BS Information Technology students Joyce Belen, Kate Palapuz, and Janiel Paul Repaz bagged 2nd runner up - Bronze on the 2024 National I.T Skills Competition under the I.T Quiz Bee category, which was held on April 12, 2024 via Zoom.

National I.T. Skills is a nationwide competition that is held annually with an intent to provide opportunities to young students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills that will eventually turn their passion into a profession in the field of Information Technology. Recently, the competition was held with five categories: Programming Competition, ML Tournament, I.T. Ǫuiz Bee, Cosplay, and Hip Hop Competition. Coached by Prof. Ricardo Dela Cruz, three BSIT students from SDCA garnered 66 total points for the I.T Quiz Bee which ranked the team first in the easy and average round, and finished to 2nd runner-up. The victorious moment left an impact and lesson to the winners. Janiel Paul Repaz, one of the winners, said that “ang lesson na natutunan namin ay maging attentive sa lahat ng oras at makipag communicate sa mga kasama at higit sa lahat dapat marunong umintindi sa mga nakakasama natin.” They exhibited teamwork and intellectual skills that could outdo the 37 competing schools.

This is yet another proud achievement of SDCA that is truly one for the books. Indeed, a brand of excellence of a true Dominican.

The much-anticipated SDCALYMPICS Opening Ceremony took place at the SDCA Skyline, marked by grandeur and enthusiasm last April 16, 2024, hosted by Dr. Richardson Mojica and Reevah Seng Angue, which set the stage for a truly spectacular performance. Among the notable guests were members of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters basketball team, namely Keith Datu, Luis Villegas, and coach Yeng Guiao who made an appearance. Holding their balloons and wearing their colors, Men and Women's Basketball and Volleyball teams from the five schools participated in the parade of players. They graced the SDCA Skyline with their respective muses, where SNAHS Crusaders Ionaj Dgewel Sapin won as the Best Muse.



The Elasto Painters led the ceremonial toss and painting with their donation of paints to SDCA, signaling the beginning of festivities and showing sportsmanship, camaraderie, and unity. In addition, by facilitating the transfer of donations to SDCA, they demonstrate their commitment to community involvement in a manner that is also consistent with giving back.



A press conference was held in the DRA Hall after an incredible SDCALYMPICS opening ceremony. Students from different programs took advantage of the opportunity to meet the players and their coache and asked a series of questions. That interactive session helped them better understand and appreciate the guests' experiences and views.

By presenting works inspired by prominent guests and professionals, some students have added an artistic element to the occasion, thereby enhancing the cultural tapestry. Razel Leigh Sunga, Alexzandra Carias, and Prof. Rey Joble, the visionary who brought the distinguished guests to SDCA, who were all from the Communication Department, were the perfect hosts for the press conference.

SDCA Executives such as Ms. Mary Grace Demetillo, Dr. Alvin James Virata, Dean of SCMCS, and Dr. Dina Gonzales, Dean of the School of Medicine, were among the notable guests. Bong dela Cruz, the coach of Pikemen, also joined the Rain or Shine Press Conference. The importance of the event and its compatibility with the school's values of education, sportsmanship, and community service were highlighted by their participation. Overall, the press conference was a forum for debate, creativity, and mutual admiration in which St. Dominic College of Asia's vibrant spirit could be expressed.

Written by: Anna Marie Geraldino & Alleli Dogayo
Photo Courtesy of BACHELOR OF ARTS IN COMMUNICATION

Photo by FDCP

St. Dominic College of Asia is now part of the Academic Film Society (AFS) of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), which aims to gather various film schools in the Philippines to collaborate and “promote the incorporation of film in institutional academic activities as well as training for teachers on how to use film in the classroom and in 21 st -century learning”.

The AFS was formally launched last year with the students, but on April 5, 2024, the academics, teachers, and administrators of various film schools from Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao gathered in UN Avenue, Manila, for the formal academic launch.

Dr. Richardson Mojica, BA Communication Program Chair, represented St. Dominic College of Asia to AFS. Prof. Tim Rone Villanueva, BA Communication Faculty Member, was also present during the event and recognized for his participation in other AFS activities.

During the launch, Prof. Seymour Sanchez, a former BA Communication Faculty Member, and current FDCP Education Consultant, discussed the various ways in which FDCP, through AFS, can help film schools through funding, technical support, and other means, as well as the current trends pertaining to film education in the Philippines.

Director Jose Javier Reyes, FDCP Technical Consultant, mentioned that the AFS wants to emphasize and differentiate the roles of two equally important divisions in film education: those teaching films academically (film studies) and those teaching the technical aspects (film techniques). Both should learn from one another. Furthermore, Reyes stressed that films should not be Manila-centric. He said, “Let us bring the films to the provinces. Encourage film machining among students in their languages and dialects.”

Dr. Mojica plans to partner with FDCP through AFS with various projects under the BA Communication Program and other programs with film components. “We welcome this opportunity here at SDCA as this gives more leverage for the students.” Dr. Mojica said. He added, “We hope that we can produce a film thesis between BA Communication and BMMA students in the next semesters with the help of FDCP.”