06/05/2026
๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐๐๐๐๐ค ๐จ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ฒ๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐: ๐ ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐ข๐ง๐ฌ, ๐๐๐๐ฎ๐ญ๐ฒ, ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ง๐๐
After a year-long hiatus, the College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) at USPF brought the house down! On April 30, the university theater was absolutely buzzing with energy as students and faculty gathered to wrap up the highly anticipated five-day CEA Days 2026.
The culmination officially began with a heartfelt opening address from the CEA Dean, Engr. John Jacob Escala. Beyond just recognizing the students' hard work, he shared a vulnerable piece of his own journey, admitting he never expected to be standing in front of them as their dean.
Leaving the crowd with an encouraging reminder, Engr. Escala shared, "I learned that failure is not the endโฆ What matters is the decision to keep going, to improve, and to take responsibility for your future."
Honoring Excellence and Embracing the Spotlight
The program was packed with exciting activities. It served as a moment to honor the previous semester's top scholars, award the winners of the weekโs various competitions, and even enjoy some incredibly fun cosplay performances.
However, the undeniable highlight of the day was the Mr. and Ms. CEA 2026 pageant. Representatives from Architecture, Geodetic, Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineering stepped into the spotlight, showcasing a perfect blend of confidence and intellect. The candidates battled it out across multiple categories, including production numbers, sportswear, formal evening wear, and the ever-nerve-wracking Q&A segment.
Crowning the New Ambassadors
When the final scores were tallied, Rhyz Matthew Duran (Geodetic Engineering) and Jessibel Tolentin (Civil Engineering) proudly took home the titles of Mr. and Ms. CEA 2026.
Both winners had inspiring stories behind their victories. In a quick chat with TSS, a surprised Rhyz admitted that his win was completely unexpected. "The other day ra man ko gi-update about sa Mr. and Ms., so actually, wala sad ko ga-expect nga madaog as Mr. CEA, and ako ra gyud gihatag akong best," he shared, proving that giving it your all really pays off. Meanwhile, Jessibel opened up about her initial hesitation to compete, showing everyone that a leap of faith and self-belief are the true secrets to securing the crown.
The 2026 CEA Pageant Court & Special Awards
Ms. CEA 2026 Winners:
-1st Runner-up: Rhaven Tecson (Geodetic Engineering)
-2nd Runner-up: Vanezia Carpitanos (Architecture)
-3rd Runner-up: Mary Eushabel Quiano (Mechanical and Electrical Engineering)
Mr. CEA 2026 Winners:
-1st Runner-up: Harry James Pedrosa (Civil Engineering)
-2nd Runner-up: Ched Granada (Mechanical and Electrical Engineering)
-3rd Runner-up: Justine Mangaron (Architecture)
Special Award Highlights:
-Best in Production Number: Rhyz Matthew Duran (GE) & Jessibel Tolentin (CE)
-Best in Sports Attire: Harry James Pedrosa (CE) & Jessibel Tolentin (CE)
-Best in Formal Attire / Evening Gown: Rhyz Matthew Duran (GE) & Rhaven Tecson (GE)
-Most Photogenic: Ched Granada (AMEEGO) & Vanezia Carpitanos (Architecture)
To officially close the stage events, CEASBO President Giodelyn Toco delivered a warm message of gratitude, thanking everyone whose energy, support, and presence made the week's celebration of talent and camaraderie such a massive success.
But the community spirit didn't end in the theater. The engineering and architecture departments capped off the week with a Mass in honor of the St. Joseph the Worker Fiesta, followed by department cookoutsโthe perfect, relaxed ending to a memorable CEA Days 2026.
Original article by Baby Trisha Quimod (Photos by Rodney Portes & Sarah Nator | The Southern Scholar).
