The Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants – Saint Louis University (JPIA–SLU) successfully held “Final Lap: The Ultimate Showdown” on 31 January 2026 at the Audio Visual Room, Fr. Serafin Devesse Building, SLU Maryheights Campus. The event brought together students, advisers, judges, and supporters for an afternoon of excitement, creativity, and leadership development through the Mr. & Ms. JPIA–SLU Pageant and JPIA Got Talent.
Preparations began early in the morning and in the afternoon, students arrived to support their friends and fellow candidates, creating a lively and energetic atmosphere. The judges were warmly welcomed and assisted as the program formally began with the SLU Prayer, the Philippine National Anthem, and the SLU Quality Policy Statement, followed by the hosts’ acknowledgment of the guests and judges.
The pageant featured five candidates: Ann Gwyneth Aquino (first year), Jirah Fonacier and Faizah Faye Fernandez (second year), and Jerome Adlaon and Francheska Shanelle Tuazon (third year). The candidates were introduced as they confidently presented themselves as the competition officially commenced. The Formal Wear segment followed, with candidates donning the official internship uniform of the Department of Accountancy, highlighting professionalism, discipline, and readiness for the accounting profession. Advocacy videos showcased the candidates’ commitments beyond academics, emphasizing values such as integrity, social responsibility, leadership, and service. In the Casual Wear segment, candidates displayed confidence, stage presence, and personal style, leading up to the Question and Answer portion, where they articulated their perspectives on leadership, ethical responsibility, and academic excellence.
Meanwhile, JPIA Got Talent featured four performers: Alicia Araceli Bautista opened with a singing performance, followed by Dwayne Doctor (Mr. Doctor) with a stand-up comedy act. Alyssa Kaye Alvez (Aly) then performed a singing number, and Junille Bagtangan (Junieee) concluded with a lip-sync comedy performance. Each act showcased creativity, confidence, and individuality, engaging the audience and adding energy to the event.
During the awarding ceremony, JPIA Got Talent recognized Dwayne Doctor (Mr. Doctor) with the Consolation Award, Alyssa Kaye Alvez (Aly) as Second Runner-Up, Alicia Araceli Bautista as First Runner-Up, and Junille Bagtangan (Junieee) as the Grand Winner. The pageant’s special awards included the People’s Choice Award for Ann Gwyneth Aquino and Best Advocacy Award for Faizah Faye Fernandez.
The major titles were then announced: Francheska Shanelle Tuazon as Ms. JPIA–SLU 2026 Second Runner-Up, Faizah Faye Fernandez as Ms. JPIA–SLU 2026 First Runner-Up, and Ann Gwyneth Aquino as Ms. JPIA–SLU 2026. Jerome Adlaon was named Mr. JPIA–SLU 2026 First Runner-Up, and Jirah Fonacier was crowned Mr. JPIA–SLU 2026. Awards were formally presented by the invited judges, JPIA Advisers, and the Head of the Accountancy Department, Ma’am Lorie Ann Barry, followed by a group photo with winners, judges, advisers, and organizers.
Beyond the competition, the event promoted the CICM advocacy on the Integrity of Creation, encouraging participants to respect their gifts, talents, and responsibilities as stewards of creation. Final Lap also embodied SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, fostering positive social interaction and emotional growth; SDG 4: Quality Education, by developing communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills; SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, by ensuring equal opportunities for participation, recognition, and representation; SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, through fair judging and ethical conduct; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, demonstrated in the collaboration among students, advisers, judges, and the Louisian community.
Through Final Lap: The Ultimate Showdown, JPIA–SLU reinforced its commitment to holistic student formation, values-driven leadership, and community solidarity—showcasing how talent, creativity, professionalism, and ethical values can thrive together in shaping competent, socially responsible future accounting professionals. (Article and Photos by: JPIA-SLU)
