Insider Spotlight
UPS will feature “Haraya sa Kalsada” by Lauren Kerby Obaldo, a second-year Multimedia Arts student at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), on official UPS Express Envelopes carrying international shipments. First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos presented Obaldo with the grand prize during an Aug. 26 ceremony at Ayala Museum.
Why it matters
Inspired by the Filipino jeepney and festival design, Obaldo’s work also draws on Clark’s growing role as a center for transportation, logistics and global connections. It beat nearly 400 entries submitted by DLS-CSB Multimedia Arts students in a competition that began in June.
Students were challenged to reinterpret the UPS Express Envelope around three themes spanning Filipino resilience and heritage, connections to global opportunities, and Clark’s emergence as a hub linking the Philippines with Asia.
The bigger picture
The competition forms part of UPS’ broader activities ahead of its upcoming Clark hub, which is expected to begin operations later in 2026 and strengthen businesses’ access to international markets, a company release said.
Following rounds of public voting and judging, nine finalists advanced to the final stage. Filipino contemporary artists Jigger Cruz, Demi Padua, Olivia d’Aboville and Lisa Ongpin-Periquet selected the category winners and overall grand prize recipient. The top 30 entries were also displayed at Ayala Museum.
What they’re saying
DLS-CSB vice chancellor for academics Angelo Marco Lacson said: “We value partnerships like this with UPS because they bring learning beyond the classroom and give our students the opportunity to create a real-world, global platform. For our students, seeing their ideas move from the classroom into the real world is incredibly meaningful. It affirms that their creativity has a place, and an audience, beyond De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.”
UPS Philippines managing director Russell Reed said: "One of the most rewarding parts of this competition has been seeing how students expressed Filipino identity, ambition and pride through original designs. The creativity and thoughtfulness behind their work were truly impressive. As a company that connects people, businesses and opportunities around the world, we're proud to support local talent and help bring Filipino creativity to audiences beyond these shores.” — Princess Daisy C. Ominga| Ed: Corrie S Narisma
