Brilliant Minds Collide in STI Tagisan ng Talino

By: Miguel La Torre , May 25, 2023

More than two years since it was halted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tagisan ng Talino (TNT) 2022-2023 National finals made its triumphant return on May 12, 2023, at the Baguio Country Club in Baguio City. 

After rigorous local and cluster rounds, STIers from campuses nationwide displayed sheer will, remarkable skill, harnessed talent, and good sportsmanship as they engaged in a battle for the national title. 

Contest of Champions 

Backdropped by the chilly and foggy mountains of Benguet, competitors from eight clusters battled it out and showcased the excellence of STI students in nine different categories. 

Speech competition Stand Up and Deliver contestants confidently took a stand and delivered their insights about sustainable development with the given standard question "What can you do to create a more sustainable future?" on stage.  

Talented writers, on the other hand, delved deeper into the topic of sustainable lifelong opportunities with the question "As an STIer who understands the importance of seeking sustainable lifelong learning opportunities, how will you rally your fellow students to do the same?" through their thought-provoking compositions in Essay Does It!. 

 

Tourism Management students, meanwhile, displayed their amazing guiding skills in Travelogue where they took the judges and the audience on a simulated trip to Apo Island in Dauin, Negros Oriental. 

STI students' knowledge in multiple disciplines was also put to the test in Think Quest, a team quiz competition, and their programming and app designing aptitudes in Codefest, a two-day mobile app hackathon held in STI College Ortigas-Cainta campus. 

 

Hospitality Management students then competed in a series of events that challenged them to apply the skills they learned in class to actual practice. In Mix ‘N Flair, contestants got creative in showing off their bar flairtending and cocktail mixing routines while in Chef Xpress, they demonstrated their culinary proficiencies in preparing, cooking, and plating a three-course meal.  

Students also exhibited workmanship and dedication in decorating an "Im/Perfect" cake within three hours in Worth the Whisk, and displayed speed and accuracy in setting a table and responding to situations in compliance with the type of service set in All in Place. 

 

Upholding Opportunities 

“TNT is an avenue for students like me to improve myself and pursue my interests,” Kevin Kinny, the Stand Up and Deliver champion said. “The fact that STI holds these types of events is really amazing. I teared up a little onstage during the announcement of winners because it’s very elating that after all the practice and hardships throughout the competition, I was able to win the championship in the nationals,” the BS Information Technology (BSIT) freshman from STI College San Fernando student said. 

For Hardie Arciaga, bagging the 1st runner-up award for Mix ‘N Flair was both an unexpected and exciting achievement. “Preparing for the competition was challenging, especially on top of many school requirements, but it’s all about adjusting, so I practiced after school and whenever I had free time,” she said. 

Aside from the experience, the 2nd year BS Hospitality Management (BSHM) from STI College Alabang treasures the bond he was able to create with his competitors from other STI campuses and discover his interest in mixing drinks and flaring, which he plans to pursue further in the future. 

Marie Jarduque, another BSHM sophomore from STI College General Santos City, didn’t expect to win 2nd runner-up in the All In Place Competition. “It was a long way from Mindanao to Baguio City but I’m so happy to represent my campus,” she said. “I’m thankful to STI for letting us experience this kind of event where I was able to gain new knowledge that I can use as a Hospitality Management student and also in my future work,” she added. 

 

As a purveyor of holistic education in the country, STI College integrates a balance of traditional, experience-based, and character-building activities into its industry-adept programs in line with its commitment to mold future-ready graduates and multifaceted individuals. 

“The TNT event gives STI students the platform to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have learned inside the classroom outside their classrooms,” STI Education Services Group, Inc. (STI ESG) Vice President for Academics Aisa Q. Hipolito said. “Aside from that, being able to bond and compete with their fellow STIers all over the country hands them valuable lessons in good sportsmanship, camaraderie, and fair play,” she added. 

View the complete list of TNT champions and winners here: 

Stand Up and Deliver 

Champion	STI College San Fernando	Kevin Parungao Kinny
1st Runner-Up	STI College Dasmariñas	Rian Elly Mae Kalubiran
2nd Runner-Up	STI College Las Piñas	Czean Tristan Cabiles Yap

 

Mix ‘N Flair 

Champion	STI College Balagtas	John Mark Emor Dela Cruz
1st Runner-Up	STI College Alabang	Hardie Refugio Arciaga
2nd Runner-Up	STI College Sta. Maria	John Edward Tuaño Luna

 

All In Place 

Champion	STI College Tarlac	Viejay Estabillo Castillo
1st Runner-Up	STI College Las Piñas	Ivan Angelo Pagayonan Recto
2nd Runner-Up	STI College General Santos	Marie Jadraque

 

Chef Xpress 

Champion	STI College Marikina	John Henry B. Cabigas  Jhaymiel Matthew M. Eugenio  Jeyms Rhailey M. Tirados
1st Runner-Up	STI College General Santos	Marie Cresia N. Calvo  Bon Luigi A. Hernandez  Nick C. Rosario
2nd Runner-Up	STI College Ortigas-Cainta	Shamaiah Mark B. Araño   Mark Rojan G. Balog  Daniela Joy L. Noceja

 

Travelogue 

Champion	STI College Ormoc	Jose Maria Ramon B. Martinez
1st Runner-Up	STI West Negros University	Kyrie Meliz R. Ferrer
2nd Runner-Up	STI College General Santos	Dianne O. Acosta

 

Essay Does It!  

Champion	STI College Tagum	Nathazsa Ashley C. Papas
1st Runner-Up	STI College Calamba	John Reiven B. Coronado
2nd Runner-Up	STI College Surigao	Ezra Angelo T. Lumpay

 

Codefest 

Champion	STI College Tagaytay	Carlo Gabriel U. Ledesma  Jet Anislag Maquiling  Dan Angelo G. Torrecampo
1st Runner-Up	STI College Tarlac	Railey Patricio Burgos  Ariel D. Canoy  Shemaiah Myrn S. Manaloto
2nd Runner-Up	STI College Davao	Shebuel Rey B. Aritalia  Heinz Kyle A. Hora  Adrian Q. Sastre

 

Think Quest 

Champion	STI College Las Piñas	Keischeley Izelinn Mikka A. Blancaflor  Rockie Emmanuele M. Bunyi  Ma. Christina Lim
1st Runner-Up	STI College Marikina	Christopher Lance P. Orendain  Michael Andre M. Sayson  Joshua P. Tapon
2nd Runner-Up	STI College Baliuag	Renalyn I. Brimbuela  Cassandra Asley B. Casimiro  Rennci Maye Ardis D. San Andres

 

Worth The Whisk 

Champion	STI College Dasmariñas	Samantha Joy M. Naco
1st Runner-Up	STI College Pasay-EDSA	Joenna R. Calixto
2nd Runner-Up	STI College Balagtas	Rodelio R. David, Jr.