Behind the Winner's Back

By Megan Nicole Cunanan, BA301P

“Meg, kinuha nila akong candidate para sa Ms. STI”, a nervous girl said to me.

When we heard about it, we were all shocked, excited and at the same time, nervous. We were shocked because we knew that Jobelle or Jobs did not have any plan of joining this year’s talent search; excited because we wanted to see her again on stage; and nervous because they told her about it three (3) days before the campus finals though she already won as Ms. STI 1^st runner-up last year.

Instead of losing hope, we cheered her up and we told her that we would be supporting her all the way! We planned to have a tarpaulin showing our support for her but due to time and budget constraints, it did not materialize. We just prepared a simple but eye-catching banner. Former Ms. STI Jasper Mariz Ishiwata, helped her buy all the things that she would be needing in the contest.

Then came the campus finals! Each student had their own bet. But nobody knew who’s going to bring home the crown. While we were lining up for our attendance, Jasper came and we told her that she should make Jobs look pretty on stage and she promised to do so.

All the candidates were pretty and confident when they ramped on the stage. When Jobs came out on stage, we cheered for her as if there’s no more tomorrow.

Our hearts beat faster as they announced this year’s Mr. and Ms. STI winners. When her name was called as Ms. STI Novaliches 2010, we were all jumping. As tears fell down her cheeks, we could not help but feel the happiness she felt. Jasper congratulated and happily-passed the crown to her.

As her classmates and friends, our support for Ms. Jobelle Montecillo, Ms. STI Novaliches 2010, will never waver. We will do just the same in the coming Cluster Finals. Win or lose, we'll be behind her back!

STI Novaliches Campus Finals 2010

By Janina Jayme, BA701E

JULY 23, 2010—It was a hot and sunny day. Most of the STiers were ecstatic to flaunt their “casual” get-ups and watch the STI’s Talent Search and attend the Acquaintance Party at the Ang Bahay ng Alumni, UP Diliman. Some spectators went at the venue as early as 11 AM—an hour earlier than the supposed start time.

At exactly one o’clock in the afternoon, the program formally begun with a doxology performed by STI Matrix—the glee club of STI Novaliches headed by Mr. Jojit Alcalde and Ms. Armie Calma. Then, it was followed by the singing of the National Anthem and the STI hymn. Engr. Hubert Abuan—the school’s Deputy Officer—also had his welcome remarks.

THE BATTLE OF THE BANDS

Out of the 14 bands that auditioned, only 3 were given the chance to compete for the campus finals. Three different genres clashed as Ela’s Thought, The Lost Vowels and All 3 Piece’s performances boomed out across the auditorium. All 3 Piece captured the judges’ favor as they emerged as winner with its rocking nationalistic song “Tayo’y mga Pinoy”.

STI IDOL

Proving that STIers are truly talented individuals, five students from various sections stunned the audience with their “birit” performances. Ela Dawn Antonio won as she sung “If I Don’t Have You”.

HATAW SAYAW

Five dance groups wowed the viewers with their bold, daring and dramatic moves.

Jennelyn Villasis of BA701E gracefully danced along with her groupmates collectively known as Tribo ni Pablo.

Amazed by all the dance teams, Prof. Rolando Bautista—as the Chairman of the Board of Judges-- announced Know ur Rank as the winner for the Hataw Sayaw.

MR. and MS. STI

“Everybody deserves second chances.”

And that chance belongs to Jobelle Montecillo of BA301P. She was crowned as Ms. STI Novaliches first runner-up during last year’s competition. But she paved her way to success as she won Ms. STI Novaliches 2010 title recently. With her sophisticated beauty and undeniable wit, the title was meant for her. She also got the title for Best in Casual Wear.

Meanwhile, Ryan Roy de Jesus won the title Mr. STI Novaliches 2010. Other winners for the said event were: Archangel Sarco and Katrina Joyce Boiser (1^st runners-up); Allan Manalansan and Ann Genevie Caballero (2^nd runners-up).

The grand winners of the talent search will represent STI Novaliches in the cluster finals.

The Talent Search was fun and enjoyable. (Though I had a fever at that time!) It was also loaded of surprising numbers from the professors and instructors, and alluring performances from Anton Cruz and Shane Tarun of Who’s the Next Big Star. It was indeed a successful and splendid event!

Getting Ready for the World

By Janina Jayme, BA701E

“How much we receive depends on how much we believe.”

A memorable line quoted by an entrepreneur on his talk during The 18^th Philippine International Franchise Conference and Expo at SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. It was a five-day event from July 14 to 18 participated by hundreds of businesses both locally and internationally.

Values taught by these business people: To dream and to fulfill this dream. Getting ready for the world—the theme of the event was about global competitiveness that every business should prepare for.

THE TRIP

The BA701E, with the go signal of Young Entrepreneurs’ Society (YES), attended the said event on July 17.

Of riding a sun-drenched FX, of taking the MRT ride (which was my first), and of having the jeepney ride for Mall of Asia loaded with hilarious incidences, it was totally a fun trip!

Upon reaching the SMX, we followed a queue of people who registered online for the expo. Two of our classmates weren’t able to print the proof of registering online. It was such a blessing in disguise, they queued to another line and were registered for free for which we didn’t understand.

THE EXHIBIT

So far, it was the largest franchise expo held in the Philippines. It occupied three halls of the convention center.

Only few marketers would entertain us knowing we are mere students. Nevertheless, we got the opportunity to collect the companies’ fliers and brochures. We also had the chance to have some free tastes of ice cream, pizza, lechon baboy, etc.

THE SEMINAR

We were able to listen to the mid-part of a seminar. The speaker talked about having the right attitude on venturing into business and the importance of being an employee of a company (for a stable source of income) and an owner of a business (for extra income). He advised the audience to take the risk in establishing business. He also spoke about knowing one’s values and passion, focusing on it as to business-making, and differentiating your product against competitors.

THE IMPACT

I appreciate personally the marketing strategy of Mary Kay, a provider of cosmetic products. Marketers approached us saying that we are entitled for a free facial spa as soon as we invest on their networking business for P 1,975.00 only. The marketers were friendly and the offer was enticing.

DPI Print Solutions exhibited the actual printing of tarpaulins which showed the quality of their service.

I found the Fried Ice Cream interesting as visitors crowded to watch its procedure.

The Blue Water Day Spa had a different marketing tool. It offered two face towels nicely and neatly placed in a box with ribbon for only fifty pesos. A free sack bag was given for purchase of towels.

The Go Negosyo sold its books at discounted prices.

THE LEARNING

In totality, it was a pleasant experience to visit this trade fair. Different kinds of marketers and various types of marketing strategies—I learned from them. I hope I can apply these learnings practically for my future business. And get ready for the world as well.