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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STEM, Business Students form newest batch of GrabScholars

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Grab Philippines officially welcomed its fourth batch of GrabScholars, awarding full four-year scholarships to a fresh cohort of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), Business, and Sustainability students.

Harvey Blaize Ramirez, whose father is a GrabCar driver-partner, is now a proud GrabScholar taking up a Bachelor of Science in AI Engineering at Mapua University

Along with tuition coverage at renowned institutions like Mapua University and the Cebu Institute of Technology University, the scholars also receive a monthly stipend, a brand-new laptop, and other school essentials.

The new cohort — Harvey Blaize Ramirez, Reign Quiñones, Lloeby Xyra Semana, Dainty Jurzhail Balde, Wrench Maxenne Singcol, and Chrislyn Bacalso — brings the program’s total number of existing full college scholars to 23.

Grab Philippines Managing Director Ronald Roda emphasized that investing in these students is an investment in the country’s tech capabilities. “The world is moving at breakneck speed, particularly with innovations in tech and AI. To better prepare our country towards important advancements, we need young Filipinos who aspire to be the next shapers of the STEM space,” Roda said. “GrabScholar is about ensuring Filipinos are empowered to be the builders and leaders of tomorrow’s tech landscape.”

The GrabScholar program is a cornerstone of the GrabForGood agenda, the superapp’s social impact initiative aimed at promoting socioeconomic mobility of communities in Southeast Asia.

Children of Grab and MOVE IT partners find a path to college

Grab Philippines Managing Director Ronald Roda, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Booey Bonifacio, and MOVE IT General Manager Wayne Jacinto personally welcomed the scholars in the awarding ceremony at the Grab HQ in the Philippines

For several of the newest scholars, the scholarship is tied closely to their parents’ daily grind on the road, linking gig and platform work to longer-term aspirations for families in the Grab and MOVE IT ecosystem.

At Mapúa University, 18-year-old Harvey Blaize Ramirez is tackling AI Engineering. His father’s journey — evolving from a GrabFood rider to a GrabCar driver — serves as his blueprint for success. Harvey dreams of one day joining Grab’s engineering team or launching his own tech venture.

Reign Quiñones, an Industrial Engineering freshman at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), is no stranger to the hustle. While her father delivers for GrabFood, Reign balances her studies with freelance layout and editing jobs. A former campus journalist, she aims to become a Process Designer creating apps focused on social impact, such as disaster risk mitigation.

The program also welcomed new scholars from cities in regions outside of Metro Manila. In Cebu, Dainty Jurzhail Balde is pursuing Civil Engineering at the Cebu Institute of Technology University. With her father, a MOVE IT rider, serving as the sole breadwinner for their family of five, Balde is determined to pay it forward. She plans to start a foundation to mentor aspiring engineers from underprivileged backgrounds. Hailing from Davao City is Wrench Maxenne Singcol, a Computer Science student at the University of Mindanao.

GrabScholar’s new batch includes students outside Grab’s partner ecosystem. Lloeby Xyra Semana, who aspires to be a CPA-lawyer, is a freshman Accountancy student at PUP. Before the scholarship, she was supported by her mother, who works as a public school teacher and is the family’s sole breadwinner.

Chrislyn Bacalso is taking Business Administration at Xavier University–Ateneo de Cagayan. Her father is a person with disability, while her mother — a vegetable vendor—provides for the family. Bacalso is aiming to become the first college graduate in their household.

Going beyond scholarships: one-time bursaries for K–12 learners

Apart from full college scholarships, Grab said GrabScholar also extends one-time bursaries to more than 300 underprivileged elementary and high school students to help cover school-related needs. The financial assistance reaches up to P2,500, typically released through GrabPay as reimbursement for eligible expenses such as books, uniforms, and school supplies.

Puregold CinePanalo student filmmakers get extra boost with P100K grant from MFP Rentals

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The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival just announced another groundbreaking partnership set to support its student filmmakers participating in the Festival’s Student Shorts category.

MFP Rentals, an upstart local audiovisual equipment rental services company, has generously thrown its support behind the CinePanalo Film Festival, pledging to sponsor equipment rental services worth a total minimum value of PhP 100,000 free to use for all 25 student short film entries.

Puregold CinePanalo teams up with MFP Rentals to grant student filmmakers PhP 100,000 worth of free audiovisual equipment rentals. (L-R Puregold CinePanalo Festival Director Chris Cahilig, Puregold Senior Marketing Manager Ivy Hayagan Piedad, MFP Rentals Tech Director Tristan Cua, MFP Rentals Co-Producer Zsara Laxamana)

The partnership is a first for the CinePanalo Film Festival, as the inaugural event did not feature any equipment subsidy for the participants in the student shorts category. Now, through the partnership between Puregold and MFP Rentals, the 25 student filmmakers no longer need to shell out a part of their P150,000 grant on equipment, and can, instead allocate their funding towards perfecting their cinematic vision.

On this collaboration, Puregold Senior Marketing Manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad shared the company's gratitude for allowing student filmmakers to give their all without worrying about equipment funding.

“The student shorts category of the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival was designed to give an opportunity to passionate young directors itching for a chance to show the world their panalo stories. Thanks to MFP Rentals, our student filmmakers now have significantly more resources to make that happen,” she said.

Meanwhile, for MFP Rentals owner Mark Tristan Cua, the lease of the audiovisual equipment was a no-brainer given the advocacy of the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival in supporting the dreams of student filmmakers.

“After seeing the success of last year’s Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, we knew that MFP Rentals needed to be a part of the next one, and we believed that supporting the entrants of the students’ shorts category was the best way we could lend a hand,” said Cua.

MFP Rentals' partnership enables CinePanalo student directors to focus their P150,000 grant on perfecting their cinematic vision.

The CinePanalo Film Festival empowers 25 student filmmakers from universities nationwide with equipment and production support, with the help of MFP Rentals.

For Cua, the opportunity to help aspiring filmmakers has always been his personal goal. Outside of MFP Rentals, Cua is the proud founder of the Mobile Filmmaking Philippines online community, where filmmakers can learn from each othe, allowing young and aspiring filmmakers to find affordable equipment services.

“It’s difficult to be a student filmmaker in the Philippines, and having more space in one’s budget can go a long way” added Cua. “We hope that through MFP Rentals’ assistance, these talented young artists can focus their budget on making the film of their dreams, instead of spending a lot of money just on equipment.”

In addition to the equipment rentals, MFP Rentals will also engage in a technical discussion with the Director of Photography of each student short film prior to the submission of any technical equipment requests. This serves the purpose of allowing MFP Rentals to tailor its assistance to the unique creative vision of each student short film project.

Puregold recently announced the list of 25 student filmmakers who will be receiving the P150,000 production grant, as well as the assistance by MFP Rentals and all of Puregold’s other official production partners for the CinePanalo Film Festival. The upcoming film festival will feature student filmmakers from universities across the country including the University of the Philippines, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, University of Santo Tomas, University of Caloocan City, and even universities from outside Metro Manila like Central Philippine University, Dalubhasaan ng Lungsod ng San Pablo, the University of San Carlos, and Faith Colleges, and National University Laguna.

The Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival is set to begin in March of 2025, with the Awards Night set for March 19, 2025. Each of the student short filmmakers will have a chance to compete for the festival’s top awards including the awards for best film and best director.

Samsung launches Solve for Tomorrow 2024, invites STEM students to share innovative ideas to solve local and sustainability issues

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Samsung Philippines’ Solve for Tomorrow is back for another innovation-packed season and is calling for Filipino students to showcase their tech solutions to reimagine the future.

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Now on its 2nd year in the PH, Public Science High School Students can win 

PHP 2 Million worth of cash prizes and Samsung devices by sharing 

tech solutions to help communities

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With the support of the Department of Education (DepEd) and Philippine Science High School System (PSHS), Samsung Electronics Philippines Corporation continues their commitment to shaping the country’s next-gen heroes through the initiative by once again inviting public science high school students nationwide currently in grades 8 to 10 to showcase their best innovative ideas through the Solve for Tomorrow 2024 competition where they can get a chance to win PHP 2 Million worth of cash prizes and Samsung devices for their school, teams, and teacher adviser.

How to Join Solve for Tomorrow

Solve for Tomorrow 2024 is open to Grades 8-10 students of government-managed Science High Schools. They should form a team with a maximum of four (4) students each, and choose one faculty adviser from their respective schools. Each faculty adviser can coach up to three (3) teams.

Teams formed should identify a local community or environmental sustainability problem they want to solve with technology and AI and come up with a design proposal presented via a slides presentation (5 slides max with 2,500 words only) or word document (7 pages with Arial 11 font size). Once entry is finalized, they should submit the file via the Solve for Tomorrow registration form at https://www.samsung.com/ph/solve-for-tomorrow-2024/. Deadline for entries is on October 25, 2024.

Entries will be evaluated based on design innovation, relevance to the community, feasibility, STEM integration, sustainability, and clarity of proposal.

The entries will be judged by a panel of industry experts who will select the top 10 finalists to be announced on November 13, 2024. Finalists receive expert mentoring to improve their solutions and present their final proposals to the distinguished board of judges on December 3, 2024 to determine the top 3 winners.

The Grand Prize winner will take home PHP 500,000 worth of Samsung devices for the school, PHP100,000 cash prize for the team members, PHP20,000 cash prize for the teacher, and Samsung phone and tablets for team members and their teacher.

Meanwhile, the Second Prize winner will take home PHP 320,000 worth of Samsung devices for the school, PHP 70,000 cash prize for the team members, PHP 15,000 cash prize for the teacher, and Samsung phones and tablets for team members and their teacher.

Finally, the Third Prize winner will receive PHP 175,000 worth of Samsung devices for the school, PHP 50,000 cash prize for the team members, PHP 10,000 cash prize for the teacher, and Samsung phones and tablets for team members and their teacher.

The rest of the top 10 finalists will receive PHP 15,000 for their team and PHP 5,000 for their teacher.

For more information on Solve for Tomorrow and complete contest details, visit https://www.samsung.com/ph/solve-for-tomorrow-2024/.

Empowering the Next-gen Heroes

Solve for Tomorrow is a program under Samsung’s global corporate social responsibility vision of ‘Together for Tomorrow! Enabling People’ which aims to empower and support the next generation of innovators to achieve their full potential and pioneer positive social changes. Through this initiative, Samsung provides opportunities for up and coming STEM leaders to craft ideas and drive positive change in their communities through tech, encouraging them to approach problems in new ways to find innovative solutions.

Since its global launch in 2010, Solve for Tomorrow has successfully provided an avenue to top students, helped over 2 million people, and reached 50 other countries. The program was first launched in the Philippines in 2023 where science high school students across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao shared sustainability solutions for their community.

In 2023, Solve for Tomorrow received over 200 entries with the first-ever Grand Prize winner, Team Intelllimeter, creating a proposal that aims to improve energy efficiency through their smart electric management system. Meanwhile, second prize winner Project O.A.S.I.S, proposed a filtration system to remove oil and microplastics from the ocean while third placer TomPost focused on waste management for the agricultural sector by repurposing tomatoes and other agricultural waste into compost and other products.

Samsung is committed to expand its sustainability and educational programs in the Philippines with Solve for Tomorrow that is now in its 2nd year in the Philippines, “At Samsung, we are committed to empowering communities – now, and for the future. Solve for Tomorrow is a testament to this, which manifests our global CSR vision of ‘Together for Tomorrow! Enabling People.’” SEPCO President, Chu Min Su shared.

“It is our goal to always find opportunities to support providing education for future generations, and we want to empower future innovators to achieve their full potential.”

*DTI Fair Trade Permit No. FTEB-201238 Series of 2024

Back-to-school vivo phones you must have this SY 2024-2025

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As the school year 2024-2025 approaches, students are gearing up for another exciting year of learning, socializing, and achieving their goals.

A reliable smartphone is essential to navigate academic challenges and stay connected with friends and family.

Leading smartphone brand, vivo, offers a range of models tailored to meet the diverse needs and budgets of students.

Explore the four must-have vivo phones for this school year: the vivo V30 Series, Y100, Y18, and Y03.

vivo V30 Series for memory-keepers

The vivo V30 Series is designed for those who prioritize camera quality and overall performance. This series is packed with advanced features and technology, making it perfect for students who love capturing every moment in stunning detail.

vivo V30 Pro

vivo V30

vivo V30e

The vivo V30 Pro, co-engineered with ZEISS, boasts a triple 50MP rear camera setup. Meanwhile, the vivo V30 has dual 50MP rear cameras while the vivo V30e has a 50MP Sony IMX882 main camera.

The entire vivo V30 Series also has an Aura Light 3.0, which is like a built-in mini ring light that helps you capture studio-quality portraits.

A top-notch camera is essential for students who enjoy photography, creating content for social media, or documenting their school life. Whether capturing memories at school events, working on creative projects, or taking selfies with friends, the vivo V30 Series ensures you always get the best shot.

vivo Y100 for fun yet hard-working students

The vivo Y100 stands out with its impressive fast-charging capability, making it an excellent choice for hard-working students who need a phone to keep up with their busy schedules.

vivo Y100

It features an 80W fast charge technology, allowing the battery to go from 0% to 100% in just 30 minutes. This ensures minimal downtime and maximum productivity.

The vivo Y100 is also for fashionista students. Enhance your personality and stand out in the crowd with vivo Y100's photochromic effect. When the phone hits the sun, it changes color in just seconds!

In a hectic school environment, having a phone that charges quickly but does not compromise style is a game-changer. Students can charge their phones between classes or during short breaks, ensuring they are always connected and ready for any task, be it academic, social, or entertainment-related.

vivo Y18 for budget-conscious memory-keepers

The vivo Y18 offers an excellent balance between affordability and camera quality, making it an attractive option for students on a budget.

Despite its budget-friendly price, the vivo Y18 does not compromise on camera performance as it has a 50MP multi-style portrait night camera.

vivo Y18

For students who need a good camera phone without spending too much, the vivo Y18 is the perfect solution. It offers great value for money, allowing students to capture memorable moments and complete photography-related school projects efficiently.

vivo Y03 for thrifty students

The vivo Y03 is an excellent choice for students who need a reliable smartphone on a tight budget. It offers impressive performance without compromising on essential features.

The Y03 is powered by an octa-core Helio G85 processor and sufficient RAM of up to 8GB, ensuring smooth performance for everyday tasks.

vivo Y03

For students who cannot spend much but still need a dependable phone for academic and personal use, the vivo Y03 is a perfect choice. It ensures good performance for running academic apps, staying connected with peers, and enjoying entertainment during breaks.

As you prepare for the school year 2024-2025, choosing the right smartphone is crucial. Whether you prioritize camera quality, fast charging, or affordability vivo offers a model that fits your needs.

The vivo V30 Series, Y100, Y18, and Y03 each provide unique features that cater to different student requirements, ensuring you stay connected and productive throughout the school year.

Explore these vivo models further to find the perfect fit for your needs. Visit the vivo website to learn more about each model.

Get hands-on experience at vivo concept stores or kiosks to make an informed decision and ensure you are ready for an exciting and successful school year ahead.

Step Up Your Back-To-School Game Check Out The CHERRY x GCASH to SCHOOL LUCKY QR

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As students gear up to head back to school, CHERRY is excited to offer some amazing back-to-school deals at CHERRY x Gcash to School Lucky QR.

Catch it only at Glife; promo runs from July 1, 2023 to August 31, 2023.

Don't miss out on these incredible deals, whether you're a student, parent, or teacher, we've got everything you need from smartphones, laptops to tablets and more.

Going outside or attending face-to-face classes requires extra protection measures. To ensure continuous safety, aside from wearing a face mask, you can use the CHERRY Ion Personal Air Purifier. This device emits 200 million/cm3 of negative ions or healthy anions that can act as a shield against germs, viruses, dust, and molds in the air. It is highly recommended for people who suffer from allergies, asthma, coughs, and colds. You can choose from a variety of colors and designs. Buy one and get one FREE for P1,499.

· Enjoy a quad camera system featuring 13MP + 2MP front and rear cameras with the Flare S7 3GB that comes with a FREE CHERRY lon Personal Air Purifier, available for only P2,999.

· Bring the Flare S8 out of your pocket and you’re sure to turn heads with colors that swear to complement your style. It also highlights a 3GB RAM and 32GB ROM paired with a 6.26" HD+ TrueView Teardrop Display. Grab yours for P3,499 and get FREE LoveMarie Powerbank 5k mAh.

· For those who are looking for a sleek and simple smartphone, the Flare S8 Deluxe is the one for you. It goes with colors that swear to complement your aesthetic. Additionally, it highlights a 4GB RAM and 64GB ROM paired with a 6.26" HD+ TrueView Teardrop Display for simple mobile gaming. Grab yours for P3,999 and get LoveMarie Powerbank 5k mAh for FREE.

· You're lucky the Flare S8 Prime has 64GB ROM and 4GB RAM that can store all of your wonderful moments because a social butterfly must also be a memory hoarder. A 3300 mAh battery capacity also matches your days’ worth of energy. Now you may add this to your cart with LoveMarie Powerbank 5k mAh as a freebie for P4,499.

· For study breaks and game time, the Flare S8 Max is perfect for you. It has a 6000mAh battery, a 16MP main camera with a 2MP sensor for depth screening, and an outstanding 13MP front camera. With its large screen, MediaTek Helio P23 CPU, and 4GB of RAM, it is the greatest device for multitasking and doing multiple online activities at once. Don’t miss the chance and get this for P4,999 with FREE Game Controller and Tempered Glass.

· The Aqua Tab S1 comes with an 8” HD IPS Display paired with 2GB RAM and 32GB internal storage–the latter being expandable via MicroSD up to 256GB. Get Aqua Tab S1 with FREE Screen Protector and CHERRY Portable Desk Fan for P6,999.

· The Fusion Aura 3S is designed portable featuring 7-inch display, quad core processor, 1GB of RAM, Android Oreo (Go Edition) operating system and a built-in 2400mAh battery. It offers great power and wireless connectivity for all important tasks. It’s also equipped with a 2 Megapixel rear camera and a VGA front camera. Cap this for P1,499.

· For writing notes, storing files, and attending virtual classes the Flare Tab Ultra can be your ideal study buddy. It has a large 10.1" FHD IPS display and runs on a 1.6GHz octa-core SC9863 processor. The device is also LTE ready and can accommodate a single SIM card, which means you can use it to browse the internet even without a Wi-Fi connection. You can purchase this amazing device and get a FREE Rugged Case & CHERRY Portable Desktop Fan for only P8,999.

· Looking for a go-to laptop? The AVITA Essential 14” is It is sleek and fashionable. It is a 14-inch laptop with an Intel® Celeron N4000 CPU that is perfect for finishing reports and conducting simple research. It also has a cloth-like cover that comes in three distinct colors: Matt Black, Concrete Gray, and Matt White. You may get yours for P16,000 with FREE CHERRY Flask, CHERRY Cutlery Set, and Laptop Backpack.

For the visual learners, upgrade your studying set up with CHERRY’s Smart TV line-up:

With three sizes and priced attractively, CHERRY Aqua Smart TV is a smart choice to give you entertainment while learning. Choose from a sweet spot selection of 55-inch model with a 4K UHD resolution and a more recent version of the Google TV operating system. Get these exciting features plus FREE CHERRY Air Circulation Fan, CHERRY UV Dust Mite Vacuum, CHERRY Smart Appliance Controller, & CHERRY Smart Multi-color Bulb for P29,999.

On the other hand, there is also a 43-inch model with Full HD resolution and 74W power output. Cap this and get FREE CHERRY UV Dust Mite Vacuum, CHERRY Smart Appliance Controller, & CHERRY Smart Multi-color Bulb for P19,999. 

If you want to save some space, you can purchase the 32-inch model, an Android TV OS-powered that has HD resolution and a 60 Hz refresh rate. Get all these perks plus and FREE CHERRY UV Dust Mite Vacuum for P11,999.

Take advantage of these amazing deals to showcase your unique style and elevate your productivity this school year. Explore more products from CHERRY, visit the Cherry Gcash App through this link:

CHERRY GCash App: https://gcashapp.page.link/Cherry

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Cosmic Technologies Incorporated is a Philippine-based company that carries the brand CHERRY which offers a comprehensive selection of products from Internet of Things (IoT), home, personal and wellness essentials, pet needs, travel necessities to mobile phones. Since 2009, CHERRY continues to build an equilibrium to create one ecosystem.

Bida moments: Why Redmi A1 is the ideal student phone

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From online classes to “barkada” hangouts, the Redmi A1 can be every student’s phone companion

From doing well at tests to performing at school events, young highschoolers love sharing their so-called Bida moments. This is why they need a reliable phone that can help them with academics, document memories, and also be able to entertain themselves on weekends.

Enter the Redmi A1, the newest entry-level phone from Xiaomi. It is a powerful and practical phone that is ideal for the daily tasks of high school students. With its handy specs and features, #KayangBumida in any situation. Here’s how high school students can use of them:

Online class ready

While many high school students are already going back to face-to-face classes, some are still taking online classes at home. So, it is important to have a phone that supports wi-fi and 4G LTE, and has a spacious screen to see class notes. The Redmi A1 has a 6.52” HD+ Dot Drop display, which is big enough to read slides during and after class. This also makes reviewing much easier to help students ace their quizzes and exams.

Adding flair to video projects

High school students need to show off their Bida side when creating creative video projects for school. Whether it’s performing a dance activity for PE class or doing a mini documentary for Hekasi class, the Redmi A1’s 8MP dual camera and 5MP front camera can help them shoot clear videos. They can also add flair to them with the phone’s time-lapse mode.

Capture memories worth keeping

Whether it’s hanging out at the mall or during special school events, highschoolers will always pull out their phones to take photos and even shoot TikTok videos with friends. They can capture all the best memories with the 8MP dual camera and 5MP front camera. They can also use Portrait Mode to make photos look clearer and sharper when uploaded on social media to rake in a lot of “heart” reactions.

Bida sa social media and gaming

Of course, when they’re not doing assignments, high school students are endlessly scrolling on social media and playing mobile games. Having a big HD+ display is key to see text clearly and play games without straining their eyes. It also helps to have a lightweight phone that is easy to hold and carry around. Luckily, the Redmi A1 only weighs 194 grams and can fit most pockets.

Students can get a lot of things done and more with the Redmi A1. Parents don’t need to worry about the price point as it only retails for P4,499.

Visit the nearest Xiaomi offline stores near you to buy the Redmi A1 now until November 13, and get it at a special promo price of P3,999. The price will go back to P4,499 by November 14 onwards, and it will come with a free bluetooth speaker until supplies last.

#KayangBumida ang Gen Zs in school and in life with Redmi A1. For more details, visit Xiaomi’s official website.

Shopee continues its pursuit of upskilling young tech talent through the Ultimate Case Challenge

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Innovative Filipino students can win up to ₱50,000 by joining the Shopee Ultimate Case Challenge

This August, Shopee Philippines will be launching its first ever Ultimate Case Challenge, a business case competition open to Filipino undergraduate students from across the globe. Finalists of the competition will get the chance to win up to ₱50,000. Throughout the duration of the case challenge, each team consisting of 3-4 members will be asked to pitch their own unique ideas and solutions to a real-world challenge included in a business case brief.

Karen Perez, Head of People at Shopee Philippines, said, “We’re thrilled to support Filipino tech talents from all over the world by providing them with opportunities to develop their skill set. Through the business case competition, we aim to hone their analytical and process improvement skills, preparing them to be proactive problem solvers in the fast-paced tech industry. We hope to inspire a new generation of talents who will continue to drive the tech industry forward.”

Apart from the opportunity to put their skills to the test, teams will also receive mentorship from leaders at Shopee and the chance to fast-track their careers in tech through Shopee’s career development programs: the Global Leaders Program, Shopee’s 2-year flagship graduate program for young professionals, and the Apprentice Program, Shopee’s specialized internship program.

The regional business case competition has already garnered over 4,000 participants across four other markets including Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Taiwan. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the Shopee Ultimate Case Challenge’s pioneer run in the Philippines. Ready your teams and sign up at careers.shopee.ph/succ from August 22 to September 30.

PLDT Home, Google launch Be Internet Awesome online series

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New kid-oriented show aims to teach kids how to be smart, alert, strong, kind, and brave online

Be Internet Awesome’s lead characters - Sam Elora (L) and Robo-berto

Following its partnership announcement to further strengthen efforts in educating Filipino kids and families about internet safety and digital responsibility, the Philippines’ leading home broadband and digital service provider PLDT Home and Google joined forces in creating a kid-oriented video series online.

The Be Internet Awesome online series combines animation and live action — featuring Gen Alpha whiz Sam and his trusty friend Robo-berto in fun-filled yet enlightening adventures on how to be smart, alert, strong, kind, and brave online. The series is based on the values of Google’s Be Internet Awesome global program and is directed by Manny Angeles, an award-winning director and producer of kid-oriented and animated shows.

Available in both English and Filipino in the Philippines, Be Internet Awesome aims to teach children the fundamentals of leading a digital life which includes what kind of information to post on social media and how to deal with cyberbullying among others. This is part of the many efforts of Google to help keep people safe online.

(L-R): PLDT Senior Vice President and Head of Consumer Business Home Group, Jeremiah de la Cruz; Google Philippines Marketing Head, Gabby Roxas; First Vice President and Head of PLDT Home Product Management and Marketing, John Henri Yanez

“Our children are true digital natives. They grew up with the internet and everything the digital world has to offer. But as they broaden their horizons for discovery and learning, it also exposes them to risks and dangers,” said Jeremiah de la Cruz, Senior Vice President and Head of Consumer Home Group, PLDT Inc. “Through this original series, we at PLDT Home want to translate the teachings from Google’s Be Internet Awesome program into an entertaining and practical show that children can enjoy watching while learning about online safety early on.”

“PLDT Home’s partnership with Google for Be Internet Awesome aligns with our larger group-wide commitment: to strengthen customer-centricity. At PLDT, we not only find ways to simplify technology and experience for our customers, but we also strive to do business responsibly by putting their safety and well-being at the forefront of all our products and services,” said Alfredo S. Panlilio, President and CEO of PLDT Inc. And Smart Communications, Inc.

In 2021, PLDT also invested over P2 billion in cybersecurity and protection filtering. The country’s largest integrated telco has since been very active in detecting, responding, and preventing both domain and content-level access to child sexual abuse material (CSAM) within the network. PLDT’s Child Protection Platform has blocked almost 300,000 URLs linked CSAM by the end of May and prevented more than a billion attempts to access these illegal sites from November last year to May this year.

“After launching Be Internet Awesome in 2021 in the Philippines, we are glad to have found a like-minded partner in PLDT who champions the same values when it comes to protecting kids online. Through PLDT and more potential partners in the future, we hope to scale Be Internet Awesome and provide more families with a practical way of teaching digital safety and wellness to their children so they can become responsible, confident explorers of the online world,” said Bernadette Nacario, Country Director of Google Philippines.

Actor and TV host KC Montero and family

Stratworks PR Director Mark Christian Parlade and sons

Edu-preneurs and media personalities Edric and Joy Mendoza with their family

(L-R) Actor, singer and writer Franco Laurel and daughter with PLDT Assistant Vice President and Head of Marketing PR

The Be Internet Awesome online series will premiere on the PLDT Home YouTube channel on July 8, 2022.