There is no stopping this 19-year old student specializing in Digital Arts under the ICT track. With the encouragement of his adviser Coach Jelome Anne S. Hernandez, and the support of STI College Muñoz-EDSA, Kenndric “Ken” Javier Pineda joined Vision Petron’s Tuklas Kapaligiran, a competition held last July 2016 which aims to advocate love for environment through creating various original works as expression of art and creativity.

Last October 26, 2016, it was announced through Vision Petron’s website that the Grand Winner for Tuklas Paligiran song writing competition is none other than our very own Ken who will receive a cash prize of Php 50,000.00. His song was composed solely by him from the lyrics to the tune and the notes, as against other entries which were composed by up to three members per group. He played the rhythm guitar, bass guitar, and drums before combining them into one tune along with his vocals – a very rare talent for one to be considered genius.

Ken started developing his love for music, and writing his own rock songs at the age of 9 because he has very supportive parents and a family of musicians. According to him, he was challenged to write a rock song dedicated for environmental cause. Hence, he came up with his song titled “Earth” that won him thousands of pesos which he intends to save.

Here is the lyrics of his song’s chorus:

Tayo’y tumayo
Mga mabubuti
Tayo ang pinto
At tayo ang susi
Tigilan natin ang pamamanglaw.

With him are students from various schools nationwide and he is the only STIer who won the grand prize. Other categories of the said competition are video-making, t-shirt art design, photography, watercolor, and oil/acrylic painting. Other grand prize winners for music writing are from University of the Philippines – Baguio and La Verdad Christian College.

Our congratulations go to Ken, and our gratitude goes out to everyone who supported him along the way! Indeed, STI College Muñoz-EDSA does not only focus on academic achievements but also on empowering one’s self. We are so proud of you!