STI COLLEGE MUNOZ-EDSA
STI Muñoz-EDSA Team Strikes Gold at StartUp QC: A Victory for Innovation, Purpose, and Every Proud STIER
On May 23, 2025, the STI Muñoz-EDSA community celebrated a landmark victory as five of its outstanding students brought home the Gold Award and a ₱35,000 cash prize at StartUp QC, a citywide business start-up competition that champions innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Out of more than 30 competitive entries from top colleges and universities across Metro Manila, it was the STI Muñoz-EDSA team that stood tallest — not just with a brilliant invention, but with a project rooted in compassion, problem-solving, and purpose.
This is more than a win. This is a proud moment for every STIER.
Introducing Sea2Fresh: Innovation Born from Purpose
The winning team — Godwin Ian Fedelson, Yelgie Lyn Tabasa, Christian John Petalcorin, Justine Faye Arcenal, and Sean Mark Teja — created Sea2Fresh, a solar-powered portable desalination machine designed to bring clean drinking water to coastal and rural communities in the Philippines.
They saw a problem that affects millions of Filipinos — clean water scarcity — and decided to do something about it. Sea2Fresh can transform seawater into clean, drinkable water using only sunlight, producing up to 15 liters per hour, enough to supply 20 to 25 people daily. In places hit by drought or disaster, this innovation could be the difference between surviving and thriving.
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“Joining Start-UP QC SQUAD 2 has been one of the most remarkable experiences in our journey as Computer Engineering students,” shared Mr. Goldwin Ian Fedelson, team leader of Sea2Fresh. “It provided us with an opportunity to present our innovative solutions—particularly addressing the drinking water crisis—to a broader audience. Through this platform, we were able to promote our project, advocate for water conservation, connect with potential investors, and engage with fellow finalists, industry professionals, and experts.”
But this project wasn’t just about solving a technical challenge. It was about heart, about using what they’ve learned at STI to help people, protect the environment, and empower communities. With multi-stage filtration, reverse osmosis, UV treatment, and real-time monitoring through dual Arduino microcontrollers, the team proved that STI students are capable of creating solutions that are not only intelligent — but also life-changing.
What Is StartUp QC?
StartUp QC is a program initiated by the Quezon City Government to promote entrepreneurial development among the youth. It provides a platform where students present their innovative start-up ideas before expert judges and real investors. The program seeks to fund and support start-ups that demonstrate sustainability, impact, and scalability — qualities that the STI Muñoz-EDSA team showed with flying colors.
This year, the stakes were high, the competitors were fierce, and the ideas were big. But when the dust settled, it was STI Muñoz-EDSA that earned the Gold, proving that when STIers rise, they rise with purpose.
“The cadetship and mentorship sessions equipped us with valuable skills, reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and innovation,” Mr. Fedelson added. “It was a transformative journey, and we’re grateful for the chance to showcase what STIers are truly capable of.”
A Milestone That Belongs to Every STIer
The Sea2Fresh team’s victory is more than a personal achievement. It is a milestone for every STI Muñoz-EDSA student — past, present, and future. It is proof that the values taught inside our classrooms — Excellence, Innovation, Responsibility, and Leadership — are more than words. They are qualities that STIers carry into the world.
This win shows that STI students are ready for real-world challenges, not someday, but today. That innovation can come from anyone — from a classroom, a capstone project, a late-night brainstorm, or even from students who dare to dream bigger for others.
At STI Muñoz-EDSA, you’re not just preparing for a career. You’re preparing to make a difference.
And for those aspiring to follow in their footsteps, Mr. Fedelson offers this encouragement:
“To our fellow STIers who aspire to join future Start-Up QC competitions: don’t hesitate to share your ideas. You were made to innovate and inspire. Remember, the greatest failure is not trying—especially when you have the potential to make a difference. If not now, when? Be proud of your vision and seize every opportunity to bring it to life.”
Be the Next to Make History
To every current student: know that your ideas have power. Your voice matters. And just like the Sea2Fresh team, you have the potential to change lives, create impact, and bring pride to our STI community.
This Gold Award isn’t just a medal — it’s a symbol of what STIers can do when they believe in their vision and work together. Whether you’re in tech, business, health, or the arts — your journey starts now.
Be bold. Be proud. Be STI.
STI College Muñoz-EDSA Shines at Tagisan ng Talino at Sining 2025 Mindful Actions, Lasting Impact: Cultivating a Legacy of Excellence
From March 3 to 6, 2025, STI College Muñoz-EDSA was alive with energy and excellence as students competed in the local round of Tagisan ng Talino at Sining 2025, the school’s most anticipated academic and creative tournament. Brimming with STI pride, students from various programs and strands delivered compelling performances across multiple categories — each of them earning the Local Champion title and proudly representing STI Muñoz-EDSA at the Cluster Level on April 4, and in select category, advancing to the National Level on May 15 in General Santos City.
At the heart of this year’s success story was the Think Quest team — a mental battle royale that tested participants through an intense academic quiz bee. Dana Heloise Hernando, Amanda Joyce Casten, and Rhaine Venice Bonador (Grade 12 STEM) soared from Local Champions to Cluster Champions, ultimately clinching 4th place at the National Level. Their journey was a masterclass in teamwork, strategy, and quick thinking — proving the strength of STI’s academic core.
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In Travelogue, a storytelling category that celebrates the art of writing and narrating travel experiences, Vince Morales (3rd year BSTM) impressed judges with his vivid narratives and captivating delivery. He emerged as Local and Cluster Champion, and later earned the prestigious 2nd Runner-Up spot at Nationals, competing against the best storytellers from across the country.
The stage also belonged to CJ Kirt Tamparong (Grade 11 ABM), who conquered the Stand Up and Deliver category — a competition of prepared speeches delivered with conviction and clarity. CJ delivered a powerful and resonant performance, earning the title of Local Champion and finishing as 1st Runner-Up at the Cluster Level, a huge feat for a senior high school contender.
Another written word warrior, Catherine Nicole Acosta (Grade 11 ABM), brought home the gold in Essay Does It, a category focused on writing thought-provoking essays with structure, substance, and style. As a Local Champion, she also advanced to the Cluster Level, where she took home 1st Runner-Up, showcasing the caliber of STI Muñoz’s senior high ABM writers.
The hospitality and culinary teams also served excellence on every plate and presentation. In Chef Express, where students are tasked to cook gourmet-level dishes under time pressure and high expectations, Honey Jhasmin Vergara, Angela Capistrano, and Ellaine Dulay (3rd year BSHM) brought their culinary creativity and technical skills to the forefront, impressing judges and winning Local Champion status.
Meanwhile, in Worth the Whisk, a battle of precision baking, Riana Jean Marasigan (3rd year BSHM) showcased pastry perfection with a delightful display of technique and presentation — winning the Local Champion title with her bakery brilliance.
Precision met elegance in All in Place, where participants demonstrated mastery of table setting, etiquette, and service arrangement. Mark Julious Dela Cruz (3rd year BSHM) nailed every detail — from cutlery placement to overall aesthetic — earning him a spot as Local Champion and official representative for STI Muñoz at the cluster round.
In the exciting and highly visual Mix and Flair, bartending becomes an art form. Contestants are judged on their showmanship, accuracy, and cocktail craftsmanship. Alwin Gomba (3rd year BSHM) shook things up with dynamic flair moves and mixology expertise, earning the title of Local Champion and advancing to compete against other STI branches.
On the digital battlefield, the Codefest team — composed of Jack Roxas, John Geoffrey Padayao, and Aeron Mark Canela (all 3rd year BSIT) — decoded, debugged, and dominated their way through challenges that tested programming logic, software design, and teamwork. They rose as Local Champions, standing out as STI Muñoz-EDSA’s top tech trio.
In the creative arts, Director’s Cut gave multimedia students the platform to tell stories through short films. Carl Mikhail Enriquez, Ma. Dizie Mae Z. Sanchez, and Genesis Matthew Estacio (3rd year BMMA) impressed with their storytelling, cinematography, and editing, claiming the Local Champion title and showcasing their film at the cluster level.
Photography came to life through Shutter’s Best, where visual storytelling and composition were key. Martha Natasa Columna (2nd year BMMA) captured emotions, moments, and meaning through the lens, winning as Local Champion and proudly representing the campus with her creative eye at the cluster round.
None of these achievements would have been possible without the tireless support of the STI Muñoz-EDSA faculty. Special thanks to Ma’am Chary, Sir Vincent Pielago Adacruz, Ma’am Devie, Sir Denver, and Sir Charles — who not only trained and mentored students, but also became their cheerleaders, logistical heroes, and second families throughout the competition. Whether it was early morning submissions or out-of-town support in General Santos, their guidance made these wins possible.
Tagisan ng Talino at Sining 2025 was not just a tournament — it was a transformative experience. It empowered students to test their limits, express their talents, and discover new dimensions of their potential. From culinary challenges and tech battles to powerful speeches and cinematic storytelling, the students of STI College Muñoz-EDSA proved they are truly Made to Be More.
To all our student-champions: You did not just represent your school — you uplifted it.
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