SMART celebrates Omega Empress' historic win in Riyadh

SMART Omega Empress

SMART Omega Empress made history by securing their first international title at the prestigious Esports World Cup x Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Women’s Invitational Tournament, held at the AMAZON Arena in Riyadh.

Omega Empress emerged victorious against Team Vitality with a commanding 3-0 win in the grand finals, marking the first time a Filipino team has won at the esteemed Esports World Cup.

The triumph came with a substantial prize pool of $180,000 (approximately P10.6 million). Additionally, Sheen “Shinoa” Perez, the team’s standout gold laner, earned $50,000 after being named the Grand Finals MVP.

The Smart Omega Empress's journey throughout the tournament was nothing short of remarkable.

Remaining undefeated, they avenged their previous loss to the Bigetron-composed squad in the Southeast Asian Games grand finals last year, where they finished as runners-up.

Team captain and roamer Mery “Meeray” Vivero expressed heartfelt gratitude for the opportunities and unexpected success they experienced.

“Yung experience po namin sa Riyadh is sobrang thankful po kami don kase bagong experience po yung nangyari sa amin ‘don. May mga na-experience po kami na hindi pa namin na-experience and nabigyan po kami ng opportunity na makapunta ‘don and sobrang unexpected po lahat ng nangyari sa amin,” Meeray shared during their welcome back celebration at the Amelie Hotel in Malate, Manila.

"Parang panaginip lang po eh. Kase ang haba ng panahon na prine-prepare namin ‘to and ‘yon nagbunga po lahat ng pagod namin."

Joining Meeray were Kaye Maerylle "Keishi" Alpuerto (jungler), Gwyneth "not ayanami" Diagon (EXP laner), and Rica Fatima "Amoree" Amores (midlaner).

PLDT and Smart Head of Sports and Executive Director of MVP Sports Foundation, Jude Turcuato, congratulated the team and emphasized the significance of their victory, aligning it with Smart and PLDT CEO Manny V. Pangilinan’s commitment to supporting sports in the country.

“On behalf of the Smart and PLDT President, CEO, and Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, I think this is precisely the reason why our group and our chairman support sports and in this case esports. It is the ability to inspire and unite a community, this esports community, and not just that but going beyond the whole Philippines, our whole country,” Turcuato said.

“MVP always says, ‘We do this because of nation building, we do this because to keep people united’ and I think it’s true especially when these things happen. You not only inspire yourselves in Saudi Arabia but everybody here who has interest in esports was really inspired."

Omega's Chief Marketing Officer Froi Endaya emphasized that the team's success is just the beginning.

“What we did was history. Tapos na natin ‘yon, nagawa na natin ‘yon. The next thing that we should target is to create a dynasty. Ibig sabihin, consistency and greatness. So yun yung, next challenge ko sa team," he said.

"Syempre kailangan level up tayo. Level up nang level up. Onto the next tayo. Hopefully you’ll see us more.”

Endaya also expressed hope that this victory will encourage more organizations to invest in female esports teams, recognizing the potential impact on women and the country.

“Hopefully this triggers more teams, more organizations, more people to fill in female esports players. Kase ang laking impact neto hindi lang sa mga kababaihan natin pati na rin sa bansa natin. So I think it’s really worth the investment to create so many teams. And hopefully, magkaroon talaga ng professional league for FE (female) teams,” he concluded.

East Asia Super League strengthens senior management team

Mark Fischer

With the field now complete for the upcoming 2024-25 season for the East Asia Super League, the organization makes some internal adjustments to strengthen itself under the leadership of its Chief Executive Officer Henry Kerins.

The biggest one sees current Chief Commercial Officer Mark Fischer being elevated as President. He will work with Kerins on corporate strategy and partnerships for the league and its teams, while overseeing all marketing, commercial, and event operations.

Fischer says about his new role, "Having successfully established EASL as the highest level of professional basketball in Asia in our inaugural season, with this new management structure we are uniquely positioned for our next phase of exponential growth. I am delighted to, along with Henry Kerins, lead such a dynamic team of talented executives throughout our organization, as we carry out aggressive expansion plans for the league, on and off the court."

Aside from Fischer's appointment, these moves were also made:

• Adam Zecha as Vice President and Head of Commercial & Broadcast Operations, where he will take the lead on broadcast and marketing partnerships. Adam is one of the foremost sports media executives in Asia, having served in leadership roles for more than 25 years with the likes of ESPN Star Sports, CSI Fight Sports and Singtel.

• Mat Morgan as Vice President and Head of Marketing. Mat has more than two decades of expertise in marketing at sports and youth culture brands in Asia-Pacific. He was previously Chief Marketing Officer at Burton China, and prior to that the Senior Director of Marketing for Asia-Pacific at Vans.

• Dominic Tang as Vice President and Head of Operations. Dominic is a veteran events and hospitality leader who played an instrumental role in producing EASL’s successful inaugural season.

• Banjo Albano as Vice President, Business Development and Head of Philippines. Banjo is an accomplished international entertainment and sports marketing entrepreneur, and one of the longest-serving members of the EASL executive team.

• Hubert Ling as Senior Director, Marketing Partnerships. Hubert joins EASL from NBA Asia, where over a nine-year span he led and delivered a series of groundbreaking sponsorship deals.

• Junji Sakata as Commercial Director, Japan. Junji is an accomplished sports marketing, talent representation, and partnership sales executive, with more than 20 years of experience. He is based in Tokyo and will drive commercial development for EASL in Japan.

• Jay Hyun Yang as Commercial Director, Korea. Jay has more than 20 years of experience in media, content, and sponsorship sales. He is based in Seoul and will focus on developing marketing partnerships in Korea. 

• Edgar Reyes as Senior Advisor, Broadcast Production & Operations. Edgar has more than 30 years of sports broadcast production experience, including as Head of Production for international television coverage for three Southeast Asian Games, and head of Philippine coverage for six Olympic Games and seven Asian Games.

These moves allow the league to solidify its management structure while also adding a wealth of experience, as it targets significant growth in its immediate future.

PUMA steps up with All-Pro NITRO and MB.03 Lo Team reveal

PUMA continues to make its presence felt in the basketball scene with the release of two new sneakers: the All-Pro NITRO™ Fire Glow and the MB.03 Lo Team. Both shoes feature PUMA's game-changing NITROFOAM™ technology, delivering superior responsiveness and cushioning in a lightweight package to keep you explosive on the court.

The All-Pro NITRO™ Fire Glow is packed with performance features to elevate your hoops game. The engineered mesh upper provides targeted support, breathability, and comfort, while the TPU-welded Formstrip adds extra stability. Underfoot, the NITRO™ midsole cushions every step with its advanced nitrogen-injected foam, and the high-abrasion rubber outsole ensures grip and traction for quick cuts and agile movement. 

It comes in a sleek new Fire Glow colorway, with vibrant red-orange accents heating up the shoe's primarily black silhouette. You’ll be sure to stand out in this new colorway while you’re driving the lane, handling split-second crossovers, or crashing the backboard.

The MB.03 Lo Team is the latest entry in the signature line of PUMA ambassador LaMelo Ball. Like the All-Pro NITRO™, the MB.03 features PUMA NITROFOAM™ technology, delivering a responsive step for high-octane plays. The MB.03 also features a rubber outsole with an anti-slip traction pattern to keep you on your toes and locked in all game.

It will be available in the these intergalactic colorways: PUMA Black-Strong Gray Team, Regal Red-For All Time Red, and Hyperlink Blue-Bright Aqua-Electric Peppermint.

Both the All-Pro NITRO™ Fire Glow and the MB.03 Lo Team are now available at select PUMA stores, as well as via PUMA.com.

Manila Digger FC reveals new signings

Manila Digger with their new signings

Hoping to make a dent at Kaya FC's dominance in the women's club football scene in the Philippines, Manila Digger FC announced on Monday at Taguig its acquisition of four new players.

Officially joining the team are Kiara Fontanilla, Rhea Chan, Cynthia Covarrubias, and Poetrie Bedgood.

The first two are familiar to Filipino football aficionados, as both players have been called up for international duty with the Philippines. Their experience and skill will come in handy to aid MD FC, which finished fourth in the league table, afterwards defeating Far Eastern University in penalties before bowing to Kaya FC, 1-0, in the final last November.

Coming from the University are Covarrubias and Bedgood, and both are expected to make an on-field impact on the side with their dynamic playing style.

In making the announcement, Club Manager Oscar shares, "We are excited to have the girls [Kiara, Rhea, Cynthia, and Poetrie] and welcome them to the team. They will bring their experiences and competitive edge to the team."

With these signings, Manila Digger FC is committed to building a team that not only competes at the highest level but also embodies the spirit and passion of women’s football in the Philippines ahead of a thrilling season ahead.

UAAP Season 87 logo unveiled

UAAP Season 87

The University of the Philippines, through its Office for Athletics and Sports Development, unveiled the logo for the forthcoming 87th season of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.

Inspired by this season's theme of Stronger, Better, Together, the logo illustrates the call towards its member schools to constantly look forward, be relevant, and achieve collective greatness by working together.

Called "Hands In Huddle," it is a circular, colorful logo with hands and dots that catch the first attention. A closer look reveals that the hands – in the colors of the eight UAAP universities – also contain stylized human figures, making up a team of diverse universities working as a team.

Serving as a parallel to the league's official logo, the arrangement of each UAAP member-schools is in clockwise motion to its scheduled hosting, starting with the University of the Philippines atop for this year, followed by the University of Santo Tomas, Far Eastern University, National University, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, Adamson University, and capped off by last season's hosts, the University of the East.

The theme is attached alongside the logo, with a colorful image play of the number 87 onto the ST portion of the word STRONGER.

In marking the unveiling, UP OASD Director Bo Perasol shares how the host school came about with this design.

"The clenched fist in the UP Fighting Maroons team logo has transformed into an open hand that reaches out to every one in a spirit of cooperation and partnership. It says the best way to be strong, productive, and relevant is to encourage participation from everyone, be it as a league, as a community, or as a nation."

Perasol adds, "Host school UP, with its colors, maroon and green, is at the top and invites the league, the community, the general public, and the country to come together and do great things as one. When we work as a team, in and out of sports, we can reach great heights and accomplish much."

UP also shares that the league will open its 87th season on September 7, with the collegiate basketball tournaments set to commence things following the traditional opening ceremony.

Perasol notes about that particular event, "This year’s opening ceremony will bring to life the season theme of ‘Stronger, Better, Together.’ Hopefully, it will inspire us all to take the message expressed by the season logo, which is strength in unity, to heart."

Malixi Shows Moxie in Winning U.S.Girls’ Junior in Record Fashion

c/o USGA

For 363 days, Rianne Malixi had to live with the sting of a heartbreaking, championship-match loss in the U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship. The 1-down defeat to Kiara Romero, who then enjoyed an All-American season at the University of Oregon, in Colorado Springs, Colo., provided more than enough motivation for the 17-year-old from the Philippines in the months leading into the 75th edition at El Caballero Country Club.

Plenty of sacrifices were made, including giving up some social activities, as Malixi wanted to avenge the defeat. From the moment she arrived in Southern California, one could sense the purpose and drive in the diminutive dynamo. There was confidence in her gait as she rolled to the No. 2 seed in stroke play, sharing second position with University of Southern California incoming freshman Jasmine Koo; they were four strokes behind medalist Kinsley Ni. Malixi’s focus never wavered as she eliminated foe after foe, including a 19-hole thriller in the Round of 32 over Kennedy Swedick, and an impressive 3-and-2 semifinal triumph on Friday over Koo, the highest-ranked player in the field at No. 7 in the Women’s World Amateur Golf Ranking®/WAGR® and a member of the 2024 USA Curtis Cup Team.

And then in Saturday’s 36-hole championship match against Asterisk Talley, 15, of Chowchilla, Calif., in sweltering heat, Malixi performed as if her name had been already engraved on the Glenna Collett Vare Trophy.

Her impressive 8-and-7 victory over the 2024 U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball champion was the largest in championship history. Nancy Lopez (1974) and Michelle McGann (1987) each registered 7-and-5 decisions back when the final was contested over 18 holes (the format switched in 2006). Malixi, who plans to play at Duke University in the fall of 2025, joined Princess Mary Superal (2014) as the only U.S. Girls’ Junior champions from the Philippines. Yuka Saso, in 2021, won the U.S. Women’s Open representing the Philippines, the country of her mother. She captured the title again in June representing Japan, the country of her father.

The victory earns Malixi a spot in the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open Presented by Ally at Erin Hills, where she hopes to play a practice round with Saso and current World No. 1 Nelly Korda.

“It's huge I know,” said Malixi with a wide smile dashed across her face. “It's hard for me to comprehend right now because everything just came in so quickly. I know being USGA champion means a lot. Being able to do that is a huge honor for me and I'm very grateful."

“It was such a heartbreak last year because I was so close. After that U.S. trip I just practiced a lot. I spent a lot of hours training in Manila. I sacrificed a lot of my social time, school time. Not only me, but my dad (Roy) also sacrificed a lot of time for me just to accompany me. My family had their share [of sacrifices] and I'm just really grateful for everything.”

Malixi had arguably one of the best days of her career on Saturday, registering 14 birdies against no bogeys in 29 holes of golf. In the morning 18, she shot the equivalent of 9-under 62 – with the usual match-play concessions – in taking a 6-up lead into the 2½-hour lunch break. One of those birdies came on the par-5 first hole, where she made 4 eight times in 10 visits.

But Malixi wasn’t going to rest on her laurels, especially given that Talley edged her for the title in this year’s Junior Invitational at Sage Valley, a prestigious event held in late March in Graniteville, S.C. In fact, the two shared one of the on-site cottages. Talley later would finish eighth in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur (Malixi failed to make the cut), win the U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball with partner Sarah Lim in May at Oak Hills Country Club and share low-amateur honors in the U.S. Women’s Open with reigning U.S. Women’s Amateur champion Megan Schofill and USC All-American/2024 USA Curtis Cupper Catherine Park.

And Talley did come out firing with three birdies over the first four holes in the afternoon session but could only cut the margin to as little as 5 down. Malixi won the par-5 25th with a birdie to go 6 up, birdied the par-4 27th from 20 feet to take a 7-up lead, and closed it out two holes later with a par after Talley’s recovery shot from a greenside bunker sailed well past the flag into rough guarding the back of the green. She nearly holed out for par, and once Malixi coaxed her 15-foot putt to 3 feet and converted the par attempt, the two exemplary juniors hugged.

For the No. 57 player in the WAGR, it was an emotional loss as she tried to become just the fourth woman to win multiple USGA titles in the same year to join Pearl Sinn (1988), Jennifer Song (2009) and Eun Jeong Seong (2016), and just the second player to have won a U.S. Girls’ Junior and U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball (Erica Shepherd).

In Friday’s semifinal win over 2022 runner-up Gianna Clemente, Talley was the player on fire with 10 birdies over 17 holes.

“I'm proud of myself for how I played this week, but I made too many mistakes out there today,” said the fourth-seeded Talley, fighting tears. “I tried to turn it around in the [second 18] but I was too far away, and I couldn't reach her. She was playing too well. She played her butt off today and I couldn't do anything.”

Golf is a game where opponents can’t play defense and Talley had no answers for the birdies being stacked by Malixi. In fact, Malixi only trailed for three holes the entire week, and that was in her semifinal win over Koo. She also only needed 107 holes to win the title, the second fewest in the 36-hole, championship-match era (Eun Jeon Seong 104 in 2015) that began in 2006.

Playing tournaments in 11 different countries over the past two years has toughened the Manila native. Earlier this year, she finished fifth in the Korean Women’s Open. She also competed in the Women’s Amateur Championship conducted by The R&A at Royal Portmarnock in the Republic of Ireland, and represented her country in last year’s Women’s World Amateur Team Championship in the United Arab Emirates.

And now there will be a lot more travel in her future. Besides all of the USGA championships, she also receives a sponsor’s exemption into the LPGA Tour’s JM Eagle LA Championship that will be held at El Caballero C.C. next year due to renovations going on at nearby Wilshire C.C. She also has a likely invite to the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.

Philippine Curling Team Dares to Dream for a 2026 Winter Olympics Bid

Philippine Curling Team

Can a team from a tropical country excel in an ice sport like curling?

That’s what the Philippine National Curling Team – composed of four Fil-Swiss players -- are out to prove when they go through the rigorous preparations of vying for a slot in the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan, Italy.

Alan Frei, Filipino-Swiss entrepreneur, economist, curler and spokesman of the team said the Philippine men’s squad bagged a silver medal in the B-Division of the Pan Continental Curling Championships in Kelowna, Canada in 2023. The team aims to repeat the feat this October in Alberta to move up to the A-Division in the 2025 championships. The top two teams there get guaranteed spots in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.

Frei, a relative newcomer to curling, joined the Filipino team in March 2023, a year after he sold his Swiss e-commerce business and decided “to become an Olympian”. Sharing his dream are teammates Christian Haller, a two-time world junior championship medallist, and brothers Marc and Enrico Pfister who previously competed for Switzerland in world curling championships. 

All Swiss-born like Frei, Haller, and the Pfister brothers are eligible to play for the country because of their Filipino mothers.

“The sport of curling is like playing chess on ice. It’s a combination of strategy and physical skill. We have a huge advantage in the strategy part because we have the experience of the three guys who have played on the world stage,” said Frei.

To test their skills further, the National Men’s Curling Team will be competing in an off-season tournament this August, the Baden Master’s in Switzerland where they will face World’s No. 1 Italy in their first game. Currently placed at 51st in the men’s rankings of the World Curling Member Association, Frei said the team is excited to play Italy so they can gauge exactly where they stand.

The Swiss-Filipino team hopes that more Filipinos can become aware of their goals and what they’ve been doing so they can be inspired even more.

Frei said the curling team shoulders all their expenses at present, citing their need to first achieve “success” before asking for financial support from the POC and other possible sponsors.

The Swiss-Filipino athletes are also eyeing a podium finish against top Asian countries like China and Korea in the 2025 Asian Winter Gamesin Harbin to gain national recognition.

“The curling team aspires to pave the way for future curling athletes from the country in their bid for the Olympics. We are trying to foster [Filipino talent] more and more just by being a role model and having this super ambitious goal,” Frei said.

With the help of the POC and national sports associations, the team plans to hold exhibition tournaments in the country and provide training for aspiring Filipino curlers. The Curling Winter Sports Association of the Philippines, which the team is a part of, also aims to increase its membership from about 50 to 100 people this year according to Frei.

Frei said Filipino communities come out to support them anywhere they play, worldwide.

Single-minded in their dream to bring honor to the country, Frei revealed they want to achieve what the Jamaican Bobsled Team did in the 1988 Winter Olympic Games in Calgary. Received as underdogs in a cold weather sport, the Jamaicans competed against all odds and came out the favorites.  

“We don't have a plan B. We have only one plan and that is to go to the Olympics,” Frei concluded. 

San Miguel, Meralco complete 2024-25 EASL field

PBA x EASL

The last two teams of the upcoming East Asia Super League's 2024-25 season are now officially confirmed, with the Philippine Basketball Association selecting the San Miguel Beermen and the Meralco Bolts.

Both teams were picked based from their performances in the just concluded season of the oldest Asian professional league.

League Commissioner Willie Marcial shared this statement in line with the announcement: "The PBA is excited to send two of its champion teams to compete in EASL. The San Miguel Beermen and the Meralco Bolts showed their strength last season by winning the Commissioner’s Cup and Philippine Cup, respectively. They will represent Filipino basketball with pride and we hope that one of them will be crowned the champion of East Asia next season."

EASL CEO Henry Kerins adds, "Filipino teams and fans bring great competitiveness and passion to EASL and we are delighted to confirm the participation of the San Miguel Beermen and the Meralco Bolts next season. We expect them to compete strongly for the championship, against the best teams from the rest of East Asia."

San Miguel finished as the 2023-24 Commissioner's Cup champions and finished runner-up in the Philippine Cup, losing to Meralco in the finals.

Both teams have had previous stints in the EASL, with San Miguel having played in the Terrific 12 iteration of the league in 2019, while Meralco was part of the campaign last season.

For this coming campaign, San Miguel has been allocated into Group A alongside B.LEAGUE champions Hiroshima Dragonflies, KBL runners-up Suwon KT Sonicboom, and P.LEAGUE+ runners-up Taouyan Pauian Pilots.

As for Meralco, they will be placed onto Group B, joining fellow EASL participants last year Ryukyu Golden Kings and New Taipei Kings, with KBL champions Busan KCC Egis completing the field.

The upcoming season will have a new champion, as last year's title holders Chiba Jets was unable to qualify after not making to the finals of this past B.LEAGUE season.

PUMA DEVIATE NITRO™ 3 set to help deliver running PBs

PUMA Deviate NITRO 3

Earlier this month, PUMA revealed their latest edition of the Deviate, as it tries to redefine speed in a way that the running scene is yet to experience. At the same time, it helps empower runners to unlock their new personal bests.

Called the Deviate NITRO™ 3, it embodies PUMA's relentless pursuit towards excellence in performance footwear, giving its wearers the necessary confidence to hit the road.

"We’re living in a world where athletes and runners have high expectations. They want to set PBs and break records, time and time again. To do that, you need a shoe that gives you the competitive edge – that’s where Deviate comes in," according to Romain Girard, VP Innovation at PUMA.

Engineered with the cutting edge NITROFOAM™ technology to deliver supreme cushion and responsiveness, the shoe also integrates its carbon fibre PWR Plate with PUMA’s unrivalled PUMAGRIP. The former offers a smoother and more consistent source of speed, resulting in an explosive toe-off that propels runners beyond their normal limits, while the latter enables multi-surface traction in even the most testing conditions.

Meanwhile, a lightweight engineered mesh upper features strategically placed PWR Tape to provide support in high stress areas, with a padded collar offering additional comfort and fit.

Priced at PhP 8,800, the Deviate NITRO™ 3 is now available worldwide via PUMA.com, your favorite PUMA outlet, and at select retailers.

For more information, please visit www.puma.com.

Samsung gifts Olympians and Paralympics special Flip6

Z Flip6, Olympic edition

The Olympic community is an elite one, and all of these athletes will be given a pretty cool gift.

All participants competing in the 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris will be receiving a special, custom-built Galaxy Z Flip6 smartphone starting July 18, in collaboration with the International Olympic and Paralympic Committees (IOC and IPC).

In making the announcement,  Stephanie Choi, EVP & Head of Marketing of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics shares, "Samsung has pushed the boundaries of mobile technology in support of the Olympic and Paralympic Games and its athletes for nearly three decades. We are honored to deliver our newest Galaxy innovation to the inspiring athletes of Paris 2024 – and give them the opportunity to experience the powerful and intelligent Galaxy Z Flip6 firsthand, even before its official market launch. We are excited to see how our technology opens up athletes’ Games-time experience like never before — from creating meaningful connections, to sharing and capturing lifelong memories while in Paris and beyond."

Recently launched in Paris, the Olympic Edition of the Galaxy Z Flip6 is a continuation of Samsung's partnership with the Olympic programme in providing cutting-edge technology and mobile innovation across the Games, having been a Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner since 1988. The athletes will be the first-ever users of this smartphone, as general availability will only take place starting July 24.

For the special Olympic Edition, the Galaxy Z Flip6 comes in a striking yellow colorway adorned with the Olympic rings and the Paralympic agitos in gold. The device comes with an exclusive Flipsuit Case, designed by Parisian Men's Luxury Maison, Berluti, who also designed host France's Opening Ceremony outfits. The Flipsuit Case is made from Venezia leather, with a unique patina featuring a vibrant color mix inspired by the Olympic rings, celebrating the Olympic spirit and values of excellence and unity.

The device comes pre-loaded with a full suite of exclusive services and useful apps, and is the first Olympic Edition featuring Galaxy AI, whose latest technological innovations will help shape the athletes' experiences whilst at the French capital.

From a communication perspective:

• Live translation of calls  - translates phone calls directly on the device in real-time into sixteen different languages, making it easy for athletes to call the Olympic hotlines and local contacts in their native language, using Samsung native and select third-party apps.

• Interpreter  - instantly translates live conversations, allowing athletes to chat with other athletes and volunteers and receive a live translation of what they’re saying on screen – while still speaking face-to-face, thanks to the phone’s unique dual screen.

• Composer  - helps to draft emails and social media posts in apps by using simple keywords. For social media app specifically, it even analyzes the tone of past content, making it easier for athletes to express their excitement at some of the competition’s most thrilling or poignant moments. 

As for a competition / creative perspective, the Galaxy AI technology ain't no slouch as well:

• Instant Slow-mo  - allows athletes to record, share and analyze their performances in slow motion, making it easier for them to refine their technique. 

• Photo Assist  - enables athletes to get the perfect shot every time, by resizing, repositioning or even removing unwanted objects within photos.

Bundled onto the Z Flip6 is an Orange eSIM with 100GB 5G data. as well as two years of Samsung's international warranty. Also, official apps of the International Olympic Committee, such as Athlete 365, Olympic Shop, Paris 2024, Transport Accred App, and IOC hotline are pre-loaded to make it perfectly suitable for use in an out of the Games.

In partnership with fellow Worldwide Olympic Partner The Coca-Cola Co., an in-app pass via Samsung Wallet will allow the athletes to be able to avail of free beverages in vending machines located throughout the Olympic and Paralympic Village. It also will have an unlimited complimentary public transport access card, in partnership with Île-de-France Mobilités (IDFM), which is perfect for going around Paris and the surrounding region.

In addition, Galaxy Z Flip6 will have a suite of interactive, Paris 2024-themed apps. The time-honored tradition of collecting and exchanging pins during the Games will now go digital as well, through PinQuest and Galaxy experience. Adding some fun is Olympic Go!, which is the official Olympic Game, and Galaxy Skateboard, which features the Phyrges, the Paris 2024 mascots.

The Galaxy Z Flip6 will also make history in the upcoming Olympics and Paralympics by being the first device that can be used at the podium during the medal ceremony. Traditionally, athletes have been prohibited from bringing their personal belongings to said ceremony, including mobile phones. As such, athletes are unable to record a potential core memory. That will now change, as medalists will have a chance to channel their emotions through a new, victory selfie. Thanks to Samsung's technology, it will then map and sort the athletes’ selfies by sport and upload them to Athlete365 in real-time, which will allow athletes to save and share their iconic moments with family and fans.

Fans in Paris will be able to check out the special Galaxy Z Flip6 Olympic Edition at the Olympic™ rendezvous @ Samsung showcases, including the one at Champs-Elysees 125, starting July 12.

Y-3 and the Japan Football Association Unveil Inaugural Collaborative Collection

adidas x Y-3 x JFA

Yohji Yamamoto's collaboration with adidas has yielded interesting results via Y-3 in the last couple of decades, and for the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, the brand will manifest itself in a first-of-its-kind collaborative collection with the Japanese Football Association (JFA).

First revealed during Y-3's Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2025 last June 21st, the collection includes an On-Pitch offer and Culturewear, highlighted by hand-painted flame graphics which symbolizing mystic power and strength, which serves as a base for the national football team's enduring dynamism.

Both men's and women's teams will be sporting these during their respective campaigns at the Summer Games, set to take place starting this month.

Consisting of a home kit, an away kit, and a goalkeeper kit in three colorways, the Y-3 for JFA On-Pitch offer channels the spirit of Yohji Yamamoto and embraces the energy of the national team. 

Made to be the best of the athlete, the onfield kits have been designed to optimize airflow with quick drying HEAT.RDY technology, while a lightweight crest and adidas badge of sport logo further epitomize the spirit of driving the highest level of on pitch performance.

Designed to represent the style of football played by the Japanese national team, the home kit features a dark navy colorway that is punctuated by a graphic consisting of a swell of smaller blue flames growing into pillars of fire – symbolizing the collective power that arises when individuals come together as one.

The away kit, meanwhile, boasts a white colorway with a different flame graphic. This time the precise placement of the flames, leaving plenty of blank space, at once recalls the dynamism of the team’s on pitch play and Yohji’s commitment to exploring the “aesthetic of the gap”.

Rounding out the On-Pitch offer, the goalkeeper kit features an underbody measurement fit, designed for faster and longer reach, and boasts the same flame graphic as the home jersey. The yellow colorway will be available for purchase, while pink and green are reserved for on pitch usage by the national team.

For the Culturewear collecition, it is inspired by one of the goalkeeper kits worn during the late 90s, which was a classic thank to its bold and instantly recognizable flame print.

A celebration of Y-3’s pioneering commitment to bridging the worlds of sport and fashion, the culturewear collection consists of a suite of daring apparel looks and accessories. 

Designed for gameday, an anthem jacket and pre-match jersey have been crafted to perfectly compliment the on-pitch collection.

Expanding the approach beyond the stadium, the collection then features a number of dynamic pieces including a reversible souvenir jacket, a hoodie with matching pants, a short sleeve tee and matching shorts, a long sleeve jersey style tee with matching shorts in two colorways, a cap, a bucket hat, a scarf, and a tote. Continuing the conceptual pulse of the collaborative collection, several of the culturewear pieces are adorned with a hand painted flame graphic.

Fans can already try to look like their favorite Samurai Blue or Nadeshiko by checking out the Y-3 for JFA collection at either the Brand Center in Glorietta 2 or at the Two Parkade branch at BGC. The collection is also available online through adidas.com.ph.

TapDMV secures Philippine broadcast rights to USA Basketball Showcase

With the United States hoping for a successful fifth title defense in Paris, USA Basketball has arranged for a few exhibitions to help keep the team sharp.

Called the USA Basketball Showcase, it will take place in the next couple of weeks across the United States, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom, before the actual action takes place at the 2024 Summer Olympics in the French capital.

They will face off against tough competition, each of which are also set to play in the Olympics, too.

The schedule of the USA Basketball Showcase is as follows (Philippine Time):

● July 11 (Thursday), 10:30 a.m. - vs. Canada (Las Vegas, United States)

● July 16 (Tuesday), 12:00 a.m. - vs. Australia (Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.)

● July 18 (Thursday), 12:00 a.m. - vs. Serbia (Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.)

● July 21 (Sunday), 3:00 a.m. - vs. South Sudan (London, United Kingdom)

● July 23 (Tuesday), 3:00 a.m. - vs. Germany (London, United Kingdom)

All of these matches are going to be available locally, thanks to the collaboration of Tap Digital Media Ventures (TapDMV).

In sharing the announcement, BlastTV and Blast Sports Chief Growth Officer Jacque M. Ruby shares, "We are delighted to bring this incredible series of exhibition games featuring USA Basketball’s star-studded roster. The USA Basketball Showcase is a must-watch event for every Filipino fan, and we are proud to deliver coverage on our free-to-air and pay TV channels and the BlastTV app."

TapDMV will have the exhibitions shown on free-to-air channel Blast Sports, as well as onto its cable TV sports channels: Tap Sports, Premier Sports 1, Premier Sports 2 and Premier Football. Those who have the streaming platform BlastTV will also have the games.

Aside from these matches, TapDMV also will show a couple more exhibitions live: Australia against Serbia at midnight on July 17, as well as the United States' women's team against their German counterparts at 3am on July 24.

Beginning Thursday, July 11 through Tuesday, July 23, Tap Digital Media Ventures (TapDMV) will deliver the USA Basketball Showcase to fans in the Philippines through free-to-air channel Blast Sports, cable TV channels Tap Sports, Premier Sports 1, Premier Sports 2 and Premier Football, and streaming platform BlastTV.

With most of the matches being early in the day, Blast Sports will show the games via delayed broadcast at 8am.

Seeking the gold once again for the United States are: Bam Adebayo, Devin Booker, Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, Anthony Edwards, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Haliburton, Jrue Holiday, LeBron James, Jayson Tatum, and Derrick White.

Serving as their head coach is Steve Kerr, with Mark Few, Ty Lue, and Erik Spoelstra acting as his assistants.

For more information on Blast TV, visit app.blasttv.ph, download the Blast TV App on the App Store and Google Play, and follow Blast TV (@blasttvph) on Facebook, Instagram and X.

Vermosa furthers mission to support PH Sports with inauguration of its Athlete’s House

The Athlete's House inside the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub

Already considered as one of the premier training grounds for athletes in the country, there is always room for improvement.

And for the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub, that would include adding more facilities to its impressive slate. The latest being a 30-room athletes' accommodation called the Athlete's House on Wednesday morning.

Designed with the Filipino athlete in mind, room configurations are built to suit a team seeking a comfortable and convenient home base for training or a family looking for an active getaway. The bathrooms have a three-way feature to enable three persons to use the shower, toilet, and vanity area simultaneously. There are other offers such as a marketplace, open bar and lounge that guests will enjoy. The best part is that the training facilities, which includes a FINA-standard Olympic size swimming pool, a FIFA-certified football field, a World Athletics-certified track oval, and a indoor fitness facility with a sports science laboratory, are just a few meters away.

"The formal inauguration of the Athlete’s House is a testament of Vermosa’s ongoing commitment to support Philippine sports and encourage a healthy and active lifestyle for all," said Moses John (MJ) Aragones, Project Development Manager of Ayala Land Estates, Inc.

On the same day as the inauguration, a groundbreaking ceremony took place for the Athletics' Center Dugout.

Projected to be completed by early 2025, it will feature locker rooms for playing teams, a dedicated room for officials and referees, a room for media partners, and an open deck for VIP guests with panoramic views of the field and track.

AVSH is also looking to invest on expansive canopies to better shelter spectators present for the action on the field from the weather.

Aside from Ayala officials and local government representatives from the City of Imus, a few athletes were also present for the event.

Among the athletes supported by Ayala Corp. are two-time Olympic swimmer Jasmine Alkhaldi; gold-medal archer Andrea Robles; youngest nationally ranked karateka Prince Alejo; world-ranked archer and SEAG medalist Pia Bidaure; world-ranked archer Abby Bidaure; Philippines’ top foil fencer Nat Perez; world-ranked fencer Noel Jose and Filipino Olympian pole vaulter EJ Obiena, currently ranked second in the world.

The Sports Hub recently was the venue of The Green Run, whose beneficiaries include Takbo Kabitenyo, a non-profit organization targeting Cavite-based runners aspiring to be part of the national team programme. AVSH has opened their facilities to the TK as part of the latter's activities.

AVSH already has served as the training ground for a number of National Sports Associations, including Athletics, Rugby, and Triathlon. Those interested in booking the facility, as well as the Athletes' House can book through this hotline, 09674055782.

DITO Celebrates “Galing” ng Pilipino at the Palarong Pambansa 2024

DITO x Palaro

DITO Telecommunity renews its commitment to weaving stronger telecommunities and championing Filipino talents across the country as a proud co-presenter of Palarong Pambansa 2024, the largest sporting event in the country. In partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the local government of Cebu City, DITO supports and celebrates the galing of young athletes as they go all out and compete in various sporting events. 

The Palarong Pambansa has gathered young Filipino athletes across the Philippines since 1948.  This year’s competition will involve the participation of 12,000 athletes, coaches, and officials in 22 regular sports, one demonstration sport, and four Para Games. Several “firsts” will also mark the historic event, including the addition of dance sports as a regular sport and the inaugural participation of athletes from the National Academy of Sports and the Philippine Schools Overseas. The games, slated to run from July 11 to 15, 2024, will be held in Cebu City.

A celebration of galing, determination, and diversity 

The Palarong Pambansa has long been a proving ground for the skills, determination, and sportsmanship of young athletes. This year’s theme “Beyond Sports” boosts the holistic development of the athletes in sport and education, while helping strengthen the bond among athletes, their families, and peers – an endeavor that DITO fully supports. 

“We at DITO are always committed to help build a stronger, progressive nation,” said Evelyn Jimenez, Chief Revenue Officer for Consumer Business. “Aligned with the principles behind our GalingDITO campaign, we want to recognize undiscovered talents, champion diversity, and empower more Filipinos to showcase their “Galing.” The Philippines is home to rich natural resources, cultural heritage, and homegrown talents; hence, we aim to put the spotlight on Filipino talent and excellence, especially in this gathering of tremendously talented and spirited young athletes from every corner of the Philippines.” Jimenez added. 

More than the gold awaiting victors at the podium, DITO sees the coming together of hearts and talents as the bigger goal of events of this magnitude. “The talent and perseverance of every young Filipino athlete contribute to their personal achievements, but collectively, they will help shape an empowering narrative of unity that will positively influence our nation,” added Ms. Jimenez. 

As a co-presenter of Palarong Pambansa 2024, DITO will join DepEd, the Cebu City community and its officials, the athletes, their families, coaches, and trainers in the Opening Ceremony on July 9, 2024 at the Cebu City Sports Center. 

Exciting activities and exclusive freebies also await event attendees at the GalingDITO Booths. As a ramp-up to the Palarong Pambansa 2024, highly sought-after Pinoy pop boy group ALAMAT, who are GalingDITO Ambassadors, will also have a fan meet on July 7, 2024 at SM City Cebu. 

“We’re so happy and honored to be here and take part in this year’s Palarong Pambansa. These activities aim to get DITOzens and Cebuanos into the spirit of the games and spread the celebration of Filipino talent and excellence that our GalingDITO platform fully supports,” Jimenez concluded.

For more information and updates, check out @DITOphofficial on Facebook and Instagram or visit https://dito.ph/.  

The Green Run draws banner field in 2024 in Vermosa

The Green Run

The end of June saw another successful running event inside Vermosa, as the AyalaLand's 700-hectare modern suburban estate in Imus hosted the 2024 edition of The Green Run.

Now on its third iteration, over 2,500 individuals lacing up their running shoes for varying distances, between 3K, 5K, 10K, and 21K. In addition, over three hundred dogs of varying breeds, alongside their fur parents, participated on a quaint Sunday morning for a 1.4K Dog Run.

Such demand, which led to a sold-out event, reflects the continued enthusiasm for running, while also highlighting the community's desire to remain involved in meaningful advocacies, in this case being a greener society.

Edgardo Panopio leads the casts of winners, clocking in at 89 minutes and 21 seconds for the men's 21K division, beating out Andy Borras Jr by over a minute.

On the women's side, Jennifer Padallan finished with a time of 110 minutes and four seconds, with also a winning margin of just over a minute against Joan Caralian.

Winning the 10K portion are Jhojie Daga-As (39:56) and Sofia Capistrano (45:07), while Polo Himoc (15:20) and Hazel Zamora (22:49) topped the 5K category.

As for the 3K, it is James Lawrence Sabal needed just over eleven and a half minutes for the men, with Danielle Sophia Yurango timed in at fourteen minutes and forty seconds.

AyalaLand Inc. marketing and communications group head Chrissy Roa says about their successful event, "We are extremely happy and grateful for the overwhelming support and response of runners in this year’s Green Run. More than just bringing fun and promoting healthy living, we are delighted to also give the running community a worthy cause to support. The Green Run’s main mission is to give back to the community by concretizing our commitment to protect the environment, championing young athletes and promoting animal care."

She adds, "This year, we welcomed Takbo Kabitenyo to the growing family of Vermosa. We opened the Ayala Vermosa Sport Hub to youth runners from Cavite who have a strong potential to become national athletes. We are committed to providing them with training support and the use of our state-of-the-art facilities. We look forward to producing athletes who will bring pride to our country in the future while providing them with opportunities to have a better quality of life."

The Cavite-based community, alongside animal welfare advocate Pawssion Project, joined the Haribon Foundation as The Green Run's beneficiary for this year.

Helping make this year's edition of The Green Run a success are its partner brands: Avida Sentria Storeys, Ayala Malls Vermosa, Kremil-S, Diatabs, Merrell, Pocari Sweat, Park Access, Chris Sports, Fitbar, Naturals, Healthway Medical Network, Fuwa Fuwa, Nutrition Depot, Mogu Mogu, Sante Barley and Oishi.