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Tech Expert Art Samaniego Lines Up Early, 90th out of 400 to Pre-Order HONOR 400 5G in SM City Sta. Rosa

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Was HONOR 400 5G Craze just a gimmick? We asked a tech expert to share his experience.

Among the first. Mr. Art Samaniego, IT Head and Co-founder of ScamWatch Pilipinas, joins the long queue at SM Sta. Rosa Laguna, for the first day sale of the HONOR 400 5G.

Leading smart devices provider HONOR Philippines just introduced its most successful product to date, the HONOR 400 5G. With its jampacked first day sale, viral videos, new brand ambassadors, and a Rolex and Hermes giveaway – the question remains, was all of it just a gimmick?

IT Head of Manila Bulletin and Co-founder of ScamWatch Pilipinas Mr. Art Samaniego shared his entire journey to getting his hands on HONOR’s newest viral smartphone.

“I saw it from the media launches and media activities, and when I saw the phone, nakita kong maganda talaga siya. I said, I need to try this one in real life kaya um-order ako. Gusto kong bumili ako kasi naniniwala ako sa telepono nung nasubukan ko sya. So, it’s a really great device for the price. I pre-ordered on June 18 in SM Sta. Rosa,” said Mr. Samaniego.

When asked about his experience during the jampacked first day sale on June 28, “I went to SM Sta. Rosa around 10 or 10:30AM so, kaka-open lang. I told my wife, kasi meron pa kaming pupuntahan after, ‘mabilis lang to, give me 30 minutes’. Pag dating namin sa HONOR store, nakita ko, punong-puno na ng tao. Meron ng bollards. I was surprised bakit ang dami na, then I counted the people there. Siguro mga 80 yung nabilang ko that time and kinunan ko ng picture. Maya-maya, dumadami na yung mga tao that they need to remove the barrier that they put,” he started. “Someone helped me and said, ‘Sir, kailangan mo kumuha ng number. Pang-90 na ko, kasi mayroong mga nakapila na ng mas maaga pa,” he shared his surprise as that was only 30 minutes upon mall opening.

“One thing is for sure; it’s not a gimmick. We, at HONOR, are also shocked with the massive turnout of HONOR 400 5G first day sale. We are overwhelmed and we are very grateful for everyone who supported us all the way from the teasers. We are committed to bringing only the best for our Filipino HONOR fans so expect nothing less form us,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.

Pricing and Availability

Available in stunning color options—Midnight Black, Tidal Blue and Desert Gold—the HONOR 400 5G is now available for pre-order across the Philippines for only Php 22,999 (24GB + 512GB)! Get it now at any HONOR Experience and Partner Stores, and online via Lazada https://bit.ly/Laz_H400_PR, Shopee https://bit.ly/Shop_H400_PR, and TikTok Shop https://bit.ly/TikTok_H400_PR.

You can also #BringPhotosToLife with #YourAIPhone via Home Credit easy installments of as low as ₱979/month for 18 months! Check the best HONOR products and deals for you here: https://hcph.info/3I2m1gb.

HONOR 400 5G is also available via Globe Postpaid Plans online (https://bit.ly/Globe_H400_PR) or head to participating stores starting with GPlan 1799 with Php 2,300 cashout. The mobile plan comes with 13GB Data, Unli All-net Call and Texts, and exclusive perks.

To know more about HONOR 400 5G, head on to: https://bit.ly/Web_H400_PR. For more exciting announcements, you may visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com or social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph) and TikTok (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

Filipino youth empowered to “go for it” with Globe #GoForIt Student Fest 2025

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Over 250 student leaders from all over the country, kicking off in Metro Manila, ignited their potential at Globe #GoForIt Student Fest 2025, a youth assembly engineered to empower the next generation to boldly chase their dreams.

This flagship youth movement, held at the Power Mac Center Black Box Theatre in Ayala Malls Circuit Makati, gathered students aged 18 to 23, creating a space to dive into their aspirations, forge vital connections with peers, and be captivated by individuals who pursued their dreams and transformed them into reality.

Anchored on the theme “Let’s go for that dream. Go for it,” the event motivated students to take the next step in their journeys, with Globe providing support through technology, opportunities, tools, and digital literacy. The program aims to stress the role of connectivity and innovation in youth building and community development.

“Globe #GoForIt Student Fest 2025 showed students what’s possible when passion meets opportunity. Through internships, mentorship, grants, and events, Globe helps Filipino students gain real-world experience and grow into future leaders,” said Roche Vandenberghe, Chief Marketing Officer.

The event featured three inspiring speakers who each represented a major academic strand: Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS), Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM), and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Singer-songwriter and producer Zack Tabudlo connected with HUMSS students through his presentation, “From Rejection to Recognition: Turning Setbacks into Soundtracks of Success, ” where he spoke about school and the early challenges he faced on the road to becoming a renowned music artist.

Student entrepreneur Soj Gamayon inspired ABM strand students with his talk, “Planting Hope and Harvesting Dreams: Using AI to Uplift the Filipino Farmer,” sharing how he built AgriConnect PH, an AI-powered platform helping local agribusinesses manage risk. In just 150 days, his startup won the Red Bull Basement World Finals, outshining 110,000 entries from 40 countries, and gained recognition in Silicon Valley for its potential to transform rural livelihoods. Soj reflected on his journey and hinted at future collaborations with tech enablers like Globe to scale impact through innovation.

Artist and tech influencer Mikael Daez, representing the STEM strand reached out to students through his session, “Leveling Up in Life: Turning Passions into Purpose in the Digital Age,” where he discussed how his curiosity for technology had piqued his interest towards dabbling in content creation, and how connectivity, access to information helped him.

Beyond the insightful talks, Globe curated engaging activities such as the immersive Dream Booth, where students captured their aspirations in short videos, stating their name, dream career, and commitment to their goals. Globe also facilitated connections through Human Bingo, an interactive game encouraging participants to meet new people, find peers with similar ambitions, and capture memories at the Dream Wall. Furthermore, Globe took the lead in introducing attendees to the Globe Community Builders Program, offering valuable opportunities including volunteer roles, internships, student grants, and ambassador positions.

Student-special offers in the form of Globe Rewards were also available through the GlobeOne app, where participants redeemed points for perks that match student needs and lifestyle.

Globe continues to create spaces where the student youth can learn, collaborate, and thrive, supporting not just their digital needs but also their aspirations in education, career, and creative expression.

To learn more about how Globe helps students reach their goals, visit www.globe.com.ph/community-builder#gref.

Biwin Black Opal Series Adds Ultra-Capacity Memory and Gen5 SSDs for Power Users

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Biwin Black Opal Brings Next-generation Architecture into Present-tense Readiness

Each new generation of computing brings with it a wider set of possibilities. And the latest generation of PCs will face challenges to handle everything from multi-modal AI inference to real-time content generation and simulation-driven development to AI-adaptive game environments.

While many products today seem only to chase theoretical peak metrics, these Black Opal components are tuned for peak performance in real-world computing. From custom gaming builds and creator desktops to mobile production kits and workstations, these new products will bring a significant upgrade in performance, including larger capacities to handle bigger workloads, and much faster data handling.

Across DDR5 memory and Gen5 storage, the Black Opal series captures an engineering vision– high-bandwidth, low-latency, thermally optimized components designed for sustained performance under modern computational loads.

Whether it’s content creation, heavy gaming, or AI-assisted workloads, Biwin is BUILT TO WIN.

The Biwin Black Opal Series is now available through Biwin’s international network of distributors and partners. For more information, visit https://www.biwintech.com.

SUN LIFE UNVEILS AFFORDABLE NEW PROTECTION AND SAVINGS PRODUCT FOR EMPLOYEES AND PROFESSIONALS

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Filipino employees and professionals today have diverse financial goals depending on the generation they come from.

According to a study conducted by Sun Life, Gen Zs and younger millennials aspire to build multiple sources of income that can help them achieve their life goals. Meanwhile, older millennials and Gen Xers are focused on saving up for their retirement while also funding their children’s education. But while they are open to availing themselves of insurance products that could help them fulfill their goals, affordability is usually an issue, since there is little room to move in their budget.

To help bridge the gap, Sun Life Philippines has unveiled Sun Life Save and Protect, a simple and affordable life insurance protection plan.

Sun Life Save and Protect allows one to secure the future of loved ones with the life insurance benefit, which offers up to 20 times maximum amount of coverage based on the annual premium*. If the life insurance benefit remains unused during the coverage period,
the insured will receive at least 100% of the total annual premiums* paid after 20 years. This benefit is activated upon the plan’s maturity.

“With Sun Life Save and Protect, we envision more Filipinos achieving their financial goals because they can afford to do so,” Sun Life Philippines Chief Client Experience and Marketing Officer Carla Gonzalez-Chong said. “It offers a smart way to secure the future while also being prepared for uncertainties in the present.”

Depending on the chosen variant, Sun Life Save and Protect plans start for as low as PHP 2,500 per month and offer manageable payment options. It also offers access to the guaranteed cash value via a policy loan in case of emergencies. Moreover, a portion of the
face amount may also be claimed in advance, in case the insured gets diagnosed with a terminal illness.

“We’re proud of how this product truly considers the realities of Filipino employees and professionals, especially those who are still building their financial portfolio. While they grow their careers and work hard for the future, Sun Life Save and Protect will be here to help them chase their dreams,” Gonzalez-Chong added.

Those interested in availing of a Sun Life Save and Protect plan may get in touch with their Sun Life advisor or connect with one via www.sunlife.co/Talk-To-An-Advisor. For more information, visit www.sunlife.co/SaveandProtect.

*Benefit payable is based on Original Annual Premium. Original Annual Premium is the annual premium of the basic policy at policy effective date, excluding any rider premium, extra premium, and/or modal loadings.

PlayTime Announces Partnership with Tap DMV for Pacquiao-Barrios Fight

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PlayTime, the country’s most innovative online entertainment platform, has partnered with TAP Digital Media Ventures Corp. (Tap DMV) for the most awaited boxing match of the year, the Pacquiao-Barrios fight happening on July 20, 8AM Manila Time.

This fight is an event not to be missed as the PacMan makes an exciting comeback from his retirement from the sport. Victory from this fight will place Manny Pacquiao as the oldest world title holder in the history of boxing.

The show will be livestreamed over at PlayTime’s app and web platform, bringing revolutionary entertainment through and in sports at every users’ fingertips.

“At PlayTime, we’re committed to revolutionizing entertainment — not just through gaming, but also through the power of sports. Our partnership with Tap DMV for the Pacquiao-Barrios fight is a step forward in making world-class sports content more accessible, more engaging, and more exciting for our community. This isn’t just a livestream — it’s a front-row seat to history, delivered the PlayTime way,” says Krizia Cortez, Director of Public Relations of PlayTime.

Photo shows (L-R): Gonzalo de Guia, Tap DMV Chief Technology Officer, Peter Chan Liong, Tap DMV Chief Operating Officer, Krizia Cortez, PlayTime Director of Public Relations, Celinda de Guia, Tap DMV President and Chief Executive Officer, Renen de Guia, Tap DMV Chairman

Grand Winner of AppCon 2024 Competition TransiTech: Smart Transportation Management System Project Wins Top Prize

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Congratulations to Team CyberGO from AMA University, College of Computer Studies, for emerging as the Grand Champion of AppCon 2024! Out of 178 competing projects and 1,042 participants from 79 colleges and universities nationwide, Team CyberGO stood out with their innovative project title “TransiTech” —a smart transportation management system designed to improve the everyday commuting experience of Filipinos through the use of real-time data and emerging technology.

The idea for TransiTech came from a real-life problem faced by one of the team members, Nathaniel Rodriguez Jr., BS Information Technology (BSIT) – 3rd Year, who regularly experienced long and uncertain commutes from Coloong, Bulacan. His daily struggle inspired the team to come up with a solution that could help not only students like him but also the broader commuting public. Initially, the team had been exploring an agricultural tech project. However, upon re-evaluating the urgency and impact of transportation issues, they shifted their focus. With guidance from Jonh Ronel Zuñiga, BS Information Technology (BSIT) – 4th year, their team leader and a previous AppCon awardee in 2023, they decided to take on the challenge of building a smart public transport management tool.

TransiTech is a multi-platform system that combines mobile and web applications with monitoring hardware. It helps commuters plan better by predicting crowd levels at stations and monitoring both passenger behavior and driver compliance. These features are powered by artificial intelligence and supported by connected devices. The system collects and syncs real-time data through a mobile app and a responsive web dashboard, aiming to ease congestion, improve safety, and enhance the commuting experience.

The development of TransiTech was a result of strong collaboration and dedication. Each member of Team CyberGO took on a specific role and often had to learn new technologies from scratch. Jonh Ronel Zuñiga led the development and managed the cloud infrastructure. Nathaniel Rodriguez Jr. , despite having no engineering background, built monitoring devices used for driver tracking. Andrea Jil Rabino, BSIT – 3rd Year and Gelizza Marie Novino, BSIT – 3rd Year developed the mobile application, while Marita Jophiel Ninobla, BSIT – 3rd Year and Daniella Mae Rodas, BSIT – 3rd Year built the web dashboard and handled documentation. Franzel Jordan Aguiluz, BS Computer Science (BSCS) – 3rd Year worked on the crowd prediction feature using AI, and additional technical support was provided by Whendell Tan, BSCS – 3rd Year and Kathleen Ocampo, BSCS – 3rd Year from other AMA University team.

The team’s journey officially began with registration in July 2024, followed by intensive self-learning sessions starting in September. The actual development phase ran from December 1, 2024 to April 18, 2025, during which they submitted weekly progress reports — a total of 20 — as part of AppCon’s monitoring process. They presented their project during Pitching Week (May 12–16, 2025) and were ultimately declared Grand Winner at the awarding ceremony on June 28, 2025. For their achievement, the team received a ₱100,000 cash prize and official certificates of recognition.

Beyond just winning the competition, TransiTech is a promising solution to real-world problems. With millions of daily commuters in Metro Manila alone, a system that predicts station crowd levels, promotes driver accountability, and improves overall commute efficiency could greatly benefit public transport. TransiTech proves that student-led projects can be practical, innovative, and impactful.

The project proponents wish to express their interest in collaborating with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and relevant government agencies such as the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to explore the further development of TransiTech. The team believes that conducting a pilot test or integrating key features into existing transportation systems could be a meaningful step toward building a smarter, safer, and more efficient transportation network in the Philippines. More than just a student project, TransiTech represents a real-world solution — a forward-thinking innovation created by AMA University students who transformed their daily commuting challenges into a practical system with national impact.

Data, dialogue, and direction: FEU Public Policy Center joins women leaders in shaping a more inclusive future

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What does it take to shape a future where leadership is equitable, inclusive, and sustainable in our social and institutional systems?

That was the central question at “Breaking Barriers: Women Leading in Business and Beyond,” a forum organized by the Nextgen Organization of Women Corporate Directors (NOWCD) on June 23 at the BPI Wealth Lounge in Makati City. The event brought together leaders from business, government, and academia to reflect on the progress of women’s leadership and the structural changes needed to support it.

At the forefront of the conversation was the Far Eastern University (FEU) Public Policy Center, whose participation affirmed the University’s long-standing commitment to research, inclusion, and future-ready leadership.

Julia Andrea Abad, Executive Director of the FEU Public Policy Center, moderated a dynamic panel discussion with Mariana Zobel de Ayala of Ayala Land, Robina Gokongwei-Pe of Robinsons Retail, Col. Francel Margareth Padilla of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Political Science Professor  Dr. Jean Franco of UP Diliman. Together, they explored the lived realities of women in leadership, the role of mentorship, and how institutions can evolve to foster greater diversity at the top.

“Sustainability includes building systems that empower people equitably and evolve with the times,” Abad noted. “True progress requires dismantling the barriers that keep leadership from reflecting the diversity of our society.”

A key moment in the forum was the research presentation delivered by Patricia Thea Basilio, Data Analyst at the FEU Public Policy Center. Drawing from their 2024 College Experience Survey, Basilio shared findings on gender attitudes among Filipino college students. The study revealed that sexist views remain prevalent among young people, especially males, and are often linked to higher interest in leadership roles. These raise important concerns for the country’s future leadership landscape.

“We found that many of those aspiring to lead still hold beliefs that could limit the very inclusivity they are meant to champion,” Basilio said. “This calls for deeper reflection on how we cultivate both skills and values in our future leaders.”

Representing FEU’s senior leadership at the event was Gianna Montinola, Consultant for External Affairs, who introduced keynote speaker Mariana Zobel de Ayala. Montinola’s involvement highlighted FEU’s broader institutional advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion across sectors.

“Inclusive leadership doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intention, investment, and collaboration,” Montinola said. “As an academic institution, FEU takes this responsibility seriously, both in what we teach and in the research we pursue.”

Bringing the lone academic research voice to the table, FEU contributed a unique perspective that blended empirical insights with practical recommendations for cultivating inclusive leadership in a changing world. The event closed with a call to continue building networks that support women not only in reaching leadership roles, but in thriving within them.

As for the university, the work continues: generating data that matters, fostering dialogues that challenge norms, and preparing students to lead with both competence and values.

7-Eleven Day Celebrates Its Annual Big Five-Day Birthday Blowout With Up to 50% Discounts on Over 400 items, Exciting e-Raffle Promo, and More

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Birthdays only come once a year, and the Filipinos’ paboritong kapitbahay 7-Eleven makes sure they celebrate it with customers with a huge bang. The most-awaited 7-Eleven Day is fast approaching, and the convenience giant is going big with a five-day, record-breaking blowout packed with unbeatable deals, a laptop giveaway, plus two new concept stores in Bacolod City.

Gear up to shop non-stop with over 400 items on sale. For five days straight—July 7 to 11—pantry goods, hygiene essentials, beverages, and more are up for grabs with Buy 1 Take 1 deals and 50% savings. Get that grocery list done stat to take first dibs on these finds while supplies last.

From July 7 to 11, serial snackers, on-the-go commuters, workers, and students can get their hands on the bold, brain-freezing flavors of the Slurpee Mini slashed at P11. Invite a bestie for a coffee run too, because from July 9 to 11, customers can get two cups of City Cafe Iced Coffee for just P49 each.

It’s not a party without delicious spreads. From July 6 to 11, 7-Eleven’s Crunch Time and 21TOGO brands are serving up tasty deals—get ₱10 off any 1-piece chicken order, and enjoy the Double Chicken Fillet with Rice for just ₱99.

Should anyone want a quick fix from going hangry, a Big Bite Hot Dog is the best bet. A P16 discount will be up on its different hot dog flavors on select days: Big Bite Junior on July 7 and 8; Big Bite Premium Sausage on July 9 and 10; and Creamy Cheese, Cheesy Hungarian, Jumbo Classic, and Tender Juicy Classic on July 11. The OG crowd-favorite 7-Fresh Siopao is also not far behind. Buy any 2 and save P20 this July 11 on 7-Fresh Premium Bola Bola, Premium Asado, Chicken Premium Asado, and Chicken Premium Bola Bola Siopao.

As a bonus thank-you treat for its loyal patrons, everyone’s paboritong kapitbahay is rewarding 10 CLiQQ users who are July celebrants, too, with a brand new Asus Vivobook 15 each. To win, purchase a P150 worth of participating 7-Eleven items to earn one raffle entry. The promo is ongoing now and will continue until July 22, 2025, so keep the entries coming for bigger chances of winning.

A birthday, too, brings the beginning of fresh and new experiences ahead. In that spirit, 7-Eleven is set to open two new concept stores in Bacolod City exactly on July 11. The famous !+? Cafe Reserve is making its debut at One Regis Condominium, Megaworld Upper-East, giving Bacolodnons its cozy brews and crew-assisted service. Meanwhile, a Crunch Time concept store is opening at Lopez Jaena corner Rizal Street to excite all chicken cravers out there. These branches will also be participating in the July 11-exclusive 7-Eleven Day promos, so Bacolodnons, take note!

This move also marks the significant expansion that 7-Eleven is doing for the Visayas and Mindanao regions. The brand ensures that every Filipino, no matter where they are, gets to enjoy the everyday convenience and service that 7-Eleven promises.

Truly, 7-Eleven Day is a celebration like no other. It’s a nationwide, five-day birthday bash where everybody is invited to bag treats. Don’t miss the opportunity to take home your favorites at irresistible discounts and win amazing prizes. Visit here for the complete list of items on sale from July 7 to 11, 2025.

Like us on 7-Eleven Philippines Facebook, follow @711ph on Instagram, and @711philippines on X and TikTok for more information.

Dreams Do Come True: OFW in Hong Kong Ranks Second in Licensure Exam for Teachers

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“Dreams do come true,” says Maria Adoracion Remo Octavio — lovingly called Dory — as she proudly uploaded her graduation photo on Facebook, marking a milestone not just for herself but also for countless Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who dare to dream.

Dory, a domestic worker in Hong Kong, made history by placing second in the June 2025 Special Professional Licensure Examination for Teachers of the Philippines. The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announced the results last Friday.

Dory, a graduate of AMA University Online Education (OEd), achieved an outstanding score of 89.20%, sharing the second spot with three other top examinees. The top rank was secured by Jison A. Reyno of Binalbagan Catholic College with a score of 90.60%.

On Facebook, Dory — also known as Mariyah to some of her friends — humbly expressed her gratitude for the result. She kept her celebration simple, true to her soft-spoken nature.

“Thank you, Lord. Pasado na, top 2 pa,” she wrote. (“Thank you, Lord. I didn’t just pass, I made it to the top 2.”)

She also extended her appreciation to the people who reached out to her:
“Thank you sa lahat ng bumati, nag-chat, at nag-comment. Hindi ko na po kayo maiisa-isa,” (“Thank you to everyone who congratulated me, sent messages, or left comments. I can’t thank you all individually.”)

Humble Beginnings, Unwavering Dreams

Dory’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Originally from Camarines Sur, she was just 23 years old when she left the Philippines in 2009 to work as an OFW in Hong Kong. Like many Filipinos, she set aside her personal ambitions to help her family financially.

But Dory was no ordinary student. She had shown academic promise early in life, having graduated as valedictorian in elementary school. Despite years of working long hours as a domestic helper, her passion for learning and her desire to become a teacher never faded.

The long hours, the physical exhaustion, and the distance from her family could have easily discouraged anyone from pursuing higher education. But for Dory, the dream remained alive.

The AMA Advantage: Supporting Students Anywhere in the World Anytime

When the opportunity to return to school came through the AMA Computer Learning Center in Hong Kong, Dory seized it wholeheartedly. As a full-time domestic helper, she found hope in AMA’s flexible class schedules, weekend programs specifically designed for OFWs, and a highly supportive learning environment that allowed her to pursue her studies without giving up her livelihood.

For two years, Dory attended face-to-face weekend classes at AMA Hong Kong, where the diploma program was carefully structured to meet the unique needs of working students abroad. When she transitioned to AMA University – Quezon City campus under Online Education (OEd) program, she discovered an educational system that truly accommodated the realities of OFWs like her. Through AMA’s modular, self-paced curriculum, accessible online platform, and flexible scheduling, she was able to continue her studies while fulfilling her demanding duties as a domestic worker.

Dory’s academic journey was not easy—it spanned 15 years of balancing work and education, a testament to her resilience and determination. Thanks to AMA’s responsive online faculty, international support centers, and OFW-friendly policies, Dory successfully completed her Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSEd) in 2024.

AMA Computer Learning Center in Hong Kong, and AMAU OEd, AMA’s strong commitment to providing accessible, quality education for OFWs and working professionals abroad played a crucial role in Dory’s success.

Dory was fortunate to return to Manila in October 2024 to personally receive her diploma—a rare opportunity for many OFWs. Her graduation fulfilled a lifelong dream, made possible by her determination and AMA’s flexible, accessible education—an inspiring story for OFWs everywhere.

The Road to the LET

After years of balancing work and study, Dory was ready to take the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET). Since the exam was no longer offered in Hong Kong after the pandemic, she needed to travel to Taiwan.

At first, her elderly ward—her beloved popo—hesitated to let her go. But with patient, tearful persistence, Dory gained her employer’s approval.

When the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) later released the official results, Dory’s efforts were more than rewarded. She not only passed the LET—she placed second nationwide, securing one of the top spots in one of the Philippines’ most competitive licensure examinations.

Her achievement was more than just a personal victory—it was a triumph that resonated across the OFW community, proving that distance, hardship, and circumstance cannot stand in the way of a determined heart.

Her story is a powerful reminder that with courage and determination, no distance or challenge is too great.

AMA Helped Me Achieve My Dream — Even from Thousands of Miles Away

By Maria Adoracion Remo Octavio
Bachelor of Secondary Education Graduate | AMA University Online Education
Top 2 LET Passer (June 2025)

When I left my hometown in Camarines Sur to work as a domestic helper in Hong Kong, I thought I had to let go of my dream of becoming a teacher. Life abroad was difficult, and I believed my chance to finish college had passed.

But AMA University Online Education (OEd) gave me a second chance.

When I discovered the AMA Computer Learning Center in Hong Kong, I grabbed the opportunity. AMA’s flexible schedules, weekend classes for OFWs, and supportive environment made it possible for me to work full-time while studying. For two years, I attended face-to-face weekend classes, and when I shifted to AMA’s online education program under the Quezon City campus, I was able to continue my studies online—at my own pace and from wherever I was.

AMA’s system is truly built for OFWs like me. I was able to balance my job and my education through AMA’s modular curriculum, accessible online platform, responsive faculty, and OFW-friendly policies. They made sure that students like me, working thousands of miles away, could pursue their degrees without sacrificing their livelihood.

After 15 years of hard work and perseverance, I finally graduated with a Bachelor of Secondary Education in 2024. I was fortunate to personally attend our graduation in Manila—a rare chance for OFWs, made possible by AMA’s support and flexibility.

In 2025, I took the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) in Taiwan and, by God’s grace, I passed—ranking Top 2 nationwide.

AMA didn’t just offer me a degree—they provided the pathway to my dream. Their commitment to accessible, quality education for working Filipinos abroad made this possible.

To all my fellow OFWs: it’s never too late.
With the right support and determination, you can achieve your dreams—just like I did through AMA.

AMA truly makes it possible to study anytime, anywhere.

A Message of Hope

Dory’s story is proof that distance and hardship can’t stop a determined heart. Thanks to AMA’s flexible, globally accessible programs, OFWs like Dory can now pursue higher education while working abroad.

38th Corporate Giveaways Buyers’ Show Opens Today with Over 100 Exhibitors

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The 38th Annual Corporate Giveaways Buyers’ Show officially opens today at the SMX Convention Center Manila, reaffirming its standing as the country’s longest-running trade event for business gifts, premiums, promotional items, and office solutions.

Running until July 4, this year’s show brings together over 100 booths from both veteran suppliers and emerging names in the corporate gifting industry. Attendees can expect to explore an impressive variety of customizable merchandise—from sleek desk accessories and innovative tech gadgets to eco-conscious giveaways and premium executive gifts for top-tier clients.

“Gone are the days when company giveaways were limited to the Christmas gift-giving season. Businesses now require year-round gift items such as event souvenirs, customer rewards, employee incentives, promotional tokens, and brand merchandise,” shares Raquel Romero, President of World Expos & Concepts Inc., the show’s organizer.

“This annual expo is truly a one-stop destination for organizations of every size to discover creative solutions tailored to their unique gifting needs,” she added.

A Legacy of Trusted Sourcing

Now on its 38th edition, the Corporate Giveaways Buyers’ Show has become a mainstay in the Philippine business calendar, trusted by procurement officers, marketing managers, HR professionals, and entrepreneurs alike. First launched with just 12 booths, the show has grown into an industry-defining platform where sourcing meets strategy.

In 2024, the global promotional products industry was valued at over $26 billion, with the Asia-Pacific region—including the Philippines—accounting for nearly $6 billion of that total. As businesses look for more meaningful ways to connect with clients, staff, and stakeholders, the demand for branded, useful, and lasting giveaways continues to grow.

The event caters to the rising need for year-round brand touchpoints, as companies seek items that go beyond tradition—think onboarding kits, loyalty tokens, trade event souvenirs, and high-impact promotional merchandise.

Who Should Attend

Ideal for marketing teams, procurement specialists, HR officers, event planners, and business owners, the show serves as a strategic sourcing venue—making it easy to compare options, assess quality firsthand, and speak directly with trusted suppliers. Whether you’re outfitting a major product launch or curating executive giveaways for clients, the show offers the convenience and credibility of dealing with established industry players under one roof.

Event Details

The Corporate Giveaways Buyers’ Show 2025 runs from July 2 to 4, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM at the SMX Convention Center Manila. Admission is free of charge.
Walk-ins are welcome, and registration can also be done in advance at www.corporategiveawaysbuyershow.com.

For more information or media inquiries, please contact:
Majivel Maullon
09152057446
majivel@isharkmarketing.com