Published March 31, 2025
Written by: Sozita-mae Grace Lucio
The University of Baguio once again hosted its annual Academic Olympics 2025, a competition that challenges students’ intellect, teamwork, and creativity. The awarding took place on March 20, 2025, at the UB Centennial Hall and was organized by the Office of Student Affairs (OSA). Students from different departments participated, showcasing their skills in various categories.
This year, the School of Information Technology (SIT) was represented by a team of first-year students under the guidance of their adviser, Ma’am Kristal Marcelo. Though the team had only a few participants, they gave their best effort, proving their skills and determination in the competition.
In a digital interview, the SIT representatives shared their experiences leading up to the event. Mr. Eulance Calub, who competed in the Digital Poster Making category, admitted that inspiration came to him just a few hours before the deadline. “The poster was prematurely rushed,” he said humorously. Meanwhile, Mr. Karl Marteja and Ms. Colleen Jose, members of the Video Awareness team, recalled the difficulties of balancing the competition with their academic workload. They had to rush their entire production process—from scriptwriting to filming and editing—while also managing school requirements. For the Extemporaneous Speech category, Mr. Isaac Bagsangi prepared by practicing different topics, focusing on his ability to think and speak on the spot. He shared that knowing there were people watching him made the experience even more nerve-wracking.
The Video Awareness video, directed by Mr. Rowald Rafael Saliganan shared that their team meticulously planned every aspect of their documentary before filming—from choosing locations and preparing props to organizing equipment and coordinating with actors. However, unexpected challenges arose, including their lead actress falling ill midway through production. Despite this, the team adapted quickly, weighing the options of reshooting or continuing with the remaining scenes. Their perseverance paid off, as the audience’s engagement with their documentary was a highlight of the event. Mr. Saliganan expressed pride in seeing viewers react positively, laughing, cheering, and clapping the loudest during their screening. “As a director, I feel very proud of the work we have done. All our efforts weren’t put to waste,” he said. He also credited the success of the production to his co-director Karl Marteja, writer Colleen Jose, lead actress Karen Conde, and the entire production team.
Participating in the Academic Olympics was an exciting experience for the SIT students. Mr. Marteja said, “During the awarding, it felt good to see students from different departments gathered together. The crowd seemed happy with our video output.” For Mr. Bagsangi, the pressure of performing in front of an audience was a challenge, but it was also an opportunity to grow. Each participant took valuable lessons from the event, learning what areas they could improve on for future competitions.
When asked about their favorite part of the Academic Olympics 2025, the SIT representatives had different highlights. Mr. Marteja shared that the most memorable moment for him was when the audience watched their Video Awareness entry. Seeing people engage with their work made all their efforts worthwhile. Ms. Jose described the moment their video played on the big screen as “a blast.” She said, “All our ideas came to life, and the crowd’s reactions, laughter, and cheers were proof that our video made an impact.” Mr. Bagsangi considered the opportunity to speak in front of an audience his biggest achievement. “Being able to represent my department was already a win. I realized how special this opportunity was because not everyone gets this chance,” he reflected.
As the event concluded, Mr. Saliganan shared his thoughts on joining the competition, saying, “It’s a nice start. It’s my first time joining a creative competition in UB. I feel like I would love to join again.” His enthusiasm, along with the dedication of the SIT participants, serves as an inspiration for future students who wish to showcase their talents in the Academic Olympics. The event not only celebrated talent and creativity but also strengthened camaraderie among students from different departments. It was truly a remarkable experience for everyone involved.
For the creative categories, such as Digital Poster Making and Video Awareness, entries were uploaded to OSA’s Facebook Page, where the public could vote by reacting with a “Heart.” While this method helped showcase the participants’ work, it also presented a disadvantage for those who were less known, making it harder for them to gain votes. Some participants felt that the Poster Making category, in particular, required too many niche skills and that having more connections often determined the winners rather than pure artistic ability.
Despite the challenges, the School of Information Technology is proud of its representatives. The Video Awareness Group secured 2nd Runner-Up, an impressive achievement! Though they had hoped for the championship title, they remained positive. “This will never be the last time. We know we could do more,” they said. Other participants also expressed their gratitude for the experience. One competitor from the Extemporaneous Speech category shared, “Even though I didn’t place, it was still a great experience. I feel like I could’ve done better, but I’m grateful and proud to have joined.” Their hard work and dedication reflect the true spirit of SIT—that every challenge is an opportunity for growth.
The University of Baguio congratulates all the students who represented the School of Information Technology in the Academic Olympics 2025. Your efforts, creativity, and perseverance were inspiring! Special recognition goes to the Video Awareness Group for earning 2nd Runner-Up. This event proves that success isn’t just about winning—it’s about learning, improving, and pushing beyond limits. Keep striving for greatness, and we look forward to seeing more amazing achievements from SIT in the future!
