AYDA Awards 2026 goes global, offering next-gen designers a chance to win the Harvard Prize

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Architecture and Interior Design students worldwide are being invited to rethink the future of spaces, communities, and culture as the AYDA Awards officially starts its new season.

 

Now on its 18th year, the competition formerly known as the Asia Young Designer Awards (AYDA) returns with the theme “Converge: Embracing Hyperlocal.” The 2026 theme reflects a growing global shift in design thinking, where the world becomes increasingly interconnected. “Converge” highlights the intersection of cultures, technologies, and ideas, while “Embracing Hyperlocal” underscores the importance of grounding innovation in the unique identity of specific communities.

 

(L-R): IDr. Brigid Sarmiento, Vice President for Internal Affairs, Council of Interior Design Educators (CIDE); IDr. Ivy Almario, Public Relations Director, Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID) and Interior Design Category Judge; IDr. Mikee Yusay, Head Judge, Interior Design Category; Mr. Chen Lee Siong, General Manager, Nippon Paint (Coatings) Philippines, Inc.; Ar. Cathy Saldaña, Head Judge, Architectural Category; Ar. Jonathan Manalad, National President, United Architects of the Philippines (UAP); and Ar. Jean Cornejo, National President, Philippine Architecture Schools Association (PhilASA).

 

In rapidly urbanizing contexts such as the Philippines, hyperlocal design takes on heightened relevance. It encourages architects and interior designers to draw from indigenous materials, traditional construction techniques, and cultural narratives that are often overshadowed by modern development. From adaptive reuse of heritage structures in historic Manila districts to community-centered housing solutions in disaster-prone areas, hyperlocal design offers a framework for creating spaces that are both functional and deeply rooted in place.

 

Rather than treating globalization as a force that standardizes design, AYDA 2026 positions it as an opportunity for convergence — where global ideas are reinterpreted through local lenses. This approach empowers emerging designers to respond more meaningfully to pressing challenges such as climate resilience, urban density, and cultural preservation.

 

AYDA continues expanding its global design community.

Organized by Nippon Paint, the international design competition encourages Architecture and Interior design students to develop solutions rooted in local identity, cultural heritage, and community-driven innovation — while addressing the evolving needs of a rapidly connected world.

 

At a time when ideas move globally in seconds, and design trends increasingly overlap across borders, AYDA 2026 is encouraging young creatives to rediscover the value of local wisdom, traditions, and materials.

 

Participants are challenged to design spaces and experiences that strengthen communities, celebrate heritage, and reimagine how local culture can shape future-ready environments. Since launching in 2008, AYDA has grown into one of Asia’s most recognized design platforms, attracting more than 50,000 entries from over 1,300 tertiary institutions across 20 geographical locations worldwide.

 

Beyond the competition itself, AYDA has become a major talent development platform for emerging designers through mentorships, workshops, networking sessions, and cross-learning opportunities with leading industry professionals.

 

The program has also built a strong alumni network of socially conscious designers focused on combining creativity with real-world impact.

 

For Filipino architecture and design students, the theme resonates strongly with ongoing conversations in the local industry about sustainable urban development and culturally responsive design. With the Philippines facing increasing pressure from rapid city expansion and climate-related risks, the call for hyperlocal innovation highlights the role of young designers in shaping spaces that are not only globally competitive but also deeply responsive to Filipino communities and environments.

 

“Design today is no longer just about creating beautiful spaces. Young designers are being challenged to solve real problems, strengthen communities, and create environments that people can genuinely connect with,” said Chen Lee Siong, General Manager of Nippon Paint (Coatings) Philippines, Inc.

“With AYDA 2026, we want to encourage students to embrace local identity and culture while thinking boldly about the future. Some of the most powerful design ideas come from understanding the communities around us,” he added.

 

Harvard Prize for international winners

One of the biggest highlights of AYDA Awards 2026 is the highly coveted “Harvard Prize,” awarded to the International Gold Winners named as the AYDA Designer of the Year for both the Architecture and Interior Design categories.

 

The prize includes a fully sponsored three-week Design Discovery Program at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design (GSD) in the United States. Valued at up to USD 10,000, the immersive learning experience covers tuition fees, airfare, accommodation, and visa support, giving winners direct exposure to one of the world’s leading design institutions.

 

The Harvard Prize serves as AYDA’s flagship international opportunity, allowing young designers to deepen their design thinking, collaborate with global peers, and gain first-hand insights into advanced spatial design practices.

 

Cash awards, internships, and global exposure

Apart from the Harvard Prize, AYDA Awards 2026 will also recognize outstanding student work through multiple awards and opportunities.

 

Gold and Silver awardees will receive cash prizes and internship opportunities, while Honorary Mention winners and special category recipients will also receive monetary rewards.

 

Additional recognitions include:

• Nippon Paint Colour Award
• Best Sustainable Design
• Best Design Impact

Each special award comes with a USD 1,000 cash prize. Mentors of winning students will also gain access to the Design Discovery Virtual (DDV) Program conducted by Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design.

 

In the Philippines, AYDA offers prestigious prizes that recognize outstanding Architecture and Interior Design students. Gold Award winners in each category receive a cash prize of ₱50,000. Beyond the monetary rewards, AYDA serves as a gateway to international exposure, mentorship, networking opportunities, and the chance to represent the Philippines at the AYDA International Awards, making it one of the most sought-after design competitions for young Filipino design students.

 

Silver Award winners receive ₱30,000 in cash, while eight finalists are awarded ₱10,000 each for their exceptional entries. Special recognitions such as Best Colour Choice and Best Green Innovation also come with cash prizes of ₱10,000.

 

Entries for the AYDA Awards Philippines will officially open in June

Nippon Paint is encouraging eligible architecture and interior design students worldwide to participate and become part of AYDA’s growing global design community.

Interested participants may learn more through the official AYDA Awards Philippines Facebook page. Past sessions of the AYDA Awards are also available on AYDA’s YouTube channel. 

 

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About AYDA Awards

The AYDA Awards, launched in 2008 by Nippon Paint, are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of architectural and interior design talent globally. With a focus on technological innovation and social impact, AYDA facilitates cross-learning and mentorship among students and industry leaders, offering transformative experiences and opportunities for growth.

 

About Nippon Paint

Nippon Paint Philippines, Inc., established in 1976, is committed to delivering high-quality paint solutions. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, Nippon Paint adheres to international quality standards and environmental regulations. For more information, visit https://www.nipponpaint.ph/

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First launched in 2008, AYDA Awards (formeriy known as the Asia Young Designer Awards) is part of Nippon Paint's vision to nurture the next generation of Architectural and Interior Design talents.

It serves as a platfom to inspire students of these disciplines to develop their skills through cross- iearning opportunities and networking with key industry players, as well as their fellow peers in the region.

Since then, AYDA has grown in terms of reach and stature, and has now established itself as one of the premier design awards, having received more than 47,000 entries from over 1,200 tertiary education institutions to date, across 20 different geographical locations.

Over the years, AYDA has impacted thousands of young and talented student designers, presenting them with various opportunities to engage with renowned speakers and key figures in the design industry. The platform has enabled the participants to gain first-hand industry krnowledge, personalized coaching, mentoring and skills-building through various workshops by experienced lecturers and industry professionals. To top things off, the AYDA Designer of the Year wins an all-expenses paid, 3-week placement at Harvard University's Graduate School of Design's Design Discovery Program.

Through various experiential learning experiences such as AYDA XGhange and AYDA International Summit, a close-knit and passionate design community has been formed. AYDA's network is made of professional architects, interior designers, industry associations, partners, design schols, alumni and design students all working together to raise the next generation of socially conscious designers.

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Your perfect outfit is right here: Grab-A-Fit is your new go-to for versatile everyday fashion

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Build any outfit effortlessly with the new Basics collection from Grab-A-Fit, available exclusively at all Robinsons Department Store branches

Forget the daily "I have nothing to wear" panic. Robinsons Department Store just made outfit-planning so much easier with Grab-A-Fit, Basics Collection.

Welcome remarks led by Robinsons Department Store AVP Men’s Fashion - Ed Dizon

On May 22, 2026, Robinsons Department Store hosted the official launch of Grab-A-Fit at Robinsons Department Store Galleria, transforming the store space into a high-energy fashion playground. The event also introduced the new Basics everyday wear collection of Grab-A-Fit, a brand exclusively available at Robinsons Department Store, all branches nationwide.

Grab a Fit, New Basics Collection

The Grab a Fit Basics collection has casual, smart casual, and urban style pieces that you can mix and match to pull off any look for your daily grind. Whether it’s casual chic for weekend strolls or a polished business look for important meetings, Grab-A-Fit has trendy pieces for everyone.

Centered on exceptional affordability and versatility, the launch event made effortless style accessible to everyone. Curated mannequin displays and interactive fashion zones gave customers and guests plenty of inspiration to mix, match, and elevate their daily OOTDs.

Grab a Fit curated outfits by fashion and lifestyle creators (L-R) Alexa Viray, Anne Lopez, Ian Vivas, and Pat Sugui.

Finding your perfect ‘fit

The Grab-A-Fit launch showcased outfits curated by Ian Vivas, Anne Lopez, Alexa Viray, and Pat Sugui. Each look featured the fashion influencer’s personality and highlighted how anyone can effortlessly build multiple looks using the Basics collection pieces.

Grab-A-Fit also empowered fashion lovers to become trendsetters in their own right. Guests checked out pieces from the Basics collection in Robinsons Department Store Galleria and tried them on to create outfits that matched their unique style.

Unveiling of collection highlight by Robinsons Department Store (RDS) and Grab a Fit Representatives (L-R), Josh Dela Cruz - Grab a Fit, Business Group Director, Eric Dela Cruz - Grab a Fit, VP for Operations, Ed Dizon - RDS, AVP for Men's Fashion

Shoppers can join in the fashion fun. The Grab-A-Fit try-on display will be open to everyone at Robinsons Department Store Galleria. Update your wardrobe with new Basics pieces at an affordable price, exclusively available at all Robinsons Department Store branches nationwide.

Grab a Fit launch attended by Grab a Fit executives and Robinsons Department Store (RDS) executives (L-R), Stanley Co - Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc., President & CEO, Carmina Quizon - RDS, Group General Manager, Eric Dela Cruz - Grab a Fit, VP for Operations, Josh Dela Cruz - Grab a Fit, Business Group Director, and Ed Dizon - RDS, AVP for Men's Fashion

Ready to find your ‘fit? Check out the Grab-A-Fit collection at Robinsons Department Store Galleria Atrium. Get updated and follow Robinsons Department Store on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

PLDT Enterprise and 6D Technologies Help Businesses Bring IoT Closer to Everyday Operations

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PLDT Enterprise and 6D Technologies formalize their partnership to expand scalable IoT connectivity and support enterprise digital transformation across the Philippines. (L–R): Gilbert Gaw, First Vice President and Head of IT and Transformation Office, PLDT and Smart; Nico Alcoseba, First Vice President and Head of Product Management and Innovation, PLDT Enterprise; Manish Arora, Executive Director and Chief Revenue Officer, 6D Technologies; and Abhishek Bhalla, Vice President for APAC, 6D Technologies.

For many businesses, growth depends on being able to see what is happening across their operations in real time — where assets are, how devices are performing, when systems need attention, and how teams can respond faster when conditions change.

This is where connected technology becomes more than just infrastructure. It becomes a way for businesses to make better decisions, reduce delays, improve visibility, and serve customers with greater confidence.

PLDT Enterprise is taking another step toward making this possible for more Philippine businesses through its strategic partnership with 6D Technologies, a global telecommunications software company specializing in BSS/OSS platforms, IoT connectivity management, and digital transformation solutions for mobile network operators. Through the collaboration, PLDT Enterprise is strengthening its IoT capabilities to support more scalable, flexible, and enterprise-ready connectivity services across the country.

At the heart of the partnership is 6D Technologies’ IoT Connectivity Management Platform (CMP), a carrier-grade platform that helps telecom operators create, package, deploy, and manage IoT services at scale. It supports the full IoT lifecycle, including SIM provisioning, device onboarding, real-time usage monitoring, automated billing, and enterprise self-service portals.

Helping businesses see more and respond faster

The partnership is expected to support more IoT use cases across industries such as logistics, manufacturing, utilities, retail, and public services — sectors where reliable information and timely action can directly affect operations. It opens opportunities for use cases such as fleet tracking, smart metering, industrial automation, cold chain monitoring, smart surveillance, and connected car solutions.

For logistics companies, this can mean better visibility over vehicles and deliveries. For utilities, it can help improve monitoring across meters and field assets. For manufacturers, it can support smarter automation and equipment tracking. For retailers and public service organizations, it can help teams make faster decisions based on more accurate, real-time information.

Built on Smart’s 5G-enabled infrastructure, the platform is also positioned to support deployments even in hard-to-reach areas, helping bring connected solutions closer to businesses and communities that need them.

Making IoT easier to start, manage, and scale

For many enterprises, adopting IoT can feel complex. Businesses need to manage devices, connectivity, data usage, security settings, and cost — often across multiple sites and teams.

Through 6D’s platform capabilities, PLDT Enterprise can develop more dynamic bundled offerings, create more accessible starting points for SMEs and mid-market customers, and support customers as their IoT requirements grow over time. The platform’s flexible commercial engine, multi-tenant structure, and automated SIM and device lifecycle management are designed to help PLDT Enterprise respond more quickly to market demand and support enterprise growth with less back-end intervention.

With the new platform, enterprises can access capabilities such as seamless roaming support for connected devices across regions, eSIM enablement for more flexible and remote device provisioning, data pooling across multiple devices to optimize usage and cost efficiency, and enhanced APN management for more secure and customized network configurations.

The platform also introduces AI-powered IoT connectivity management — capabilities that go beyond dashboards to proactively flag anomalies, predict connectivity issues before they affect operations, and automatically optimize device performance and network usage across an enterprise’s entire connected fleet. For businesses managing hundreds or thousands of devices across multiple sites, this translates to fewer manual interventions and more reliable uptime.

Leaders from PLDT Enterprise and 6D Technologies come together to formalize their partnership aimed at strengthening scalable IoT connectivity solutions for Philippine businesses. (L–R): Manoj Jain, Global Head of Marketing, 6D Technologies; Abhishek Bhalla, Vice President for APAC, 6D Technologies; Manish Arora, Executive Director and Chief Revenue Officer, 6D Technologies; Gilbert Gaw, First Vice President and Head of IT and Transformation Office, PLDT and Smart; and Nico Alcoseba, First Vice President and Head of Product Management and Innovation, PLDT Enterprise.

A commitment to smarter, more connected businesses across the Philippines

For PLDT Enterprise, the partnership reflects a broader commitment to helping Philippine businesses move beyond basic connectivity and toward more intelligent, device-level digital operations.

“This partnership with 6D Technologies strengthens our ability to deliver more scalable and flexible IoT services to businesses across the Philippines,” said Nico Alcoseba, First Vice President and Head of Product Management and Innovation at PLDT Enterprise. “By enhancing our IoT platform capabilities, we are better positioned to help enterprises adopt connected technologies faster, support new use cases, and build smarter, more responsive operations.”

“The Philippines represents one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic IoT growth markets, and we see this partnership with PLDT Enterprise as a significant step in realizing that potential,” shared Manish Arora, Executive Director and Chief Revenue Officer of 6D Technologies. “Our platform is built to give operators the speed, visibility, and flexibility to launch and scale IoT services on their own terms — and we look forward to putting that to work for Philippine enterprises.”

By combining PLDT Enterprise’s network strength with 6D Technologies’ platform flexibility and automated lifecycle management, the collaboration aims to help more enterprises deploy connected solutions that are easier to manage, more responsive to operational needs, and built for long-term growth.

 

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About PLDT Enterprise 

PLDT Enterprise is the corporate business arm of PLDT, the leading telecommunications and digital services provider in the Philippines. Dedicated to delivering innovative fixed-line, wireless, and ICT solutions, PLDT Enterprise enables businesses to adapt to evolving technological needs, optimize efficiency, continuity, and connectivity, and enhance customer experience. With a strong commitment to doing business responsibly, PLDT Enterprise aims to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by enabling digital transformation, championing meaningful innovations, and bridging the digital divide.

For more information, visit pldtenterprise.com.

About 6D Technologies

6D Technologies is a global telecommunications software company delivering BSS/OSS platforms, IoT connectivity management, and digital transformation solutions to mobile network operators worldwide. With a presence across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, 6D Technologies enables operators to launch, manage, and scale digital services with greater speed and flexibility. Its product portfolio spans revenue management, subscriber lifecycle management, IoT connectivity, and AI-powered analytics — helping operators modernise their operations and create new revenue streams in an evolving digital landscape.

For more information, visit 6dtechnologies.com.

 

Keep emergency numbers within reach: A home safety reminder for Filipino families

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Emergency preparedness begins at home. Beyond keeping basic supplies such as food, water, medicine, flashlights, and batteries, every household should also have a clear communication plan in case of an emergency.

This includes knowing whom to call, keeping important emergency numbers visible, and ensuring family members have an accessible way to contact emergency hotlines, barangays, hospitals, relatives, or first responders when needed.

As families use different ways to stay connected every day, having a dedicated home phone line can be part of a household’s broader emergency preparedness plan. A landline gives family members, including children, seniors, and household helpers, a fixed and familiar way to contact emergency hotlines, barangays, hospitals, relatives, and first responders when urgent assistance is needed. More importantly, it helps give families added peace of mind at home, knowing that there is an accessible way to call for help when it matters most.

It also serves as an additional communication option at home, especially when family members need to quickly coordinate during an emergency.

Keep emergency numbers visible at home

A prepared household does not only know how to call for help. It also knows who to call.

Families are encouraged to keep a list of important emergency numbers in a visible and accessible area, such as beside the landline, on the refrigerator, near the main door, or in the family emergency kit. This helps ensure that anyone at home can act quickly, even under pressure.

Here are some important emergency numbers Filipino families may keep on hand:

●       National Emergency Hotline: 911

●       Philippine National Police: 117 / (02) 8722-0650

●       Philippine Red Cross: 143

●       MMDA Hotline: 136

●       Bureau of Fire Protection: Check the nearest local fire station or local government emergency hotline in your area.

●       Barangay / City / Municipal Emergency Hotline: Keep local emergency numbers updated and visible at home.

The Philippine Information Agency also reported that the Unified 911 Emergency Hotline handled more than 5.2 million calls from January to April 2026, showing how vital emergency hotlines have become for Filipinos during urgent situations.

Make emergency calling easier for everyone at home

To help households stay prepared, families may also consider the following:

1. Post 911 and other emergency numbers where everyone can see them. Place 911 prominently at the top of the list, followed by other important emergency numbers such as the local barangay, city rescue, fire station, hospital, and police hotlines. Keep the list beside the telephone, on the refrigerator, or in common areas where anyone at home can easily find it.
2. Teach children and seniors how to call for help. Make sure they know when to call 911, how to state their name, location, and the nature of the emergency, and who else  in the family to contact
3. Save local numbers, not just national hotlines. Barangay, city, municipal, hospital, and local rescue numbers can be reached more quickly and be more relevant depending on the situation.
4. Include communication in the family emergency plan. Aside from food, water, flashlights, and medicine, families should also prepare reliable ways to call for help and contact loved ones.

Emergency preparedness is not about relying on only one way to stay connected. It is about ensuring households have clear, accessible, and dependable ways to call for help, stay informed, and respond quickly.

Through its connectivity solutions, PLDT Home supports Filipino families in building safer and more connected homes. With fiber internet plans bundled with a landline phone, households can maintain a dedicated home communication line that supports everyday connection and emergency preparedness.

For more information, visit www.pldthome.com.

 

Grab and UNIQLO Turn Everyday App Moments Into Wearable Summer Keepsakes

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 The limited-edition UTme! “Blueprint for a 5-Star Summer” collection lets Filipinos wear their favorite Grab moments on shirts and totes, from food cravings to barkada rides

This summer, Grab Philippines and UNIQLO are inviting Filipinos to wear their best everyday Grab moments.

The two brands have launched “Blueprint for a 5-Star Summer,” a limited-edition UTme! collection that transforms familiar scenes from the Grab app into playful, wearable designs. Think food cravings finally satisfied, deliveries arriving just when you need them, spontaneous barkada plans, and that all-too-familiar “nagpa-Grab ako” moment brought to life on T-shirts and tote bags.

The collaboration marks the first partnership between a superapp and UNIQLO’s UTme! service in the Philippines. The customizable apparel is now available at select UNIQLO Printer Stores nationwide.

Designed in a blueprint-inspired visual style, the collection reimagines everyday Grab experiences as technical diagrams, complete with witty Filipino annotations. Each piece maps the small but memorable ways Grab fits into Filipino life, whether through a ride, a delivery, a meal, or a last-minute plan made under the summer sun.

Leading the lineup is “GUTOM NA AKO: A Technical Breakdown,” a tribute to the deeply relatable act of rewarding oneself with a well-earned treat, complete with notes like “Dasurb ko ’to.” “PA-GRAB MO NA YAN: A Technical Study” captures the everyday coordination behind successful deliveries, while “A GUIDE TO BOOKING A CHILL RIDE” maps out how Grab helps make spontaneous group plans easier through features like Group Ride.

Rounding out the collection is “THE INNER WORKINGS OF NAG-PA GRAB AKO,” which turns the familiar rush of meeting a rider or delivery-partner at the gate into a fun, wearable schematic.

Customers can print the designs on T-shirts and tote bags at participating UNIQLO Printer Stores, including the UNIQLO Manila Global Flagship Store, UNIQLO Mall of Asia, UNIQLO BGC High Street, UNIQLO Greenhills, UNIQLO Nuvali Sta. Rosa Roadside Store, UNIQLO Ayala Center Cebu, UNIQLO Davao Roadside Store.

To make the experience even more seamless, Grab is also offering users discounted rides to and from selected UNIQLO Roadside and Flagship stores nationwide. The promo gives users 10% off rides, capped at PHP 30 per ride, with no minimum fare requirement. Users can redeem the offer up to four times per month, or up to 36 times across the promo period.

The ride promo runs from 10 April 2026 to 27 February 2027, excluding the UNIQLO Thank You Festival.

Grab Philippines and UNIQLO will roll out the collection in two phases, with Phase 1 available until September 30, 2026. Customers can view the full design catalog and participating stores through UNIQLO’s official UTme! page.