From facing the volleyball court to facing the cameras and the spotlight, Ahmad Hussein Ramos, better known as Mad Ramos, still considers his entry into showbiz an unforgettable milestone.

This journey has taught him valuable lessons, not only about life but also about the career path he is currently pursuing.

In an exclusive sit-down with GMANetwork.com, the rising star opens up about the risks he took, the family that fuels him, and why he’s ready to dive deep into the world of acting.

Entering the world of entertainment and showbiz was never part of his plans, as he was previously focused on honing his skills in sports, specifically volleyball.

“Passion ko pa no’n is volleyball, talagang gusto ko siyang i-purse until college, but then why not give it [Sparkle Campus Cutie Search] a try?” Mad revealed.

However, after being crowned the Ultimate Campus Cutie in the 2025 Sparkle Campus Cutie Search, the tides seemingly turned for Mad. His world has expanded, along with the lessons he continues to learn in this new industry he has embraced.

“Kahit takot ako, I took that risk. Then, ayon sumali ako, nag-Campus Cutie. Parang nahanap ko ’yung love and passion sa industry na ‘to after winning the competition,” he shared.

Now that he is part of the showbiz industry—a world he may not have planned for, but one that was destined for him—Mad remains driven by a desire to learn and grow in this new field, which continues to shape him both as an individual and as a rising star of his generation.

Mad entered showbiz through an unexpected opportunity. His path to stardom wasn’t a lifelong plan, but because of a spontaneous “yes,” his life changed forever.

Entering the industry was a risk Mad chose to take. The idea of joining the Sparkle Campus Cutie Search in 2025 came from his manager while he was on vacation in Boracay.

“The story behind this, very sponty lang. My manager called me, nasa Boracay pa ako this time, sabi niya ‘Mad, sali ka sa competition na ’to, Campus Cutie. At first, dehado ako, ayaw ko talagang sumali, kasi ang itim ko pa, tapos ’di talaga ako ready at all,” Mad recalled. “Passion ko pa no’n is volleyball, talagang gusto ko siyang i-purse until college, but then why not give it [Sparkle Campus Cutie Search] a try? ” Despite his hesitation and the feeling that he wasn't "camera-ready," he agreed to take the leap. He said that he accepted this risk and learned to love the industry—which was entirely new to him—even more after winning.

But his Campus Cutie win did not come without a trade-off. As much as he loved playing for his alma mater, Mad had to put volleyball in the backseat. “Kahit takot ako, I took that risk. Then, ayon sumali ako, nag-Campus Cutie. Parang nahanap ko ’yung love and passion sa industry na ’to after winning the competition; and binitawan ko na si volleyball, but nandoon pa rin ’yung love ko for that sport. From time to time naglalaro pa rin ako every weekend,” said Mad.

The “triple threat” label came naturally to Mad during the competition, but behind the singing and dancing was a student-athlete grappling with a new craft. For the rising star, acting was the one requirement that truly pushed him out of his comfort zone.

“Acting talaga; acting is new for me, bago siya sa akin at kinabahan talaga ako sa first day ng acting workshop kasi I didn’t know what I was doing,” Mad shared.

Fortunately, Mad had help from actress Ana Feleo, who served as his acting mentor during the Campus Cutie search. To this day, he is grateful to Ana for showing him the ropes and teaching him the tricks of the trade. “I’m glad that Ms. Ana [Feleo] was there to help me. She made me a better artist. Tinulungan niya ako sa craft ko,” he said.

While Mad learned a great deal during his journey in the Campus Cutie Search, he remains eager to continue improving and expanding his knowledge when it comes to the art of acting. “Gusto ko pa rin matuto until now, more workshops pa sana and I want to learn more sa acting kasi malawak ’yan. ’Di lang siya basta acting, marami ka talagang dapat matutuhan.”

Another thing that became memorable for Mad was the experience of dancing. Although he initially felt intimidated by his fellow contestants, the young star did not let that stop him from showcasing his talent and molding himself to become more confident.

“I really like dancing and nung nakita ko ’yung mga kasama ko na sumasayaw, talagang I got intimidated din. Magaling kasi talaga silang sumayaw, ang lakas ng charm. Memorable siya because mas nakilala ko silang lahat noon sa dancing practices namin. Sa workshop kasi do’n ako mas naging confident kasi dancing, so mas nakakausap ko sila, naa-approach ko talaga sila,” he continued.

Although the journey to the title was long and difficult, Mad remains grounded and humble after his victory. To this day, he can hardly believe he has been named the “Ultimate Campus Cutie,” an honor that made him self-aware, and at times, self-conscious.

“Simple lang kinabukasan pagkagising ko, ’di pa rin nagsisink-in talaga kasi akala ko talaga ’di ako mananalo kasi kung titignan mo ’yung co-Campus Cuties na kasama ko; sobrang gaguwapo, very talented. Pagkagising ko, nanalo pala ako, Ultimate Campus Cutie,” Mad said. “To be honest, mas naging maarte ako sa sarili ko kasi siyempre Ultimate Campus Cutie ’to ’pag nakita ganito itsura, mas naging self-aware ako sa sarili ko,” he added.

He also used this opportunity to thank the people behind his success, those who supported him throughout this journey—his family: “Shout out to all my family! I love you all. Very supportive talaga sila.”

Making his family proud was a major dream come true. “They came all the way from Mindanao to Manila just to watch me in that competition. That day, grabe sumisigaw talaga sila. And ’yung mga family ko na di nakapunta sa Manila, nanood sila sa TV. Hinintay nila ’yung announcement, mga updates from my family na nanonood live. Sigaw sila nang sigaw, proud na proud. Iyak sila nang iyak. I’m so glad na I made them proud. Ayun, naman talaga ’yung pangarap ko, make my family proud.”

While the accolades represent personal growth and a steep learning curve, Mad finds his true reward elsewhere. For him, the ultimate victory is the sense of fulfillment that comes from honoring his roots and making his family proud of his transformation.

Mad’s transition from a student-athlete to a rising artist is a journey paved with "firsts": the first series, the first win, and the first time standing face-to-face with a legend.

For him, his recent victory as the “Sparkle Ultimate Campus Cutie” was just the opening act for a career that is moving at a fast speed.

In 2024, GMA Network released a teen drama series starring some of the brightest rising Kapuso stars, including Marco Masa, Zephanie, Ashley Sarmiento, Olive May, and Clifford. In the second season of the said series, Mad joined the cast as the character ‘Mad Sarmiento,’ alongside fellow stars and Kapuso heartthrobs Raheel Bhyria and Anton Vinzon.

In his interview, Mad remembered what he felt back then—a mix of nerves and excitement when he was told he would be part of the new cast for the youth-oriented series.

“Right after winning, sinabi sa akin ni Ms. Jenny and nag-congratulate siya sa akin, then nag-huddle kami, nag-usap-usap. I didn’t know pa that time nung nanalo ako na kinuha pala ako ng MAKA and three days after winning, sabak agad sa set,” he shared. “Kinabahan pa ako, pero I’m so happy talaga. Sinabi ko rin agad sa magulang ko, ‘Ma, pasok ako sa MAKA, teleserye,’ tuwang-tuwa silang lahat. I’m just so happy that I made them proud and sana more projects to come.”

Mad also shared one unforgettable moment on the set of MAKA: meeting one of its cast members, the legendary actress Gladys Reyes.

“Alam niyo naman si Ms. Gladys, kontrabida, ’di ko pa talaga kilala ’yung personality niya off-cam so nung nakita ko siya sabi ko, ‘Oh my, si Ms. Gladys!.’ Nagpakilala ako, kinabahan talaga ako kasi si Ms. Gladys na ’yan, legend na talaga ’yan when it comes to acting. So ako naman, nagpakilala ako,” told Mad. “Unexpectedly sobrang bait ni Ms. Gladys. Very approachable, very kind, and I’d love to work with her again. I’m very happy na nakilala ko si Ms. Gladys and nakatrabaho ko siya.”

Mad’s journey in MAKA wouldn’t have been complete without his two companions in the series—his fellow members of “The B-Boys” group, Raheel Bhyria and Anton Vinzon, who became much closer to him after working on the series.

He became particularly close to Anton because of the extensive time they spent together on set. “Both naman, si Raheel Bhyria and Anton Vinzon. Pero kung ibe-base natin sa closeness, siguro si Anton. Siya talaga ’yung nakasama ko sa MAKA nang matagal. Si Anton very mabait ’yan, approachable and fun,” Mad shared.

Despite the rapid-fire success, the title, the immediate teleserye role, and the growing fanbase—Mad’s motivation remains exactly the same as it was on day one: family.

Every achievement is a gift he offers back to his parents in Mindanao.

As a proud Maranao and Maguindanaon, Mad is using his newfound fame as a platform for representation, proving that one can reach for the stars without ever losing sight of home.

Mad opened up about the profound sense of responsibility he feels as a member of the Muslim community in the entertainment industry. “I feel so happy and proud. It feels incredible, nakakatuwa po talaga kasi as a proud Maranao and Maguindanaon, I’ve always wanted to show and prove to my fellow youth that dreams and roots can thrive together.”

Driven by a deep sense of purpose, he views his platform as a bridge between his heritage and his headlines, proving that success is most meaningful when it honors one’s identity.“For me, it’s all about breaking barriers in this industry while staying grounded to your values and without forgetting where you came from and who you are. So chase your dreams lang. Kayang-kaya niyo ’yan,” he shared.

Despite the rapid pace of his rising career, Mad remains anchored by the cultural traditions he was raised with. He credits his upbringing for his “family-first” mindset, a hallmark of his Maranao and Muslim identity.

He said that one of the things he is most proud to share with his fans and all viewers is the culture and tradition of unity.

“Siguro ’yung cultural beliefs and practices. ’yung tradisyon ng pagiging Maranao, pagiging Muslim is ’yung pagiging family-oriented. Katulad ng natutuhan ko sa parents ko, ’yung pagtutulungan sa bawat pamilya, ’yung walang maiiwan na naghihirap, talagang tutulungan natin ’yung isa’t isa. Kung may problema, present lagi ’yung pamilya natin,” said Mad.

Even though the young fellow has already come a long way, he knows within himself that he still has a long path ahead in this industry. For him, humility and groundedness at all times are essential. “Ako talaga, as much as possible, I’ll be humble talaga, kasi ever since before pa, gustong-gusto ko talagang maging humble, maging matulungin, maging mabait, masunurin sa magulang, and maging good influence sa mga tao,” he said.

The person he was before achieving his current fame remains unchanged; Mad Ramos is still the same individual today, serving as a role model for those who dare to dream.

“Hindi pa naman ako gano’n kasikat, but I’m still the same; ’yung personality, ’yung attitude towards people, treatment ko sa ibang tao, sa family ko, I think I’m the same Mad,” he said.

From being a simple dreamer then, Mad now serves as an inspiration to the youth who also aspire to follow the career path he is currently taking.

Hard work, courage, and a steadfast faith in the Almighty are the investments that helped him achieve a dream he may not have initially sought, but one he continues to cultivate with the help from above.

“Chase your dreams lang. There’s no harm in trying. Simulan niyo sa step one, step two. Step by step, kaya niyo ’yan. Every day tignan ninyo ’yung goals niyo, himay-himayin niyo, then mag-pray lang kayo every day and humingi kayo ng help from God,” he said. “Ibibigay Niya ‘yan sa’yo and siyempre kailangan niyo rin lagyan ’yan ng effort and dedication and commitment, ng sipag talaga.”

Mad reminded the youth who wish to follow in his footsteps never to give up on their dreams, emphasizing that through perseverance, they can achieve their goals with the help of effort and dedication.

“’Wag kayo susuko, just like me, bago ako mapunta sa posisyong ito, marami rin po akong pinagdaanan, ’di ko lang po talaga sinukuan. One day, makukuha niyo rin ’yung gusto niyo,” he shared.

Being a campus cutie is not about the good looks and charisma. It's about character. By staying true to his Muslim roots and Maranao values, he is carving out a space in the industry where diversity is celebrated and tradition is a source of strength.

For Mad, the spotlight is a platform rather than a destination. While his success as Sparkle’s Ultimate Campus Cutie and his breakout performance in the GMA series MAKA have thrust him into the public eye, his evolution from a student-athlete to a rising star is defined by more than just fame.

Beneath all of it lies a profound sense of purpose; for Mad, success is not about changing who he is, but about remaining steadfast in his character and cultural identity while navigating the world of the entertainment industry. Stepping into the spotlight is about more than just acting; it is a chance to represent the Maranao and Maguindanaon people. He knows the industry can be tough for others, but he sees this as a challenge he was meant to take on.

His growing career is an opportunity to show that his culture belongs in the spotlight. “Gusto kong matandaan nila sa’kin na kaya ko ’to ginagawa because I have a purpose, kaya ko rin pinursue, itong industry na ’to, because it’s not because it’s just my passion, it’s my talent, it’s my dreams because I have a purpose,” Mad said.

He also reminded his fellow Maranao and Maguindanaon youth that success does not require sacrificing one’s identity. “May purpose ako and that is to break the barrier in this industry na for Maranao, Muslim fellow youth, or kung may gustong mag-pursue ng dream na ‘to na kaya n’yo naman, wala naman masama mag-try and ‘wag nyo lang kalimutan ‘yung faith niyo, ‘wag niyo kalimutan sino kayo, sa’n kayo nanggaling, ano ‘yung beliefs, cultural practices n’yo, i-preserve nyo and ayun chase your dream lang,” he shared.

Mad’s success is powered by a huge support system, especially from his fellow Mindanaoans. He knows that his success wouldn’t be possible without the hard work of his official supporters. “Maraming maraming salamat guys, sa supporters all the way from Mindanao, Maguindanao sa lahat po sa inyo maraming maraming salamat. Sana ’di po kayo magsawang sumuporta sakin. Shout out to Team Mad Official, sa mga admin, sa lahat ng pages na sumusuporta sa’kin,” he said with enthusiasm. “I love you guys, without you guys, hindi ko mae-earn ‘yung gan’tong klaseng fame, at maraming salamat din at natulungan ninyo ko na mas maging better sa industry na ‘to.”

Mad also offered a reminder to all those who, like him before, feel discouraged from reaching for their dreams: “Chase their dreams guys, take that risk ako before ‘di talaga ako risk-taker takot ako sa lahat ng bagay na opportunity na dumadating, but then you’ll never know, mahirap na ’yung pagsisisihan mo tapos ‘Ay, dapat pala sumali ako, dapat pala ginawa ko ‘to.’”

In a quiet moment of reflection, he addressed his younger self, acknowledging that while the road ahead is long and filled with challenges, the key is to hold onto the spirit of “Padayon,” to keep moving forward no matter what.

“Younger man, siguro, kaya mo ’yan! Alam kong ina-underestimate ka ng karamihan ng tao but kaya mo ’yan. ’Wag mo sila iisipin, isipin mo ’yung sarili mo na kung paano ka magiging better, pagsipagan mo sa lahat ng bagay. Alam ko minsan nahihirapan ka, nahihirapan ka sa mga ginagawa mo, hindi mo alam kung ano ’yung talent mo, but then, padayon lang tuloy-tuloy lang, kakayanin mo ’yan and I’m so proud of you!” Mad said.

Mad Ramos is more than just a “Campus Cutie”; he is a role model for all. As he continues his journey in the industry; his hard work, courage, and steadfast faith in the Almighty will surely lead him to even greater success and a flourishing career in the years ahead.