On the Spotlight!

  In a year defined by overlapping election cycles, heightened public scrutiny, and the continued push for transparency in governance, one leader rose to meet every challenge with clarity, conviction, and uncompromising integrity. For these reasons and more, Chairman George Erwin Mojica Garcia graces our cover as one of the most influential public servants of 2025.   Chairman Garcia’s leadership at the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has been nothing short of transformative. This year, he navigated one of the most complex election calendars in recent history — synchronizing preparations for the 2025 midterm elections, overseeing the Random Manual Audit (RMA) reforms, strengthening the readiness for the first BARMM Elections, and elevating voter education initiatives nationwide.   Under his watch, COMELEC achieved remarkable milestones:   Restoring Public Trust Through Transparency Chairman Garcia implemented strengthened audit mechanisms and more inc...

The cheerful Taiwan Excellence mascot is now available in merchandise! FuBear continues to spread the spirit of encouraging excellence in every way by collaborating with a local Filipino brand to produce these sustainable products.   Who is FuBear? Created in the likeness of the Formosan black bear, FuBear is a character resembling Taiwan’s national animal. FuBear’s mission, Gimme Five, is to uplift and give high fives everyone who contributes to their communities through simple and grand actions, an initiative that reflects the values of Taiwan Excellence. Eco-friendly FuBear Merchandise: Tote Bag and Travel Planner FuBear Merchandise Made of Water Hyacinths Taiwan Excellence PH entrusted Filipino brand, Jacinto & Lirio, for the production of the FuBear merchandise. The brand innovatively fabricates vegan leather goods out of water hyacinth plants from the Philippines. As found in the Jacinto & Lirio website, the water hyacinth is an invasive plant that affects local flora...

  The Taiwan Excellence mascot continues its mission of giving high fives and spreading encouragement to everyone, now here in the Philippines! From visiting offices in Metro Manila to roaming around parks in Central Visayas, Filipinos enjoyed fun surprise appearances from the friendly black bear. FuBear also steals the hearts of Filipino netizens on social media as the Gimme Five initiative reaches the internet. Who is FuBear? From Taiwan, FuBear is a character made in the likeness of the Formosan Black Bear, Taiwan’s national animal. FuBear’s mission is to champion the spirit of excellence by giving high fives around the globe and, now, in the Philippines.     Pilipinas, Good Job and Gimme Five from FuBear!   The Gimme Five online initiative touched the hearts of thousands of Filipino netizens, with many becoming fans of the mascot and its message. In many videos posted on the Taiwan Excellence social media pages, FuBear tours many places in the Ph...

  As the season of joy and celebration approaches, Montesa Medical Group Aesthetic Center marks a remarkable milestone— 25 years of beauty, confidence, and care. Founded by Dr. Anna Montesa, President and Medical Director of Montesa Medical Group , the brand stands as a trusted leader in the field of aesthetic medicine, wellness, and age management. From its beginnings to becoming a trusted name in aesthetics, Montesa has redefined beauty as more than just appearance—it’s about empowerment, self-love, and transformation. Today, its signature blend of science, artistry, and compassion continues to inspire clients from all walks of life. With its premier clinic located at The Manila Hotel , Montesa Medical Group also welcomes clients at its Tomas Morato (Quezon City), Ayala Malls Circuit (Makati), and SM North EDSA branches. Each clinic offers a luxurious sanctuary for advanced aesthetic procedures, skin rejuvenation, body contouring, and holistic wellness programs—all designed ...

  Sterling Bank of Asia employees take part in the “Kind Heart Gives” tree planting activity at La Mesa Eco Park in Quezon City Sterling Bank of Asia (SBA) once again demonstrated its commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement through this year’s “Kind Heart Gives” tree-planting initiative held at La Mesa Eco Park in Quezon City. The event brought together employees from various organizations who joined SBA in its corporate social responsibility efforts, underscoring the Bank’s shared mission to make a positive impact on both the environment and the community. The activity went beyond simply planting trees—it fostered camaraderie, teamwork, and a sense of collective purpose among SBA employees. It encouraged participants to take part in meaningful initiatives that advocate for a sustainable future. “Our ‘Kind Heart Gives’ activity reflects Sterling Bank of Asia's support for sustainability and our values of being socially active in good causes,” said D...

PLDT Enterprise , the corporate arm of PLDT, has been recognized at the prestigious 2025 International Business Awards (IBA) for its successful launch of Tech Week PH , the telco group’s first multi-city technology roadshow designed to advance digital inclusion, ecosystem collaboration, and technology adoption in high-growth regions across the Philippines. The Stevie® Awards, organizers of the IBAs, are the world’s premier business awards, honoring the achievements and positive contributions of organizations and professionals worldwide since 2002. The International Business Awards® are open to all organizations across the globe and celebrate accomplishments in all aspects of work life. Tech Week PH 2025 , which won Bronze in the Art, Entertainment & Public – Roadshow category, brought together startups, developers, government stakeholders, enterprise leaders, and other regional ecosystem players in an education and business platform that connected them with global technology pa...

  PLDT Enterprise, in partnership with ePLDT, hosted the Intelligent Enterprise Workshop for Retail , gathering industry leaders to explore how data, AI, and managed services can transform retail operations and customer experiences. MANILA, Philippines — PLDT Enterprise, together with ePLDT, recently brought together decision-makers from top retail brands for the Intelligent Enterprise Workshop for Retail, with sessions on Google Cloud’s AI solutions. The event showed how data-driven insights, AI readiness, and managed services can unlock innovation and help retailers reimagine day-to-day operations — from inventory management to customer engagement. The workshop, designed for retail leaders including CXOs, CMOs, and IT managers, addressed pressing challenges such as fragmented data systems, scalability issues, and the growing demand for secure and compliant AI-driven data strategies. By applying technology into real-world retail contexts, the session emphasized how AI and ma...

  Turning digital innovation into real-world impact for startups Participants and speakers of PLDT Enterprise’s Innovation Spotlight: Harnessing AI and Cybersecurity for Startups gather for a photo after an insightful session on how collaboration and innovation can empower the startup ecosystem. In line with its mission to enable enterprises of all sizes through meaningful technology, PLDT Enterprise led the next leg of the Innovation Spotlight, in partnership with the US Embassy, Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative, YSEALI AMPLIFY 9.0, Women’s Alliance for Security and Peace (WASP), Fibers Collective and Pina Beauty PH. The themed “Harnessing AI and Cybersecurity for Startups” gathered innovators, founders, and advocates to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) and digital security can work together to empower startups and strengthen the country’s innovation ecosystem. The Innovation Spotlight series was designed to ignite collaboration among industries, innovator...

  PLDT Enterprise and Nabstract seal their partnership to deliver smarter, intent-based network API solutions that empower businesses across industries.  From left to right: Mark Dommel Geronimo, Head of Wireless Product Development at PLDT Enterprise; Mickey Ruiz, Senior Manager and Head of Enterprise Innovations and Product Development, PLDT Enterprise; John Gonzales, First Vice President & Head, Enterprise Consulting & Strategic Business Development, PLDT Enterprise; Vaibhav Mehta, Founder & Director, Nabstract; Nico Alcoseba, First Vice President and Head of Product Management, PLDT Enterprise; Amet Zalameda, Head of Network Transformation Strategy Office, Smart Communications Inc.; Noemi Santos, Assistant Vice President and Head of Enterprise Wireless Platforms, PLDT Enterprise; Maria Elizabeth Soriano, Product Manager, PLDT Enterprise As part of its commitment to strengthening digital security, PLDT’s corporate arm, PLDT Enterprise, has partnered with Nab...

From late night grinds, early calls, side gigs, and everything in between, most Pinoys are always on the move. But in a world where the hustle never stops, sometimes a quick pause coupled with a flavorful, huwow-worthy snack can help keep one going.   With a lineup that includes favorites like Chicken Skin ni Mang Juan and Chicharron ni Mang Juan in classic Filipino flavors, Mang Juan is a truly Pinoy snack that can help fuel one’s grind.   Aside from the classic flavors that Pinoys, including P-pop Kings SB19 , enjoy, Mang Juan introduces another reason to keep snacking: the light and crispy seafood flavors of Kropek ni Mang Juan. P-Pop Group SB19 Justin and Josh with their favorite Kropek ni Mang Juan   Packed with “Huwow sa Pinoy Sarap” goodness, every crunchy bite of Kropek ni Mang Juan brings a new twist on the usual seafood flavors, while still staying true to what makes Mang Juan a Filipino favorite.   Whether you're into sweet-salty snacks ...

Rising Tigers Magazine — December Special Issu For the first time, Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) Executive Minister Brother Eduardo V. Manalo graces the cover of a national magazine—a testament to his profound influence not only within the Church but across the nation. Since assuming leadership in 2009, Ka Eduardo has quietly but powerfully strengthened the Iglesia Ni Cristo’s global presence, expanding its humanitarian efforts, constructing world-class houses of worship, and launching wide-reaching programs that uplift communities regardless of faith or background. His disciplined, steadfast leadership has guided millions toward unity, resilience, and spiritual clarity at a time when society faces division and uncertainty. Under his stewardship, the Church’s civic initiatives—from the Lingap sa Mamamayan outreach to large-scale livelihood and disaster-response operations—have become models of organized compassion and community service. His vision continues to inspire inclusive nation-buildi...

 REX proudly receives two awards at the 47th CMMA Awards: *Best Children’s Magazine* for The Bread Basket and *Best Editorial Cartoon* for the Sinag/The Catalyst piece  “Mass Deportation of Undocumented Filipinos in the US.” Photo credit to Catholic Mass Media Award  Rex Education achieved another significant milestone with two major recognitions at the 47th Catholic Mass Media Awards held on November 19, 2025 at the Citystate Hotel Tower in Ermita, Manila. The awards highlight the organization’s ongoing commitment to producing educational content that informs, inspires, and nurtures the mind and the heart of every Filipino learner. REX received the Best Children’s Magazine award for The Bread Basket and Best Editorial Cartoon award for the piece published in Sinag/The Catalyst titled “Mass Deportation of Undocumented Filipinos in the US.” These honors emphasize the importance of educational materials that blend academic relevance with creative and responsible storytellin...

     Between work, errands, family, friends, and the flurry of the upcoming holidays, our schedules are packed - yet our skin deserves to stay bright and radiant through it all. Because even on the busiest days, confidence shouldn’t take a back seat.   That’s why Cetaphil Bright Healthy Radiance partnered with SoFA Design Institute for its 2025 Graduation Show, where models, designers, and artists balanced packed schedules yet still took the runway with confidence and radiance.     The collaboration celebrated creativity, courage, and individuality in full color, spotlighting the next visionaries of Filipino fashion while reminding us that confidence isn’t just about what we wear — it begins with the self, and with skin that looks and feels its healthiest. As the runway came alive with personal stories and self-expression, Cetaphil Bright Healthy Radiance stood beside them, championing radiance that feels as good as it looks; not only under the spotlight, ...

   From classic reds to fun pastels, find the perfect vibe for your home at the best price It’s the most wonderful time of the year to transform your home into a festive masterpiece that your whole family will love. Whether you’re into traditional Christmas colors or love experimenting with unique hues, you can find the perfect decorations you’ll need at the Robinsons Department Store Christmas Shop. With Robinsons Department Store’s diverse collection, there’s no shortage of Christmas trees, baubles, figurines, throw pillow covers, and many other items to bring in the holiday magic to your space. The best part is you can purchase them with exciting promos happening at Robinsons Department Store branches nationwide. If you don’t know what theme to go for yet, here are some design inspirations you can pull from: Classic Christmas Nothing beats the traditional Christmas look – trees adorn with red, green, and white decor, and Santa Claus greeting everyone with his welcoming smil...