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| (Image Source: Facebook/Batangas State University, The National Engineering University) |
Batangas State University Integrated School (BatStateU-IS) bagged multiple championships and top finishes in the Philippine Robotics Olympiad, securing its place in the Philippine Robotics National Team. The Red Spartan champion teams will proudly represent the Philippines at the WRO Asia Pacific Championship in Manila on September and the WRO International Finals in Singapore on November. Bannering the theme “The Future Of Robots”, this year’s competition brought together the country’s brightest young innovators in a showcase of robotic ingenuity.
Held last July 21–22 at SM Mall of Asia and last August 16 at Dr. Yanga’s Colleges Inc., the PRO gathered teams nationwide to present their solutions to real-world challenges using robotics and automation. BatStateU-IS students outshone their competitors across five major categories, bagging four championship titles in the Future Innovators (Senior High and Elementary levels), RoboSports, and Future Engineers divisions, a reflection of the university’s strong foundation in innovation, research, and academic excellence. Among the notable champions were the teams that propelled BatStateU-IS to victory. In the Future Innovators – Senior High School category, Apoll Marc Venedict A. Hernandez, Edwin G. Macuha Jr., and Sherwin Vien Hienzo G. Melo delivered an exceptional performance. Their elementary counterparts — James Rowie B. Bonifacio, Aaron Joseph S. Guno, and Jaremiah Skye A. Lameg — also claimed the top spot in the Future Innovators – Elementary division. Meanwhile, the Future Engineers title was secured by the team of John Angelo M. Bautista, Airvin James L. Medina, and Cshenizylle Nicole M. Ligayada. In the RoboSports – Double Tennis category, Team A — composed of Rowlen Mathew A. Guia, Micah Loreen A. Macatangay, and Gerald M. Coliat — clinched first place with their agility, strategy, and precision in robotics.
Building on this momentum, the Red Spartan delegation continued to impress in other competition categories. In RoboSports – Double Tennis, aside from the champion Team A, Team B — composed of Light Gabriel M. Bandayrel, Norjeehan A. H. Nasser, and Joseph Bernard A. Maala — secured an impressive 2nd place, showcasing outstanding reflexes, teamwork, and strategic gameplay. Additionally, in the Future Innovators Junior High School Category, the trio of Andrhia Joy P. Perez, Zac Angelo C. Leyco, and Gracie Clare B. Benedicto proudly clinched 2nd place, showcasing their remarkable talent and teamwork. Meanwhile, in the RoboMission category, two BatStateU-IS teams emerged as strong contenders in the Senior High School division: Team A (Liam Wayne D. Santos, Rhys Markus A. Calanog, and Alliyah Therese D. Manalo) bagged 2nd place, while Team B (Enrico Carlo C. Closa, Mihr Chloe S. Parcon, and Euclid Roi M. Beredo) earned 3rd place, proving the university's depth of talent in mission-based programming and automation challenges. In the Junior High School division, the BatStateU-IS team composed of Brylle Joehan P. Parto, Nathanael Calayan, Jairus C. Loria delivered a strong showing in the RoboMission category, securing a 4th place finish, while the Elementary division team of Alexa Brielle M. Mapendan, Prince Jethro B. Calderon, Hanz Kean F. Cueto earned a 9th place overall.
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Industry-Recognized Accounting Certification Now Part Of DLSL Senior High Curriculum
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| (Image Source: De La Salle Lipa) |
In a significant step toward strengthening academic excellence and industry alignment in Senior High School education, De La Salle Lipa (DLSL) formally entered into a partnership with Junior Achievement of the Philippines (JA Philippines) Learning Institute, Inc. through a Ceremonial Virtual Memorandum of Agreement Signing held last August 13, 2025. The collaboration, conducted in partnership with SGV & Co. and the National Association of Certified Public Accountants in Education (NACPAE), marks the official launch of the JA Accounting Certification Program (JACP) in DLSL’s Senior High School Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM) Strand. Representing DLSL in the event were Vice Chancellor for Academics Dr. Tessie Palma, Vice Chancellor for Academics – Integrated School Ms. Kristine Anne Dimaculangan, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academics – Integrated School Ms. Jeramie Landicho, and Senior High School ABM Subject Area Chair Ms. Gean Erika Cura while leading the JA Philippines delegation was Executive Director Dr. Krishna C. Alejandrino, joined by representatives from SGV & Co. and NACPAE.
The JA Accounting Certification Program aims to provide Senior High School students with industry-relevant knowledge and skills in accounting through a structured curriculum co-developed with SGV & Co. and NACPAE. The program also ensures teacher quality by certifying educators who will implement the module, thereby elevating both student competencies and instructional excellence. In her remarks, Dr. Palma described the agreement as “an equally significant opportunity” for Senior High School students, building on previous collaborations with SGV & Co. for college-level accountancy programs. She underscored the program’s value in providing learners with “industry-recognized qualifications that will give them a competitive edge even before they step into higher education or the professional world”. Dr. Palma also emphasized that the initiative strengthens DLSL’s mission to form competent, competitive, and values-driven graduates, noting that the program invests not only in students but also in educators through capacity-building and certification. Dr. Alejandrino echoed this commitment, describing the partnership as “more than just a formal agreement — it signifies the beginning of a shared mission to strengthen accounting education for Lasallian senior high school students and to equip the teachers with the tools and credentials they need to guide future business leaders”. She lauded DLSL’s dedication to innovation and quality, expressing confidence that the collaboration will “inspire learners to aim higher, equip them with real-world competencies, and prepare them to meet the demands of an ever-changing global economy.”
This partnership stands as another testament to De La Salle Lipa’s commitment to quality education, academic innovation, and global competitiveness, preparing Lasallian learners to begin their journey close to home while gaining the credentials and competencies that will open doors and take them further in higher education and the professional world.
(With words by Cristina Alfarita Larombi, De La Salle Lipa)
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FEU Theater Guild Cooks Up Thrilling Filipino Dark Comedy With “Karne”
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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Far Eastern University Theater Guild) |
On its 91st season, the Far Eastern University Theater Guild (FTG) stages a bold, interactive dark comedy titled Karne, written and directed by the Philippine Educational Theater Association’s (PETA) Senior Artist-Teacher and the FTG’s artistic director Dudz Teraña. This theatrical feast invites audiences into the aromatic, simmering home of a 1980s Filipino couple where every glance is loaded, every silence loud, and the kitchen holds more secrets than spices.
Karne is a reimagining of Roald Dahl’s “Lamb To The Slaughter” but with a distinctly Filipino flavor. Set in Lubotan, Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental in 1980, Karne combines absurdity with sincerity, laughter with quiet dread. Part comedy, part mystery, part love letter to the mundane rhythms of rural life, it is a genre-defying theatrical experience that blends Bisaya, Tagalog, and English, transporting the audience into a living, breathing household. Teraña shared, “This play holds up a mirror to the lived realities of an individual, grounding itself in raw humanness. It offers a more layered and flavorful approach to staging — bold in form, grounded in truth, and unapologetically relevant. ‘Karne’ is not just something to look forward to; it’s an experience that lingers.” At the heart of the story are Mary and Police Captain Patrick Patrosa, the seemingly ordinary couple, navigating the everyday challenges of married life. Mary is portrayed by Maria Mayano (IAS’26), with Julia Nicole Ramas (FIT’26) and Janae Dionisio (IAS‘28) alternating the role while Patrick is brought to life by RB Pascua (IAS’25), Aaron Bayani (IAS’25), and Arvin Javier (IAS’28). What begins as a quiet evening soon unravels into a chaotic yet poignant reflection on intimacy, expectations, and the fragile ties that hold both relationships and communities together, as a simple dinner spirals into deeper personal and collective struggles that affect the entire barangay of Lutoban.
Supporting the couple are their close friends — Dante (Jonas Cunanan [IAS’25], Renz Dotillos [IAS’26], Jharelle Villalobos [IAS’27]), Ellen (Dianne Andallo [IAS’26], Maria Ysabelle Delos Reyes [IAS’27]), and Maloi (Bjorn Pestaño [IAS’26], Margarita Barrameda [IAS’26], Sheila Peralta [IABF’26]) — as well as Patrick’s colleagues Police Lieutenant Elnar (Arvin Javier [IAS’28], Shawn Tarala [IAS’27]), Patrolman Enopia (Kristian Samson [IAS’26], Justin Abalos [IAS’28]), and Patrolman Credo (Dave Bambang [IARFA’29], Kirstan Orbegoso [IAS’27]), who add both tension and humor to the unfolding events. Grounding the narrative in generational memory is the affectionate tandem of grandmother and grandchild, Mrs. Poblacion (Cassandra Herilla [IAS’27], Irish Oliveros [IAS’28], Trisha Tan [IAS’28]) and Estong/Estang (Lorenze Moral [IAS’26], Nash Desonyo [FIT’28], Heleina Li [IAS’26]), while the ensemble is rounded out by the lively market vendor Samuel, portrayed by Julian Anabo (IAS’26) and Migi Mesina (IAS’27).
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DLSL’s Engr. Mijeno-Labastilla Brings Home Sustainability Prize in UK Global Fellowship
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| (Image Source: De La Salle Lipa/Engr. Aisa Mijeno-Labastilla) |
De La Salle Lipa (DLSL) proudly celebrates Engr. Aisa Mijeno-Labastilla for earning international recognition at the Leaders in Innovation Fellowship (LIF) Global Programme 2025 of the UK’s Royal Academy of Engineering. Engr. Labastilla not only secured a coveted slot as one of ten Filipino innovators chosen for the fellowship but also went on to win the Sustainability for People and Planet Award, one of only four awards given. Out of 78 participants from 14 countries — comprising leading doctors, scientists, and engineers — she was among only four recognized for creating transformative, sustainability-driven solutions with global impact.
After receiving the prize, Engr. Labastilla shared, “This award is not just a personal milestone; it is a testament to the potential of Filipino ingenuity on the global stage. I am humbled to stand among brilliant innovators, united in creating real impact for a more sustainable future.” A faculty member of the College of Information Technology and Engineering (CITE) and currently the Enterprise Development Hub and Fabrication Lab Officer at DLSL’s NEXUS Innovation Labs and Intellectual Property Office, Engr. Labastilla was encouraged by the institution to apply for the fellowship in early 2025. Meeting all three eligibility criteria — as an entrepreneur, an enabler of startups, and an academic innovator — she earned her spot and joined intensive training and mentorship programs designed to strengthen innovation and commercialization. Best known as co-founder of the pioneering Sustainable Alternative Lighting (SALt) saltwater-powered lamp, Engr. Labastilla has long championed accessible, eco-friendly technologies for off-grid communities. Her latest achievement further cements her reputation as a leader in sustainable innovation and reinforces De La Salle Lipa’s role as a hub of world-class research and social impact.
In an earlier statement, she affirmed, “This recognition is not just for me — it’s for De La Salle Lipa and the entire Filipino innovation ecosystem.” With her groundbreaking work and commitment to sustainability, Engr. Labastilla continues to inspire the next generation of innovators while strengthening DLSL’s global stance in innovation and enterprise.
(With words by Cristina Alfarita Larombi, De La Salle Lipa)
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Torre Lorenzo Brings Global Hospitality To Batangas With Dusit Princess Lipa
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| (Image Source: Property Resort PH/Torre Lorenzo Development Corporation) |
Torre Lorenzo Development Corporation (TLDC) strengthens its hospitality portfolio with the topping off of Dusit Princess Lipa, an internationally-branded hotel located in the refreshing climate of Lipa City, Batangas. The rise of Dusit Princess Lipa continues the partnership between TLDC and Dusit International following the success of Dusit Thani Residence Davao and dusitD2 Davao in Davao City, as well as Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort in Davao de Oro. The hotel promises to be a combination of Filipino and Thai brands of hospitality with the quality and attention to detail that Torre Lorenzo is renowned for — a global brand with a local touch.
During the topping off event, TLDC Chairman and President Tomas P. Lorenzo reflected, “In Lipa, it’s nothing but demographics. This is the gateway to the Southern Tagalog for millions of people. This is the heart of education, medicine, and even religious pilgrimage. We have an airport nearby, and we have this beautiful view of Mt. Malarayat and Mt. Maculot. This [topping off] is a culmination of this project. This is a growth of the provinces, outside of Metro Manila.” Dusit International's Senior Vice President for Operations Prateek Kumar expresses, “Dusit Princess Lipa symbolizes progress, cooperation, and shared purpose. Today’s event marks not just the structural completion of a building, but the rising of a new destination. It blends the local charm of Batangas with the gracious hospitality that Dusit Thani is known for around the world. We are so proud and honored to manage this upcoming hotel, which will be our fourth property with Torre Lorenzo in the Philippines. This enduring relationship is a testament to our shared vision to bring world-class hospitality experiences to key destinations across the country.”
TLDC CEO Cathy Casares-Ko shares, “Our team will work hard to finish Dusit Princess Lipa on time so that next time we gather, it is for the opening of this hotel. We look forward to the level of service that Dusit is well-known for, so that people will actually come here just to experience the hotel.” Dusit Princess Lipa is the third property in the integrated-use development Tierra Lipa, which features two residential properties, Adria Tower and Merano Tower, with the latter ready for occupancy in Q3 2025. The hotel is planned to open its doors in 2026, completing the vibrant community that will cater to both locals and visitors. Torre Lorenzo Development Corporation continues to develop communities that aim to innovate the lifestyles of the dynamic Filipino.
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SM Hotels Expands Regional Reach With Park Inn Sta. Rosa
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| An artist's perspective of Park Inn by Radisson in Sta. Rosa, Laguna opening on the first quarter of 2029 (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/SM Prime Holdings Inc.) |
SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation (SMHCC), the hospitality arm of SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime), is expanding its regional portfolio with the opening of Park Inn by Radisson in Sta. Rosa, Laguna by the first quarter of 2029. SMHCC currently operates 10 hotels with over 2,600 rooms, six convention centers, and two trade halls with more than 42,000 sqm of leasable space. Its portfolio includes Park Inn by Radisson as well as Conrad Manila, Radisson Blu, Lanson Place, Taal Vista Hotel, and Pico Sands Hotel. The Park Inn by Radisson Sta. Rosa, a Php1.5-billion development, will feature 201 hotel rooms, along with dining outlets, recreational facilities such as a pool and gym, and dedicated spaces for meetings and events.
The Park Inn hotel will connect directly to a premier SM mall in Sta. Rosa and the upcoming SMX Sta. Rosa Trade Hall via bridgeway. This new 4,000-sqm events hub is poised to draw regional and national MICE organizers and guests. The hotel is strategically located within an integrated development of SM Prime along the Sta. Rosa – Tagaytay Road in Laguna. “With the City of Sta. Rosa’s growth as a business and industrial hub, demand for accommodation from business and leisure travelers continues to rise. The new hotel will meet this need, generate local jobs, and boost the city’s economic activity,” said SMHCC executive vice president Peggy Angeles. Designed by renowned firm H1 Architecture, the hotel blends contemporary hospitality with local character and brand standards.
Park Inn by Radisson SM Sta. Rosa strengthens SM Prime’s vision of developing integrated estates in key growth centers, where hospitality, business, and retail converge to deliver a seamless and holistic experience. Sta. Rosa is a rising industrial and commercial hub, powered by manufacturing, IT-BPO, ecozones and real estate. Its strategic location, strong governance and growing population make it a key player in CALABARZON’s economy. In the 2024 DTI Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index, it ranked 11th among highly urbanized cities nationwide.
