By Mae Love Reyna B. Tortogo and Danica O. Baldisimo
| THE WAMA ROYALTY. Grand Winner John Leo Labao a.k.a. Beyond the Sea of BSFT, portraying Beyoncé, stands alongside 1st Runner-Up Dandie Mark Patricio a.k.a. Ladies Gracious Ladies Choice of BSOA on the left and 2nd Runner-Up Paulo Abayon a.k.a. Britney Sprays of BSFT on the right. Photo: Anthony G. Aguro |
Amid a sudden downpour and a flooded gymnasium that delayed the competition, the much-anticipated What A Mess Acquaintance (WAMA) 2026 pageant pushed through on September 16 despite the waterlogged venue.
John Leo Labao of the Bachelor of Science in Food Technology (BSFT) emerged as the grand winner, besting the other seven candidates and claiming the coveted WAMA 2026 crown.
WAMA is one of the longest-running traditions of CAPSU-Mambusao Satellite College, having started in 2003 and continuing to be one of the most anticipated highlights of the school's Acquaintance Party celebration in 2026.
The annual pageant celebrates confidence, talent, friendship, and self-expression as male students transform into female artists and perform before the campus community.
The gym echoed with laughter and encouragement as contestants overcame their nervousness and confidently showcased their performances before the audience and judges despite the heavy downpour of the rain.
This year's competition featured eight candidates representing four academic departments, with each contestant portraying a different artist.
The official candidates were Van Excel Singabor a.k.a. Kati Parey (BSCS), Dandie Mark Patricio a.k.a. Ladies Gracious Ladies Choice (BSOA), Justine Christian Samones a.k.a. Chucky Rah (BAEL), Rey Mark Bautista a.k.a. Micky Minot (BSCS), Paulo Abayon a.k.a. Britney Sprays (BSFT), Ramel Javier a.k.a. Rih-Un-Ahh-Mazing (BSOA), John Leo Labao a.k.a. Beyond the Sea (BSFT), and Jaylord Casipe a.k.a. Taylor Moon (BAEL).
The candidates opened the pageant with a lively production number, taking the stage in a synchronized performance that set an energetic tone for the competition. Their coordinated movements and stage presence drew the attention of the audience as they introduced themselves through the opening performance.
The competition continued with the sportswear segment, where the candidates showcased their confidence, poise, and stage presence while modeling their respective athletic-inspired outfits. Each candidate took the runway and performed individual poses and turns before making way for the next contender.
In the talent impersonation segment, the candidates stepped into the personas of their chosen personalities, combining acting, movement, and performance to entertain the audience. Their presentations highlighted their creativity and ability to portray distinct characters onstage.
The DIY ball gown presentation challenged the candidates to showcase creativity through gowns made from their own selected materials and designs. As they walked across the stage, they presented their handmade creations while demonstrating how ordinary or unconventional materials could be transformed into pageant-inspired attire.
The candidates later faced the preliminary interview, where they responded to questions from the panel. The segment gave them an opportunity to articulate their thoughts and demonstrate their communication skills as they addressed the questions presented to them.
Before the announcement of the winners, Gaby Plaga, who represented WAMA 2025, took the traditional final walk to conclude the previous reign.
Special and minor awards were presented to recognize the individuality and strengths of the contestants. John Leo Labao a.k.a. Beyond the Sea (BSFT) earned Best in Production Number, while Dandie Mark Patricio a.k.a. Ladies Gracious Ladies Choice (BSOA) secured both Best in Sportswear and Best in Talent (Impersonation).
Meanwhile, Paulo Abayon a.k.a. Britney Sprays (BSFT) was named Best in Ball Gown, while Justine Christian Samones a.k.a. Chucky Rah (BAEL) received the Ms. Pop Star award.
The competition narrowed down to the Top 3 finalists, who each faced a common question during the final interview, giving them an opportunity to articulate their thoughts and perspectives before the final results were announced.
John Leo Labao, portraying Beyoncé as Beyond the Sea, emerged as the WAMA 2026 Grand Winner and secured the fifth crown for BSFT. Dandie Mark Patricio a.k.a. Ladies Gracious Ladies Choice of BSOA finished as the 1st Runner-Up, and Paulo Abayon a.k.a. Britney Sprays also of BSFT was proclaimed the 2nd Runner-Up.
WAMA 2026 once again celebrated talent, confidence, creativity, and school spirit, proving that even heavy rain and flooding could not stop one of CAPSU-Mambusao Satellite College's most cherished Acquaintance Party traditions.
As WAMA 2026 adds another name to its roster of champions, the pageant continues a tradition of celebrating wit, confidence, creativity, and individuality. From past titleholders to WAMA 2026’s newest “queen,” these are the names who have claimed the coveted WAMA crown through the years:
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 (AB Pol Sci/BAEL)
2013 — Mark Christian Gayoma (AB English/BAEL)
2014 — Niño Roseller Lim (AB English/BAEL)
2015 — Peter Jhon Alido (AB English/BAEL)
2016 — Krystian John Marc Frias (AB English/BAEL)
2017 — Steve Binoy (BSCS)
2018 — Niño Orale (AB English/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)
2026 — John Leo Labao