DOST-PTRI to Launch ONWARD, Pushing Nonwoven Textiles Toward Sustainable Manufacturing and Industrial Use

Manila, Philippines — The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) is set to launch ONWARD: Philippine Nonwoven Textile Innovation on July 1, 2026, at the SM North EDSA Annex Atrium, introducing nonwoven textiles developed through specialized machines and facilities to advance sustainable, natural fiber–based alternatives to synthetic plastics across a wide range of applications.

The launch sets a new direction for the Philippine textile industry, expanding beyond traditional woven fabrics and positioning nonwovens as a scalable response to environmental and climate challenges. This direction responds to findings from the Center for International Environmental Law, which notes that plastic-related emissions occur across the entire product lifecycle, from raw material extraction to disposal — the dependence that natural fiber–based nonwovens are designed to reduce.

“We have already established ourselves in woven materials, and now we want to leverage sustainability and technical innovation, and nonwovens are the perfect fit,” said Dr. Julius L. Leaño Jr., Director IV of DOST-PTRI. “The focus is on creating greater value, achieving larger-scale production, and expanding applications beyond traditional woven products and apparel.”

Open to the public, the launch will feature an exhibition and expert discussions led by DOST-PTRI and its development partners, highlighting how agricultural resources such as banana pseudostems, pineapple leaves, bamboo, water hyacinth, and other locally available materials can be engineered into high-performance nonwoven products.

Nonwoven textiles differ from conventional fabrics in that they are produced by directly bonding or interlocking fibers through mechanical, thermal, or chemical processes. This enables faster production, functional versatility, and broader industrial applications. While often unnoticed, nonwoven materials are widely used in everyday products such as face masks, wipes, automotive interiors, footwear components, filtration systems, medical supplies, and construction materials.

Central to the initiative are DOST-PTRI's natural textile fiber-based nonwovens, developed using technologies composed of more than 75 percent natural textile fibers. These materials demonstrate how high natural fiber content can deliver functional and durable alternatives while reducing dependence on petroleum-based plastics and supporting circular manufacturing goals.

The exhibition will showcase nonwoven materials produced through drylaid, wetlaid, airlaid, and spunlaid processes, demonstrating their durability, adaptability, and suitability for diverse performance requirements. Applications on display span transportation, furniture and interiors, construction, healthcare, fashion, accessories, agriculture, and infrastructure—highlighting the technology’s market potential beyond traditional textile uses.

ONWARD also highlights DOST-PTRI’s collaborations with local development partners, including Sarao Motors, Inc., Creative Definitions, Base Bahay Foundation, Inc., Jed Yabut Furniture & Design, Junknot, Fivecent Global Corporation, the Fashion Accessory Makers of the Philippines, and Renz Reyes, reflecting the growing interest in nonwoven technology across sectors.

“ONWARD is our new development in textiles and a new chapter in Filipino fabrics. We hope it will be given the space and support it deserves,” Dr. Leaño added as he called on the public to support this emerging innovation in textile science.

ONWARD brings together textile science and sustainable design, signaling a strategic shift toward resilient and environmentally responsible manufacturing that positions nonwoven technology as a key driver of the Philippine textile industry’s future.

The public, industry stakeholders, and design professionals are invited to witness the launch on July 1, 2026, at the SM North EDSA Annex Atrium, which serves as the venue partner. The exhibition will run until July 2, 2026.

For more information on ONWARD: Philippine Nonwoven Textile Innovation, visit ptri.dost.gov.ph/ or facebook.com/ptri.dost.

The Manila Hotel joins Manila Restaurant Week from Sept. 20 to 27

Great food and great company are two of life’s simplest pleasures. So mark your calendars and get ready to feast on scrumptious food as The Manila Hotel’s famed Café Ilang-Ilang participates in Manila Restaurant Week happening from September 20 to 27, 2020.

Indulge in a choice of starters like the savory Spinach-Ricotta Ravioli in light Parmesan Cream Sauce or Pomelo-Prawns Lumpia in Calamansi Honey Dressing; the main course of sumptuous Beef Tenderloin in Balsamic glaze with marble potato and market vegetables or Pampano cooked in Tandoori Oven with Peas Pilaf rice and stir-fried Asian vegetables; and dessert of Fresh Fruits Salad with Ube ice cream or Mango Panna cotta as dessert. The starter-main-dessert set is offered at only P980 net per person, but cannot be availed of in conjunction with other promos or discounts.

Manila Restaurant Week is an event under the “Manila, Support Local” Campaign, launched by the Bureau of Permits and City Government of Manila. The city-wide project aims to promote local food establishments in Manila that have been affected by the COVID-19 crisis. About 80 restaurants will be offering prix fixe menus at affordable prices during Manila Restaurant Week.

Launched on September 15, The Manila Hotel played one of the hosts of the multi-venue simultaneous kick-off, which was live-streamed on social media platforms. The other hosts were Bayleaf Hotel, Lucky China Town Mall, and Robinsons Place Ermita. The virtual launch was marked by an online performance of Lea Salonga who sang her new single, “Dream Again,” the official theme song of the campaign.

“I believe we can do a lot in restoring the City of Manila back to its former glory under the leadership of Mayor Isko Moreno. We in the private sectors will always support you in this very worthwhile undertaking. Soon, Manila will be great again,” said Atty. Joey Lina, The Manila Hotel President, in his opening remarks during the launch.

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and Vice Mayor Honey Lacuña gave their respective speeches before checking the 11 restaurants that showcased their dishes at The Manila Hotel’s Roma Salon—namely Café Ilang-Ilang, Century Park Hotel, Scorched, Golden Fortune, Luneta Park Hotel, Ilustrado, Tanabe, Jus & Jerrys, Patio de Conchita, Pares Kimchi, and Harbor View—and visiting the other venues, which was watched by thousands via live stream.

The Manila Hotel and all its outlets operate in strict compliance with health protocols, so our guests are assured of the highest standards of food safety and sanitation measures in accordance with the government guidelines.

For more information, you may check us out on Facebook or Instagram (@TheManilaHotel), or call 85270011 or 09989501912. For reservations, email resvn@themanilahotel.com.

Lung Center of the Philippines launches 155225 LCP-OPD hotline

The Lung Center of the Philippines (LCP) today launched its emergency OPD consultation number 155225 dedicated for COVID-19-related concerns and cases. 

Through PLDT Enterprise, the Lung Center of the Philippines deployed the said emergency hotline to provide health assistance and consultations to Filipinos experiencing COVID-19 related symptoms, Asthma, COPD, Bronchiectasis, and Tuberculosis without them needing to personally visit the hospital. 

"With this partnership, we aim to support the initiatives of the Lung Center of the Philippines in battling the COVID-19 pandemic so they can efficiently provide timely medical assistance to our fellow countrymen," said Jovy Hernandez, ePLDT President & CEO and SVP & Head for PLDT and Smart Enterprise Business Groups. 

The hotline was established in line with the designated COVID-19 referral center’s response initiatives against COVID-19. Recently, the Lung Center of the Philippines launched its own “COVID AskForce” which is its online portal for all inquiries regarding the novel coronavirus with over 600 volunteer doctors.

“By having an emergency hotline, we can quickly give out necessary health information to Filipinos needing medical attention if they suspect of having COVID-19 or know someone experiencing possible symptoms,” said Dr. Jessica Catalan-Legarda, Supervising Head of LCP OPD Hotline of the Lung Center of the Philippines. “This also helps us manage our frontlines in extending immediate health assistance and care to those who need it the most.”

The 155225 LCP-OPD hotline, which will operate from 8am to 5pm, is also a channel through which the Lung Center of the Philippines can accept donations such as personal protective equipment (PPE) and other medical supplies.

Mapúa University holds free graphics, animation webinars

Mapúa University conducted several free web-based seminars or webinars on graphics, animation, and video to help students make their enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) experience more productive.

Organized by the Mapúa University School of Media Studies (SMS), a total of 168 participants joined the webinars on graphic design appreciation, motion graphics, and multimedia video.

Organized by the Mapúa University School of Media Studies (SMS), a total of 168 participants joined the webinars on graphic design appreciation, motion graphics, and multimedia video.

According to Mapúa SMS Dean Benigno Agapito Jr., the school is also planning to conduct an online film forum.

Agapito said that the proposed forum

will focus on film screening, with film

talk and discussion of narrative film, documentary films, and experimental

films. Respected filmmakers will conduct the talk/discussion.

“This is also free, as SMS response to the pandemic, to make the ‘stay home’ experience of our kababayans more productive,” he added.

Transportify Business Program Benefits

Transportify Philippines is always more than just your average logistics service provider. Not only are our services reliable, affordable, and very accessible through the Transportify delivery mobile app, but we also offer Transportify Business Program to assist small-to-medium entrepreneurs in need of third-party logistics delivery in the Philippines. Because Transportify always tries to do more, our Business Program does not only provide logistics assistance, but also offers additional benefits.

Easy enrollment

Right up front, clients will experience the first Transportify Business Program benefit: a super easy, superfast, and super convenient enrollment. Without a need for enrollment fee and personal interviews, small-to-medium entrepreneurs can enroll their businesses under the Transportify Business Program.

Daily live customer support

We know that business owners are busy bees all throughout the week, and that is why we offer live customer support even on weekends. Transportify’s live customer support will be open for business clients from 6 AM to 10 PM daily.

Pre-pay and post-pay choices

Do you prefer pre-pay over post-pay, or post-pay over pre-pay? No worries! Transportify Business Program clients who want to monitor their monthly spending can choose the pre-payment method and those who like to manage their cash flow can choose the post-payment method.

COD and POD services

Because Transportify Business Program is especially designed for deliveries involving business transactions, our program offers Cash on Delivery (COD) and Proof of Delivery (POD) documents and services.

Warranty policy

Feel worry-free! Our Business Program guarantees that any item that got lost, damaged, or stolen during pickup, transportation, and delivery during a Transportify booking is subject to our Warranty Policy.

Business-trained drivers

Transportify delivery driver partners assigned to Business Program clients are trained to handle COD and POD services. You can also select which driver partner you prefer delivering your products.

Referral bonus

Know somebody who needs Transportify’s third-party logistics services? Our enrolled Business Program clients can refer another business to us! Moreover, clients can and get a big referral bonus after the referred customer’s tenth completed booking.

Extended coverage area

Select up to 10 drop-off destinations! Transportify Business Program clients may select up to 10 drop-off destinations per bookings and enjoy extended coverage area privileges.

Would you like to learn more? Feel free to contact our customer service representative for more information about our Transportify Business Program. 

Transportify: New Customer & Driver Chat App Feature

Manila, Philippines -- As Manila’s smartest logistics provider, Transportify App continues to create and add improvements not only to our web and mobile application, but also to the services we offer. We are proud to announce another addition to our user-experience enhancements: the new Customer & Driver Chat App Feature!

What It Is

The new Customer & Driver Chat app feature allows customers and Transportify delivery driver partners to chat real time. Before, only the customer service chat is available for both users and drivers. Back then, if the user needs to ask the driver something, the user has to contact the customer service so the customer service could then ask the driver and vice versa. Now, both the user and driver have direct contact to each other, making the communication faster and the transaction smoother than before.

How It Works

How can users chat with delivery driver partners in real time? Easy! For mobile app users, you can find the Customer & Driver Chat button under your upcoming bookings where you can see the driver’s info. There, you will see a phone icon inside a dialogue balloon beside the driver’s picture. For web apps, you can see the Driver-Chat button on the lower left-hand corner of your computer screen. Just click the button and a chat box will pop up where you can send chat messages directly to your assigned driver partner. With the Customer & Driver Chat button, you can track and trace your package in another way aside from using the Transportify fast track courier feature.

User App and Driver App Updates

To find the Customer & Driver Chat App in your Transportify web and mobile app for delivery service, you have to download the application update. The Customer & Driver Chat button will be visible in your Transportify web and mobile app after you download the application update. When you click this button, you will find the option to send a chat message to the driver or the customer service representative. You can also directly call either the driver or the customer service representative. We retained the customer service chat and call options so users can still ask inquiries that are not within the driver’s job or knowledge.

Booking with Transportify is now even more convenient and more seamless! To enjoy the Customer & Driver Chat app feature, download the Transportify App update now!

Escape the Ordinary this February on GEM

Philippines, 27 January 2018 – An unexpected new student changes the lives of her classmates in Back to School at 35. Strangers throw boring routine out the window in the reality show Grab the Chance. Finally, cute and extraordinary robots help their owners change their lifestyles for the better in Koshoku Robot.

Back to School at 35

A new student arrives at Kunikida High School, but the gorgeous woman is not what she seems. Ayako Baba (Ryoko Yonekura) joins the third-year class as the students’ new classmates, which leaves them wondering about the intentions of this 35-year-old woman who is back in high school. While something is not quite right about her, Baba deals with issues like bullying and truancy. Just what is Baba’s true identity and motive? Will she survive high school and confront her secret past?

Back to School at 35 premieres February 5, Mondays and Tuesdays at 9PM.

Grab the Chance

Have you always wanted to take the leap from the world’s highest bungee jump in Macau? What about swimming with the dolphins in Hawaii? Maybe even skydiving? This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity could just be waiting for you on the corner of the street! Can you decide on the spot when presented the opportunity and grab the chance to change your life?

Grab the Chance premieres February 12, Mondays at 10.10PM.

Koshoku Robot

At the 0 X Food Company chain store, a customer can exchange points for a 25-centimeter tall robot that will assist with their dietary needs. Follow the trio of these robots, Ottori (Hikaru Yaotome), Mujaki (Yuya Takaki), Yancha (Daiki Arioka), who have distinctively different owners as they are matched to suit and support their owners’ dietary and lifestyle needs. Watch their cute interactions as they make sure that their owners eat and no longer be lonely!

Koshoku Robot premieres February 21, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9PM.

GEM is available on SKYCable Channel 116 in Metro Manila and on Channel 222 in Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, Iloilo, and Baguio, as well as other cable operators nationwide.

Digital data authority compiles the most talked about stories in 2017

Manila – Now that we can easily identify what ticks the Filipinos interest through a study of the social media world, the internet landscape suddenly became the most important and most powerful tool that can spell the pulse of the market.

To highlight what the online platform can do to help businesses and all other sectors and industries, digital data authority Research and Tech Lab (RTL) sums up the five most trending topics that have caught the attention of millions of Filipinos this 2017.

With exactly 27, 273, 741 mentions all around the different social media platforms, MMFF2017 was the hottest topic ever discussed in Filipino social media pages. Nearly every netizen turned into movie critics and blockbuster gurus during the recent leg of the Metro Manila film festival. Undoubtedly, Filipinos’ number one mode of entertainment is movie time as more than 27 million people made sure that their insights will be heard and through their own little way influence how the movie industry will go moving forward.  

Who doesn’t love weddings? This is especially true with celebrity unions and all the fancy trimmings that come with it. For 2017, the most talked about nuptial were by Anne Curtis and husband Erwan Heussaff. #TheWanForAnne gathered 11, 930, 270 social media posts. Almost 12 million netizens took part in the celebration by sharing their well wishes and the most memorable parts of the union. These numbers made the Heussaff-Curtis wedding the second most talked about event in the history of 2017.

Next most trending topic for 2017 was none other than the prestigious Miss Universe competition. 11,818,084 netizens showed their support to the pageant and the Filipino candidate through social media. This only goes to show that the country can work for a sole cause especially in assisting the Philippine candidate clinch the coveted title.

The transformation of Xander Ford on the other hand, landed him as the fourth hottest topic last 2017. His bold decisions to introduce what he says as a better version of himself triggered the social media nation to give their support or their negative reaction. He generated a total of 10,598,130 posts. You can just imagine the vast impact of his transformation that more than 10 million people have to join the bandwagon and react on his actions.

Lastly, Coldplay Manila is on the fifth spot with 1,221,430 social media mentions. More than a million Filipino fans were busy flooding their pages with what we can consider the most popular concert in 2017.

From the five most trending issues of 2017, it can be concurred that culture and family values are still part of the activities that interest Filipinos. Spending quality time watching movies, seeing stories of happily ever after and showing of Filipino pride are just some of the everyday realities that uplift and entertains every Filipino.

ONE CHAMPIONSHIP AND GLOBAL CITIZEN TEAM UP TO END EXTREME POVERTY BY 2030

Singapore: The largest global sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), today announced a partnership with Global Citizen, an international advocacy organization with the goal of ending extreme poverty across the world by 2030.

The partnership launching at ONE’s upcoming event in Manila, Philippines on 26 January, will harness the power of ONE’s platform to engage millions of martial arts fans around the world to support initiatives and find solutions to the issues associated with extreme poverty. Global Citizen and ONE will collaborate across 24 live ONE events scheduled in 2018, and various outreach activations throughout Asia. Fans will have the opportunity to take action and engage with specific policy areas including, education, food security, hunger and nutrition, global health, gender equality and empowerment.

Chatri Sityodtong, Chairman and CEO of ONE Championship, said: “It is with great excitement that I announce ONE Championship’s partnership with Global Citizen, an NGO with the goal of ending extreme poverty across the world by the year 2030. Just like Global Citizen, ONE Championship aims to inspire the people of the world to come together to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges. Our ONE Championship athletes embody the spirit of perseverance and many have risen through poverty through martial arts, inspiring millions of people around the world with their journey. Through our collaboration across all 24 of our live events scheduled in 2018, ONE Championship and Global Citizen aim to affect positive movement in our society.”

Wei Soo, Co-Founder of Global Citizen, said: “We are thrilled to be joining forces with ONE Championship to bring Global Citizen to Asia. ONE Championship reaches millions of young people around the region and together we will engage them on issues that impact the entire world. Since we launched Global Citizen in 2012, over 13 million actions have been taken, and we are excited to drive more actions and increase our impact for the world’s most marginalized people through this partnership.”

The first action ONE fans can take will be centred on global education. Fans will be able to call on donor countries such as Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and India, to attend the Global Partnership for Education’s (GPE) replenishment conference in Dakar, Senegal on 2 February 2018, and make a commitment to GPE to support better education for all. Currently, 264 million children around the world are missing out on an education. Over half are girls, and over 75 million have had their schooling disrupted by conflict or natural disasters. At the replenishment conference, the GPE will raise much needed funds that will allow it to continue to support quality, inclusive education to hundreds of millions of children around the world.

Headquartered in New York with offices in Canada, Australia, Germany, and the United Kingdom, Global Citizen was founded in 2012 with the goal of building the largest platform where people can learn about issues, take action on what matters most, and join a global movement working to end extreme poverty by 2030. Since then, millions of Global Citizens around the world have taken over ten million actions, which includes millions of emails, tweets, petition signatures, and phone calls targeting world leaders to end extreme poverty by 2030. To date, the actions by Global Citizen’s global community, along with its high-level advocacy efforts and various partners, have resulted in 130 commitments and policy announcements from leaders, including financial aid valued at over US $35-billion, that is set to affect the lives of over 1.3 billion people.

Sony Channel Elevates Women’s Lifestyle in S Block 2017

PHILIPPINES (November 13, 2017) – Sony Channel’s S-Block 2017 event treated the modern woman to two days of pampering for three weeks in an expo for working ladies that featured activity booths, stage games, raffle prizes, freebies, and a variety of other fun-filled activities.

This year, the event was held on September 28-29 at Science Hub 2 in McKinley Hill, Taguig City, on October 12-13 at Ayala Technohub in Commonwealth, Quezon City, and on October 26-27 at Central Plaza, Eastwood City Walk in Libis, Quezon City.

The activities were divided into four blocks, representing women’s interests to personalize services to thousands of attendees who made time to enjoy the event. At the Beauty & Pampering Block, activities included eyebrow grooming, express makeup makeover and massage service, and skin and beauty consultation. At the Fashion & Styling Block, fashion experts gave one-one-one consultations on personal styling from day to night and from work to leisure activities.

For the health-conscious, the Health & Wellness block provided fitness assessments, tips on the latest workout and health trends, and alternative food preparation such as nutritious and yummy food delivery. Finally, women were treated to calligraphy lessons, travel and adventure advice, and tarot card reading at the Hobby & Leisure Block.

After a whirlwind of whole day activities, women were treated to a wine-down, a time to enjoy the cool (or hot) night where drinks were served.

Sony Channel S Block 2017 was made possible in partnership with AXA, Kamillosan M Spray Solution, Mentos, Nissin Ramen, and Kopiko.

AXN University Challenge 2017: The World’s First University Obstacle Sports Competition

PHILIPPINES (November 13, 2017) – The toughest college students showed what they’ve got at the 6th AXN University Challenge. Under the event, AXN mounted the world’s first university obstacle sports competition which was held in cooperation with the country’s top universities in Metro Manila from September to October 2017.

For four days, participating college students proved their competitive determination as individuals and as teams of three to overcome a series of physical challenges which tested their speed, agility, and endurance.

The first leg of the competition kicked off on September 29 at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, with the succeeding legs held on October 6 at National University (NU), October 13 at De La Salle University (DLSU), and October 25 at University of Santo Tomas (UST).

Each leg featured eight obstacle courses, namely: AXN Wall Under and Wall Through, Mitsubishi Mirage Wall Climb, Shakey’s Box Jumps, Mentos Log Carry, Tire Flip, Mogu Mogu Slippery Wall, and Monkey Bars.

Three sets of winners were proclaimed, one for the team challenge and two for the individual challenges, male and female categories, wherein they received cash prizes as well as AXN and sponsors’ loot bags. AXN University Challenge 2017 medals were also awarded to each of the top winners in each category.

Now on its sixth year, the annual varsity challenge is in partnership with Pilipinas Obstacle Sports Federation (POSF). With the theme “UNITE AND CONQUER”, this year’s edition aims to provide the opportunity for students to showcase their athletic abilities and display their leadership skills and teamwork while under pressure in a challenging and competitive environment.

AXN University Challenge 2017 was sponsored by Shakey’s, Mitsubishi Mirage, Mentos, and  Mogu Mogu. Special thanks to event marketing partners Pascual Creamy Delight, Pik-Nik, Kettle Korn, and Gatorade. 

Teams sail to Manila Bay for APAC’s Regional Gauntlet

The Regional Qualifier and Regional Finals teams are headed to Manila Bay! From October 26th to 29th, the SMX Convention Center in Manila, Philippines will host a grand LAN for their Regional events.

Similar to EMEA, the Regional Finals will play host to sixteen of the top teams in the APAC region for Dota 2 and CS:GO. Starting with the Regional Qualifier, teams will fight through a grueling gauntlet to reach the Regional Finals. Seven invited pro teams will compete in the Regional Finals per game title, while one team will earn their spot via the Regional Qualifier!

Only two teams will have the opportunity to sail ahead to the ROG MASTERS 2017 Grand Finals, while the rest will be left ashore in Manila Bay. They will be joined by the Regional Finals victors from AMERICAS, EMEA and CHINA. Six teams per game title will compete in a monumental battle of the ages. Ultimately one Dota 2 team and one CS:GO squad will be crowned the ROG MASTERS Champions!