At exactly 9:15 a.m. on December 1, 2025, a small but determined delegation from the Philippines departed Manila with a shared goal—to bring Filipino innovation to the global stage. Bound for Osaka, Japan, the group represented IGNITE Philippines, carrying not just a winning application, but a story of courage, collaboration, and stepping beyond comfort zones.
The delegation included representatives from Adamson University (AdU)—Dr. Amy C. Daraway as coach, and students Dustin Romulus Bien B. Mendoza, Jayzel E. Sale, and Catherine C. Sulit—together with leaders from OGIS Philippines and FIT Academy: President Sakiyo Fukuoka, Managing Director Kerwin Malabanan, and FIT Academy Unit Head Gladys Anne Lavilla.
Their destination was the OGIS RI Software Contest Asia (16th Software Contest for University and Graduate Students) 2025, where the AdU team earned the opportunity to present as guest presenters after emerging as winners of IGNITE Philippines.
A Journey Beyond Competition
The three-day trip balanced professional engagement with cultural immersion and team bonding. Upon arrival in Osaka on Day 1, the group checked into their hotel before exploring the vibrant streets of Dotonbori, capped by a warm dinner and casual drinks. The evening became a celebratory gathering with OGIS Philippines, OGIS-RI managers and staff, and delegates from Advanced World Solutions (AWS)—OGIS RI’s business partner from the Philippines—setting the tone for camaraderie and cross-border connection.
Day 2 began with a roundtable discussion that brought together the Filipino delegation, selected OGIS-RI employees, and AWS delegates. Conversations went beyond business, as participants exchanged recommended local food, travel destinations, and personal stories—small moments that bridged cultures and built genuine relationships.
That afternoon marked the highlight of the trip.
Showcasing “HomeHero” on an International Stage
At 1:00 p.m. on December 2, 2025, inside the Bingomachi Building in Osaka, the Adamson University team took the stage at the 16th Software Contest for University and Graduate Students 2025. In front of officials from OGIS-RI, including President Kazuhiko Yoshimura, Shota Azuma, Yuki Oomizu, and Michiyo Endo, as well as representatives from OGIS Philippines, the students presented their mobile application, HomeHero.
HomeHero is a home-repair booking platform designed to connect homeowners with skilled blue-collar workers—carpenters, electricians, plumbers, mechanics, and welders—offering a safer, more reliable way to access trusted services while providing workers with stable job opportunities.
The idea was born from a Product Management class requirement, but it quickly grew into something more meaningful. Through personal experiences and research, the students recognized two persistent problems: homeowners struggling to find trustworthy service providers, and skilled workers facing unstable employment. HomeHero aimed to address both—uplifting workers while simplifying everyday life for homeowners.
Learning, Adapting, and Rising Above Challenges
Behind the confident presentation was months of hard work and adaptation. Developing an application was outside the students’ field, forcing them to learn from scratch—understanding app functionality, building a presentable prototype, and refining their pitch. Last-minute adjustments were inevitable, especially with the added challenge of presenting to an international audience with a language barrier.
Despite this, the team chose a creative and engaging presentation style rather than a strictly formal one. The audience response was warm and encouraging, with visible interest from Japanese students and judges—proof that innovation, when rooted in real-world problems, resonates beyond borders.
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“When opportunity presents itself, don’t be afraid to go after it.”
— Dustin Mendoza -
“We stepped out of our comfort zone, believed in our vision, and Japan proved it was worth it.”
— Jayzel Sale -
“Stepping out of your comfort zone isn’t easy—but it’s where the best stories start.”
— Catherine Sulit
Beyond the Stage: Culture, Connection, and Growth
Following the formal program, post-event socials allowed the students to connect with fellow presenters from Japan. Conversations flowed easily as they compared student life, traditions, motivations, and career dreams—discovering that ambition and creativity transcend geography.
On Day 3, the group visited Osaka Castle, immersing themselves in Japanese history while strengthening team bonds. Shortly after, they checked out of the hotel and departed Osaka at 3:05 p.m., carrying home memories far richer than souvenirs.
Reflecting on the experience, Team HomeHero shared that what they enjoyed most was Japan’s culture, people, and hospitality—alongside the rare opportunity to represent their ideas internationally. More importantly, they gained valuable lessons in teamwork, adaptability, and clear communication, especially in a global setting.
Inspiring the Next Wave of IGNITE Innovators
For FIT Academy, the 16th Software Contest for University and Graduate Students experience represents more than competition—it is transformation. Students gain global exposure, build confidence, and engage directly with industry leaders, partners, and peers from different cultures. These interactions deepen their understanding of professional standards and cross-cultural collaboration.
Looking ahead, future IGNITE Philippines participants can expect an even more dynamic and competitive environment, with stronger mentorship, clearer timelines, and deeper industry alignment. FIT Academy encourages students to start early, stay open to feedback, and focus on solving real-world problems—because innovation begins with empathy and action.
As Team HomeHero reflected, the journey to Osaka inspired them to dream bigger—not just for themselves, but for the future they hope to help build. And in that sense, IGNITE Philippines at the 16th Software Contest for University and Graduate Students 2025 didn’t just showcase an application—it ignited a mindset that will continue to grow long after the flight home.
