By Mikee Natinga Norico
From left to right: Dianne Lois Senegocio, Jeff Andre Millan, and Kiara Beatriz Bonifacio of Team Malunggay French Toast pose for a group photo during the L’Oréal Brandstorm 2025 Global Finals in Paris, proudly representing the Philippines.
Central Philippine University (CPU) made history on the global stage as Team Malunggay French Toast—composed of Dianne Lois Senegocio (BS Psychology, 3rd Year), Jeff Andre Millan (BS Software Engineering, 3rd Year), and Kiara Beatriz Bonifacio (BS Biology, 2nd Year)—proudly represented the Philippines in the international finals of the prestigious L’Oréal Brandstorm 2025 competition held in Paris, France.
Competing against teams from 42 countries, the CPU trio rose to the occasion with BroClear, an innovative skincare solution targeting blackheads—specifically designed for Gen Z and Millennial men. Their entry stood out for its purpose-driven approach, merging innovation, empathy, and science to address a commonly overlooked concern in men’s personal care.
The 2025 Brandstorm theme, Men’s Beauty, challenged young innovators to reimagine personal care for the modern man. Team Malunggay French Toast answered the call not just with a product, but a movement—BroClear aims to break outdated stigmas around men’s skincare by offering a simple, relatable, and effective overnight solution.
“BroClear was built on research, but also shaped by observation and empathy,” shared Senegocio in an exclusive interview. “We realized many men don’t have the time or patience for complex skincare routines. We developed something practical and rooted in our diverse academic backgrounds—scientific, behavioral, and practical.”
The team left for Paris on June 6, 2025, and completed the competition by June 14. For Senegocio, the experience was “surreal,” recalling the moment they entered L’Oréal’s global headquarters:
“We carried not just our personal dreams, but the hopes of our campus, our community, and our country.”
Despite the intense global competition, Team Malunggay French Toast emerged as World Semi-Finalists—a milestone achievement not just for CPU but for the entire Philippines. They are the first team from CPU to win the Brandstorm Philippines National Finals and advance to the international stage.
The journey began in April 2025, when the team was hailed national champion after advancing from the Top 24 to the Top 6, and finally winning the National Finals held on April 23. They also bagged the People’s Choice Award, thanks to overwhelming support from their peers and the CPU community.
More than a student team, Malunggay French Toast are also startup founders under the CPUGAD Technology Business Incubator (TBI). Millan is CEO of Baylo Central, while Senegocio and Bonifacio are co-founders of Kuray Innovations—showcasing CPU’s growing presence in the fields of innovation, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
Reflecting on their Brandstorm journey, Senegocio emphasized that interdisciplinary collaboration was their greatest strength:
“Coming from Psychology, Engineering, and Biology, we initially thought we wouldn’t ‘fit’ in a business competition. But our diversity turned out to be our power. We learned that your background doesn’t limit your impact—it can actually fuel it.”
The team expressed heartfelt thanks to the CPU Administration, especially University President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, the CPUGAD TBI, and all their friends, mentors, and organizations who offered unwavering support throughout their journey.
To aspiring Centralians, their message is clear:
“Dream out loud. Don’t wait to feel ‘ready’—just start. We were three students who decided to try. If you chase your ideas with heart and grit, you’ll be surprised where they take you. Believe in your roots—they’re strong enough to carry you anywhere.”
With their groundbreaking entry, global recognition, and unwavering commitment to purpose-driven innovation, Team Malunggay French Toast has not only made CPU proud—they’ve blazed a trail for future Centralians to follow.