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GLOBE has strengthened its commitment to nurturing the next generation of innovators by uniting students, educators, and industry leaders at Innovania 2025: The Builder’s Blueprint-Student Discovery.

The large-scale discovery event was held simultaneously nationwide, which created a unique nationwide platform for learners in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math or STEM to showcase their creativity and ideas.

As part of the telco company’s program, the initiative focused on engaging students in Electronics and Communications Engineering and Computer Engineering. By exposing them to the latest developments in technology, the program aims to inspire tech students to explore digital solutions that can help advance the country’s economy and communities.

‘By providing a platform for student ideas to flourish and go for their dreams, we are investing in the country’s next generation of technology leaders,’ said Globe Chief Marketing Officer Roche Vandenberghe.

Empowering student innovators

THE two-day event gathered more than 100 students from 19 universities and organizations nationwide. Participants joined learning sessions on 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), and gamification, followed by an ‘ideathon’ where student teams pitched real-world solutions to pressing challenges.

Winning teams received a Cubikit and mentorship from Cubicore, which will enable them to continue refining their projects with professional guidance. Beyond the competition, students were also introduced to Globe’s Student Program that offers immersive learning experiences such as internships, volunteer opportunities, and guided tours of Globe offices and data centers. These initiatives provided them with a clear view of the country’s largest digital solutions platform operating and innovating at scale.

‘Globe Innovania 2025 allowed us to fulfill our mission to evangelize IoT technology to Filipino youth,’ said Cubicore Co-Founder Carl Rowan. ‘We are excited to work on the ideas presented during the IoT Ideathon. This is crucial in inspiring students to innovate by deploying real IoT solutions created by themselves.’

Celebrating student winners

THE IoT Ideathon highlighted breakthrough projects from student innovators who impressed the judges with their creativity and drive to make a difference. The De La Salle University’s Google Developer Group team shared that winning the Cubicore Ideathon was a complete surprise, given the level of innovation from their rivals.

‘It’s a testament to the talent in the Philippine student tech community,’ the team said, adding that they are grateful to work with Cubicore and use Cubikit to bring their idea to life.’

For the Polytechnic University of the Philippines-REC Manila team, winning at Globe Innovania 2025 meant more than just recognition-it was a chance to serve: ‘We thank Globe for opening doors for innovators like us and Cubicore for equipping us with the Cubikit and mentorship; it will help make our vision a reality.’

Meanwhile, the University of Santo Tomas Computer Science Society-recipient of the Model Community Award-expressed their gratitude to Globe for recognizing their hard work: ‘This achievement marked an unforgettable experience for our team, especially as it was the first experience of its kind for most of our members. We feel truly honored to have received such a prestigious award on our very first endeavor in such a big competition.’

Bridging academia and industry

MORE than a learning event, Innovania 2025 demonstrated the importance of close collaboration between the academic sector and private industry. By giving students the chance to apply classroom learning to real-world contexts, Globe is helping close the gap between theory and practice.

The program also strengthens the country’s talent pipeline by equipping future engineers and innovators with the skills and exposure needed to thrive in the digital economy. Through initiatives like Innovania, Globe calls on the youth to #GoForIt, pushing boundaries, turning bold ideas into action, and leading the way toward a more connected, inclusive future.

Focusing on his pet events – the men’s floor exercise and vault – Paris Olympic double gold medalist Carlos Edriel Yulo will seek to add newer milestones when he goes into action in the 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships opening on Sunday at the Indonesia Arena here.

More than a year since his phenomenal success in the French capital, garnering a historic golden double to highlight the country’s centennial jubilee of participation in the modern Olympics, Yulo will be the man to watch at the 16,000-seat arena that was the site of the FIBA World Cup in 2024.

A wrist injury suffered in his build-up to the worlds, however, will limit his exposure to the floor exercise and vault events during the men’s artistic gymnastics qualification round, with the Philippine squad scheduled to perform in Subdivision 6 set at 8:20 p.m. (9:20 p.m. in Manila.)

He will be joined by Juancho Miguel Besana, John Ivan Cruz, and Justine Ace de Leon, who are making their debuts in the prestigious international gymnastics competition and whose outing is supported by the Philippine Sports Commission.

‘I kind of have been having trouble with my wrists,’ Yulo said in an interview last Thursday with the Olympic.com website during podium training, disclosing that the injury was caused by learning a new dismount on the parallel bars.

‘I kind of did it too much,’ Yulo was quoted as saying in the report of the double pike front with a half-twist dismount.

But like a good soldier, the pint-sized phenom said this would not deter him from performing in his seventh straight world meet since debuting and bagging a bronze medal in the floor exercise in the 2018 edition in Doha, Qatar, when he was just 18 years old.

‘I still want the taste of competition,’ Yulo stressed. ‘That is the most important thing for me right now.’

‘My goal is to perform beautiful gymnastics, to be really graceful. I want to show really good and graceful gymnastics. (So) I’m just really happy that I get to compete.’

Guiding the star athlete with the help of national coach Aldrin Castañeda is Australian mentor Nadel Alyousef, who was with the national team when they set up training camp in Metz, France, before the Paris Olympics and was hired full-time by the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines in April.

The Australian coach, who won the 1994 National Coach of the Year Award in Australia, was with the PH squad that trained in Tokyo, Japan, for three weeks before flying directly to the Indonesian capital

Also, an accomplished international brevet judge, Alyousef, who was born in Syria but is now an Australian citizen, disclosed that he was one of the judges when Yulo scored a golden breakthrough in the men’s floor exercise at the 49th FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany.

Given the gymnast’s outstanding twin triumphs, the Aussie coach understood how Yulo might feel the pressure in being back in the global spotlight anew since the current competition will be an individual showcase in the absence of team events in both MAG and WAG.

‘At the Olympics, Carlos was chasing everybody. So when you chase, you put in a lot of hard work. Now, everybody is chasing you. You don’t know how hard you need to catch up with the rest. That is the issue,’ Alyousef explained.

At least, Yulo will have one less potential rival in the floor exercise, Tokyo Olympic gold medalist and Paris Olympic silver medalist Artem Dolgopyat of Israel, whose national team members were denied visas by Indonesian government authorities, preventing them from entering the country.

But vying is Fil-British Jake Jarman, a bronze medalist in the floor exercise in Paris, while Iranian Mahdi Olfati, who took the gold medal in the vault in the Asian meet held last June in Jecheon, South Korea, could provide stiff competition for the Filipino bet in his other favorite event.

Bannered by Paris Olympians Aleah Finnegan and Emma Malabuyo, plus Haylee Garcia and Elaiza Yulo, the youngest sibling and sister of Carlos, the women’s squad is set to perform in the WAG classification round on Monday.

Caption: The national men’s artistic gymnastics team, led by Paris Olympic double gold medalist Carlos Edriel Yulo, takes a break in practice after training at the 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships at the Indonesia Arena in Jakarta, Indonesia. Flanking the team members are national coach Aldrin Castaneda (left) and Australian mentor Nadel Alyousef.

THE Iligan City Jail-Male Dormitory (ICJMD), under the leadership of City Jail Warden JCInsp. Carmelo A. Corsame, recently announced significant progress in its implementation of the Read Your Way Out (RYWO) program-a literacy-based rehabilitation initiative reshaping custodial education and contributing to early release outcomes for persons deprived of liberty (PDL).

Launched in May 2024 through a partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the National Library of the Philippines, RYWO enables PDL to earn sentence reductions through structured reading activities, formally recognized under the Time Allowance for Studying, Teaching, and Mentoring (TASTM) provision.

The program’s impact is documented in the study: ‘Reading in Jail: A Gateway to Personal Development and Reduced Sentences’ authored by JO3 Walter Woo Mainit Jr. who is the chief of the Unit Welfare and Development Section at ICJMD.

Mainit’s study revealed a dramatic increase in monthly TASTM grants following the implementation of RYWO. Prior to the program, ICJMD averaged merely seven TASTM grantees per month-a reflection of limited access to qualifying educational activities. After the program was introduced, that number surged to a monthly average of 148, with approximately 111 of those grantees actively participating in reading activities.

The figure represents a 2,014-percent increase in monthly TASTM grants, underscoring the program’s effectiveness in expanding educational access and incentivizing personal development through literacy.

‘These results speak volumes about what’s possible when we invest in human potential,’ said Corsame. ‘RYWO has proven that rehabilitation is a practice rooted in empathy, education, and empowerment. Our PDL are not just serving time; they’re reclaiming their futures, one book at a time.’

The study also highlights early signs of the program’s contribution to release outcomes. Between May 2024 and April 2025, 24 PDL were released with documented RYWO-linked TASTM credits. In the months following the study period, an additional 38 PDL were released due to accumulated reading-based time allowances. An additional 67 PDL are scheduled for release in the third quarter of 2025, based on verified RYWO participation.

Mainit is set to present his research at the Philippine Librarians’ Association Inc. Annual Congress, to be held at the SMX Convention Center in Bacolod City from November 23 to 26, 2025. His presentation will spotlight RYWO as a scalable model for literacy-driven rehabilitation and policy innovation.

A graduate of Mindanao State University-Marawi with a degree in Philosophy, the junior officer has earned multiple recognitions through the Gawad Penolohiya, including Best Unit Welfare and Development Officer and Best Therapeutic Community Modality Program Implementer. His work reflects the principles of developmental penology-an emerging framework that shifts correctional practice from punitive incarceration toward education, reintegration, and human dignity.

‘Reading gave our PDL hope,’ said Mainit. ‘This research is about lives changed, perspectives broadened, and futures rewritten.’

Cleveland Cavaliers

Last season: 64-18, lost to Indiana in Eastern Conference semifinals.

COACH: Kenny Atkinson (2nd season with Cavaliers, 6th season overall, 182-208).

SEASON OPENER: Oct. 22 at New York Knicks.

DEPARTURES: G Javonte Green, G Ty Jerome, F Chuma Okeke, F Isaac Okoro

ADDITIONS: G Lonzo Ball, C Thomas Bryant, F Larry Nance Jr.

BetMGM championship odds: 7.5-1.

What to expect

The Cavaliers are one of the favorites to win the Eastern Conference.

They were the top seed last season but were eliminated in five games by the Indiana Pacers in the conference semifinals.

Donovan Mitchell has an even bigger chip on his shoulder this season to advance out of the second round for the first time in his nine-year NBA career and has a solid core with Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen and Darius Garland.

The Cavaliers would love to do away with the regular season and get right to the playoffs in April, but coach Kenny Atkinson has stressed making improvements during the 82 games.

Strengths and weaknesses

The good: Mitchell has averaged at least 24 points per game six straight seasons. De’Andre Hunter is in his first full season with Cleveland and will likely start at small forward. There is also added depth after the offseason acquisitions of Lonzo Ball, Thomas Bryant and Larry Nance Jr.

The not-so-good: Garland (toe) and Max Strus (foot) will miss at least the first month of the regular season after offseason surgeries. Cleveland was fortunate to avoid injuries during the regular season, but Mitchell (calf), Garland, Mobley (ankle) and Hunter (thumb) were all hurt either late in the regular season or during the playoffs.

Players to watch

EVAN MOBLEY is the reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year but could take another huge step on offense. he had career highs in points (18.5 per game) and assists (3.2) while expanding his perimeter game along and driving to the lane. For the first time in at least four seasons, Ball was able to focus on his game and conditioning during the offseason instead of rehabbing his knee. Atkinson said the addition of Ball should help with defense in the backcourt, but he has also lauded Ball’s mental approach to the game. Allen played in all 82 regular-season games for the first time in his career, but the addition of Bryant should help as the Cavaliers lacked big man depth last season.

THE OPPO Find N5 continues to set the benchmark for foldable smartphones with its approach to power, endurance, and charging. Designed for professionals who demand reliability and elegance, the OPPO Find N5 delivers uncompromising performance that supports both hectic schedules and refined lifestyles.

Beyond power and performance, the OPPO Find N5 ensures that work and life move without interruption through O+ Connect. This intelligent feature allows users to transfer files, mirror screens, and collaborate effortlessly across macOS, Windows, and other OPPO devices.

From finishing presentations on a laptop to instantly sharing visuals with colleagues, O+ Connect streamlines workflows and eliminates barriers between devices-empowering professionals to stay productive wherever they are. With up to 25 hours of video playback or 8.6 hours of uninterrupted teleconferencing, the OPPO Find N5 features a revolutionary 5,600mAh Silicon-Carbon Battery-30 percent larger and thinner than its predecessor, redefining what’s possible in a foldable. This power ensures executives get through demanding days without compromise.

Supporting 80W SUPERVOOC wired and 50W AIRVOOC wireless charging, the OPPO Find N5 offers unmatched flexibility for users on the move. In just minutes, it powers up enough to last for hours-eliminating the need for long charging breaks.

True to OPPO’s design philosophy, the OPPO Find N5 blends advanced technology with understated elegance. Slim, refined and durable, it offers professionals a device that works as hard as they do-while complementing their personal style. It’s a testament to the idea that performance and sophistication can coexist in perfect harmony.

The OPPO Find N5 is available exclusively through select postpaid partners (Smart Postpaid / Smart Infinity and Globe Postpaid-GPlan 2499) and comes with free OPPO Enco X2 earbuds.

THE Librada Avelino Elementary School (ES) has been officially recognized as the ‘First Nobel Prize Science Hub’ in the Philippines.

Through the initiative of Principal Vladimir Paraiso JD, the distinction was hailed as a ‘groundbreaking moment in the pursuit of excellence in science and innovation.’

The formal citation was witnessed by the Embassy of Sweden’s Ambassador Anna Ferry, First Secretary and Deputy Head of Mission, and Junior Adviser Emma Hjelmgren. Their presence was considered as a highlight of the strong ties of friendship and collaboration between the Philippines and the Scandinavian nation in advancing knowledge, innovation, and global citizenship.

OIC-Superintendent Dr. Nerissa R. Lomeda, Education Program Supervisor for Science Merrie Gerlie Capiral, PSDS in Charge Dr. Roniko C. Natividad, Engr. Jhunred Tambis, School Head Dr. Wayne Nichol Fabonan, faculty members and parents also attended the event. The activity was also assisted by 2025 Nobel Prize Teacher Summit Scholar Monette B. Gania.

According to officials of the school, the inauguration not only cements its commitment to fostering a culture of inquiry, discovery, and scientific excellence, but also inspires its learners ‘to dream big and reach beyond boundaries.’

For the school, the Nobel Prize Science Hub stands as a beacon of hope, an emblem of intellectual curiosity, and a powerful testament to the transformative role of education in shaping the future: ‘As the very first of its kind in the country, it will serve as a hub of inspiration, a platform for groundbreaking ideas, and a nurturing space for the young minds who will become scientists, innovators, and changemakers of tomorrow.’

From the embassy’s purview, the event was ‘more than just an inauguration; it is the beginning of a legacy.of curiosity, courage, and creativity that will empower Filipino learners to rise to the challenge of a rapidly changing world.’

Tuesday Vargas, who’s carved a career as a comedian, host, and actor, returns to her musical roots with the High Targets band on Saturday, October 18, at My Bro’s Mustache in Quezon City.

Popping out in 1998 as the new female vocalist of Put3ska after Myra Ruaro left to establish her solo career, though she had a short-lived stint, Tuesday showed she’s a rude girl to the core-being able to maintain the upbeat energy and infectious danceable musicality that fans loved about the country’s top ska band.

After leaving the band, she never really stopped performing and has even recorded two solo tracks leaning on the pop novelty genre.

Lately, the high-energy performer has temporarily shelved her solo acts in place of performing with the six-man band High Targets, which comes complete with its horn players.

There’s something delightful about playing her kind of music, Tuesday said in an interview with BusinessMirror. ‘I find it pleasantly surprising when the audience relates to us and moves with us. Nobody has been doing indie pop, city pop, ska, reggae, Citi pop-anything with a horn section-which inspired me to reintroduce myself performing these music genres.

‘We’re able to cut across all ages. It’s a good feeling to see that even the Gen Zs are pleasantly surprised by our music.’

Tuesday, who has been open about her mental struggles, also finds solace in singing and performing. Diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome and ADHD at age 12, she admits that her condition makes it difficult to interact in social situations. ‘I fear that I’m not equipped to sugarcoat things, which is often interpreted by others as being rude or sarcastic.’

Asperger’s Syndrome is a developmental disorder considered within the autism spectrum disorder. According to WebMD.com, the term, however, is no longer used as a medical diagnosis. Instead, what is considered are the three levels of autism, ranging from Level 1 to Level 2, depending on the person’s need for support. But like Tuesday, those with Asperger’s find it challenging to sustain social interactions.

The Mayo Clinic, on the other hand, describes ADHD, or Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, as ‘a long-term condition that affects millions of children. It often continues into adulthood. ADHD includes a mix of ongoing problems. These can include having a hard time paying attention, being hyperactive, and being impulsive.’

But with lifestyle adjustments and strategies, along with proper medical attention and prescribed therapies, these lifelong developmental disorders can be managed.

For Tuesday, performing onstage has helped her cope with her conditions: ‘Singing has motivated me to focus on memorizing songs, and the movement during a performance has helped balance my dopamine level. Rather than being triggered with obsession, music calms me down and helps me regulate my emotions better.

‘On stage, I am obliged to relate to people, and it pushes me out of my comfort zone. Music is also meditative, especially when I’m composing songs, because it gives me time to sit down, reflect, and put my thoughts into writing.’

Rock of steadiness

On her social media handles, Tuesday is also turning out to be an inadvertent poster girl for mental health awareness.

It all started just a couple of months ago when she would speak to her audience about the topic, encouraging them to recognize their conditions, seek medical attention and support groups, while sharing her own struggles and how she’s managing to overcome them.

Flooded by comments from followers, Tuesday gets a lot of thank-you’s for speaking about what is still considered a difficult conversation by many.

‘I’ve been getting a lot of messages from friends and strangers seeking advice on how to cope with their mental health concerns. I realized there’s an unaddressed community out there that continues to seek support from others. And so, I thought rather than reply to them individually, why not just use my platform to share what I’ve been through and whatever personal knowledge I have.’

The musical artist, however, also stresses that her content is meant to encourage people to practice self-care: ‘I would encourage people to understand that what they’re going through has a medical explanation. It’s not entirely hopeless.

‘The world we live in is very demanding. It’s easy to be human, but difficult to be humane. It’s doubly hard for neurodivergents. But I do feel there’s a host of things that we can do for self-regulation. We have the capacity to step out of the way we handle things.

Tuesday advises, ‘Mental health is a part of health care, and it should be a priority. You will be with yourself the longest, so you have to take care of yourself. If people open their eyes to self-care awareness, perhaps we can all better relate to each other as people.’

This Saturday, October 18, step out as the mighty, mighty Tuesday Vargas and High Targets will launch their eight-song album. My Bro’s Mustache is located at 68 Scout Tuazon Street, Diliman, Quezon City. Skanking starts at 8:30 p.m.

Every vacation has an energy level attached to it. There are trips meant for discovery, when taking 20,000 steps a day is nothing just get to know a new place. Then there are breaks that are taken for exactly that reason: to get complete rest, to ‘unplug’ and to expend very little energy. Everything is close by, and all you have to do is pick from choices within arm’s reach.

A recent trip to Clark in Pampanga allowed us to experience the latter. We checked-in at Swissôtel Clark Hotel, dined, got pampered, and dined some more – all without having to leave the hotel’s vicinity. Swissôtel is one of our favorites in the Freeport Zone because of its modern, spacious rooms. We’ve had the pleasure of staying here several times and we discover something new every time. A staple in our stays is the buffet breakfast at Markt, where a considerable spread includes Filipino and Chinese dishes, noodles, salad, plenty of pastries, and even ice cream.

Not to be outdone for breakfast is Go-Ji at Clark Marriott Hotel, which is only a 10-minute walk from Swissôtel. The two hotels are part of the Hann Casino Resort’s contiguous 11-hectare complex in Clark where the Widus Hotel is also located, making it easy for guests to access the dining, entertainment, and shopping offerings of all brands.

We experienced the benefits of Hann’s walkable layout. We dined at Marriott’s Wu Xing, a Chinese restaurant that offers modern Cantonese specialties, such as its must-try Roasted Beijing Duck, Homemade Tofu in Abalone Sauce, Roasted Pork Belly, and Wok-Fried Prawn. We ended lunch just in time to check in at Swissôtel, take an afternoon nap, and freshen up for dinner at Smoki Moto, a quaint restaurant bar that is known for its Korean specialties. We literally saw Clark’s skyline transform from night to day from this establishment’s 17th-floor perch at the Marriott.

Both Smoki Moto’s romantic interiors and the evening views it affords guests of Clark are must-sees. Dishes we were able to enjoy include the Kinchi Jeongol (pork and kimchi hotpot), Iberico Pork, Australian Wagyu Porterhouse, Sushi and Sashimi Platter, and plenty of side dishes such as the unforgettable Buttercream Sweetcorn. We also tried some of the signature Smoki Moto cocktails, such as the Gin Thriller, Rum Eclipse, and Vodka Range.

When we were in town for race weekends of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Philippine Cup, we were also invited to dine at the hotel’s Italian outlet, Ristorante Di Verona. Our favorites from these festive occasions are Insalata Mista (green salad with seared tuna), Dentice Al Forno (baked snapper fish), Pistacchiosa (pizza with pistachio, parmesan cheeses, taleggio, mortadella), Tonno Grigliato (grilled tuna), and the Filetto Di Manzo Alla Griglia (US Angus striploin).

Just before we retreated to our rooms, we made one last stop: Swissôtel’s Purovel Spa and Sport for a massage. The place perfectly completes your experience of the complex, from its busy dining spaces to a serene, calming space. Therapeutic treatments are based on Swiss techniques and guests are made to choose from a range of fragrant essential oils to further curate the experience. After the massage, we were invited to wind down in another room over some biscuits and tea. For guests always on the go, they can access Purovel’s exercise rooms, an aquamarine infinity pool, and thermal suites.

Hann Resorts Vice President of Real Estate and Property Development Agnes ‘Neki’ Liwanag explained that the group is continuously building a place where people can ‘walk without having to leave the property.’

She maintained, ‘We want to create an experience (where) the main goal (is for our guests to have) good memories, moments to remember,’ Liwanag shared. ‘We want to focus on innovation. We always want to create something different.’ The executive added that guests can look forward to a Novotel property that will rise behind the current Hann compound, the group’s response to the increasing demand for more hotel rooms in the area, especially amid steadily growing MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) requirements.

The complex, as well as an upcoming 450-hectare property called Hann Reserve, is the brainchild of Hann Group CEO Dae Sik Han. The businessman used to be in the construction and cement industry business in South Korea and has since focused his interests in the Philippines, beginning with the Widus Hotel Clark that opened in 2008.

Built around an integrated resort concept with offerings such as an 18-hole golf course, an international school, the Intercontinental Clark, premium residences, a retail area, and a 10-hectare public park, Liwanag said that Hann Reserve is envisioned to be a place where the company’s guests can enjoy nature and calm down – a step down from the tempo of Hann Resort. Guests may experience both locations with ease, as they are a mere 15- to 20-minute drive from each other.

So, if you have not yet, try a purely restful vacation – one that allows your body and mind do less. Aside from hotels, spots like nature spas and beach resorts make for good places to recharge by doing very little. They say that if we do not choose a day to rest, our body will choose it for us. Be proactive and allow yourself time to be pampered, be lazy, celebrate with good eats – and do it all over again the next day.