National Talents Face-Off at STI Tagisan ng Talino 2024

By: Blessy Sibalon , May 21, 2025

Each year, STI comes alive with creativity and intellect at the highly anticipated STI Tagisan ng Talino (TNT)—where brilliant minds and artistic mastery collide in a thrilling showdown at STI College General Santos on May 15, 2025.

Coming from campuses across the country, the competition showcases exceptional talent and sportsmanship as they battle it out across nine electrifying categories, pushing the boundaries of skill and creativity.

Codefest started off with a 36-hour hackathon, bringing together students to tackle the pressing issue of corruption through technology.

Showcasing their technical challenge, participants were challenged to design and develop mobile applications that support anti-corruption initiatives and promote transparency and accountability in government.

Codefest finalists pushing innovation at the mobile app hackathon

Despite time constraints, participants created solutions that allow users to securely report issues, monitor government performance, and access public data—promoting transparency and community trust.

The champion from STI College San Pablo wowed the judges with their app, Juan Bayan. The name itself—“Juan”—is a playful nod to the Filipino identity, making it a perfect fit for the app's purpose. One standout feature was their interactive panels and chatbots, allowing users to submit and receive answers to frequently asked questions—enhancing accessibility and user engagement.

STI College Tarlac's Agila mobile app won as the 2^nd Runner-Up, showcasing commitment to innovation. The Unhide Gov app, developed by the only Senior High School team in the competition from STI West Negros University, secured 3^rd Runner-Up, highlighting the exceptional talent and potential of the youth in the tech industry.

Powerful Minds, Positive Community

In a world where everyone's got something to say, the power of writing and public speaking have become more important than ever. Both Stand Up and Deliver and Essay Does It! highlight key issues and spark important conversations in society.

Finalists from Stand Up and Deliver and Essay Does It! securing spots at the national level

In the Stand Up and Deliver competition, participants embraced the idea that a single voice can spark a movement. They tackled the question: "What would you do if you had one chance to make a difference in your community?"

Meanwhile, Essay Does It! contestants took on the challenge: “How can you explicitly impact an underserved community you are not necessarily part of?” A thought-provoking question that would shed light on the often-overlooked narratives of minority groups.

Hailed as the Essay Does It! champion, Chriszsa N. Almaras shared how TNT helped her adapt to diverse topics. She reflected, "The competition strengthened my confidence in overcoming challenges and enriched my understanding of effective writing."

She also emphasized that her win reignited her belief in her abilities, adding, "It was an invaluable learning experience, not just in terms of writing, but also in stepping out of my comfort zone."

Travelogue and Think Quest contestants on the road to win the titles

With their impressive tour guiding expertise on Travelogue, Tourism students transported the judges and their audiences to the historic Angono Petroglyphs in Rizal.

Additionally, STI students tested and expanded their general knowledge across diverse subjects in the Think Quest team quiz competition.

Excellence Beyond Academics

Hospitality students brought their classroom lessons to life by diving into series of exciting competitions.

Culinary masterpieces and cocktail brilliance from Chef Xpress and Mix 'N Flair finalists

In Chef Xpress, the contestants exhibited their culinary expertise by preparing, cooking, and plating a three-course meal.

Meanwhile, the finalists of Mix ‘N Flair amazed the judges with their flair bartending and cocktail skills, proving that bartending is all about creativity and showmanship.

“Flair bartending made me realize that this is the path I want to pursue," says Von Hizon, the 2024 Mix 'N Flair National Champion, on how TNT competitions helped shape his skills and spark his passion for flair bartending. He also credits the guidance of his mentor, Sir Allan Moran Badilla Jr., for his success.

His advice to aspiring flair bartenders? "The real challenge is within yourself. Stay committed and follow your passion with humility and purpose."

Student finalists as they compete in the All in Place competition

Worth the Whisk entries prove they are worth the spot in the competition

In the All in Place table setting competition, the national finalists showcased proper service etiquette, turning tables into elegant dining experiences. While contestants in Worth the Whisk added a sweet touch and crafted mouth-watering cakes inspired by mom's love for cooking and baking with the theme “Kitchen Queen,” blending creativity and culinary artistry.

STI College remains committed to holistic education by having events like the Tagisan ng Talino, providing students with hands-on experiences and nurture personal growth beyond academics.

View the entire list of this year’s Tagisan ng Talino winners:

Codefest

Champion	Sebastian Jose A. Mojica Jhonas G. Sotero Jeremy B. Viterbo	STI College San Pablo
1^st Runner-Up	Ordiv Maverick C. Cagne Clarence T. Garcia Joshua Jetro M. Damaso	STI College Tarlac
2^nd Runner-Up	John Quinn Agonace Keane Chandre M. Guadarrama Julian Curt J. Flores	STI West Negros University

Essay Does It!

Champion	Chriszsa N. Almaras	STI West Negros University
1^st Runner-Up	Kym Kaisha N. Dechoson	STI College Global City
2^nd Runner-Up	Chinny Lovely I. Capulong	STI College Tarlac

Stand Up and Deliver

Champion	Jaimelyne A. Luzung	STI College San Fernando
1^st Runner-Up	Joseph Ian H. Gamboa	STI College Dasmariñas
2^nd Runner-Up	Vincenzo Aidan Cole C. Ballesteros	STI College Global City

Travelogue

Champion	Rosalie G. Sagang	STI College General Santos
1^st Runner-Up	Modred Ivo P. Hill	STI College Lucena
2^nd Runner-Up	Vince S. Morales	STI College Muñoz-EDSA

Think Quest

Champion	Jarreth R. De Leon Kenshin T. Sakamoto James Juniel Paul L. Trencio	STI College Sta. Cruz
1^st Runner-Up	Kira Madison K. Yambao Mark Allen D. Iguin Cayene Ashley C. Tena	STI College Sta. Rosa
2^nd Runner-Up	Jahziel F. Pacheco Timothy Kyle C. Guinto Kurt Russel M. Ramos	STI College Balagtas

All in Place

Champion	Princess Kiolani Jacinto	STI College Rosario
1^st Runner-Up	John Lloyd Sinangote	STI College General Santos
2^nd Runner-Up	Alexandra Shanelle Panaligan	STI College Batangas

Chef Xpress

Champion	Jazelle Mae E. Silak Rydan V. Campaniel Xandrae Klynt D. Candido	STI College Koronadal
1^st Runner-Up	Kayzielyn V. Gasco Jonna V. Manalo John Fernan E. Patulay	STI College Batangas
2^nd Runner-Up	Aguinaldo Jr. A. Montero Matthew Jason S. Abarte Lyndon Paderna	STI West Negros University

Mix 'N Flair

Champion	Von Shaque Hizon	STI College Sta. Maria
1^st Runner-Up	Danyiel Mateusz P. Comia	STI College Batangas
2^nd Runner-Up	Josef Gian DC. Martin	STI College Balagtas

Worth the Whisk

Champion	Mary Epiffany L. Quirante	STI College Koronadal
1^st Runner-Up	Christian Gascon	STI College Vigan
2^nd Runner-Up	Maria Althea S. Velasquez	STI College Santa Rosa