STI Students Spark Change Through Film and Photography

By: Blessy Sibalon , May 26, 2025

In its purpose to unleash the creativity and exceptional storytelling, the STI Tagisan ng Sining (TNS) competition highlighted the artistic skills of STI College students, with many rising to claim the national title through their remarkable entries.

This year’s entries featured powerful short films in the Director’s Cut and stunning visuals in Shutter’s Best, captivating audiences nationwide with their creativity and dedication.

Highlighting Lasting Change

A total of 57 short films from STI College campuses across the country were screened and reviewed by a panel of industry professionals for this year's Director's Cut videomaking competition. The panel included Ms. Madonna Tarrayo, President and CEO of UxS | Unitel Straight Shooters, commercial director Mr. Joel Bohol, and Ms. Ronalisa Co, Creative Manager of Creazion Studios and writer for ABS-CBN's Can't Buy Me Love.

Centered around the theme "Ripples of Change", the competition challenged participants to create films that show how even small, positive actions can spark big changes to individuals and even the world. Participants showed off such creative and unique storytelling, each capturing the power of lasting change in their own way.

As the national champion of the Director's Cut competition, the team behind the animated short film Raindrop never expected to make it past the local stage. Editor Mhikko C. Santos remarked, “We were the only animation at the local level, and that felt like a big challenge.”

When the winner was announced, writer Aivan M. Aragon was in awe. “I was happily stunned when our names were called. I can’t thank my team and the event enough. We kept the momentum going.”

Reflecting on their journey, the director, Robert Louise C. Catalla shared, “We couldn’t believe we won the local competition, let alone compete with teams from different campuses at the Nationals and win.”

Powerful Stories Through Captured Moments

The Shutter's Best competition continues to showcase the incredible talent of student photographers in telling powerful stories with a single click. The theme “Mindful Actions, Lasting Impact” inspired participants to capture those little moments that often go unnoticed but carry a powerful message.

Out of 57 entries this year, five standout submissions were selected by a panel of field experts. The panel included Mr. Aron Garcia, Canon Imaging Consultant at Canon Philippines; Mr. Jay Jallorina, a professional photographer specializing in architecture, infrastructure, and landscape; and Mr. Jijo De Guzman, a professional photographer and brand ambassador for Canon Philippines, ViewSonic ColorPro, and Raptor Cases. 

 

Clarence T. Zausa, the national winner of Shutter's Best, has been competing for three consecutive years and finally clinched the top spot this year. Reflecting on his achievement, he shared, "This win means more than just a prize. It shows that all my hard work paid off."

He further expressed his gratitude, stating, "The Shutter's Best competition provided me with a safe space to experiment, try new things, and receive feedback from experts. It pushed me to improve my skills and discover my own style."

The annual STI Tagisan ng Sining provides a platform for young artists to enhance their skills through an immersive experience beyond the classroom.

View the entire list of the School Year 2024-2025 STI Tagisan ng Sining competition winners below.

Director’s Cut

Champion	"Raindrop" Robert Louise C. Catalla Aivan M. Aragon Mhikko C. Santos	STI College Lucena
1st Runner-Up	"Mula sa Sombrero" Joanna Mae L. Borbon John Renan P. Baguna Juan Carlos G. Maneze	STI College Angeles
2nd Runner-Up	"Thank you, Ted!" Joash Kane C. Guzman Emery Roi B. Mainque John Brix DR. Gonzales	STI College Baliuag
3rd Runner-Up	"Salamin" Aaron Daniel T. Bangilan Trisha Anne N. Dellava Syra Mae R. Rufila	STI College Global City
4th Runner-Up	"Leksyon" Chlyde Airen V. Villaflor Iannah Yael P. Lorico Kyle Tracy C. Evangelista	STI College Sta. Cruz

 

Shutter’s Best

Champion	"A Gesture of Love and Kindness Towards Every Form" Clarence T. Zausa	STI College Kalibo
1st Runner-Up	"Untitled" Andrei Jay A. Dael	STI College Marikina
2nd Runner-Up	"Hunger Ends Where Kindness Begins" Alexis D. Tan	STI College San Jose - Nueva Ecija
3rd Runner-Up	"Ina ko, Salamat po" Klyde Kirk C. Peape	STI College Dasmariñas
4th Runner-Up	"Kindness is Timeless" Angela Faye A. Almarez	STI College San Fernando