Gatorade Proud to Fuel FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Milestones

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The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 concludes with Europe as the new powerhouse in the biggest sports spectacle anticipated by more than 12,000 fans. Gatorade, the World’s No. 1 Sports Drink in the World, congratulates Germany for it sweeping campaign, capped off by an 83-77 triumph over Serbia at the finals match.

As the official sports drink of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, Gatorade joins FIBA in bringing the biggest hoop spectacle to life. Hosted in not one but three countries for the first time, the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 set multiple milestones – including the most-attended FIBA game held at the Philippine Arena on August 25 with a record-breaking crowd of 38,115. This even surpassed the 32,616 previously set in the 1994 games when Team USA defeated Russia, 137-91, for the gold medal.

Manila co-hosted the event with Okinawa and Jakarta wherein the latter posted a new mark in attendance during the group stage matches – a total of 111,000 spectators from August 25 to September 3 held at the newly built Indonesia Arena Stadium. It was the highest ever achieved in Indonesian basketball, according to Indonesian State-Owned Enterprise Minister Erick Thohir.

Basketball is life for many Filipino fans which is why Gatorade was present both on and off the court. Only the Number 1 Sports Drink can bring fans closer to the action with halftime segments, namely the 3-Point Shootout and the Gatorade No Sugar Fit-O-Meter. Gatorade also surprised fans queuing for snacks outside the court with a Gatorade shooting game and a Gatorade No Sugar bike challenge. For those who couldn’t watch the games in person, Gatorade partnered up with supermarkets, gearing the fans with sports bottle and ticket raffles.

This made for a truly unforgettable basketball experience here in the Philippines, as it brought together fans and supporters from all over the world to our very own homecourt. All teams that qualified to the quarterfinals and the classification stage matches were welcomed by basketball obsessed Filipinos - truly a one-of-a-kind event where world-class basketball talents were on full display. Even after Gilas Pilpinas ended its campaign with a morale-boosting 96-75 triumph over China on September 2, Filipino fans showed tremendous love for the game, played passionately by all teams.

Team USA was a treat for the fans, composed by an all-star NBA squad with champion coaches, Steve Kerr and Erik Spoelstra. Notable players included Austin Reaves and Anthony Edwards. NBA stars playing for their home countries, Luka Dončić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, were highly anticipated by fans. However, Germany and Serbian players dominated the courts – leading to a European showdown.

“Even if nobody asked me, but I’m going to say it, I really appreciate it. It was so amazing. So many fans (here) support me,” said Doncic, the star player of the Dallas Mavericks said even after watching his team got beaten by Canada during the quarterfinal match.

Pinoy fans also gave their support to the other teams like Canada led by Dillon Brooks, Serbia bannered by Bogdan Bogdanovic and Germany spearheaded by Dennis Schroder. In between these milestones, world-class performance and sportsmanship were showcased by basketball players and sports enthusiasts – all fueled by Gatorade, the World’s No. 1 Sports Drink.

Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) Dennis Schroder led their country’s team to its first ever FIBA Basketball World Cup title.

As the official sports drink, Gatorade celebrates the glory of basketball – the world class performance of the players and the love for the game of every basketball aficionado.

How Gatorade, the official electrolyte drink of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, becomes a part of athletes’ winning legacy

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Dwight Ramos has powered through rigorous training sessions and tune up games against select teams from Europe, as well as the Ukraine U-21 team in Estonia and Lithuania.

This Gilas Pilipinas key player refuses to be slowed down by injury — and a big part of injury prevention is proper exercise and hydration. By fueling up and replenishing electrolytes lost during games and practice, Ramos doesn’t miss out on any session in between flights from Manila to China for tune up games.

Now in the final stages of Gilas’ prep behind closed doors, Ramos can go the extra mile with Gatorade, the official electrolyte partner of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.

Staying hydrated is the key to longevity - proven quite a number of times by another key player for Gilas and resident import of Barangay Ginebra - Justin Brownlee - who had to learn this lesson the hard way.

Amidst uncomfortable playing conditions in the Cambodia Southeast Asian Games earlier this year, Brownlee battled with cramps and had to miss a crucial part of the match due to fluid loss.

“His legs were cramping up due to the heat and exhaustion,” said Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes when the Philippines lost 68-79 to host team Cambodia in a match played under 41-degree weather.

However, the six-time PBA champion bounced back stronger and more determined than ever to lead Gilas in their redemption tour, bringing the SEA Games gold medal within reach.

After all, in every 40-minute, high stakes game, players need to give their all while battling fatigue and exhaustion. That’s why Gatorade, the official electrolyte drink of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, plays a valuable role in the biggest basketball stage.

Players need to keep rehydrating with the necessary fluids and replacing lost electrolytes to keep them playing longer and the Gatorade formula has been proven to do just that by scientists, nutritionists, and world class athletes for more than 50 years.

With qualifying teams all over the world coming to the Philippines, the tournament can expect the world’s number 1 sports drink to keep world class players fueled up for every match.

To date, other countries have completed their lineup, while the Gilas Pilipinas coaching staff will finalize the final national roster after a round of friendly games with other participating countries.

Among those expected to play are Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic (Slovenia), Denver Nuggets’ Jamal Murray (Canada), Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Canada), Utah Jazz's Lauri Markkanen (Finland), Chicago Bulls' Nikola Vucevic (Montenegro) and Gatorade’s own ambassador from the Minnesota Timberwolves, Karl Anthony Towns (Dominican Republic).

Representing the Philippines, Utah Jazz’s Jordan Clarkson will don the Gilas blue jersey, rallying the country’s best athletes towards victory

With these basketball superstars on the stage, Gatorade is sure to make history one bottle and one game at a time.

From thrilling sports action to drama, you can find all these shows on Cignal TV

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A relaxing weekend at home calls for a perfect bonding time with the family. You can stay-in and huddle in front of the TV while watching your favorite shows and feasting over your comfort homecooked meals.

Fortunately, you have everything at home to make this possible with the new PLDT Home Fiber Unli All Plan, which comes with unli internet, landline with unli mobile calls, and unli entertainment from Cignal TV.

From the world’s biggest sports events to the hottest movies and shows, here are the best shows to watch on Cignal TV:

FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 | On One Sports+ (Ch. 91)

Filipinos and families looking to satisfy their passion for basketball will love bonding over the historic action slated to happen on home soil in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.

Hosted jointly by the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia, 32 of the best basketball teams from around the world will compete for the most prestigious title in the sport. The past four editions of the World Cup were dominated by Spain and the USA, but all teams remain poised to bring success to their respective nations. However, new regions are on the rise and are ready to take the crown for themselves. The question is: who will emerge as champions?

It’s an even bigger deal for this basketball-loving nation, as Gilas Pilipinas represents the country in the biggest and most anticipated international sporting event of the year. Can’t watch the game live? You can go all-out when you watch the games in the comfort of your home.

Black Adam | On HBO (Ch. 210 HD)

Superhero and comics fans looking for a new icon may tune in to HBO to watch Black Adam. Megastar Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson stars as an ancient Egyptian slave who was given the powers of Egyptian gods to become the people's champion. After being awakened, he goes on a rampage until the Justice Society helps him use this incredible power to become a protector for his people. Realizing his potential, Black Adam helps his fellow heroes to stop a threat, known as Sabbac, from taking over the world. Families looking for a fresh new superhero story to follow can enjoy one of DC Comics’ most action-packed titles in recent memory. The film also stars legendary James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan, popular young actor Noah Centineo, as well as an awesome cameo by beloved Superman actor Henry Cavill.

It’s definitely a treat for comic fans who might want to relive the adrenaline rush of one of the biggest superhero movies of 2022, in the comfort of their own homes.

The Hows of Us | On Cinema One (Ch. 45)

This emotional romantic drama about the trials and tribulations of a young couple named Primo and George, respectively played by iconic Filipino actors Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo, can be seen on Cinema One.

Despite their relative youth, they have been in a long-term relationship and have dreamt of growing old together and having a fairy-tale ending. However, they must face many growing pains and overcome difficult challenges together. This includes sacrificing their dreams to support each other’s needs, and even going through a prolonged break-up that tests the limits of their relationship.

The Hows of Us was a highly successful film both in the Philippines and around the world thanks to the powerful performances of the popular leads. KathNiel fans—as well as those looking for a heartwarming love story—will feel that familiar kilig and fall in love when they relive the magic all over again on TV, especially on cozy days when you’re feeling more than a little senti.

It’s even better for those watching it for the first time, as they get to experience and find out why Daniel and Kathryn are two of the most-acclaimed local actors of their generation.

Unlimited entertainment with PLDT Home

Now, it's easier than ever to catch all these red-hot titles with Cignal TV, which now comes with your internet subscription at home thanks to PLDT Home's new Fiber Unli All plans.

Cignal TV offers a wide range of entertainment, with over 85 channels. This includes the best movie channels, sporting leagues and events, music, and family entertainment. With these channels, there’s no shortage of quality home entertainment for PLDT Home subscribers.

With the all-new PLDT Home Fiber Unli All plans, you can also experience the fastest internet speeds and other awesome perks for your digital needs at home.

You get a complete home setup for entertainment, work, play, and more all in one package when you subscribe to Fiber Unli All Plan 1399 or 1799. On top of PLDT Home's award-winning fastest internet, as certified by Ookla®, you also get access to seamless HD TV, all the way up to 4K streaming. The blazing-fast home broadband allows for hassle-free and uninterrupted work and study, quick file transfers, as well as lag-free video calls and conferences; and when it's time to unwind, indulge in high-quality online gaming connections at home.

The PLDT Home Fiber Unli All also lets you keep in touch with everyone with unlimited mobile calls from PLDT landline to Smart, TNT, and Sun. Moreover, the whole family gets to stay healthy and safe with the built-in access to the best digital healthcare with a Health Pass from mWell and an Emergency Pass from Lifeline.

Enjoy the best digital home experience with award-winning internet speeds, top-level entertainment, unlimited calls, and thoughtful healthcare with the PLDT Home Fiber Unli All plans.

Visit this link to find out more!

Landco Promotes Sports Tourism in Batangas

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Through Resort Estate Club Laiya’s One-Year Hosting of Philippine Beach Volleyball Teams

Club Laiya, Landco’s Resort Estate in Batangas, serves as the official training camp of the country’s beach volleyball teams. The tourist and leisure destination becomes more vibrant and teems with excitement as the practice sessions of beach volleyball players are anticipated to attract sports enthusiasts and fans.

The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) and Landco Pacific Corporation inked the one-year partnership agreement from January to December 2023. Under the agreement, two beach volleyball courts were built at Club Laiya, with 10 of the 18 members of the national men’s and women’s teams to hold camp seven days a week in Batangas. The rest of the national athletes who are still students will be in Laiya on weekends.

Alongside heralding Club Laiya as a beautiful backdrop for active sports at the beach and a venue for sports tourism, the partnership is an opportune time to strengthen the support for Philippine beach volleyball athletes. In the recent Volleyball World Beach Pro Tours Futures, the Philippine team won gold and silver in the women’s competition.

“We gladly and sincerely appreciate this partnership with Club Laiya on the beach volleyball training camp,” PNVF President Ramon “Tats” Suzara said. “The timing is perfect, now that we achieved a breakthrough on the global beach volleyball stage.”

“It’s our privilege at Landco to support the Philippine national beach volleyball teams in Club Laiya as they undergo rigorous training and are set to make the country proud when they compete in upcoming international tournaments. Alongside our advocacy of enabling the youth to realize their full potential in sports, the practice sessions of the national beach volleyball team at the white sand beach of Club Laiya also help in promoting sports tourism in Batangas,” stated Landco Pacific Corporation President and CEO Erickson Y. Manzano.

“We welcome the national beach volleyball teams as they hold their training camp in Club Laiya where they also enjoy the facilities managed by Millennial Resorts. They are billeted at the unique accommodations of Cocoons and to meet and balance the demands and discipline of their sports, they can cross-train or opt to unwind at the swimming pool of Club Laiya Beach Club and have their hearty meals at Capt. Barbozza restaurant,” said Patrick Gregorio, Senior Tourism and Hospitality consultant for Millennial Resorts Corp. and former Secretary General, Philippine Olympic Committee.

Only two and a half hours from Metro Manila and adjacent to Landco’s Playa Laiya, the sun-kissed 23-hectare Club Laiya is a master-planned and premier resort community. The sprawling property features a mix of private residential lots, buildings, commercial spaces, and tourist hubs. Each provides distinct experiences and opportunities that are part of one unified development of Landco Pacific Corporation.

Club Laiya is a top-notch choice for investors and property owners drawn to the vibrant energy of Laiya beach as a favorite tourist spot for those who love to socialize and engage in an active outdoor lifestyle, with all the conveniences of modern life.

Together with Landco Resort Estates CaSoBe (Calatagan South Beach), Club Laiya is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) registered for the properties’ sustainability program.

At Club Laiya, investors can choose from the Seaside District, offering mix use residential and commercial lots that are closest to Laiya’s powdery white sand beach; the Premier District, the gated resort and lush forest community with a scenic view of Laiya’s mountains and greenery; the soon to be built Plaza Laiya; and soon to be launched The Spinnaker, the stunning, medium-rise beachfront premium condominium, with terraced levels and luxurious cuts, featuring an exclusive 4th level infinity pool, and positive Miami vibes.

Millennial Resorts, the hospitality arm of Landco, operates and manages the leisure and hospitality facilities of Resort Estates Club Laiya: the unconventional accommodations of the Cocoons and Camperisti; Captain Barbozza Restaurant and Bar; and the soon-to-be-built The Isle, a multi-purpose event center.

For more information about Landco Pacific Corporation and its Resort Estates Club Laiya, visit their website or Facebook page.

MILO® Philippines energizes over 5,000 athletes in Batang Pinoy 2022 National Championships

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Beloved nutritious beverage brand MILO® Philippines and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) celebrated the success of its annual youth sports program Batang Pinoy Championship returning after 2 years of the pandemic. The 6-day championship took place from December 17 to 21, 2022 in the Heritage City, Vigan, Ilocos Sur where thousands of student athletes joined different sports competitions and earned their respective medals. The City of Baguio emerged victorious as the overall champion with 100 medals, followed by Pasig City and Quezon City with 48 and 46 wins respectively.

MILO® Philippines also presented the MILO® Batang Pursigido Awards to deserving athletes and Batang Pinoy teams who showed exemplary grit, perseverance and dedication to sports. The recipients of the MILO® Batang Pinoy Pursigido Awards include Adrian Jessie Magbojos of City of Sta. Rosa (most bemedaled female athlete), Miguel Adrian Carlos of City of Puerto Princesa (most bemedaled male athlete), City Pangasinan (with the biggest delegation), six-year-olds Art Joe Cabatan of Davao de Oro and Hailey Bolico of Pasig City (youngest male and female athletes).

Batang Pinoy is known as the Philippine Sports Commission’s grassroots development program that student athletes and other kids from around the country may join. After being forced to a halt because of the pandemic, Batang Pinoy has finally returned to a hybrid of online and on-ground events. There are a total of 9 on-ground events conducted in Vigan, Ilocos Sur with athletics and swimming garnering the most number of participants. 

“The Batang Pinoy has become an integral part of our national sport program, and now one of the flagship programs of the country, especially for the grassroots. From the tracks to the courts and other fields of play, dreams of young athletes began, dreams of waving our flag, wearing our colors and bringing pride to our country in international sports competitions. These dreams were offered through the Batang Pinoy platform,” said PSC Commissioner Emmanuel “Noli” Eala. MILO® Ambassadors, Olympic medalist and world champion Hidilyn Diaz and Carlos Yulo were once participants of Batang Pinoy.

In order to make this happen, Batang Pinoy 2022 was also supported by the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur. “WOur province warmly welcomes our athletes, coaches, parents and guests to Vigan, and we are honored to be part of your sports journeys. One thing is for sure, we all are winners in our own ways, and may this triumph be the perpetual success of Batang Pinoy,” said Gov. Jerry Singson.

“We are very happy to be back on ground with kids from different parts of the country! We’ve worked hard with PSC over the last years to work on making sure that kids are continuously active throughout the pandemic and it’s amazing to see them in person again doing what they love in person and with their peers,” said Carlo Sampan, MILO® Sports Executive.

MILO® Philippines continues to show parents across the country that it is consistent in finding ways for kids to continue their Champion journey whether they are at home or outside adjusting back to face-to-face classes and activities. 

Batang Pinoy 2022 is an exciting welcome to kids back to in-person competitions with more to come in 2023. To learn about other activities that kids may join throughout the year, make sure to watch out for updated in the official MILO® Philippines website.

Kwentong Kumunizen: Spiking Numbers and Building Bridges

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Volleyball star Tots Carlos connects with friends and fans on Kumu, and wins more than just trophies.

Some might be astonished to learn how popular volleyball is in the Philippines when it’s often overshadowed by other sports in most conversations. They would be even more shocked to hear just how fierce the fandom is, spurred by a longing to connect with players and get to know them. But, when armed with that knowledge, it comes as no surprise at all that players from the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) regularly stream on Kumu to do exactly those things.

Cheerful and unassuming, 24-year old opposite hitter Diana Mae “Tots” Carlos actually discovered Kumu long before PVL entered a partnership with the social entertainment app. What started as cheering her friends on from the sidelines of their stream, she soon began to guest and host streams herself, talking about the ins and outs of her sport.

Hailing from Lubao, Pampanga, she traveled to the metro specifically to do what she loved, and quickly became a highly sought-after recruit over UAAP Season 78. Landing in the University of the Philippines’ varsity team as an outside hitter, she has since bagged the title of Most Valuable Player several times over—in 2018, 2021, and 2022—clearly a force to be reckoned with. But her one frustration with the game has been the lack of interaction with fans, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Finding Her Tribe

“Wala akong kilala noong talagang nagstart ako magstream sa Kumu, apart from my friends,” she recounts, “and hindi man ako humingi ng tulong, people I didn’t know wanted to help me!” Soon enough, she bridged the gap between herself and her avid supporters, and made those interactions the highlight of her streams.

“In my hometown, athletes get the same treatment,” says Tots, “banners, tarpaulins, a warm welcome when you come back. Ngayon, online posters and messages of congratulations, ganon. Being on Kumu feels the same, but these are my fans, people I would never meet if not for Kumu, who really want to support me. Kaya I really take care of that relationship.”

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

“Ang gusto ko talaga sa Kumu is it’s safe,” says the athlete on what differentiates Kumu from other digital spaces. “May rules, may good censors, kaya may respeto. Pwede kong ipakita kung ano at sino talaga ako and I’m safe, and more importantly, the fans are safe.” This contradicts what most of us know to be true about the internet—don’t speak to strangers who offer you gifts—but the watchful eyes of the moderators, also known as the Kumu Police, allow those new connections to flourish with minimal, if any, risk. Apart from these important duties, they keep interactions positive in every stream.

This unique feature of the app is one of the biggest pillars of its success, especially for users who would otherwise be marginalized. As a woman who is open about who she is and who she loves, Tots is a perfect example of how someone can thrive even outside of that identity when they are given the space to show their truest self.

Diamonds Are a Girl’s (Other) Best Friend

But it just wouldn’t be Kumu without the campaigns, or the contests that almost turns live streaming into an extreme sport all its own. Creators go live and earn virtual gifts from those watching, and get the chance to win prizes that range from a little bit of cash to having one’s face on a billboard. And while Tots doesn’t necessarily need to join them—she openly admits that her status as a volleyball player has boosted her numbers on more than one occasion—she sees the fun and takes the opportunity to spread the joy.

“If I do win something, I share it with my loved ones,” says Tots. “And what I earn there is a big help. Noong nagtuloy-tuloy na ako, pinapadali niya ang buhay ko. You don't even have to spend the whole day streaming, just once in a while. Talagang inaabangan ka ng followers. Just keep doing the streams, and you’ll build your audience.”

For Tots, Kumu is a platform ripe with opportunities not just to earn through live streaming, but to connect with people she otherwise would never get to know; people who can truly enrich someone’s day-to-day. Follow her on Kumu (totscarlos_) to get insider volleyball knowledge, meet other players, or just to see Tots flourish in her own digital habitat. Otherwise, experience it for yourself; download the app now through the App Store or Google Play. Your community awaits you, so get ready to show what you’ve got and start your live stream soon!

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About Kumu

Kumu is a powerful social media platform that brings the voices of Filipinos from all over the globe at the forefront. Aside from presenting users with real-time earning opportunities as a live streamer, chances to win prizes in various game shows, and engagement in campaigns, Kumu also fosters communities that ignite relevant discussions among Filipinos. According to mobile-app performance company App Annie, Kumu is not only the first Filipino app to be the #1 top grossing social app in the Philippines, but one of the highest grossing social apps in the world, ranking top 10 in multiple markets including Canada, Australia, Middle East, Europe, Hong Kong, and Singapore app stores. Visit www.kumu.ph and follow @kumuph on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to keep up to date with the latest events and surprises from the favorite Pinoy live streaming platform.

foodpanda ties up with ONE championship for its Manila comeback

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Enjoy up to ₱200 off food you love when you order at foodpanda, no voucher code needed . #Tarafp and order now! Terms and conditions apply.

Leading quick commerce digital platform foodpanda has partnered with the world’s largest martial arts organization ONE Championship (ONE), for the latter's return to Manila, with action-packed shows at the Mall of Asia Arena on December 3.

The show is set to bring martial arts fans some spectacular matches featuring the Philippines’ biggest superstars, such as ONE Strawweight World Champion Joshua Pacio and former ONE Heavyweight World Champion Brandon Vera, among others.

“It is an exciting opportunity for us to support ONE Championship. As one of the go-to online delivery platforms in the country, we have become a favorite partner of martial arts fans when they need food or snacks while watching the sport online or via television. Now, fans can finally watch it

live again after many years. We feel it’s important that we’re part of that journey as well,” said Daniel Marogy, managing director of foodpanda Philippines.

The partnership is among the many that other foodpanda markets in Asia Pacific regions have with ONE. The quick commerce digital platform has also previously worked with ONE in countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Myanmar to support its projects and events over the years.

“foodpanda has been a staunch supporter of our organization so we’re delighted to continue that partnership here in the Philippines, home to not only some of our biggest superstars but also some of our most passionate fans on the planet,” Hari Vijayarajan, Chief Commercial Officer of ONE Championship shared.

“Fans attending the event will get a chance to enjoy free foodpanda vouchers, which they can use when ordering on the app. Free event tickets will also be given away to foodpanda partner vendors, delivery partners, and employees so we can all show our support to our Filipino fighters as they represent the country,” Marogy added.

In line with showcasing the Filipino spirit, foodpanda is also treating its avid app users with something special during the favorite time of the year for Pinoys, the Christmas season. With Panalong Pau-sko, foodpanda and its cute mascot Pau-Pau, will shower its customers with exciting daily deals and raffle prizes.

“It’s our way of celebrating the holiday season with our Filipino customers, in true Pinoy fashion – and we’re topping it off with this partnership with ONE. It’s also a chance for us to give our customers exclusive treats and connect with them, especially app users who are also fans of martial arts,” Marogy shared.

For more information on the ONE Championship show on December 3, go to https://www.onefc.com/events/one164/.

Learn more about foodpanda through Facebook, Instagram and Viber to get daily vouchers and low delivery fees when you order using your foodpanda app or at www.foodpanda.ph.

SamYG wins the game as the face of SportsPlus

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The new premier online mobile sportsbook SportsPlus announces the selection of Sam YG as their official spokesperson. With SportsPlus, sportsfans now get the chance to bet on their favorite athletes and sports teams.

The new premier online mobile sportsbook SportsPlus announces the selection of Sam YG as their official spokesperson. The longtime radio jock, best known for his tenure on Boys Night Out, has given his seal of approval to the exciting sportsbook mobile site.

When asked about his new role, Sam YG talked about how important sports are to the Filipino people. “Their love for sports goes beyond fandom,” said Sam YG. “Di nga lang siya fandom for some, parang naging way of life na rin siya. SportsPlus takes this passion and reinforces it with more fun and excitement.”

With the online mobile sportsbook, sportsfans now get the chance to bet on their favorite athletes and sports teams for the thrill of it. Imagine having one’s ‘fate’ tied to the result of a big game. For Pinoys looking for a taste of that thrill, they need only register at https://bit.ly/sportsplusph.

SportsPlus is designed to make sportsbooking as convenient and thrilling as possible for its users. The PAGCOR-accredited service offers quick registration for all players aged 21 and up, after which players can start betting on their favorites for as low as P100.

The online sportsbook covers a variety of sports such as basketball, football, boxing, MMA, tennis, and more—and offers competitive odds for users. Bets may also be placed on the results of major sporting leagues such as the NBA, NHL, Premier League, UFC, just to name a few.

SportsPlus is also optimized for use on any mobile device. There’s no need to download an app; the site runs on any standard mobile web browser. Just fire it up on Firefox, Chrome, or Safari to get going.

The mobile site also has built-in GCash functionality, making it simple to channel one’s funds in and out of GCash for maximum convenience.

SportsPlus is designed to make sportsbooking as convenient and thrilling as possible for its users.

For Pinoys looking for a taste of that thrill, they need only register at www.sportsplus.ph.

“Sobrang exciting nga,” Sam YG enthuses about SportsPlus. “Anytime, anywhere, I can place my bets and cash in and cash out. Ang galing niya at ibang klaseng enjoyment talaga siya. Magugustuhan niyo to. Play for the chance to win the game na!”

Gaming for 21 years old and above only. Keep it Fun. Game Responsibly.

Jet Ski racer wins World Finals international competition

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Paul Del Rosario is among the athletes putting the Filipinos on the map of competitive Jet Ski and motorsports racing

For most people, riding a jet ski is a recreational activity. But unbeknownst to many, Jet Ski racing is a thing. And Filipino athletes are making waves in this niche—but awesome unique motorsport.

Jet Ski racing is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a water sport similar to motorbike or powerboat racing, in which riders use Jet Skis to compete in open water. It’s a popular sport in the United States, Japan, Australia, and Europe. But in the Philippines, it does not have the exposure that, say, basketball or volleyball does. Other extreme sports gets more press than Jet Ski racing.

One of the world-class athletes bringing more attention to the sport—and putting the Philippines on the map of competitive Jet Ski racing—is Paul del Rosario.

Most recently, Del Rosario took home the gold medal at the International Jet Sports Boating Association (IJSBA) World Finals (Ski Modlites) held in October in Arizona, USA. IJSBA is the governing body of the sports, similar to how the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) oversees soccer in the world.

Bagging the top prize in categories offered in the World Finals is a big deal. In the world of Jet Ski racing, this league is like its Olympics, with respective national champions from other countries sent to compete. Last October, Del Rosario beat racers from countries such as Brazil, South America, France, and America.

Aside from bragging rights and taking home an awesome trophy, the prestige of winning at the World Finals comes from moving up the world rankings. This also makes it easier for athletes to land sponsorships from brands. With his recent win, Del Rosario is now ranked #1 in his category (Ski Modlites), which is part of the ski/stand up type class, the hardest category of all Jet Ski races.

Del Rosario had also become World Champion at the IJSBA World Finals Runabout (Amateur Runabout Open Class) in 2010, as well as being the 2007 Thailand Pro Am Runabout Super Stock, national champion, among many other awards.

“Jet Ski races have been happening in the country since the ‘80s. And while there’s still a long way to go before the sport becomes more mainstream, Filipino Jet Ski racers are slowly being respected and seen as a powerhouse in the international scene,” said Del Rosario.

It’s all about cultivating athletes and designating them in the right categories. For the sport to become more popular, it’s going to take more than just one person, but rather a group of athletes and advocates dedicated to the movement.

Government support is crucial, too, in the form of tax benefits, incentives and athlete recognition, if Jet Ski racers hope to further make a killing in the sport.

Barrier to entry

Perhaps one of the reasons why Jet Ski racing hasn’t cultivated a bigger following is because of the high cost it takes to get into the sport. In fact, some had called the sport “elitist.”

Del Rosario said these observations are not entirely baseless. It does, in fact, cost a lot to take up the sport, including the cost of buying the actual Jet Ski (it’s virtually impossible to train competitively without owning one), as well gear like helmets, wetsuits, floatation aids, and other forms of safety equipment.

“More than the cost of getting into the sports, competing in a Jet Ski race takes a lot of hard work and dedication. You have to put your time, body, and mind. We practice and physically train—a lot,” Del Rosario said.

A lot of people have the misconception that Jet Ski is the safest sport, just because it’s done in the water. In reality, the dangers are serious and they are real.

Over the years, Del Rosario had encountered athletes who had broken their bones, or those who needed brain surgery because a fellow racer ran over them when they fell from their Jet Skis. Del Rosario himself had endured injuries such as herniated lumbar discs, advanced tendinitis of both kneecaps, and an impinged shoulder, among others.

All of the injuries were worth it, though, Del Rosario said. “Jet Ski racing makes me feel alive,” he said. “When I’m riding one, it feels like I’m in a different world.”

A 7-year hiatus, comeback

Before bagging his latest IJSBA World Finals title in October, Del Rosario took a seven-year break from the sport. It was a combination of a lot of factors, mainly because he wanted to focus on raising his three children, recovering from past injuries, and finally getting his college degree, as well as giving more attention to his work.

This underscores the fact that aside from being at the peak of their physical fitness, athletes like Del Rosario have to be in the right state of mind to compete, too. After all, when you’re racing on a Jet Ski with up to 300 horsepower in open water, focus is key.

It was a challenge to get back into shape so he could compete once more, especially against younger athletes. He trains religiously, doing cross fit, swimming, weightlifting, and cycling, among others.

“At 43 now, I’m a dinosaur in the sport,” Del Rosario said in jest. In the competition he joins, it’s not unusual to go against athletes in their teens. Del Rosario himself started Jet Ski racing when he was 13.

This is why he thinks he’s on for his last stretch of competitive Jet Ski racing within the next year. The goal for next year is to qualify for the SouthEast Asian Games which will be held in Cambodia in the summer of 2023, and at least place top 3, defend his Philippine title, and win another world title in the 2023 IJSBA world championship.

“I’ll still be riding Jet Skis recreationally after that, and focus on my wife’s racing, who by the way is also a contender in the women’s events locally. But in terms of competitive sports, I’m preparing for one last ride,” he said.

Hanging up the mantle is never easy for any athlete, but something that all athletes have to go through eventually. That doesn’t matter. Del Rosario had already achieved a lot in his sporting career, including getting the Philippine Rider of the Year award from the JSAP a record eight times.

As for whether he wants any of his three children to take up Jet Ski racing, he said he won’t be forcing any of them to do so. He is aware of the dangers, so he’d rather they not. But should they want to take up the sport of their own volition, he won’t be one to object. There are stage fathers and mothers who live vicariously through their children. He wishes not to be one of them.

Del Rosario said: “The future is bright for Jet Ski racing. We, Filipinos, have an advantage in that we relatively live close to the water, which works to our advantage. We’ve come a long way. From being laughed at before to being respected in the game. I look forward to the day that more Filipinos get into Jet Ski racing, with our own superstar athletes.”

GANCUBE: The Best Puzzle Toy for Kids and Adults

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GANCUBE is one of the most popular activities / games around the world and is suitable for people of all ages. This thing is for fast cubing or for playing with your friends or kids.

This is great for anyone who enjoys solving puzzles, motivate yourself during long hours of working or spending time on a project, challenge yourself, improve your spatial skills or just fascinated with puzzles, even 3D puzzles.

Here are some features of GANCUBE that can be helpful for various reasons:

• discover fun while playing the cube puzzle
• solving the cube puzzle
• can enhance your mental ability to solve problems
• help you sharpen your memory
• can enhance your hand-eye combination and focus,
• help you develop concentration
• and concentration and logical thinking
• widen your patience
• help you improve your reasoning and decision-making skills

This GANCUBE is design to ensure easy functioning and fun. The smooth rotation and the corner-cutting design can make the cube turn faster than other puzzles. You can use this cube for fast cubing without any hassle.

Gancube.com, the global leader in the speed cube industry. Based on its own deep insight into the market and the groundbreaking design, GANCUBE successfully created premium flagship products like GANI1M Pro, GAN356 XS, and GAN356 X, besides intelligent Series, Magnetic Series, Light Series, and Irregular Series. As a world-renowned speed cube brand, GANCUBE products have been sold to more than 100 countries or regions worldwide and are considered as the “APPLE INC.” in Rubik’s cube community.

GANCUBE is committed in promoting global influence of speedcube sports. GAN Gurus team held sponsorships, like recently World-Class competitions sponsorship.

As the world-famous speedcube brand, GANCUBE, with breakthrough innovative designs, including smart cubes, Magnetic cubes, Light-Weighted, twisty puzlles, cube robots and other products. GANCUBE continues to develop more intelligent related products, to help cubers intelligently master cubing by “Intelligent” ways.

GANCUBE is the brand you'll most probably find in most toy stores, or supermarkets and most in gift shops.

Enjoy and explore the wonderful world of GANCUBE whose features you'll like the most. 

Happy Cubing everyone!

Premier Mobile Sportsbook Site SportsPlus Officially Launched

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SportsPlus hopes to drive the shared Filipino passion of sports towards a more exciting experience than ever before.

There’s nothing quite like being an avid sports fan. Regardless of your game of choice—be it basketball, soccer, volleyball, boxing, or any other spectator sport—there is an unmistakable thrill from following the struggles and successes of world-class athletes. In many ways, fans share in the losses and victories of their favorite teams and athletes from around the world, creating a communal experience unlike any other.

 SportsPlus offers hoop fans competitive odds to bet on their favorite basketball leagues like the NBA and PBA.

Now, this experience gets richer and more immersive than ever with SportsPlus, the premier mobile sportsbook site that offers a convenient and seamless experience for users all across the country so that they, too, can “Win the Game.”

SportsPlus users who love soccer will find themselves hooked onto every goal of the Premier League and FIFA World Cup as they bet on their favorite teams.

Officially launched on November 2, SportsPlus capitalizes on the world-renowned passion Filipinos have for their favorite sports—and hopes to drive this passion towards an experience that is more exciting than ever. By offering competitive odds, SportsPlus allows fans to feel the same surge of excitement over their victories being tied to the results of each game.

 SportsPlus’ seamless UI and UX puts users first, and is designed to make the user experience smooth and convenient.

Through competitive odds and a diverse array of sport offerings—from the NBA and UFC to Premier League and NFL—Pinoy sports fans are sure to have a fun and “sulit” sportsbook experience with SportsPlus.

More than that, the PAGCOR-accredited service has designed SportsPlus for maximum ease of use. Registration is quick and simple, enabling all users—who must be at least 21 years old—to immediately enjoy the site’s benefits. With rapid registration, faster KYC, and strong data privacy, SportsPlus users can enjoy the game to its fullest without worrying about any bumps or buffers.

The site is also designed specifically with the modern mobile user in mind. There’s no need to download an app as the site itself offers a seamless experience on any standard mobile browser, which means you can play anywhere. The seamless UI and UX are also geared to maximize convenience and minimize eye fatigue.

Registration with SportsPlus is quick and simple, enabling all users to immediately enjoy the site’s benefits.

Users 21 and up can rest assured knowing that SportsPlus is a PAGCOR-approved site, making it safe, fun, and regulated.

SportsPlus is made simple, as well, with the site’s integration of GCash’s services. Cashing in and out is as simple as channeling funds to and from your GCash e-wallet. Thus, the payout experience is essentially done in real-time, allowing users to play and win whenever they choose.

To ensure that users receive the best possible service, SportsPlus offers 24/7 online customer assistance in any need and concern.

All in all, SportsPlus is primed to become a can’t-miss destination for dedicated sports fans all over the country. Offering competitive odds as their premier sportsbook mobile site, SportsPlus elevates the experience for every user.

Gaming for 21 years old and above only. Keep it Fun. Game Responsibly.

NBA forward Herb Jones shares importance of defending your health

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True basketball fans know that defense is just as important as offense. This is embodied by New Orleans Pelicans forward Herb Jones, who was given the NBA All-Rookie Second Team honor for his outstanding performance during the NBA 2021-2022 season. The NBA rookie became a sensation for his impressive defense skills, prompting Pelicans fans to coin the term “not on Herb” to refer to his immovability on the court.

AXA Philippines, one of the leading insurance providers in the country, recently supported longtime partner NBA Philippines and hosted Herb Jones in a fireside chat to talk about his life on and off the court, including how he keeps wellness going in his own life. Here are some of the things we learned from Jones that we can apply in our own lives to better our physical and mental wellbeing:

Good defense requires versatility. Life is full of curveballs – so while planning doesn’t hurt, adapting is just as, if not more, important. If you want to be good at defense, you have to be flexible to change. “[Good defense players] have to be tough minded and just being okay with sometimes losing on some positions. But they have to be ready at all times. They have to be versatile,” shared Jones.

Never dwell on mistakes too long. We will all have our highs and lows. For Jones, he prefers to not dwell on the latter too much. He said, “I try not to get too low if I have a bad performance. I just go back and rewatch the game and try to correct the things that I did wrong and keep trying to do things that I did right.” It’s okay to let yourself feel sad about a loss or a bad day at work, but it’s important to always pick yourself back up, talk to someone, and take what you can learn from these experiences.  Failures are a part of growth.

Rest is an important part of training. Even professional athletes need time to recover, and this is something Jones strictly never misses, especially after grueling matches or intense training sessions. "I try to stretch a lot. I try not to miss any therapy sessions with the team and just stay on top of my massages and get the right amount of sleep,” shared Jones. According to the American Council on Exercise, a leading nonprofit organization certifying health coaches and exercise professionals, recovery is the most important part of any person’s exercise program as it prevents injuries and allows your muscles to adapt to the stresses it just underwent in order to grow stronger.

Stay humble. While there’s nothing wrong with celebrating your well-deserved wins, it's important to not let them get to your head. Jones shared that one thing his parents always told him is that “success can be just as detrimental as failing” if you let it get to you. This can lead to excessive pride, which can cause you to stop working hard and stop learning. “After a good game, I try not to get too high on my performance. I just try to stay even-keeled,” shared Jones.

It’s okay to change paths. Did you know that Jones also played football? While he started playing basketball at four, he also played football in eighth grade but decided to focus solely on basketball. He worked hard throughout his high school years until he earned a college scholarship. Like Jones, we are free to decide which path to pursue and work hard to excel in it.

AXA and NBA Philippines have been partners since 2017 and are one in advocating for the value of powering up your game plan and having a strong defense when it comes to one’s health and wellbeing. Nandy Villar, AXA Philippines Chief Marketing Officer shared, “AXA Philippines’ goal is to make people understand that success is achieved through strength in both mind and body. Through our continuous partnership with NBA Philippines, we hope to instill this thinking to more Filipinos, who are known avid basketball fans, to help them live their life to their fullest potential.”

AXA Philippines encourages everyone to “Keep Wellness Going” by doing what you love while keeping you and your loved ones protected. It promotes enjoying a long, productive, and fruitful life by caring for one’s health and wellbeing.

For more information about AXA Philippines and their products, visit https://www.axa.com.ph/.