claire Anne Martinez (SOIT)

Mr. and Ms. Illumina

- Ricardo Antonio T. Paderanga (ETYSB)

- Claire Anne Martinez (SOIT)

Mr. and Ms. MTP Modelo

- Lou Brandon P. Mesina (ARIDBE)

- Charisse Anthea C. Abanico (ARIDBE)

Mr. and Ms. NAMA

- Angelo Bencent R. Lagunde (CEGE)

- Charisse Anthea C. Abanico (ARIDBE)

Advocacy of the Year

- John Ryan G. Sabater (SHS)

- Ma. Ysabella P. Rillo (SHS)

Mapúan’s Choice Award

- John Ryan G. Sabater (SHS)

- Claire Anne Martinez (SOIT)

Most Photogenic

- Kristian Jaetrix T. Valdez (SMS)

- Sai Grace Nicolas (CEGE)

Best in Sportswear

- Angelo Bencent R. Lagunde (CEGE)

- Chanel Tanaka (IE-EMG)

Best in Talent

- Angelo Bencent R. Lagunde (CEGE)

- Ma. Ysabella P. Rillo (SHS)

Best in Summer Wear

- Jericho Rad V. Balut (EECE)

- Charisse Anthea C. Abanico (ARIDBE)

Best in Theme Wear

- Angelo Bencent R. Lagunde (CEGE)

- Sai Grace Nicolas (CEGE)