{"id":6607,"date":"2026-02-20T10:22:07","date_gmt":"2026-02-20T02:22:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/web2.ub.edu.ph\/ubbc\/?p=6607"},"modified":"2026-03-04T09:40:27","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T01:40:27","slug":"shining-in-eight-decades-ub-crowns-the-new-mr-ms-ub-2026-during-its-80th-founding-anniversary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/web2.ub.edu.ph\/ubbc\/shining-in-eight-decades-ub-crowns-the-new-mr-ms-ub-2026-during-its-80th-founding-anniversary\/","title":{"rendered":"Shining in Eight Decades: UB crowns the new Mr. &amp; Ms. UB 2026 during its 80th Founding Anniversary"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>A decade later, the University of Batangas (UB) crowned Mr. Darren Mico Mercado of the College of Engineering (CENG) and Ms. Zoe Faith Genese of the College of Nursing (CON) as <em>Mr. &amp; Ms. UB 2026<\/em>. The coronation night took place on February 13, 2026, at the UB Juan Y. Javier Culture &amp; Arts Building (UB Auditorium). The pageant formed part of UB\u2019s 80th Founding Anniversary celebration, adding glamour, excitement, and student pride to the milestone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>UB President Lily Marlene J. Hernandez-Bohn and Senior Vice President for Administration Mr. Alex A. Ramos led the crowning ceremony. The auditorium erupted in cheers as the newly crowned titleholders took the spotlight, wearing their glimmering crowns and celebrating this achievement with the university community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mr. Mercado was in cloud nine after he was crowned as the new Mr. UB 2026 as it was his first time to join in pageantry. He sent his deepest gratitude to all those who supported his endeavor \u2013 they are blessings as he described.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI want a good representation of the school by instilling its core values,\u201d answered Mr. Mercado when asked about his vision with his new title.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the other hand, Ms. Genese\u2019s delight was beyond words to describe after she bagged Ms. UB 2026 title. Her voice sounded thankful as her hard work finally came into fruition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cBoth yes and no.\u201d A short answer that speaks volume when asked about the pressure of having the title. It was more of an interpretation of standing still despite the weight of the crown above her wit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Mr. and Ms. UB 2026 pageant was one of the major highlights of the anniversary. Earlier that day, the university community participated in commemorative activities, including a booth fair, motorcade, and opening program honoring eight decades of academic excellence. By evening, the focus shifted to student leadership, poise, and talent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A distinguished panel of judges evaluated each candidate\u2019s poise, confidence, intelligence, and stage presence. The board included Ralph Miaco, GMA Campus Cutie Sparkle Artist; Kurt Mikhael Aguilar, Mr. Friendship International 2025; Phoebe Arrianna Torita, beauty queen, actress, and commercial model; Eloisa Jaoud, the 1st Filipina Face of Watsons Philippines and Miss Universe Philippines Laguna 2025; and Neil De Guia, talent manager and National Director for Great Man of the Universe Philippines. Their combined experience in pageantry, media, and talent development provided a credible and competitive selection process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mr. Mark Reyes and Ms. Celeste Cananua hosted the event, keeping the audience engaged throughout the program. They guided attendees through the production number, swimwear competition, Batangue\u00f1o and Batangue\u00f1a costume showcase, and formal wear segment, highlighting both creativity and elegance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The competition featured 11 male and 12 female official candidates from various colleges and senior high school departments. Each contestant represented not only a college but also the values and pride of the university. Candidates displayed professionalism, confidence, and discipline while performing on stage, reflecting the holistic development UB promotes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The jury named Mr. Jam Marcus Tolentino of UB Lipa Campus (UBLC) College of Criminal Justice Education (CCJE) and Ms. Thani Suyana Andrade of UBBC Senior High School (SHS) as 1st Runners-Up, with awards presented by University Registrar Nenita E. Cuevas and Senior Vice President for Administration Mr. Alex A. Ramos. Mr. Prince Alec Jack Trayhurn (UBLC SHS) and Ms. Khatrisse Joy Abo (UBLC College of Entertainment, Arts, and Sciences) earned the 2nd Runner-Up title, awarded by Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Lolita F. Tegon and Officer-in-Charge Vice President for Student Affairs and Services Mr. Christopher V. Quizon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mr. Mc Lloyd Calayag (College of Education) and Ms. Althea Nicole Salva (CENG) secured the 3rd Runners-Up positions, with awards presented by Dr. Lolita F. Tegon and Corporate Secretary Mr. Jose Carmelino V. Quizon. Finally, Mr. Vincent Emmanuel Sayas (UBLC CCJE) and Ms. Chloe Eve Hipolito (UBLC SHS) finished as 4th Runners-Up, recognized by Accounting Office Assistant Head Sonia P. Chua and Admission and Scholarship Officer Mr. Antonio P. Aquino, Jr.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Organizers also presented special awards that recognized outstanding performances. Mr. Mercado and Ms. Genese received the Mr. and Ms. Photogenic titles, awarded by Antbite Studios. Mr. Sayas and Ms. Hipolito earned the Mr. and Ms. Congeniality awards, presented by UBLC SAEP Officer Ms. Milette De Torres and UBBC Student Affairs and External Programs Officer Mr. Vincent M. Alcantara.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the Best in Batangue\u00f1o and Batangue\u00f1a Costume category, Mr. Sayas and Ms. Genese were recognized by Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) Director Imelda M. De los Reyes and Center for Business and Innovation (CBI) Director Mr. Ericson D. Mendoza. Mr. Sayas and Ms. Hipolito dominated Best in Swimwear, awarded by Distance Education Director Dr. Carl Ivan B. Villanueva and Office of the President Executive Assistant Dianne G. Landicho. The Best in Production Number awards went to Mr. Sayas and Ms. Hipolito, presented by Internship Officer Ma. Raissa Rani M. Beron and Alumni Relations Officer Abvic Maghirang. Finally, Mr. Mercado and Ms. Genese impressed judges once more as they secured Best in Formal Wear, awarded by Atty. Roelito C. Garcia and Mrs. Marcia Vanessa Garcia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sponsors played a vital role in the success of Mr. and Ms. UB 2026. Gleam Photography, Antbite Studios, and Gino\u2019s Event Technical Services provided support throughout the pageant\u2019s preparation and execution. Blueberry Eleven, Kabaro Silkscreen Printing, and Creative Thumb Design and Print also contributed, helping ensure the event ran smoothly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fashion and beauty partners strengthened the candidates\u2019 stage presence. Bryan Carlos Couture, Adam Balasa Couture, Elitista Salon, and Skinderm Beauty Lounge supported the contestants throughout the competition. Corporate sponsors, including UB Western Batangas Development Corporation, Golden Dominion Travel and Tours, BRJ Construction Services, and RM Tejada Construction &amp; Supplies Corporation, also contributed, reflecting strong collaboration between the university and its valued partners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Several sponsors presented special choice awards to recognize outstanding candidates. Adam Balasa Couture honored Mr. Trayhurn and Ms. Hipolito. Skinderm Beauty Lounge awarded Mr. Sayas and Ms. Hipolito. Elitista Salon recognized Mr. Mercado and Ms. Genese. RM Tejada Construction &amp; Supplies Corporation also named Mr. Sayas and Ms. Genese as awardees. These recognitions celebrated individual excellence while reinforcing the University\u2019s partnership with its sponsors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The last Mr. and Ms. UB pageant was held 10 years ago during UB\u2019s 70th Founding Anniversary, where Mr. Jamuel John Pelaez and Ms. Tanya Lodhi were crowned as Mr. and Ms. UB 2016. A decade later, the 2026 edition demonstrated how the tradition continues to grow alongside the university, with Mr. Mercado and Ms. Genese carrying on the legacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As UB marked 80 years of academic excellence, the pageant highlighted the institution\u2019s commitment to holistic student development. The event provided a platform for students to showcase leadership, confidence, and cultural pride in front of the community. Programs like Mr. and Ms. UB 2026 contribute to inclusive student opportunities and empowerment, aligning with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4: Quality Education and SDG 5: Gender Equality.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A decade later, the University of Batangas (UB) crowned Mr. Darren Mico Mercado of the College of Engineering (CENG) and Ms. Zoe Faith Genese of the College of Nursing (CON) as Mr. &amp; Ms. UB 2026. The coronation night took place on February 13, 2026, at the UB Juan Y. Javier Culture &amp; Arts Building [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":6611,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[170,171,7],"tags":[14,15,84],"class_list":["post-6607","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-goal-4-quality-education","category-goal-5-gender-equality","category-news","tag-departments","tag-programs","tag-ubbc"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/web2.ub.edu.ph\/ubbc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6607","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/web2.ub.edu.ph\/ubbc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/web2.ub.edu.ph\/ubbc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/web2.ub.edu.ph\/ubbc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/web2.ub.edu.ph\/ubbc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6607"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/web2.ub.edu.ph\/ubbc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6607\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6609,"href":"https:\/\/web2.ub.edu.ph\/ubbc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6607\/revisions\/6609"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/web2.ub.edu.ph\/ubbc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6611"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/web2.ub.edu.ph\/ubbc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6607"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/web2.ub.edu.ph\/ubbc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6607"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/web2.ub.edu.ph\/ubbc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6607"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}