A new Hara was crowned on the evening of December 6.
Departing from last year’s avian motif, this year focused on endemic flowers, and how the nation comes to be represented in its resilience and uniqueness.
Ghysha Shaine V. Apostol, the reigning Hara sa FU 2024 had something to say about the theme: “Endemic flowers are unique and meaningful because they represent the beauty and diversity of our local community. This highlights the rare and special plants that are specifically native in our region. By using these flowers as a sense of pride…, it’s like celebrating the rich biodiversity of the community that surrounds us.”
Hara sa FU 2004 Angela Gabriel Bacang’s presence was also noted in the audience seat. She was heard saying: “This is all too familiar. During my time we also represented flowers — and I represented the water lily! My advice: if the question gets tough, always listen to your heart, know that where you are coming from reflects on your life, and there will always be something you can say on the mic.”
This year’s theme was masterfully interpreted by the 12 candidates vying to be flower monarch of 2025. The full list of contestants include Rj Casido from the Department of Architecture and Fine Arts; Nina Jane Ruiz from the College of Nursing; Angel Arbas from the College of Education; Fralean Bahandi from the Foundation Preparatory Academy; Tabitha Divino from the College of Law and Jurisprudence; Angel Perlas from the College of Hospitality Management; Real Bliss Gemperoso from the College of Arts and Sciences; Micaella Andrea Baguio from the College of Agriculture; Diannah Faith Capanay from the College of Business Administration; Mich Angela Pinili from the College of Computer Studies; Alexa Nicole Alcazar from the College of Criminology; and Mariah Stacy Basalan from the School of Industrial Engineering and Technology.
The moment they stepped onto the runway and sashayed with commanding grace, the Sofia Soller Sinco Hall burst with impassioned cheers from supporters of their respective departments.
The first segment of the competition was the Entourage.
Since 1994, the Hara sa FU pageant has incorporated a cultural trademark with each presentation, flaunting the contestants with a vibrant troupe of dancers or striking props that reflect the present theme. This year, contestants were meticulously adorned with large, open blooms that crowned their shoulders, or petals of deep crimson that fan out in graceful arcs. Some of them wore red and fiery coils adumbrating their waist, while others brought fairy wings with clusters of white porcelain drops and purple mauves spiraling down their outfit.
After a very close and intense deliberation, the College of Education’s Angel Arbas was awarded the Best in Theme Attire prize.
The Upcycled Wear Competition immediately follows the Entourage. The 12 contestants were called back to showcase their recycled and eco-conscious outfits. All manners of sustainable and eco-friendly appurtenances were on display, representing their solemn commitment toward the environment.
Once more, Angel Arbas secures the Best In Upcycled Attire Award with her applique-like denim vest and luxuriously structured floral bustier.
The Evening Gown Competition flowed smoothly after a brief showing of the candidates’ advocacies. The stage welcomed the contenders again, now dressed in opulent and regal-looking outfits. As they glided through the stage, their dresses glittered in homage to Foundation University’s 75th diamond jubilee. The fine crystal beading and lace-like silver embellishments that rippled across their gowns made it hard to adjudicate a winner. But in the end, only one woman emerged victorious. And it was Angel Arbas, who, for the third time in the evening, was awarded for her ensemble and composure. In total, she takes home 4 minor awards including the Best in Evening Gown Award.
At last, the question and answer portion came in. Relive the night of the Hara sa FU Question and Answer segment by revisiting their responses below:
Rj Casido - DAFA
Q: Do you think as an architecture student we can promote Dumaguete City as a walking city for tourists?
Rj Casido, DAFA: As an architecture student, we face in our studies that Dumaguete is a small town with small roads and infrastructure. But in the future if we have the capacity to build with the government, it is always up to us on how we utilize this. I’m still in my first year so hopefully when the time comes we can build more accessible roads that are walkable for everyone.
Nina Jane Ruiz - CN
Q: What advice can you give those who are about to take nursing as their course, not because they like it or want it, but because it was their parent’s choice?
Nina Jane Ruiz, CN: First of all, as a nursing student I would promote my college; it not only highlights educational excellence but also enables individuals to be themselves, to embrace who they are and their uniqueness. But my advice to those students who are taking nursing as their choice but it’s not their choice but their parent’s, I would say that I would love that you would fight for whatever you want in life because you cannot fulfill whatever your goals, and your journey won't be able to be about learning and growth because you don’t know and don’t love what you’re doing. I want that there is passion, and you like and love what you’re doing. As we all know, a student is not easy. And it requires a lot of experiences and journey in life.
Angel Arbas - CE
Q: If you were to die tomorrow, what would be the craziest thing that you would do today and why?
Angel Barro Arbas, CE: The craziest thing that I would do if I were to die tomorrow is joining a pageant. This has been the craziest thing I’ve done. And you know it’s such an opportunity for me to represent the department of education. And also this is something not everyone can experience. And I believe not every woman can stand in front of you here tonight and represent their colleges. And also this is something I am very thankful for because this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to represent my department. And this has been a really great journey for me.
Fralean Bahandi - FPA
Q: You said you’re the youngest candidate for tonight. How do you see yourself 10 years from now?
Fralean Bahandi, FPA: 10 years from now, I see myself as an empowered and strong woman. Of course I know that won’t happen so easily. We all have to go through a journey of pain and suffering, in order to reach success. That is why even though I may still be young, I will take this opportunity as the youngest candidate to be successful — soon, I know, that success will come to me. 10 years from now I see myself being the most successful woman I could ever be. With my own hard work, determination and passion
Tabitha Divino - CLJ
Q: Explain to us why those who have less in life should have more in law?
Tabitha Divino, CLJ: As someone who advocates for persons with disabilities, I have seen the ever-pressing issue of inequality. And those people with disabilities have restrictions on what they can do. And the law should respect and empower them and protect them because they have less in life. And with that I’m sent here tonight to bring a cause on my advocacy and it is to break barriers and build equality and empower persons with disabilities.
Angel Perlas - CHM
Q: Do you think it is right to post screenshots of private conversations of other people?
Angel Perlas, CHM: I am advocating for equity and inclusivity and body positivity, therefore screenshots that are going to be posted in social media is never ok because a person’s identity cannot be revealed without his or her permission. And as an advocate of equity and inclusivity, I want everyone to be confident in their own skin and their own body. So everyone should know that they are equally beautiful and they should be loved equally with everyone.
Real Bliss Gemperoso - CAS
Q: If you were to choose one thing only, the person that you love the most or the career that you love, what would you choose and why or why not?
Real Bless Gemperoso, CAS: I’m going to choose my career. Because as he said to me, “Babe, your career, is more than me. Because it will take you to places and bigger stages, and if I’m the right person for you, then I’ll support you all the way.” And I believe that if I choose my career, and he loves me too, ...he will support me. I will choose my career always because it will give me a legacy and I will also have a platform through my advocacy, which is in healing together: empowering generations from broken homes. This is not just a project but it’s also a calling because I want to create a space, a support where others like me who struggle the same will find healing and strength. And this will not only fulfill — this will make a stand, a strong ground to elevate our stand for the fulfillment of our dreams. And that person I love, I know he will support me all the way.
Micaella Andrea Baguio - CA
Q: If you were to turn back time, what moment in your life would you like to change and why?
Mikkaella Andrea Baguio, CA: I believe I don’t want to change anything because making mistakes makes you grow as a person. Making mistakes makes you stronger and making mistakes gives you confidence in anything you do. It’s part of our journey as a person to make mistakes, and so I believe I don’t want to turn back time if I have the choice.
Diannah Fate Capanay - CBA
Q: How can you encourage the youth to venture into agri-business?
Dianah Fate Capanay, CBA: As we all know, farmers are the future pillars of the community. We are the backbone. And this legacy, this value relies on our pioneers, the future farmers. I'm a proud farmer myself, and I’m advocating for this. How would I encourage the youth with my advocacy? Me being an advocate for change, me being a leader and putting off efforts for this advocacy to work — for this advocacy to be put into action. In my small steps, in making all the youth in my community united, I believe I could make greatness; I could give a lasting impact into the agriculture industry.
Mich Angela Pinili - CCS
Q: If you were given the chance to create or design your most ideal man, whose heart, whose mind and whose body would you like him to have and why?
Mich Angela Pinili, CCS: My ideal man will be someone who is loving, who is caring and who is willing to give anything to the person they love. Someone who is god-fearing and that would be anyone. I wouldn’t choose a specific one because I believe that God will give me the right one.
Alexa Nicole Alcazar - CC
Q: Dumaguete is known as a university town. How will you promote or convince other students to come to Foundation University for their education and why not the other schools?
Alexa Nicole Alcazar, CC: Foundation University, where excellence and education meets integrity and service. I would encourage other students to study here in Foundation University because Foundation University offers a quality education where every student can really learn a lot. In Foundation University, you can have a lot of friends and have a loving faculty and staff.
Mariah Stacy Basalan - SIET
Q: How would you promote Dumaguete City and Negros Oriental to potential tourists visiting the Philippines?
Mariah Stacy Basalan, SIET: As someone who is not native to Dumaguete City, there are 3 things that made me stay: first is the culture, second is the people, and third the places. So first the culture: Dumaguete has been very vibrant when I first came here. It opened its arms to me to experience new possibilities. Second is the people: Dumaguete has always been known to be a place for gentle people and I experience that everyday with the classmates and friends and with strangers that show me kindness in their hearts. Last is the places:, I believe that Dumaguete is really a beautiful place with lots of beaches, and lots of nature. So just like the catchphrase DumaGetMe, it got my heart, my mind and my entire being.
It would not be a Hara sa FU without President Victor Vicente “Dean” Sinco’s iconic Standard Question. After the top 5 were named in Nina Jane Ruiz - CN, Fralean Bahandi - FPA, Angel Perlas - CHM, Tabitha Divino - CLJ, and Angel Arbas - CE, the Standard Question immediately commenced. This year, President Sinco set his eyes on the yin and yang principle.
SQ: What for you is the yin and yang principle and how does it affect your life?
Nina Jane Ruiz, CN: To be honest, I know this is related to Chinese belief. And I don’t know so much about that, but I do believe that everything relates to ourselves, and it depends on how we perceive and how we see it. For me yin and yang is a belief that everyone must respect the culture and the diversity of every individual, regardless of the status regardless of what and where we came from.
Fralean Bahandi, FPA: Life is all about balance. With the yin and yang, here we see a symbolization of balance and we can apply this symbolization to our own lives. With the combination of darkness and light, here we can show that there may be times of failure but don't forget that there will always be a chance for a better future.
Angel Perlas, CHM: The yin and yang for me, the white half represents happiness while the black half represents grief. I believe in life we must balance everything, happiness and sadness. And I am standing in front of you here today, being confident because I am happy in this stage, even though I am nervous being here. As long as I balance my life then I believe I can conquer everything.
Tabitha Divino, CLJ: The yin and yang principle I’ve learned is about living your life wisely and not foolishly. If you live a life wisely, you have a cause and you have that courage to bring that into action. As someone who has experienced a lot of struggles in my life, one principle that I learned is to live my life wisely and not foolishly. For we only have one life to live and we have to make the most out of it. Inspiring and uplifting others. Because when we uplift others we shine brighter like a diamond that reflects light in every angle.
Angel Arbas, CE: For me, the yin and yang principle is how we have our different perspectives about the positive and the bad sides. And also I believe the principle is how we know the difference and we have to choose and be inspired by the good things we are able to acquire in this life, in this journey especially. Standing here in front of you guys is already a big opportunity for me to represent my department. But also I experienced bad sides and have gone through many challenges, but it doesn’t not make me any less of a person. But I am here standing in front of you confidently.
In the end, Fralean Bahandi from FPA was crowned as the Hara sa FU 2025. Her strong presence and the rare blend of precision and depth in her responses to the Question and Answer, and the Standard Question segments distinguished her from the rest.
The 1st Runner Up was Angel A. Perlas from CHM while Angel B. Arbas from CE took 2nd Runner Up.
Other minor awardees include:
Darling of the Press to Diannah Faith Capanay - CBA
Miss Professionalism Award to Real Bliss Gemperoso - CAS
Miss Photogenic Award to Alexa Nicole Alcazar - CC
Best in Talent Award to Diannah Faith Capanay - CBA
Best in Production Number Award to Angel Arbas - CE
Best Advocacy Project to Mariah Stacy Basalan - SIET
Best Speaker Award to Nina Jane Ruiz - CN