October 6, 2017

Almost 20,000 senior high school and college students from STI campuses in different parts of the country gathered in a whole day celebration on September 29, 2017 at the Enchanted Kingdom in Sta. Rosa, Laguna as STI marked its 34th Founding Anniversary.

Due to the astounding number of students coming from key cities across Luzon to Mindanao, the programs were simultaneously held in two venues — the Eldar’s Tent and the Enchanting Events Place.

The Eldar’s Tent featured the best of the best in musicality as it highlighted music competitions such as the Battle of the Bands and the STI Singing Idol. (Videos of the performances to come soon!)

A battle that rocked the stage

The 2nd Runner-up from 2016's Battle of the Bands came to cinch the National Champions title this year. STI College – Malolos’ Karlo Angelo Del Rosario, Jolina Calapati, Steven De Guzman, and Kyle Bastian Pascual or Veritas presented their own version of Jessie J’s Mamma Knows Best.

While STI College – Shaw’s Adbandtage consisting of Bryan Bautista, Emmanuel Espinueva, Patrick Lambino, and Justine Carratero proved that their competitive advantage is definitely their showmanship, bagging the 1st Runner-up title in the competition.

Erica Lois Quiambao, Manuel Zechariah Alao, Eugine Visarra, and Zyron Jade Fausto otherwise known as Skyler from STI College – Alabang kick-started the Battle of the Bands competition with a lively and rock rendition of Mariah Carey’s Emotion, earning them the 2nd Runner-up title.

Battle of the Bands 2017 National Champions, Veritas Band of STI College – Malolos

Adbandtage of STI College – Shaw bags the 1st Runner-up title

Skyler from STI College – Alabang, 2nd Runner-up of Battle of the Bands 2017

Skyler from STI College – Alabang kick starts the Battle of the Bands 2017!

Barnicles Solution from STI College – Cubao rocking out on stage!

Notice Me Senpai from STI College – Cagayan de Oro charms the crowd with their own rendition of "Shape Of You"

Cloud IV from STI College – Tacurong belted out "Balita" live on stage!

Adbandtage from STI College – Shaw is totally blowing the audience’s minds with their performance

Refueled Illumina from STI College – Southwoods shows that this is their home turf with Freddie Aguilar’s "Bulag, Pipi at Bingi."

Limitless from STI College – Dagupan continues to rock it out with "Beep Beep"

Veritas Band from STI College – Malolos continues to entertain the audience with their old school rock!

Big O from STI College – Dumaguete sings "Tatsulok" as the final act for Battle of the Bands 2017

A harmonious showcase

After missing out on the national competition last year, Neil Pitang of STI College – Surigao gave his all to perform Wency Cornejo’s "Hanggang" on the stage that he finally claimed as the Champion.

Janine Pialan of STI West Negros University delivered with her rousing piece of Leo Valdez’ "Magsimula Ka" and collected the 1st Runner-up title.

The afternoon continued at Eldar’s Tent with the STI Singing Idol. Coming in at 2nd Runner-up with a performance of Celine Dion’s "I Surrender" that showed her vocal control is STI College – Koronadal’s Laurielle Rose Tan.

Grand national champion of STI Singing Idol 2017, Neil Pitang from STI College - Surigao

1st runner-up of STI Singing Idol 2017, Janine Pialan from STI West Negros University

2nd runner-up of STI Singing Idol 2017, Laurielle Rose Tan from STI College - Koronadal

Lyka Escultura from STI College – Alabang takes the stage

Reigmar Maceda from STI College – Muñoz-EDSA performs as he captures us with his mesmerizing voice!

The audience is hypnotized by Neil Pitang’s enchanting voice representing STI College – Surigao!

The audiences gave a round of applause for Laurielle Rose Tan from STI College – Koronadal

STI College - Tanay's Michelle Javier's sensational performance roused the crowd with her powerful voice

Shayne Pauli Anne Jones from STI College – Santa Rosa really nailed her song number!

We just witnessed yet another wonderful performance at the Singing Idol Competition by Mark Kevin Suba from STI College – Balagtas

Representing STI College – Malolos, Adelene Rabulan’s voice brought back the beauty in the song and its music

Janine Pialan from STI West Negros University just hit the right pitch in her performance!

A series of dances that inspire

On the other hand, the Enchanting Events Place was a crowd drawer with the Hataw Sayaw dance competition and the much-awaited Search for Mr. and Ms. STI 2017. 

Claiming the National Championship title is El Academica from STI College – Ortigas-Cainta. With a performance that exhibited the group’s theatricality and precision, John Paul Guadaña, Sydney Rose Tolentino, Paul Andrei Vida, Lee Anthony Amoin, and Mark Erickson Guadaña gave a performance that is unlike any other.

If you think you can’t make a powerful choreography to an acoustic number, then you haven’t seen the 1st Runner-up winners, the Balaraw dance troupe from STI College – Balagtas perform yet! Joshua Jacinto Andres, July Lutao Castillo, Paulo Concepcion, Rassen Garcia Plata, Stephen Carl Villegas, and Lorenzo Bong Dela Cruz danced to a medley of Boyce Avenue songs.

Representing STI College – Zamboanga, Jefferson Soyme, Jo Ayman Carpizo, Eprhaim Polares, Kharel Dave Madrista, Vench Montillano, and Abjar Abdulgani also known as After School earned the 2nd Runner-up title with their hard-hitting street dance number that included mixed trap, hip-hop, and waacking, among other moves.

Meet your 2017 Hataw Sayaw Champion, the El Academica from STI College – Ortigas-Cainta!

Balaraw of STI College – Balagtas takes the 1st runner-up place

2nd runner-up, After School! Congratulations STI College – Zamboanga!

STI College – Dasmariñas’ Senior Revamp earned the crowd’s applause with their phenomenal dance performance

STI College – Novaliches’ Funktion Movement is back for more, filling the place with cheers from the crowd!

STI College – Dipolog’s Westhoods’ groundbreaking dance moves just earned fans

After School from STI College – Zamboanga executed a dance number that proves they are truly one of the best out there

Did you hear the crowd’s loud praises? Those are for the STI College – Ortigas-Cainta’s El Academica’s jaw-dropping and astounding performance

Z Army of STI College – Sta. Cruz shook the stage with their thundering and breathtaking number

Balaraw of STI College – Balagtas makes a comeback to the stage this year that still earns many wows from the audience

STI College – Tarlac looks like they’re the one to beat with their electric moves! Who is rooting for Freaktion?

Project A from STI College – Ormoc certainly makes us believers of the saying ‘save the best for last’

One for the books

The competition was tough for this year’s crop of Mr. and Ms. STI candidates. With 18 boys and 18 girls competing for the crown with grace, class, and elegance.

From left to right: Mr. STI 2017 Student’s Choice Awardee: Jay Martin Manela from STI College – Santa Rosa, Ms. STI 2017 Student’s Choice Awardee: Danielle Mari Inciong from STI College – Santa Rosa, Mr. STI 2017 Zenzest Choice Awardee: Jullce Reiniel Bueno from STI College – Malolos, Ms. STI 2017 Zenzest Choice Awardee: Sittie Aisha Hadji Salim from STI College – Davao, Mr. STI 2017 Best in Casual Wear: Gerome Bongco from STI College – Muñoz-EDSA, Ms. STI 2017 Best in Casual Wear: Rhea Mae Tolentino from STI College – Cubao, Mr. STI 2017 Maui & Son’s Choice Awardee: Steven Santos from STI College – Taft Ms. STI 2017 Maui & Son’s Choice Awardee: Diana Pazcoguin from STI College – Tarlac, Mr. STI 2017 Social Media Star Awardee: Israel John Huang from STI Pasay, and Ms. STI 2017 Social Media Star Awardee: Rose Ann Pangilinan from STI College – Makati

With the help of their fellow STIers, Jay Martin Manela of STI College – Santa Rosa and Danielle Mari Inciong of STI College – Santa Rosa collected the Student’s Choice Awards; while Israel John Huang of STI Pasay and Rose Ann Pangilinan of STI College – Makati became the Social Media Stars.

At the get-go, Gerome Bongco of STI College – Muñoz-EDSA and Rhea Mae Tolentino of STI College – Cubao claimed the Best in Casual Wear award.

From left to right: Mr. STI 2017 Chums Live Choice Awardee: Roenan Myro Salas from STI College – Balayan, Ms. STI 2017 Chums Live Choice Awardee and Ms. STI 2017 Kojiesan Choice Awardee: Regiena Marie De Jesus from STI College – Balayan, Ms. STI 2017 Best in Sportswear: Dianne Lane Martin from STI College – San Fernando, Mr. STI 2017 Kojiesan Choice Awardee and Mr. STI 2017 Best in Sportswear: Gerome Bongco from STI College – Muñoz-EDSA, Mr. STI 2017 Best Skin Choice Awardee: Jullce Reiniel Bueno from STI College – Malolos, and Ms. STI 2017 Best Skin Choice Awardee: Marjorie Ordoñez from STI College – Sta. Cruz

Showcasing their athleticism, Gerome Bongco of STI College – Muñoz-EDSA and Dianne Lane Martin of STI College – San Fernando claimed the Best in Sports Wear award.

From left to right: Ms. STI 2017 Most Photogenic Awardee and Ms. STI 2017 Careline Choice Awardee: Regiena Marie De Jesus from STI College – Balayan, Ms. STI 2017 Best in Formal Wear and Ms. STI 2017 Citylady Choice Awardee: Dianne Lane Martin from STI College – San Fernando, Mr. STI 2017 Best in Formal Wear, Mr. STI 2017 Most Photogenic Awardee, Mr. STI 2017 Discovery of the Year, Mr. STI 2017 Blackwater Choice Awardee and Mr. STI 2017 Goldtoe Choice Awardee: Gerome Bongco from STI College – Muñoz-EDSA, Mr. STI 2017 JM Pageantry Choice Awardee: Brandon Michael Tablatin from STI College – Ormoc, Ms. STI 2017 JM Pageantry Choice Awardee: Rose Ann Pangilinan from STI College – Makati, and Ms. STI 2017 Discovery of the Year: Rhea Mae Tolentino from STI College – Cubao

Displaying their class and elegance in a suit and Robert Zamora’s gown, Gerome Bongco of STI College – Muñoz-EDSA and Dianne Lane Martin of STI College – San Fernando won the Best in Formal Wear award.

Mr. STI 2017: Gerome Bongco of STI College – Muñoz-EDSA and Ms. STI 2017: Rhea Mae Tolentino of STI College – Cubao

Mr. STI 1st Runner-up: Jullce Reiniel Bueno of STI College – Malolos and Ms. STI 1st Runner-up: Dianne Lane Martin of STI College – San Fernando

Mr. STI 2nd Runner-up: Steven Santos of STI College – Taft and Ms. STI 2nd Runner-up: Theresa Diana Pazcoguin of STI College – Tarlac

Mr. STI 3rd Runner-up: Israel John Huang of STI Pasay Ms. STI 3rd Runner-up: Rose Ann Pangilinan of STI College – Makati

Mr. STI 4th Runner-up: Roenan Myro Salas of STI College – Balayan Ms. STI 4th Runner-up: Regiena Marie De Jesus of STI College – Balayan

As the night drew to a close, 5 young ladies and 5 young gentlemen took the national titles.

Every year, STI holds the STI Talent Search as an avenue for students to showcase their talents, develop camaraderie between teammates and fellow competitors, and to hone their confidence and characters. 

See you next year, STIers!

Related Articles

STI Bags Anvil Award Anew

The STI National Youth Convention Returns

STI Talent Search 2022 Returns with a Bang

Change Your Habits, Change Your Life with STI NYC

Stars Were Born at Talent Search 2019

MOJO: Sharing Stories, Creating Possibilities