22nd Search for Outstanding Accounting Students of the Philippines (SOASP)

Last May 29, P&A Foundation, Inc. held the 22nd Search for Outstanding Accounting Students of the Philippines. The event, held in partnership with the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) and the Association of Certified Public Accountants in Commerce and Industry (ACPACI), is an annual nationwide competition which aims to shine the spotlight on the country’s top accountancy students through qualifying examinations and interviews.

The competition was well-attended by 93 schools and 437 students hailing from various areas in the country. Due to pandemic-related constraints, the event was held virtually for the first time since its inception.

What ensued was a battle of wits, knowledge, and skills. After hurdling a series of qualifying exams, 25 finalists were chosen. From the Top 25, only 5 participants successfully made it past the Quiz Bee Competition proper and advanced to the final interview round.

The judges faced a difficult task of determining the winners, but only one must emerge as the ultimate champion. Butch Warren Hojas from the University of the Visayas was hailed the 2021 SOASP Champion. Tailing closely were Francis Matthew Obligacion of University of Santo Tomas, Alexander Salvador Bandiola, Jr. of the University of the Cordilleras, Chian Jhel Tayupon of the University of Saint La Salle – Bacolod, and Warren Chua of De La Salle University – Manila who placed second, third, fourth, and fifth place, respectively.

The Top 25 finalists each received a plaque and five thousand pesos in cash as part of their award. Aside from this, the Top 5 received additional cash prizes.

Yusoph Maute was the Master of Ceremonies while Atty. Kim Aranas served as the Quiz Master during the competition. Also present during the virtual event were last year’s SOASP 1st placer Mel Clifford Basanal and Bill Julius Ocampo, a grand finalist during the 20th SOASP and 6th placer during the October 2019 CPA Licensure Exam. The event was graced by P&A Foundation Trustee Jun Cuaresma, Board of Accountancy Chair Dr. Noe Quinanola, and representing PICPA National President Lope Bato, Jr. was Gladeys Jill Santos, VP for Operations.

Marivic Españo, P&A Foundation, Inc. President and Chairman of the Board and ACPACI National President Atty. Walter Abela, Jr. also gave inspiring messages during the competition. The virtual event came to a close after Edward Roguel, SOASP Project Head, gave the closing remarks.

The 22^nd SOASP Top 25 finalists pose during the virtual event held on May 29, 2021 and organized by P&A Grant Thornton in partnership with PICPA and ACPACI. They each received a plaque and five thousand pesos in cash as part of their award.

The Top 5 SOASP finalists each received additional cash prizes. Butch Warren Hojas from the University of the Visayas was hailed the 2021 SOASP Champion. Tailing closely were Francis Matthew Obligacion of University of Santo Tomas, Alexander Salvador Bandiola, Jr. of the University of the Cordilleras, Chian Jhel Tayupon of the University of Saint La Salle – Bacolod, and Warren Chua of De La Salle University – Manila who placed second, third, fourth, and fifth place, respectively.