Published May 18, 2025
Written by: Khryztelle Chaedy Angagka, Karla Caroline Bisnan, Jan Danesse Tanelon, and Jon Francis Cardenas
The Mr. & Ms. University of Baguio (UB) pageant is an annually celebrated event that highlights the talent, beauty, and individuality of the university’s students. For Mr. Rick Jone Villanueva and Ms. Erika Latawan, the representatives from the School of Information Technology (SIT), the pageant provided a platform to showcase their skills, cultural pride, and dedication. Previously, the two competed in the Search for Mr. and Ms. SIT held during the SIT Day and Night event on September 24, 2024, where Erika was crowned 1st runner up and Rick was Mr. SIT.
The MMUB was a three-month-long journey that went on from February to April. Twenty (20) Candidates from the University of Baguio, representing their respective schools, including Erika and Rick, were a part of various activities that played a part in their point acquisition for the minor awards to reach the top 5. Application and Screening started on February 4, where the Office of Student Affairs, led by Mr. Denver Koby Soriano, assessed the background and credibility of the participants. On February 13, the candidates all joined an Orientation and Fellowship Program at the Alumni AVR. On February 28, the Official Sashing Ceremony and Press Conference were held at the UB Centennial Hall, where our candidates showed allure and wit.
The Pre-Pageant took place on the 25th of April 2025 at the Baguio Country Club’s Cordillera Convention Hall, featuring segments such as Casual Wear, Swimwear, Creative Wear, and Talent. The event started with the display of Casual Wears, wherein all the candidates showcased their charms wearing white, signifying beauty in simplicity. Our beloved representatives, Mr. Rick and Ms. Erika, shone on stage as they walked with pride and elegance, with the support and cheers of students from the School of Information Technology. Each representative lined up on stage to perform their production number. After the showdown of moves and grooves, each candidate had their chance for their solo walk, posing and beaming with elegance every step they took on stage.
Following the casual wear, the delegates had their Swimwear portrait photoshoots in the morning before the event proper even started, one taken inside the hall and another in the pool found within the vicinity of BCC. This segment continued right after the display of casual attire. Our representatives wore confidence like a crown, paired with undeniable allure as they walked in their blue colored swimwear, captivating not only their fellow SIT students but also the whole crowd, together with the judges. Before the segment came to an end, all the delegates lined up and posed together.
The highlight of the night was the Creative Wear segment, where Rick and Erika showcased stunning MassKara Festival-inspired costumes designed by Jem’s Gown Collection. Their outfits featured vibrant feathers and masks, symbolizing joy, resilience, and transformation. The costumes were a true reflection of Bacolod’s famed festival, bringing smiles and admiration to the audience.
In the Talent Segment, Ms. SIT, Erika, earned the Best in Talent award for her standout shadow play performance. Her act featured a series of comedic impressions—from animals to iconic personalities like Psy and Michael Jackson, as well as nostalgic Filipino commercials such as Ariel’s Detergent Powder. The routine was set to a dynamic remix of local hits like “Gikumot Kumot” by Kantin Dudg and “Hanggang” by Angeline Quinto, seamlessly blended with global anthems like “Gangnam Style” and “Billie Jean.” The audience was thoroughly entertained, applauding the performance for its originality and engaging storytelling. Mr. SIT, Rick, also followed with a memorable display of his electric guitar skills. Performing a humorous yet skillful rendition of “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes, he maintained a serious expression throughout—intentionally appearing detached, which added a layer of comedy to the act. Despite the deadpan delivery, his performance kept the crowd engaged and amused.
The night ended as the candidates wore their Casual Wears for one last time and performed on stage yet again with their production number. The audience had a chance for photo opportunities with the candidates on and off the stage. Adrenaline was rushing through everyone’s veins, and the night ended as music filled the air, and the candidates shared heartfelt embraces, marking the end of a night filled with passion and dedication.
The stage lit up with brilliance and passion as the Coronation Night unfolded on April 25, 2025, at 5:00 PM, culminating in a grand celebration that stretched into the early hours of April 26. Held at the university’s Cardinal Gym, the event was a stunning display of talent, intellect, and cultural pride—an evening that brought the UB community together in a celebration of excellence and identity.
Opening the night was a powerful joint performance by UB Voices and Graces, setting an inspiring tone for the evening. As the music crescendoed, the MMUB candidates made their grand entrance, donning their vibrant Opening Production outfits—shimmering bright yellow one-shoulder dresses for the ladies and royal blue vests adorned with native Filipino patterns for the gentlemen. Their presence alone evoked a sense of pride and unity, reflecting the pageant’s deeper mission of showcasing not just beauty, but substance and culture.
Each candidate then took the stage for their opening statements, introducing not just their names, but their advocacies. Ms. SIT impressed the audience with her captivating presence and eloquent advocacy on gender equality, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and empowerment. Mr. SIT followed with an equally compelling statement on the significance of quality education, passionately emphasizing the role it plays in shaping future leaders.
The Coronation Night also featured the awarding of pre-pageant recognitions, setting the mood for the highly anticipated Evening Wear segment. Elegance reigned supreme as the candidates graced the stage with poise and confidence. Ms. SIT, Erika, captivated the crowd in a stunning red, off-shoulder gown, her every stride echoing confidence and strength. Mr. SIT, Rick, showcased a bold presence in his black and red glimmering suit, perfectly complementing his sharp features and dignified demeanor.
While Rick did not advance to the Top 5, his heartfelt performance and unwavering spirit throughout the competition left a lasting impression on both judges and the audience. Erika, on the other hand, advanced to the Top 5, earning the title of 4th Runner-Up and taking home the Best in Talent award—a recognition of her exceptional abilities and dedication.
Reflecting on his MMUB pageant journey, Rick Jones shares, “If I were to describe my experience during my MMUB pageant in one word, I would say it was fulfilling. Throughout the journey, there were times when it was extremely exhausting, but it was also an enjoyable and invaluable experience. At the end of the pageant, although I initially felt disappointed for not making the top 5, I still felt proud when Erika earned a spot. Over time, that disappointment turned into fulfillment, as I was able to represent the school after years without a candidate.”
Meanwhile, Erika Latawan recounted the difficulties of juggling academics with pageant preparations, stating, “The journey was not easy—I’m not going to sugarcoat it. I struggled to balance both my studies and my performance for the pageant, often feeling like I wasn’t doing well on my quizzes while still having a lot to prepare for MMUB. On coronation night, I stood backstage, thinking, ‘Sana kahit makapasok lang ako sa Top 5.’ When I was called the 4th runner-up, I was overjoyed. It was a significant achievement to represent SIT and secure a spot in the Top 5. The experience was tough but fulfilling, as not everyone gets the chance to join such an event—I feel incredibly lucky to have been part of it.”The SIT community strongly supported their representatives, cheering them on throughout the competition. The journey of Rick and Erika exemplified the values of resilience, creativity, and cultural pride, leaving an indelible mark on the pageant. SIT’s performance in the Mr. & Ms. UB 2024–2025 pageant proves that success isn’t just about winning titles, but about embracing individuality, putting in the effort, and rising to the occasion with pride.
