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| (Image Source: Filinvest Group) |
The Filinvest Group celebrates a new milestone in strengthening industry-academe collaboration with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) held last June 24, 2026 at the institution's Faber Hall. The partnership formalizes a student internship program through Ateneo’s Office of Placement and Career Services (OPCS), providing students with structured, work-based learning opportunities across Filinvest Group’s businesses in real estate, banking, hospitality, power, and utilities.
The program lays out a strong foundation for developing future leaders by equipping students with practical experience, core competencies, and a deeper understanding of the business. It also reflects the shared commitment of Filinvest and Ateneo to nurturing future-ready professionals who combine technical expertise with values-driven leadership. In a video message, Filinvest Land Inc. President and CEO Tristan Las Marias, an alumnus of ADMU, expressed his support and emphasized the shared purpose driving the partnership, stating, “We are investing in the same thing — people, their formation, their future, and their capacity to lead with integrity.” Echoing the same vision, Filinvest Group First Vice President and Head of HR Strategy and Excellence Sheriben Paraguas highlighted the strong alignment between Ateneo’s educational philosophy and Filinvest’s people-centered culture, remarking, “Where these strengths come together, something neither of us could accomplish alone becomes possible: learning enriched by practice, and practice guided by deeper purpose. Together, we help form not only capable professionals, but whole persons — prepared in mind, grounded in values, and ready to serve.”
Beyond internship opportunities, the program strengthens Ateneo’s experiential learning programs while supporting Filinvest’s talent acquisition efforts by creating early engagement with high-potential students. As Filinvest continues to build a future-ready workforce, the partnership represents a long-term investment in developing emerging talent, strengthening campus engagement, and cultivating the next generation of leaders.
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The First-Ever SM Active Hub Pickleball Trio Challenge Concludes With Thrilling Grand Finals
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| (Image Source: SM Supermalls) |
SM Active Hub recently concluded its first-ever Pickleball Trio Challenge with an adrenaline-fueled Grand Finals held last July 12, 2026 at SM Pickleball, Four E-Com Center MOA Complex in Pasay City, bringing together the tournament’s top qualifying teams. Featuring a unique three-player team format, the tournament fostered strategic team play and elevates the level of competition as 89 teams competed in the DUPR 9 and DUPR 11 divisions with categories determined by the combined Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) of the three players of each team.
Throughout the tournament, players demonstrate exceptional skills, teamwork, strategy, and sportsmanship in every match. The Grand Finals marked the culmination of five qualifying legs held across SM Bicutan, SM Sta. Mesa, SM Sta. Rosa, SM Marikina, and SM Center Muntinlupa where the top 32 teams advanced to the Grand Finals. In the end, it was Team Boss K, composed of Keane, Sunshine and Prince, from the SM City Sta. Mesa qualifying event and Team Zone, composed of Glorie, Zacky and Renzo, coming from the SM City Marikina qualifying round that emerged as DUPR 9 and DUPR 11 champions, respectively. Both teams earned the distinction of becoming the first champions of the SM Active Hub Pickleball Trio Challenge. The event also featured two Grand Parades of Finalists, one for each category, symbolizing the growing pickleball community in the country with SM Active Hub at the forefront of the sport’s development.
This milestone tournament reinforces SM Supermalls’ commitment to promoting active lifestyles and fostering a thriving pickleball community. As the largest pickleball destination in the country, your most loved mall, SM provides opportunities for Filipinos to engage in sports, embrace health and wellness, and build meaningful connections with others. As pickleball gains popularity among Filipinos of all ages, SM Sports and Leisure Center is set to open more pickleball courts in the coming months, making the sport more accessible to many communities in the country.
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DOST Trains Youth With Disabilities For Global IT Challenge
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/DOST Ilocos Region) |
The Department of Science and Technology Ilocos Region (DOST Ilocos Region), under the leadership of regional director Teresita Tabaog, participated in the two-day preparatory training for delegates of the National IT Challenge for Youth with Disabilities last June 17-18, 2026 at the Agtutubo Conference Room in San Fernando City, La Union. The activity aimed to prepare and identify outstanding youth with disabilities who may represent the Philippines in the Global IT Challenge for Youth with Disabilities to be held in Da Nang, Vietnam in October 2026. The training serves as a platform to strengthen participants’ digital competencies and enhance their readiness for national and international competition.
Representing DOST Ilocos Region, science research specialist Justin Niduaza Madrid served as one of the resource persons, providing technical guidance and support to participating delegates throughout the training. As part of the activity, participants underwent the eCombination Challenge Training Workshop, which focused on evaluating integrated application skills in information search using Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools, spreadsheet utilization, and presentation. The workshop was designed to enhance participants’ ability to apply these digital competencies in practical and real-life situations. Through interactive sessions and hands-on activities, the delegates were given opportunities to further develop their problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills while gaining confidence in using digital tools and technologies. The activity also fostered collaboration, learning, and active engagement among participants.
Through its continued support for programs that promote inclusivity, digital empowerment, and innovation, DOST Ilocos Region remains committed to advancing science, technology, and innovation in creating meaningful opportunities for youth with disabilities and empowering communities across the region.
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De La Salle Lipa Strengthens Global Sustainability Influence At EAUC 2026
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| (Image Source: De La Salle Lipa/Environmental Association For Universities And Colleges) |
De La Salle Lipa (DLSL) reinforced its position as a globally engaged institution committed to sustainability leadership as Vice President for Administration Br. Cyrill “Kino” Escolano FSC represented the institution at the EAUC (Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges) 2026 Annual Conference held last June 22-24, 2026 at Swansea University Bay Campus in Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom. Recognized as the flagship gathering of sustainability professionals across universities, colleges, and sector organizations in the United Kingdom and Ireland, the conference convened leaders advancing sustainability in higher education.
Further demonstrating DLSL's growing international influence, Br. Kino served as a featured speaker, sharing the University's expertise on sustainable institutional management through his session entitled “Green Supply Chain”. Attended by more than 70 participants from universities across the UK and Ireland, the presentation highlighted how procurement can evolve beyond compliance to become a strategic driver of sustainability, resilience, and institutional excellence. Drawing from higher education practices, Br. Kino introduced a practical framework centered on Digitize, Localize, and Standardize. The session emphasized how digital transformation strengthens transparency and data-driven decision-making, how local supplier partnerships foster resilient communities and responsible sourcing, and how governance and standardized procurement processes institutionalize sustainable practices. Interactive discussions and collaborative exchanges enabled participants to explore practical strategies adaptable to their own institutions. The presentation concluded by introducing a decision-making framework that evaluates procurement through the lenses of digital transformation, local value creation, and institutional governance. Participants gained actionable approaches for embedding environmental, social, and economic sustainability into procurement systems, demonstrating how strategic purchasing decisions can drive lasting organizational transformation.
Br. Kino’s participation further expands De La Salle Lipa's international visibility as a thought leader in sustainability and institutional innovation. By contributing practical insights to one of Europe's premier higher education sustainability conferences, DLSL strengthens its global partnerships, reinforces its leadership in sustainable campus operations, and gains valuable perspectives that can further enhance its institutional policies and governance. These international engagements translate into meaningful opportunities for the Lasallian community. Current students benefit from an institution that continually adopts globally informed sustainability practices and innovative operational strategies, while prospective students gain the advantage of studying at a higher education institution recognized for actively contributing to international conversations shaping the future of sustainable education.
(With words by Dr. Dfezie Torres-Tipan, De La Salle Lipa)
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Timezone Philippines Launches Disney-Themed Party Celebrations And Merchandise Nationwide
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| Timezone Philippines President and General Manager Raffy Prats Jr. and Timezone Philippines Deputy General Manager Dean Amann open up the magical treasure chest to celebrate the launch of the Timezone Disney party package. (Image Source: Manila Standard/Timezone Philippines) |
Timezone Philippines has teamed up with Disney Philippines to introduce a range of themed parties to fourteen of its premier venues across the country and themed merchandise to 30 prize shops nationwide. Many people in the Philippines grew up with Disney stories and characters and they continue to be loved across generations. Through this collaboration, Timezone aims to bring these shared memories into its venues in a new way, offering guests more ways to celebrate special moments with the people who matter most.
Timezone Philippines President and General Manager Raffy Prats Jr. noted, “At Timezone, we’ve always focused on bringing people together and enjoy meaningful time with family and friends. Through our collaboration with Disney, we’re able to bring familiar stories into our venues and offer new ways for guests to celebrate and connect.” Timezone’s Disney-themed birthday party set-ups are designed for group celebrations where guests can choose from a range of themes inspired by Disney characters and stories including Disney Princess favorites such as Ariel, Belle, and Tiana as well as Marvel-inspired party options. Each party experience will include themed elements and curated inclusions designed to enhance celebrations and create memorable moments for guests. On the other hand, Timezone’s prize shops will also feature a selection of official Disney-themed merchandise available exclusively at participating locations. Guests can now book their preferred Timezone’s Disney-themed party at https://www.timezonegames.com/en-ph/parties/birthdays/ and have them take place in any of the following venues: Ayala Glorietta 4, Ayala Greenbelt 3, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Greenhills, Robinsons Galleria, Gateway 2, SM Southmall, TriNoma, U.P. Town Center, Fairview Terraces, Ayala Malls Feliz, Festival Mall Alabang, Ayala Malls Vermosa, and Ayala Center Cebu.
You may also grab your Disney-themed merchandise at the Prize shop of the following venues: Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Fairview Terraces, TriNoma, Greenbelt 3, Robinsons Magnolia, SM Mall of Asia 1, SM Mall of Asia 2, Ayala Malls The Circuit, Festival Mall, Alabang Town Center, Ayala Malls Feliz, Glorietta 4, Market! Market!, Ayala Center Cebu, Vista Mall Taguig, U.P. Town Center, SM Megamall, Greenhills, Gateway 2 Mall, SM North Edsa The Block, Arca South, Vertis North, Robinsons Antipolo, Cloverleaf Mall, Robinsons Galleria, SM Southmall, Capitol Central Bacolod, Festive Walk Mall Iloilo, Solenad 3, Robinsons Lipa, Serin, Harbor Point, and NUSTAR.
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Riot Games Announces Convergence Fest, A First-Of-Its-Kind Celebration Of Teamfight Tactics And Riftbound
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| (Image Source: Corner Magazine PH/Riot Games) |
Riot Games officially announced the launch of Convergence Fest, a new multi-day live event combining the Teamfight Tactics (TFT) Vegas Open and the Riftbound North American Regional Championship under one roof for the first time, that will be held on December 11-13, 2026. Convergence Fest is Riot Games’ largest combined live event to date, bringing the TFT and Riftbound communities together in Las Vegas for a full weekend of competition, community, and celebration.
The two main competitive events will run simultaneously across the weekend: the TFT Vegas Open and the Riftbound North American Regional Championship, a major stop in Riftbound Organized Play. The TFT Vegas Open is a major Teamfight Tactics open-bracket eSports tournament marking the format’s return to the United States after three years away, bringing top competitive TFT players to Las Vegas for live, in-person play. Meanwhile, the Riftbound North America Regional Championship is the top tier of Riftbound Organized Play in North America where players who placed in the top 64 at Regional Qualifiers compete for the Regional Championship title and advance toward the Riftbound World Championship. Additional details on these tournaments will be announced in the coming weeks. Beyond these tournaments, the Convergence Fest will also feature an Artist Alley, side events, a prize wall, game shows, developer panels, showmatches, cosplay, meet-and-greets, and event-exclusive merchandise. Attendees can move freely between casual and competitive programming across both games throughout the weekend. Fan First registration is now open now via convergencefest.riotgames.com ahead of the general ticket sale. Early registration offers the best opportunity to secure tickets before the general sale opens in September. Once verified, registrants will receive a confirmation email and a notification when their purchase window opens in August.
Interested visitors can avail of either a three-day Attendee Pass (General Admission) which includes a commemorative Convergence Fest Riftbound card and all official and co-streamer in-game drops for Teamfight Tactics or a General Admission+ Bundle that will come with all Attendee Pass perks plus one hour early entry, a dedicated merch line, a custom festival crossbody bag, a Special Edition Teemo Hat, a Convergence Fest water bottle, and a Convergence Fest holiday ornament. Closing the Convergence Fest will be an exciting all-night-long party hosted by DJ Sona.
