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| Watsons Philippines receives recognition at the 2025 Marketing Excellence Awards Philippines for its “Go Green Living: Onward to a Greener Tomorrow” campaign. L-R: Browne Communications Managing Partner Laarni Reyes, Watsons Philippines Assistant Marketing Manager Renz Laluz, Watsons Philippines Senior Marketing Manager – PR and Sustainability Alisandrea Coloma, Watsons Philippines Senior Marketing Manager Dharell Fontanilla, Watsons Philippines SAVP – Marketing, PR and Sustainability Sharon Decapia, Browne Communications Business Development Director Amby Molina (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Watsons Philippines) |
Fresh from winning Silver for Excellence in Communications/Public Relations at the 2025 Marketing Excellence Awards Philippines for its Go Green Living: Onward to a Greener Tomorrow campaign, Watsons Philippines has once again earned acclaim. Earlier this year, at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the leader in health and beauty retailer brought home a Gold Stevie Award for Climate Protection and Sustainability Campaign of the Year and a Bronze Stevie Award for Sustainable Business Models for its Greener Stores program. For Watsons, these wins are more than just trophies, they are milestones in a continuing mission shaped by its sustainability focus on Planet, People, and Products, reflecting its steadfast commitment to sustainability over the years.
• Planet: Guided by its sustainability framework of Planet, People, and Products, Watsons begins with its commitment to reducing its environmental impact. This includes mindful practices to lower its carbon footprint, such as using LED lighting, upgrading to inverter appliances, and minimizing plastics in store fixtures. From installing solar panels and shifting 90% of stores from plastic to paper bags, to launching the Recycle for Rewards program that encourages customers to return empty bottles in exchange for perks, and partnering with SM’s Trash to Cash program, Watsons continues to strengthen its environmental initiatives.
• People: The “Green” in Go Green Living isn’t just about the planet, it’s about people, too. Watsons has provided free healthcare to over 10,000 individuals, supported over 1,500 life-changing cleft surgeries through Operation Smile, and nurtured young women from underserved communities through apprenticeship programs. The company also fosters a culture of volunteerism, with employees actively participating in medical missions, coastal clean-ups, and tree-planting activities, proving that true sustainability is as much about uplifting communities as it is about protecting the environment.
• Products: Watsons continues to expand its wide range of sustainable product choices, championing Clean Beauty, Better Ingredients, refill packs, and Better Packaging made from responsibly sourced materials. By making these products more accessible, Watsons empowers customers to make mindful health, wellness, and beauty choices that benefit both themselves and the planet. Together, these initiatives reflect how Watsons’ sustainability journey is made possible by the collective effort of its people, partners, and customers.
“These awards are a reflection of the small but meaningful actions taken every day by our customers, partners, and team members. Our commitment to the planet, our people, and the products we offer has always been part of who we are. Sustainability is not just a campaign for us, it’s a shared journey, and we promise to make it easier, more rewarding, and more inspiring for everyone to choose a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future,” said Watsons Philippines Senior Assistant Vice President for Marketing, PR and Sustainability Sharon Decapia. As Watsons celebrates these honors, it’s already looking ahead, expanding its Greener Stores, introducing more sustainable product choices, and deepening its community partnerships. For Watsons, sustainability isn’t a campaign with an end date, it’s a promise.
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DLSL Green Stallions Hailed Overall Champion At Malaysian Inter-University Games 2025
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| (Image Source: De La Salle Lipa/Green Stallions/Bon Benito) |
De La Salle Lipa (DLSL) celebrates with pride as the Green Stallions were hailed Overall Champions at the 2nd ASEAN+ Inter-University Networking Games 2025, held last August 21–24, 2025 at Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) in Perak, Malaysia. Competing against strong contingents from universities across Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, China, and the Philippines, the Green Stallions shone brightly. The DLSL delegation clinched the Championship Title in Table Tennis and Women’s Volleyball, and secured 1st Runner-Up finishes in Men’s Volleyball and Badminton.
This historic win marks more than just medals and trophies. It reflects DLSL’s expanding commitment to holistic internationalization. Beyond academic exchanges and cultural immersions, Lasallian learners now carry the school’s name proudly onto the global sports stage.The ASEAN+ Networking Games, hosted by Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) at its second year, not only honed athletic excellence but also strengthened camaraderie, cultural understanding, and international friendships — true to the Lasallian mission of forming well-rounded, globally competitive leaders. The DLSL delegation included 59 student-athletes, supported by five dedicated coaches - Coach Oliver Aguila, Football; Coach Heczel Miñas, Table Tennis; Coach Joart Mateo, Badminton; Coach Jasper Rodriguez, Volleyball Men and Coach John Lester Malaluan, Volleyball Women. The Sports and Culture Directorate, represented by Mr. J. Rex Atienza, Director and Ms. Maria Cecilia Quigley, College Athletic Coordinator; and academic leaders, Ms. Grace Sanchez, ELIRO Director and Dr. Sheila Maloles, Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Internationalization, were present to support and assist the delegation and likewise participated in the networking session for possible partnerships with the participating schools.
With this meaningful achievement, De La Salle Lipa, through its student-athletes, showcased Lasallian spirit beyond the classroom — extending into research, cultural exchange, and now the global field of sports. The Green Stallions’ journey in Malaysia reflects not just victories, but the core values of teamwork, perseverance, and friendship that Lasallians bring wherever they go.
(With words by Dr. Dfezie Torres-Tipan, De La Salle Lipa)
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FIFAe Partners With Lenovo To Power FIFAe Finals With High-Performance Lenovo Legion Gaming Technology
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| (Image Source: MegaBites/FIFA) |
FIFAe has confirmed that Lenovo’s Legion gaming technology will be used at its pinnacle competition in 2025, with the world’s #1 PC manufacturer partnering with the world’s #1 football eSports competition to support elite players and national teams across all competitions with high-performance devices built for industry-leading eSports events.Lenovo’s high-performance Legion gaming devices will be used at FIFAe’s pinnacle event of the year – the FIFAe Finals 2025, supporting elite gameplay, competition integrity, and immersive performance across all tournament environments, and setting the standard for the next generation of football eSports players.
Lenovo’s Legion Tower 7i, Legion gaming monitors, mice, keyboards, accessories and other Lenovo devices will be used by athletes as well as FIFAe presenters and staff alike to power one of the largest eSports competitions in the world. The partnership between FIFAe and Lenovo is part of the company’s wider collaboration with FIFA which includes supporting the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ through the delivery of advanced technology and infrastructure. Across these events, Lenovo is providing smart devices, AI-driven solutions, and data center services that enhance operations, broadcasting, and fan engagement on a global scale. The FIFAe Finals 2025 will take place on December 10-19, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and will feature the FIFAe World Cup™ featuring Rocket League, the FIFAe World Cup™ featuring eFootball™ on console, and the FIFAe World Cup™ featuring eFootball™ on mobile. The tournaments will bring together the top-performing national teams from across the globe to compete for three world titles in their respective disciplines.
Following a record-breaking 2024 season which delivered the most viewed sports simulation event of the year by peak viewers, FIFAe continues to expand its global ecosystem for football eSports. This year’s competitions will feature an extended open qualification process, providing more FIFA Member Associations than ever before the opportunity to compete at the highest level.
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Cecile Licad Up Close At The Gallery MiraNila On October 1, 2025
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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/MiraNila Heritage House & Library) |
MiraNila Heritage House & Library in partnership with the Erehwon Center for the Arts and the P. Ilusorio Foundation and in collaboration with Gallery MiraNila by The Blue Leaf proudly presents Cecile Licad Up Close on October 1, 2025 at 6:30 pm where the world-renowned pianist Cecile Licad graces the Philippines with her only solo performance in Metro Manila. Described by The New Yorker as “a pianist’s pianist”, Licad will play in the garden-surrounded setting of the Gallery MiraNila, bringing to life the music of Beethoven, Chopin, Joplin, Liszt, and Schumann as you’ve never before experienced.
Licad chose romantic and early modern works believing that these will resonate well with her local audiences. The repertoire will feature Beethoven’s famous Piano Sonata No. 14 (Moonlight) in C-sharp minor, Op. 27, No. 2, nineteen short compositions from Schumann’s Carnaval, Op. 9, Liszt’s St. Francis de Paolo Walking on the Waves, three pieces from American composer Scott Joplin that Licad performed at the Carnegie Hall last December 2024, and Chopin’s “favorite and dearest” of his ballads, Ballade No. 1 in G Minor. A recipient of the Leventritt Gold Medal, Grand Prix du Disque, and Pamana ng Pilipino Award, Licad has also worked with esteemed orchestras and distinguished conductors including the Philadelphia Orchestra under Eugene Ormandy, the New York Philharmonic under Zubin Mehta, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra under Claudio Abbado, as well as Sir Georg Solti, the National Symphony Orchestra under Mstislav Rostropovich, the Boston Symphony Orchestra under Seiji Ozawa, the London Symphony Orchestra under Kurt Masur, the London Philharmonic Orchestra under Andre Previn, and the Russian Academy State Orchestra (Moscow) under People’s Artist of Russia Mark Gorenstein. She continues to captivate audiences at the Carnegie Hall and, most recently, on tour with famed Wynton Marsalis and his brass band playing alongside Louis, a modern silent film based on the early years of the legendary trumpetist Louis Armstrong.
The Gallery MiraNila concert offers a rare opportunity to hear this most decorated of Filipino classical artists in the intimate setting of the hall. Tickets for her one-night-only solo concert in Metro Manila: premium seats at Php3,500 and regular seats at Php3,000. For tickets, text Bern at 0906-547-8268 or email miranilaheritage@gmail.com. Doors open at 5:30 pm and the performance promptly starts at 6:30 pm. A Bizu pasta station and some light snacks will be open during intermission and after the concert.
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Celebrating A Decade Of Harmony: Beko Supports St. John Bosco Parish’s Longest-Running Choral Competition
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| 10th Himig Ng Kabataan: Alay Kay Don Bosco Choral Competition Grand Champions The Malabon Concert Singers (Image Source: INQUIRER.net/St. John Bosco Parish) |
Europe’s leading large home appliance brand Beko proudly continued its commitment to supporting Filipino youth and community initiatives as a co-presenter of the 10th Himig Ng Kabataan: Alay Kay Don Bosco Choral Competition. Now in its tenth year, the event was held last August 30, 2025 at St. John Bosco Parish in Makati City (Jubilee Church for Artists, Musical Bands, and Athletes), coinciding with the church’s 47th anniversary of the dedication of the church and the Jubilee Year with the theme: Pilgrims of Hope. “The event provides an exclusive platform for church-based choirs to be heard and make a mark in the choral music scene in the Philippines. We aim to be the country’s longest-running church-based choir competitions,” said SJB Parish Makati Music Ministry Head Gaylord Villa.
It was an evening of musical spectacle as the competition brought together eight talented choirs from various cities, each vying for top honors and showcasing their exceptional vocal talent and dedication. The finalists for this year’s competition included Coro Jesu, Himig San Vicente, Koro ni San Jose, Koro ni San Miguel, Malabon Concert Singers, OMPHP Youth Ensemble VI, San Andres Chamber Singers, and The Vennekreds. After a series of powerful and harmonious performances, the winners emerged with The Malabon Concert Singers hailed as the Grand Champion and took home a cash prize of Php100,000. First runner-up was Coro Jesu, receiving Php50,000, while The Vennekreds was named as the second runner-up with a cash prize of Php30,000. The Malabon Concert Singers also received the Best Song Rendition (Choice Piece) while the San Andres Chamber Singers won the People’s Choice Award. All cash prizes were generously provided by Beko.
Beko Philippines Marketing Head Dyeun Zapanta expressed pride in the ongoing partnership with St. John Bosco Parish for the choral competition, stating, “At Beko, we are dedicated to supporting our community, and this competition perfectly embodies our vision of enriching lives and fostering connections through the power of excellence — be it in faith, music, or in providing home solutions that simplify everyday chores, much like our products do.” Through initiatives such as the Himig Ng Kabataan, Beko actively strengthens its advocacy for community building, going beyond promoting sustainable living to creating a lasting and positive impact on Filipino society. For more updates on Beko’s community initiatives and home solutions, follow Beko Philippines (@bekoph) on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok and visit www.beko.com/ph-en.
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Full Phils Launches Children’s Book “A Heart In Two Places” To Support OFW Scholars
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| (Image Source: Corner Magazine PH/Full Phils) |
Full Phils, a youth-led non-profit organization that helps Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Hong Kong complete their college education, successfully launched its debut children’s book A Heart In Two Places at Museo Pambata. Written by Full Phils founder Emilio Baja, A Heart Un Two Places follows the story of Arlyn, a domestic worker in Hong Kong who dreams of reuniting with her three children in the Philippines. Every day she rises before dawn to care for another family abroad, but her heart stays tied to her own. The story, designed for children ages five and up, gently introduces young readers to the realities of life as an OFW while carrying a universal message of love, resilience, and hope.
The book is more than literature; it is a lifeline. 100% of proceeds from sales will fund Full Phils’ scholarship program which supports OFWs in Hong Kong as they pursue the college degrees they put on hold to work overseas. In just two years, the organization has enabled almost 30 OFWs to return to school and is preparing to celebrate its first batch of graduates in 2025. “The book bridges two different worlds: the one where OFWs live abroad, and the one they long for back home. Through this story, we hope both children and parents understand that sacrifice can lead to opportunity, and that education remains one of the most powerful tools to extend one’s reach in accomplishing their dreams,” said Baja. Following the Manila launch, A Heart In Two Places will be showcased at the Manila International Book Fair (September 10–14, SMX Convention Center) and the Frankfurt Book Fair (October 15–19, Germany), the world’s largest international book fair. The book will be available directly through Full Phils’ social media pages, Google Form, and email, in select bookstores and online platforms nationwide.
By combining storytelling with advocacy, Full Phils continues to expand its mission of making higher education more accessible, affordable, and empowering for OFWs, turning every book purchased into a step closer to getting that much-deserved college diploma. To learn more about Full Phils or explore partnership opportunities, visit https://fullphils.org.
