The spotlight returned to STI College for academic year 2025 to 2026 as it hosted “Tagisan ng Sining,” an annual search for creative excellence among student filmmakers and photographers.

This year’s short film competition “Director’s Cut” challenged 54 student teams to explore the theme “Memory as Resistance.”

Blending live action and animation, Tao by Kym Kaisha Dechoson, Narciso Dugay III and Daniela Lainez of Girls Night Out Productions (STI Global City), emerged as the National Champion.

Sa Duyan ng Gunita, a recollection of a memory from 1978, by Natalie Shane Angulo, Angelica Blanche Salva and Mark Lawrence Telles of PCL Pictures (STI College Cubao) won first runner-up.

A strong call to preserve culture, Kalinangan by Sean Maverick James Inaldo, Angeline Arcilla and Loyd Denver Palisoc of Re:Take Films (STI College Angeles) was awarded second runner-up.

Between the Lines by Niko Liwag, Monica Lucia Aguilar and Deida Miranda of NMD Productions (STI College Las Piñas) and Dito at Doon by Yaz Rohann Barrameda, Sophia Andrelyn Napay and Matthew Job Estacio of Zenith Productions (STI College Ortigas-Cainta) earned third and fourth runner-up awards, respectively.

The films were judged by Madonna Tarrayo, chief executive officer 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.

In the photography category, 56 entries transformed ordinary moments into visual masterpieces under the theme “Borrowed Light.”

Cyken Besana Caro, first year BS Business Administration major from STI West Negros University, was declared the National Champion for his photo of a serene playground scene.

Jiether Gonzales Rabor, third year, BMMA student from STI College Tacurong, was named first runner-up for his conceptual journey of learning.

Nick James Bueno Ramos, Grade 12 ITMAWD student from STI College Sta. Mesa, won second runner-up for his study on guiding light through dim phases.

Nash Hernandez Rebutiaco, 4th Year BMMA major from STI College Santa Rosa and Niño Anthony Noya Zamora, Grade 11 ITMAWD student from STI College Davao were awarded third runner-up and fourth runner-up, respectively.

The photographs were evaluated 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.