Stars align for new titleholders in cosmic-inspired MMC 2026

Article by: Julian Chase W. Valencia, Germagne P. Verutiao

Photo by: Paulina Joy B. Suyod

As the grand odyssey finally aligned with the cosmos, 26 stars came together to shine light upon the University as the Mr. and Ms. Cardinal 2026 took place for its final crowning moment held last May 24 at the Intramuros Campus Gymnasium crowning Daniele Zaragosa from Mapúa Senior High School as the Mr. Cardinal 2026, and Kyla Alexandra Faye Sumergido from the School of Nursing as the Ms. Cardinal 2026.

The pageant started with its preliminary round last January 30, 2026, at the Intramuros Campus Gymnasium, as it followed a celestial zodiac sign theme where individuality meets the cosmos as each contestant represents a zodiac sign that’ll help them tell the stories written in the stars.

Also shining among the brightest were first runners-up Mr. Astral as Kenji Sanguyo (SOIT) and Ms. Astral as Jahn Mariel Bonifacio (EECE), second runners-up: Mr. Celest as Elijah Naquila (CBMES) and Ms. Celest as Florsita Anne M. Santiago (ARIDBE), and finally the third runners-up: Mr. Stellar as Lance Villena (ARIDBE) and Ms. Stellar as Beatriz Amiom (SHS).

The Balance of Scales

Guided by the Libra sign, Sumergido was determined to restore balance for the crisis and health as she advocates for the Basic First Aid and Disaster awareness. She believes that this aligns with the third Sustainable Development Goal, showing her determination as she is a representative from School of Nursing.

Together with her strong advocacy, she also tip the scales to her favor as she stunned everyone with her theme wear as she represents the real virtue of Libra, embodying cosmic justice, equity, and the equilibrium between natural and spiritual, or emotional and rational, realms.

Sumergido’s was driven by a desire for personal evolution. During her interview, she admitted that she never envisioned herself in such a role, having viewed nursing as a strict program focused on lectures and patient care. “But when I was selected to represent my section [department], I was scared more than thrilled. Why? Because, of course, this is a step out of my comfort zone,” the Ms. Cardinal 2026 stated. She highlighted that the experience allowed her to pursue something greater than herself, noting that “…This crown isn't just a reward or a piece of metal, this for me is growth that I am able to do more.”

The nursing student further emphasized the importance of self-belief and systemic change during the final question and answer portion. Addressing the audience, she urged her fellow dreamers to trust their journey, saying, “…Never ever stop believing in yourself […]no regrets starts in believing yourself today”.

Her advocacy for Good Health and Well-Being remained at the forefront, as she called for solidarity in improving the nation's healthcare. “I want for the people to know that you deserve equal health treatment. You deserve physicians. You deserve services that should not be privileges. It should be your right.” Sumergido stressed.

With her crowning moment, there is no doubt that she would be advocating stronger for health and that she would always prioritizes a balanced, and equal community.

The Pillar of Strength

Representing Mapúa Senior High School (SHS), Zaragoza channeled the steadfast energy of Taurus to claim the Mr. Cardinal 2026 title. Embodying the cosmic bull, he commanded the stage in a structured all-white suit accented with a golden laurel crown and ornate shoulder epaulettes. The attire featured a champagne-gold lace cape and a gold lapel chain, perfectly capturing the astrological sign's terrestrial roots and celestial power.

Zaragoza’s advocacy focused on the transformative power of empathy and the necessity of listening. In his advocacy video, he challenged the community to look beyond surface-level interactions, “We speak every day, but how often do we truly understand? In a community filled with loud voices, it is empathy which gives those voices meaning.” He emphasized that a simple "Are you okay?" can change an entire day and called for a culture where no one feels invisible.

This commitment to healthy communication was evident when Zaragoza addressed the audience regarding current global tensions. “I would like to remind everyone about the crisis we are facing right now, especially in the Middle East,” he remarked before the final question and answer portion, viewing the pageant as an opportunity to promote peace.

When asked about overcoming a negative trait associated with his zodiac sign, he prioritized collective unity over individual pride. “One thing that cannot be taken back or simply unacceptable is to let your comrades be alone […] as a person who advocates for peace and unity, this is a core value of mine,” Zaragoza highlighted. Moreover, he encouraged his peers to find their "true people" by starting with small, authentic steps.

The annual pageant continues to serve as a vital platform for students to voice their advocacies and showcase their multifaceted talents.  Zaragoza and Sumergido now step into their roles as the University's newest ambassadors, ready to represent their advocacies and embody the Cardinal spirit.

Here is the full list of winners for the Mr. and Ms. Cardinals 2026:

Mr. and Ms. Congeniality

-        Mikka Angela Sambayon (SFSE)

-        Leiron Sionosa (SON)

Best in Evening Wear

-        Iceley Manit (IE-EMG)

-        Iñaki Castasus (SFSE)

Best in Theme Wear

-        Kyla Sumergido (SON)

-        Leiron Sionosa (SON)

Best in Advocacy Video

-        Francheska Winey Carretero (SOIT)

-        Lance Villena (ARIDBE)

Best in Summer Wear

-        Iceley Manit (IE-EMG)

-        Caniele Zaragoza (SHS)

Best in Department Wear

-        Florsita Santiago (ARIDBE)

-        Lance Villena (ARIDBE)

Best in Production Number

-        Beatriz Amion (SHS)

-        Iñaki Castasus (SFSE)

Best in Interview

-        Janh Bonifacio (EECE)

-        Kenji Sanguyo (SOIT)

Mapuan’s Choice Award

-        Aisley Nicole Lumberio (CBMES)

-        John Cyrus Regino (EECE)

Mr. and Ms. Photogenic

-        Beatriz Amion (SHS)

-        Iñaki Castasus (SFSE)

Mr. and Ms. OSAAR

-        Iceley Manit (IE-EMG)

-        Iñaki Castasus (SFSE)