By Krisvimar Nogra

Candidates for Mister and Miss Frosh Icon 2026.

After three years, the freshest comeback occurred at Central Philippine University as the CPU Republic 22nd Parliament mounted the Search for Mister and Miss Frosh Icon 2026. In the afternoon of July 2, 2026, ten (10) pairs from different colleges competed for the long-awaited pageant for freshmen students at the Rose Memorial Auditorium.

Inspired by Filipino culture, the overall vision for Frosh Icon 2026 saw the candidates take pride in their roots as the segments of the pageant paid homage to the rich Filipino tapestry. To crown the new icons, the panel of judges was composed of renowned Ilonggo designer Ruffy Itaas, Mr. CPU 2024 Hans Gabriel Daduya, and Miss Guimaras 2026 Belle Kate Gatilogo.

After the hype-inducing production number where the candidates were joined by the dancers from the Dancing Nurses Association of the CPU College of Nursing, the special awards were given to the freshmen candidates. Ozzy Ponio of the College of Business and Accountancy (CBA) and Tricia Mae Paracha of the College of Education (COED) were awarded Mr. and Ms. Photogenic, while the pair from CBA, Ponio and Shelden Marie Monegro bagged the People’s Choice Award.

With the casual wear segment done, the candidates were tasked to strut their Iconic Vestures that were made from recycled materials and must mix their college insignia and the pre-colonial culture of the country. The interview portion then followed, where the aspirants were asked questions relating to their programs.

The event was long-awaited by Mr. and Ms. Frosh Icon 2023 who then graced the stage as they gave their final walks. College of Engineering’s Floyd Matthew Torrechila and College of Arts and Sciences’ Reanna Gabriel Guanzon reflected on their reign as Frosh Icons.

Floyd Matthew Torrechila and Reanna Gabriel Guanzon, Mr. and Ms. Frosh Icon 2023 in their stepdown.

The three hours of talent showcase wrapped with the awarding. The minor awards were presented first, with Emmanuel Azores from the College of Nursing (CON) taking home the Best in Production Number, Best in Iconic Vesture, and Best in Interview awards for the male category. Ms. CAS Urvi Provido secured the Best in Production Number, Best in Catwalk, and Best in Interview awards for the female category. Mr. College of Computer Studies (CCS) Sean Ethan Sotto was recognized with the Best in Catwalk for the male category, and Ms. College of Hospitality Management (CHM) Maria Angelina Celiz gained the Best in Iconic Vesture for the female category.

The major awards followed with Mr. and Ms. College of Medicine (COM) Paul Jeo Sardon and Evaline Kim Gorero being awarded with Second Runner-up titles, and Mr. and Ms. CBA, Ozzy Ponio and Shelden Marie Monegro finishing as First Runners-up. Mr. CON Emmanuel Azores and Ms. CAS Urvi Provido then claimed their title as the Mr. and Ms. Frosh Icons 2026.

For Frosh Icon 2023 and Incumbent CPUR President Reanna Gabrielle Guanzon, the event was a full-circle moment as her stint in 2023 was the first event where she received her proper training as a beauty queen. Now as a crowned Diwata sang Bago 2026, she expressed that she was able to apply everything she has learned to mount the successful event.

“It feels like a full-circle moment, because from being the reigning Frosh Icon, to spearheading my own turnover, I got to apply all the things that I observed and experienced in all the pageant competitions that I joined after winning Frosh Icon. So, I just hope that the candidates enjoyed the experience,” says Guanzon.

Mr. Emmanuel Azores’ win in Frosh Icon serves as a comeback for CON, as Zian Christian Lirazan previously won the title in 2022. Ms. Urvi Provido’s triumph officially cements the two-win streak of CAS in Frosh Icon after a back-to-back victory from 2023.