By John Vincent L. Ceralvo

Congratulations Gian Angelo I. Tumulak (BSCS-3) and Florlynn Hope M. Tugbang (BSCS-3) of the College of Computer Studies for being named among the Top 10 national finalists of AI Game On! IV 2026!

Team ChoyBat, composed of Computer Science students from Central Philippine University (CPU), was named one of the Top 10 National Finalists of AI Game On! IV 2026, advancing from a field of 43 participating teams nationwide. The team also received the Special Award for Best Narrative during the pitching competition held on August 4, 2026, at the Iloilo Convention Center.

Representing the College of Computer Studies (CCS), Gian Angelo I. Tumulak (BSCS-3) and Florlynn Hope M. Tugbang (BSCS-3) developed their entry, “Sabor sang Panahon,” as Team ChoyBat. The game is a first-person 3D short narrative exploration experience centered on the discovery of a “forgotten” cultural dish from La Paz, Iloilo.

Rather than focusing solely on gameplay mechanics, Sabor sang Panahon uses exploration and narrative to introduce players to a piece of local food culture. Its setting and story draw from Iloilo’s heritage, giving the team an opportunity to present a local subject through an interactive medium.

AI Game On! IV is the fourth edition of the national competition for indie game developers and was held as part of AI Fest 2026. The larger initiative brought together academic institutions, government agencies, industry groups, and technology communities to support innovation and the development of AI-driven technologies.

The 2026 AI Fest involved organizations and institutions such as the Global Shapers Community – Iloilo Hub, Tech For All, Innovate Iloilo, Iloilo Business Club, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Iloilo Chapter, DEVCON Iloilo, Game Developers Association of the Philippines, Mechatronics and Robotics Society of the Philippines, WVCIEERD, West Visayas State University, RASUC VI, Commission on Higher Education, Department of Education, Department of Science and Technology Western Visayas, Iloilo City Government, Province of Iloilo, Department of Economy, Planning and Development VI, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Trade and Industry VI, Iloilo Science and Technology University, UMWAD, BINHI Technology Business Incubator, Red Gutz Trading, Cornelius Magnate, PrimeAxis Technology Corporation, and Mulave Studios, among others.

Beyond their work as game developers, Gian and Florlynn are also members of the Computer Science Society (CSS) at Central Philippine University. Gian serves as the organization’s Marketing Officer, while Florlynn serves as its Technology Officer. Their involvement in CSS complements their academic work by giving them opportunities to take part in technology-related activities and contribute their skills to the organization.

The team was also guided by Prof. Roda Katrina E. Canatoy, MSCS, who supported Gian and Florlynn throughout their preparation for AI Game On! IV 2026 and during the competition and pitching session.

ChoyBat’s recognition at AI Game On! IV 2026 marks a notable achievement for the College of Computer Studies, particularly in showcasing how student developers can use game development to explore subjects connected to local culture and storytelling.

The game “Sabor sang Panahon”, together with the other entries from AI Game On! IV 2026, can be viewed through the event website at gameonportal.ph.