By Kin F. Sabala
| WAMA 2025 Winners
|
Mars Heussaff, clinched the WAMA crown, reclaiming the triumph after a two-year hiatus during the search for What A Mess Acquaintance (WAMA) 2025, September 3.
BSOA once again proved its dominance in WAMA as it added another jewel to its notable collection, blocking the Bachelor of Science in Food Technology (BSFT) and even the nine shining crowns previously secured by the Bachelor of Arts in English Language (BAEL).
The search for WAMA has long been a tradition on campus, serving as a highlight of the Acquaintance Party. It is considered the most entertaining, funniest, and most anticipated of all campus events.
This year, eight male students from four departments took on the challenge of transforming into “ladies,” the central theme of the pageant. Unlike gay pageants, WAMA requires candidates to have unquestionable male gender identity.
The candidates included Art Chee Andrade, a.k.a. Athena Marie Andrade, and Charles Gabriel Pineda, a.k.a. Charlie Gabriela Esperanza Pineda of the BSFT; Welmar Abucay, a.k.a. Pluto Nongbong, and Renzel Jhon Reca, a.k.a. Sauce Mars Heussaff of BSOA; Justine Christian Samones, a.k.a. Mercury Aquino Nepomuceno, and Jhunel Tragante, a.k.a. Jupiteriam Defensor Nepomuceno of BAEL; and Gabriel Lacorte, a.k.a. Girlie La Kwarta, and Gabby Plaga, a.k.a. Gavina Taka of the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS).
The candidates portrayed the eight Sailor Guardians from Sailor Moon.
Cheers reverberated across the campus as they opened the show with a production number, wearing Sailor Moon-inspired outfits that exuded elegance, sophistication, and poise. As the lights shimmered and the crowd held its breath, they continued to impress in the streetwear segment, showcasing their personalities and unique sense of style.
The talent portion, however, truly stole the spotlight. From mesmerizing dance routines and comedic performances to soulful vocal acts, the stage came alive with passion and skill, keeping the audience entertained.
The creativity carried over into the costume presentation, where the candidates paraded in DIY ensembles inspired by characters from the Sailor Moon movie.
The Quest segment became the true test of wit as the candidates answered thought-provoking questions.
Before the announcement of results, BSFT’s Lourence Balatayo took her final walk as WAMA 2024.
Special and Minor Awards were also handed out, recognizing the individuality and strengths of the candidates.
Charles Gabriel Pineda, a.k.a. Charlie Gabriela Esperanza Pineda, was named Miss Congeniality. Miss Crowd Favorite was awarded to Welmar Abucay, a.k.a. Pluto Nongbong. The Face Card Award went to Art Chee Andrade, a.k.a. Athena Marie Andrade. Renzel Jhon Reca, a.k.a. Sauce Mars Heussaff, earned the Best in Production Number, while Justine Christian Samones, a.k.a. Mercury Aquino Nepomuceno, bagged the Best in Talent.
From the original eight contenders, only three advanced to the final round: Welmar Abucay, Renzel Jhon Reca, and Gabby Plaga.
With the scores reset to zero, the finalists faced challenging questions that demanded quick wit and clear answers.
In a thrilling conclusion, BSOA’s bet emerged victorious, shattering BSFT’s hopes for a back-to-back win.
Reca delivered a spontaneous yet concise answer that made him stand out, while the other two finalists struggled to find the right words. His remarkable composure and captivating response ultimately sealed his triumph.
Reca was crowned What A Mess Acquaintance 2025, with BSCS’s Gabby Plaga as 1st Runner-up and BSOA’s Welmar Abucay as 2nd Runner-up.
The difficult task of selecting this year’s WAMA winners was entrusted to Prof. Freden S. Delgado, Mr. Vincent Bunda, and Ma’am Antoinette Fuentes.
It is worth noting that the Bachelor of Arts in English Language holds the record as the most victorious department winning the tiara nine times. The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science won six times. The Bachelor of Science in Food Technology collected four while the Bachelor of Science in Office Administration pocketed three. The former Agri-Science High School had secured 1.
BAEL also holds the record for the longest winning streak with five crowns from 2012-2016.
Here is a complete list of WAMA winners from 2003 to 2025:
2003- Anthony Jude Delos Santos (BSCS)
2004- Leonard Laraya (Agri-Science High School)
2005- Bien Paul Lava (BSCS)
2006- Nultran Esmeño (BSCS)
2007- Jason Orteda (BSCS)
2008- Arjie Francisco (BSFT)
2009- Divar Samino (BSFT)
2010- Jonaide Reyes (BSFT)
2011- Jose Lusabia (BSCS)
2012- Arnel Vigo (BAEL)
2013- Mark Christian Gayoma (BAEL)
2014- Niño Roseller Lim (BAEL)
2015- Peter Jhon Alido (BAEL)
2016- Krystian John Marc Frias (BAEL)
2017- Steve Binoy (BSCS)
2018- Niño Orale (BAEL)
2019- Vladimer Louie Hibionada (BAEL)
2020- Angelo Alayon (BSOA)
2021- Reynan James Lacupa (BAEL)
2022- Jasper Wayne Artificio (BSOA)
2023- Clarence E. Frias (BAEL)
2024- Lourence F. Balatayo (BSFT)
2025- Renzel Jhon Reca (BSOA)