Mad Ramos (Ahmad Ramos), a 19-year-old student from the University of Santo Tomas, emerged as the grand winner of Sparkle GMA Artist Center’s first-ever Campus Cutie Search, held on June 21, 2025, at Studio 6 of GMA Network.
Beating out 19 other contestants from various campuses, Ramos stood out with his charisma, stage presence, and strong message of representation for the Muslim community. From 20 hopefuls, the finalists were narrowed down to a Top 10, who then competed in a Q&A portion after showcasing their talents in singing, dancing, and performing.
In his emotional speech, Ramos admitted he didn’t expect to win.
“Kasi parang sa una, I got shy. Mahiyain ako. Hindi ako nakakapag-step-up sa workshops, challenges… Sa dulo na ko nakabawi. So, hindi ko talaga ine-expect. I’m very happy,” he said.
He credited his eventual confidence and charisma as key to his breakthrough.
“Feeling ko, do’n nagtuluy-tuloy. Mas napansin ako ng mga mentors ko. And I’m happy sa mga kaibigan ko, mga Campus Cuties din. I’m very happy na naging kaibigan ko sila at isa rin sila sa nakatulong sa akin.”
Proudly identifying as a Muslim, Ramos also emphasized his goal of representing his community in mainstream media.
“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,” he declared.
Asked whether his advocacy was a major factor in his win, he replied, “Hindi siya malaking factor, it’s one of the factors. Kasi, yung pagiging artista, hindi naman sa religion. I think, it’s the talent, personality, at kung paano ka makisama sa mga tao. And kung willing ka pang matuto, kung passionate ka ba. At kung may star factor ka ba. And siyempre, kasama na rin ang charisma. Siguro do’n ako nag-step-up.”
Ramos also addressed the challenges of being a practicing Muslim in showbiz, noting certain limits to the roles he can accept.
“Meron, at isa sa example, yung nakahubad ako,” he explained, adding that he is not comfortable going topless or doing kissing scenes.
His win includes a management contract with Sparkle GMA Artist Center. When asked about his dream co-stars, Ramos said, “Siyempre yung mga idols ko—mga big time na sina Ms. Marian Rivera, Dingdong Dantes, and also si Kuya Ruru Madrid.”
Among younger artists, he named Kira Balinger and Bea Alonzo. “Akala ko Kapuso siya,” he laughed when told Kira is still a Kapamilya star. “Okay lang ba kahit big time na? Siguro si Ms. Bea Alonzo. Kasi, ever since I was a kid, pinapanood ko na siya, e. Pero kung puwede pa, di ba, it’s not too late.” He also added, “Si Charlie Flemming. I like her personality. Yung attitude niya, napapanood ko siya sa PBB. I like her.”
Reflecting on the win, Ramos shared, “I’m very proud of myself. Hindi ko nga in-expect. Honestly, right now, I’m very happy talaga and very thankful sa opportunity. Yun talaga ang nararamdaman ko. And I feel blessed. I feel so blessed.”
Despite his rising showbiz career, he also assured, “Hindi ko pa rin pababayaan ang pag-aaral.”
