STI Talent Search Rocks Enchanted Kingdom
By: Graceline Marcelo , November 25, 2024
The enchanting grounds of the Enchanted Kingdom in Santa Rosa, Laguna transformed into a spectacular stage of dreams as STI College held its annual Talent Search for School Year 2024-2025.
Under the gleaming lights of the grand stage, almost 20,000 students from various STI College campuses gathered to support their favorites and witness an unforgettable evening of performances.
The air buzzed with excitement as contestants prepared to showcase months of dedicated preparation across four major categories: Battle of the Bands, Singing Idol, Hataw Sayaw, and the prestigious Mr. and Ms. STI competition.
The Battle of the Bands segment electrified the atmosphere as young musicians showcased their instrumental prowess and creative arrangements.
JetLag from STI College Lipa delivered a hard rock rendition of 'Lakas’ by COLN feat. Dale Jairus. The band, composed of Christian Angelo M. Lucero, John Emmanuel V. Aquino, Joshua Given D. Diezmo, and Markus Augustus Gabriel V. Pacifico, — earned the 2nd runner-up trophy.
Rising to 1st runner-up was APEX GEN 1 from STI College Angeles, with their powerful rendition of Sampaguita's ‘Nosi Ba Lasi.’ The band, composed of David Kein B. Pangilinan, Kathlyn Mae A. Caacbay, Nathan Bennet Cabarubias, and Suzette Lian T. Aunario, captivated the audience with their vocal performance.
Meanwhile, the Manifesto of STI College Fairview rose to be the National Champion of this year's Battle of the Bands. Alexander Kyle R. Sy, Ashanti Roco Oriane, Normelyn U. Ladera, and Ron Bernard D. Santos emerged victorious with their powerful performance of 'Pake’ by COLN which perfectly balanced technical skill and raw emotion.
In the Singing Idol category, voices soared, and hearts melted as contestants delivered powerful renditions of both classic and contemporary hits.
John Robert Rasdaz, a student at STI College Balayan, secured the 2nd runner-up spot with his entertaining and powerful rendition of ‘One Day’ by Matisyahu.
Meanwhile, Josaiah Cruz, who represented the STI College Fairview, clinched the 1st runner-up position with his captivating performance of ‘Noypi’ by Bamboo.
Amidst a sea of talent, Emmanuel Pescador from STI West Negros University, soar to the top. His soul-stirring performance of 'Nais Ko’ by Basil Valdez secured him the title of this year's Singing Idol National Champion.
The Hataw Sayaw dance competition showcased diverse performances from competing dance groups. Each team presented original choreography that blended different dance styles and sharp movements.
With their magical performance, Mermaids from STI College Global City slayed the stage and successfully claimed the 2nd runner-up position. The talented group consisted of Javeriel Bryle R. Peruda, Justine Mark C. Almario, Lance M. Calpe, Robert James E. Montoya, and Tyron John M. Alvarado.
The Balaraw Dance Crew of STI College Balagtas took the 1st runner-up position. The crew consisted of John Paul M. Ordame, Juan Jefferson C. Libres, Karlo Marko S. Porciuncula, Pete Wesley Ivan C. Roxas, and Ronalyn V. Baluyut. They delivered an engaging performance that connected with the audience.
SILKNSNAP from STI College Alabang emerged as the National Champion with a performance that showcased precision, creativity, and clean choreography. The winning team comprised of Aliah D. Dorneo, Hazzel E. Palle, Josh Benedict T. Escober, Marhiane G. Dazo, Rhiana D. Valdez, and Shinvher C. Cabridas.
The evening's main event was the Coronation Night of Mr. and Ms. STI 2024, featuring 32 contestants from various STI College campuses competing for the crown. The pageant began with the Casual Wear competition, where candidates showcased their fashion sense and took on the P-pop trend during the ramp walk.
Two notable personalities hosted the event: Eygee de Vera, a singer, theater actor, and finalist from GMA 7's The Clash Season 3, alongside Sofia Galve, a model, voice-over artist, and Miss Philippines Earth Eco-Tourism 2021.
The program continued with the Summer Wear segment, followed by a special performance from Emmanuel Pescador of STI West Negros University, the Singing Idol 2024 National Champion, who sang Erik Santos' "Kung Akin Ang Mundo."
The event culminated in the Formal Wear and Evening Gown competition, where candidates displayed Filipino designer creations while demonstrating their grace and sophistication on stage.
The evening included several special awards recognizing various achievements among the candidates. Chady Mae E. Carenan of STI College Balayan dominated the competition, winning multiple awards Kotex 2024, Best in Casual Wear, Social Media Star, Best in Swimwear, and Best in Evening Gown.
Similarly, Mohammad Reza D. Gholami Jr. from STI College Lucena dominated the male category, winning Mr. Luminous Studios Choice, Most Photogenic, Best in Casual Wear, and Best in Formal Wear.
Other notable winners included Princess Nicole D. Mañova from STI College Pasay-EDSA as Ms. Luminous Studios Choice, and Christine G. Garcia from STI College Bacoor who was named Most Photogenic in the female category.
The Mr. and Ms. Congeniality titles were awarded to Quirsten Yuri Salas Rubio from STI College San Fernando and Yazz Naiah Camia from STI College Fairview for their warm and friendly personalities.
Colin Baux Ibay Maas from STI College Baguio also earned recognition as the male Social Media Star winner, while Ralph Duane S. Cadiz from STI College Cubao won Best in Swimwear in the male category.
Adding more excitement to an already spectacular evening, the audience was treated to a special intermission number from notable guest artists and our very own Hataw Sayaw 2024 National Champion, SILKNSNAP from STI College Alabang, delivered an energetic intermission number showcasing their winning moves.
The entertainment continued with Jeri Violago, Aliw Award's 2023 Best New Male Artist and a Tarsier Records ABS-CBN recording artist, who serenaded the audience with his rendition of TJ Monterde's ‘Palagi’.
Rising star Jayda Avanzado, known as the 'Pambansang Sad Girl' and creator of the Apple Music Philippines Top 200 album "Sad Girl Hours," captivated the crowd with her original songs ‘Right Lover, Wrong Time’ and ‘Lumimot Sa'yo,’ leading the audience in a heartfelt sing-along.
The evening reached its pinnacle with the crowning of Mr. and Ms. STI 2024, with Mohammad Reza D. Gholami Jr. from STI College Lucena and Chady Mae E. Carenan from STI College Balayan emerging victorious among the 32 candidates.
The pair distinguished themselves through their exceptional performances and articulate responses during the Q&A portion, leading to their selection from the top 10 finalists - five young ladies and five young gentlemen who earned national titles. Enumerated below are the winners for each category.
Mr. STI 2024
PLACE |
NAME |
CAMPUS |
4th Runner-up |
James Carl D. Villalobos |
STI College Balayan |
3rd Runner-up |
Mark Anthony A. Panganiban |
STI West Negros University |
2nd Runner-up |
Justine Dave C. Galay |
STI College General Santos |
1st Runner-up |
Ralph Duane S. Cadiz |
STI College Cubao |
Mr. STI 2024 |
Mohammad Reza D. Gholami Jr. |
STI College Lucena |
Ms. STI 2024
PLACE |
NAME |
CAMPUS |
4th Runner-up |
Raiza I. Villafane |
STI College Baliuag |
3rd Runner-up |
Zanetonette R. Mangahas |
STI College Sta. Maria |
2nd Runner-up |
Marielle Arida Panganiban |
STI College San Pablo |
1st Runner-up |
Yazz Naiah Camia |
STI College Fairview |
Ms. STI 2024 |
Chady Mae E. Carenan |
STI College Balayan |
The STI Talent Search 2024 not only celebrated individual achievements but also showcased the institution's dedication to developing well-rounded students and nurturing their diverse talents. As the event concluded, it left an inspiring legacy of excellence within the STI College community, setting the stage for next year's competition.
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