CIIT Philippines

After seemingly endless nights and the effort pursued despite the odds, Zero Degree Productions finally, proudly, unveiled its recent project, a film chillingly entitled “Left Behind,” in a series of fundraisers designed to support their next big film. The movie fell under the genre of horror, a subject that most Filipinos particularly adore, and revolves around Catherine and Troy, and a spine-tingling occurrence that would definitely make the audience feel terror and dread. It begins with a very drenched Troy coming home later to his lover, Catherine, at a very late time, seemingly in a daze, dumbfounded as to what had happened to him. After a few minutes,

Catherine receives an ominous phone call from Troy’s mother, who informs her that Troy has just died from an accident. Troy, meanwhile, in hearing this, argues that he and his mother were in the said accident, but points out that he was the only who survived, leaving the audience with a question that kept them at the edge of their seat. The film lasted exactly fifteen minutes, yet in that short amount of time, the cast and crew of the movie, composed, of course, by CIIT’s best and brightest students, were able to elicit a powerful reaction. The film was shown inside the Cosmopoint International Institute of Technology a number of times. The tickets were also sold inside CIIT’s campus for a period of time, and Vanz, the director of Zero Degree Productions, said that the fundraiser “was such a success that it’s enough motivation to drive the team and the students towards producing more, better, bigger projects.” And not only was it a financial success, it also came with acclaim and messages of wonderment from its peers, including Erlyn Grace P. Gatchalian, who said that “The effects were eye-catching and sounds were very appropriate for the scenes,” and Adrian Paul M. Abela who pointed out that “This film is a notch above the usual.”

Utilizing the leanings and valuable lessons acquired from their professors and the brilliant curriculum program of the Cosmopoint International Institute of Technology, equipped with the latest, most updated Adobe CS5 technology, one can only assume that this is simply the start of a bright future and a career in media and in film for the young and talented members of Zero Degree Productions. We at CIIT will continue to support each of their endeavors and will endure in our longstanding goal to give our students the best of their education so that they can contribute significant achievements to our society and to our culture.

CLICK THE IMAGE TO WATCH TRAILER OF LEFT BEHIND:

Pride and cheers of success once again came alive in the hearts of CIIT’s students as another milestone took place. Last November 30, 2011, at the rooftop of the Don Henrico’s restaurant located at Tomas Morato, Quezon City, the first ever CIIT Music Video Awards took place, showcasing once again the best and most creative works that the students of the school has to offer. And despite the holiday, everyone came full force, including the faculty, parents, guests, and of course, the judges.

It initially began as a simple midterm project initiated by Professor Stanley Coloma in his class. Amazed and awed by the finish products of the groups, the school requirement took an auspicious turn as Professor Coloma decided to make it into a full-blown event. The decision, of course, was graced by support and praises.

There were seven groups that submitted a music video each. There were no rules established. They were allowed to take matters in their own hands. They can utilize any song, conceptualize their own take on the music, and pursue the project the way they see fit. These works were then evaluated and critiqued by a panel of judges who graciously accepted the invitation. This panel was composed of Mr. Robert Peter Ancheta, Mr. Sherwin O, and Mr. Aisaku Yokogawa, the famous TV personality. Each judge, as they viewed each video, enjoyed what they saw, almost as much as the students who were behind each production.

The first video was an adaptation of the song “Outside,” by the band Staind. Due to the heavy mood of the song, direct Jerivic Antonio decided to utilize this particular tone to come up with a melancholic and deep interpretation which complemented the original material very well. The next video, directed by Ms. Kim Antonio, took the opposite direction. Using the recent chart-topper “Lucky,” by Jazon Mraz and Colbie Caillat, the video adaptation highlighted the idealistic notion of romance and showed everyone the charm and beauty of falling in love with someone. On the other hand, director Paulo Tutor’s video which adapted Giniling Festival’s “Holdap,” garnered laughter from the audience as it featured a rather literal and ridiculous take on the meaning of the song, featuring a topless man running around the metro, doing the most random of things. Soon after, it was Director Kristian Vanz Lavado’s turn. Featuring the song “By My Side” by David Choi, it featured the talent and technical expertise of the team who came up with a poignant rendering of a love song, proving that with the perfect technique, one can definitely tell a familiar story in a new way. High on love and romance, the next video, directed by Kim Ngo, brought everyone back to reality. Featuring the 90’s cult hit “Don’t Speak,” from the now defunct No Doubt, the video effectively shows the painful repercussions of love that no one expects but everyone is aware of. The second to the last video by Jethro Arciaga, which used the song “Black Box” from Stan Walker, gave everyone a breather and instead showed a mastery of technique with its very impressive cinematography. Finally, Andrew Alberto video translation of Kamikazee’s “Halik” again brought laughter to the viewers as it showed how boys adapt themselves to heartbreak, providing a perfect happy note to the visual feast.

Soon after the viewing, the winners were announced. Director Kim Antonio’s “Lucky” won the People’s Choice Awards, while Jethro Arciaga’s “Black Box” took the prize for Best Cinematography. Meanwile, Director Kristian Vanz Lavado’s beautiful rendering of “By My Side” garnered Best in Visual Composition, Best Director, and Best Music Video for 2011, besting everyone else in the healthy competition. During the portion where each of the seven directors were given an opportunity to informally discuss the process and experience of creating a music video, Vanz Lavado, humbled, expressed his disbelief and shock at garnering the most coveted prized.

Although new at the ball game, these students and their music videos proved once again that they can compete with the very best and the great talents in the industry. CIIT, with each annual Music Video Awards, a brand new tradition that everyone will surely look forward to, will continue to shows its commitment it pushing their students to realize their dreams and their true potentials.

You may watch the music videos by clicking the links below or subscribing to CIITPhilippines YouTube Channel

By My Side (2011 Music Video of the Year) 
Lucky (People’s Choice Award)
Holdap (Entry) 
Halik (Entry) 
Outside (Entry)

Left: Mr. Sherwin O hands over “Best in Cinematography” to Director Jethro Arciaga while Mr. Stanley Coloma poses with “People’s Choice” winner, Director Kim Antonio.

Mr. Aisaku Yokogawa takes a picture with Apollo Tribe who bagged the coveted “CIIT 2011 MTV of the Year” along with “Best in Visual Composition” and “Best Director” for Vanz Kristian Lavado.

All 7 Directors takes to the stage with the judges and Mr. Stanley Coloma.

Directors and fellow students enjoy some bonding moments after the event.

The faculty member who made it all possible; Mr. Stanley Coloma himself.

On November 17, 2011, at Technowave II Terazzo, Tomas Morato, one of the most anticipated events at the CIIT was finally realized. With the assistance and hard work of the Student Council, SC moderator Ms. Rizalyn Aquino and Ms. Alley Valdeavilla, the sponsors, and the warm and heartfelt support of the students and the faculty, the search for Mr. and Ms. CIIT 2011 finally made its formal debut, creating an evening that no one would certainly forget.

Completely packed and graced by the presence of the event’s dear and gracious hosts and sponsors, the program started at exactly six, stirring emotions and provoking excitement. Charissa Antalan and Kevin Lee welcomed everyone and introduced the charming candidates that took part in the competition. Of course, these were:

1. Gabriella Germino (1^st Year-CGD)

2. Kenny Vallo  (1^st Year-3D)

3. Raymund Sabado (2^nd Year-MMA)

4. Jonah Bonete (1^st Year-MMA)

5. Ana Patricia Mendoza (2^nd Year-CGD)

6. Axl Singma (2^nd Year-CGD)

7. Elaine De Goma (2^nd Year-IT)

8. Josephine Catubig (2^nd Year-MMA)

9. Benjamin Rubio (2^nd Year-IT)

Each contestant was given an opportunity to present themselves to the audience as they walked towards the stage, dressed in the unique creations of Edd Sy and Gener Gozum. And as they did, the photographers seemingly took endless shots to capture the magnanimous moment. After, some of the contestants, as well as a number of CIIT’s talented students, took to the stage to accept several special awards, which include:

1. Ms. Josephine Catubig and Mr. Axl Singma  for Mr. and Ms. Talent

2. Ms. Gabriella Germino and Mr. Axl Singma  for Viewers’ Choice Award

3. Mr. Axl Singma and Ms. Patricia Mendoza for Best in Formal Attire

4. Rex Sueno as CIIT’s Artists of the Month

5. Mendelson Serrano for the Photo Contest

6. Melissa Sotto for the T Shirt Design Contest

For Entrance Examination

Take the entrance examination from October to December, 2011 and avail the following:
· 50% or P250 discount on the Entrance Exam fee
· Free CIIT T-shirt (available in all sizes)

For College Reservations

Incoming Freshmen students who have passed the Entrance Exam may pay the Reservation fee on or before October 31, 2011 and avail the following:

· 35% discount on the tuition fee upon enrollment
· Free Professional Workshops worth P2,500
· Choose from any of the following subjects:
· Adobe Photoshop
· Adobe Flash
· Digital Photography (requires DSLR Camera)

The reservation fee is P1,500 only and it will be deducted upon enrollment. We have limited slots only.  Hence, we encourage the students to make reservation as early as they receive the examination result.

For further questions and concerns, please call us at 411-1196 or 413-1139.

Another milestone happened last October 19, 2011, as the Cosmopoint Institute of Technology has just signed a contract with IBM Philippines, opening up new programs and opportunities for students and staff members alike. One of these exciting new programs that will be part of this new union is a set of free trainings that will orient and update the institution’s employees on the latest technological advancements available today, creating a new venue for both discussion and information dissemination. Moreover, the collaboration will also provide CIIT’s students with a very exciting opportunity to enter the premises of

IBM Philippines as part of their OJT, allowing them to gain first-hand knowledge and insight to what professionals do, helping them forge their path in the IT industry. Currently, these privileges have already commenced implementation and all the students from the four course programs will have the privilege to experience these new benefits which will prove to be substantial in their continuing education and their future careers.

Since its establishment in 1937, IBM Philippines has grown to be one of the leading information technology partners in the country, providing quality products and first-class services to the top companies and organizations in the nation. Their dedication and commitment to innovation has constantly pushed boundaries, causing vast improvements to the country’s technology-based education.

“We partner with universities who produce graduates,” says Ms. Iris Hesper Tan Chiu, manager of IBM Academic Initiative and Developer Relations, as she sat down to discuss with Mr. Elson Neil Dagondon, CEO and President of CIIT, after the contract signing. According to her, the partnership and privileges offered are their own contributions to the community, which would eventually assist the country in becoming a leading contender in the highly-competitive and evolving world of Information Technology.

Iris Hesper Tan Chiu, Manager of IBM Academic Initiative and Developer Relations, sits down  with Mr. Elson Neil Dagondon, CEO and President of CIIT

October 8 marked the opening of Jason Moss’ 24^th exhibit at the Pablo Galleries in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig. Entitled RESET/PLAY, the event was attended by a number of his students from CIIT, all of whom were excited at the prospect of seeing their mentor’s paintings on its launching night.

The artworks were nothing short of astounding. Arguably, it was playful, making use of different colors, ultimately making it pleasing to the naked eye. Its many details in the layers presented provide a sense of depth that truly astonished those who came to witness the sheer grandeur of the works. read more

Jason Moss, one of CIIT’s most distinguished faculty members, is a graduate of Bachelor in Fine Arts at the University of Santo Tomas and is one of the most renowned and respected local artists in the industry today.

Local celebrity, Mylene Dizon and former Bamboo drummer, Ira Cruz attends the exhibit.

Jason Moss (2nd form right) takes a break sharing a picture with some of his students.

Fellow local artist appreciates and shares his views on some of the pieces.

Cosmopoint International Institute of Technology again takes immense pride in the brilliance and talent of their young students as in the recently conducted Best of Anime Convention, held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City last September 17 and 18, sisters Katherine and Tracy Gibson crushed their competition and took the honors in three categories of the exciting art contest eagerly anticipated by the convention’s numerous patrons. Katherine, the oldest of the two, took 1^stplace in the Quick Draw competition, 2^nd in the Video and Music Competition, and finally, first in character design, while Tracy placed 2^ndin the Quick Draw and 3^rd in the Video and Music category, read more

Tracy Gibson’s entry for the Character Design competition