By Mikee Natinga Norico
Congratulations Malunggay French Toast team for winning L’Oréal Brandstorm Philippines 2025 and earning the honor of representing the Philippines at the International Finals in Paris, France.
Central Philippine University (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’Oréal 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’s reaction to their journey: “Our team’s path to winning L’Oréal 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’t 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’s Choice Award was an extra blessing, and we are deeply grateful for the support from our friends and organizations.”
Despite coming from non-marketing backgrounds, the trio embraced the challenge by immersing themselves in the world of consumer behavior and marketing innovation. “Since marketing is beyond our field, we’ve been researching deeper into the needs of men in terms of beauty, as well as talking to men to get real insights,” 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.
“This is my second time joining the competition, and while we were thrilled to make it to the Top 24 last year, we’re even more determined to push further this time and make an even bigger impact,” said Millan.
In addition to their national win, Malunggay French Toast captured public admiration online, winning the People’s Choice Award with 1.5k reactions to their video on the official L’Oréal Group Facebook page. They also received PHP 10,000 worth of L’Oréal 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—it 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’s field can lead to extraordinary accomplishments.
Congratulations, Malunggay French Toast Team — CPU is so proud of you! To God be the glory!