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| (Image Source: Business Mirror/Taiwan Excellence PH) |
Garnering over four hundred and eighty thousand views and more than four thousand comments, the #BestDoneIsFun jingle and music video rouses Filipinos on Facebook to be inspired by this anthem of excellence. The online movement spotlights a common perspective in Taiwan – where aiming for excellence is seen not as a stressful chore, but an enjoyable activity. In a social media contest hosted by Taiwan Excellence PH, hundreds of Filipinos online were given the opportunity to share their inspiring, proudest moments – such as those with moving stories as parents, resilient Pinoys working hard to achieve their career dreams, and even people who share their journey overcoming lifelong struggles.
Following the #BestDoneIsFun music video, Taiwan Excellence PH is also currently releasing an episodic, short-form video series on social media starring beloved internet celebrities such as Kat Galang, Billy Jake Cortez, Ar Angel Aviles, and Divine Aucina. The series highlights the socio-cultural practices and fun facts about how the #BestDoneIsFun in Taiwan. In Episode 1 of the series, the story brings to the screen the Taiwanese practice of being on time as a form of respect to others – portrayed in the form of a romantic comedy. Following the meet-cute of main character Jessie and her crush from Taiwan, Episode 2 depicts her daydream of two of them in the future – complete with their long-lasting electronics made possible by the high quality of semiconductors from Taiwan. The most recent episode continues the story by presenting “green flags” in a partner, showcasing Taiwanese traits such as strong work ethic, warm hospitality, and being family-oriented. The episode series is ongoing on social media – promising more fun facts about how the #BestDoneIsFun in Taiwan, portrayed through entertaining short-form videos. Stay tuned as the next episode to be released follows the main characters looking for their next travel destination, later finding out about the cold beaches of Taitung and Hualien in Taiwan.
More interesting details about Taiwan will also be brought into the spotlight in other succeeding video episodes – such as the one hundred percent implemented ban on plastic cups in cafes in Taiwan. The finale of the #BestDoneIsFun series will also feature the unique yet world-famous street food delicacy in Taiwan: Stinky Tofu. Please visit https://www.taiwanexcellence.org/en for more information. For updates on the #BestDoneIsFun episodic series and future raffle contests, follow Taiwan Excellence PH on Instagram and Facebook.
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Mapúa Cardinal Tech Fest 2025 Empowers Young Innovators To CTRL+CREATE
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Mapúa University) |
Young tech whizzes from all over Luzon showed off their skills and creativity in engineering, technology, and gaming at the Cardinal Tech Fest 2025 held at the Mapúa University Makati Campus last May 31, 2025. Grade 10 and Grade 12 students representing various schools joined this year’s installment of the Tech Fest. With the theme “CTRL+CREATE” echoed in two highly anticipated challenges, competitors were encouraged to innovate and translate their ideas and concepts into concrete solutions, which could help them win at the event. The 2025 edition of the Cardinal Tech Fest featured recurring event categories, namely the Bridge Design Challenge, which featured spaghetti pasta as the primary material this year, and the highly competitive Mobile Legends (MLBB) Tournament.
Family is Love 2.0 of Adamson University took the top spot in the Bridge Design Challenge. Meanwhile, Team Legion Fantasma of Cabuyao Integrated National High School took the crown at the MLBB competition. Winners received cash prizes ranging from ₱5,000 to ₱15,000, underscoring the university’s support and appreciation for students who are building up their skills and knowledge in engineering, technology, esports, creativity, and strategic thinking, all of which are fundamental skills needed to succeed in tomorrow’s workplace. “Mapúa will continue to provide a platform for young learners to engage with both the theoretical and practical aspects of key technological and creative domains, reflected in the event activities,” said Mapúa Marketing and Admissions Head Amber Gonzales.
Gonzales further emphasized that while the Cardinal Tech Fest tests students’ skills, it was primarily created to amplify Mapúa’s mission of inspiring, enabling, and building the next generation of future-ready leaders, innovators, and professionals. Aside from the challenges, learners also had the privilege of attending insightful talks led by esteemed thought leaders. These included a learning session on virtual reality led by Mapúa’s Institute for Digital Learning Director for Operations, Technology, and Analytics Engr. Ericson Dimaunahan, and a career-readiness session by JobStreet by SEEK Philippines Head of Marketing Joey Yusingco.
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De La Salle Lipa Strengthens Institutional Resilience Through Risk Management Training Workshop
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| (Image Source: De La Salle Lipa) |
De La Salle Lipa hosted a two-day Risk Management Training workshop at the Atrium Nexus Innovation Labs last June 4-5, 2025, affirming its commitment to institutional resilience and preparedness. The training workshop was led by the Strategic Planning Office in collaboration with the Risk Management Office and attended by the top administrators and heads of all offices in De La Salle Lipa. DLSL Chancellor Dr. Merlin “Yamie” Suarez, in her introductory message, underscored the importance of risk management strategies relevant to the educational sector amidst the ever-changing global landscape, and stressed the importance of the responsibility of the institution in not just instilling skills and knowledge but also safeguarding the stakeholder’s welfare and wellbeing.
Presented by Strategic Planning Office Director Dr. Ivee Guce and Risk Management and Compliance Officer Atty. Ahira Joy Lambrinto, the training workshop was intended to guide participants in deepening their understanding of risk management and the process of identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks in higher educational institutions. Moreover, part of the objectives were to conduct a preliminary risk assessment per office to develop a School Risk Register and finally to design a risk management framework for De La Salle Lipa. Karen S. Tria, Adjunct Faculty Member of the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) - School of Executive Education and Lifelong Learning, served as the resource speaker and facilitator for the training workshop, showcasing her extensive experience in disaster risk management and resilience building, including climate change adaptation, community engagement, crisis response, and recovery project management. The two-day training workshop featured interactive and collaborative sessions where participants were able to discuss and learn crucial topics about Risk Management.
During the two-day workshop, through the guidance and materials shared by the resource speaker, the administrators gained practical insights into identifying risk within their respective offices and processes, and initially developed mitigation strategies and response protocols. The workshop served as a platform for inter-office conversation, creating a more integrated and coordinated approach to risk management within DLSL. The outputs from the workshop were expected to serve as a basis for the development of the Risk Management framework, a vital step towards becoming a more resilient and sustainable institution.
(With words by Dorothy Azada, De La Salle Lipa)
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#ProudToBeAmazing: Cebuana Lhuillier Reaffirms Its Commitment To Empowerment, Inclusion, And Pride
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| (Image Source: The Manila Times/Cebuana Lhuillier) |
As Pride Month comes to a close, Cebuana Lhuillier reflects on its continuing journey toward building a workplace where every individual — regardless of gender identity or expression — feels safe, respected, and empowered. For the company, inclusion is not just a celebration in June; it is a year-round commitment backed by concrete policies, bold leadership, and real visibility. “At Cebuana Lhuillier, inclusion is not just a value we uphold; it’s embedded in our DNA and in the way we lead and grow. We strive to create a culture where every individual feels empowered to be their authentic self, because true innovation and progress happen when people are seen, heard, and valued,” said Cebuana Lhuillier President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier.
At Cebuana Lhuillier, diversity and inclusion are more than values — they’re embedded in how the company shows up every day. From policies to participation, the organization ensures that its commitment to equity is visible, actionable, and deeply felt across its 12,000-strong workforce. Employees are empowered to express their gender identity through uniform choices. Same-sex partners are recognized in health benefits and employee programs. HMO coverage supports diverse family structures, while safe space and anti-harassment policies explicitly protect LGBTQIA+ individuals — creating a work environment where respect isn’t requested, it’s guaranteed. This June, Cebuana Lhuillier proudly brought that commitment beyond the workplace. Employees took part in the Lov3Laban: Pride PH Festival held at UP Diliman last June 28, 2025, standing in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community and celebrating the power of authenticity, unity, and visibility. This culture of inclusion is more than policy — it’s lived by the people who power the organization.
Channel Management Officer Angelo Nierva shared, “Pride is something we are still fighting for, and many still fear showing their true selves. Here at Cebuana Lhuillier, we embrace and uplift the LGBTQIA+ community. Every voice matters, and every identity is respected. That’s why I’m proud to be here — they don’t just accept you, they empower you to thrive.” Echoing this experience, Partner Care Section Head Parsley Lavalle reflects on a moment that solidified a deep sense of belonging, stating, “At Cebuana Lhuillier, we’re not just tolerated — we’re accepted. When the Integrated Marketing and Communications Group launched the iBelong movement in 2024, it encouraged us to celebrate diversity, not just at work but wherever we go. That’s when I truly felt that I belong.” Cebuana Lhuillier’s message is clear: inclusion is not a moment — it’s a movement. Through year-round efforts inspired by the spirit of #ProudToBeAmazing, the company continues to ensure that every employee is safe, supported, and celebrated — for who they are and all they aspire to be.
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MPBL Games To Stream On PusoP.com, Smart Sports Channels In July
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Smart Communications Inc.) |
Basketball fans across the country can now catch the action of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2025 Regular Season live and online as the league partners with Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) to bring games to more screens nationwide starting this July. Aside from MPBL's Facebook Page and YouTube Channel and Solar Sports on television, fans can watch the MPBL games live on PusoP.com, Smart Sports’ Facebook Page and YouTube Channel, and Puso Pilipinas’ Facebook Page and YouTube Channel.
Smart and its parent company PLDT, through their sports hub PusoP.com, continue to lead in promoting sports for nation-building. The platform is dedicated to celebrating Filipino athletes and making sports content more accessible to fans. This initiative is part of Smart’s broader commitment to elevate the customer experience by giving subscribers front-row access to their favorite sports content. “Smart has always believed in the power of sports to inspire and unite Filipinos. Through this partnership with MPBL, we’re making sure fans never miss a moment of the action — whether they’re at home or on the go,” said PLDT and Smart First Vice President and Head of Sports Jude R. Turcuato. Founded in 2018 by boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, the MPBL has grown into the country’s premier regional basketball league featuring 30 teams representing cities and provinces across the Philippines. The league’s home-and-away format and strong provincial presence have made it a staple in grassroots sports development and community pride.
“This partnership with Smart allows us to bring the MPBL closer to every Filipino, wherever they are. We’re excited to expand our reach and give fans more ways to support their hometown teams,” said MPBL Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes. With over 550 games scheduled this season, including out-of-the-country matches in Dubai and Taiwan, fans can expect a thrilling and action-packed year of basketball. For updates and full game schedules, visit www.mpbl.com.ph and follow MPBL and Smart Sports on social media.
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Cignal Joins Short-Form Trend With Vertical Microdramas On Cignal Play
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Cignal TV Inc.) |
Cignal is entering the short-form space with Cignal Play Microdrama, a new lineup of vertical series made for mobile viewing. As of June 28, 2025, viewers were able to stream bite-sized dramas (each episode under five minutes) exclusively on the Cignal Play app. The launch featured original Filipino titles alongside a curated selection of international series from Dashflix, all formatted vertically for mobile viewing on Android and iOS devices. Microdramas, or “verticals”, have gained traction globally for their emotionally charged and binge-friendly format.
Cignal is now betting on this mobile-first trend, kicking off with three original titles: I See You starring Dimples Romana, My Father’s Last Wish with Dylan Menor, and 3 Queens and a Baby featuring Christian Bables. The move adds a new layer to Cignal’s growing content ecosystem, which spans satellite TV, fiber IPTV, and digital platforms like Cignal Play, Pilipinas Live, and Cignal Super. “This is a significant step for Cignal as we continue to embrace changes in the media landscape. Microdramas offer a new, creative way to tell Filipino stories,” said Cignal TV Inc. President and CEO Jane Jimenez-Basas. The first five episodes of each microdrama are available for free while full access costs Php20 per day. The app-only format underscores Cignal’s shift toward catering to evolving viewing habits where quick, mobile-friendly content is no longer the future but the present.
