Meet Sir Denmor Israel Villanueva, a dynamic professional who expertly juggles two important roles in his life. With a rich 11-year career in the ever-evolving Information Technology field, he has established himself as a proficient project manager.

His expertise is validated by an impressive array of certifications, including Prince2, AgilePM, SAFe, Scrum, and Lean Six Sigma. Throughout his career, he has led a diverse range of projects, skillfully managing everything from intricate, smaller tasks to large-scale, enterprise-wide initiatives. Recently, he has reached a major professional milestone by gaining two internationally acclaimed certifications: SAFe Agilist and Prince2.

With all that’s happening in his life, Sir Denmor manages to strike a good balance between his professional goals and the moments that bring him joy. Outside work, he cherishes his role as a father to his adorable 4-year-old daughter and as a caring husband to his wonderful wife.

Balancing Tech Expertise and Education

Sir Denmor’s passion for solving problems and pioneering innovations has naturally drawn him to the IT world and become a part of the CIITeam. His latest endeavor involved creating a disaster recovery center—a project that has significantly improved CIIT’s operational capabilities. This facility not only enhances business resilience but also minimizes downtime by safeguarding data and ensuring smooth operations amid unforeseen issues.

Besides technical work, he finds delight in teaching where he enjoys sharing his knowledge with his students. So far, teaching at CIIT has been a rewarding experience for him. Every class is filled with enthusiastic students who always bring all sorts of ideas to the table. 

But his favorite part about being a teacher is seeing how engaged the students become. When he was going over the software development lifecycle, he noticed their interest in grasping the whole picture, understanding what it means to be a software engineer, and learning how to deliver top-notch products to clients.

He also takes great pleasure in educating his students on project management skills, ensuring they learn the art of organizing, planning, and effectively executing tasks. It promotes teamwork, time management, and adaptability, which are invaluable in both academic and professional settings. 

Yet, in the end, Sir Denmor believes that a good learning experience works both ways. When instructors and students collaborate, it strengthens the school community through knowledge sharing, mentoring, and developing new ideas. 

Family Man

But, how does Sir Denmor fit in all of his responsibilities both at work and at home? He begins his day by focusing on personal activities such as meditation and reading. As the day goes on, he takes on his teaching role, engages with his students, and prepares lessons. As the evening rolls around, he ensures that work is set aside so he can spend more time with his family. 

Sir Denmor has two unique hobbies: he’s a passionate cook and a keen toy collector. In the kitchen, he enjoys trying out new flavors and making special dishes inspired by different cultures. His toy collection, meanwhile, showcases his love for nostalgia and craftsmanship. Over the years, he has collected a variety of toys, ranging from old action figures to rare collectibles. For him, each toy holds significance as it brings back memories from various moments in his life.

Guide to Success in the IT Industry

Sir Denmor believes that if you want to get into the fast-paced IT profession, you need to know a few things: “Combine passion with dedication and a growth mindset. First and foremost, immerse yourself in the subject matter—read, learn, and seek opportunities to gain practical experience. Networking is crucial; connect with professionals, join relevant organizations, and attend conferences or workshops. Building a professional network can open doors to internships and job opportunities.”

He further emphasized the importance of keeping abreast of industry trends and technological advancements. The field is ever-changing, and your ability to adapt and embrace new developments will let you stand out. Lastly, he encouraged students to never stop learning. Whether through formal degrees or self-study, continuous education is key to staying competitive. Perseverance and a genuine love for what you do will fuel your journey toward a successful career in the IT industry.

Meet Sir Juco Antonio Rivera, whose passion for writing is undeniable, yet it’s the world of teaching where he truly feels at home. While he once aspired to be a journalist, those around him recognized his innate teaching abilities and foresaw a future where he would embrace the role of an educator.

Sir Juco’s educational career began in 2007, with his initial two years devoted to teaching both elementary and high school students. He then transitioned to academic tutoring, a field he pursued for six years. Alongside tutoring, he juggled various part-time positions: he contributed as a development editor for a textbook publisher on an outsourced basis, cultivated his craft as a freelance writer, guided students as an online writing tutor, and mentored individuals as a public speaking coach.

In 2014, he ventured into higher education as a college teacher, inspired by a friend’s advice who envisioned him thriving in the collegiate teaching environment

Of course, he offers so much more than just being inside a classroom. He has written textbooks and workbooks for elementary and middle school students published by Diwa Learning Systems, Inc., one of the Philippines’ top educational companies.

His status as a published author has led to numerous invitations as a guest speaker at workshops and seminars nationwide, where he shares insights on communication and educational practices. Additionally, he frequently takes on the role of director for theater productions in various churches.

However, beyond the accolades he has garnered through the years, it is the feedback from students—be it an individual inspired to write by his books or those who’ve found clarity in research methods through his instruction—that truly validates the value of his work.

Sir Juco specializes in educating students in communication and research, skills he considers crucial not only for their professional accomplishments but also for navigating the broader challenges of life. He aims to equip his students with the strategic thinking and effective communication abilities they need to excel in a competitive world.

He realized that his goals as a teacher were a great match for what CIIT has always stood for: preparing students for the real world and creating leaders who are ready to take on challenges in their field. And as someone who was born into an artistic family, he is confident in his ability to relate to the CIIT students on multiple levels.

Given his busy schedule, one might assume Sir Juco has little time for leisure. Yet, he indulges in various hobbies, from performing and sketching to singing and binge-watching videos on YouTube.

Beyond his responsibilities at CIIT, he’s often found at home tending to his two dogs, spending time with loved ones, or doing chores. Even though he gets distracted easily by things like chat and email notifications, he makes it a point to take breaks when he needs them.

Sir Juco believes that the success of a student and the success of a teacher are interdependent. A student needs the guidance of the teacher to succeed, but the teacher can only teach effectively when the student is willing to learn and put in the effort. And for him, teaching students at CIIT has been a rewarding journey. Despite the occasional challenges and moments of frustration, he cherishes the opportunity to guide his students toward realizing their utmost capabilities.

In an era dominated by advancing technology, art remains a steadfast pillar of expression and understanding. Meet Ms. Portia Placino, a devoted Arts Educator and Writer. Her lifelong passion for the arts was complemented by a serendipitous discovery of her love for teaching. And this journey of self-exploration ultimately brought her to CIIT, where she now imparts her knowledge and enthusiasm.

Diving deeper into the world of arts and culture, Ms. Portia’s portfolio is enriched with writing, research, and teaching. She has even contributed to renowned publications such as ArtAsiaPacific, ArtReview Asia, Art+, and Spot.ph, to name a few.

As a teacher of Art History and New Media Culture, Ms. Portia truly believes that these subjects are important in the art world. For her, art history helps us understand the journey and meaning of art, showing us both our collective and personal stories. New media culture, on the other hand, gives us a way to look at how the internet and today’s technologies are shaping our world.

So far, Ms. Portia’s experience at CIIT has been nothing but great. She is blessed with talented students who are not only open to learning but also delightful partners in the artistic journey. In fact, their shared love of the arts is what brings them together in this quest for creation and expression.

Ms. Portia is deeply honored to have been awarded the Purita Kalaw Ledesma Prizes for Art Criticism through the Ateneo Art Awards and Ateneo Art Gallery. This recognition not only opened doors for her but also paved the way for more opportunities to write about art.

Of course, beyond accolades and the privilege of applying these teachings in real life, seeing her students understand complex ideas, dive into deep discussions, and present their research with enthusiasm gives her immense joy and satisfaction.

Ms. Portia’s work week mirrors many teachers. She enjoys her morning coffee, prepares a delightful breakfast, and dedicates time to writing and prepping. When she’s not teaching, she engages in art writing and criticism—a practice she believes is instrumental in elevating the national arts landscape. 

So, if you’re a student with a passion for the arts or dreaming of making a significant impact in the art scene, here’s Ms. Portia’s advice: “Keep going and do your best to contribute to Philippine art and society.”

Despite her packed schedule, Ms. Portia prioritizes quality moments with her family and friends. On weekends and holidays, she refreshes her spirit by visiting museums and galleries, playing Magic: The Gathering with friends, or embracing new adventures.

Whenever she can steal a moment, Ms. Portia indulges her passion for travel. She has fond memories of backpacking solo across Asia and Europe, where she discovered diverse cultures and people and uncovered layers of herself.

With her deep love for culture and the arts, Ms. Portia found the perfect haven in CIIT, an institution where like-minded enthusiasts and creatives come together. Here, seasoned educators harness the vibrant enthusiasm and fresh perspectives of their students—and Ms. Portia is delighted to be a part of this dynamic team.

Meet Ms. Kristine C. Dipalac, a dedicated Physical Education Coodinator with nearly 13 years of experience. She’s been recognized with the Punctuality Award and as an Annual Excellent Awardee at CIIT. However, awards are just part of the story. What truly drives her is the profound impact she has on her students, making every teaching moment invaluable. It’s moments like when a student shared that he went back on track with his healthy routine after her class. Some have given up bad habits, while others have found new sports skills after a recent Sportsfest.

This only goes without saying that Ms. Kristine’s influence extends beyond the classroom. She plays a vital role in the holistic development of students, guiding them towards active and health-conscious lifestyles.

As a faculty member, there’s more to CIIT that excites her. She’s impressed with how the institution seamlessly combines technology with different subjects, ensuring students are ready for today’s digital world and what industries are looking for. Also, it has connections with different industries, which means students can find internships and get a taste of the real world while they’re still studying. 

Plus, CIIT is big on community involvement. Through various projects and outreach programs, students are encouraged to use what they learn to help out in the real world. And the way they set things up, students get a nice balance between hitting the books and having personal downtime. 

For Ms. Kristine, another highlight is seeing how diverse the CIIT community is—students, faculty, everyone. It’s an amazing combination of ideas and backgrounds all in one place.

In today’s tech-savvy world, digital arts is really catching on. Ms. Kristine believes that for those into Digital Arts, CIIT is the place to be. It offers comprehensive access to the latest equipment, software, labs, and studios, along with workshops and internships to further refine one’s skills.

For students eyeing a future in digital arts, she has these words of wisdom, “Master the basics, stay focused, seek feedback, embrace criticism, learn from others, stay inspired, believe in yourself, and pray.”

Life outside CIIT

Outside the walls of her classroom, Ms. Kristine embraces a lively and dynamic way of life. In her leisure, she enjoys capturing moments and sharing them on Facebook. She also enjoys getting out into nature and taking in the peace and quiet by going on long treks. 

Occasionally, she channels her creativity by writing poems or sketching her favorite anime characters. Drawing from her past as a sprinter, she stays athletically active, with ambitions to further her jump rope skills in the “Jump Manila Community Group.” Additionally, she aspires to share her MA research on coaching competency with the world in the future.

Of course, behind every extraordinary teacher is a source of inspiration—and for Ms. Kristine, it’s her family. With their steadfast support and her dedication to promoting health and wellness among students, teaching becomes more than just a profession for her—it’s what she’s meant to do.

Meet Sir Johnny Gabriel, one of CIIT’s Motion Graphics Professors. Teaching wasn’t initially in Sir Johnny’s plan, but now he is a dedicated Motion Graphics Professor, and he is really loving it! What he finds most rewarding about teaching motion graphics in CIIT is witnessing students unleash their creativity. Students usually start a bit nervous but end up finishing the term, they produce outstanding work, making it exceptionally fulfilling for Sir Johnny.

It’s like he helps them unlock something they didn’t know they were good at.

CIIT’s Multimedia Arts program is unique because it empowers students to be creative and speak out about what they really want to communicate through art and design. And the most important thing for Sir Johnny is that the program prepares students to be industry-ready, and he finds it fulfilling to help the students by sharing his own experiences.

Sir Johnny is not your average guy— aside from being a teacher at CIIT, he’s been a freelance multimedia designer specializing in Motion Graphics and Video Editing for the past 7 years.

He has worked for different agencies, companies, and brands throughout the years – SMART Communications, Nike, Black Box Collab, Mead Johnson Nutrition, GUT TV, Vivo Philippines, Tier One Entertainment, Deloitte, and more.

At the age of 25, Sir Johnny achieved something amazing. Through his freelance gig as a designer, he was able to build his own house. But what makes it all even better is that he’s thankful for his family and partner who helped him achieve his dream house.

Outside of CIIT, Sir Johnny’s got a bunch of interests. He’s all about tech stuff, loves K-pop music, and plays games, especially Valorant. He’s a family guy who loves hanging out with his family and friends. But here’s the cool part: he’s also on the lookout for a personal project that can do some good. Sir Johnny’s not just about pixels and games; he wants to make a positive impact too.

And did you know that Sir Johnny also has an incredible talent aside from motion graphics and video editing? Sir Johnny used to compete in the World of Dance competition. He’s not just a master in animation but he’s got some serious dance moves too.

In the mix of teaching, freelancing, and personal vibes, Sir Johnny Gabriel creates a life that’s all about making a positive impact. Whether it’s inside CIIT or outside, his story shows that when you mix passion with purpose, amazing things can happen.

Meet Ms. Jessica Digol, a remarkable individual who seamlessly blends the realms of academia and career development at CIIT College of Arts and Technology. Before donning her academic robe, Jessie navigated the dynamic world of Human Resources. But who would’ve thought that she would don multiple hats, serving as a Guidance Center Level Counselor, a Values Education teacher, and now, a beacon of career guidance at CIIT.

Last August 5, 2023, CIIT gave her the prestigious Annual Faculty Excellence Award, recognizing her unwavering commitment to nurturing the minds of CIITzens. Jessie’s impact extends beyond the classroom, with heartwarming notes from students expressing gratitude for her understanding, discipline, and positive influence.

Jessie’s teaching philosophy transcends traditional boundaries. One memorable moment stands out when a student, initially anxious about securing an internship, had already landed a job before the term commenced, with the help of Jessie’s impactful guidance. Her dedication to the learning process emphasizes collaboration, engagement, and the sharing of ideas to create a rich and holistic educational experience.

Beyond the walls of CIIT, Jessie is a Certified Professional Career Coach, extending her expertise to guide CIITzens in their career journeys. Her commitment to a better work-life balance is reflected in her routine, where she diligently leaves work stress behind and immerses herself in family time, books, and the joy of pet companionship.

In a candid revelation, Jessie shares her journey towards self-care, a transformation that began last year. Striking a balance between work and personal life, she ensures each day ends positively, allowing time for rest, leisure, and cherished activities.

Jessie’s life isn’t confined to academia; it’s a vibrant tapestry of hobbies and passions. Cross-stitching, letter writing, and a penchant for surprises through thoughtful notes make up her leisure moments. Her sentimental nature is evident in the keepsakes she cherishes, reflecting the importance of memories and connections.

Not only an educator but a model too! Jessie’s foray into modeling for marketing materials showcases her willingness to embrace the unfamiliar. Shy and quiet by nature, she stepped out of her comfort zone during promotional shoots, adding a dash of fun to her routine.

An avid reader since 4th grade, Jessie’s love for books has been a constant companion. From volunteering for charitable causes during her high school years to aspiring to contribute to the Save the Laguna Pitbulls Sanctuary, Jessie’s heart extends beyond her immediate world.

With an interest in learning crochet and embroidery, Jessie finds solace in these crafts, clearing her mind on lazy days or immersing herself in creativity during busier times.

Jessica Digol, a name synonymous with educational excellence at CIIT, proves that the journey of self-discovery never truly ends. Balancing the rigors of academia with personal passions, she stands as an inspiring figure, weaving success stories one class at a time and embracing the richness of life outside the classroom.

In this interview, you’ll get to know Miss Madz, one of CIIT’s committed instructors who is eager to help our Bachelor in Multimedia Arts students find their futures in this field:

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

You’ll catch me chasing and taking photos of sunsets. I’ve been into sky gazing since I was little. Remember when you were still a kid and adults always made you nap in the afternoon? I hated that before because I wanted to play outside with my friends. So I usually went to sleep facing an open window where I could see the clouds form into different shapes. I would always imagine creatures in the clouds and create stories for them.

So when I took photography subjects in college, I enjoyed observing people, but especially my surroundings, particularly clouds and sunsets. After many years, I’m still here capturing the awesome creations of our Lord Almighty through my lenses.

Aside from sky gazing, I love taking photos of my happy dog, Tabby, going to museums and art galleries, reading books, and drinking coffee.

What were your past experiences before working in CIIT?

As my first job, I was a visual merchandising specialist for a local retail brand. Then I became a fashion designer for other brands. In this role, I enjoyed creating mood boards, graphic prints, and childrenswear.

Just recently, two of my sunset photographs were also included in the Pinto Art Museum 360 Virtual Experience Tour under DFA virtual gallery. It’s still available for public viewing at https://tinyurl.com/DFAVirtualGalleryMGM2022 if you’re interested in taking a look. I also won a few local writing and photography local competitions in the past. I think that they picked my works because of how I tell stories drawn from my experiences.

When did you begin dreaming of being a teacher?

I was actually in kindergarten when I first dreamt of being a teacher like my first instructor. Then when I was in college, some of my teachers further inspired me to become one.

I also fully believe that teaching any subject changes lives and impacts society. For the arts specifically, one of my favorite quotes is from Gerhard Richter, a German painter, he said that “Art is the highest form of hope”. This quote always reminds me that as art teachers, we can choose to be passionate when mentoring our students, trying hard to help them even beyond what the course requires.

There were teachers in my life who did just that and became my solid foundation. They helped me explore and develop my talents and skills; I hope I can be one such instructor to my students.

What led to your start teaching at CIIT?

I was invited as a thesis guest panelist in 2017 and I remember how awesome it was to critique interesting and creative projects from the CIIT students. Then I got invited to apply as a part-time instructor and I did.

And now I’m still here at CIIT, grateful to God, living my dream of being a teacher with amazing people who love what they do for the students, education system, and nation-building.

What are your future goals in your teaching career?

I want to organize more fun and interesting projects for the students and also my colleagues. I am also thinking of extending my projects to a community so we can help them through art. Lastly, I want to learn more about design thinking and innovations.

What advice would you give your students?

Remember, studying art and design is exciting and full of possibilities. It’s not just about creating what you love or expressing yourself but learning to listen to what people need and care about.

Get to meet interesting and inspiring instructors like Miss Madz who will guide you to a successful career in the multimedia arts field. Then join us in CIIT and learn more about our BMMA course here or enroll here.

Do you want to be like Miss Madz and make a difference in the lives of our CIIT students? Visit our Careers Page here and check out our open positions.