The first term of CIIT College of Arts and Technology’s 2025-2026 academic year launched with unstoppable energy this September, packed with events, orientations, activities, and a cascade of accolades that set the stage for a transformative journey. From freshmen igniting their creative spark to faculty mastering innovative tools, CIITzens are diving into challenges with grit and enthusiasm.
Let’s dive into the highlights that made September exceptional.
Spark Fest: Welcoming Freshmen with Flair
On September 2, Freshies Spark Fest kicked off the academic year, immersing new CIITzens in a vibrant orientation. Freshmen explored school offices, learning about academic support, student services, benefits, and emergency protocols to thrive at CIIT. From discovering where to seek help to understanding campus resources, these sessions equipped them with essentials for success.
Alongside practical guidance, fun activities like icebreakers and team-building games sparked connections, fostering friendships that promise to make college life memorable. The electric energy set a tone of excitement and readiness for the 2025-2026 term’s challenges.
Sa Humba Nimo: A Stellar Run on the Festival Circuit
The capstone animated short Sa Humba Nimo, a quiet, multilingual reflection on memory, tenderness, and shared rituals over food, shone brightly this month. On September 4, it was announced as an Official Finalist at the 37th CCP Gawad Alternatibo for Animation.
The film also secured a Top 5 spot among Best Student Short Film nominees at the recently concluded Sinag Maynila and clinched Best Film at Sine Bohol on September 29.
Congratulations to Allen Trinidad, Earl Bueno, Amihan Asupan, and Janelle Samaniego for showcasing CIIT’s storytelling prowess.
Si Tes at Si Anggo: Documentary Excellence
The capstone short documentary Si Tes at Si Anggo, named 2nd Term of AY 2024-2025 Top Capstone and Best Film Capstone, was also announced on September 4 as an Official Finalist at the 37th CCP Gawad Alternatibo for Documentary.
This heartfelt project by Angelo Agtarap Martinez, Ralp Kemuel Agonoy, Riz Matthew Fernando, and Ian Carlos Rodil showcases CIIT’s storytelling strength on a national stage. The film’s selection highlights the team’s ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate widely.
PATHFIT Classes: Energizing Body and Mind
Throughout September, PATHFIT classes brought a burst of energy to CIIT’s physical education curriculum, blending fitness with fun to kick off the 2025-2026 term. These sessions, designed to promote holistic wellness, saw students engaging in dynamic workouts, and exercises tailored to their student lifestyles.
From cardio challenges to collaborative games, PATHFIT fostered discipline and teamwork, essential for tackling the academic year’s demands.
CanvasCon 2025: Leading the Charge in EduTech
On September 10, CIIT educators stole the show at CanvasCon 2025, held at the Grand Hyatt Manila, celebrating a decade of partnership with Canvas Instructure.
Adrian Luna’s talk, “Revolutionizing Workflows: Harnessing AI for Seamless Canvas Integration,” showcased tools to boost teaching efficiency, while Instructor Harold Cabansag’s “Unlocking Student Success: Mastering Canvas Analytics” highlighted data-driven strategies for student empowerment. With a stellar team, CIIT demonstrated its leadership in tech-forward education.
Manila International Book Fair: Inspiring Creative Minds
On September 12, CIIT’s Library Team hit the Manila International Book Fair at SMX Convention Center, curating a fresh collection of multimedia, tech, and design books to fuel student projects.
Instructor Tinsley Garanchon’s book Korona ng Mais captivated attendees during a lively book signing event, showcasing Filipino storytelling at its finest. This literary haul enriches CIIT’s resources, offering first-term students a treasure trove of inspiration for their creative endeavors.
Edutech Orientation: Empowering Faculty with Canvas LMS
On September 13, CIIT’s Edutech Orientation united new and returning faculty to master the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS), a cornerstone of our tech-driven education. Tailored for the 2025-2026 academic year, this session explored advanced features like AI-integrated workflows and data-driven analytics to enhance teaching. Facilitators guided educators through practical tools, ensuring seamless course delivery and student engagement.
LEADS Phase 1: Forging Leaders in a United CIITy
From September 18-20, the Student Affairs Office’s LEADS Phase 1, themed “It Takes a CIITy,” transformed campus into a leadership hub. Student org members honed foundational, fundamental, and functional skills through workshops on collaboration, planning, and reflection. By syncing calendars and brainstorming solutions, participants built a tight-knit community ready to govern with purpose. This high-energy session equipped first-term CIITzens with the tools to lead confidently, proving that challenges are best met together.
As the academic year unfolds, LEADS Phase 1 sets the stage for students to navigate leadership roles and complex projects with vision, ensuring they’re prepared for the term’s demands and beyond, with Phase 2 promising even more growth.
Revival: A Soulful Acoustic and Worship Session
On September 18, CIIT’s campus resonated with harmony during Revival, a live acoustic and worship session that brought students together in a moment of reflection and connection. This heartfelt gathering blended soulful music with spiritual renewal, offering CIITzens a space to recharge amid the term’s fast pace.
As CIITzens navigate the challenges of the 2025-2026 academic year, moments like these provide the emotional fuel to keep pushing forward, proving that inspiration comes not just from work but from shared, soulful experiences.
Tech Capstone Forum: Igniting Innovation at Cinemalab
On September 20, Cinemalab hosted the Tech Capstone Forum, a powerhouse event for BS EMC and BSCS students in Capstone 1 and 2. CIIT speakers Juco Rivera, Ronnie Baraquio, and Kurt Agao shared insights on “Design for Good,” crafting robust research questions, and mastering testing phases.
Previous Capstone CIITzens Frances Pia Rey and Michael Salvania inspired with their Saling Kamay project, dedicated to developing assistive technology that supports Filipino Sign Language for accessibility. This forum fueled first-term innovators with practical tools and bold ideas, preparing them to prototype, iterate, and disrupt industries.
Joe Lance Celso at Vogue Threads Manila 2025
From September 21-27, graduating film student Joe Lance Celso represented CIIT at Vogue Threads Manila 2025, held at RCBC Plaza, Makati. Selected for a seven-day creative immersion, he participated in photography exhibits, casting calls, masterclasses, and panels exploring visual storytelling, art, and fashion.
On September 25, Joe joined the Vogue Portfolio Review, a main event for young fashion and editorial photographers, vying for a chance to be published in the prestigious magazine. His involvement highlights CIIT’s commitment to nurturing talent ready for global stages.
Danielle Ruby Conde at Youth Vision Assembly 2025
Danielle Ruby Conde, a proud CIIT Senior High alumna and now a freshman at CIIT College of Arts and Technology, was chosen as a Partially Funded Delegate for the Youth Vision Assembly 2025 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. It’s a prestigious global conference where young leaders tackled the future of education, diplomacy, policymaking, and sustainability.
As a delegate, CIITzen Danielle gained full access to international workshops, networking sessions, and policy dialogues from September 19 to 22. She stood alongside future leaders from across the world, exchanging ideas and building collaborations that drove meaningful change.
Create Foundation Anniversary Exhibit: Bridging the Digital Divide
On September 30, CIIT hosted the Create Foundation’s one-year anniversary exhibit on the second floor of the Interweave Building. This three-day display raised awareness on the Foundation’s mission to bridge the Philippines’ digital divide, encouraging CIITzens to join civic engagement projects.
The You CAN Create Campaign invited students, faculty, and staff to adopt a Create Can, saving ₱100 monthly for a year to support the Create Library Project, enhancing literacy and digital readiness in communities like Basilan and Lanao del Sur.
Built For What’s Next: A Term Charged with Momentum
September 2025 at CIIT was a dynamic launch to the 2025-2026 academic year, brimming with experiences that energized students and faculty alike.
As October approaches, CIIT’s momentum is unstoppable, with students ready to conquer the academic year’s trials with skill, passion, and community spirit.
The journey has just begun, and CIITzens are poised to make this term epic.