A COMMUNICATION graduate has been named a finalist of the logo competition for Houston Pride 2026, one of the largest events in the United States.
Ranch Ramas, who graduated magna cum laude last year, emerged as one of the finalists in the contest by nonprofit Pride Houston 365 for his entry “LIMITLESS: Houston Pride 2026.”
He said his entry was inspired by Houston’s nickname, “The city with no limits” and reflects the LGBTQIA+ community’s energy and individuality.
Ramas, who now leads an independent creative studio in Houston, said the activities of the UST Communication Art Students’ Association (UST-CASA) helped him prepare for the global creative scene.
He served as public relations officer, vice president for external affairs and president of the UST-CASA while taking on the role of deputy speaker of the Faculty of Arts and Letters Board of Majors.
“UST was truly my training ground. The Communication program—and the capstone projects we had—shaped how I think, create, and lead today… The challenges, events, and simulations we handled in CASA were excellent crash courses for the global creative scene,” Ramas told The Flame.
“The faculty and community encouraged us to join competitions, collaborate, and explore ideas fearlessly.”
His achievements include a nomination at the 2023 Intercollegiate Broadcast Awards in New York City for best use of video graphics through Tiger Score, a project produced under UST Tiger TV.
Ramas recalled that his entry into the competition was not planned, but was encouraged by his mother.
“I actually joined this contest because of my mom, she found it on social media and encouraged me to go for it. She’s always believed in my creativity even when I doubted myself, and I’m glad I listened,” he said.
The Thomasians alumnus described LIMITLESS as a reflection of Houston’s unbounded spirit and creativity.
“The central shape, a stylized bang or explosion, represents how loud and proud Houstonians are while nodding to the city’s ‘Space City’ identity—a metaphor for blasting off, reaching for the stars, and celebrating without limits,” he added.
Ramas said his creative mindset is guided by Filipino values and is rooted in his Thomasian education.
“Filipinos have a deep sense of community, empathy, and storytelling, and that naturally influences how I approach design. As a Thomasian, I carry with me the values of compassion, competence, and commitment in every creative decision I make,” Ramas said.
“We’re capable, talented, and resilient. It’s time we stop underestimating ourselves because we can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world,” he added.
Ramas is set to launch The Color Brief, a project that seeks to provide a space for designers to explore and expand their creative range, next year. F – Reese Valerie Gantan
