Author: Thoney Pascual

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DOST-TAPI Invites Filipinos to Empower Local Innovations Through Creative Advertising

The Gawad Alunig x Dalumat (GAxD) campaign to highlight local innovation

The Technology Application and Promotion Institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-TAPI) announces the Gawad Alunig x Dalumat (GAxD) campaign. This initiative rewards Filipinos who put the spotlight on local innovations.

The grand prize winner of the Gawad Alunig will take home PHP 75,000, while the first runner-up gets PHP 50,000. Three honorable mentions will receive PHP 25,000 per team, while one Gawad Alunig People’s Choice Award winner gets PHP 20,000.

The champion of Gawad Dalumat will win PHP 60,000, while two first runner-up entries will get PHP 25,000 per team. Three Best Innovation Stories will be awarded PHP 20,000 each, while one Gawad Dalumat People’s Choice Award will be given PHP 10,000.

Launched in 2022, the GAxD campaign aims to raise awareness of Filipino-developed technologies and highlight the creative potential of individuals. What makes the fourth edition of the GAxD campaign different from the previous ones is its emphasis on science visual storytelling through creative advertising.

This year, Gawad Alunig invites participants to transform underrated narratives into compelling short-form videos. Video entries must be three and a half minutes or less. This category honors compelling videos that leave an alunig or a resonating sound that inspires communities to support Filipino innovations and technologies.

MMeanwhile, Gawad Dalumat utilizes the power of photo essays to explore the uniqueness of local inventions in depth. Entries must be limited to four – six frames. This category honors profound thinking, or dalumat, that revels in curiosity and appreciation of local ingenuity.

Entries for the GAxD campaign can be sourced from local universities, research institutions, individual inventors, and startups. However, technologies featured must not be included in DOST-TAPI’s list (https://bit.ly/TAPI-AssistedTechs). This contest provides storytellers the opportunity to connect new or emerging innovators with DOST-TAPI and its programs.

AAll participants must like and follow the Facebook pages of @iINVENTPH, @TeKnowLohiya, and @DOST.TAPI. Entries must be submitted through the campaign’s submission links. Only entries submitted through the official submission links will be considered by the Department of Science and Technology – Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI).

Send your Gawad Alunig submissions using this link: https://bit.ly/GawadAlunigSubmissionLink. MMeanwhile, participants can submit their entries for Gawad Dalumat through the following link: bit.ly/GawadDalumatSubmissionLink. You must submit all entries by November 24, 2025, at the latest.

For complete GAxD guidelines, participants may visit the link: bit.ly/GAxD2025Guidelines. For more information about the GAxD campaign, please visit the DOST-TAPI website at TAPI.DOST.gov.ph and follow the DOST-TAPI Facebook page.

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Light Up The Linden Suites for the Holidays

The Linden Suites kicked off the holiday season with its annual Christmas Lighting Ceremony in the hotel lobby—an intimate event that illuminated not only the hotel’s renowned Christmas tree but also its wonderfully made Belen, which represents hope, warmth, and the genuine essence of Christmas.

Pearl Maclang, Commercial Director, gracefully hosted the occasion, which began with an opening prayer from Lovely Malafo, Human Resources Manager.

Ma. Celeste “Tet” B. Romualdo, General Manager of The Linden Suites, led the ceremonial lighting, which was attended by Dr. Ramon Bautista, Medical Director of Med Asia Philippines. Together, they expressed their gratitude and emphasized to the visitors the significance of unity, charity, and tradition—elements that the hotel prioritizes during the holidays.

Long-term guests, hotel partners, and The Linden Suites occupants gathered in the Sky Lounge before the lighting festivities began.
Notable attendees included Capt. Raymond Lising of Barangay San Antonio and Vicky Santiago, General Manager of OCAI- Office of Career Advancement International.

The presence of our distinguished media friends and partners, both in person and virtually, enhanced the festive atmosphere. TThey participated in the wonderful moment of lighting Lyndon Bear’s Christmas necklace from the comfort of their own homes, a simple yet meaningful custom that added joy and wonder to the evening. Their kind remarks and shared experiences lifted the festive atmosphere and made the event even more memorable.

The Linden Suites has revealed its special holiday offerings, The Linden Holideals, with hotel rates beginning at ₱4,400 net for a Deluxe hotel, inviting families, vacationers, and corporate guests to experience a pleasant and enjoyable stay this Christmas season.

To make your holiday reservations, please visit our website at https://www.booking.lindensuites.com, call us at +632 5638 7878, or email reservations@lindensuites.com.

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2GO Travel Opens New Route: Connecting Manila to Siargao

2GO Travel proudly launched its newest route from Manila to Siargao, giving travelers a more affordable and convenient alternative to reach the island paradise. This milestone boosts tourism and the local economy and makes Siargao more accessible to Filipinos and international visitors alike.

A Fresh Perspective on Siargao

For a long time, flying was the primary mode of transportation to Siargao, but it wasn’t always affordable or convenient. However, travelers can now embark on a more enjoyable journey aboard 2GO Travel’s St. Francis Xavier. With a capacity of approximately 1,800 people, this vessel offers a highly efficient and economical means of reaching the island.

Amenities That Make You Feel at Home

The St. Francis Xavier is more than just a vessel; it represents a mobile way of life. Guests can enjoy a relaxing salon for pampering or simply unwinding, a convenience store stocked with essentials, a coffee and bake shop to satisfy hunger pangs, a venue for events and entertainment, and a prayer room for peaceful reflection.

Where to Stay

2GO Travel offers a wide variety of accommodations that cater to the financial constraints and personal tastes of every traveler.

First-Class Accommodations

  • Suite Room—premium luxury and privacy
  • State Room —a spacious and comfortable choice
  • Tourist Class—a practical yet cozy option
  • Cabin—shared accommodations that are comfortable for groups or families.

Economy Class Accommodations

  • Tourist Class—affordable and convenient
  • Cabin –  budget-friendly shared space
  • Mega Value—economical choice for budget-conscious travelers
  • Super Value—the most affordable option for passengers.

Why It Matters

This innovative approach goes beyond mere transportation, serving as a catalyst for expansion. By facilitating maritime travel to Siargao, 2GO Travel supports two crucial areas: tourism is enhanced by making the island more accessible to visitors, while the local economy thrives through fostering trade and creating job opportunities. Furthermore, they provide convenience by offering a cost-effective substitute for costly air travel.

This launch showcases that 2GO Travel recognizes that the journey itself can be a highlight, not just the destination. Reaching Siargao by boat is now a reality, providing travelers with a rewarding and memorable experience.

Embrace Siargao the 2GO way.

Visit  http://www.travel.2GO.com.ph

 

 

 

 

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AISIN Powers Forward: A Dynamic Showcase and Battery Soft Launch at the 2025 Manila Auto Salon

At this year’s Manila Auto Salon, held November 13–16 at the SMX Convention Center, automotive enthusiasts were treated to a vibrant and forward-looking display from AISIN—one of the world’s most trusted names in OEM automotive parts. With thousands of car lovers, industry players, and families flocking to the highly anticipated motoring event, AISIN used the spotlight to reaffirm its dedication to delivering reliable, high-quality mobility solutions to Filipino motorists.

A First Look at AISIN’s New Battery Line

A major highlight of the exhibit was the soft launch of the upcoming AISIN Battery, set for an official market rollout in the first quarter of next year. Known globally for its Japanese-quality engineering, AISIN has established a longstanding legacy through its extensive manufacturing presence across Asia, which includes Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and China.

The new AISIN Battery, set to be manufactured in Malaysia, is designed to meet the growing power demands of modern vehicles. Designed with durability and consistency in mind, the battery aims to provide Filipino drivers with a dependable energy source supported by AISIN’s global expertise.

A Booth Brimming With Energy

True to AISIN’s customer-first approach, the company created an inviting and interactive booth experience. Visitors enjoyed exciting games, engaging challenges, and exclusive giveaways that maintained high energy throughout the four-day event. Whether families were exploring the latest vehicle solutions or car enthusiasts were eager to see what AISIN had in store, the booth became a lively hub within the bustling motor show.

Driving Toward a Bigger Future in the Philippines

AISIN’s appearance at the Manila Auto Salon signals more than just a product showcase—it represents the company’s accelerating expansion in the Philippine market. Filipino motorists can look forward to greater accessibility to trusted automotive solutions in the coming year, thanks to a growing portfolio of OEM-quality offerings and more innovations on the way.

AISIN Philippines invites the public to follow their official Facebook page for updates on event highlights, AISIN Battery developments, and upcoming activities.

https://facebook.com/AISINPhilippines.

A New Power Source Is Coming

As AISIN continues its journey of innovation and expansion, one thing is certain: a stronger, more reliable source of power is on the horizon—and Filipino drivers are at the heart of it.

 

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DOST-Backed Reelist8 Pioneers AI-Powered Ecosystem to Make Homeownership More Affordable

Reelist8 Launches Integrated Property Applications at Philippine Startup Week

Reelist8, a DOST-backed Philippine financial technology company in the real estate and construction sector, has officially launched its AI-powered ecosystem. The platform aims to help address the country’s housing affordability challenges by enabling qualified Filipinos to own a home for as little as 0.5% equity.

Reelist8 unveiled this new technology at the Philippine Startup Week community event called Unlock Reelist8—Housing Liquidity in the Age of AI: Affordable Homeownership Through Technology at Acceler8 Legaspi, Makati City. Over 150+ business executives from various industries, sponsors, celebrities, and media guests graced the launch.

The new ecosystem incorporates integrated applications like Property Auctions (PropertyAuctions.ph) and Buildin (Buildin.com.ph). Made for buyers and investors, PropertyAuctions.ph empowers clients to discover and win below-market-value deals through auctions. Meanwhile, Buildin.com.ph serves as an all-in-one project management tool, instantly converting floor plans into priced takeoffs for contractors and designers.

“Owning a home shouldn’t be a privilege for the fortunate few; it’s a fundamental human right.” We built Reelist8 as the intelligent path to make that right a reality,” said Marianne Dela Cruz, Chief Executive Officer of Reelist8. “We at Reelist8 hope to empower more Filipinos to become homeowners through a tangible and affordable path.”

The event also featured a celebrity fireside chat moderated by Borj de Borja, Chief Operations Officer, with panelists Anna Feo (character actress, model, and product endorser), Alma Concepcion (beauty queen, real estate investor, and interior designer), and Ynez Veneracion (award-winning actress, investor, and entrepreneur). The guests shared insights on investment strategies and audience-focused marketing.

“Our goal with this new ecosystem is to keep it simple,” shared de Borja. “Every Filipino deserves access to efficient and accessible world-class tools. That’s why we’re making homeownership easier and more affordable.”

Reelist8 will host a free, specialized online workshop on November 21, 2025, to onboard global users to this new ecosystem. The PropertyAuctions.ph demo is designed for buyers and investors to locate and bid on exclusive properties. In the meantime, contractors and designers can manage projects with 2D/3D modeling, invoicing, and team communications through the Buildin.com.ph Demo.

IInterested participants can register for the free online workshop at https://luma.com/azc4gltp. For more information on Reelist8, please visit Reelist8.com and follow the company on Instagram and Facebook.

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2GO Introduces Eco-Friendly Logistics with E-Trucks

2GO, the top provider of multimodal logistics solutions in the country, has taken a giant leap toward more environmentally friendly and sustainable logistics operations with the formal deployment of its first batch of electric vehicles.

L–R: Ethel Concepcion, Head of Corporate Marketing and Communications, 2GO Group, Inc.; Faye Alonzo, Business Unit Head, 2GO Forwarding; Allain Dick, Board Director, Eclimo Electric Management Inc.; Elizier Santiago, Senior Assistant Vice President and Head of Operations, 2GO Forwarding.

For many years, 2GO’s operations have revolved around sustainability. The company’s usage of electric forklifts in the warehouse, compliance with Euro 4 emission regulations for its land transportation fleet, and the integration of solar panels to generate renewable energy at critical facilities are all recent initiatives. Shipping operations remain one of the most ecologically responsible ways to transfer goods across great distances in the nation, and eco-friendly packing solutions are the norm. The integration of e-trucks deepens 2GO’s dedication to cutting down on carbon emissions without sacrificing efficiency.

The new electric vehicles are a testament of 2GO’s long-standing commitment to sustainability, according to Faye Alonzo, Head of 2GO’s Forwarding Business Unit. Our duty to the environment informs all of our actions, from running the warehouse to driving on the roadways. Logistics and sustainability are not mutually exclusive; e-trucks allow us to transport goods more effectively while drastically reducing our environmental impact.

New electric vehicles are more efficient, cleaner, and quieter than their gas-powered predecessors, and they can manage large loads of freight with ease. As a result, 2GO Forwarding will see a considerable decrease in emissions of greenhouse gases throughout both urban and intercity routes, as well as shorter delivery times and lower fuel costs.

By reaching this landmark, 2GO has solidified its position as a conscientious ally to both enterprises and communities, maintaining its position as the logistics industry leader in environmentally friendly technologies.