33rd Grand AdClash Highlights Creativity and Strategy of PUP ADPR Students

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

MANILA, Philippines — Hair Works of Cosmetique Asia Corporation redefined hairstyle and hair care with 33rd Grand AdClash’s Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) campaign pitches as graduating students from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Manila under the Advertising and Public Relations (ADPR) department presented their well-researched insights, creative big ideas, and strategic executions at Robinsons Galleria last June 26, 2025 for their final bow as college students. 

Pinaka Swabeng Teams of 33rd Grand AdClash

Each team came prepared, ready to show their full POGItential in front of the experts. Ideas and talents shone at the stage as different stories were presented, campaigns highlighted the strengths of Hair Works products and how the brand can build emotional connection among its consumers. 

After the blazing grand showdown, DAUNTRES prevailed at the end as this year’s 33rd Grand AdClash champion. They dominated and bagged all the special awards, particularly the Pinaka Swabeng TV Commercial, Radio Advertisement, Jingle, Print Materials, Digital Activation, Offline Trade Activations, Media Plan, and IMC Campaign Awards. Two of their presenters, Mr. Rammuel Samonte and Mr. Jose Luis Jasa, won the SwaBEST Presenter Award, and their adviser, Prof. Jhun Lacambra, was named the SwaBEST Adviser. 

UNIDOS also gave a good fight as this year’s first runner-up. S1NAGTALA won second runner-up, and bagged the Pinaka Swabeng Behind-the-Scenes consolation award, while their presenter Ms. Cristalyn Española, won the SwaBEST Presenter Award. Securing the third runner-up was S1DLAK, who also won the Pinaka Swabeng Early Bird and Cheer Consolation Awards.

After being hailed as the 33rd Grand AdClash Champion, Mr. Jhonathan Orlanda, who led DAUNTRES’ victory, said that “every time na gumagawa kami ng campaign, laging tested ‘yung talent and skills namin, but this specific project tested our emotions and everything.” Emphasizing how this final pitch is not just a test of knowledge and creativity but also a challenge to the relationships within the team. 

Recognizing Team Behind the Spotlight

This year’s clash would not be possible without the junior’s dedication, and an ever-dedicated overall project head, Ms. Angela Aurel, who shared her thoughts during the preparation of the event, “the real challenge is how you respond and stay grounded in the middle of it all,” instilling that despite all the chaos of managing an event, it is important to learn how to control your actions and handle matters professionally. 

Behind the hard-working organizers is a mentor who guided every step of the way, Ms. Jamille Vergel de Dios, the 33rd Grand AdClash Adviser who shared her learnings while organizing this event. She stated that “may hunger talaga [sila] to give a better event, to raise the bar from the previous years,” pointing out the desire of the organizers to produce a top-notch event. 

Grand AdClash SwaBEST Buddies 

This event can’t leave a blank note for the partners who helped mount this event, including Robinsons Galleria as the lead venue partner, Lunán Co-working Space and Study Hub as the official co-working space and study hub partner, JBL Philippines as the official audio partner, Honor Philippines as the official tech partner, Comm&Sense as the official agency partner, Legazy Custom Prints as the official apparel partner, UFC Overload as the official platinum brand sponsor, and McDonald’s Philippines. 

Various media outlets amplified this event’s reach, especially the Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, and The Philippine Star as lead media partners; WazzupPilipinas.com, Monster RX93.1, Edge TV Philippines, EntrePinas TV, and The Communicator as media partners; and Journal Online and PUP The Catalyst as media support. 

The organizations that made sure that scholars are involved in this journey, ALAS TRI-AD, 2DVERSE, DIAL-1N, ABANTRES, S1DHI,  S2DIO, and PUP COC Student Council as official organization partners; and S1DHAYA, THE UN2LD, D3VIATE, ANG P1NTIG, and ADPROS as lead organization partners. This event is also brought to you by T1NDIG-SINING, 1DOLO, PUP Circle of Research Enthusiasts, and PUP Communication Society. 

Follow the Grand AdClash on social media and visit their website to stay updated on upcoming events. 

#33rdGrandAdClash #BeTheSwaBEST #TapIntoTruePOGItential

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The Grand AdClash is an annual case competition for fourth-year students of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines - Department of Advertising and Public Relations (PUP-DAPR). This competition aims to assess and showcase the students’ acquired knowledge and skills throughout the program by developing an Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) campaign. 

DAUNTRES (BAPR 4-3D) receiving their awards together with the key people from Cosmetique Asia Corporation, Mr. Janssen Co, CEO (second on the right), Ms. Jane Co, VP for Marketing and Purchasing (third on the right), and Mr. Timothy Chuongco, COO (first on the right). Prof. Jhun Lacambra (left) is also present to join his advisee.

Panelists of 33rd Grand AdClash receiving their certificate of appreciation. Mr. Eric Cabahug, Creative Director of Comm&Sense Inc. (first on the left),  Ms. Min Roldan, Creative Director of DDB Philippines (second on the left), Ms. Eva Buenaviaje, Brand Manager of Cosmetique Asia Corporation (third on the left),  Ms. Nanais Hernandez, Senior Strategic Planner of GIGIL (middle), Mr. Timothy Chuongco, Chief Operating Officer of Cosmetique Asia Corporation (second on the right), and Mr. Paolo Sollorano, Digital Lead of Omnicom Group Philippines (first on the right).

Press Freedom Under Fire: Malacañang Press Corps Stands Against Presidential Communications Office

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

A battle for press freedom erupts in the corridors of power as the Malacañang Press Corps takes a defiant stand against what they call government overreach

The usually quiet hallways of Malacañang have become the backdrop for a dramatic confrontation between press freedom and government control. In an unprecedented move that has sent shockwaves through the Philippine media landscape, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) has demanded the removal of a veteran journalist from the palace beat, sparking fierce resistance from the country's most elite press corps.

The Incident That Sparked a Firestorm

It began on a seemingly routine Tuesday, June 25, 2025, during President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s high-profile event at the Clean Leaf International Corporation facility in Capas, Tarlac. The President had arrived to personally oversee the destruction of billions of pesos worth of illegal drugs—a symbolic demonstration of his administration's commitment to the war on drugs.

But what should have been a carefully choreographed media event became the catalyst for a press freedom crisis that would reverberate through the highest levels of government.

Eden Santos, a seasoned reporter from NET25 and member of the prestigious Malacañang Press Corps, found herself at the center of controversy. According to the PCO's account, Santos committed what they termed a "breach of protocol" by approaching the President directly—not once, but twice—despite designated areas for reporters and cameramen.

The Government's Bold Move

The PCO's response was swift and unprecedented. In a formal letter dated June 27, 2025, Assistant Secretary for Media Affairs and Relations Erelson A. Cabatbat penned what many are calling an extraordinary government overreach into media operations.

"Greetings from Malacañang!" the letter began with deceptive cheerfulness, before delivering a devastating blow to press freedom principles.

The letter, addressed to Paul Padua, News Chief of NET25, didn't mince words. It cited Media Advisory MA-25-109, accusing Santos of violating protocol by approaching the President directly despite assigned positions for media personnel. The PCO emphasized that "strict courtesy and decorum dictate that when covering the President, a certain distance should be observed at all times."

But the most chilling part of the letter came in its conclusion: a direct demand for Santos' removal from the palace beat.

"It is in this light that we respectfully request that a new reporter be assigned to cover the President and the other government agencies inside Malacañang," Cabatbat wrote, adding ominously that "other reporters who were seen and recorded breaching the protocol last Tuesday will also be admonished."

The Press Corps Fights Back

The Malacañang Press Corps' response was immediate and unequivocal. In a statement that carried the weight of decades of press freedom advocacy, the MPC officers launched a scathing counterattack against what they characterized as government overreach.

"The officers questioned the supposed protocol breach used as basis in requesting for a member's replacement and firmly opposed such a course of action," the statement declared with barely contained outrage.

The press corps pulled no punches in their assessment of the PCO's actions: "The 'request' was a clear overreach of the PCO's authority."

A Battle for Journalistic Integrity

The MPC's statement revealed the deeper philosophical divide at the heart of this controversy. The Malacañang Press Corps has opposed the PCO's move, arguing that while they recognize the legitimate need to ensure the President's safety and well-being, this should never come at the expense of press freedom.

"While the officers recognize the need to ensure the President's safety and well-being, it should never be at the expense of the freedom of the press to tell stories that go beyond photo opportunities, press releases and rehearsed sound bites," the statement proclaimed.

This wasn't just about one reporter or one incident—it was about the fundamental right of journalists to do their job without government interference.

The Broader Context

The controversy unfolds against a backdrop of ongoing tensions between the Marcos administration and the media. Santos violated Media Advisory MA-25-109 by approaching the President directly, not once but twice, according to the PCO's account. But the press corps sees this as part of a broader pattern of government attempts to control media narratives.

The MPC's statement acknowledged the inherent tension between government and media: "Although the government and the media have clashing objectives and despite the fact that journalists have different ways of performing their roles, all our decisions should be guided by rationality."

The Stakes of This Standoff

This confrontation represents more than a simple disagreement over protocols—it's a test of democratic principles in the Philippines. The outcome will likely set precedents for how future administrations interact with the press and could fundamentally alter the relationship between government and media in the country.

The PCO's attempt to dictate news organization personnel decisions crosses a line that many journalism advocates consider inviolable. News organizations have traditionally maintained independence in determining their staffing and coverage decisions, viewing any government interference as a threat to editorial independence.

Looking Forward

As this drama continues to unfold, the Malacañang Press Corps has made clear their commitment to press freedom principles. Their statement concluded with a measured but firm stance: "The officers are hopeful that the matter will be resolved in a manner that strikes a healthy balance between ensuring the President's safety and upholding a free press."

The phrase "Prudence should always be our watchword" serves as both a reminder of professional responsibility and a subtle warning to the administration about the consequences of overreach.

The Bigger Picture

This incident has already drawn opposition from the Malacañang Press Corps and is likely to resonate throughout the Philippine media landscape. It raises fundamental questions about the role of government in regulating media access and the limits of executive authority in dealing with the press.

As the Philippines continues to navigate the complex relationship between security concerns and press freedom, this confrontation between the PCO and the Malacañang Press Corps will likely be remembered as a defining moment in the ongoing struggle to maintain democratic principles in the face of government pressure.

The resolution of this crisis will send a powerful message about the state of press freedom in the Philippines and could influence how journalists and government officials interact for years to come. In the corridors of Malacañang, the battle for press freedom continues, with the nation's democratic future hanging in the balance.

Senator Hontiveros Takes Aim at Influencers: A Deep Dive into the Cyber-Libel Controversy

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

MANILA, Philippines – Senator Risa Hontiveros has launched a legal offensive against several prominent Facebook influencers, filing a cyber-libel complaint over a viral video featuring former Senate witness Michael Maurilio. The move, which has sent ripples through the Philippine online landscape, has ignited fierce debate and drawn attention to the complex intersection of free speech, disinformation, and political accountability.

On Wednesday, Senator Hontiveros lodged a complaint with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), accusing a roster of well-known online personalities of orchestrating and disseminating "dangerous lies." At the heart of the dispute is a video in which Michael Maurilio, a witness who previously testified in a Senate hearing, recanted his statements and alleged that Senator Hontiveros had bribed and coached him to fabricate testimony against Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy.

"This is just the first step... we will ascertain who else should be sued," Hontiveros declared, signaling her intent to pursue all vloggers involved in spreading and embellishing Maurilio’s claims.

The Accused and Their Defense: What Did They Say?

The cyber-libel complaint specifically names several influential figures, including Krizette Chu, Jay Sonza, Sass Rogando Sasot, Trixie Cruz-Angeles, and Banat By, among others, who are alleged to have played a significant role in distributing and amplifying the contested claims. Their responses, as depicted in the provided images, offer a glimpse into the nature of their content and their defense:

Krizette Chu: In her response, Krizette asserted that she "never even shared the Michael Murillo video even once on my wall or even PM." However, she admitted to stating that Senator Hontiveros "bribed him, according to him." Chu further claimed to have shared information about lawyers filing a complaint against Hontiveros for "kidnapping and wiretapping," and also mentioned Hontiveros being the "complainant for CJ Corona." This suggests her involvement revolved around disseminating allegations of bribery and other legal complaints against the Senator, rather than directly sharing the Maurilio video itself.

Jay Sonza: While the provided image doesn't show Jay Sonza's direct response, the reason for Hontiveros suing him is stated: "Salamat kaayo Madam Chair for acknowledging that Mr. Michael Maurillo is one and the same as 'Alyas Rene' na siyang ginamit mong witness sa Senate Hearing noong Pebrero para idiin sa ibat-ibang kaso sina former Pres. Rodrigo R. Duterte, Vice Pres. Sara Duterte, Pastor Apollo Quiboloy at sa tangkang pagsabit sa iyong kapuwa senador na sina Bong Go at Bato dela Rosa sa kaso." This indicates Sonza's alleged role in linking Maurilio (also known as "Alyas Rene") to Hontiveros's previous Senate hearing, implying that Maurilio's testimony was a fabrication aimed at implicating high-profile political figures. The text further states, "Masyadong detalyado ang mga binitawang pananalita ng ginawa mong saksi at hanggang sa mga oras na ito ay wala ni isa kang pinasinungalingan."

Sass Rogando Sasot: Sass's response questions the very premise of Hontiveros's lawsuit: "Diba dapat ang idemanda ni Risa eh yung sinasabi niyang ‘di umano na nagbayad kay Alias Rene para bumaligtad? So bakit doon sya mga nag-cocomment nagagalit?" (Shouldn't Risa be suing those who allegedly paid Alias Rene to recant? Why is she getting angry at those who are commenting on it?) This suggests Sasot's content focused on the alleged bribery of Maurilio to recant, implying that Hontiveros should target the source of the alleged bribery rather than those commenting on the situation. The image also provides context for why Hontiveros is suing Sass: "Risa, girl, hindi sila lumapit sa’yo. ‘Yung isa sa mga nabanggit ni Alias Rene, eh kakilala ko. She sent me the text messages of Mel Robles. 2023 pa ‘yan niluluto. Lisa and Mel want to bring down Quibs, and they are looking for people to buy. Then bigla kang nagkaroon ng hearing. Girl, sinasabi ko sa’yo, nilalaglag ka ng mga kakutsaba mo." This implies that Sasot is alleging a conspiracy to bring down Quiboloy, with Maurilio being part of a fabricated scheme.

Banat By: Banat By's response states, "Ako’y nagre react lang ako’y content creator lang na nagre-react at isang mamamayang pilipino na nagsasabing if this is true ay dapat talaga kayong i-ethics complain. If this is true, you should be remove in the senate." This indicates Banat By's content was in the form of a reaction to the claims, suggesting that if the allegations against Hontiveros were true, she should face ethics complaints and be removed from the Senate. The reason for Hontiveros suing Banat By is articulated as: "Alam mo, magtayao ka na lang ng agency — 'Witness Agency.' Dati na rin siyang naakusahan, pero siyempre, idi-deny niya ‘yan. Paano na ‘yung mga woke Gen Z na bilib na bilib sa Akbayan, eh ‘yung pinuno ninyo, involved di-umano – alleged – sa bribery ng mga witness?" This suggests Banat By's content implies Hontiveros's office is involved in witness bribery and questions the credibility of her actions.

While Trixie Cruz-Angeles and others are named in the article as being part of the complaint, the provided images do not include their direct responses or the specific reasons for Hontiveros suing them. However, it can be inferred they are involved in the broader alleged network disseminating similar claims. The image featuring "Rob" also mentions: "If proven true, Risa must resign—not just for the lie, but for betraying the moral high ground she claimed to own. Coz if moral authority is your brand, then moral failure should cost you the office." This suggests Rob's content also questioned Hontiveros's integrity based on the allegations. Similarly, "Tio" is being sued because: "Kung FAKE NEWS lang pala si Alias Rene, so bakit kayo naniwala sa kanya at ginawa niyo pang STAR WITNESS against Quiboloy, VP Sara, and PRRD? If falsehoods ang sinasabi ni Alias Rene, does that mean, falsehoods din lahat ng sinasabi niya sa Senate? Sagot madam chair!" This indicates Tio's content challenged the credibility of Maurilio's initial testimony if his recantation was indeed false.

Collectively, these influencers are accused of generating "billions of views on Facebook every month," suggesting a significant reach and impact of their content.

A Contradictory Stance?

The Senator's decision to pursue cyber-libel charges has, however, raised eyebrows among observers, given her previous legislative efforts. In 2022, Senator Hontiveros championed Senate Bill No. 1593, which sought to decriminalize libel and cyber-libel by removing prison penalties – a measure she advocated for in the name of press freedom. "Cyber libel has been constantly used to silence our journalists. If we do not rectify this, libel will continue to be used to suppress our freedom," Hontiveros stated in 2022.

Now, in 2025, her critics are quick to point out the perceived contradiction, as she invokes the very law she once sought to amend. This has sparked a renewed debate about the delicate balance between holding individuals accountable for online disinformation and safeguarding the freedoms of expression that Hontiveros herself has championed.

The Maurilio Saga: A Timeline

The controversy is rooted in Michael Maurilio's shifting narratives. In 2024, Maurilio testified that Quiboloy's compound in Davao housed armed individuals with alleged links to the Duterte family. However, in 2025, he released a video recanting his previous statements, claiming he was bribed and coached to lie. Senator Hontiveros vehemently denies these allegations, stating that Maurilio had reached out to her office in June, alleging detention and coercion.

The Path Forward: Accountability vs. Freedom

As the NBI commences its investigation, the case is poised to become a landmark one, testing the boundaries of online speech and the legal recourse available against alleged disinformation. While Hontiveros asserts that this is "just the first step" in identifying and prosecuting the full network behind the videos, the ongoing debate underscores the critical need to balance holding purveyors of false information accountable with protecting the fundamental right to free expression – a right that Senator Hontiveros herself has historically championed. The outcome of this legal battle will undoubtedly have significant implications for the future of online discourse in the Philippines.