Shining Brighter Than Ever: STI Talent Search 2023 Unfolds

By: Graceline Marcelo , January 31, 2024

The highly anticipated STI Talent Search for the School Year 2023-2024 unfolded on January 25, 2024 at the Enchanted Kingdom in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, showcasing an array of talent from across the STI College network.

The event, a culmination of months of preparation and dedication, saw participants from different STI campuses, each vying for the coveted titles in four major categories: Singing Idol, Battle of the Bands, Hataw Sayaw, and Mr. and Ms. STI 2023.

The amusement park was filled with more than 22,000 STI students from different campuses across the country with participants from the local and cluster competition winners of the Talent Search.

The atmosphere was electric, with students cheering for their favorites and the judges keenly observing every performance.

STI students from different campuses gather at the Enchanted Kingdom grounds to witness their peers showcasing their distinctive talents

Melodies that Touched Hearts (Singing Idol)

Talented vocalists from various STI campuses graced the stage, each delivering mesmerizing performances that left the audience spellbound.

With the presence of industry experts to evaluate the competition, selecting the winner was no easy task with the spotlight shone brightest on our top vocalists.

John Robert Rasdaz, a student at STI College Balayan, secured the 2nd runner-up spot with his entertaining and powerful rendition of ‘Sirena’ by GLOC-9 feat. Ebe Dancel.

Meanwhile, John Esmael Lapu, a student at STI College Koronadal, clinched the 1st runner-up position with his captivating performance of ‘Di Ko Kayang Tanggapin’ by April Boy Regino.

While all participants showcased remarkable talent, only one could emerge as the victor. This year's Singing Idol National Champion was Donalynne May Soriano, a student at STI College Calamba, whose mesmerizing voice and captivating stage presence resonated with her rendition of ‘Bituing Walang Ningning’ by Sharon Cuneta.

Singing Idol contestants deliver a mesmerizing performance that echoes through the hearts of the audience

Singing Idol contestants deliver a mesmerizing performance that echoes through the hearts of the audience

Singing Idol contestants deliver a mesmerizing performance that echoes through the hearts of the audience

Rewatch the Singing Idol competition through our Facebook livestream link below:

[https://www.facebook.com/sti.edu/videos/1538824746851912/]

A Clash of Musical Titans (Battle of the Bands)

Following the Singing Idol event, the Battle of the Bands was a spectacle of musical diversity and creativity. Bands showcased their unique styles, from rock to jazz and pop.

After fierce competition, Barikan Band of STI College Balagtas secured a spot on the podium with their rock and energetic version of 'Upuan' by Gloc-9 featuring Jeazel Grutas. The band, composed of Jomarie Bañares, Cherish Marie Delos Santos, Carl Gabriel De Guzman, and Cristine Joy Hernandez, secured the 2nd runner-up trophy.

Meanwhile, the finalists from STI College Ortigas-Cainta, known as Insanity, delivered a hard rock rendition of 'Halik ni Hudas' by Wolfgang. The band members — John Patrick Jimenez, Karl Josef Azurin, Jairo Kean Sibal, and Mark Andrei Jose Ballesteros — earned the 1st runner-up trophy.

Ultimately, the band Haley from STI College Novaliches clinched the national championship title. The group of Emmanuel Genesis Inton, Joanha Lorraine Barrientos Salanio, Domithy Dave Carreon, and Daryll Arevalo Villar secured victory with their impactful and mic-dropping performance of 'Unholy’ by Sam Smith.

“Our competition journey was tough and full of pressure, especially competing against last year's runners-up. Despite that, our confidence in our preparation led to a strong performance,” said Joanha Lorraine Salanio, the vocalist of Haley from STI College Novaliches.

Electrifying moment as the contestants of Battle of the Bands steal the spotlight with their performance

“After hearing our band name announced as the champions, we felt immense joy. It made all the resources, effort, and time we invested worthwhile, especially considering the many things that happened that day. It felt like a miracle that saved our day,” she added.

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

[https://www.facebook.com/sti.edu/videos/919606562651725/]

Dance Rhythms and Moves Rock the Stage (Hataw Sayaw)

Electrifying performances from the dance groovers were witnessed at the Hataw Sayaw competition. Eight dance crews vied fiercely for the top spot, igniting the audience's enthusiasm for high-octane entertainment.

STI College Calamba’s ALL OUT 2 earned recognition as the 2nd runner-up. The ALL OUT 2 members Bernard Alvarez, Ralph Joacquin Banzuela, Krisha Abunal, Rain Einzel Navarro, John Orlie Vergara, and Raniel Jerico Rosales delivered a smooth and exciting performance that resonated with the audience.

Meanwhile, the Wild Stags from STI College Global City captivated spectators with their energetic and sparkling pop choreography, earning them the 1st runner-up award. The talented group consisted of Ross Rabusa, Duncan James Berganio, Troy Thomas Velasco, Carlos Miguel Castañeda, James Andrae Manzo, and Justine Mark Almario.

The climax of the Hataw Sayaw event was seized by Project Atmos from STI College Ormoc, who clinched the Hataw Sayaw national championship title. Comprising Breah Camay Geraldez, Niel Isaac Cerilo, Nim Rou Fuertes, and Maureen Freyja Melgazo showcased mesmerizing stunts and routines that left the audience in awe.

Witnessing the captivating dance moves of the Hataw Sayaw contestants on stage

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

[https://www.youtube.com/live/CYYt24yTWec?si=NGTakN3YHiCCdfoZ]

Beauty, Grace, and Personality Unleashed (Mr. and Ms. STI)

Capping off the day was the much-awaited highlight of the Talent Search: the Search for Mr. and Ms. STI 2023. 32 contestants from different STI campuses showcased their talents and exuded elegance, poise, and charisma, vying for the prestigious Mr. and Ms. STI 2023 titles.

Mr. and Ms. STI candidates during the opening number of the pageant

Loucille Allaine Bergado from STI College Tarlac was chosen Ms. Kotex 2023 by the event sponsor Kotex.

Radiating warmth and kindness, Oilime Bascon from STI College Davao and Sophia Baluyut from STI College San Jose Del Monte are the true embodiment of grace and friendship; paving the way for them to win the Mr. And Ms. Congeniality awards, respectively.

STI College Balayan duo John Reyn Espina and Argentina Colombia Sanchez took home the Best in Casual Wear award, highlighting their diverse fashion prowess.

While John Reyn Espina from STI College Balayan and Jenny May Benedictos from STI College Malolos solidified their dominance by clinching the Best in Swimwear awards.

The winners of the Special Awards stood out distinctly in various categories

Before announcing the second set of special awards, the audience was treated to a production number from Luminous Studios' up-and-coming artist Mike Villamor.

Mike Villamor serenaded the audience with his rendition of Orange and Lemons’ ‘Heaven Knows’ and his debut single ‘Mahal Kasi Kita’

With the highest votes in the online pool, the Student Choice award was claimed by Kent Tsushima from STI West Negros University and Charis Nepomuceno from STI College Kalibo.

Meanwhile, Carlos Franklin Zamora from STI College Cagayan De Oro and Jenny May Benedictos from STI College Malolos earned the Most Photogenic awards for their striking presence and with their enchanting smiles that caught the attention of both the judges and spectators.

STI College Balayan’s John Reyn Espina and STI College Tarlac’s Loucille Allaine Bergado displayed utmost elegance and beauty as they triumphed in the Best in Formal Wear and Evening Gown categories, respectively.

Recipient of Special Awards in various categories were also presented

Another special performance from our Singing Idol 2023 national champion, Donalynne May Soriano from STI College Calamba and our Hataw Sayaw 2023 national champion, Project Atmos from STI College Ormoc.

Gracing the stage is our Singing Idol national champion Donalynne May Soriano

Award-winning number from Project Atmos our Hataw Sayaw 2023 national champion

After the announcement of the Top 5 Finalists who dazzled the stage with grace, elegance, and sheer brilliance, the audience was once again entertained with an interlude performance from GMA Kapuso actor Matthew Uy.

Matthew Uy serenades the top 5 finalists and the audience with his rendition of Daniel Padilla and Moira Dela Torre’s ‘Mabagal’ and Apo Hiking Society’s ‘Yakap Sa Dilim’ that made the crowd go wild

After a series of rounds that tested their wit, talent, and personality, Harjit Chohan from STI College Caloocan and Kimberly Tinoy from STI College San Pablo were crowned Mr. and Ms. STI 2023, respectively.

Their exemplary performances and profound answers during the Q&A round set them apart from the rest, earning them prestigious titles.

With not just their beauty but also their brains in action, five gents and ladies were announced as part of the Top 5. Enumerated below are the winners for each category.

Mr. STI 2023

PLACE	NAME	CAMPUS
4^TH Runner-up	John Reyn Espina	STI College Balayan
3^rd Runner-up	Brandon Ceralde	STI College Dagupan
2^nd Runner-up	John Paul Gabriel	STI College Baliuag
1^st Runner-up	Angelo Bautista	STI College San Jose Del Monte
Mr. STI 2023	Harjit Chohan	STI College Caloocan

Ms. STI 2023

PLACE	NAME	CAMPUS
4^TH Runner-up	Mary Ann Dela Cruz	STI College Balagtas
3^rd Runner-up	Jenny May Benedictos	STI College Malolos
2^nd Runner-up	Loucille Allaine Bergado	STI College Tarlac
1^st Runner-up	Argentina Colombia Sanchez	STI College Balayan
Ms. STI 2023	Kimberly Tinoy	STI College San Pablo

“Entering this pageant has helped me understand that this is what I want, and witnessing all of the San Pableña STIers who gave their all-in support motivated me to put in even more effort,” said Kimberly Tinoy, the Ms. STI 2023 victor from STI College San Pablo.

The Kings and Queens of Mr. and Ms. STI 2023

“This journey has served as a tribute to my school, friends, and family's unending encouragement and support. I will always be incredibly appreciative of the chance to highlight our school's accomplishments on such a prominent stage. This is a collective accomplishment. We have demonstrated collectively that students from STI College San Pablo excels in all that we do,” she added.

Rewatch the Mr. And Ms. STI 2023 through our YouTube livestream link below:

[https://www.youtube.com/live/hjP_CvSfig8?si=0g4ajeSGhnEL8pqT]

The STI Talent Search 2023 was more than just a competition; it was a celebration of talent, creativity, and community. The event showcased the incredible abilities of STI students, highlighting their dedication, passion, and commitment to their craft.

As the curtains closed on this memorable day, the audience was left inspired and uplifted, eagerly awaiting the next edition of this spectacular event.

Congratulations to all the winners and participants for making STI Talent Search 2023 a resounding success!