STI Talent Search 2025 Heat Up the Pradera Islands

By: Graceline Marcelo , November 28, 2025

The sun shone brightly over Pradera Islands Theme Park in Lubao, Pampanga, on November 21, 2025, as students from STI campuses across the country converged for the most anticipated event of the academic year—the grand nationals of STI Talent Search 2025-2026! 

STI switched things up this year, bringing the annual Talent Search to fresh grounds. Students came with all sorts of expectations—some were hyped for the new rides, plenty were there for the free concerts, and others were ready to scream their lungs out for their school representatives. 

Student participants who triumphed in local and cluster competitions came together for the ultimate showdown in four major categories: Battle of the Bands, STI Singing Idol, Hataw Sayaw, and Mr. & Ms. STI 2025-2026. The energy hit different the moment the students joined the crowd. After months of rehearsals and nerve-wracking preparations, it was finally show time! 

 

 

Battle of the Bands 

The rock stars took center stage first, and what a way to kick things off! Bands from different campuses brought their own fierce takes on hit songs, each showcasing their musical chops and stage presence. The competition was intense, and picking winners wasn't easy with so much talent in one place. 

KONSTILASYON from STI College Las Piñas kicked things up with their hard rock take on SB19's "Dungka"—Rainier Jay C. Antonio, Jez Christian U. Cuevas, Rein Francis P. De Leon, and Timothy Jhon S. Lorica brought fun, upbeat energy and snagged the Second Runner-Up title! 

Revelation from STI College Caloocan took First Runner-Up with their version of "Anak" by Freddie Aguilar. Alexander S. Fernandez, Renzo Lewis D. Nolasco, Jhan Chriz Maverick L. Ramos, and Archelle O. Sevilla pulled off some amazing band tricks that wowed the crowd! 

But Magna Carta from STI College Lipa absolutely owned the stage! Princess Chariz A. Elare, Adriel Justin E. Silva, Jasfer A. Vitto, and Jeorge A. Vitto performed "Nagloko Ka Rin Naman" by Humprey Lofranco with such power and joy that the Champion title was theirs. 
 

 

Singing Idol 

After the bands wrapped up, the solo vocalists stepped into the spotlight! Solo singers from various STI campuses delivered performances that had the crowd completely captivated. With such powerful voices competing head-to-head, the judges had their work cut out for them. 

Karl Justin T.Presente from STI College San Jose Del Monte impressed everyone with his smooth rendition of "House of Rising Sun" by the Animals, earning Second Runner-Up. 

Mike JustineB. Recabofrom STI College Valencia delivered passion and emotions in "Bulag, Pipi, at Bingi" by Freddie Aguilar for First Runner-Up. 

Then Marc Andrei M. Chavez from STI College Tanauan took the mic and absolutely blew everyone away with "Mahal Kong Pilipinas" by JMara. His unique vocals and flawless execution made him the Champion! 

 

Rewatch the Battle of the Bands & Singing Idol competition through our Facebook livestream link below: 

[https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AVDHnawiZ/] 

 

Hataw Sayaw 

The dance competition brought a whole new level of hype! Groups came prepared with original choreography that mixed different styles and razor-sharp movements. 

Balaraw RTN from STI College Balagtas—Ronalyn V. Baluyut, Daneca Mae B. Canillo, Kyle Russel D. Estrada, Juan Jefferson C. Libres, Karlo Marko S. Porciuncula, and Pete Wesley Ivan C. Roxas—left everything out at the dance floor for Second Runner-Up. 

Tourism Vibes from STI College Global City brought incredible energy! Erwin L. Bicaoco, Samantha Ysabelle S. Dela Cruz, Kurt Russelle B. Gaddi, Jay L. Miraflores, and Dhan Paul A. Urmenita's vibrant routine earned them First Runner-Up. 

BEYOND THE BOX from STI College Fairview completely stole the show! Joana Mikaela T. Aguirre, Ericka Sigrid S. Concepcion, Adrienne Jersch Terrel Naagas, John Leo Paul G. Salibio, and Charlton T. Tagadiad brought creativity and heart that was impossible to beat! 

 

Rewatch the Hataw Sayaw competition through our YouTube livestream link below: 

[https://www.youtube.com/live/bTaZ2KVoQoQ?si=YoNE-bDYVS0OaZKt] 

 

Mr. & Ms. STI 2025

After all the singing and dancing, it was time for the main event everyone had been waiting for! Sixteen ladies and sixteen gentlemen from STI campuses nationwide brought their absolute best. This wasn't just about looks; it was about showcasing the complete package. 

 

The charismatic Jerome Sangalang and the stunning Marga Joyce Sayson took the hosting reins along with our STI student hosts, Arabella Latore and Sofia Nepomuceno.  

The pageant rolled through casual wear, where candidates showed off their personal style and fashion sense. The swimwear competition brought confidence and poise to the center stage, followed by the formal wear segment, where candidates looked stunning in their gowns and suits. 

Jeri Violago, Aliw Awards Best New Male Artist, gave a moving performance, declaring his heart's desire through a powerful rendition of Zack Tabudlo's "Binibini" and his own hit, "Ako Na Sana." Then came a heartwarming moment when STI alumnus Win Buenafe made his homecoming with his boy P-pop boy group 1621 from ABS-CBN Star Music PH, performing "Dilaw" by Maki. 

 

SPECIAL AWARDS 

Mr. & Ms. Placenta Award	Osamu Junichi Matsushima  Geraldine Zarah Olaco	STI College Alabang  STI College Rosario
Mr. & Ms. Zen Zest	Osamu Junichi Matsushima  Tiffany Francisco	STI College Alabang  STI College Ortigas-Cainta
Mr. & Ms. Dentalscape	Ali De Silos  Mary Rose Grande	STI College Balayan  STI College Tarlac
Mr. & Ms. Alta Skin Care System	Jericho Dela Cruz  Ashly Sunga	STI College Balagtas  STI College Baliuag
Mr. & Ms. JM Pageantry	Ali De Silos  Mary Rose Grande	STI College Balayan  STI College Tarlac
Mr. & Ms. Congeniality	Dhenick Carlo Majadas  Angel Mae Baldoquin	STI College Global City  STI West Negros University
Mr. & Ms. Photogenic	Winston Webber Sia  Rolyn Mae Lazarra	STI College Novaliches  STI College Global City
Social Media Stars	Adrian Kurth Wagwag  Zophia Vriyanna Mijares	STI College Munoz-EDSA  STI College Cubao
Best in Swimwear	Dustin Laxamana  Jehn Rossane Marbella	STI Alaminos  STI College San Fernando
Best in Casual Wear	Dustin Laxamana   Mary Rose Grande	STI Alaminos  STI College Tarlac
Best in Formal Wear	Ali De Silos  Mary Rose Grande	STI College Balayan  STI College Tarlac

 

After a nerve-wracking Q&A portion of the Top 5 Mr. & Ms. STI 2025, 1621 hyped up the crowd again as they performedtheir songs, "Bababa" and "Stuck." 

Before the final crowning, our reigning Mr. & Ms. STI 2024, Mohammad Reza D. Gholami Jr. and Chady Mae E. Carenan, took their farewell walk on the Mr. & Ms. STI 2025 stage. 

 

After a journey filled with long hours of preparation, nervous energy, and countless challenges, we finally reached the moment everyone was waiting for. Dustin Laxamana from STI Alaminos and Jehn Rossane Marbella from STI College San Fernando emerged victorious among the 32 candidates as the new reigning Mr. & Ms. STI 2025! 

 

Five gents and five ladies who had already earned national titles and their place in STI history. Enumerated below are the winners for each category. 

 

Mr. STI 2025 

PLACE	NAME	CAMPUS
4th Runner-up	Ali De Silos	STI College Balayan
3rd Runner-up	Aldous Gabriel Nepomuceno	STI College Meycauayan
2nd Runner-up	Jericho Dela Cruz	STI College Balagtas
1st Runner-up	Winston Webber Sia	STI College Novaliches
Mr. STI 2025	Dustin Laxamana	STI Alaminos

 

Ms. STI 2025 

PLACE	NAME	CAMPUS
4th Runner-up	Ashly Sunga	STI College Baliuag
3rd Runner-up	Ashley Nicholle Araña	STI College Carmona
2nd Runner-up	Mary Rose Grande	STI College Tarlac
1st Runner-up	Geraldine Zarah Olaco	STI College Rosario
Ms. STI 2025	Jehn Rossane Marbella	STI College San Fernando

 

“To all of my teachers from STI College San Fernando who chose me and uplifted my self-esteem—thank you for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. Your trust and support mean more than you know,” said Jehn Rossane Marbella, the Ms. STI 2025 winner from STI College San Fernando. 

“Standing on that stage felt unreal, but what made this journey meaningful were the people who believed in me before I believed in myself. Every challenge and moment of fear led me here, and I am so grateful,” said Dustin Laxamana, the Mr. STI 2025 winner from STI Alaminos. 

“To my STI Alaminos family, our School Administrator, Ma'am Chona Vergara; our Academic Head, Sir Carlo Peralta; my coach and mentor, Sir Lex Fabia; all the faculty and staff; and my fellow students—thank you. This win is not just mine. This victory belongs to all of us,” he added. 

Rewatch the Mr. & Ms. STI 2025 through our YouTube livestream link below: 

[https://www.youtube.com/live/XS67Z_Sk_TI?si=4LNQpY_rYkaJze-e] 

From intense band performances and powerful vocals to house-shaking dance routines and a pageant that highlighted both beauty and brains, the STI Talent Search 2025-2026 exceeded every expectation. The triumphs were hard-earned, and every challenge along the way only made the victories sweeter. 

Congratulations to all the winners, finalists, and dedicated individuals who made this happen. Above all, seeing the students cheering, laughing, and celebrating together made this day an unforgettable celebration of talent, passion, and STI pride!