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| (Image Source: Jollibee Group) |
Jollibee Group brands continue to be recognized worldwide for its superior taste as Jollibee’s Chickenjoy has clinched the #1 spot in USA TODAY’s 10 Best Fast Food Fried Chicken list for the second consecutive year. The fan-favorite Chickenjoy surpassed major international and regional players in the US fast-food scene to remain at the top of the 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards which recognizes the best of American food, destinations, and experiences.
“We are truly honored and grateful that Jollibee’s Chickenjoy was voted as the best among the best tasting fried chicken by USA Today readers. We’ve always believed that Chickenjoy’s delicious taste appeals to everyone across borders and this recognition in the USA is a joyful testament to that. This back-to-back win represents the overall joyful experience and superior taste that Chickenjoy delivers with every bite. It is also a tribute to our hardworking teams — especially those in our stores — who bring this joy to life each day through great food and heartfelt service,” said Jollibee Group Global President and Chief Executive Officer Ernesto Tanmantiong. Jollibee’s Chickenjoy is best known for its crispy golden exterior, juicy and tender meat, and signature seasoning that delivers a bold yet balanced flavor in every bite.
The win marks another milestone in Jollibee Chickenjoy’s growing list of international accolades, having previously been named: The Best Fast-Food Fried Chicken by Eater.com (2022), Best Chain Fried Chicken in America by Thrillist (2021), and #3 in the Top Featured Fast-Food Fried Chicken Joints in the US by FoodBeast (2017), and on top of USA Today’s Top 10 Best Fast-Food Fried Chicken (2024). With around 100 stores in North America and over 1,700 locations worldwide, Jollibee has become one of the fastest-growing restaurant brands globally.
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Ortigas Art Festival Expands Reach With Community-Led Multi-Disciplinary Showcase
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Ortigas Art Festival) |
The Ortigas Art Festival returned this year with a broader scope and new venue, marking its first run at GH Mall last July 10-24, 2025 with the theme “Art For All: A Celebration Of Borderless Artistic Expression”. Now in its eighth year, the festival has evolved from a local exhibit into a nationally recognized cultural event, receiving awards from the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards and International Business Awards for its accessibility and innovation.
This year’s edition took over multiple spaces across GH Mall including the East and South Wing Atriums, the 4F Tech Hub, and Promenade Cinema, turning everyday venues into public galleries. Exhibits featured visual art, fashion, photography, and analog film, with participation from both emerging and established Filipino artists. Among the featured artists were Totong Francisco, grandson of National Artist Carlos Francisco; Raul Roco Jr., son of the late senator; and fashion designer Chynna Mamawal. Groups from across the country such as the Angono Artists, Linangan Art Residency, Redlab Gallery, and Shine Vitto Galerie from Mindoro were also represented. Ortigas Art Festival consultant and head curator Renato Habulan said the initiative aims to “bring art closer to people and people closer to art”, underscoring its commitment to accessibility and education.
Workshops, talks, and interactive activities were held at the Tech Hub, with participation from the Philippine Guild of Watercolorists, Pasig Art Club, and Born in Film. Free film screenings, in partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines, featured local titles such as Babae at Baril, John Denver Trending, and Thy Womb at the Promenade Cinema. The festival also included performances by The Learning Tree, Halili School of Dance, and UPeepz, reflecting an expanded focus on interdisciplinary art forms.
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Mapúa University Boosts Global Standing As An Innovation Powerhouse With WURI 2025 Recognition
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| (Image Source: Mapúa University) |
In an outstanding achievement that further amplifies its position as a global leader in innovation and impact, Mapúa University has secured the 313th spot in the prestigious 2025 World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) Global Top 400 Innovative Universities. This significant recognition underscores Mapúa’s forward-thinking approach to innovation, education, and its profound impact on the community.
The 100-year-old institution, which has long been a pillar of academic excellence, demonstrated exceptional performance across various key categories, further fortifying its legacy. Mapúa University proudly ranked outstanding 6th globally in Infrastructure/Technology, largely attributed to its cutting-edge TriX Digital Classrooms, which exemplifies its commitment to providing a technologically advanced learning environment. Furthermore, Mapúa’s dedication to sustainable practices and social responsibility was highlighted by its impressive 30th-place ranking in the ESG Trend category. This commendation acknowledges the University’s impactful initiatives in clean energy and digital inclusion, showcasing its commitment to environmental stewardship and equitable access to technology. The University’s practical contributions to industry were also recognized with a strong 63rd-place ranking in Industrial Applications for its localized hydromet monitoring system. This innovative solution demonstrates Mapúa’s ability to translate academic research into tangible applications that address real-world challenges.
“Mapúa’s strength for the past century has always been in looking forward — pushing boundaries in innovation and making a real difference globally. This WURI recognition really speaks to that enduring spirit, a vision we’ve upheld for 100 years and continue to build upon for the future. It affirms our legacy of empowering changemakers and pioneering solutions that resonate worldwide,” said Mapúa President and CEO Dr. Dodjie S. Maestrecampo. This global recognition from WURI is a testament to Mapúa University’s unwavering pursuit of transformative innovation and its delivery of world-class education. For prospective students seeking an institution at the forefront of global innovation and impact, Mapúa University presents itself as an undeniable choice — indeed one of the world’s best schools.
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New Global Sport Conference 2025 Expands Speaker Line-Up With Global Sports Leaders
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| (Image Source: PR Newswire/eSports World Cup Foundation) |
The eSports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has confirmed a new wave of speakers for the New Global Sport Conference 2025 (NGSC 2025), with sporting legends and media pioneers joining this year's line-up alongside eSports leaders. Slated to be held on August 23–24, 2025 at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh during the Closing Weekend of the 2025 eSports World Cup, NGSC 2025 is the leading global platform at the intersection of gaming, eSports and sport. Confirmed speakers include World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen, LA28 Olympic Games Chairman Casey Wasserman, football executive and former EA Sports President Peter Moore and CBS Sports Vice President of Production and Senior Creative Director Pete Radovich, each bringing insights into the convergence of digital and physical competition.
Peter Moore, former CEO of Liverpool FC and current owner of Santa Barbara Sky FC, joins NGSC 2025 with decades of experience bridging traditional sports and digital innovation, having held senior roles in both gaming and sports. "eSports and traditional sports reflect the same energy; tribal loyalty, elite competition and global reach. I've seen how a full stadium and a full Twitch stream trigger the same elevated heartbeat. The smartest clubs and brands are building bridges and owning their audiences on the pitch and on screen," said Moore. Pete Radovich, the Emmy-winning Vice President of Production at CBS Sports, brings broadcast expertise to the growing conversation around how eSports and traditional sports are experienced on screen. "After years of producing mainstream sports like basketball, tennis and football, both European and American, I'm thrilled to join NGSC 2025. As the lines between traditional sports, gaming and eSports continue to blur, I look forward to sharing my experiences and learnings from this dynamic community that's redefining the future," said Radovich. Magnus Carlsen, a five-time World Chess Champion and EWC ambassador, will also take the stage to discuss how chess is expanding into digital ecosystems. Chess joined the eSports World Cup 2025 as part of its cross-game format, reflecting its evolution into a digital-first sport reaching new global audiences.
The sports leaders join figures from the world of eSports including Team Liquid Founder and Co-CEO Victor Goossens, Hero eSports Founder and Co-CEO Danny Tang, and senior figures from the EWCF – the team behind the largest esports and gaming event in the world. Together, they will join over 1,500 founders, investors and creators for two days of keynotes, panels, private forums and strategic roundtables. The full NGSC 2025 speaker line-up includes leaders from Sony, Activision, SEGA, LA28, Bandai Namco and more. Tickets for NGSC 2025 are available at www.newglobalsportconference.com.
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A New Era For Creator Commerce: Level100 Launches at PGDX 2025
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| (Image Source: Enduins/Level100) |
At the recent Philippine Game Development Expo (PGDX), a new platform is making its public debut with an ambitious goal: to give gaming creators a legitimate, scalable way to earn revenue through their own digital storefronts. Level100 has officially launched, introducing a white-label commerce platform that allows gaming content creators, streamers, and influencers to sell game top-ups, vouchers, and other digital products under their own branding. The platform aims to empower creators to move away from risky third-party deals and into more sustainable, transparent monetization.
“At Level100, we believe creators deserve a path to monetization that’s both sustainable and above board. We’re offering creators a way to earn that’s rooted in trust, legitimacy, and a long-term vision for the ecosystem. It’s time creators had real infrastructure and not just short-term deals,” said Level100 CEO Ralph Aligada. Level100’s first two creator storefronts were announced at PGDX 2025 featuring well-known Filipino gaming personalities Butters and Een. Their stores, once launched, will allow fans to support them directly through trusted purchases of game credits and digital vouchers. The platform is built in partnership with Lapak Gaming, one of Southeast Asia’s leading B2B distribution providers for digital goods. Through this collaboration, Level100 is able to deliver secure, seamless, and scalable fulfillment of game products across the region.
“We’re proud to support Level100 in building a scalable and credible creator economy in the region. This is a timely and much-needed solution for creators in emerging markets like the Philippines, where gaming audiences are massive but revenue opportunities remain fragmented,” said Lapak Gaming Head of Business Development Mahardika Maulana. The launch comes at a time when influencer monetization practices in the Philippines are under increased scrutiny, particularly around illegal gambling and unauthorized digital promotions. Level100 aims to provide a credible alternative, rooted in professional standards and long-term viability for content creators.
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Disney Cruise Line Taps Singapore Artist Danielle Tay For SEA-Themed Collab
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Disney Cruise Line) |
Disney Cruise Line has launched a new program highlighting Southeast Asian talent with its Disney Adventure’s Local Artist Series, starting with a collaboration featuring Singaporean visual artist Danielle Tay. Tay’s artwork, which depicts Disney characters arriving in Singapore, will be featured onboard Disney Adventure, the cruise line’s first ship based in Asia. Her design draws on local themes, showcasing Singapore’s skyline, tropical flora and fauna, and motifs inspired by the city-state’s natural landscape. The work will also be available as a merchandise collection exclusive to the ship.
The series aims to spotlight artists across Asia as Disney Cruise Line expands into the region. The partnership with Tay includes a capsule range of items inspired by her mural, including batik-print tea towels, tote bags, and plate sets. A limited-edition lithograph of the artwork will also be available for purchase. Tay, who studied at the Slade School of Fine Art in London, is known for large-scale murals and installations that focus on nature and community spaces. Her work has been exhibited in venues including the Esplanade and OCBC Banking Hall and she has worked with brands such as Meta, Starbucks, and the Singapore Tourism Board.
The Disney Adventure is Disney Cruise Line’s first ship to homeport in Asia. It will sail on primarily three- and four-night voyages designed with only days at sea and something for everyone to enjoy onboard. For more information on sailing dates, guests can visit http://www.disneycruise.com/adventure or contact their preferred travel agents.
