Mx. CASS Influencer

07/04/2025

07/04/2025

𝗠𝘅. 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 (𝗖𝗔𝗦𝗦) 𝗝𝗵𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗼𝘀

𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Recognizing the unique challenges faced by indigenous students in higher education, what is the most critical non-academic factor impacting their retention and success in MSU-IIT, and what comprehensive support system beyond traditional academic services could Project Lahutay establish to effectively address this factor and foster a truly supportive and empowering environment?

𝗔𝗻𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗿: Thank you so much for that very insightful and reflective question. I believe that the single non-academic thing that impacts the lives of indigenous people or students, why they can’t continue with their tertiary education is the simple fact that they are financially disadvantaged. The problem of the indigenous people has persisted for years. It’s a historical battle. It’s a colonial mentality that has persisted through years and years of occupation, of theft, of dispossession, of displacement. This is a problem that stretches back years and years, and more so we need to build support systems for this. We need to be able to rally communities, collaborators, offices for indigenous people to be able to advocate not only for themselves, but for communities as well. As someone who is advocating for indigenous rights for five years, I have seen first hand why the financial problem is very problematic.

That’s why in Project Lahutay, we have donors program. Donors program aims to rally behind advocates, offices, organizations who are equal participants in making sure that indigenous people are afforded their rights that they deserve, are afforded the support that they deserve. Because I really do believe that when you empower an indigenous person, you’re not only empowering the individual, you’re empowering an entire community. And so the call remained steadfast: 𝘒𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘯, 𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘬𝘢𝘩𝘪𝘶𝘴𝘢, 𝘬𝘢𝘶𝘣𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘨𝘢 𝘓𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘥 𝘴𝘢 𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘯𝘢𝘴𝘶𝘥. 𝘋𝘢𝘨𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘵.

07/04/2025

𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗤.

Influencers are often seen as cultural leaders. Now that it is about election time, when political tensions may run high, how can influencers ensure they are acting with social responsibility, using their platforms to amplify diverse perspectives while promoting civic engagement and preventing the marginalization of dissenting voices?

𝗠𝘅. 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 (𝗖𝗔𝗦𝗦) 𝗝𝗵𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗼𝘀

Thank you so much for that very wonderful question. I believe that to answer this question, we must look at the word influencer first, and I would like to emphasize one letter, “R” in “influencer,” and it’s “Responsibility”.

Responsibility of using your platform wisely. As a Political Science student, I’ve always believed in using your platforms, in using your voice, to initiate communital changes, to initiate political changes in your own ways. Because I do believe that for—in order to become a successful influencer, you’re not just only influencing through the things that you already know, but also into listening with other people. So I believe that it’s also important to have empathic listening when you are an influencer to make sure that when you are joining, or engaging into discourse, you are not marginalizing other thoughts, you’re not marginalizing other people in their opinions because empathic listening allows you to listen to the person, and not just listen to argue.

Because at the end of the day, we all live in the same societal spectrum, we all live in the same societies, and it’s very important that, as people and as influencers, you use your platform wisely, and you use your voice wisely.

And so, I end this statement with a very important knowledge, a very important quote, that you cannot truly influence without responsibility. Thank you.

07/04/2025

𝗠𝘅. 𝗜𝗜𝗧: 𝗔 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗽𝘂𝗳𝗳 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿!🎉

It was a night of Powerpuff-level charisma and talent that truly dazzled!✨From the Buttercup-fierce confidence to the Blossom-level poise, and the Bubbles-sweet charm, every candidate brought their A-game. 💯

We extend our congratulations to all the incredible participants who graced the stage, and a special Powerpuff-sized shoutout to our newly crowned Mx. IIT! 🎉 Your star power was undeniable!

We are grateful to everyone who made this super-powered night a reality.

Photos by Azineth Mosqueda, Kylen Omandam

07/04/2025

𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞: In a flurry of 𝘗𝘖𝘞!, 𝘡𝘈𝘗!, and WHOOSH!, the first night of PALAKASAN 2025 festivities was nothing short of a super-powered showdown.

The opening of PALAKASAN 2025 was an action-packed episode teeming with excitement. The students’ strong spirit throughout was the true game-changer. On the stage, this year’s set of Mx. IIT Influencers sparkled with star power, where every cheer from the crowd sent waves of school pride blasting across the campus.

But don’t blink just yet—this saga is far from over! More games, more highlights, and more heroic feats await. Better keep your capes on, heroes-in-the-making, for this is only the beginning!

Photos by Mark Villondo and Marian Cabural

03/04/2025

𝐀𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐈 𝐬𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐝 𝐮𝐠 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐮𝐰𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐲𝐚: 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐌𝐱. 𝐈𝐈𝐓 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘭𝘺 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘭𝘶𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺.”
—John Dave Manos, Mx. IIT Influencer 2025

Sweeping the floors of the MSU-IIT Gymnasium stage, CASS’ own John Dave Manos claimed the crown in the annual Mx. IIT Influencer with a landslide performance in PALAKASAN 2025. Hailing from the lush alps of Bukidnon and the ruby rings of Political Science, the sophomore arachnid tugged the crowd’s favor in his authentic and rooted display of genuine intent to bear the responsibility to influence.

After a month-long campaign, the pageant culminated in the dazzling first night of this year’s PALAKASAN, where Manos soared with no competition, because when you have sugar, spice, and a genuine advocacy: Project Lahutay!, victory is inevitable. Manos’ earnest hopes to glean opportunities to amplify and gather proper support for his project are beyond a mere prerequisite for the esteemed pageant, they are a lifelong commitment to being a changemaker for the indigenous community.

The margins of his five-year experience as an advocate lie in his work as the president of MSU-IIT Indigenous People Student Advocates (MIPSA), a student organization in the university that centers on initiatives to celebrate and provide legitimate opportunities for indigenous students and people. Former Mx. IIT Influencer 2024, Hannah Valerie Acama, sits as the vice-chair of the organization. MIPSA’s work is widely recognized within the institution and beyond, cementing itself with great promise despite its tender age, much like Manos’ run as CASS’ Official Mx. IIT Influencer 2025 Candidate.

“𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘔𝘚𝘜-𝘐𝘐𝘛, 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘶𝘱 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘢 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘦𝘸, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘦. 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴, 𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴, 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘻𝘦𝘥, 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥, 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘥, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘭𝘦𝘯 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮.”
—Manos, in an interview for CASSayuran’s OTW

Manos reflected on the significance of taking up space as an indigenous individual, having grown up witnessing the surrender of his community to the plight they face. He walked in bold and unwavering steps of defiance, refusing to concede, and instead embodied a headstrong pursuit to uplift the community he so treasures. He sustained this weight on the night of the pageant, with a confident shoulder and a snap of the heel, he pranced into the night with bashful but passionate eyes for the coveted platform of Mx. IIT Influencer.

Read more https://cassayuran.blogspot.com/2025/04/ang-tali-sa-responsibilidad-ug.html

Written by Kyle Pontillo
Photos by Patricia Molina

03/04/2025

𝗣𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗞𝗔𝗦𝗔𝗡 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: Townsville, meet your Influencers!

This season’s experiments are exemplary, but none shone more brightly than Mx. Jhon Dave Manos from the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS)—seizing the Mx. IIT Influencer 2025 crown. With a formula more potent than Professor Utonium’s finest girls, they mix the perfect dose of elegance, intellect, and devotion to their causes. Hailed as the third Mx. IIT Influencer, Mx. Manos carries not only a mere title but also a hunger to empower and influence.

Among the paragons, enthroned as Mx. IIT Charity 2025 was Mx. Faith Izzy C. Bengil from the College of Science and Mathematics (CSM). Meanwhile, with otherworldly poise, crowned as Mx. IIT Goodwill 2025 was Mx. Dominique Anne B. Cominguez from the College of Computer Studies (CCS). They wield unshaken grit—valiant enough to echo the anthem of breaking free from chains, catalyzed by their passion to ignite change and inspire people.

Meanwhile, Mx. Nickajean Madelle Marcel from the College of Economics, Business and Accountancy (CEBA), Mx. Junian R. Campos from the College of Education (CED), Mx. Hannah Abigael D. Cajes from the College of Health Sciences (CHS), and Mx. Kieran Francis Benedict S. Lagapa from the College of Engineering (COE) ended their journeys as the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth runners-up, respectively.

Alchemy at its finest, this year’s icons don’t just promise—they deliver. Propelled by an unfaltering pursuit of justice, they stand poised to fearlessly question the status quo: to transform, to break, to defy.

Bellow with triumph and all hail to Townsville’s newest icons—because this time, they aren’t just saving the day; they are redefining it!

03/04/2025

𝗣𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗞𝗔𝗦𝗔𝗡 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: The Powerpuff Hotline is buzzing, and the Mayor has Townsville’s fiercest contenders on speed dial.

After a show-stopping performance that kept the audience on the edge of their seats, three standout influencers will be moving forward to contend for the coveted Mx. IIT Influencer crown, they are: Mx. Dominique Anne B. Cominguez from the College of Computer Studies (CCS), Mx. Faith Izzy C. Bengil from the College of Science and Mathematics (CSM), and Mx. Jhon Dave Manos from the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS).

But victory takes more than just sugar, spice, and everything nice. Who will rise to the challenge and prove they’ve got the ultimate formula for the title?

Wait—monsters on the loose again? Time to call in the girls. Stay tuned for more 𝗣𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗞𝗔𝗦𝗔𝗡 updates!

03/04/2025

𝗠𝘅. 𝗝𝗵𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗼𝘀 makes the College of Arts and Social Sciences the home of the coveted crown as he is hailed the new 𝗠𝘅. 𝗜𝗜𝗧 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗹𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱!

Manos’ run showed promise with a sweeping performance that dominated the whole night, bagging one minor award, three major awards, and the people’s heart in his heartfelt aspirations to represent the indigenous. Manos follows in his predecessor’s footsteps, Mx. IIT Influencer 2024 Hannah Valerie Acama, bringing the platform great hope and a future we can look forward to.

Meanwhile, CCS’ Beta Byte earns the Mx. IIT Goodwill 2025 crown back-to-back, alongside CSM’s Blynx who was crowned Mx. IIT Charity 2025.

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, 𝗠𝘅. 𝗜𝗜𝗧 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗹𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱, 𝗝𝗵𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗼𝘀!

MORE UPDATES HERE: https://cassayuran.blogspot.com

03/04/2025

𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱, 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱!

CASS’ own Hannah Valerie Acama bids the coveted title goodbye as she prances the stage one last time as the reigning Mx. IIT Influencer, alongside fellow titleholders Mx. IIT Charity, CHS’ Kean Lacastesantos, and Mx. IIT Goodwill, CCS’ Mary Antonette Garcia.

Val, as she is lovingly referred to, has cemented her reign to be one of the most fulfilling journeys in the Mx. IIT Influencer platform; Val's Project Abel emerged as a beacon of light towards the plight of the elderly, capacitating youth volunteers and grounding awareness through grassroots initiative.

The earnest pursuit of true community and love for the people transcends titles and platforms as Val, throughout her time as Mx. IIT Influencer, has weaved her intent to influence within the consciousness of IIT, and will live to be remembered and loved forever.

𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗞 𝗬𝗢𝗨, 𝗩𝗔𝗟! 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗠𝗫. 𝗜𝗜𝗧 𝗜𝗡𝗙𝗟𝗨𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗥 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰!

MORE UPDATES HERE: https://cassayuran.blogspot.com

03/04/2025

𝗔 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝘅. 𝗜𝗜𝗧 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗹𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰, 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗮

𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘭𝘺 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘭𝘶𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦?

In a world where popularity is often measured by likes and followers, it is easy to forget that true influence is about more than just visibility—it is about making a real impact. As the lines between social media fame and real-world action blur, one might wonder: Can a title, a platform, or a crown be the catalyst for a deeper kind of influence? The answer lies not in how many see you, but in how deeply you touch those around you.

Hannah Valerie Acama, a second-year BS Philosophy student and the Mx. IIT Influencer 2024, redefined what it truly means to hold a platform. The title was not just a crown of prestige but a powerful tool for advocacy, allowing her to champion marginalized communities. Valerie’s journey, from her humble beginnings to becoming a passionate advocate for senior rights and elderly care, has shaped her growth and left a lasting impact. As her reign concludes, she reflects on the challenges, and triumphs, leaving a legacy that extends far beyond the crown.

𝘈 𝘗𝘢𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘎𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱

Winning the title of Mx. IIT Influencer was a transformative experience for Valerie, one that reshaped her view of leadership. At first, she never envisioned herself holding such a prestigious title.

“I really think that the Mx. IIT title impacted a lot, especially with my personal growth,” she explains. “Entering MSU-IIT, I’ve never really thought of that grandiose title being the Mx. IIT kasi, you know, like I came from a humble province. There’s nothing much, a lot. I mean, I do journalism. And at the same time, I also am a student leader. But I’ve never really dreamed of that.”

Her victory was not just about winning a title but discovering new aspects of herself. Initially focused on excelling in her studies and forming friendships, she never imagined the leadership growth that followed. “It helped me to discover more of myself and at the same time, explore my potential talaga,” she shares.

Beyond the sash and the stage, the title opened doors for Valerie to connect with others and become a source of inspiration. Through leadership, she found a space to exchange ideas and foster personal and collective growth. “As I influenced them, they also influenced me,” she says. “I’ve come to know more people, great stories, and great narratives.”

For her, the journey was a two-way street—not only did she inspire others, but she also found inspiration in others’ diverse experiences. The journey became a profound exercise in self-awareness. “How it helped me personally is that I have come to know more about me,” she reflects, “and it’s something that I will carry on after this journey.”

READ FULL STORY HERE: https://cassayuran.blogspot.com/2025/04/a-crown-of-purpose-lasting-footprint-of.html

Written by Michel Angelique Ferolino
Layout by Ricardo Jose Gagno

01/04/2025

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐛 𝐨𝐟 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞!

Tomorrow, our King Arachnid, Jhon Dave Manos, will cast a dazzling spell over the Powerpuff-world, wrapping the stage in an eternal and glamorous night. But even the strongest ruler draws power from their people—because what is a king without a kingdom?

With less than 24 hours left, this is our moment to rise. Let’s flood social media with love, engagement, and unwavering support.

Rest well, damangs, for tomorrow we don’t just witness history—we weave it.🕸️🕷️💚✨

HMUA | Mc King
Wardrobe | Dayan Monique
Studio | Photoworld - DNP
Mentor | Jovan Maxwell
Coordinator | Yhannie Magsisi