Mindanaoan student wins Top Global Architecture Prize

Mindanaoan student wins Top Global Architecture Prize

Yadu Karu
Facebook Post
20 July 2026

DAVAO CITY — A 23-year-old Mindanaoan architecture student made history as the first Filipino to be named Global Designer of the Year in the architectural category at the AYDA International Awards.

Ejhey L. Durias, a student at the University of Mindanao, earned top honors for his project “Banuas Lawod” (Aquaculture Community Hub). 

The design selected from more than 9,000 entries across 17 countries and regions preserves the Bajau community’s cultural identity while providing sustainable livelihoods.

The international finals were held from June 11 to 12 in Bangkok, Thailand, under the theme “Converge: Crafting Cultural Legacies”. 

The winning design draws inspiration from scallop shells, traditional lepa houseboats, and the bahay kubo. It features flood-resilient homes, aquaculture facilities, rainwater harvesting, and reef-inspired foundations that restore marine ecosystems while protecting against storm surges.

"To take a Bajau home is to take their life," Durias said during his final presentation. "For them, home was never land. Home was the rhythm of tides beneath their feet."

Durias shaped the project through research and interviews with members of the Sama-Bajau community in Davao who faced displacement due to environmental pressures, armed conflict, and social exclusion.

Chen Lee Siong, general manager of Nippon Paint Philippines Inc., praised the project, noting that Durias successfully communicated both the architectural solution and the human story behind the Sama-Bajau community to an international jury.

With the victory, Durias earned a fully funded fellowship to the Design Discovery Program at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design in Cambridge, Massachusetts, valued at $10,000.

The Philippines also secured recognition in the interior design category, where Patria Danielle Malijan of De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde won the International Nippon Paint Colour Award for "KAMPIHAN," a project reimagining playground as cultural spaces for traditional games.

(Photo courtesy of Chaichana Thongsamrit)

Jollibee named 'best fast food fried chicken' in the US for third straight year

Jollibee named 'best fast food fried chicken' in the US for third straight year

Brooke Villanueva
Philstar Life
20 July 2026

Here's some news that could trigger your next Chickenjoy craving...

Jollibee has again claimed the top spot on USA TODAY's list of "Best Fast Food Fried Chicken" in America for the third consecutive year. The annual rankings were determined through public voting among its readers for the publication's 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. 

"With around 100 stores in North America and more than 1,700 stores internationally, Jollibee is the largest and fastest-growing Asian restaurant company in the world. They're best known for Chickenjoy, the signature juicy, flavorful fried chicken. Order it in buckets or accompanied by sides—and don't forget to dip it in their silky gravy," its description read.

In a statement sent to PhilSTAR L!fe, Ernesto Tanmantiong, Global President and CEO of the Jollibee Group, described the recognition as "meaningful."

"It reflects the consistency of the quality, taste, and customer experience that we work hard to deliver with every serving in Chickenjoy,” he said. "It gives us even greater confidence in Jollibee’s ability to deepen customer trust and brand love in more markets, as we continue bringing the products and experiences that have made our brand a source of joy for many families."

For her part, Maribeth dela Cruz, President of Jollibee Philippine Brands North America, expressed her gratitude to the USA TODAY readers for the recognition, saying it "reflects the dedication of our teams who prepare and serve Chickenjoy every day, helping ensure a joyful and satisfying experience with every visit."

Dela Cruz added that the feat inspired them "to keep delivering the Jollibee experience people love, while introducing it to even more customers across North America and beyond."

Jollibee now has around a hundred stores in North America and over 1,800 branches globally.

The USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards puts the spotlight on standout destinations, restaurants, attractions, and travel experiences in different parts of the US.