Written by Christian Calagui and Jon Francis Cardenas
The School of Information Technology (SIT) at the University of Baguio proudly held its much-anticipated yearly event—Brainwave XIII—on April 24, 2025, at the FGB Hall. The event, themed “Retro Reboot: Echoes of Innovation,” aimed to revive past tech breakthroughs to inspire the innovations of tomorrow.
The SIT upholds its vision to create a dynamic learning environment through its annual event, Brainwave. This event challenges SIT students to showcase their skills, talents, and knowledge in their chosen field of IT. With today’s fast-growing technologies, this year’s “Retro Reboot” theme reminded participants how earlier inventions can still spark fresh ideas and encourage creativity and innovation.
The event was filled with exciting competitions that allowed students to apply what they had learned and explore their creativity. The events included Esports Tournament: Valorant and League of Legends (LoL), IT Quiz Bee, Photography, Circuit Building, Computer Programming 1, Computer Programming 2, Network Troubleshooting 1, and Network Troubleshooting 2. Each activity was designed to engage students in fun yet educational challenges, helping them develop skills and confidence.
Leading up to the main event, the Esports Tournament elimination rounds for Valorant and LoL were held from April 9 to 12. These games were live-streamed on the SIT Administrative Council Facebook page, with student casters Shaquille Iverson Dumpit and Cristian Paull Fernandez adding energy and commentary. After intense matches, Solvex and Jamborant advanced to the Valorant grand finals, while Bata ni Ma’am Kristal (BMK) and Sini Gang (SG) emerged as the LoL finalists that will be held on April 24.
On April 24, Brainwave XIII featured a full-day lineup of academic and Esports competitions. The event was divided into morning and afternoon sessions, each with exciting challenges and presentations. The day started strong with the Valorant Grand Finals, a 5-versus-5 tactical shooting game where teams competed in strategy, aim, and teamwork. Jamborant, led by Kahna Nyza Tacudog, claimed Champion. Team members included Jericho Ryan Ducusin, Andrei Louie D. Beran, Kristelle Gale Casis, John Albert A. Ocampo, and Vin Chrysler Sabela. Solvex took 1st Runner-Up, with Vicki Rose Guerrero as captain. Team members included Elec Ralph Luis, Tyrone R. Salango, Marc Laurence Laroa, and Ayn Guban.
Meanwhile, the IT Quiz Bee was happening inside the FGB Hall. Students answered questions about IT facts and concepts. The winning teams were Victoria, Draven, Saro, and Lennon in First Place; Cuenco, Thalialyn, Vengazo, Mark Allen, and Noble in Second Place; and Pimentel, Samuel, De Luna, Lance Gabriel, and Umayan in Third Place. At the same time, students joined the Digital Poster Making competition, where they made creative artwork using computers based on the theme. The winners were James Beliginio in First Place, Mark Lloyd Yadao in Second Place, and Joshua Molina in Third Place. Another activity was the Photography Contest, in which students took photos that best showed the idea of innovation. Aeron Jeff won First Place, while Glory Calawa got Second Place.
Furthermore, in the Computer Programming 1 contest, first- and second-year students solved coding problems using the lessons they had in class. The First Place was Mark Simon Bringas, followed by Asher Nathaniel De Guzman, December Rain Gomez in second Place, and Ray Arsen Besselink and Mc Steven De Mesa in Third Place. In the Network Troubleshooting 1 competition, students worked independently to fix computer network problems using Packet Tracer. The winners were Rupert Dela Cruz in First Place, Eulance Calub and Colleen Jose in Second Place, and Jholev Ducyao and Adrian Garcia in Third Place.
Moreover, in the afternoon, the grand finals for LoL brought more excitement. It was also a 5-versus-5 online game where teamwork and planning were essential. BMK, led by team captain Aljon Pena, won Champion. Other members were Luis Miguel W. Millora, Prinz Jan Lee Paulo, Melchizedek B. Martinez, John Moss F. Ragasa, and Warren Cyrus L. Llave. SG came in First Runner-Up with team captain Steven Sean Panelo, Wellord C. Paular, Janus Daniel O. Palabay, Leonard Shane R. Donato, Delon K. Mismisen, and Mark Aaron Alyster P. Pesimo.
Other competitions continued in the afternoon. Computer Programming 2 challenged students to apply advanced coding and object-oriented programming skills. The First Place winners were Jerec Lee Dizon and Lourdrain Camacho. Second Place went to Vian Paolo Palacio. Third Place was given to Mark Simon Bringas and Jun Passing. In Network Troubleshooting 2, students worked in pairs to fix network problems. Lane Gabriel De Luna won First Place, Zhaun Pasion placed second, and Joshua Molina finished Third Place. One more fun challenge was Circuit Building. Here, students built simple digital circuits to test their understanding of electronics. Jay Siloy Rossel got First Place, Jhoemir Miran placed second, and Marco Palacio third.
Brainwave XIII was more than just a contest—it also supported the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It helped give students a good and active learning way (Goal 4: Quality Education). It also encouraged new ideas and problem-solving in technology (Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). Lastly, it showed how working together through events like this can create better teamwork and stronger community ties (Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals).
With all the games, contests, and teamwork, Brainwave XIII met its goals to encourage academic and technical excellence, strengthen camaraderie through team activities, promote creativity, and build a fun, educational atmosphere. With every game played, code written, and circuit built, the event reaffirmed SIT’s dedication to shaping future-ready IT professionals—combining knowledge, skill, and passion for innovation.
