Sparkle GMA Artist Center proudly celebrates Mad Ramos from the University of Santo Tomas as the first-ever Ultimate Campus Cutie, winning the grand finale held in Studio 6, GMA Annex, on June 21, 2025. Pitted against 19 other finalists aged 16–22, the 19-year-old volleyball star impressed both judges and the audience with his confidence, charisma, and his princely, exotic looks.
Photo: GMA Network
Among 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. Over the course of 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.
Photo: GMA Network
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.”
With these words, 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.
Mad will receive an exclusive management contract with Sparkle and be developed to become the next Kapuso leading man.
