By: Aliahcorr Balanon
Photo from Colegio de San Juan de Letran Facebook Page
Students from Institute of Communication (ICOMM) and College of Business Administration and Accountancy (CBAA) gathered multiple recognitions at the 11th Philippine Student Quill Awards, held on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025 at The Manila Hotel.
The winning entries stood out with campaigns and projects that addressed real-world issues, from marketing and inclusivity to child protection and digital innovation.
Sa 7/11, Scan Scan Mo Na Lang Yan!
BSBA Marketing Management majors brought home their first-ever Quill Awards through the entry, “Sa 7/11, Scan Scan Mo Na Lang Yan!” under Division 1; Category 7: Marketing, Advertising and Brand Communication consists of Ralph Jalandoni, Mandeep Brar, Shayla Supsupin, Aeronne Nicolas Mitiam, Crysler Limpio, Vincent Supilana, John Emmanuel Ochoa who now graduated from Letran.
“We submitted the campaign ‘Sa 7/11, Scan Scan Mo Na Lang Yan!’ to advertise 7-Eleven’s cashless payment and its convenience,” Jalandoni said, one of the team’s graphic designers.
Jalandoni admitted they faced challenges balancing the creativity while being strategic and the time management as they are doing this project with other projects too.
The win however, came as a surprise. Jalandoni and the team did not expect this entry would come so far, “We were proud of our output and gave it our best, but winning at the Philippine Student Quill was something we didn't imagine. It's humbling to know that our creativity was appreciated.”
Their adviser, Inst. Carlo Macasero, MBA, praised the students’ drive saying that their enthusiasm and their determination for their subject made the achievement possible, adding his personal mantra that guided the group, “Hindi pwede ang pwede na!”
Sa Globe, PWD!
Meanwhile, Advertising student Anthon Necker Hernandez won under the Division 1; Category 17: Diversity and Inclusion with the project titled, “Sa Globe, PWD!”
Hernandez dedicated the campaign to differently abled people while showing how technology can bridge gaps in accessibility.
“The campaign titled, “Sa Globe, PWD!” is a campaign dedicated to our differently abled people while showing how technology can bridge gaps in accessibility. What drove us was the chance to highlight their courage and contributions, and to spark conversations on inclusivity that resonate strongly with Gen Z.” Hernandez shared.
He admitted that he did not expect anything for recognition because as a working student, almost everything he did is merely out of compliance.
He also added that the award is proof that Letran should continue investing in Advertising students as well as the entire ICOMM because they have a lot of potential.
“ICOMM is very competitive that I think Letran should focus on them, value them and give them support.” Hernandez shared.
Adviser Inst. Jonathan Rivera highlighted the project’s strength by its exceptional quality of their storytelling and overall creativity; not just unique but influential, effectively addressing global issues and promoting country’s culture.
Fellow mentor Inst. Gee Bautista recalled the intense preparation process saying, “Buong midterm, niluto namin yan ng mga kaklase niya, ang ginawa ko kasi, I trained them to do solo campaigns for Globe… nung time na nai-present na namin yan sa client which is si Globe, no kidding, but I'm telling you right there and then, gusto na siyang i-absorb ng Globe.”
A Hit is Not a Gambit
After Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) and AdSpeak recognition, "A Hit is Not a Gambit” brought another victory under Division. 4; Category 22: Audio and Visual consistent Communication students from Letran namely, Ma. Darlene Axalan, Kym Alexis Barrameda, John Stephen Catipol, Earl Justin Cruz, Zhermaine Anne Diosi, Ashley Nicole Espinoza, Gian Karlo Ladrido, Uriel Joaquin Magnipis, and Shyne Lisbeth Tomines.
Cruz, the writer and director of the project explained that the concept was developed from team brainstorming. He aimed to portray the negative impacts of physical punishment.
On the other hand, Catipol revealed the campaign drew from his personal experiences.
“This campaign is personal to me, as I grew up with a strict father who used different items (belt, walis tingting, and kahoy) to discipline me. This experience caused me trauma, and my relationship with my father became distant,” Catipol shared.
Additionally, Catipol expressed confidence in the project’s impact, noting its potential to reach families beyond the classroom as the campaign carries a strong message, particularly in educating parents about corporal punishment.
Adviser Asst. Prof. Manuel O. Dasig, Jr., PhD., CST shared how he guided the students throughout the process.
“I mentor students whenever they have class-relevant deliverables or requirements, mentoring by discussing the rationale of the project, elaborating on the mechanics or policies, fielding questions from them, and asking their expectations about it…I guide them like their second parent which is what teachers like me must be in school…Prior to submission of the class output, each team had a brainstorming about the finished product which they will then present to me for guidance, improvements, and polishing.”
Dasig also emphasized the importance of recognition this project received, noting that it became the first student project from the institution to win two national awards in two consecutive years, making a record-setting achievement.
CONVERGENCE: Exploring the Depth of Analytics Through the World of E-Commerce
From CBAA, students also earned a recognition with its event, consists of these members: Yanah Maxine Velasquez, Alyssa Louise Aspuria, Venice Angeli Lim, Janne Qllen Quinte, Bench Bobher Morga, Vian Rich Dela Cruz, Eon Marco Escoto, Maria Angelica Novis, John Paul Kondo, Marianne Joyce Rivera, Febby Wyla Delos Santos, Julian Harish Bhojwani, Bryant Carl Tipon, and Liam Tomas.
The project focused on how e-commerce and analytics are reshaping business. Velasquez, the project head, said the team spent almost two months revising and adjusting plans.
“We spent almost two months preparing for the event, and before it was approved, we faced changes and adjustments. From revising the event plan to shifting timelines, it felt like we were starting all over again.” Velasquez shared in regards to the challenges in organizing a large-scale event.
Since this project is a course requirement, it exceeded their expectations to go to Quill Awards as they just want to finish the event to pass the course, but seeing that all of their efforts were worth it, they realized how far it could actually go.
She also expressed gratitude to her team and professors for their support saying that, “This success is not just mine, but ours.”