Get that
Rainproof #OOTD Ensemble Congratulations,
STI’s 1 st Batch of Senior High Graduates!
STIers Learn Citizen Journalism Straight from ABS-CBN Journalists
Say Where? How to Use Prepositions
EDITOR’S NOTE An identity is an image that signifies who we are as individuals. In this issue, a number of people from different backgrounds described what an STIer means to them. Know their testimonies and discover many reasons to be proud of being an STIer! Inside are more articles that bring fun and learning together. We provided a guide on the proper use of prepositions just for you! Pamper your sweet cravings with easy recipes for instant desserts. It’s time to take out all your warm and waterproof gear, and still be fashionable this rainy season. Getting ready for an exam is not easy, so make sure you don’t miss a thing! Be inspired by the stories of this year’s STI Distinguished Alumni awardees, who proved that struggle goes hand-in-hand with success. STIers joined ABS-CBN as content aggregators and monitored the news on social media during the 2016 National Elections. Aspiring young athletes learned basketball and volleyball from PBA coaches and players, and from Alyssa Valdez herself!
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Welcoming the First Batch of Senior High Graduates
STI Honors Distinguished Alumni
Get to know your fellow STIer achievers and more with all the stories we have in store for you, so start turning the pages now!
EDITORIAL STAFF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Elbert L. De Guzman MANAGING EDITORS Jenny Dy Jessica Salao Christopher Maque Alyssah Lucman
CONTRIBUTORS Ephy Cabeling Klaudette Karla Foz Aera Sta. Ana Ricardo Velasco, Jr.
LAYOUT & DESIGN Ferdie Ortega Jose Luis Domingo John Rey Teofilo Joan Pallones Guian Carlo Tupaz
SCHOOL CORRESPONDENTS Devie Babia Michael Flores Mabel Labajo Mildred Latoza Nia Dence Niel Noel Ramoga Rodrigo Rodriguez Kristina Marie Sanchez
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Say Where? How to Use Prepositio ns
We’d like to hear from you! STIMULI is a publication of STI. Send your campus new stories, feature articles, comments, and questions to the STIMULI Editorial Team at the STI Academic Center Ortigas-Cainta, Ortigas Avenue Extension, Cainta, Rizal 1900 or email stimuli@sti.edu
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Cover Story The STIer DNA Understanding Their Identity
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Model Leaders at the 2nd STI SLC
up with 29 Prepping Prepositions! STI NBT 2016 A countrywide aim for the big win
30 IN THIS ISSUE 4 6 14
TV Lectures with the Manicads
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The Training Game
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British Council Trains STI Educators
Exciting stories from different campuses all over the country
Reigning Champions Shone in TNS & TNT 2016
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Sweet Eats
STI & ABS-CBN Joined Arms for 7th Elections Partnership Campus News
From the PBA coaches to the Volleyball phenom
Be Exam-Ready!
5 Tips to Ace Your Exams you can make in no time
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Talent Search 2016
See the brightest STIers shine
35
Global Standards in IT Education
22
On the Shelf: Fantasy Edition
36
Seize the Rainy Day
Your guide to the latest trends today
Get the latest OOTD must-haves for the season!
SPECIAL FEATURE
From left to right: Assistant Secretary for DepEd Elvin Ivan Uy, President of STI Pasay Ronald Allan Caluste, STI Vice-Chairman and CEO Monico V. Jacob, DepEd Regional Director for NCR Dr. Ponciano Menguito, and STI VP for Academics Dr. Lloyd Bautista
WELCOMING THE FIRST BATCH OF
SENIOR HIGH GRADUATES Two years following its implementation of the Senior High School (SHS) program, STI celebrated in welcoming the pioneer batch of Grade 12 students in the 1st Senior High School Graduation with 779 graduates from 36 STI campuses nationwide. Out of the total SHS graduates, over 200 are from eight STI schools in the National Capital Region (NCR) and nearby areas
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who were honored on April 8, 2016 at the STI Academic Center Global City in Taguig. “STI is one of the pioneer schools that implemented the Senior High program in the country. We see this as an opportunity for the students to meet the demands of the 21st century as part of our goal
to equalize regional competencies in line with the ASEAN integration. We are proud of the first batch of Senior High graduates and we wish them to succeed in their ventures,” STI Vice-Chairman & CEO Monico V. Jacob shares in a statement. In 2014, out of 92 private schools nationwide accredited by the
Department of Education (DepEd) to offer Senior High School for school year 2014-15, 67 or 73% are STI schools. As of today, all 78 STI schools including STI West Negros University have been granted the DepEd permit to offer Senior High School. Designed to ensure that Senior High School graduates are prepared for higher education, entrepreneurship or employment, STI opened its doors to Grades 11 and 12 students with various strands and specializations under the academic and technical-vocationallivelihood tracks. STI Senior High Schools have been preparing for this transition since June 2013. Among the 8 STI campuses in NCR with SHS graduates were from STI Colleges in Caloocan, Fairview, Las Piñas, Makati, Muñoz-EDSA, Ortigas-Cainta, Pasay, and Tanay. The graduation ceremony was attended by the DepEd Regional Director for NCR Dr. Ponciano Menguito and STI Alumni Association President Hernan Alar. Inspirational words were given to the fresh graduates by DepEd Assistant Secretary for Curriculum and Instruction Mr. Elvin Uy.
The batch valedictorian Michaela R. Mendiola delivering her speech to her fellow graduates
The first graduation event of STI Senior High is another milestone in STI’s pursuit of excellence. The institution looks forward in the advancement of education in the country, and welcomes the implementation of Senior High with readiness to produce graduates who are college-ready, job-ready, and life-ready.
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SPECIAL FEATURE
STIJoined & ABS-CBN Arms for their 7th Elections Partnership
STI volunteers at the ABS-CBN studio during the Halalan 2016
STIers listened and participated at the citizen journalism workshops for Halalan 2016
STI, together with its partner ABS-CBN, answered the call to join forces in ensuring that the events unfolding during the National Elections are being reported and circulated on social media.
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Through ABS-CBN’s advocacy arm Bayan Mo, iPatrol Mo (BMPM), STI students went through preparations leading up to the elections with workshops on citizen journalism and learning more information about the candidates through “Voters’ Ed.” Under the campaign “Ipanalo ang Pamilyang Pilipino,” STI supports ABS-CBN in a common cause for the Filipinos to become more assertive and conscientious in choosing the next Philippine President for the 2016 National Elections. On February 29, 2016, BMPM held a Kapamilya School Fair event at STI Academic Center in Cubao to encourage STIers to become more proactive in fulfilling their duties as members of the youth sector during the upcoming elections. Activities were held such as game booths and talent contests to raise awareness on the country’s social issues and responsible voting. The event was also graced by the presence of social media influencer and BMPM Brand Ambassador Gretchen Ho and ABSCBN News Head Ging Reyes. Students and faculty members who volunteered became Bayan
Patrollers for the Elections Day. To prepare them, they were given an orientation at STI Academic Center in Cubao on May 4, 2016. Conducted by Rowena Paraan and Pamela Munji from the BMPM Team, the volunteers were given a clearer understanding on how they will become content aggregators of the expected pouring of stories from citizens thru BMPM’s social media sites. Students who will be posted at key precincts were also familiarized on what they will do to assist in the election process. When the day of the elections arrived, the volunteers from different STI campuses became budding journalists as they received and verified reports on the ongoing elections via social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. STI also provided computer units to efficiently accommodate more patrollers, thus more stories. Learning about responsible reporting of current events on social media, BS Information Technology (BSIT) senior Jay-R
Oprin of STI College – Fairview shares, “The social media is a very powerful tool and everyone, especially the younger ones, are exposed to whatever content it has. Sometimes we experience information overload, even reaching the point where we mix real news with satirical pieces. Being part of the Halalan 2016 taught us to become responsible citizen journalists — that we always have to verify our sources before believing the news and stories. Because whatever we post on social media will influence the netizens, whether in good or bad ways, and will also affect our credibility. So we always have to watch what we post out there.” Since 1997, the solid partnership of STI and broadcasting giant ABS-CBN has trained STIers to become socially responsible and enablers of change for seven election years, molding them to be aware and critical about national issues, and be more involved in shaping the country’s future.
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CAMPUS NEWS
YOUNG ADVOCATES SPEAK UP!
Student awardees from STI College – Novaliches STIers proudly raised their school’s banner at the prestigious AdSpeak 2016 held on March 4, 2016 at the Colegio de San Juan de Letran where they joined other colleges and universities and showed the power of advertising. Armed with creativity
A screencap from “Coin” by Jerald Rioflorido of STI College – Global City
and the theme of Values Over Time, STI’s AB Communication students produced powerful messages to remind the audiences of the morals and values that make the world a better place. Sophomores from STI College – Global City bagged awards for their moving works in the TV Category. Roy John Libres’ video “Be Like” shows how succumbing to peer pressure comes with a great cost. Recognized by the majority of the online users for his work, he was granted the Online Choice Award. Meanwhile, Jerald Rioflorido’s video entitled “Coin” creatively
“Air” by John Jeffry Calma of STI College – Novaliches demonstrated the famous idiom — “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” — which won 2nd runner-up in the Students’ Choice Award. Two freshmen from STI College – Novaliches, likewise, brought home three more awards for their works in two different categories. John Jeffry Calma captured the audiences’ interests with his powerful poster he dubbed “Air,” landing two awards — Students’ Choice Award and Values Advertising Award, both for the Print Category. For his work, John was also granted a scholarship at McCann University Summer Practicum with one of the most prestigious advertising agencies in the country, McCann Worldgroup Asia-Pacific. Janine Lopez, on the other hand, voices a child’s sentiment of a broken family through a song in her radio advertisement. She was proclaimed the 1st runner-up in Students’ Choice Award under the Radio Category. Through this event, STI’s AB Communication students were given the venue to bring out the influencers in them and convey compelling messages that challenge their viewers and listeners to recognize the issues and problems in the society.
Student awardees from STI College – Global City
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CAMPUS NEWS
MORE THAN JUST ADOBO The list of all-time favorite Filipino dishes would not be complete without adobo. It is perhaps the country’s most popular dish served in hundreds of variations.
From left: Nova Casidsid, Clerie Sucgang, and Jeofelene David
THREE VICTORS,
FOUR YEARS
Three BS Tourism Management (BSTM) STI students are ready to broaden the horizons through their mastery in travelling and sightseeing, proven by their victory during the Provincial Tourism Quiz Bee. The event was held at the Aklan Training Center, Old Buswang in Kalibo, Aklan on September 15, 2015 and participated by tourism student representatives from various schools in the region. STI College – Kalibo’s contenders, senior Clerie Jane Sucgang, junior Jeofelene Faye David, and sophomore Nova Gay Casidsid breezed through the questions with their expertise in travel and tourism, defending their school’s championship title for four consecutive years now. The presence of the trio’s mentor, Ms. Jayza Sarabia, gave them the encouragement and confidence they need that ultimately earned them the much coveted trophy. The preparations they went through proved that hard work pays with a great sense of achievement. *Special thanks to: Nia Dence Niel, School Correspondent, STI College – Kalibo. Article written by Jessica Salao, Correspondent
On November 14, 2015, HMR Philippines Inc. and DeliChef organized The Great Adobo Cook-Off held at the Pioneer St. Market in Mandaluyong City. The event was a battle for innovative cooks to prepare their original and best-tasting versions of this classic Pinoy recipe. The venue was filled with the aroma of different types of adobo which stirred up both the judges and the guests. The appetizing activity was Rhealyn “Rhea” Montojo hosted by Dodj Mallari and Ada Milby. The jurors were headed by Adobo Queen Nancy Lumen and celebrity official Facebook page. She is also Chef Ynna Asistio. present in DeliChef’s verious events, showcasing her talent in cooking, Among the nine contenders was especially of her famous adobo. Rhealyn Montojo, a 2nd year
BS Hotel and Restaurant Management (BSHRM) student of STI College – Alabang, who won the grand prize for the said national event. While other cooks added aligue, coconut milk, turmeric paste, and other spices to their adobo, Rhea’s secret ingredients for her final entry were lambanog and honey. This unique twist made her bag the cash prize amounting to P50, 000 and a complete set of DeliChef products. She also became DeliChef’s ambassadress and was featured in DeliChef’s promotional videos and materials as seen on the company’s
Rhea shares that aside from learning and experimenting to cook at an early age while living with distant relatives, she credits her enhanced skills to her mentors, BSHRM faculty members Mildred Latoza and Ester Diaz. Rhea claims that both trained her to develop her culinary talent and inspired her to join the Great Adobo Cook-Off. *Special thanks to Mildred Latoza, Faculty Member, STI College – Alabang. Article written by Aera Sta. Ana, Correspondent
tors
Rhea (middle ) with her men
Rhea at The Great Adobo Cook-Off
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THE SIGNATURE DISH
of SUCCESS The City Government of Calbayog, under the leadership of Mayor Rolando P. Aquino, sponsored the 3rd Calbayog Tinapa Cookfest dubbed as Tinapa 101, held on October 9, 2015 at the Calbayog City Convention Center. The cooking competition involved 16 dishes in two categories: four entries for the non-school category, and 12 entries for the school category. The tinapa, one of the most popular buys as a “pasalubong,” was given several cooking twists and various presentations in order to win the judges’ taste and capture their visual appetite. The group of three Hospitality and Restaurant Services (HRS) sophomores namely Jocelyn Tombiga, Janine Amistoso and Dante Cator made it as the 2nd Runner-up with the dish called “Tinapa Rolls with White Sauce.” The STIers who competed were grateful for the overwhelming support of their adviser and coach Ms. Jasmine Villa. The winners were assessed and judged by Chef Leo Ebio, Jr.,
By: Ephy Cabeling, School Correspondent, STI College – Calbayog
the current Sous Chef of Ciriaco Hotel in Calbayog, and Ms. Glenda Barreto, renowned restaurateur and owner of the famous Via Mare restaurant. Part of the training that Hospitality Management students go through is to explore different tastes in various dishes. Thus, the event presented an opportunity for the STIers to showcase their talents and hone their skills, giving them a valuable experience in the field of culinary arts.
From left: Mrs. Jasmin Villa, Jocelyn Tombiga, Dante Cator, and Janine Amistoso
CHAMPS of HOSPITALITY
From left: Chathy Naval and Jay Esparagoza
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BS Hotel and Restaurant Management (BSHRM) students of STI College – Tacurong participated in the three-day Kumbira Festival, a professional and student culinary show and live competition held from August 12 to 14, 2015 at the Kimketkai Mall, Cagayan de Oro City. Under the guidance of their instructors Mr. Noel Ramoga and Mr. Michael Flores, senior Jay Esparagoza and his partner junior Chathy Naval reigned among 34 other competitors from different schools in Mindanao by bagging the gold medal for their impressive table set-up. Meanwhile, two BSHRM freshmen Jinky Batomalaque and Neravie Abayon received diplomas for the Waiter’s
Relay and Table Napkin Folding Competitions. To make the big win is an achievement for the STIers, but the experience they gained in joining the competition is much more valuable. This is why STI encourages its students to partake in out-ofthe-classroom affairs that will allow them to put their knowledge into practice, and hone their skills and potential in their chosen fields. *Special thanks to: Noel Ramoga, MBA, and Michael Flores, MBA, Faculty Members, STI College – Tacurong. Article written by Jessica Salao, Correspondent
CAMPUS NEWS
• NOMINEES • FOR EXCELLENCE
Brian Gomez
Mary Grace Sayo
Two STIers were chosen as finalists of their respective regions to be included in the honorable list of Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP). The TOSP was founded by businessman Jose Concepcion, Jr. to honor students who demonstrated exemplary performances in their respective academic fields and showed good leadership skills that contribute positive effects in communities. Mary Grace Glorydell Sayo is a BS Business Management senior of STI College – Baguio, who earned medals and awards for the various competitions that she participated in. Under the English as a Second Language (ESL) Program, she was hailed champion for the International Prepared Speech Category in the ESLympics 2015. ESLympics is an event that aims to promote effective English communication among the youth and allow them to express their thoughts freely through different means such as writing and speaking. As a Toastmaster International Member, it also opened several opportunities for her to
become an accomplished speaker that will inspire, motivate the Filipino youth, and initiate a better change in the society. Mary Grace is also active in the organizations she is part of — Secretary of the Toastmaster International Synergy Toastmaster Club, President of her school’s Student Council, and an organizer of leadership training seminars in her school. She also proved herself to be an active social advocate as she participated in several clean-up drives and outreach programs for the Rotaract Club of STI Baguio Sunrise and Saint Paul Learning Center. For her achievements, Mary Grace was proclaimed as one of the TOSP Regional Winners in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). Brian Gomez, hailing from Pangasinan, worked hard for his goals and his future. Facing financial problems that hindered him from pursuing college, he left for Manila to work and earn money before finally enrolling in BS Computer Science at STI College – Ortigas-Cainta. He was a consistent Dean’s Lister and earned the Best Thesis Award. He
also participated in several clubs and activities such as clean-up drive, giftgiving project in Tahanang Walang Hagdan, reached out to troubled young girls at the Cribs Foundation, and joined ABS-CBN’s Bayan Mo, Patrol Mo in providing assistance during the recently held Halalan 2016. He was also the Vice President of his school’s Student Council, and member of the Radical Young Leaders, Inc., a non-government and non-profit organization engaged in strengthening the youth force for community development and nationbuilding. Brian is recognized as one of the regional finalists of TOSP for Region IV-A. The TOSP recognitions given to Brian and Mary Grace serve as testaments of STI’s pursuit towards excellence in the holistic development of its students. They serve as models to their fellow students and to the rest of the youth in the country as they proved that nothing should be a hindrance in becoming the best that they can be.
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Jen’s winning entry to the Pinoy Fotopic contest
THE
WINNING SHOT
Visual creativity showed through when one STIer from STI College – Dasmariñas joined the Pinoy Fotopic seminar, a workshop for photography enthusiasts. On February 6, 2016 at the Lerato Condominium in Bel-Air, Makati, Jenilyn “Jen” Cortez, an AB Communication Arts senior, won first place with her visual presentation of a toy car for the on-the-spot indoor shot category. Her work was chosen among the pool of submissions for its
well-balanced shot and impressive application of the rules in photography.
On her experience in the Pinoy Fotopic contest, Jen shares, “It was very fun and such a nice feeling when I am able to apply what I have learned during that time. After receiving the award, I’ve become more driven to pursue photography, enhance my skills, and continue to produce beautiful stories by capturing every moment.”
Jenilyn “Jen” Cortez
Having a keen eye for details is essential in creating an artwork. Jen not only showed her knack for photography, but also proved that passion is key to become successful in any chosen field. *Special thanks to: Mabel Labajo, Faculty Member, STI College – Dasmariñas. Article written by Jessica Salao, Correspondent
CODE of TRIUMPH
STI College – Bohol prides itself in the outstanding performance of its students in the field of IT at the Regional 2015 Skills Competition, held on August 26-28, 2015 at the University of the Visayas in Cebu City. Mastering the codes and techniques of computer programming, 4th year BS Information Technology (BSIT) student Rey Mark Cabuntagon brought home the bacon as he emerged as champion in the Web Design category. He was guided and supported by his mentor, IT instructor Zichri Logronio.
The event was organized by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Region VII with an aim to showcase the talent of the youth in their chosen fields, which is valuable in the progress of the country towards prosperity. As STI shares the same cause, it nurtures its students’ potential through education so they will have the skills set they need to be ready for the real world. *Special thanks to: Devie Babia, School Correspondent, STI College – Bohol. Article written by Jessica Salao, Correspondent Rey Mark Cabuntagon
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CAMPUS NEWS
A TRIUMPHANT PUNCH By: Klaudette Karla Foz, Deputy School Administrator, STI College – Makati
An addition to the list of Pinoy Boxing Pride, Gretchen “Chen Chen” Abaniel, a native of Puerto Princesa, Palawan finished a victorious fight at the Punchbowl Stadium in South Wales, Australia on July 2, 2016. The 30-year-old Associate in Computer Technology graduate of STI College – Makati bagged the Women’s International Boxing Association (WIBA) title and kept the Women’s Global Boxing Union Minimumweight title through a unanimous decision win over Petcharas Superchamp of Thailand. As she is currently the Women’s International Boxing Federation title holder, her recent triumph in Australia made her the first and only Filipina with triple world titles.
The boxing champ credits her technical boxing skills to her coach Roel Velasco who was a bronze medalist in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. Gretchen started boxing when she was 17 at her hometown in Puerto Princesa where she became a member of the Philippine National Team. She held the 2009 and 2014 WIBA minimumweight title, as well as the 2007 World Boxing Council (WBC) International female minimumweight title. She is also a bronze medalist in the 2005 International Amateur Boxing Association.
Rody Duterte and presenting her three world boxing titles stirred her to fight hard for this significant match. Gretchen shared that she has never been at the doorstep of Malacañang even when she won international medals for the country as a national athlete. “Hindi ko pa naranasan makatuntong sa Malacañang at makamayan ng Presidente,” shares Abaniel. “Pangarap ko po ‘yan kaya ginawa ko ang lahat ng kaya ko para magtagumpay sa laban ko. At sana magsilbing halimbawa sa mga Pilipinang kababaihan na kaya nating mag-excel sa buong mundo,” she added.
More than the accolades and financial rewards, meeting President STIMULI
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SMALL START,
BIG GOALS Kristina Sanchez was not set for a smooth-sailing time at school. However, her perseverance and focused mind have prepared her for the rough road she journeyed on.
Kristina’s story started not long after her high school graduation. Her mother and uncle urged her to take an Electronics Engineering course at a university, which she did albeit reluctantly. She eventually found it difficult to study a track she never took any liking to and decided to take a different path on her own.
and even earned her promotion as a Customer Service Specialist. To save more for her college education, Kristina also helped her mother with their family business, and even started an online business with her friends. Soon, she was able to enroll herself in a 2-year Information Technology course at STI Pasay.
Kristina found herself building her career as soon as she had her internship at a start-up IT company called Smart Internet Merchants. Impressing her employers, she was offered a place as a developer before “Everything changed after a while and she even graduated, which she happily accepted. This contributed to her I was getting tired of studying what I did not like to pursue in the first place. growing experience and skills in the IT industry and became her stepping I dropped out of school before the finals of the first semester after telling stone towards a bigger opportunity. She now enjoys her career as a System my mother how I felt. Luckily, she understood and agreed that I will quit Analyst and Quality Assurance at the IT Resources Corporation, a company on becoming an engineer.” that recruits candidates who are best One of the first things she did was to qualified for their client companies. work as a call center representative
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“I am still training to be a capable developer for the firm, but I hope to be promoted soon as our current projects advance. They made me realize a lot more of my potential and helped me gain a lot more than just work experience. My co-workers treat me like their family and I was able to know more of who I really am through their guidance.” Equipped with her unbeatable spirit, Kristina knows that her goals are still far from her sight. Along the way, she motivates herself with a Confucian motto to get through: “When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals. Adjust the action steps.” *Special thanks to: Kristina Marie Sanchez, Alumna, STI Pasay. Article written by Jessica Salao, Correspondent
CAMPUS NEWS
A group of talented STIers from San Jose were declared champions after besting various schools in the city as part of the annual celebration of the Feast Day of St. John Bosco on January 28, 2016.
For the dance contest category, BS Accounting Technology (BSAT) sophomore Bill Francis Santos and freshman Dennis Floyd Rillorta, Hospitality and Restaurant Services (HRS) freshmen Victor Lee Tiglao and Michael Rey Vincent Pacete, 1st year Associate in Computer Technology student Bernardino Dela Cruz III, and 2nd year HRA student Jherom Felix defeated other participating schools as they impressed the judges and crowd with their modern dance number.
Crisianne Joyce Gonzales, a Hotel and Restaurant Administration (HRA) sophomore, showcased her singing prowess through her rendition of a legendary Whitney Houston hit, “Saving All My Love for You.”
The winners in the said competition received a Certificate of Recognition, trophy, and cash prize. STI’s participants were assisted by STI College – San Jose’s President Rafael Venturina, Academic Head Francis
A STRAIGHT STREAK
OF TALENTS By: Ricardo Velasco, Jr., Faculty Member, STI College – San Jose
Jorge Bondoc, and Ricardo Velasco, Jr., the school’s Talent Circle Adviser and GE Instructor.
HACK I.T. OUT Ten STIers proved their competency in computer programming in two different events: the two-day Mindanao Wide IT Olympiad and the annual Mindanao Conference for IT Students (MCITS). The Mindanao Wide IT Olympiad was held on February 18 to 19, 2016 at the University of Immaculate Conception in Davao City where STIers competed with several other schools in Mindanao. BS Information Technology (BSIT) seniors Margie Alviola and Vincent Bryan Calija, and BSIT junior Charlotte Princes Lhyn Entes mastered the codes and won as champions in the Hackathon programming competition. Zara Pamela Abrasaldo and Keziah Paner, both 3rd year BSIT students, ranked 6th for the IT Quiz category, while the trio composed of BSIT senior Royette Camahalan and BSIT juniors Al-nizar Ibrahim and Adreanne Lester Jipos placed 4th for the Association
for Computing Machinery (ACM) Programming category. Middle (from left): Vincent Bryan Calija and Margie Monera Alviola They were mentored by work for the Holy Cross College of their IT instructors Marc Vincent Sasa (HCCS) Enrollment System with Lopena, Jennyfer Soriano, Jhay Anne Online Pre-Registration. Rambaoa, and Armelita Pulido. In the MCITS event, two pairs of STIers were given the chance to present their theses on February 18, 2016, also at the University of Immaculate Conception. Royette Camahalan and 4th year BSIT student Ereberto Cordero, Jr. presented the Camahalan Chua Cordero Susbrado (CCCS) Scheduling Application, a mobile application they developed to assist the user in making efficient scheduling with their everyday tasks. Meanwhile, Vincent Bryan Calija and another 4th year BSIT student Sittie Zainah Mindalano also presented their
STI’s holistic training in the field of IT continues to show in the skills competitions and research presentations the students actively join. Aside from bringing pride to their school, the recognition the students receive serve as a testament to their perseverance and hardwork, both of which are essential to succeed in the field of Information Technology. *Special thanks to: Rodrigo Rodriguez, Faculty Member, STI College – Davao. Article written by Jessica Salao, Correspondent STIMULI
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REIGNING CHAMPIONS SHONE IN
STI TNT & TNS 2016 When students get to be the best, they show it! The annual Tagisan ng Talino (TNT) and Tagisan ng Sining (TNS) championships gathered over 130 STI students nationwide who competed for the top title on March 3, 2016 at STI College – Bohol.
Under the time limit of 10 minutes, Ginalyn Benitez and Jovie Lyka Valdez of STI College – Cubao impressed the judges with their creativity and efficiency in setting the table with a French-inspired atmosphere in the All in Place competition.
All contenders showcased their skills, aptitude, and proficiencies in the school and cluster levels of the competition before reaching the national level. These competitions are divided into different fields of study, providing venue for the student contenders to practice and enrich their competencies in their chosen fields.
With the theme “You: The Millennial,” STI College – Surigao’s Mary Apple Bano’s cake stood out among the other stunning cakes wherein she used a chapel as her topper to symbolize her generation’s devotion to their religion in Worth the Whisk.
Anvi Rose Tolentino, Carlo Delas Alas, and Mariz Merilles of STI College – Balayan replicated the dishes prepared by professional chefs and proved themselves to have a perfect taste for gourmet in the Chef Xpress competition.
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Collecting their thoughts was tough for all speakers in Stand Up and Deliver, but Ernest Montano III of STI College – Ortigas-Cainta triumphed with his concise and powerful oratorical piece about the Philippine educational system in relation to its ASEAN counterparts.
“Caressed by the Sun, Bathed by the Sea” by Brienth Mortera of STI College – Santa Rosa Winner of Shutter’s Best
Despite the pressure of competition, Kenneth Castillo of STI College – Tanauan found the inspiration to write a moving piece about last year’s winning photo in Shutter’s Best in just under two hours during the Essay Does It! Keeping up with the popularity of mobile applications, Jaymart Araga and Mark Jason Mangio of STI College – Rosario successfully produced a helpful tool for the
A screencap from the champion entry for Music for Reel by Donabelle Ban, Laica Calingasan, and Mier Leandro Gonzales of STI College – Southwoods
teachers that will aid them with their advising and consultation sessions with their students in App and Running. Radih JR Paraguas of STI College – General Santos emerged as the winner of Into Programming as he created the most efficient and faultless program in the competition. With a broad familiarity about the world and everything under the sun, Lloyd Karl Garcia, Abraham Villanueva, and Sam Jhumel Domingo of STI College – Global City impressed the judges and audience alike with their precise answers to every question thrown at them during Think Quest. Music for Reel finalists Donnabelle Ban, Laica Calingasan, and Mier Leandro Gonzales of STI College – Southwoods garnered their much deserved recognition when they produced the most touching music video of the STI Hymn that conveyed a rousing message on nationalism and the hallmark of a compassionate Filipino.
The champion entry for Worth the Whisk by Mary Apple Bano of STI College – Surigao
Photos that captured the beauty of Bohol were reviewed based on how
much it exhibited the blissful island life in Shutter’s Best where Brienth Mortera of STI College – Santa Rosa showed an impressive image of the sunset from a boat. “When we hold our annual TNT and TNS, we teach our students the value of a healthy competition. That it is not just all about winning, but the challenge is for the participants to bring out the best in themselves, and at the same time, gain learning experience from their fellow STIers. As early as now, we allow them to capture the feel of being a professional, not only in their performance, but also in the way they handle the competitiveness in the real world,” shares STI Vice President for Academics Dr. Lloyd Bautista. Through these competitions, STI upholds its promise of real life education for its students as they learn from their experiences and the performances of their fellow STIers, equally through their success and failures. As an academic institution, STI encourages its students to demonstrate camaraderie, sportsmanship, and good teamwork.
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STI IDOL
Distinguished STI HONORS
ALUMNI
STI’s achievements towards excellence in education are reflected through the accomplishments of its graduates. Their success is not limited to what they have attained in their chosen fields, but also extends to their social involvement. The STI Alumni Association (STIAA) proudly recognizes this year’s most esteemed graduates through the 2016 STI Distinguished Alumni Awards, which was held on April 28, 2016 at the Hennan Resort Alona Beach, Bohol.
“Our alumni are bearers of the institution’s good name. We deliver education that our students can use to fulfill their own goals, but how well they use the knowledge and skills is the very key to their success. However, we not only recognize their accomplishments in their chosen fields, but also their involvement in the community because that’s when their training with us translates into meaningful contributions to the society,” shares Dr. Lloyd Bautista, STI Vice President for Academics.
Benjamin Carbonell BS Computer Science Batch 2005 STI College – Fairview
Benjamin Carbonell adheres to “There’s no such thing as instant success.” He believes that hard work, dedication, and good values will get a person to where he or she wants to be, and that’s how he obtained his current job as an IT Auditor and Consultant at one of the biggest multinational oil companies, CHEVRON Philippines, Inc., and has seen many parts of the world such as Australia, Indonesia, Russia, Thailand, and Bangladesh, as part of his work. One of the opportunities he received from the company was training for the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) V3 Foundation Certification which specializes in IT Service Management. Benjamin now uses this credential to share his knowledge in various IT-related fields to professionals, including Chevron employees and teachers. He also extends his helping hand to the environment as a volunteer for the Coastal Clean-up in San Pascual, Batangas and the Tree Planting Activity held in San Mateo Land Fill in Rizal which benefitted the residents of the community.
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Julius Serrano
BS Computer Science Batch 2005 STI College – Recto
Julius has beaten the odds as one of the visuallyimpaired Filipinos who graduated with a degree in Computer Science. Despite his condition, he continues to share his expertise as a resource speaker for Web Accessibility. Julius described his journey as “unpredictable” with his fair share of difficulties and failures, but he soldiered on and now works for Catalyst IT Limited in New Zealand as an Accessibility Specialist. He is also an active Project Coordinator for a computer school for the visually-impaired called the Adaptive Technology for the Rehabilitation, Integration and Empowerment of the Visually Impaired (ATRIEV) and a member of the NZ Web Standards Working Group in New Zealand.
Raquel Gamboa
BS Computer Science Batch 2003 STI College – EDSA-Crossing (now Shaw) Raquel Gamboa’s story started with her family’s financial struggles but she did not let it end there. Rather than treating her circumstances as a hindrance to her success, it became Raquel’s driving power to dream big and provide a comfortable life for her family. A scholar and an overachiever, she finally graduated with flying colors and has since worked for multinational IT companies such as Lawson Software and Emerson Network Power. Today, Raquel works as an IT Associate Manager for Ayala Land, Inc. where she oversees existing software applications to support its business process and operations. Raquel also actively participates in her barangay’s community and was eventually elected as the Barangay Councilor of Guadalupe Viejo, Makati in 2013. She is now the Chairwoman for Education, Culture, and Events of the Barangay Council, supporting educational projects and activities, conducting free computer literacy training, and promoting activities to preserve the Filipino culture.
STI’s alumni embody what the institution stands for: innovation, relevant education, competence, and social responsibility. With more than 12,000 graduates annually nationwide, STI recognizes the triumphs of its alumni which are determined by their efforts, abilities, and performance as individuals and professionals here and abroad.
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COVER STORY
The STIer DNA Understanding Their Identity
What’s the first word that comes to your mind when you meet an STIer? We asked a few people — from fellow STIers, parents, and even potential employers — to describe what an STIer means to them. Just like meeting people from Globe, SM, and other big companies, or even someone from a student organization, we relate the way they act and behave with where they come from. They become the organizations’ ambassadors. This is especially true for students and graduates. They are the living representations of their education — how they are disciplined, trained, and shaped to become. Read on to find out what makes up the STIer’s identity!
We asked a professor...
Career-oriented STIers work hard to fulfill their dreams and aspirations. When dead-set on a goal, STIers perform at their best and exceed expectations, especially when they enjoy what they are doing. Ron Salem, Head of the BS Information Technology (BSIT) Department of STI College – Ortigas-Cainta, shared his observations of his students.
What is DNA? DNA, or the DeoxyriboNucleic Acid, is a two-strand molecule that holds the genetic code of a human being’s biological structure, which is manifested through the proteins a human body produces. The hereditary traits encoded in a DNA are called genes.
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“An STIer is fun-loving, but craves challenges. I noticed that my students enjoy hands-on activities when training, and they are not picky about the kind of work I give them. They are passionate about the field they are in. This is also why I hold high expectations for them. The more they enjoy their work and stay at the company they work in, the more they will gain favor from their employers. This is always a good sign because employers like to work with employees who stay and share the same goal as them. With this kind of unwavering attitude, an STIer will continue to grow and that’s how they will succeed in their ventures.”
We asked a senior high school student...
Reliable For a senior high school student, STIers are shaped by the premiere education of their school, making them exemplary individuals. Glen Gray Bido, a Grade 11 IT in Mobile Application and Web Development student of STI College – Novaliches, shares his impression of an STIer. “Taking from my experiences during my first days in STI, I see STIers as friendly individuals who are more than willing to help. They gave me and my fellow Senior High School students a warm welcome during our first day, and were approachable which made it easier for me to adjust in the new environment. I believe that they learned these traits from the good discipline taught by STI.”
We asked a School Administrator...
A Source of Pride An STIer embodies what their school or alma mater trained them for. To Marife Ibarra, the Deputy School Administrator of STI College – Caloocan, seeing an STIer excel or simply meeting an alumnus gives her a sense of pride. She sees in them the value of her work and efforts to shape well-rounded students. “STIers give me a sense of pride and fulfillment. I feel overwhelmed when I see a student excel in the activities he or she participates in, as well as when an STI alumnus succeeds in his own ways because I see the significance of my work through their achievements. STIers stand out because they embody the most important values of education: knowledge, professionalism, and hard work.”
We asked a college student...
Professional Professional is what STIers are trained to be in their schools, a BS Hotel and Restaurant Management sophomore of STI College – Cubao, Claire Liwanag, shares how. “We were taught to be focused and organized — whether through academics or through the activities we participate in — we have to be professional. We focus on tasks that needs to be done. We were disciplined to always be updated with the latest events so we are aware of how to act appropriately in any event, and be prepared for anything whether here at school or in the real world. So an STIer, no matter where he or she is, remains a professional because that’s what we were trained to be.” STIMULI
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We asked a Guidance Counselor...
Driven STIers are always at their best, especially when they are keen about what they’re doing. To Maria Cecilia “MC” Ollero, Guidance Counselor of STI College – Global City, the students she interacts with daily are competent people who strive for excellence in their chosen fields.
We asked an alumna...
“STIers are talented individuals who are driven to pursue what they want to do. Once STIers are passionate about something, they are very good at it. They put a lot of hard work in what they do, therefore they excel whether they participate in extra-curricular activities or when they perform in the work field.”
More than a reminder of her alma mater, an STIer is someone who is an outstanding professional in the workplace. That’s why Janina Jayme, Leasing Officer of Shopping Center Management Corporation and an alumna of STI College – Novaliches, proudly endorses her fellow alumni as skilled and proficient individuals.
Someone who Stands Out
“To me, an STIer is someone who excels and goes beyond what is expected of him. He is diligent, flexible, and determined to climb up the ladder of his chosen field. These are also the reasons why I don’t hesitate to refer applicants who graduated from STI to my immediate head. I trust them and their capabilities.”
We asked a parent...
Confident For a parent, choosing a good school for his child is important. To Arthur Imbat, father of BSIT junior Ada of STI College – Meycauayan, being an STIer means being a well-educated individual who receives good training from the school.
We asked employers...
“Both me and my daughter are confident; Ada with herself, and me with her future. When I encounter STIers, I see them as bright people who receive the same training as my daughter, and are better prepared to find a stable livelihood after they finish school. I see STIers as people who are made for success and I feel the same confidence for them as I do with Ada.”
STI’s reputation as an institution that delivers real life education gave Virgilio Palaroan, the owner of Zorin Systems International, Inc., high expectations towards its graduates.
Competitive
“STI is known as a valued academe in IT that develops their students to be knowledgeable and up-to-date in their chosen field of expertise. As an employer, I believe STIers are dedicated in their work and also embody the values taught by STI. They possess the skills that makes them globally-competitive and they are highly trainable individuals who can overcome any challenge that come their way.” Flying V Vice President for Site Development Michael Pestano adds, “Aside from being techie, STIers adapt well in the workplace. They are resourceful and can easily find ways to solve any problems they encounter. Efficiency is much expected from them.”
You embody your school wherever you go and in whatever you do. The values, the knowledge, and the skills that you display will reflect what kind of education you received. More than just a label or name, being an STIer is an identity to uphold and that is just the start.
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The question continues to stand among the new batch of STIers including yourself: What does it mean to be an STIer? Whatever your answer will become a part of the STIer DNA in you that will continue to grow the more you nurture it. It is now up to you to take the challenge and prove what you are really made of!
Join the most vibrant and colorful celebration of our students’ talents from different campuses nationwide at the 2016 Talent Search’s Grand National Finals. Be captivated by our charming Mr. and Ms. STI candidates, move to the beat of our energetic dancers in the Hataw Sayaw Dance Competition, rock out with our mighty musicians in the Battle of the Bands, and be amazed by our powerhouse vocalists in the STI Singing Idol Competition. So mark your calendars and prepare yourself for a day full of exciting and entertaining activities at the Enchanted Kingdom’s
Enchanting Events Place in Sta. Rosa, Laguna on September 30, 2016! Prior to the grand culminating event, the contestants first went through the local competitions held within the schools. The winners then competed in the cluster level and finally, the national finals. Aside from the Talent Search, STI will also hold the Tagisan ng Talino and Tagisan ng Sining competitions in early 2017 to further hone the students’ proficiencies in computer programming, mobile application development, essay writing, public speaking, culinary arts, cake decorating, photography, and music video production.
9:30 AM 11:00 AM 2:30 PM 4:00 PM
Battle of the Bands STI Singing Idol Competition Hataw Sayaw Dance Competition The Search for Mr. and Ms. STI STIMULI
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Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Release Date: November 18, 2016 Based on one of the fictional books used by Harry Potter during his first year in Hogwarts, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them will bring us back to the magical world where we get to explore the creatures of the wizarding world. The story revolves around the author of the book himself, Newt Scamander, and how he came across a briefcase and inadvertently released the creatures inside of it. Tasked to retrieve all of them, he wrote the book that became part of the important foundations of Magizoology or the study of magical creatures. The film features a star-studded cast with Eddie Redmayne, Colin Farrell, Ron Perlman, Ezra Miller, and Jon Voight. Following his work in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, David Yates returns to the franchise as the Director of the film.
Doctor Strange Release Date: November 4, 2016 The story revolves around Dr. Vincent Stephen Strange, a brilliant but egotistical surgeon whose hands were permanently damaged following a horrific car accident. In his journey to search for a cure, he discovered mysticism and an alternate dimension that unlocked endless possibilities with his newfound powers and fighting abilities. Benedict Cumberbatch, more known for his performance in the TV series Sherlock, plays the titular character. He will star alongside Rachel McAdams, Tilda Swinton, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Mads Mikkelsen. Scott Derrickson unfolds the magic on screen as the film’s Director, whose notable works include Sinister and The Day the Earth Stood Still.
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Final Fantasy XV Platform: PlayStation 4 Release Date: November 29, 2016 After a decade of development since its announcement in 2006, Final Fantasy XV is finally coming! Initially known as Final Fantasy Versus XIII until it was renamed in June 2013, Final Fantasy XV is set in Eos, a world similar to the modern-day Earth where each nation was powered by the magic of a crystal. Following a war that waged among them, they lost their crystals save for the nation of Lucis, where the franchise’s newest hero, Noctis Lucis Caelum, reigned as the crowned prince. After the nation of Niflheim betrayed them and stole their crystal, Noctis and his loyal friends Ignis, Gladiolus, and Prompto set out to retrieve their kingdom’s crystal and defeat Niflheim’s forces. Final Fantasy XV features an open-world gameplay where players can freely explore Eos, and an “Active Cross Battle System” where players can map commands on their controllers for a more fluid combat against enemies.
The Last Guardian Platform: PlayStation 4 Release Date: October 25, 2016 Following a boy who was kidnapped under mysterious circumstances, the story begins in a large castle where he encounters a giant feathered creature that resembles a griffin named Trico. The game promises its players an experience where they will not only able to connect with the main character, but also with the creature as they escape the castle together. To be able to complete quests in the game, players must ensure that Trico will be given proper care and training through the bond the boy has with the giant creature so he will respond to the commands accordingly. Developers liken it to having a pet for the players to look after and get help from as they go through the puzzles and action-packed adventures The Last Guardian has to offer.
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SPECIAL FEATURE
MODEL LEADERS at the
2 STI SLC ND
Following the launch of the STI Student Leaders’ Congress (SLC) last year, STI helped a new batch of delegates discover and develop their innate leadership skills on May 18 to 20, 2016 at the STI Academic Center in Ortigas-Cainta. The STI SLC is an annual three-day leadership summit for student leaders from various STI campuses nationwide.
The delegates were chosen based on their scholastic and good conduct records, and their performances as leaders and active members of the community. To further hone their leadership potentials, the students were engaged in character-building activities to reinforce their 4Cs (Critical Thinking, Communication, Character, and Change-adept). Special guest lecturers were also invited to share their leadership experiences. Through team building
Delegates of the 2nd STI Student Leaders’ Congress
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exercises, they also connected and bonded with their fellow delegates and attended a social event wherein they learned how to mingle in a formal corporate setting. Further enriching the STIers’ experience was learning straight from one of the country’s respected leaders, Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino. The senator encouraged the students to initiate social advocacies in different
communities, and to mobilize civic action by utilizing all available resources including the widespread social media. Sharing from his own experiences, he also urged the students to encourage a positive attitude and outlook as leaders, and bring out the best in people.
Senator Paulo Benigno “Bam” Aquino encourages students to mobilize civic action
“We don’t only train future professionals in STI. We also train socially responsible individuals who will one day initiate an act towards better change whether at home, school, work or in their communities. Through these young leaders, we reach out to all STIers in our network of schools in the country as our delegates become role models of strong leaders and good followers. This is our vision for our students who, through this congress, will bring positive influence to their fellow STIers,” shares STI Vice President for Academics Dr. Lloyd Bautista.
Supporting the advocacy of the SLC to produce a new generation of leaders, Bachelor of Science in Business Management (BSBM) junior Amiel Niño Ilandag, one of the delegates from STI College – Recto, shares that he will counsel his fellow STIers to be more confident and optimistic to achieve their causes. “The trust they give themselves is very much integral in attaining their noble goals which will benefit the community and themselves. They should start by believing that they are capable of doing something and then actually do it. The effort should come from themselves.” Aside from ensuring that they are ready for the real world, STI also prepares its students through life skills training so they will become agents of positive change to society. Thus, the STI SLC is one of the steps that the institution takes towards the students’ holistic growth to become exemplary individuals of their generation.
STI SLC delegates actively participating in the event’s activities
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SPECIAL FEATURE
STI NBT 2016 A Countrywide Aim for the Big Win Only one team can reign as champion over 51 teams from various STI campuses nationwide for this year’s STI National Basketball Tournament (NBT). The season opened on February 6, 2016 and culminated with the championship title on April 15, 2016 at the Eusebio Tanco Gymnasium in STI Academic Center Ortigas-Cainta. After an intense showdown, STI West Negros University (STI WNU) triumphed after competing against STI College – Malolos. Meanwhile, STI College – Santa Rosa settled for 3rd place after besting the team from Mindanao, STI College – Koronadal.
The winning team of STI WNU
All players went through the singleelimination round wherein the winners of each bracket moved on to the three-round elimination. The eight last standing teams then joined the National Finals. Teams from Luzon who made it to the last round were STI College – Malolos, STI College – Global City, STI College – Caloocan, STI College – Santa Rosa, STI College – OrtigasCainta, and STI College – Las Piñas. Representing Mindanao was STI College – Koronadal while STI WNU came on top in Visayas.
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The basketball team from STI College – Malolos
The basketball team from STI College – Santa Rosa
The eight teams were divided into groups A and B during the National Finals. The four teams in each group competed against each other and the top two teams then engaged in a cross-over semi-finals where the losers battled for 3rd place and the winners advanced to the Championship game. The kick-off event was graced with the presence of STI Vice-Chairman & CEO Monico V. Jacob and Meralco Bolts’ Anjo Caram. The diminutive Caram, who plays point guard in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), shared interesting insights on playing both at the collegiate level and the PBA that pumped up the fighting spirits of STI’s finest basketball players.
Meralco Bolts’ player Anjo Caram
STI Vice-Chairman and CEO Monico V. Jacob
The best performing players were then recognized as the tournament’s Mythical 5. STI WNU’s John Mc Hale Nermal, Kobe Bryan Vizcarra, and Renz Solomon took three slots;
Mark Lester Tamayo and Kelbert Victoria from STI College – Malolos completed the group. The Most Valuable Player award also went to John Mc Hale Nermal. As a message to its fellow STIers, Renz, who is also STI WNU’s Team Captain, shares that persistence is always the key to winning. “Always believe in yourself, never give up, and work hard on what you want to achieve. There will always be challenges in life so continue to believe that you can pursue your dream, and never be discouraged with what you can do.” Despite the very competitive nature of the sport, STI trains its student athletes to uphold the values of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and teamwork, which were consistently shown in how they play with their teammates and competitors alike.
From left: STI Vice President for Corporate and Information Services John Tubongbanua, Kelbert Victoria, Mark Lester Tamayo, Renz Solomon, Kobe Bryan Vizcarra, and John Mc Hale Nermal
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SPECIAL FEATURE
THE
TRAINING GAME
STI actively participated in training sports enthusiasts and bring out the potential in them to become exemplary athletes of the sports industry, starting with the two most popular sports in the country — volleyball and basketball STI joined three-time University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Most Valuable Player (MVP) in volleyball Alyssa Valdez in teaching useful techniques to play the sport to those who are interested to learn. On May 5, 2016, Alyssa launched the Alyssa Valdez Skills Camp at the STI Academic Center in Calamba, which is open to all fans of the sport from ages 6-18 and included an open session for anyone who simply wanted to learn how to play. The Skills Camp continued at STI Academic Center Cubao on May 10 and on May 19 at STI Academic Center Ortigas-Cainta. Alyssa and her team of well-known athletes trained more than 300 volleyball enthusiasts for each leg with the basics and techniques. At the other court, STI held the Basketball Coaching Clinic on May 30 to June 1, 2016 at the STI Academic
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Center in Ortigas-Cainta. With 27 coaches from select STI campuses in Luzon, the training aimed to further enhance the basketball knowledge of the participants on topics such as basic coaching, conditioning, skills development, and strategizing dayto-day practices. Participants of the clinic learned from the professionals in the field — Head Coach of Phoenix Petroleum Fuel Masters and Assistant Coach for GlobalPort Batang Pier Eric Gonzales, Coca-Cola Tigers’ Strength and Conditioning Coach Julio Veloso, former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) player Richie “Velvet Touch” Ticzon, and two-time PBA Mythical Five selectee and National Team lead point guard Olsen Racela.
With the skills they learned from the sports events, volleyball and basketball players are now shaped up for any game they join in. STI continues to find ways to extend its hand in developing the potentials of the new generation of volleyball and basketball talents, and fulfill more aspirations to excel in the country’s sports industry.
SPECIAL FEATURE
Do you find yourself at loss for words when trying to tell a story? Perhaps it’s because you could not clearly describe what you meant to paint a clearer picture. The secret is to know your prepositions so
In front of
This can be considered as your point of basis. Whatever or whoever is in front will determine who’s on the right, on the left, etc. Ex: The blue bird is sitting IN FRONT OF the radio.
In the corner
This indicates the farthest part of the room — that spot where two walls meet.
you can successfully translate your sentences into more understandable statements. Here’s a visual interpretation of all the prepositions you need to know, which you may also use as a nifty cheat sheet.
AROUND
This is used when the subject is the one surrounding another object or person. Ex: The marbles are spread AROUND the box.
FAR FROM
The subject is considered far when located at a lengthy distance from another object or person.
OPPOSITE
“Opposite” does not only mean “antonym.” When used as a preposition for location, it means the subject is on the other side of an object or person. Ex: The boots and the umbrella are on the OPPOSITE sides of the room.
In & Into
Ex: The umbrella is IN THE CORNER of the room.
Ex: Because the umbrella is on the other side of the room, it’s FAR FROM the pair of boots.
“In” is for when the subject is located inside a certain location, while “into” is the action of putting the subject inside.
OUT of
AT
Ex: The yellow bird is IN the right boot because it hopped INTO it.
Used when the subject is located outside of the room.
“At” is used when describing the subject by location.
Ex: The green bird was pushed OUT OF the cardboard box.
Ex: The black bird can be found AT the top of this page!
AMONG
BY
When the subject is surrounded by more than two people or objects, the word “among” best describes the subject’s circumstance. Ex: The green bird is lying AMONG a bunch of marbles.
Between
The subject is in “between” when in the middle of two objects or persons. Ex: The table is placed BETWEEN the umbrella and the box.
BEHIND
When a subject is “behind,” it means that the subject is located at the back of another object or person. Ex: The brown bird is hiding BEHIND the umbrella.
Also means “beside” when the subject is located right next to another object or person. Ex: The radio is BY the pair of boots.
nearby
Not to be confused with “by” or “beside,” and actually means the subject is closely located from another object or person. Ex: The radio is NEARBY the cardboard box.
ON the left/right
“On the” are the right words to add before a “right” or “left” when the subject is located at either direction. Ex: The umbrella is ON THE RIGHT side of the table.
Over
Used when the subject is described to be above another object. Ex: The orange bird is flying OVER the table.
UNDER
The opposite of “over,” and used when the subject is beneath another object. Ex: The red bird is hiding UNDER the table.
ON
“On” gives a clearer picture that the subject is on top of another object. Ex: The vase is ON the table.
OFF
Usually followed with “from,” “off” is used when the subject is removed from another object. Ex: The orange bird flew OFF from the table. STIMULI
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TV LECTURES WITH THE MANICADS STI has invited renowned journalist and television reporter Jiggy Manicad and his wife, executive producer and director, Marnie Manicad to hold an educational seminar about journalism and TV production entitled TV Lectures on March 10, 2016 at the STI Academic Center Ortigas-Cainta. Over 300 AB Communication students from eight STI campuses participated in the seminar to learn about the careers they will experience once they are immersed in the industry.
“There will be times when you will be discouraged because it is challenging at first and you have to go through failures. But when you overcome those failures and stand up from the fall, you will become stronger as a person and a practitioner.” Jiggy’s success in the field of journalism, on the other hand, was cultivated by the credibility in his stories. “When we expose or discuss certain situations in our stories, we reap reactions from the authorities. They take action, and in effect, there will be better changes in the lives of the people involved. The viewers’ awareness level grows, and they form opinions and feedback. Media helps build and strengthen communities.” Jiggy also explains that this is why working in the media is important. “To be part of a (TV) network is a responsibility. Whatever you bring out there will bring messages behind it. When you’re part of the media, you have to acknowledge that in a way, you have a shared power. So don’t exploit it and don’t hold any self-entitlement.”
Marnie’s background in producing lifestyle and leisure shows provided the students with insights about the production process a television show goes through before it is aired. Jiggy followed with his talk about journalism that entails going out in the field to capture compelling stories as they actually happen. However, he also reminded them to make their safety a priority as “No story is worth dying for.” The couple agreed that working in TV production is no easy task, and that it takes passion to enjoy and succeed with a career in the industry. “You should have a direction on what you would want to pursue in this field,” shares Marnie.
AB Communication is the latest addition to STI’s list of courses it offers to college students. And as part of their training, STI primes its students to become competent professionals and socially responsible individuals.
Jiggy Manicad
Marnie Manicad
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SPECIAL FEATURE
BRITISH COUNCIL TRAINS
STI EDUCATORS STI Education Services Group, Inc. (STI) and British Council in the Philippines collaborated once again in training STI’s faculty members to apply creative, efficient, and effective ways to teach the students through a core skills professional development program held on April 27, 2016 at the STI Academic Center in OrtigasCainta. STI and the British Council continued from their collaboration last year where they conducted an Outcome-Based Education (OBE) training to STI’s faculty members and content developers. Sharing one goal to improve the education in the country, British Council and STI worked together for the second time to train the trainers with the Core Skills Development Program. Through the program, the trainers were challenged to bring out the students’ strengths and identify their weaknesses as rooms for improvement, all part of the holistic education the students will receive. The training included talks and orientation about preparing more effective lesson plans through the methods of extensive research, communication and collaboration, and critical thinking and problem solving. The three-day event concluded on April 29, with the participants ready to apply what they learned in better facilitating their student’s learning experience. “We have the students’ future in mind when we pursued this training program with the British Council.
As in the past, we always aim to prepare our students for good job opportunities after they graduate, and what better way to do that than to train their instructors? Following the OBE training we had last year with the British Council, we found better ways to develop our courseware materials and our teaching methods. So we welcome all possibilities that will help us in our pursuit towards excellence in education and be at par with global standards of professional competencies,” says STI Vice President for Academics Dr. Lloyd Bautista. Commending on STI’s strong industry connections, British Council’s Head of Education, Lotus Postrado also shares that STI’s core values fit with the core skills program. “There was a dialogue about STI’s 4Cs (Character, Critical Thinking, Communication, and Change-adept), and it all fits. In addition to STI having the right ingredients and drive to learn more, everything we have discussed on the core skills program align with the institution’s 4Cs. Also considering the good relationship we have with the institution and how we see the immediate effect of last year’s OBE training, we are looking forward to see more impact in the education STI gives to its students, starting with the participants of this year’s training.” STI’s partnership with the British Council has helped the institution find innovative ways to teach
British Council Country Director Nicholas R. Thomas
Participants joining the training’s activities
students, drawing closer to its pursuit towards excellence in education. STI continues to strengthen its industry linkages and find more learning opportunities for its students’ real life education so they will be better prepared for the real world.
STI faculty members listening to accredited core skills trainer Dr. Edizon Fermin STIMULI
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BE EXAMREADY! By: Aera Sta. Ana, Correspondent
1 Arrive ready and early.
While some students seem to thrive on cramming or last-minute reviewing, we all know that this is definitely NOT the best way to prepare for a test. Gearing yourself up for exam week can be pretty stressful and time consuming, but it doesn’t have to be! Here are some test-taking tips so you can be confident and ready for anything that comes up on the test.
You can think better when you have a full stomach so don’t skip your meals. Get to school early and do a quick power study before the test to warm-up your brain. Make sure you have everything you’ll need — scratch paper, extra pens or pencils, calculator, and any other resources that you’re allowed to use.
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3 Answer questions strategically.
Stay relaxed and don’t panic.
Work on the “easiest” items first to build your confidence and then work your way to the ones with the greatest point values. If you don’t know an answer, skip the item and go on with the rest of the test before going back to it later.
Keep a good attitude throughout the exam and try to stay calm. If you start to feel nervous, take a few deep breaths to relax before going back to work. Don’t worry if others finish before you, just focus on the test in front of you.
SOME EXTRA TIPS! • Remember to write legibly. If your teacher can’t read what you wrote, it will most likely be marked as wrong! • If you don’t understand a question, ask the instructor or proctor for help!
2 Preview the test and read directions carefully. Do a quick preview of the entire test the moment you receive it so that you know how to efficiently budget your time. Understand how the test is scored and read the instructions carefully to avoid careless errors. Precious points may be lost when you don’t follow directions and pay attention to details.
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Review before turning in your test.
If you have time left after answering everything, look over your test. Make sure that you have answered all the questions. Watch out for mistakes, proofread your essay and/ or short answers, and double check to make sure that you put your name on your answer sheet.
Take it up a notch with technology and download these useful free apps on your phone for a more fun studying experience!
• GoConqr
This app boasts a variety of features that allow you to study on the go! Utilize its many tools of learning through Mind Maps, Flashcards, Quizzes, Slides, and Notes that you can access anytime and anywhere.
• Vocabulary Builder
Expand your vocabulary and have fun at the same time! Challenge yourself in identifying meanings to 1,200 words that include even the ones you are yet to learn so you can slay your next essay!
• Coffitivity
Looking for the right music to help you focus? Coffitivity plays ambient sounds of a coffee shop that creates an energizing yet cozy atmosphere to help you concentrate. Now you can get the same feeling of chilling in a café without the distractions!
Sources: https://www.examtime.com/blog/study-hacks/ | http://www.wheninmanila.com/5-studying-hacks-students-ought-to-know/ | http:// www.laptopmag.com/articles/best-student-apps | https://www.examtime.com/blog/apps-for-students/ | http://www.testtakingtips.com/test/ gentest.htm | https://www.teachervision.com/study-skills/teaching-methods/6390.html | http://www.studygs.net/tsttak1.htm | http://www4. ncsu.edu/unity/lockers/users/f/felder/public/Papers/testtaking.htm |http://www.d.umn.edu/kmc/student/loon/acad/strat/test_take.html STIMULI
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Banana-Nutella Soft Serve Ingredients: 2 large ripe bananas 2 tablespoons Nutella Instructions: 1. Peel and slice the bananas into 1-inch pieces and seal them inside any airtight container (like a Ziploc bag). Freeze for a minimum of two hours. 2. Blend the banana chunks in a food processor. Alternatively, you can mash them with a fork until the consistency is creamy. Blend with Nutella. 3. Place your mixture into the freezer for 5 more minutes or longer, depending on your desired consistency. Top with honey, nuts or any of your favorite treats and enjoy! Makes 1 cup Source: https://www.buzzfeed.com/melissaharrison/ easy-nutella-desserts
No-BAKE Peanut Butter Cookies Ingredients: 11/2 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup milk 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 3/4 cup peanut butter 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 3 cups quick cooking oats Instructions: 1. In a large saucepan, combine sugar, milk, butter, and cocoa. Stir over medium heat until well blended. 2. Boil the mixture for exactly 90 seconds and immediately remove from heat. 3. Add in peanut butter and vanilla. Stir the mixture until the peanut butter is melted. 4. Stir the oats into the mixture. 5. Scoop the batter and drop onto your non-stick cookie pan (you can also line your baking pan with wax paper). Slightly flatten your batter into round cookies. 6. Allow cookies to set before serving. Makes 30 cookies Source: https://www.mybakingaddiction.com/no-bake-cookies
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GLOBAL STANDARDS
in IT EDUCATION
(From left: STI Vice President for Academics Dr. Lloyd Bautista, STI Vice-Chairman & CEO Monico V. Jacob, CompTIA Asia Pacific Vice President Dennis Kwok, and CompTIA Country Manager Orly Seachon, Jr.)
CompTIA, the nonprofit trade association for the global information technology (IT) industry, welcomed STI Education Services Group, Inc. (STI) to its CompTIA Academy Partner Program. With this collaboration, students at STI will have the opportunity to graduate with academic degrees and internationally-recognized IT skills certifications from CompTIA. By combining academic credentials with professional certifications, STI students will be well prepared to join this fast-growing technology workforce.
“Our partnership with CompTIA connects STI to a bigger network of IT companies, and that is a recognized edge for our IT students. The more global competency certifications we can offer our students, the better are their chances to find opportunities in the industry. This is especially true with the industry-based content that will be integrated in our modules as part of the partnership, which will help our students with the training they will go through under our wing. We continue to be open with new prospects to move forward in the education we offer in order for us
to be consistently up-to-date with the standards of the IT industry,” said STI Vice President for Academics Dr. Lloyd Bautista. CompTIA will provide modules that will be aligned with STI’s BS Information Technology (BSIT) curriculum. STI students will also be encouraged to take a skills certification exam at discounted rates. Passing the exam will grant the students a certificate from CompTIA that will serve as proof of their competency in the IT field, which is recognized by many local and international companies.
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By: Aera Sta. Ana, Correspondent
The rainy season is here again and we know it’s time for a major wardrobe revamp! Keep your sheers, shorts, and tanks at the back of your closet and bring out the scarves, sweaters, and jackets. So before you regret not being able to seize the rainy day, we have gathered some rainproof must-haves to get you through the rainy months ahead.
SWEATERS Cozy sweaters are wardrobe essentials to keep you warm and looking trendy these drizzling days. You can score a sporty look with hoodies or steal a model off-duty style with slouchy sweaters. Why not opt for printed pullovers for a more hipster vibe?
RAINPROOF SHOES
JACKETS & CARDIGANS
To complete your #ootd ensemble for the gloomy weather, don’t forget to rock a footwear that’s rain appropriate to make sure you don’t ruin your favorite suede or leather shoes. Rubber or “gel” shoes will keep your feet from the wet, icky feeling!
Throw on your military or faux leather jackets and wool cardigans for a look that is totally comfy and cold-proof at the same time!
WINTER & INFINITY SCARVES With our country’s bipolar weather condition, scarves can be your quick fix when it gets extra chilly. You can style this accessory in so many ways to keep you fashionably cool from the outside yet warm from within.
Remember: The rain or the mud puddles don’t have to prevent you from looking your best no matter where you’re headed! Sources: http://www.candymag.com/tag/rainy-day-outfits | http://www.wheninmanila.com/10-wardrobe-essentials-for-the-rainy-season/2/ | http://www.candymag.com/fashion/5-rainy-day-outfits-you-can-wear-toschool-a303-20160710 | http://www.glamour.com/story/rainy-day-outfit-ideas | http://www.candymag.com/fashion/ask-candy-what-s-your-go-to-rainy-day-outfit
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CROPPED PANTS We all hate it when our pants get wet from puddles, so it’s necessary to wear them cropped, folded or tucked in our shoes when it’s raining cats and dogs. This way we could prevent having mud stains on our jeans while giving our sneakers or boots more exposure all at once.
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