Forging Futures in Steel and Sisterhood: How Strategic Alliances Led to Triumph in Tagisang Robotics: Girls and Gears 2025

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In the throbbing heart of Makati City’s ONE AYALA, an electric buzz coursed through the air as 18 all-female teams converged on a battlefield not of blades or bullets, but of code, circuitry, and raw brilliance. This was Tagisang Robotics: Girls and Gears 2025, and it was more than just a competition—it was a declaration.

Under the vibrant theme of “Pinoy Fiesta,” robotic creations—mobots—whirred to life, competing in whimsical yet challenging games inspired by Filipino culture: Pukpok Palayok, Pabitin, Palosebo, and Basketball. But behind the vibrant hues of the fiesta and the flashing lights of technology lay a deeper narrative—one of strategy, solidarity, and sisterhood.

The Power of One… Alliance

At the center of this gripping tale is a powerful quote from Michaela Louise Bagtas, Grade 10 student of Rizal National Science High School:

“Malaking factor sa isang alliance ay ‘yung pare-pareho kayo ng goals. Ano bang gusto namin? And it’s not just to win the competition, but to champion girls.”

Her words would prove prophetic. With teammates Beatrice Mae Goto, Arabella Cailin Ablaza, Lilabeth Cruz, and their coach Marlon Sta. Catalina, the Rizal National Science High School team dominated the seed rounds, earning them the coveted Best Team Award.

Yet, it wasn’t until they forged a formidable alliance with Maronquillo National High School and Pasig City Science High School that their true power was unleashed. This trio emerged as the Best Alliance Champions—a rare and remarkable feat that underscored the very spirit of Tagisang Robotics: that real strength lies not in isolation, but in unity.

Meet the Champions of the Alliance

Maronquillo National High School: Composed of Khyllie Norynn Ortega, Jinrikisha Tansico, Paola Joise Villanueva, Sabinah Dela Cruz, and coach Angelica Libunao.

Pasig City Science High School: Represented by Khrystal Reine Caranguian, Mikaela Valasote, Aimee Noelle Delfino, Angeline Vivero, under coach Angelo Silva.

Together, these three teams turned the competition into a shared mission, where every screw tightened and every algorithm perfected was a statement: Girls belong in robotics—and they’re not just participating, they’re leading.

Fiesta Meets Futurism: The Robotics Arena

Held on April 1–2, the competition transformed traditional Filipino games into high-tech challenges. But this wasn’t just about games—it was about grit. The event’s three stages—seed rounds, double eliminations, and the championship—tested not only engineering skill but also strategy, communication, and courage under pressure.

The top six in the seed round earned the right to form alliances—a twist that introduced diplomacy and vision into a competition often focused on individual team performance. And it was in this moment of decision that Rizal National Science High School’s choice to align with Maronquillo and Pasig proved inspired.

Beyond Winning: Celebrating Innovation and Spirit

While the Alliance champions took the spotlight, the event also celebrated other young trailblazers:

Taguig Science High School took home the C&E ALS Innovation in Control Award for their inventive mobot construction and command mastery.

Caloocan National Science and Technology High School received the C&E ALS Creators Alliance Award, a nod to their team synergy and sportsmanship.

These recognitions proved that in Girls and Gears, glory isn’t reserved for the top podium finishers—it’s shared by all who push boundaries and raise the bar.

Rewriting the Code of History

This wasn’t just a robotics competition—it was a rewriting of a gendered narrative. As DOST-SEI Director Dr. Jayeel Cornelio affirmed,

“You are writing your own history. Robotics and engineering are widely dominated by men, and the fact that you are here, you are rewriting history.”

Indeed, these young women—engineers, leaders, innovators in the making—weren’t just playing games. They were taking a bold step in claiming a space long denied to them.

Dr. Diana L. Ignacio, DOST Assistant Secretary and Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Person, echoed this sentiment. In her closing remarks, she praised the participants’ perseverance and spirit, urging them to continue their journey in science and technology with curiosity and confidence.

Girls Who Gear Up: A Future Unfolding

As the cheers echoed through the halls of ONE AYALA, what remained wasn’t just the sound of victory—it was the hum of transformation.

Tagisang Robotics: Girls and Gears 2025 was more than just a two-day event. It was a living, whirring, blinking testament to what happens when young women are empowered to build—not just machines, but movements. Through strategic alliances, shared vision, and unwavering determination, these girls didn’t just compete—they conquered.

And in doing so, they proved that when girls gear up, the future gets a whole lot brighter.

Top Home Remodeling Projects That Boost Your Property Value

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

With the current competitive real estate market, homeowners always seek ways to add value to their home with smart remodeling. Whether your intention is to sell in the near future or just to enhance your home while investing sensibly, there are some home improvements that yield more on investment than others. Here is a comprehensive guide to top value-adding home improvements that pay when the time to sell arrives.

Kitchen Remodels

It's not much that gives so much to making a house sellable as a good, sexy kitchen. A limited kitchen renovation can even generate 70-80% ROI. Consider swapping out old appliances for energy-efficient ones, painting over instead of replacing whole cabinets, and installing long-lasting countertops like quartz or granite. Installing new lighting fixtures and a new backsplash will give it a shine without breaking the bank.

Small Spaces, Big Returns

Bathrooms consistently rank as the highest return-value renovation projects. Water-conserving faucets, streamlined vanities, and upscale flooring top the list. Even small changes like reglazing a tub rather than replacing it, hardware replacement, and lighting changes can make a big difference. A smart bathroom remodel will yield 60-70% of investment at resale.

Current home owners are increasingly concerned with energy costs and sustainability as well. Upgrading old windows with new energy-efficient ones, adding proper insulation, and adding smart home devices for temperature control can save on utility bills while making your home more appealing. The upgrades qualify for tax credits while offering long-term savings appealing to energy-conscious buyers.

Curb Appeal Upgrades

The outside of your home creates that first, all-important impression. A little bit of landscaping, well-mowed lawn, and thoughtfully placed outdoor lighting can make a gargantuan curb appeal difference. Update the front door, install new garage doors (which can recapture more than 90% of their investment), and add architectural elements that complement your home's style.

The Ultimate Accessibility Upgrade

The installation of a home elevator is a luxurious feature that combines luxury and convenience and can add greatly to the value of multi-storey homes. Home elevators today have evolved from a luxury to a convenient accessibility device that appeals to elderly homeowners as well as growing families. Although there is an elevator to suit every need, from through-the-floor (₱1-1.8 million) to state-of-the-art screw-driven (e.g., Cibes, ₱2.5-3.8 million), modern home elevators occupy less space and demand fewer alterations to the structure than ever before.

Low-budget home buyers may find through-the-floor elevators provide accessibility without grand overhauls, while luxury homeowners may prefer hydraulic for smooth ride and heavy-duty use. When deciding to include this feature, keep in mind that after initial installation cost is paid, energy consumption, maintenance needs, and noise level will determine long-term value. A well-specified elevator not only improves access but also that special "wow factor" which sets houses apart in competitive real estate markets.

See more about home elevators with features and cost comparison for 5 kinds of home lifts here.

Creating Gains in Valuable Living Area

Finishing a basement to include living space is a great method of adding square footage to your home without increasing its size. With a family room, home office space, or guest bedroom, a finished basement can recover 70-75% of investment costs. Prioritize effective moisture control, quality lighting, and good flooring to create a space with the ambiance of a natural home addition.

Thoughtfully planned outdoor kitchens, patios, and decks effectively expand your home's living space and appeal to consumers who demand indoor-outdoor lifestyle options. These areas typically recover 65-90% of investment, with wood decks returning high dividends. Plan areas for dining, conversation, and relaxation to maximize functionality and beauty of outdoor areas.

More tech

Home technology connected is future home living. Central control systems, programmable thermostats, automated lighting, and advanced security systems are all of concern to high-tech buyers and can be utilized to differentiate your property from others in a competitive marketplace. The upgrades pay dividends in the short term through increased efficiency and convenience as well.

By investing money in these strategic upgrades upfront, homeowners can appreciate better living spaces and make smart investments in the long-term value of their home. Keep in mind that good workmanship and good design decisions will always pay for themselves better than sacrificing quality for cheaper prices, so your renovation dollars will be well worth it.

Resignations Aren’t Reforms: Fix the System, Not Just the Faces

  

Resignations Aren’t Reforms: Fix the System, Not Just the Faces

Partners for Affordable and Reliable Energy (PARE) warns sudden call for resignation may cause more disruption than reform if no transition plan in place

May 24, 2025 – Consumer advocacy group Partners for Affordable and Reliable Energy (PARE) strongly urges President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Malacañang to ensure that the call for courtesy resignations from Cabinet secretaries does not become a political smokescreen, but a genuine push for performance-based governance.

“Filipinos are not looking for reshuffles. They are looking for results,” said Nic Satur Jr., Chief Advocate Officer of PARE. “The public does not want a political reset—they want meaningful reforms, competent governance, and leaders who deliver.”

While PARE supports the principle of accountability, it warned that abrupt leadership changes—especially in sensitive sectors like energy—may cause more disruption than reform if not handled with foresight and planning.

“In a sector as critical as energy—where consumers are already suffering from high electricity prices, recurring brownouts, and delayed reforms—any change in leadership must come with a clear transition plan,” Satur added. “If a new energy secretary is to be appointed, it cannot derail the urgent work of securing power supply, stabilizing the grid, and advancing energy reforms.”

PARE also raised concern that the courtesy resignation directive could end up as political theater if deeper structural issues are not addressed.

“If Cabinet secretaries have failed, then the question must be asked: who appointed them, who governed them, and who failed to hold them accountable?” Satur said. “Leadership is not just about choosing people—it’s about ensuring they perform, and taking responsibility when they don’t.”

Accountability, according to PARE, must not stop at the department level. It must reach those who set the national vision, approve budgets, and supervise agency performance.

“Efficiency is not restored by resignation alone. It is achieved through consistent leadership, transparent evaluation, and decisive governance,” Satur said.

He emphasized that the energy sector cannot afford a revolving door of appointments, especially as the country pushes for energy security, renewable transition, and regulatory reform.

“This is not the time for resets—it is the time for results,” Satur added. 

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