Story By Heaven Kate C. Hernandez
Photos From Ms. Marinell Ocampo, LPT, PhD and Ms. Stephanie Anne Remada, LPT
My team and I—Team VISTA—have written a story of our own. A story that will never be forgotten.
Over 26 countries, 100 innovations, and more than 5,000 student-innovators gathered for the International Creativity and Innovation Awards (ICIA) 2025 held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam—not just to compete, but to bring brilliant ideas for the Sustainable Development Goals to life.
Who would’ve thought that a small research group like ours would make a difference? That we would represent the Philippines and bring home a gold medal. Even we, the young innovators of Colegio de Sto. Tomas–Recoletos Inc., didn’t see that coming.
It seemed like just yesterday, my team and I were preparing for our research defense—to face panelists with strong determination and belief that through our innovation, we could make a difference, that we could bring light to those trapped in never-ending darkness. Then, we were given that one shot to stand before collaborators and judges from all over the world.
Before leaving for Vietnam, I remembered whispering to myself: “Kaya ba ko ni?” “What if makulbaan ko nya dili ko katingog?”
The doubts didn’t stop me. Instead, I turned them into strength, inspired by those who believed in me and the unwavering support of Ma’am Marinell T. Ocampo, LPT, PhD and Ma’am Stephanie Ann Remada, LPT, my teammates, the ever-supportive lay administrators of CSTR, and our School President, Rev. Fr. Christopher C. Maspara, OAR, who trusted in our ability to wave the golden Thomasian flag high in Ho Chi Minh.
The love and encouragement from my family gave me even more courage.
When April 26 came, the innovation exhibition began. With sweaty hands in a nerve-wracking moment, we delivered our pitch to the judges with a 100% genuine smile. Was I nervous? Of course, but I was filled with purpose. I have no regrets. After more than four hours of presenting, we still had to perform the Pintaflores Festival during the cultural night. Dressed in golden skirts, decked with golden headdresses, we proudly danced the beloved festival of San Carlos City. The eyes from all over the world watched.
If we were nervous during the exhibition, nothing compared to what we felt during the announcement of winners the next day. I prayed silently for God’s grace, comforted only by the thought that no matter the outcome, my family and Team VISTA would be proud of how far we had come. When the Bronze and Silver awards were announced, hope started to fade.
Our moment came during the Gold Medal announcement. We won Gold! Walking onto the stage with pride and joy, we held the Philippine flag. We won!
Only the three of us may have stood together on that stage with Ma’am Ocampo, but we carried with us every member of our team—Charlene Marie B. Baldoza, Rehanna Marie N. Apostol, Lex Marie T. Lapuz, Judd Aldwin P. Damandaman, and Errold John G. Lambating Jr. and especially Kuya Marc Allen Damandaman , who brought our vision to life.
The sleepless nights, the endless search for RRLs, the long days under the sun conducting tests and the anxiety during the research defense—all worthy of the prize.
I truly believe we weren’t grouped together by coincidence. We were brought together for a reason, and this is it. This is our story—a story that I will always hold close to my heart; my favorite story that I will keep on sharing. I had the privilege of working alongside brilliant and passionate individuals. We were united by a common vision and unwavering determination. Through perseverance, teamwork, and faith in our mission, we turned our innovation into a beacon of hope—proving that even in the darkest moments, light can shine through.
