Thames International recently celebrated its Fall Term Culminating Week from November 17–21, bringing students, faculty, and staff together for a series of activities highlighting creativity, growth, and shared purpose. With the theme “My Path, Our Purpose: Journeys That Connect,” the week honored individual student journeys while emphasizing the power of community.

The main event on November 21 opened with a program at the Auditorium followed by student exhibits at the ESA Hub showcasing projects and creative outputs.

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Written by: Marc Reiven Capili
Documented By: Marielle Dillena | Ms. Jam Ramos

Last October 24, 2025, the Thames International community gathered at Tiera Bar, Victoria Sports Tower, Quezon City for a night of fun, scares, and generosity through Fright Night: Cebooo! — A Halloween Party for a Cause.

The event combined Halloween thrills with a heartwarming mission, raising funds to support Cebu earthquake relief efforts through UP CERFI’s initiatives. Students, faculty, and guests came in their most creative and spooky costumes, filling the venue with energy and excitement.

The evening featured live performances, interactive games, and a costume contest that brought out everyone’s playful spirit. Beyond the laughter and screams, the event served as a reminder that celebrations can also bring hope and help to communities in need.

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Written and documented by: Marc Reiven Capili

Thames International participated in Manila FAME 2025, held from October 16–18 at the World Trade Center, Pasay City. Organized by CITEM under the DTI, the event showcased Filipino creativity and craftsmanship through the theme “Objects of Nature.”

Students explored exhibits of locally made home, fashion, and lifestyle products that blended traditional artistry with modern design and sustainability. The experience gave them valuable exposure to creative industries, product innovation, and global market trends, reflecting Thames International’s commitment to immersive and industry-relevant learning.

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Written by: Marc Reiven Capili
Photo: Grabbed from Ms. Jam Ramos

The Mentorship Series kicked off on October 9, 2025, at the ESA Hub, led by Thames International’s President, CEO, and Co-Founder, Mr. Jaime Noel “Joel” Santos. He shared valuable insights on Artificial Intelligence (AI), focusing on how students can effectively use and create with AI in their academic and professional journeys.

During the session, Mr. Santos discussed how students can optimize AI tools to enhance productivity and creativity. He demonstrated practical ways to build AI assistants and design presentations using AI—showing how technology can make learning more efficient and engaging.

Adding depth to the discussion, Thames International’s Academic Director, Dr. John Lagdameo, addressed the crucial topic of AI ethics and regulation, reminding participants to practice responsibility and integrity when using digital tools in education.

The session concluded with an empowering message: “Together, let’s make AI our ally.”

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Written and documented by: Marc Reiven Capili

Thames International opened its doors to its new undergraduate students last September 12, 2025, welcoming them with fun-filled activities and informative discussion at the UG Ignite: New Students' Orientation 2025. 

Additionally, Thames International also introduced the new academic year, A.Y. 2025-2026, last September 15, 2025 at the FT25 Townhall! New and old faces gathered at the Auditorium, enjoying games and an exciting presentation on things to look forward to this school year from the school and its recognized student organizations.

Once again, a warm welcome to all this Fall Term A.Y. 2025-2026!

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Written and documented by: Diana Ambat

“Why should we be a creative city? It’s because we are naturally creative. It’s an innate edge. Other people have to learn it, we are born with it.” - Sir Joel

To kick off Day 3 of DTI’s Malikhaing Pinoy Creative Expo 2025, Thames International led by its President, CEO, and co-Founder, Mr. Joel Santos, gave a workshop on the Philippine Creative Cities Playbook to the LGUs from Baguio City all the way to Koronadal City. In his presentation, he highlighted what he called the “Three Engines of Growth” of Creative Cities, namely: Creative Tourism (festivals, crafts, gastronomy, film), Global Online Gigs (design, video/animation, music/VO, UX/UI, socials), and the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV). But why be a creative city? Sir Joel explained that since the Philippines has an abundance of culture, it is only right that we, as Filipinos, take pride in that culture. Investing in becoming a creative city requires low capital expenditures while still gaining a lot of traction by reviving plazas, heritage streets, and more. Once this is accomplished, there will also be local multipliers from MSMEs such as nearby vendors, transportation services, and printing establishments. All in the effort to preserve and protect Philippine culture while being innovative enough to expand its reach even through digital platforms.

From his research, Sir Joel shared that there is numerical proof that creative cities can thrive. Creative industries have contributed to around 7-7.3% of the Philippines’ GDP as well as provided 7.26-7.51 million jobs from 2023 to 2024. Tourists raised their average stay from 9 to 11+ nights in 2024, hitting PHP712 billion in the Tourism sector. MSME revenues have also increased from festivals and events such as the 2025 Sinulog festival. Even the online gig economy has boosted in developing countries, with the Philippines being a part of the top suppliers of online labor, contributing to 8.4% of the GDP in 2023. Sir Joel ended his talk by saying that the measurable wins the LGUs should look out for are jobs, MSME sales, tourism spend, foreign gig income, and heritage-driven prosperity— all possible and achievable even without a UNESCO badge. So long as talent is coupled with training and consistency, Philippine creative cities will thrive.

Lastly, Sir Joel mentioned that there are 8 creative fields: crafts and folk arts, design, film, gastronomy, literature, media arts, music, and architecture. These creative fields are the foundation of the 9 exhibit pavilions of the DTI Malikhaing Pinoy Creative Expo. Each pavilion exhibited works from different artists, studios, and other companies. These works ranged from local published works on Philippine history and culture, to new technology on identifying true Filipino woven pieces.

The Pinoy are truly Malikhain!

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Written and documented by: Diana Ambat

Thames International gave a warm welcome to the new Senior High School students during the SHS Ignite: New Students’ Orientation last August 22, 2025. The morning kicked off with fun and exciting activities, transforming initial shyness into laughter and friendships. Students engaged in various interactive games and challenges, allowing them to connect with their peers and discover shared interests. By noon, the students were equipped with the essential information they needed to kickstart their student journey.

To our new students, Thames is excited to have every single one of you!

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Written by: Diana Ambat

Photos by: Mico Amargo, Jithra Petalver

Last August 2025, The Office of Student Affairs conducted a 2-day leadership training entitled Generator: Student Leaders’ Training 2025 for Thames’ International’s student leaders.

Thee first training day held on August 11 was designed to help the student leaders identify their core leadership values, define their aspirations for future growth, and set standards for the activities management cycle. On the second day, August 14,  the Office of Student Affairs collaborated with SuperPark Eastwood to provide teambuilding activities. This aided the student leaders’ collaboration skills, active participation, and perseverance.

As they return to their respective organizations, they bring with them a sense of purpose and call to lead, going into the Academic Year 2025-2026 with proactive and inspired student initiatives at Thames International School.

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Written by: Diana Ambat

Photos by: Marc Avendano, Diana Ambat

The Office of Student Affairs and Human Resources Department of Thames International is pleased to invite you to the first run of our mock job interviews. This will happen on July 14, 2025 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm via Zoom (https://zoom.us/j/99013392378 / Meeting ID: 990 1339 2378). 

Interested students may submit their resumes to osa@thames.edu.ph on or before July 14, 2025 at 12:00nn. 

What to expect:

1. Mock job interviews will run for about 20 minutes per student. 

2. The submitted resume will stand as your registration. The panelists will review your resume accordingly and will give practical tips after the interview. 

3. Critiquing will be done after the interview as well so you can be more prepared in your future job interviews.

Graduating students and those who are applying for practicum are highly encouraged to join. 

Please feel free to reach the Office of Student Affairs through this email or via Messenger (Sir Bryan Garon) if you have further questions or concerns. 

Happy to assist you in your career preparation. 

On April 13, 2025, Thames International School officially established its partnership with the Junior Confederation of Finance Associations – Philippines (JCFAP) during a landmark event held at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria.

Representing Thames were James Ryan, Director for International Engagement, and BLS student leaders Karl Quejado and Christian Bobares (BSBO students), who proudly introduced the school to an audience of approximately 1,000 delegates from over 150 member academic institutions. The event served as a powerful platform to showcase the  Thames students on a national stage.

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Written by: Bryan Garon
Photos by: James Ryan

The Business Leaders Society (BLS), one of the Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) at Thames International School, successfully held its first major constitutional event, Nexus, on April 4, 2025, at the Thames campus.

This workshop was designed to enhance participants' creative skills and business acumen, bridging theory with real-world application. At its conclusion, participants produced insightful case studies aimed at supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Brgy. Bagumbayan, Quezon City.

Nexus featured an exceptional lineup of guest speakers:

• Ms. Rica Venturanza – Senior Brand Designer, Canva

• Mr. Marco Rasos – Strategy and Planning Consultant

• Mr. Myles Santos – Segment Marketing Manager, Wholesale Telecommunications & Hyperscaler

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Written by: Jasmien Mendoza
Photos by: Business Leaders' Society (BLS)

On March 31, 2025, Thames International School officially welcomed the Spring Term 2025 with a new students' orientation and town hall.  The event brought together students—both new and returning—for an energizing start that set the tone for the months ahead.

With a warm welcome for new faces and a comprehensive overview of upcoming activities, policies, and school goals, the event sparked excitement for a productive and inspiring term ahead.

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Written by: Jasmien Mendoza
Photos by: David Fabros & Marc Reiven Capili

On March 28, 2025, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde's School of Arts, Culture, and Performance (SACP) hosted the 'Malikhaing Pinoy Chats: Building Creative Campuses'. Thames International School was represented by Leah Macatangay, China Andallo, Bryan Garon, and Jasmien Mendoza.

Thames International School alumnus, Andrei Nikolai Pamintuan, Head of Arts at the British Council, discussed the importance of Creative Placemaking in building communities.

Additionally, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Ensayo Creative Hub at the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) aimed to empower young creatives by providing access to upskilling opportunities and resources. They let the participants gain insights into TESDA-backed certifications in creative sectors like Animation, Game Development, Printing, Fashion, and Furniture. Additionally, Ensayo Creative Hub (PTTC) offered resources for event planning and artistic activities, fostering inspiration and practical skills.

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Written by: Jasmien Mendoza

Photos by: Benilde School of Arts, Culture, and Performance - SACP

Photo is owned by Ivory Music and Video.

Ivory Music and Video has signed Mariana T. Muñoz of the duo @yanaandyna. She is our BCOM student and President of Thames Communicators for AY 2024-2025.

Check out the full post here.

A true Thames talent—just as the Music, Arts, and Dance Club would say. The Thames International School community is incredibly proud of you!