Mindoro State University Named First Communications Olympiad Grand Champion
►Philippines July 01, 2025Mindoro State University emerged as the first Grand Champion of the inaugural Communications Olympiad, besting top contenders from across the country. The University of the Cordilleras took 1st Runner-Up, while UP Visayas placed 2nd Runner-Up.
Mindoro State University dominated with multiple Golds in Strategy, Hero Execution, Community Activation, Creatives, Video Storytelling, and Social Media; Silvers in Research & Insights, Multimedia, and Editorial; and a Bronze in Presentation Skills. The University of the Cordilleras clinched Golds in Research & Insights, Hero Execution, and Editorial; plus Silvers and Bronzes across other categories. UP Visayas impressed with Golds in Presentation Skills and Multimedia, and a Bronze in Editorial.
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila earned a special commendation for its strong finish, while Far Eastern University received the Special Jury Prize for their compelling narrative aligned with the theme, Rewrite Climate Change.
Communities nationwide came together for Philippine Eagle Week (PEW) 2025, celebrating the country’s iconic bird while renewing their commitment to protect it and the forests it calls home. With the theme Soaring Together: Empowering Communities, Educating Minds, and Protecting the Philippine Eagle, this year’s observance brought together local leaders, youth, Indigenous peoples, and partner organizations to push for stronger conservation action.
Led by the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB), the week featured events in Luzon and Mindanao to raise awareness, educate, and inspire action.
DAVAO CITY: WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
The week opened at the Philippine Eagle Center (PEC) in Malagos, Davao City—home of the country’s main captive breeding and education hub. Hundreds of students, teachers, families, and local officials joined guided tours, workshops, and film screenings highlighting the eagle’s plight and the need for forest protection.
A FIRST FOR LUZON
For the first time, PEW was also celebrated in Luzon, following a rare eagle sighting in the Sierra Madre. In partnership with SM City Cabanatuan, PEF mounted a public event featuring student artworks inspired by the eagle. The exhibit drew crowds of families and mallgoers curious to learn about the eagle’s role in keeping forests healthy.
Mr. Gerundio Fernandez of the DENR Nueva Ecija described the eagle as a “gigantic guardian of our forests and a symbol of our heritage.” PEF Executive Director Dennis Salvador called the event “a historic moment” and urged communities in Luzon to protect remaining forests and help the eagle population recover.
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COMMUNITIES AND INDIGENOUS VOICES IN DAVAO
Back in Davao, the three-day event at SM City Davao Annex drew Indigenous leaders, students, volunteers, and conservationists. Exhibits and talks covered eagle biology, breeding programs, and stories from the Obu Manuvu and Sumpaw Nang Magkatikadung Sang Maragusan communities, who have helped locate eagle nesting sites. Dr. Franklyn Buenaflor of DENR XI emphasized that “the eagle’s survival depends on our forests—and our forests depend on our united action.”
PARTNERSHIPS KEEP THE EAGLE SOARING
The Davao event was supported by Inlife Foundation, Ulticon Builders Inc., the Eastern Mindanao Biodiversity Corridor Project, Lakpue Drug Inc., Arellano University, BPI, FDC Utilities, and the Davao City Government. PEF’s partnership with COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises, through its Citizen COMCO movement, will further spread its conservation message.
As PEW 2025 wraps up, PEF calls on all Filipinos to keep working together to protect the Philippine eagle—and the forests that sustain us all.
Century Tuna celebrates the return of mountaineer and Superbod athlete, Jeno Panganiban, who recently reached the summit of Nepal’s Mount Everest—becoming the youngest male Filipino to do so in nearly 20 years.
Small changes can lead to lasting improvements in your health—and the new Galaxy Watch helps make those changes easier. With upgraded features in One UI 8 Watch, the latest Galaxy Watch supports better sleep, heart health, fitness, and nutrition.
HOPE, the Philippines' first certified B Corp and a trailblazing impact organization, has launched Generation HOPE, a nationwide initiative uniting beloved Filipino brands to help fund public school classrooms.
In partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), this movement enables Filipinos to support education by purchasing from purpose-driven brands including BDO, Carmen’s Best, Grab, Penshoppe, Aivee Clinic, SM Supermalls, and Sunnies. Together, they aim to close the education gap by providing safe, quality learning spaces for Filipino children.
HOPE Founder Nanette Medved-Po stated, “In a divided world, let’s come together for a cause we all believe in: investing in the youth to build our nation.”
COMCO Mundo Wins PR / Communications Leader Award and Agency of the Year in Top Asia-Pacific Industry Awards
►Philippines April 24, 2025In its 9th year, COMCO Mundo continues to excel globally, with Group Chief Executive Director Ferdinand L. Bondoy receiving the Highly Commended PR/Communications Leader Award at the 2025 PRCA APAC Awards in Singapore, and the company named Agency of the Year at the 2025 IABC APAC Silver Quill Awards in Manila.
Samsung has launched its most affordable AI phone, the Galaxy A26 5G, in the Philippines, making mobile AI more accessible. Featuring Circle to Search with Google, Object Eraser, Edit Suggestion, and Photo Remaster, the Galaxy A26 5G brings powerful AI tools to users like never before.
Samsung has also announced the Galaxy A56 5G and Galaxy A36 5G, the successors to the Galaxy A55 5G and Galaxy A35 5G, now available on Samsung.com.
All three devices run on Awesome Intelligence, the first AI platform for the Galaxy A series, powered by One UI 7.0 for a personalized experience.
The Communications Olympiad Submission Deadline Extended to March 28, 2025
►Philippines March 17, 2025The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Philippines and COMCO School of Communications have extended the deadline for entries to The Communications Olympiad from March 14, 2025, to March 28, 2025. This extension aims to encourage greater participation from colleges and state universities nationwide.
The Olympiad, which focuses on empowering future communicators through practical exercises, includes a pilot program with webinars on communications best practices, environmental conservation, and innovations. Open to all Philippine colleges and universities, each school may send one team of five members, guided by an adviser. The inaugural theme, Rewrite Climate Change, encourages participants to use their communication skills to address environmental issues.
Entries can be submitted to communicationsolympiad@comcomundo.com by March 28, 2025. For more information, visit COMCO Mundo.
The Olympiad is organized by IABC Philippines and COMCO School of Communications, with sponsorship from COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises, Teleperformance, Personal Collection Direct Selling Inc., and SONY Philippines. Media partners include Malaya Business Insight, SEA Wave Pilipinas, SEAWaveMag.com, The Philippine STAR, and WhenInManila.com. Student organization partners are from West Visayas State University, Silliman University, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, De La Salle University, University of the Philippines - Baguio, and West Visayas State University.
IABC Philippines and COMCO School of Communications are launching the first-ever Communications Olympiad in the Philippines, a nationwide training program for college students in communication-related fields. This initiative equips future professionals with real-world knowledge through hands-on learning and an Olympiad-level competition.
COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises, a 2024 Global IABC Gold Quill Awardee for its Camp COMCO Mentorship Program, expands its commitment to communication education through this partnership with IABC Philippines. Unlike the Philippine Student Quill Awards, which focus on performance and recognition, the Communications Olympiad emphasizes guided learning and skill development through practical exercises.
INAUGURAL THEME: REWRITE CLIMATE CHANGE
This year’s Communications Olympiad adopts the theme "Rewrite Climate Change", focusing on reshaping narratives and practices through effective communication. Rather than developing scientific solutions, participants will use storytelling and advocacy to inform, educate, and inspire action, driving awareness and behavior change.
As one of the most climate-vulnerable nations despite minimal global emissions, the Philippines offers a crucial perspective in this conversation. The initiative encourages the development of practical communication strategies that can be adopted to promote sustainability and collective action for a more secure future.
LEARNING JOURNEY: TRAINING, ACTIVITIES AND COMPETITION
The Communications Olympiad consists of three phases: Qualifier Phase, Elimination Round, and Grand Championship.
Qualifier Phase
Each academic institution will nominate one team of five undergraduate students, with roles such as project leader, writer, designer, head researcher, and lead presenter. Teams must submit a position paper and entry form to communicationsolympiad@comcomundo.com by March 14, 2025. From these entries, 30 teams will advance to the next round.
Elimination Round
Finalists will participate in pilot classes and training sessions covering best practices, environmental communication, and innovations in the field. They will then have 24 hours to develop a 10-slide communications plan, with the best submissions moving to the final round.
Grand Championship
The top 15 teams will compete for category medals, with the top 3 finalists presenting their plans to an expert jury. One team will be crowned Communications Olympiad Grand Champion, while first and second runners-up will also be recognized. Winners will receive exciting prizes and a prestigious trophy for their school.
CALL FOR SPONSORS AND PARTNERS
IABC Philippines and COMCO School of Communications invite companies, brands, media outlets, and student organizations to support the Communications Olympiad through sponsorship and partnership opportunities. Companies can join as co-presenters or sponsors, while media groups and student organizations can become program partners. Interested parties can email communicationsolympiad@comcomundo.com for details.
Ferdinand L. Bondoy, IABC Philippines' Corporate Secretary and Lead for Youth and Education, as well as Group Chief Executive Director of COMCO Mundo, emphasized the Olympiad’s mission:
"The Communications Olympiad harnesses the power of Meaningful Storytelling to tackle climate change. With COMCO’s expertise in communication training and IABC Philippines’ commitment to sustainability, we aim to create a valuable learning journey for students, the industry, and stakeholders to inspire real action for the environment."
Belle Tiongco, President of IABC Philippines, highlighted the organization’s dedication to impactful communication:
"At IABC Philippines, we believe communication drives real change. Following last year’s Triple P Awards focus on sustainability, our collaboration with COMCO School of Communications combines education and advocacy in The Communications Olympiad. By integrating sustainability, we strive for greater social impact and long-term development."
To know more about The Communications Olympiad, please visit www.comcomundo.com/the-communications-olympiad/ and follow us at www.facebook.com/communicationsolympiad on Facebook and www.linkedin.com/company/the-communications-olympiad on LinkedIn.
For more information on sponsorship and partnership packages, email us at communicationsolympiad@comcomundo.com.
The holidays are a time for festive feasts with loved ones, enjoying special recipes and favorite dishes. Century Tuna’s flavorful options make holiday cooking easy, ensuring delicious, satisfying meals for Noche Buena and Media Noche. Rich in heart-healthy Omega 3 DHA, low in cholesterol, and free of preservatives, Century Tuna helps you stay healthy while celebrating.
Pesto lovers can’t go wrong with Century Tuna Flakes in Oil. Simply mix it with your favorite pesto sauce, season to taste, and add parmesan for extra creaminess.
Palawan shines at the Palawan: World’s Best Island Travel and Trade Expo 2025, set for February 5 to 7 at the Glorietta Mall Activity Center.
The event promotes domestic tourism, celebrates Palawan’s natural beauty and heritage, and champions sustainable travel with exclusive deals, cultural showcases, and networking opportunities.
Philippine acting icons Aga Muhlach and Richard Gomez begin their fitness journey with Century Tuna, the country’s leading tuna brand. Through Century Tuna’s #TheBestYouStartsNow campaign, they are redefining "dad bods" with their wellness transformation, under the guidance of Superbods 2014 champion Coach Mauro Lumba.
Aga Muhlach, who experienced weight fluctuations during the pandemic, sees Century Tuna as motivation for self-improvement. Since joining the campaign, he has lost 50 pounds and remains committed to healthy eating and exercise to reach his ideal weight. The actor encourages Filipinos to begin their fitness journey without delay, advising, “Just start now and take it slow. It won’t be easy, and failures will happen. If you fail today, rest—tomorrow is a new day.”
For Richard Gomez, joining #TheBestYouStartsNow is about setting a positive example. As a public figure, his partnership with Century Tuna demonstrates how lifestyle changes can greatly improve health and wellness. Since starting the campaign, Richard has lost four inches off his waist. He shares, “Being healthy requires the right diet, food, and exercise. It’s not easy, but consistency and perseverance are essential.”
As they begin a new chapter, Century Tuna ambassadors are ready to showcase their transformed physiques and share their ongoing journey to become the best versions of themselves.
“Century Tuna has always promoted the healthiest version of people. Richard and Aga’s involvement shows that fitness has no age limit. It’s never too late to change your lifestyle,” said Carlo Endaya, Vice President of Century Pacific Food, Inc.
Century Tuna’s #TheBestYouStartsNow campaign promotes fitness at every age, encouraging everyone to prioritize their health. With Century Tuna, there’s no better time to start your fitness journey than now.
Bridgetowne Destination Estate is introducing The Victor Wall, a new holiday tradition celebrating hope, gratitude, and collective aspirations in Metro Manila. The estate will also feature dazzling Christmas lights, creating a festive and reflective atmosphere for all.
COMCO Mundo Launches Advocacy Projects with IABC Philippines, Save The Children, and Other NGOs
►Philippines November 25, 2024Award-winning communications group COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises caps the year with its Mission 2024 initiative, launching advocacy projects with industry and NGO partners.
Key efforts include the Save the Children #LahatDapatSafe campaign, which promotes child and family safety during disasters, and The Communications Olympiad, a skills development program for aspiring communication professionals, in collaboration with IABC Philippines.
The announcement was made at Movie Night with COMCOmigos 2024, the group’s holiday event for its media and industry community. Sponsors included Century Tuna, MIDEA, SAMSUNG, and URATEX, while partners included Save the Children and IABC Philippines. Guests enjoyed the screening of Wicked, the musical adaptation.
Lahat Dapat Safe ~ Save the Children Provides Urgent Relief After Typhoons
►Philippines November 21, 2024In the wake of Typhoons Julian, Kristine, Leon, Marce, and Nica, Save the Children Philippines has launched the #LahatDapatSafe campaign to protect over one million children at risk. These storms have displaced families, disrupted education, and heightened disease risks.
"I’m afraid to sleep because the wind is so strong. The rain reminds me of the night we lost everything," shared twelve year-old Mica, a survivor of the recent Typhoon Julian.
Children like her face heightened risks of hunger, trauma, and developmental delays due to the typhoons' devastation. Save the Children’s #LahatDapatSafe campaign aims to protect and support affected kids by providing food, hygiene kits, educational supplies, and emotional aid to families in hard-hit areas like Camarines Sur, Batangas, and Calabarzon.
Samsung Electronics launches its Y2K 4eva collection in Southeast Asia and Oceania, blending 2000s nostalgia with a modern flair. Designed for the Galaxy Z Flip6 and Galaxy Buds 3, the collection includes playful accessories that features collaborations with Paul Frank and MILO.
A GWI study reveals that Y2K pop culture is resurging as Millennials and Gen Z embrace 2000s media, adding modern touches like thrifting and film-style photo filters to their daily lives.
INNOVATIVE DESIGN MEETS ICONIC STYLE
The Y2K 4eva collection is a nostalgic nod to the early days of the Internet and the fun, simple joys of youth. Featuring bold, playful designs with disco motifs and a back-to-school vibe, it celebrates Samsung's unique take on Y2K style.
Samsung's Y2K 4eva collection collaboration with Paul Frank showcases designs set in the whimsical utopia of Planned Pines, starring Julius the Monkey. Blending nostalgia with fashion, Paul Frank celebrates individuality, inclusivity, and the playful spirit of the next generation.
The collaboration with MILO, on the other hand, features a nostalgic phone case inspired by the beloved cocoa malt beverage—a childhood favorite for breakfasts, sports days, and recess. The design, showcasing the iconic MILO tin, celebrates its heritage as a staple in many SEAO homes.
The collection also offers animated cover screen wallpapers for the Galaxy Z Flip6, Galaxy Buds 3 cases, Griptoks, and sticker sheets, available through social contests, giveaways, and purchase redemptions across the SEAO region.
“The Y2K movement resonates with Millennials and Gen Zs. At Samsung, we’re thrilled to reimagine it through collaborations with brands like Paul Frank and MILO, offering unique accessories that inspire self-expression,” said ChonHong Ng, VP of Regional Marketing, Samsung SEAO.
Paul Frank’s Michael Puglisi added, “We’re excited to bring Julius and friends to life through fun, playful accessories in this collection.” Nestlé’s Michelle Marie Avarillo echoed, “This collaboration honors MILO’s timeless joy and energy, connecting with fans who grew up loving it.”
HONE YOUR STYLE IN RETRO
These accessories are now available via the Samsung Shop App and Samsung Experience Stores’ Live Space sessions. Calling on Millennials and Gen Zs to show off your take on these eras -- to know more about the Samsung Y2K 4eva Collection, visit https://www.samsung.com/ph/samsung-x-you/.
Samsung has recently released the Galaxy Buds3 Pro, powered by Galaxy AI for personalized sound ushering in a new era of audio excellence for mobile. It features Adaptive Noise Control, intelligent design, and of course, seamless integration with the Galaxy ecosystem.
The Buds3 Pro delivers an immersive, smarter listening experience wherever you go.
Camp COMCO Mentorship Program Cycle 1 graduates, AC Recio and Harvey Llamosa, were promoted to Associate Directors at COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises. Their appointments were announced during COMCO Mundo’s Purple Ball, celebrating the company’s wins at the 2024 IABC Global Gold Quill Awards—including Agency of the Year. Llamosa, now Chief of Staff to the CEO and Associate Director for Executive Initiatives, has been key in MARCOMAX and GBX programs. Recio, Associate Director for Digital and Content Studio, has driven digital initiatives and multimedia growth.
Additional promotions included Queenie Resmundo as Senior Brand Communications Manager, Patricia Raña as Associate Corporate Services Manager, and Eleanor Cenizal as Associate Director for Corporate Services. The event also recognized the advancement of Cheska Gutierrez, Louise Gamboa, Sharmaine Irish Padua, Gabriel Hagen Gonzales, Nicole Bamba, Ramil Balaong, and Shane Jhastin Picson.
Group CEO Ferdinand Bondoy expressed pride in these homegrown talents, highlighting the company’s commitment to nurturing future leaders. The Purple Ball also celebrated COMCO Mundo’s prestigious Gold Quill Awards, recognizing impactful projects and cementing its status as the first Southeast Asian agency to win Agency of the Year.
Stay updated with COMCO Mundo by visiting www.comcomundo.com or following fb.com/comcomundo on Facebook, linkedin.com/company/comcomundo on LinkedIn, and @comcomundo on Instagram.
Samsung’s 2024 Galaxy Grand Holiday Sale offers exceptional deals on Galaxy devices, with trade-in discounts, bundles, and freebies. Available this October on Samsung.com, Samsung Experience Stores, Lazada, Shopee, and Authorized Stores nationwide.