By: Aj Borcena, Lowella Sison, and Jireh Faith Nudo
Picture by : Carol Sansano
On October 11, 2024, the second day of the Urdaneta City Private School Athletic Meet (UCPSAM), the St. Michael Gymnasium at Divine Word College of Urdaneta, Inc. (DWCU) was filled with thrilling cheers as attendees showed their support for their respective school representatives in the Mr. and Ms. UCPSAM 2024 competition. Every spectator was looking forward to finding out who would be crowned Mr. and Ms. UCPSAM 2024 among the nine participating schools: Lyceum Northern Luzon (LNL), St. Andrew Montessori and High School, Inc. (SAMHSI), Merryland Montessori and High School, Inc. (MMHSI), Mother Goose Special School System, Inc. (MGSSSI), Luzon College of Science and Technology (LCST), Lyceum-Northwestern University (LNU), Divine Word College of Urdaneta (DWCU), Maranatha Christian Academy (MCA), and International Colleges for Excellence, Inc. (ICE).
Prior to the competition, the event began with a solemn prayer, followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem. A distinguished panel of judges presided over the competition, which combined two categories: sportswear and the question-and-answer (Q&A) portion, both designed to test not only the style and costumes but also the intellect of the candidates regarding sports.
The sportswear category was judged based on five criteria: relevance to sports (25%), design and aesthetics (25%), comfort and functionality (25%), creativity and innovation (15%), and audience impact (10%).
Representatives from ICE, Althea Cabote from Grade 12, STEM – Batch 1, and Wayne Abenojar from Grade 11, STEM – Batch 1, flaunted their sportswear with grace and confidence. Althea’s sportswear was inspired by the sport of archery, infused with a touch of fantasy. On the other hand, Wayne’s sportswear represented shooting, featuring two different types of guns: a sniper rifle and a light machine gun (LMG). Their sportswear was designed by Prezylla Claris Bongbonga, a STEM 12 – Batch 1 student, who shared that she created it in just two days. With the help of very supportive peers: Henry J. Sarmiento (ABM 11), Marco J. Marzam (ABM 11), Gio Othoniel T. Lugtu (STEM 11 – Batch 3), Khate Galvez (STEM 11 – Batch 3), Charis Love Manipon (STEM 11 – Batch 1), Orlando Jose Palispis (TVL 11), Zcymer Yzchynnia A. Penecilla (STEM 11 – Batch 1), and Daryn Lloraine D. Iglesias (STEM 11 – Batch 3), the ten of them managed to produce sportswear that was stylish, elegant, and unique, despite the time pressure they faced.
Nicholi Jan Louie Sison, the Board Member gave a speech to give way to the judges to tally the points of each candidate as they decided who among the contenders should take the place of Best in Sportswear Attire. After a fleeting moment of silence, the hosts announced that the Best Sports Attire goes to Candidates number 6 in both male and female category, which are the representatives of Lyceum-Northwestern University (LNU), garnering loud applause and cheer from the audience.
Soon after announcing the Best Sportswear Attire, the crowd erupted in cheers for their representatives. As anxious as the contestants were, the audience took a moment to catch their breath while waiting for the announcement of the candidates who would become part of the Top 5 finalists. The spectators’ loud heartbeats synergized with the rousing drum rolls, filling the gymnasium with thrill and excitement.
The first contestant to qualify in the female category was candidate number 3, the representative from Merryland Montessori and High School Inc. This was quickly followed by candidate number 7 from Divine Word College of Urdaneta. Next was candidate number 4 from Mother Goose Special School System Incorporated. The fourth contestant to qualify was number 9, the representative from International College for Excellence Inc. Finally, candidate number 6 from Lyceum Northwestern University was the last qualifier.
The hosts then proceeded to announce the Top 5 finalists in the male category after announcing the Top 5 in the female category. Candidate number 4 from Mother Goose Special School System Inc. was announced as the first qualified contestant. Next was number 9, the representative from International College for Excellence Inc. The third contestant to qualify was candidate number 3 from Merryland Montessori and High School Incorporated. This was followed by candidate number 7 from Divine Word College of Urdaneta. Finally, candidate number 6 from Lyceum Northwestern University was announced as the fifth and last qualified contestant to proceed to the Question and Answer portion.
After the long wait, the moment everyone had been anticipating arrived—the Question and Answer segment. The hosts began to explain the criteria for judging. The Q&A category was evaluated based on four criteria: content and relevance (40%), clarity and confidence (30%), critical thinking and adeptness (20%), and impact and delivery (10%). The sportswear and Q&A portions each contributed 50% to the contestants’ final scores, totaling 100% and creating an equal balance between their costumes and intelligence.
The hosts first called on candidate number 6 in the female category. The question she had picked was, “How can sports improve academic excellence?” After candidate number 6 elucidated her answer, she was followed by candidate number 9, who picked the question, “What qualities do you think make a great athlete?” Candidate number 9 defined her answer assertively and confidently, showering the students with motivational words. After her response, the gym was filled with liveliness and applause from the ICEans.
The hosts next called on candidate number 4 to come forward onto the stage. Her question was, “How will you use sports to unite the community?” After her impressive answer, she was followed by candidate number 7. The question for her was, “How do you balance sports with other responsibilities?” She answered delightfully as she shared her insights.
Finally, the last contestant called by the hosts was candidate number 3. Her question was, “How do competitive sports bring together different students?” She answered engagingly, showcasing her impressive knowledge and confidence. The Merrylanders began to shout and cheer even more as candidate number 3 closed her answer with encouraging words.
The covered court was once more filled with cheers and ignited with excitement as the Top 5 qualified contestants in the male category took the stage. They first called on candidate number 6. His question was, “If you were crowned Mr. UCPSAM 2024, how would you use the title to encourage young people to be active in sports?”
Next, they called on candidate number 7, whose question was, “What are the potential benefits of having UCPSAM for the personality development of your fellow students?” After he finished answering, the hosts proceeded to call candidate number 3, who answered his question excellently. He was followed by candidate number 9, and everyone cheered as he delivered his wonderful response. Lastly, the hosts called on candidate number 4.
As soon as the candidates finished their responses, every student, including the teachers, screamed their lungs out in support of their representatives, showing their full love and encouragement.
The final part of the competition had finally arrived. Students and teachers felt the tension as the hosts prepared to announce the winners. Everyone was shaking, and the heartbeats of every student and candidate pounded loudly. After all their hard work, perseverance, and sacrifices, it had all paid off. Each candidate had given their best and delivered outstanding performances to uplift their respective schools.
The results for the Mr. and Ms. UCPSAM 2024 are as follows:
Female
4th Place – Candidate Number 6 (LNU)
3rd Place – Candidate Number 7 (DWCU)
2nd Place – Candidate Number 4 (MGSSSI)
1st Place – Candidate Number 9 (ICE)
Ms. UCPSAM 2024 – Candidate Number 3 (MMHSI)
Male
4th Place – Candidate Number 6 (LNU)
3rd Place – Candidate Number 4 (MGSSSI)
2nd Place – Candidate Number 7 (DWCU)
1st Place – Candidate Number 9 (ICE)
Ms. UCPSAM 2024 – Candidate Number 3 (MMHSI)
ICE’s candidates, Althea Cabote and Wayne Abenojar managed to clinch both the 1st place, in which they brought home not only a sash and certificate for ICE, but also an immense pride and honor. This wouldn’t be possible without their coaches: Teacher Raisa De Vera, Sir Darwin Mattias, Marruh De Jesus, and Prince Jim Mallari, guiding them all throughout the way.
