Today’s rapidly changing world brings about many emerging skills across various industries and fields of expertise. To keep up, schools must ensure that learning goes beyond the four walls of the classroom by providing students the opportunity to explore their passions and interests, and develop new skills not limited to their academic studies.
As a purveyor of holistic education in the country, STI College integrates a balance of traditional, experience-based, and character-building activities into their industry-adept programs in line with its commitment to mold future-ready graduates and multifaceted individuals.
One of its most awaited events is Tagisan ng Talino (TNT) at Sining (TNS), an annual academic and interest-based competition where STI students demonstrate their knowledge and skills against their fellow STIers all over the country. Contestants of TNT have to compete in Local then Cluster levels to reach the National finals where the best of the best will vie for the top trophy in eight categories.
The artistic capabilities of TNS entrants, on the other hand, are assessed directly for the nationals. This year’s champions for the on-the-spot photography contest Shutter’s Best and video production competition Director’s Cut were announced in April. You can check out their winning works on STI’s Facebook page.
TNT Championship
This year’s TNT National finals was held on May 12, 2023 at the Baguio Country Club in Baguio City. Backdropped by the chilly and foggy mountains of Benguet, the competitors from eight clusters battled it out and showcased the excellence of STI students in eight different categories.
Contestants of the impromptu speech competition Stand Up and Deliver confidently took a stand and delivered their insights about Sustainable Development on stage while talented writers delved deeper into the topic of the importance sustainable lifelong learning opportunities through their thought-provoking compositions in Essay Does It! Tourism Management students, on the other hand, displayed their amazing guiding skills in Travelogue where they took the judges and the audience on a simulated trip to Apo Island in Dauin, Negros Oriental.
The general knowledge expertise of STI students was also put to the test in Think Quest, a team quiz competition, and their programming and app designing skills in Codefest, a mobile app hackathon.
Hospitality Management students competed in a series of events that challenged them to apply the skills they learned in class to actual practice. In Mix ‘N Flair, contestants got creative in showing off their bar flaring and cocktail mixing routines while in Chef Xpress, they demonstrated their culinary proficiencies in preparing, cooking, and plating a three-course meal.
Students also exhibited workmanship and dedication in decorating an Im/Perfect cake within three hours in Worth the Whisk, and displayed speed and accuracy in setting a table and responding to situations in compliance to the type of service set in All in Place.
“Tagisan ng Talino is an avenue for students like me to improve myself and pursue my interests. The fact that STI holds these types of events is really amazing,” said Kevin Kinny from STI College San Fernando, this year’s TNT Stand Up and Deliver champion. “I teared up a little onstage during the announcement of winners because it’s very elating that after all the practice and hardships throughout the competition, I was able to win the championship in the nationals.”
For Hardie Arciaga from STI College Alabang, bagging the 1st runner-up award for Mix ‘N Flare was both an unexpected and exciting achievement. “Preparing for the competition was challenging, especially on top of many school requirements, but it’s all about adjusting, so I practiced after school and whenever I had free time,” he said.
It was also a memorable experience for him because he was able to bond with his competitors from other STI campuses and discover his interest in mixing drinks and flaring, which he plans to pursue further in the future.
Just like Hardie, Marie Jarduque from STI College General Santos City didn’t expect to win 2nd runner-up in the All in Place Competition. “It was a long way from Mindanao to Baguio City but I’m so happy to represent my campus,” she said. “I’m thankful to STI for letting us experience this kind of event where I was able to gain new knowledge that I can use as a Hospitality Management student and also in my future work.”
Through STI TNT and its other extracurricular activities, STI aims to provide holistic development that goes beyond the academic curriculum. STI ESG Vice President for Academics, Aisa Hipolito said: “These kinds of events give students opportunities to enhance their social, emotional, and practical skills; foster teamwork and leadership; and build self-confidence and sense of responsibility. Overall, they contribute to the overall growth of students, preparing them for future challenges and success in various aspects of life.”
