Through Centuries: ChES crowns ChE Youth Ambassador and Ambassadress 2015

by Divine Grace Agura

As part of the series of events prepared by the Chemical Engineering Society (ChES) for the UST-ChE community this ChES week, the UST Chemical Engineering Society held the “TCHEYAA 2016: The Search for the Next Thomasian Chemical Engineering Youth Ambassador and Ambassadress” at the Albertus Magnus Auditorium last January 26, 2016 with masters of the program, Ms. Christine Rodriguez, an alumna of Faculty of Engineering and Mr. Berl Stephen Reeves Dutosme from the Faculty of Arts and Letters.

Ms. Corina Tan and Mr. Renzo Gabriel, the
Thomasian Chemical Engineering Youth Ambassador and Ambassadress, respectively.
(Photo Credit: Jobie Tuscano/UST-ChES Memdoc)

Corina Tan and Jan Renzo Gabriel, a 5th year and 3rd year student respectively, were hailed as this year's Thomasian Chemical Engineering Youth Ambassador and Ambassadress.

Candidates were initially presented at the UST ChES General Assembly last October 29, 2015, as a kickoff for the main event in order for them to prepare for the pageant night. Students, faculty members, and other spectators began to line up for registration at around 5:30 pm where they also received freebies from major sponsors. Prior to the start of the program, the UST Chemical Engineering Chorale lead the invocation and singing of the National Anthem. Banners and cheers from the crowd filled the auditorium when the candidates presented themselves as they walked on the stage.

While they were preparing for the casual attire portion of the pageant, organizers proceeded to award the certificates and tokens of appreciation to the judges. Awards were presented to Ms. Alyssa Gohing, a fashion and fitness blogger, Ms. Rose Afan, the Thomasian Youth Ambassadress 2015 and Mr. Paulo Katigbak, the Thomasian Youth Ambassador 2015.

As the contestants showcased their charms in their casual attires, and wit during the casual interview, the audience engulfed the whole auditorium with loud cheers for their respective representatives. This was subsequently followed by the creative wear portion after a performance from the UST ChE local band, "Aliquot", composed of Wrenzie Regodon, Ryan Noriega, Judge Chua, Bettina Fresnoza, and Nichol Manio. Candidates wowed the audience as they presented their historical eras-themed creative wears primarily made of recycled materials. Civilizations represented were the Roman Empire, Viking Civilization, Imperial Japanese, Han Dynasty China, Aztec Civilization, and the Ottoman Empire. A lot of students appeared to be very interested in the costumes, which also promoted recycling.

One of the criteria of the pageant which is new this year is the Advocacy of the candidates wherein they have proposed plans, projects and areas of research that would help lessen the impacts of current scenarios to the people and to the environment. This aims not only to build awareness among the contestants but also to the students and to the whole community. This was followed by the formal wear portion where contestants showed elegance in their gowns and was serenaded by Pauline Losaria and Marie Catangay right after.

Special Awards

Special awards were announced at around 8:15PM. These awards were given to: Shunji Sugaya (Mr. Blackwater), Sharlene Lusung (Ms. Careline), Jude Billiones and Eren Peñan (Mr. and Ms. Photogenic), Raniel Anastacio and Jan Renzo Gabriel (Best Advocacy Project), Jude Billiones and Joyce Manalo (Best in Casual Wear), Raniel Anastacio and Jan Renzo Gabriel (Best in Creative Wear), and Jude Billiones and Corina Tan (Best in Formal Wear). The top three paired candidates (female and male) were Corina Tan and Von Justin, Joyce Manalo and Jude Billiones, Raniel Anastacio and Jan Renzo Gabriel. For the final part of the pageant, finalists were subjected to a question and answer portion, showcasing both their wits and charm.

Von Justin emerged as the 2nd runner up together with Raniel Anastacio while Jude Billiones and Joyce Manalo secured the spot as 1st runners-up. Project Heads Janille Constantino and Janssen Radley Penaflor, delivered inspiring messages for the success of the event, and promised to continue making improvements for not only for the pageant but also to any other student activities.  All candidates were all smiles after another spectacular experience as the program ended.

(For more pictures: Visit the album uploaded by the UST ChES Official Facebook page.)