Mad Ramos crowned 1st Ultimate Campus Cutie
Published Jun 26, 2025 10:34 am
Mad Ramos wins first Sparkle Ultimate Campus Cutie
Mad Ramos, a student from the University of Santo Tomas (UST), was crowned the first Ultimate Campus Cutie during the grand finale held in Studio 6, GMA Annex, on June 21.
During a competition organized by Sparkle GMA Artist Center, Mad impressed both judges and the audience with his confidence, charisma, and his princely, exotic looks. The 19-year-old volleyball star was pitted against 19 other finalists aged 16-22.
Mad will receive an exclusive management contract with Sparkle and be developed to become the next Kapuso leading man. He celebrated his victory with the executives, his family, and his fellow Campus Cutie finalists.
Members of the esteemed panel of judges were Atty. Annette Gozon‑Valdes (GMA Senior Vice President), Joy Marcelo (First Vice President, Sparkle GMA Artist Center and Talent Development and Management Department), and Aloy Adlawan (Creative Director of GMA Entertainment Group). They were joined by Ryuji Shiomitsu (Bench’s Partner Fashion Stylist), Japs Jaring (Production Manager, MAKA), and Eason de Guzman (Digital Marketing Manager and Content Lead at Honor Philippines).
The Campus Cutie search set out to find the most handsome and charming male student from schools across the Philippines to claim the title of Ultimate Campus Cutie. For a month, the Top 20 finalists underwent intensive training and mentorship in acting, singing, dancing, and communication to prepare them for the spotlight.
Mentors like Boy Abunda, Paolo Contis, and Barbie Forteza guided the group, leading nerve-wracking yet fun and inspiring sessions that helped bring out each boy’s best.
For the finale, the Top 20 contenders took the stage to show off their talents, delivering song and dance performances that flaunted their diverse, camera-ready looks and charms. Once the group was narrowed down to the Top 10, each finalist faced a live Q&A round, sharing why they deserved to win.
Mad Ramos truly stood out in this portion. He delivered a moving message about his identity and dreams.
“Gusto kong i-represent ang Muslim community. Kayang-kaya nating makipagsabayan sa ganitong industry. Kasi, konti lang naman ang sumusubok sa ganito. So ako na, ako na ang nag-step-up to represent the Muslim community. And sana, maging proud kayo sa akin. Ipagpapatuloy ko ‘to para sa inyong lahat, he said.
Mad expressed a powerful desire to prove that Muslims like him can also be recognized and succeed as artists in mainstream media.
During the month-long training period, Mad quickly emerged as a frontrunner for the Ultimate Campus Cutie title. He was assessed as a “triple threat” - height, striking looks, and excellent skills in singing, acting, dancing, and communication. He also boasts a strong social media following and earned praise from mentors for his humble nature and good attitude throughout the workshops.
Members of the esteemed panel of judges led by Atty. Annette Gozon‑Valdes, GMA Senior Vice President; Joy Marcelo, First Vice President, Sparkle GMA Artist Center and Talent Development and Management Department; and Aloy Adlawan, Creative Director of GMA Entertainment Group.
Advice for rising stars
Annette gave her advice to aspiring stars during an interview after the event.
Dapat authentic sila. Ipakita talaga nila kung sino sila. If they are true to themselves, then they will shine, the GMA executive said.
When asked about the possibility of signing all the semi-finalists for Sparkle, Annette said: They will undergo more training and workshops para malaman if Sparkle can sign them.
On making the campus search an annual event, Annette said: We will see. But we're thinking of doing it again next year.
Special awards
The awarding ceremonies honored standout competitors through sponsored challenges (HONOR, Bench, Shopee) and special titles (GMA Playlist, Benchsetter, Beauty Vault Cutie, HONOR AI Master).
The Top 20 Campus Cutie finalists were narrowed down to the Top 10: Andrei Fajardo, Kady Costales, Mad Ramos, Ralph Miaco, Kiko Antonio, Neathan Tan, David Bunagan, Mateo Monzones, Winston Stolk, and Zed Malicsi.
The show kicked off at 2 p.m. with host and Status by Sparkle talent Rain Matienzo greeting guests and introducing the distinguished lineup of judges and executives in attendance.
For the opening number, the Campus Cutie Top 20 finalists performed a live sing-and-dance production of “Dilaw x We Will Rock You.”
Special performances lit up the afternoon: P-Pop group Cloud 7, Josh Ford, Ruru Madrid, and Jeniffer Maravilla energized the crowd with charisma and stagecraft.