By: Ivy N. Bautista
| WAMA 2023 WINNERS. (from L) Charlie Lacorte; 2nd Runner-up; Clarence Frias, WAMA 2023; and Jayde Niño Cantillon, 1st Runner-up.
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Bachelor of Arts in English Language’s bet, Clarence E. Frias a.k.a. Carlota Velasco, clinched the WAMA crown, baffling Bachelor of Science in Office Administration’s Jayde Nino Cantillon a.k.a. Earthea Supsup from making their first-ever consecutive wins during the search for What A Mess Acquaintance 2023, Sept. 29.
BAEL proved to be the powerhouse in the WAMA as it added another jewel in its notable collection, now at nine.
The search for What A Mess Acquaintance (WAMA) has been a tradition in the campus highlighting the Acquaintance Party. This event is considered to be the most entertaining, funniest, and most anticipated of all shows held in the campus.
This year, eight male students from the four departments took the challenge of transforming into “ladies” which is the theme of this pageant. This is different from gay pageants because candidates here should have unquestionable male gender.
The candidates were John Clarence Frias a.k.a. Carlota Velasco and John Michael Junio a.k.a. Sevoway Macatee of BAEL Department, Brenn Conte a.k.a. Brennaperi Otsotsuki Dipinili and Christ Mark Montemayor a.k.a. Maria Christiana Deperina of BSCS Department, Charlie Lacorte a.k.a. Princess Charline Jabagat Lacorte and Andrew Natalio a.k.a. Andre Mae Panado Natalio of BSFT Department, and Jayde Niño Cantillon a.k.a. Earthea Supsup and Julius Discar a.k.a. Ertha Dimagiba of BSOA Department.
The candidates represented the sang’gres hailing from the four kingdoms of Lireo, Adamya, Sapiro and Hathoria of the popular primetime TV series Encantadia, which was the concept of this year’s pageant.
Cheers reverberated around the campus when the candidates appeared on stage in their production number, wearing elegant black dresses that exuded sophistication and poise.
As the lights shimmered and the crowd held their breath, the candidates showcased their unique personalities and styles through their street attire, adding a touch of individuality to the competition.
But it was their talents that truly stole the show, as each candidate unleashed their inner star. From mesmerizing dance routines and comedic performances to soul-stirring vocal performances, the stage came alive with their passion and skill, leaving the audience entertained.
As the competition progressed, the candidates embarked on a creative journey, transforming into enchanting characters from the beloved TV series Encantadia through their DIY attire.
However, it was during the Beklamation segment that the candidates showed the importance of their chosen elements, be it fire, water, earth, or air. Through their powerful words, they conveyed the significance of these elements in our lives.
Before the announcement of the results, BSOA’s Jasper Wayne Artificio took her last walk as WAMA 2022.
All the minor awards were won by delegates from the BSOA and BSFT departments. BSOA’s Jayde Niño Cantillon was awarded the Miss Photogenic, People’s Choice, Best in Production Number, and Best in Talent; while BSFT’s Charlie Lacorte clinched the Darling of the Crowd, Best in Street Attire, and Best in Element Attire; and Brenn Conte took the Best in Beklamation.
From eight, only three continued to the next round. They were Jayde Niño Cantillon, Charlie Lacorte, and Clarence Frias.
In the final round, with their scores reset to zero, the remaining candidates were asked tricky questions that required them to give witty answers.
In a thrilling turn of events, BAEL’s bet emerged victorious in the final round, shattering BSOA’s hopes of a back-to-back win.
Frias delivered spontaneously a brief but concise answer that made him stand out over the other two finalists who fumbled for words.
WAMA once again showcased an intense battle, filled with suspense and excitement. Frias showed remarkable skill, strategy, and determination, swooping in at the last moment to claim the title. His answer was absolutely captivating and had everyone amazed. It was his answer that was the key to his victory.
Frias was proclaimed What A Mess Acquaintance 2023, with BSOA’s Jayde Niño Cantillon as 1st Runner-up, and Charlie Lacorte of BSFT finishing 2nd Runner-up.
The task of choosing this year’s WAMA was laid on the hands of Prof. Freden S. Delgado, Ms. Elizabeth M. Magallanes, Ms. Ruby Lyn A. Viñas, Ms. Princess Mae L. Sangrones, and Ms. Jolly Irish V. Lariza.