Coca-Cola Philippines to serve as PFF Women's League sponsor

Members of the FEU Women's Football Team being provided Coca-Cola during the viewing party

With the backdrop of the historic achievement of the Philippines' Senior Women's National Football Team, Coca-Cola Philippines reaffirmed its commitment to the sport by becoming a major sponsor of the PFF Women's League. 

The revelation was made during the viewing party for the FIFA Women's World Cup match between the Philippines and New Zealand, which was co-presented by Coca-Cola, as well as by the Philippine Football Federation and the New Zealand embassy. The event took place at the UP Town Center in Quezon City, an opportunity for those who want to express their full and unwavering support towards the Filipinas, which secured a historic 1-0 victory over the tournament co-hosts.

Coca-Cola Philippines President Tony del Rosario shares, "We congratulate Team Filipinas for bringing honor to the country. We are proud to have brought sports fans together to witness the country’s first-ever goal and first-ever win in the World Cup. Coca-Cola has been a proud supporter of the Women’s World Cup™ since the inaugural tournament in 1991, and through our “Believing is Magic” campaign, we are happy to create excitement and moments of Real Magic for people in the Philippines and around the world as we refresh the shared experience of the tournament. The FIFA Women’s World Cup™ represents a positive change in society, embodying the belief that anything is possible."

From the perspective of the PFF, president Mariano Araneta, Jr. says, "We are delighted that Coca-Cola Philippines has partnered with PFF to support women’s football by agreeing to be a major sponsor of the PFF Women’s League. It is great to have a brand like Coca-Cola support women’s football, especially with the Filipinas creating history in their maiden participation in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™. We hope that this partnership can foster the development of up-and-coming women’s players."

The Women's League is currently ongoing and features ten teams. Collegiate powerhouse De La Salle University has won the previous three iterations, with the matches taking place at the PFF National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite. This current season is the first one to take place post-pandemic.

Health Upgrades highlight new Samsung Galaxy Watch

The latest edition of Samsung's wearable tech contains much-desired upgrades and updates that would satisfy the need of a health buff.

The Galaxy Watch6, as well as the Galaxy Watch6 Classic, aims to help its users build healthier habits everyday. TM Roh, the President and Head of Mobile eXperience at Samsung Electronics, says, "With the new Galaxy Watch6 and Galaxy Watch6 Classic, we are delivering on our commitment to democratize advanced health monitoring tools, now offering easier access right from the wrist. From sleep and fitness coaching to nutritional insights, Samsung is providing new and convenient ways to help users gain understanding and take action for better health and wellness, every day and every night."

Highlighting the idea that better health starts with better sleep, Samsung addresses this with an emphasis on three elements: understanding personal sleep patterns, building better habits, and establishing a sleep-friendly environment. Insights based from these elements could potentially yield positive changes through personalized and actionable tips, advice, and encouragement.

By wearing the Galaxy Watch6, users would be able to receive in-depth analysis of Sleep Score Factors - total sleep time, sleep cycle, awake time, as well as physical and mental recovery, allowing them to be understand better the quality of sleep one receives nightly. Users also would have the option to get even more detailed feedback through individualized Sleep Messages, which are co-developed with the National Sleep Foundation. The Sleep Consistency feature illustrates the consistency of one's sleep and wake times, with a designated Sleep Animal Symbol representing their sleep type.

With all the information now available, users would be able to tailor such knowledge into better sleeping habits. Enhanced Sleep Coaching puts that together through instructions, tips, and reminders, which one can access either on their wrist or through their paired smartphone.

In addition, invoking Sleep Mode on both the watch and the smartphone would set the mood for the perfect sleep environment, with the notifications muted, screens dimmed, and even activate the invisible LED infrared sensor on the watch that allows delivery of valuable health information without the additional light distractions.

As for fitness buffs, the Body Composition feature of the Galaxy Watch6 provides key physical measurements that helps shed light on the user's body and fitness, including skeletal muscle, basal metabolic rate, body water and body fat percentage, among others. Having this data available allows users to have a better read with their fitness goals. A new partnership with Whisk means users can now also get nutritional tips to help with their progress.

The Personalized Heart Rate Zone analyzes individual physical capabilities, allowing it to define five optimal running intensity levels that can guide users in setting feasible goals based on their current ability, whether in burning fat or being in a high-intensity workout.

In addition, the Track Run feature records the user's runs on a track, with the Custom Workout feature enables users to build and track their own personalized exercise routines. This is besides the over a hundred available workout trackers in place.

In case of emergencies, a Fall Detection meter can gauge whenever the user falls either during exercise, standing still, or even during sleep. In case it happens, it could send an alert automatically to either an emergency service number or to pre-selected contacts.

For those interested, both the Galaxy Watch6 and the Galaxy Watch6 Classic are available for pre-orders starting July 26, with general availability slated on August 18.

To learn more about Galaxy Watch6 and Galaxy Watch6 Classic, or design your own watch, please visit: www.samsungmobilepress.com, news.samsung.com/global or www.samsung.com/galaxy-watch.

Successful FIFA Women's World Cup viewing party co-hosted by New Zealand and Philippines

New Zealand Ambassador Peter Kell with Australian Acting Counsellor/Chief Migration Officer Jennifer Bryant

July 25 will prove to be a historic day for Philippine sports, as its Senior Women's National Football Team secured its first-ever World Cup victory, defeating New Zealand, 1-0, behind a 24th minute goal from Sarina Bolden, and a clean sheet from the player of the match Olivia McDaniel.

To help highlight the importance of the event, the Philippine Football Federation and the New Zealand Embassy hosted an official FIFA Women's World Cup viewing party for the match. Over five hundred individuals packed the UP Town Center in Quezon City, which included members of the diplomatic corps, a bunch of student-athletes, and enthusiastic spectators.

Notable attendees include EU Ambassador Luc Veron, as well as Australia's Acting Counsellor/Chief Migration Officer Jennifer Bryant, highlighting the potential of sport's ability to strengthen international ties.

The atmosphere at the venue reflected the intensity of the match at Sky Stadium in Wellington, with every goal attempt, defensive maneuver, and strategic play eliciting appropriate crowd emotions, as both teams gave it their all in an effort to snag all three points in play.

As the Filipinas successfully fended off the Football Ferns, it revealed a mix of jubilation and relief while also showcasing sportsmanship. New Zealand Ambassador Peter Kell extended warm congratulations to the Filipino supporters present.

He shares, "Sa totoo lang, ngayong araw, naramdaman ko ang kapangyarihan ng Team Filipinas at ng kanilang mga tagahanga at tagasuporta. Both Football Ferns and Team Filipinas skillfully displayed a great fight. We are immensely grateful to have organised this live viewing event with the Philippine Football Federation and to witness the fervent support for women's football. The camaraderie and unity displayed by everyone today are a testament to the power of sports in bringing people together."

The Philippine Football Federation adds, "This event has shown the true essence of football and its ability to unite people from different backgrounds. We are grateful for the opportunity to host this event alongside the New Zealand Embassy and strengthen our ties through our shared love for the sport."

All-in-all, the viewing party served as a successful platform for fostering unity, camaraderie, and cultural exchange between New Zealand and the Philippines, highlighting the ability of football to bridge the gap and share passion between nations. It also celebrated women's football and the commitment each side is willing to make in continuing to uplift it.

Jhanlo Sangiao potentially the new face of Team Lakay

 

new face of Team Lakay?

With all the changes that has happened involving Team Lakay, led by the departure of its veteran charges, it is no surprise that Jhanlo Sangiao is being looked now as the outfit's new face.

However, "The Machine" acknowledges that he still has a long way to go, sharing that "Kung sabihin nila na ako yung bagong face ng Team Lakay, pasalamat lang ako pero pinagtatrabahuan ko naman lahat ng ito."

He adds, "Nagte-training lang ako at ine-enjoy ko lang ito. Ipapakita ko kung ano yung kaya ko sa loob ng Circle. Yun lang naman yung goal ko eh."

The bantamweight will get to prove his point when he goes up against Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu in the undercard of ONE Fight Night 13: Allazov vs Grigorian, which takes place on August 5 at the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium in Bangkok, one that he expressed confidence in securing the victory.

Jhanlo is on a three-match winning streak, including a 58-second submission against Matias Farinelli at ONE Fight Night 9: Nong-O vs Haggerty this past April.

With stablemate Carlos Alvarez coming off a second round submission victory over Sadegh Ghasemi at ONE Friday Fights 25 recently, he hopes that this is the start of the turnaround for the Baguio-based group.

Sangiao says, "Medyo nae-excite ako kasi nanalo yung isang teammate namin, si Carlos. Naha-hype na rin ako na lumaban ulit. Nakakatulong din na puro bago ang sparring partners ko kaya energized lahat. Mas focused kami ngayon sa gameplan."

Mark Sangiao, Team Lakay founder and father of Jhanlo, is just glad that the new generation of fighters under his stable remain steadfast and committed.

The elder Sangiao shares, "Our next generation of Team Lakay fighters are doing okay for the most part. I can see them working hard and they’re doing their training every day. That’s just how I see it. They train hard and the attendance has been solid."

From their perspective, Mark reflects, "Sa amin naman, tulungan lang talaga ang bawat isa. Kung sino ang may kailangan ng advice, shine-share namin yung alam namin. Nandyan pa rin naman si papa na matagal na sa sport na ito at best coach para sa akin, so ako ipapakita ko lang yung kung ano ang kaya ko sa Circle."

Arcovia City hosts Pilipinas Obstacle Sports Federation Send-Off for the Ninja World Cup USA

off to the Ninja World Cup

The Pilipinas Obstacle Sports Federation on Monday, July 17, held its sendoff for the athletes it selected to participate in the Ninja World Cup USA qualifiers.

To help determine its selection, the POSF held qualifiers at Arcovia City in the past couple of days, with these eight athletes making the cut: Mark Julius Rodelas, Kevin Pascua, Jay-R de Castro, and Ahgie Rodan for the men, and Precious Cabuya, Kaizen dela Serna, Milky Mae Tejares, and Mecca Cortizano for the women.

The eight will be participating in the Ninja World Cup USA, a competition that brings together the best obstacle course athletes from all over the world. Outstanding participants in this field could potentially become the next Ninja Warrior.

Arcovia City has served as the main outdoor training ground for the POSF, hosting the equipment that made its athletes ready to tackle what lies ahead.

General Manager Kux Quiogue shares, "This event not only highlights the exceptional talent within our country but also serves as an avenue for athletes to represent the Philippines on the international stage, and we are happy to have been a part of it as their training grounds for the competition."

The POSF expressed its appreciation for Megaworld Lifestyle Malls in serving as the host facility for competitions and training. The NSA's head, Atty. Al Agra says, "We are extremely thankful for the support that Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, through Arcovia City, have extended towards us and our athletes as they prepared for arguably the biggest competition they will be a part of."

All eight were part of the selection that participated in the past Southeast Asian Games, who were also honored during the press conference, including Mervin Guarte, Elias Tabac, Sandi Abahan, and Marites Nocyao.

In addition, POST revealed that six youth standouts made the cut to represent the country in the different age groups for the competition: John Edris Dixon, Trisha del Rosario, Gianna Quintela, Gavin Ti, Zara Chua, and Danielle Aro.

Sinag Liga Asya set to take flight

SLA chairman Rocky Chan (fifth from right) and SLA head of basketball operations Paul Joven (fourth from right)

A new league is about to rise.

Sinag Liga Asya is set to start this coming July 24, spearheaded by its chairman Rocky Chan, head of basketball operations for Visayas and Mindanao Paul Joven, chief operating officer Leo Isaac, and commissioner Salvador Cortez Jr.

All of them have worked together previously at the Pilipinas Super League, providing experience for the startup league, with the objective of providing opportunities for homegrown basketball players in the Philippines to secure athletic collegiate scholarships with the eventual pathway towards professional basketball.

Chan shares, "We are going to give kids who have potential a platform to be discovered. With Sinag Liga Asya, we will not be focusing just on the Philippines, but we will have opportunities for these kids to be able to play internationally. It’s a new league, and an exciting one."

Joven adds, "Our vision here is for all the homegrown, unheralded talents who are not able to be seen to be able to play in primary destinations in the country." He also notes, "We’re here to develop players. We really want to develop young kids so they can be seen. I hope many teams will join us to benefit from this kind of avenue."

The July 24 start date is for the Visayas-Mindanao leg, which is to be hosted at the Mandaue City Sports Complex. Teams set for participation include the Lapu-Lapu City Heroes, DH25 Cebu City, Minglanilla Archangels, and the City of Mandaue.

This particular leg is co-presented and powered by Converge, supported by Foton, SCD, j project, MDC, Hotel Sogo, Wcube Solutions Inc., Bluesky advertising, Finn Cotton, with media partners Tiebreaker Times. Mytv Cebu, Dugout University, and Blast.

As for the Luzon leg, it is pegged to start on August 5 at the Tiaong Convention Center in Quezon, with twelve teams set to participate, including Pampanga Delta, Hustle Pampanga Floridablanca, Luid One Kampangpangan, Datzlav Javi Construction, LDG San Pedro, and the 2nd District of Quezon Province.

Potential participants include clubs from Quezon City, Antipolo, and Paranaque.

Chan also bared the potential possibility of sub-continental competition, through conversations with ASEAN stakeholders for a pocket competition with the SLA champion against some of the best from the region.

NBA Philippines hosting WNBA All-Star Viewing Party

WNBA All-Star Viewing Party

In line with the recently-concluded WNBA All-Star Weekend, NBA Philippines held a couple of activations to commemorate the event.

At the Buffalo Wild Wings's Estancia Mall branch in Pasig was a viewing party for the WNBA All-Star Game, the first time NBA Philippines has organized one. Gracing the presence for this event are local partners, as well as members from the women's basketball community, including notable Jr. NBA alumnae and Gilas Women. They got to witness Team Stewart defeat Team Wilson, 143-127, led by All-Star Game MVP Jewell Loyd and her ASG record-setting 31 points.

Hosted by Yani Mayo, the party was interspersed with a trivia contest, rewarding lucky participants with official league merchandise.

During the weekend, the NBA Community Court presented by TITAN hosted Her Time to Play Open Runs, giving girls the chance to play basketball at the court for free. Over 140 ladies got to take advantage of the action between 8am to 10pm at the air-conditioned facility, with access to referees and an official scoreboard. The runs also had a series of three-point contests, as well as skills challenge competitions, with official WNBA products at stake.

NBA Philippines Director of Content and Global Media Distribution Donna Reyes shares, "Hosting our first-ever WNBA All-Star viewing party in the Philippines and the Her Time to Play Open Runs at the NBA Community Court reflects our commitment to raising the WNBA’s profile while positioning our players as role models to inspire the next generation of female athletes. Together with our partners, we look forward to building on the incredible momentum behind women’s basketball and exploring new ways to bring the WNBA experience closer to our passionate Filipino fans."

Filipino fans who want to partake of the WNBA action can check it out on WNBA League Pass, with select games available on Prime Video. NBA TV Philippines, the league's dedicated 24/7 channel in the country, is also airing a few of the games. The channel is also streamed through the SMART Livestream application. You can also check out the latest from the league through WNBA.com or through its social media platforms, as well as by downloading the league's app.

Single Game Tickets Now Available for FIBA World Cup

Filipino basketball fans will have the chance to check out the best basketball in the world, as the local organizers of the 2023 edition of the FIBA World Cup has now made available for purchase single game tickets.

Fans will have the chance to buy tickets for as low as PhP 499, with the most expensive tickets varying from just over PhP 11,099 to as high as PhP 27,299.

Tickets for games at the Mall of Asia Arena can be had via SM Tickets, while Ticketnet handles the ones at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum, as well as the Philippine Arena, where the opening doubleheader between Angola and Italy and hosts Philippines against Dominican Republic will take place.

A musical performance featuring select Filipino artists will take place in between the Philippine Arena doubleheader.

Meanwhile, serving as the opening double-header at the MOA Arena is Mexico-Montenegro, followed by Egypt-Lithuania.

The next day will see the first set of matches at the Big Dome, featuring South Sudan and Puerto Rico and Serbia against China, while the MOA Arena will have Jordan-Greece and the United States versus New Zealand.

Gilas Pilipinas will face Angola for its first match at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum on August 27.

With the event ever creeping closer, the players are also reflecting similar moods.

Dwight Ramos shares, "Ever since I was included in the 23 for 2023 list back in 2018, playing in the World Cup has been the dream. Everything I’ve done as a player, all the work I’ve put in, leads to that moment."

Jamie Malonzo adds, "I’ve had the pleasure of playing at the Philippine Arena for Ginebra with more than 50,000 fans, and it was unbelievable. I don’t think having the World Cup at home again will happen in our lifetime, so I hope the fans come out and support us. I think it’s going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for everyone."

Wilcon Depot on the cusp of breaking through in PBA 3x3

Ael Banal

Even with consecutive quarterfinal exit, Wilcon Depot remains hopeful that better days are still ahead.

The new 3x3 side fell short against Meralco on Tuesday, 13-14, at the Ayala Circuit in Makati, but head coach Anton Altamirano saw some positives.

He says, "Mas maganda na yung pinapakita ng team. Nakukundisyon na kami unti-unti and we're optimistic sa mga susunod pang legs." He also adds, "Breaks of the game lang. We played against a tough Meralco squad and you can see na we're able to keep up with them."

TH Tumalip led Wilcon Depot with six points and eight rebounds, while Ael Banal added three points and four rebounds.

Pool play saw them defeat NorthPort, 21-15 and San Miguel, 17-14, but their 12-18 defeat to Pioneer dropped them to the third seed.

Nevertheless, Altamirano remains hopeful moving forward.

"Ang importante sa amin lumalaban yung team at nakikita naman na konti na lang, pwede na tayong makasabay doon sa mga nangunguna this conference," he said.

Learning experience for Wilcon Depot in PBA 3x3 debut

Terence Tumalip

The inaugural 3x3 leg for newcomers Wilcon Depot at the PBA 3x3 Season 3 First Conference can be chalked to learning experience.

The new side in 3x3 basketball fell short of making an impact at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay, coughing up in the quarterfinals against Terrafirma, 18-20. TH Tumalip led Wilcon Depot in the loss with seven points and six rebounds, with Yutien Andrada adding four markers.

Keith Datu was limited to three points and a couple of rebounds, while Ael Banal misfired by connecting on just 3/13 from the field.

Although encouraged, coach Anton Altamirano cited the quartet's lack of condition as a factor for their exit, noting that it will motivate them to do better in the next legs. He says, "It was a tough reality check for us. We're still not in game shape and it only tells us that we need to strive harder if we want to progress further."

Wilcon Depot did top Pool B, winning all three of its assignments. They stunned Cavitex, 18-16, then taking care of business against Purefoods (18-13), and San Miguel (21-16).

They have a chance to bounce back with the second leg taking place next week, July 10-11, at the Ayala Malls Circuit in Makati.

Nickel Asia to hold first-ever sustainability fun run to benefit mangrove restoration

NAC Sustainability Run

Nickel Asia Corporation is set to hold its inaugural sustainability fun run on July 23, doing it simultaneously at three locations nationwide.

The Sustainability Run will take place at SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, as well as in Balayong People's Park in Puerto Princesa and at the City Hall Grounds of Surigao City.

NAC Senior Vice President for Sustainability, Risk Management, Corporate Affairs, and Communications Jose Baylon shares, "NAC's first-ever fun run puts premium on the importance of collaboration towards a sustainable future. We are the first company with interests in mining to stage an event such as this, and we are proud to trailblaze such initiatives."

He adds, "We are aiming to attract 3,500 finishers, and for each one, we are committing to plant 15 mangrove trees in support of the mangrove rehabilitation in Hagonoy, Bulacan. This is outside and in addition to our Group's mandatory rehabilitation and reforestation programs."

The move will help address the consistent flooding taking place in the community, as well as support the livelihood of fisherfolk, as ninety percent of its residents are dependent on fishing.

Serving to assist NAC in utilizing those proceeds for mangrove restoration is a non-government organization Fostering Education and Environment for Development (FEED). The project will help fulfill FEED's five-year plan of growing at least 100,000 mangroves within a roughly ten-hectare portion of Hagonoy. They already have reached about a fourth of that total as of June though the support of private donors, with NAC looking at targeting between 15,000 and 50,000 through TSR.

In the process, NAC would be able to meet objectives found within its ESG roadmap: 

• Being able to promote good health and well-being of not only its employees, but also of other stakeholders, including the general public
• Ensuring Net-Zero Carbon and Biodiversity Protection
• Spreading awareness and elicit stakeholder participation in NAC's journey towards sustainability.

Runners can choose their distance, between 3k, 5k, 10k, and 21k. They would also be eligible to partake of the raffle, which includes a couple of e-bikes from Popcycle, sustainable running shoes from Asics, and 32-ounce Aquaflask bottles.

NAC President and CEO Martin Antonio Zamora says about The Sustainability Run, "Through this event, we want to deepen our relationship with our stakeholders. Our commitment to environmental protection, safety, and health is something we take to heart. Our aim is not only to embed environmental stewardship into our culture and our workforce, but also to educate our stakeholders about responsible mining and sustainability."

The run is a part of NAC's activities for its 15th anniversary, which a theme entitled "Sustainable Together, Sustainable Forever" has been established to celebrate its milestones and accomplishments.

adidas set to provide quality outfit support for FIFA Women's World Cup

Filipinas get additional support from adidas

Adidas is set to provide the best kind of support for the teams they are equipping in the upcoming FIFA Women's World Cup, specifically providing them with women's specific innovations.

Each of the ten federations (Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, Germany, Italy, Japan, Jamaica, Spain, Sweden, and the Philippines), will receive over fifteen times more women-specific products than what the teams in the previous Women's World Cup edition, whether apparel, hardware, and footwear.

They also worked with experts to ensure the ladies get the best quality equipment possible, whether in the aspect of sports bra engineering or in-kit period support.

For the former, bespoke 1-1 fittings through adidas' Expert Fitter collective to ensure adequate breast support whilst also providing the necessary comfort. 

The latter provide those in a state of menstruation with an extra layer of protection against leaks whilst on the field when worn with a tampon or pad. Integrated with the signature FlowShield Technology, the period support performance short is set to complement federation kits in either White, Black, and Arctic Night, as well as the ones in currently available in the Stay in Play collection.

adidas Senior Product Manager Claudia Scholl shares, "Football can be very physically demanding. Breasts can move up to 19cm in high impact movements. Players can make 100 sprints in a game where they reach in excess of 20KM/h. So correctly fitting product is essential. That’s why we are ensuring our teams get access to 1:1 fittings, technical sports bras and discreet period support; each rigorously tested in our innovation labs alongside athletes. This is an essential part of removing barriers to the sport uniquely faced by women – and just one of the ways we want to create pathways to sport at every level."

The kit bag is the latest innovation from adidas for the FIFA Women's World Cup, following their nature-inspired women's only away kits to the Oceanuz, which is the competition's official match ball.