ORGANIZED by the Student Executive Council (SEC), the grand coronation night of Mr. and Ms. San Beda 2024 happened at Fr. Roberto De Jesus Hall last Jan. 19. Featuring 17 candidates from nine different departments in the Tertiary Schools, each vying for the prestigious title in a night filled with charisma and intellect.

Maria Elena Villaroel (III-BAP) and Jerome Pedernal hosted this year's pageant, where contestants showcased their Creative Wear and Modern Filipino attire inspired by various Filipino festivals and provinces. The judging panel, consisting of Julius Uy, Therese Almirez, Roderick Santos, Luis Carlos San Juan, and Fatima Beltran, played a crucial role in evaluating the participants' performances and selecting the winners for this year's title.

Paolo Mackay (III-BSP) and Ymannuelle Torres (III-BACMS) were crowned as the Mr. and Ms. San Beda 2024. "I'd like to advocate for that (friends and people who support 'you') — to support everybody; to have people to support you," Mackay said, answering what he would promote if he won the title. Meanwhile, Torres, the newly crowned Ms. San Beda, offered valuable advice both to her younger self and the youth of today: "To be leaders, (and) to pursue what you want because, by the end of the day, women are just inevitably and naturally competent and excellent in their own way." These responses contributed to clinching their titles.

Before the Question and Answer segment, the event featured the presentation of special awards to various candidates. Nathaniel Manaog (III-BACMS) and Torres bagged numerous awards, including the Best in Talent and Sponsor's Choice. Manaog also received the Photogenic Award with Michaella Valerio (III-BSIT) and Modern Filipino Wear with Erica Renee Pang (III-BSBA MM). Best Evening Wear and Creative Wear was awarded to Gabriel Lance Marquez (III-BAIS-TOUR) and Sindey Karlene Solis (III-BSLM). Marquez also received the Trendsetter Award with Claudia Francisco (IV-BAIS-PGER). Of all of the candidates, Torres was awarded the Best Advocacy.

Pang and Mico Moreno (III-BSBA-FM) clinched the People's Choice Award, securing spots in the top six for selling the most tickets. They were joined by Marquez, Manaog, Mackay, Angel Joshua Añonuevo (III-BSLM), Jedi Paldez (IV-BSA), Solis, Francisco, Torres, Kirsten Danielle Moreno (I-BAP), and Miho Arellano (I-BSA)—all proceeded to the top six, and underwent the first Q&A portion. 

Following careful deliberations by the judges, the top three finalists in the male category were Mackay, Moreno, and Marquez. At the same time, Torres, Francisco, and Pang secured their spots in the female category. The decisive Q&A segment heavily influenced the final rankings. Marquez and Pang were recognized as the 2nd runners-up, with Moreno and Francisco claiming the first runner-up title. The grand title was awarded to Mackay and Torres.

Jules Mykel Reyes (III-BSBA-MM), SEC President, said that the portion of accumulated money from ticket sales during the pre-pageant and coronation night will go to the Sto. Niño funds, and will also be allotted to various beneficiaries. 

The newly crowned Mr. and Ms. San Beda will assume the prestigious role of representing San Beda College Alabang (SBCA), serving as ambassadors during upcoming sporting events, and representing the institution at the upcoming National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) South opening.