By: Jydel Famentera and Tom Herrera
The Mr. and Ms. School of Law (SOL) 2022 successfully made its resounding comeback with the theme “The Return of Kings and Queens” last September 17, 2022 at St. Maur Auditorium, San Beda College Alabang (SBCA). The event was simultaneously live streamed via Zoom videoconference. The SBCA Centralized Bar Operations (CBO) organized this fundraising activity for the benefit of our Bedan Bar takers this year.
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The following were the six pairs of candidates who showcased their beauty, talent, and wit as they vied for the title of Mr. and Ms. SOL 2022:
Nina Basilio and Edward Santillan
Michaela Tijam and James Carreon
Nina Basilio and Edward Santillan
Lia Chua and Rudy Rafael Aniñon
Clarisse Suliva and Bryan Arevalo
Kathe Labayo and Alexandre Janus Bido
Clarisse Suliva and Bryan Arevalo
Maritoni Villamin and Patrick Jose
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The judges include our very own faculty members, Dean Rico Quicho, Atty. Roderick Salazar, Atty. Anthony Dy, Atty. Dawna Bandiola, Atty. John Jacome, and Atty. Julius Santos, former CBO Chairperson Atty. Catriona Gayatin, as well as pageant winners such as Ms. Lana Christine Palting (Miss Tarlac 2022), Ms. Melanie Mader (Miss Earth-Air 2018), and Mr. Ar Dela Serna (Mister Supranational 2016).
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The event started with a lively dance number by the contestants followed by a showcase of their casual wear, corporate attire, and festive wear. Each of them gave the audience something to remember as they exhibited their different talents such as singing, dancing, acting, and even stand-up comedy.
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The LM dancers and the SBCA-SOL Chorale also entertained the audience with intermission numbers throughout the event.
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The following contestants were the recipients of the special awards:
Mr. and Ms. Congeniality: Alexandre Janus Bido & Clarisse Suliva
Mr. and Ms. Photogenic: Bryan Arevalo & Maritoni Villamin
Most Popular: Bryan Arevalo & Maritoni Villamin
Best in Talent: Bryan Arevalo & Nina Basilio
Best in Casual Wear: Bryan Arevalo & Nina Basilio
Best in Corporate Attire: Bryan Arevalo & Nina Basilio
Best in Festive Wear: Bryan Arevalo & Nina Basilio
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During the first round of the Q&A portion, each candidate had their wits tested by answering questions on controversial and relevant issues today such as inflation, same sex marriage, decriminalization of marijuana, among others.
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For the second round of the Q&A, the top three male and female candidates were each asked the same hard-hitting question: “Would you defend your client that killed ten innocent people for a hundred million?”
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Ms. Labayo won the hearts of the judges with her answer, “I would defend my client not because of the hundred million but because he has the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty.”
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Based on their answers as well as their overall impact during the pageant, the following were declared winners:
Mr. SOL: Bryan Arevalo
1st Runner Up: Rudy Rafael Aniñon
2nd Runner Up: Edward Santillan
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Ms. SOL: Kathe Labayo
1st Runner Up: Nina Basilio
2nd Runner Up: Maritoni Villamin
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Towards the latter part of the event, CBO Overall Chairperson Ms. Kathleen “Kate” Capulong, delivered an inspirational and thanksgiving message to everyone who supported the fundraising activity.
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In an interview after the event with Mr. SOL 2022 Bryan Arevalo, he shared:
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“Forming part of the Centralized Bar Operations in their goals to assist future Bedan lawyers as they hurdle the 2022 Bar Examinations, Mr. and Ms. SOL highlighted extraordinary display of talents, beauty and wit of the chosen few of the bravest Red Lions in the School of Law. The CBO recognizes the importance of bringing wisdom, hope and most importantly make our examinees feel that they are not alone in their journey in getting the coveted title of “Atty.” into their names and it is with great honor to become an active part of this initiative. However, winning cannot be measured by simply wearing a crown, rather the true value of becoming Mr. SOL can be seen by his ability to influence others in creating a progressive society that is also responsive to the welfare of its citizens and being your Mr. SOL 2022 I call on everyone to be one with the advocacy of creating solutions and raising awareness for the victims of Violence Against Women and Children that had suffered enough emotional and mental anguish who cannot voice out their need of help. Let us focus our efforts in creating a society that is safe for everyone.”
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In addition, when asked about her message to everyone as Ms. SOL 2022, Ms. Kathe Labayo shared:
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“You just finished reading through the last of today’s assignment, shrugged on the first collared shirt found, and swept your hair away saying, “Present, Atty.” That’s how easy it is to fall into routine during the online classes, however we know there is more to law school than that. This beneficent pageant proved that we are well-rounded students who can stay healthy, still share our talents, and be socially present, amidst being flooded with school work during the pandemic. This institution teaches us not only to be ready for class, but also for a life as future Bedan Lawyers, excellent and diligent. Those traits are embodied by our precious Bar Takers who we are rooting for even after they pass the exams. We also revere the response of the CBO to the clarion’s call to serve our alma mater and even encouraging others in the initiative. Mr. and Ms. SOL is not a title carried solely by the winners, but by every student who feels and owns the pride of the lions and lionesses of our beloved School of Law, San Beda College Alabang.”
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Indeed, the event was a triumphant return to the usual festivities enjoyed by the entire SBCA-SOL community despite the ongoing threats of the pandemic.
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