NEWS
DEFTAC celebrates 3 decades of excellence, honors global champs
10:27 a.m. May 21, 2025
DEFTAC, Southeast Asia’s pioneering Brazilian jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts elite group, celebrated its three decades of excellence in the sport at the Hillton by honoring Filipino world and Asian champions, as well the people behind the organization and its contributors.
The world champs include Brielle Bartolome, Thiago Bartolome, Claudia Lepiten, Cheska Lepiten, Tessa Joson, Ali Joson, Tomas Joson, Ethan Ramos, Uno Ordona, Julian Santos, Franco del Pilar, Aielle Aguilar, Basti Dela Cruz, Althea Brion, Princess Reuma, and Yani Lopez.
The Asian champions include Alex Lee, Fierre Afan, Andrea Ocampo, Charlie Ratcliff, Annie Parungao, Lucas Aguilar, Miguel Gutierrez, Lucas Holganza, Joaquin Marte, Ella Olaso, Yani Lopez, and Abby Balisme.
“From humble beginnings to world-class achievements, we have stood together —disciplining bodies, sharpening minds, and building the strongest bonds of brotherhood,” DEFTAC founder Alvin Aguilar said.
“Thirty years on, we are not just celebrating our past — we are igniting the future,” Aguilar added.
The organization also honored its founding members, dedicated coaches and outstanding chapters.
High on the list of founding members who were honored and presented each with symbolic rings representing their affiliation and achievements were Alvin Lee, Joel Yaptinchay, Pichon Garcia, among others.
Lee is a 2nd-degree Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt and Chapter Head of DEFTAC Victoria Sports in Quezon City, while Yaptinchay is also a 2nd-degree Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt and Chapter Head of DEFTAC La Union.
Garcia, on the other hand, is a 3rd-degree Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt and Chapter Head of DEFTAC Daang Hari in Las Piñas.
The other founding members who were honored were Joel Lepiten (1st-degree Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt), Jerome Lepiten (Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, Founder of Little Foot Kids Jiu-Jitsu), Richard Lasprilla (2nd-degree Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, Chapter Head of DEFTAC Verde Pasig) and Chief Alvin Aguilar (4th-degree Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, Founder and Head Coach of DEFTAC).
Pichon Garcia and Joel Yaptinchay delivered heartfelt speeches reflecting on DEFTAC’s humble beginnings and growth over the past three decades.
The celebration at the Hillton hotel was highlighted by the induction into Hall of Fames of eight individuals recognized for their contributions to DEFTAC.
They are Annie Parungao (First Filipina MMA (IMMAF) World Champion) and Chris Hofmann (First URCC MMA 2-Division World Champion and AIMAG Belt Wrestling Bronze Medalist).
Other awardees are Richard Lasprilla (First URCC MMA Champion), Marcus Valda (Multiple SEA Games Gold Medalist in Wrestling, and DLSU Alumni Association Sports Achievement Awardee), Maybelline Masuda (First Filipino World Jiu-Jitsu Champion (IBJJF) and First homegrown Filipina Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt, and DLSU Alumni Association Sports Achievement Awardee), Fierre Afan (First Filipino Grappling World Champion (UWW) and First Filipino Grappling Asian Champion, UWW), Aisa Ratcliff (First Filipina Grappling Asian Champion, UWW), World Combat Games Bronze Medalist and Aielle Aguilar (First 5-year-old Filipino Jiu-Jitsu World Champion and 3-time Youngest Jiu-Jitsu World Champion).
Meanwhile, Richard Lasprilla and Maybelline Masuda shared inspiring messages highlighting their journeys and the impact of DEFTAC on their careers.
On the other hand, SPARK Awards (Recognizing Trailblazers) were given to individuals and groups that ignited change and inspired others within the DEFTAC community.
The awards were given to the following:
1. Ceriola Brothers (Justin, Anton, Gabriel & Enzo) – Pioneers of DEFTAC’s Kids Program
2. Aguilar Brothers (Liam, Lucas & Lucho) – Founding members of the country’s first Junior Grappling Team; DEFTAC HQ Coaches
3. Del Rosario Brothers (Gabriel & King) – Founding members of the country’s first Junior Grappling Team
4. Fierre Afan – Decorated champion in Jiu-Jitsu, Grappling, and Wrestling
5. Joaquin Marte – Spearheaded the revival of the DLSU Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Grappling Organization; Head Coach of DEFTAC Taekwondo Program
6. David Zaldariaga – Decorated champion from Iloilo; member of the country’s first Junior Grappling Team.
The Outstanding Chapters that were also recognized were DEFTAC chapters in Alabang, Antipolo, BF Homes, Cavite, Cebu, La Union, Makati, Deftac HQ, and Deftac Taguig.
The Most Valuable Coaches awards were given to mentors who have tirelessly trained and guided DEFTAC athletes, namely Mike Tabamo, Lester del Rosario, Joaquin Marte, Garrick Nayo, Alvin Lee, Bart Bartolome, Kyle Torente, Rommel Alejo, and Jimmy Angana.
Since its inception in 1995 and guided by Aguilar, DEFTAC has grown into Asia’s largest jiu-jitsu team, boasting over 52 gyms and 221 satellite training centers nationwide.
NEWS
Converge collaborates with volunteer groups to bring green initiatives, health services to Aeta community in Pampanga
10:11 a.m. February 6, 2026
LEADING fiber broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. recently engaged with an Aeta community in Angeles City, Pampanga, through a day of tree-planting and outreach activities aimed at creating lasting, positive impact at the grassroots level.
Working alongside socio-civic group The Fraternal Order of Eagles – Kandili Chapter and the all-women volunteer organization Inner Wheel Club of Taguig, Converge sowed 300 fruit bearing seedlings in the Sapangbato Watershed.
The initiative supports the local government’s watershed reforestation efforts while also helping strengthen the livelihood opportunities of farmers in the community.
After the tree planting, the said organizations also conducted a medical mission to bring essential health and dental services directly to residents. Members of the Inner Wheel Club of Taguig gave a health education session on proper oral hygiene, provided basic dental care services, and distributed hygiene kits to community members as part of the outreach.
In addition to these, Converge and the Philippine Eagles also distributed grocery packs, medicines and vitamins, including garments to help address the immediate needs of the families in Sitio Target, Sapangbato.
“This initiative reflects our shared goal of supporting communities in ways that respond to their needs. By working together with other organizations, we were able to do so much for the environment, for the people’s livelihoods, and also in promoting the health and well-being of the community, all in one meaningful effort,” said Converge VP and Head of Corporate Communications and Public Relations Jay-Anne Encarnado.
The engagement of Converge with Sitio Sapangbato builds on an earlier effort where 1,000 mandarin and coffee seedlings were sowed by its employees last year as part of its Women’s Month celebration, led by the mentors and mentees of its women’s leadership program, Grace Under Pressure: MentorSHE.
Overall, Converge planted a total of 4,700 seedlings for the watershed in 2025 in partnership with the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Angeles City, Pampanga.
The sustainability commitment of Converge includes a strong focus on creating positive community impact, which the company fulfills by engaging with marginalized communities through the capabilities of its business.
NEWS
Grab, MOVE IT strengthen on-trip protection with expanded COCOLIFE partnership
8:12 a.m. February 3, 2026
Grab Philippines and motorcycle taxi platform MOVE IT have expanded their emergency insurance support with COCOLIFE, widening hospital assistance and financial protection for both rider-partners and passengers in a bid to make coverage more accessible and comprehensive for users of the on-demand mobility services.
Through the deepened partnership, rider-partners and passengers gain 24/7 access to a wider network of more than 700 COCOLIFE-accredited hospitals nationwide for emergency situations involving a Grab or MOVE IT ride.
The expanded hospital assistance with COCOLIFE strengthens Grab Philippines and MOVE IT’s protection ecosystem by addressing the most time-critical gap in on-trip incidents: emergency care and hospitalization support for both rider-partners and passengers.
It is designed to complement existing coverage across the platforms. Grab and MOVE IT’s group personal accident insurance, administered through AIG Philippines, continues to provide complimentary on-trip protection for fatal injuries, permanent disablement, and accident-related medical expenses for passengers and partners, while AXA-backed life and disability protection remains an incentive-based benefit for top-performing driver-, delivery-, and rider-partners.
“Safety and protection have to keep evolving with the realities our partners and passengers face every day,” said Ronald Roda, Managing Director of Grab Philippines. “This expanded support with COCOLIFE builds on our work to strengthen welfare protection in the gig economy. Grab and MOVE IT remain committed to the people who make every trip possible, and to the passengers who place their trust in us with every booking. We’ll keep investing in stronger safety nets so partners can keep earning with confidence, and passengers can ride with greater peace of mind.”
Under the expanded coverage, Grab and MOVE IT riders and passengers nationwide are entitled to hospital assistance for accidents that occur while a trip is active on the platform. The policy provides up to P50,000 per member per year to help cover essential accident-related healthcare costs, with benefits available for emergency room, inpatient, and outpatient services across COCOLIFE’s accredited hospital network nationwide – with additional assistance available subject to case assessment.
NEWS
TCL shines at 61st Anvil Awards, securing 4 major honors
3:05 p.m. January 30, 2026
TCL Electronics, the Triple Global Top 1 TV Brand, a leading force in consumer electronics, and the No.1 ranking in global fresh air AC sales, has achieved four recognitions at the recently concluded 61st Anvil Awards Gabi ng Parangal held last January 28 at Solaire Resort, North Quezon City.
Marking a historic milestone, TCL secured its first-ever Anvil trophies, officially placing the brand among the country’s top communicators and demonstrating its excellence in press relations, marketing, and technology.
The Anvil Awards received by TCL highlights how the brand combines innovation, social impact, and strategic communication to deliver meaningful results. The TCL-TESDA Air Conditioning Training Program, which earned top marks in both Good Governance and Government Relations got Gold and Silver awards, the TCL x Olympic Basketball Project, which gained recognition in CSR bagging a Silver award and finally the TCL FreshIN 3.0 Campaign which won in Marketing and Brand Communication got Silver award.
“We are beyond honored to be recognized by the PRSP. Bringing home not just one, but four Anvil awards is a monumental achievement for us. We are absolutely grateful, yet deeply humbled to be among this year’s top-tier honorees. These awards inspire us to continue pushing boundaries, to innovate boldly, and to deliver initiatives that make a meaningful impact on our customers and communities,” TCL Brand Manager Joseph Cerntichez shares.
The 61st Anvil Awards recognizes those who go beyond the conventional, celebrating bold leadership, creative brilliance, and impactful results for communities and brands alike. As one of the most respected programs in the Philippine communications industry, the Anvil Awards, organized annually by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines, honors outstanding public relations tools, programs, and campaigns that demonstrate strategic insight, creativity, and measurable impact. Winners are carefully selected by a distinguished, multi-sectoral jury of communication professionals, academics, business leaders, and industry representatives, ensuring a rigorous and credible evaluation process.
Headlining TCL’s historic debut at the Anvil Awards is a Gold trophy in the Public Relations Program for Corporate Responsibility and Good Governance. This prestigious award honors the TCL-TESDA Training Center, a landmark initiative that seamlessly integrates social impact with brand leadership. More than just a facility, this fully equipped hub allows students to master advanced climate control technology through direct mentorship from TCL experts. By pioneering a ‘structured enrollment-to-employment’ pathway, TCL has created a sustainable solution to the industry’s skills gap—transforming graduates into certified professionals within its own service network. This award-winning program stands as a masterclass in nation-building, reflecting TCL’s enduring commitment to the Filipino workforce. TCL-TESDA Air Conditioning Training Program also got a Silver award for Public Relations Program Government Relations category.
TCL’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and good governance was once again honored with a Silver Anvil for the TCL Basketball Camp, a project that perfectly embodies the brand’s ‘Inspire Greatness’ mission. Located in the bustling heart of Manila, the camp provided a platform for young athletes to hone their skills and chase their dreams. The campaign’s success across Tech, Education, and Sports media highlights TCL’s unique ability to empower the Filipino youth through multifaceted engagement. As the world looks toward the World Olympics, this initiative stands as a testament to TCL’s dedication to fostering the next generation of champions.
TCL’s FreshIN 3.0 Campaign took home the Silver Anvil for its brilliant execution of a consumer-centric marketing strategy. Recognized in the ‘Marketing and Brand Communication’ category, the program stood out for its seamless integration of experiential touchpoints and multi-channel outreach. By transforming traditional PR into an interactive journey for the public, TCL didn’t just market a product—it built a lasting brand connection, proving its mastery in the art of modern storytelling and external engagement.
Beyond the impressive specs of the FreshIN 3.0 AC, the campaign’s success was driven by the TCL Cool Truck, which brought superior cooling directly to high-traffic areas. By integrating a skills-building partnership with TESDA, TCL showcased a holistic brand philosophy: delivering top-tier appliances while empowering the next generation of Filipino professionals. The result was a massive surge in brand sentiment and a reinforced standing as an industry innovator.
Marking a landmark achievement in its Philippine journey, TCL has solidified its standing as a leader in electronics and communications. These maiden ANVIL honors are a testament to a brand that refuses to settle, successfully merging technical brilliance with the art of storytelling to define the future of the industry
TCL’s growth is driven by a ‘trailblazer mindset’ under the leadership of TCL Philippines CEO Peter Chen. The brand has outlined a strategic roadmap centered on technical leadership and brand elevation. This directive aims to systematically upgrade TCL’s brand value through collaborative industry progress and the continuous pursuit of cutting-edge consumer experiences.
Looking ahead, TCL is set to roll out several key initiatives in the coming week. The mission remains unchanged, Inspire Greatness upholding the highest standards of quality and service, ensuring that the brand will consistently deliver world-class experiences to their loyal customers.

