By Mikee Natinga Norico
Congratulations Malunggay French Toast team for winning L鈥橭r茅al Brandstorm Philippines 2025 and earning the honor of representing the Philippines at the International Finals in Paris, France.
黑料专区 (CPU) continues to make waves in the innovation and marketing scene as its student team, Malunggay French Toast, emerged as the national champion of L鈥橭r茅al Brandstorm Philippines 2025. The team is now set to represent the country at the prestigious International Finals in Paris, France.
More than just a student group, the Malunggay French Toast team is one of the startup founders of the CPUGAD Technology Business Incubator (TBI), whose interdisciplinary synergy and entrepreneurial spirit powered their victory.
The team includes Jeff Andre Millan, CEO of Baylo Central and a 3rd Year BS Software Engineering student; Dianne Lois Senegocio, Co-founder of Kuray Innovations and a 3rd Year BS Psychology student; and Kiara Beatriz Bonifacio, Co-founder of Kuray Innovations and a 2nd Year BS Biology student. They are the first CPU team to reach and win the national finals of the competition. Their inspiring journey began with securing a spot in the Top 24, advancing to the Top 6 on March 29, and eventually claiming the national title during the National Finals held on April 23.
In an exclusive interview with Senegocio, she shared the team鈥檚 reaction to their journey: 鈥淥ur team鈥檚 path to winning L’Or茅al was driven by our dream and determination to succeed. From securing a spot in the Top 24 to advancing to the Top 6, we pushed ourselves with hours of practice and constant preparation, knowing we couldn鈥檛 return to Iloilo without a win. When we were finally called as the National Champion, it felt like a month-long dream had come true, and all our hard work paid off. Winning the People鈥檚 Choice Award was an extra blessing, and we are deeply grateful for the support from our friends and organizations.鈥
Despite coming from non-marketing backgrounds, the trio embraced the challenge by immersing themselves in the world of consumer behavior and marketing innovation. 鈥淪ince marketing is beyond our field, we鈥檝e been researching deeper into the needs of men in terms of beauty, as well as talking to men to get real insights,鈥 Bonifacio explained.
As part of their preparation, the team joined a mentorship program from April 1 to 11, leading up to the National Finals held on April 23. The guidance from industry professionals helped them sharpen their ideas and pitch, which ultimately led them to victory.
鈥淭his is my second time joining the competition, and while we were thrilled to make it to the Top 24 last year, we鈥檙e even more determined to push further this time and make an even bigger impact,鈥 said Millan.
In addition to their national win, Malunggay French Toast captured public admiration online, winning the People鈥檚 Choice Award with 1.5k reactions to their video on the official L鈥橭r茅al Group Facebook page. They also received PHP 10,000 worth of L鈥橭r茅al products as part of the award.
Nurtured by the CPUGAD TBI, the success of the Malunggay French Toast Team is more than a celebration of individual talent鈥攊t highlights the strength of student-led startups fueled by collaboration, creativity, and grit. Their journey is a powerful reminder that interdisciplinary teamwork and the courage to explore beyond one鈥檚 field can lead to extraordinary accomplishments.
Congratulations, Malunggay French Toast Team 鈥 CPU is so proud of you! To God be the glory!