Mapúa University champions efforts to address PH ‘soft skills’ gap highlighted by PIDS study

Soft skills have become more critical than ever in today’s era of AI (artificial intelligence) and digital transformation.

“Technical skills will get you hired, but soft skills will keep you employed and help you rise,” Dr. Bonifacio T. Doma Jr., executive vice president for International Alliances and Cintana partnership director of Mapúa University, declared.

A 2024 study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), revealed that Filipino workers often lack essential soft skills such as adaptability, collaboration, and critical thinking. The study emphasized that soft skills, also called Transversal Competencies (TVC), are becoming increasingly vital in the 21st century workplace. The study calls for equipping educators with tools and resources to effectively integrate TVCs into the curricula and learning activities.

Welcome to the Earth Kingdom. Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 2 is coming in 2026.

The Gaang is back!

Netflix unveiled the Official Teaser and First Look photos for the highly-anticipated return of Avatar: The Last Airbender. The teaser showcases fan-favorite and master Earthbender, Toph (Miya Cech), the newest member of Team Avatar including Aang (Gordon Cormier), Katara (Kiawentiio) and Sokka (Ian Ousley) and more!

While we wait, here are more first look photos from season 2!

A. O. Smith Corporation: A 150-Year-Old American Water Technology Leader Strengthening Its Presence in the Philippines

A. O. Smith Corporation (NYSE: AOS), a 150-year-old American brand and a global leader in water heating and water treatment solutions, continues to expand its presence in the Philippines, a market it has served for 26 years since 1999.

Founded in 1874, A. O. Smith began as a small machine shop in Milwaukee and has since evolved into one of the world’s most respected names in water heating technology. Its long-standing heritage is built on engineering innovation, reliability, and superior product performance. Today, A. O. Smith employs more than 12,700 individuals across operations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, China, India, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, with a broad product portfolio that includes water heating products, water treatment products, and air purifiers. A. O. Smith’s products are marketed in more than 60 countries around the world.

Real or Not—A Tesla Cybertruck Giveaway at the Next Smartphone Launch?

Could this be the ultimate giveaway? The next smartphone launch has everyone talking. 

Leading global AI smart devices provider HONOR Philippines is once again setting the tech community abuzz after teasing what could be one of the boldest smartphone launch surprises yet—a Tesla Cybertruck possibly up for grabs. If confirmed, it would be a bold statement of the brand’s fearless approach to innovation and engagement. 

Comedy superstars Paul Rudd and Jack Black are let loose deep in the Amazon jungle in “Anaconda”

In PH cinemas Jan 8

One of the core components for co-writer Kevin Etten and co-writer-director Tom Gornician in making the comedy adventure Anaconda is getting actors who can face a truly terrifying situation while still keeping things fun.  “Tom and I have done this kind of ‘comedy under duress’ before, in which we take people who are wildly unequipped to handle the situations in which they land. We throw the craziest obstacles at them, and let them be idiots, while letting them play the real fear of the situation. We wanted to stay as far away as we could from winking at the danger and not feeling the stakes, and to feel as real as possible,” Etten explains.

They felt that they truly hit the jackpot with Jack Black and Paul Rudd, with Thandiwe Newton, Steve Zahn, Daniela Melchior and Selton Mello to support them. “Jack, Paul, Thandiwe, Steve, Selton, and Daniela all have such great comedic instincts,” Etten continues. “They always played it real but knew how to tweak that just a little bit to get a big laugh.”

#AcerTahanan: SB19’s Guide to a Brighter Digital Home

SB19 takes us on a Kaohsiung tour in #AcerTahanan MV

They say home is where the heart is, but it's also your safe place you'd want to return to after being away. In this ever-changing world, where technological advancements are rapid and people are always glued to their screens, they still long for home.

This season, Acer is that tahanan, the Tagalog word for home, rooted in "tahan," meaning "be comforted" or "be at peace." Digitally, Acer Aking Tahanan is a space of warmth, creativity, and togetherness. Through technology that adapts, empowers, and feels personal, Acer helps make every moment a homecoming.

Celebrating Kasambahays as Palawan Group and JCI Senate Honor Trusted Support of Filipino Households

The KK Awards marked a decade of celebrating kasambahays whose everyday efforts strengthen the foundation of Filipino families.

Now in its 10th year, the Kasambahay, Kasambuhay Awards (KK Awards) honored the dedication of Filipino household workers who help keep homes and families strong. A joint initiative of the Palawan Group of Companies and JCI Senate Philippines, the program reflects a shared commitment to uplifting everyday Filipinos and recognizing the vital role kasambahays play in building stronger communities. This year’s ceremony brought together kasambahays, their employers, and their families in a heartfelt celebration of service and commitment.

Run with Signify: Taking Action for Sustainability at Takbo Para sa Kalikasan Earth Run

On December 14, 2025, Signify Philippines proudly joined the Takbo Para sa Kalikasan Earth Run held at the Quirino Grandstand, bringing together participants who ran not only for fitness but for a shared commitment to protecting the planet. More than a run, the activity reinforced Signify’s belief that sustainability begins with collective action.

As part of the initiative, Signify employees also participated in a tree planting activity, directly contributing to environmental restoration and biodiversity protection. Each step taken during the run symbolized Signify’s continued journey toward creating a more sustainable and resilient future for communities and the environment.

A Musical Homecoming: SB19 and Acer Team Up for the Heartwarming #AcerTahanan Campaign

SB19 takes us on a Kaohsiung tour in #AcerTahanan MV

They say home is where the heart is, but it's also your safe place you'd want to return to after being away. In this ever-changing world, where technological advancements are rapid and people are always glued to their screens, they still long for home.

This season, Acer is that tahanan, the Tagalog word for home, rooted in "tahan," meaning "be comforted" or "be at peace." Digitally, Acer Aking Tahanan is a space of warmth, creativity, and togetherness. Through technology that adapts, empowers, and feels personal, Acer helps make every moment a homecoming.

Trailer for “Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard And Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D),” directed by James Cameron and Eilish, available now!

Experience the concert film only in cinemas MARCH 20 

She changed music. He changed movies. Together they’ll reinvent the concert experience now in 3D. Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard And Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D), directed by Academy Award winner James Cameron together with Eilish, herself an Academy Award winner and also a Grammy winner, opens only in cinemas on March 20, 2026.