CPU Students Win L’Oréal Brandstorm PH, Advance to Paris

By Sean Rafio

A team of students from Central Philippine University (CPU) in Iloilo City has been named national champion of the L’Oréal Brandstorm Philippines 2025 and will represent the country in the international finals in Paris, France.

Team Malunggay French Toast is composed of Kiara Beatriz Bonifacio, a second-year BS Biology student; Jeff Andre Millan, a third-year BS Software Engineering student; and Dianne Lois Senegocio, a third-year BS Psychology student.

The CPU team bested over 5,800 student innovations from across the country.

They advanced from the Top 24 and Top 6 before clinching the national title during the finals held April 23, 2025, at 18 Missouri Events Place in San Juan City.

Their winning innovation was a dissolvable gel strip that prevents blackheads for men, paired with a mobile app to help users manage skincare and lifestyle routines.

“We analyzed statistics and trends about men’s beauty preferences and skin concerns, then validated our findings through interviews with Gen Z and Millennial men,” Bonifacio said in an interview with Daily Guardian.

“The insights revealed unmet needs that shaped our innovation, allowing us to develop a solution that seamlessly integrates into men’s daily lives,” she added.

Ateneo de Manila University was named first runner-up, while the University of the Philippines Diliman placed second runner-up.

CPU also received the People’s Choice Award after their video earned 1,500 reactions on the official L’Oréal Group Facebook page.

The team was awarded PHP10,000 worth of L’Oréal products.

“It means a lot to our team because we’re the first Centralian team to make it to nationals and now we’re representing the Philippines on the international stage,” Senegocio said.

“Our courses come from very diverse fields, and we feel this milestone is meaningful not just for us, but for every Centralian, every Ilonggo, and every aspiring technopreneur,” she added.

As national champions, the team will compete against other national winners from around the world in Paris later this year.

“Competing in the national finals was an exhilarating experience, and we’re now focused on refining our product for the international stage,” Bonifacio said.

“Although we recognize the intense work required, we’re confident this refinement process will elevate our innovation to compete successfully as we represent the Philippines,” she added.

L’Oréal Brandstorm is an annual global competition showcasing marketing and innovation case studies.

This year’s theme, under the Consumer Products Division, focused on “men. beauty & care. through tech, products, and beyond.”