STI College's Tagisan ng Sining 2026 Celebrates Next Wave of Filipino Creative Visionaries
The spotlight shone brightly on STI College during the academic year 2025-2026 as it hosted the annual "Tagisan ng Sining," a prestigious search for creative excellence among student filmmakers and photographers. This celebrated event, which concluded on February 12, 2026, continues to serve as a crucial platform for nurturing emerging talent and fostering artistic innovation within the educational community.
Short Film Competition: Memory as Resistance
This year's short film competition, titled "Director's Cut," presented a compelling challenge to 54 student teams from various STI campuses nationwide. Participants were tasked with exploring the profound theme "Memory as Resistance," encouraging them to delve into narratives that examine how recollections can serve as powerful tools against forgetting or oppression.
National Champion: The top honor was claimed by "Tao," a remarkable short film that masterfully blends live action with animation. Created by Kym Kaisha Dechoson, Narciso Dugay III, and Daniela Lainez of Girls Night Out Productions from STI Global City, this winning entry demonstrated exceptional storytelling and technical prowess.
First Runner-Up: Securing the first runner-up position was "Sa Duyan ng Gunita" by PCL Pictures of STI College Cubao. This poignant film, crafted by Natalie Shane Angulo, Angelica Blanche Salva, and Mark Lawrence Telles, offers a recollection of a memory from 1978, beautifully capturing the essence of the competition's theme.
Second Runner-Up: "Kalinangan" by Re:Take Films of STI College Angeles earned the second runner-up award. Created by Sean Maverick James Inaldo, Angeline Arcilla, and Loyd Denver Palisoc, this film presents a powerful call to preserve cultural heritage through cinematic expression.
Third and Fourth Runner-Up: The competition also recognized "Between the Lines" by NMD Productions of STI College Las Piñas (Niko Liwag, Monica Lucia Aguilar, and Deida Miranda) as third runner-up, and "Dito at Doon" by Zenith Productions of STI College Ortigas-Cainta (Yaz Rohann Barrameda, Sophia Andrelyn Napay, and Matthew Job Estacio) as fourth runner-up.
Photography Category: Borrowed Light
In the photography division, 56 entries transformed ordinary moments into visual masterpieces under the evocative theme "Borrowed Light." This category challenged students to capture illumination in its various forms, whether literal or metaphorical.
National Champion: Cyken Besana Caro, a first-year BS Business Administration major from STI West Negros University, was declared the National Champion for his photograph of a serene playground scene that beautifully interpreted the competition's theme.
First Runner-Up: Jiether Gonzales Rabor, a third-year BMMA student from STI College Tacurong, earned first runner-up honors for his conceptual journey of learning captured through the lens.
Second Runner-Up: Nick James Bueno Ramos, a Grade 12 ITMAWD student from STI College Sta. Mesa, secured second runner-up for his study on guiding light through dim phases, demonstrating technical skill and artistic vision.
Third and Fourth Runner-Up: The competition also recognized Nash Hernandez Rebutiaco, a 4th Year BMMA major from STI College Santa Rosa as third runner-up, and Niño Anthony Noya Zamora, a Grade 11 ITMAWD student from STI College Davao as fourth runner-up.
Distinguished Panel of Judges
The films were evaluated by an esteemed panel of industry professionals including Madonna Tarrayo, CEO of Unitel Productions and Straight Shooters Media; Joel Bohol Jr., art director for commercials, film and television; and Seymour Sanchez, film educator and former technical consultant of the Film Development Council of the Philippines.
The photography entries were judged by Aron Garcia, Special Project Coordinator for Nikon Philippines and Imaging Consultant for Canon Marketing Philippines; Jay Jallorina, renowned architectural photographer and Fujifilm Philippines Brand Ambassador; and Jijo De Guzman, leading photography advisor and grand prize winner of the Batanes International Photography Awards.
A Platform for Creative Discovery
As "Tagisan ng Sining" continues to evolve and expand its reach, it remains a vital platform for STI students to discover new perspectives, refine their creative vision, and develop their artistic skills. The competition not only recognizes excellence but also fosters a community of young creatives who are poised to make significant contributions to the Philippine arts and media landscape.
The success of this year's event underscores STI College's commitment to providing comprehensive educational experiences that extend beyond traditional classroom learning, preparing students for careers in creative industries while celebrating Filipino talent and innovation.
