Bacoor City Strikers Joins The Fast-Growing Competitive Pickleball Craze

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SPORTS | August 23, 2026

L-R: Bacoor City Councilor and former Vice Mayor Karen Evaristo, Bacoor City Mayor Strike Revilla, and Bacoor City Vice Mayor Rowena Bautista-Mendiola thumbing up at the ceremonial signing of Bacoor Strikers players (Image Source: Manila Standard/Bacoor City Government Center)

The Bacoor City Strikers officially entered the fast-growing world of pickleball as the team formally signed its player contracts during a ceremony held last August 19, 2026 at the Bacoor Government Center's Revilla Hall.Led by Team Owner Mayor Strike B. Revilla, the contract signing marked Bacoor City’s strong commitment to sports development and its support for athletes who will carry the city’s name, pride, and fighting spirit into the competitive pickleball scene. 

NBA's Jason Kidd, WNBA's Lauren Jackson To Headline PH’s 1st NBA House

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SPORTS | August 23, 2026

(Image Source: Facebook/NBA Philippines)

The National Basketball Association (NBA) recently announced that NBA champion and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer member Jason Kidd and WNBA champion Lauren Jackson will headline the first NBA House Philippines 2026 presented by Gatorade, a free, immersive basketball experience and fan event at SPACE at One Ayala in Makati City on August 29-30, 2026. 

The Trubitastic Impact Of TECH Global University, The Largest Digital University In The World

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LIFESTYLE | August 23, 2026

(Image Source: Manila Standard/TECH Global University)

Digitalization has completely blurred the physical barriers to excellent education. The flexibility of digital learning and the use of advanced technological tools allow students to adapt their professional growth to their lifestyle and pace of life. In this context, TECH Global University has positioned itself as a leading choice in higher education. The institution stands out as the largest digital university in the world, offering a catalogue of 14,000 academic programs available in 11 different languages. Its areas cover disciplines such as Health Sciences, Social Sciences, Design, Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Law, Economics, Business, Communication, Education, Arts and Humanities. 

Globe Supports Angara’s Call For Telcos To Help Strengthen Online Safeguards For Minors

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LIFESTYLE | August 23, 2026

(Image Source: Manila Standard/Globe Telecom)

Globe Telecom expressed support for Education Secretary Sonny Angara’s call for telecommunications companies and social media platforms to help strengthen online safeguards for minors as the Department of Education (DepEd) seeks broader industry cooperation to protect young Filipinos in digital spaces. The company said the DepEd’s invite underscores the importance of coordinated action among government, industry, schools and families to make the online environment safer for children. 

The New ABS-CBN: Embracing A New Path Of Bringing Filipino Stories Further

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ENTERTAINMENT | August 23, 2026

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons/ABS-CBN Corporation)

More than six years after its indefinite absence from local terrestrial television due to the non-renewal of its legislative broadcast franchise, ABS-CBN is further embracing a new path forward as it confidently continues to reach millions of Filipinos locally and globally through stories brought to audiences across television, streaming platforms, cinemas, music, YouTube, and international partnerships. 

Xsolla Introduces Integrated Backend And Global Payment Solutions For Games With Founding Partner AccelByte

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GAMING | August 23, 2026

(Image Source: WisdomPlexUS/Xsolla/AccelByte)

Global video game commerce company Xsolla recently introduced integrated backend solutions for game developers through a founding partnership with AccelByte, a fully managed extensible games backend platform, and opened a closed testing program for a combined solution that pairs AccelByte Gaming Services (AGS) with Xsolla's global payments and monetization tools. Select developers can now apply for early access and help shape the integration ahead of its broader launch. 

On The Radar: Gushcloud International And CMC Shine SEA Co-Produced TikTok LIVE Premiere With Snoop Dogg & Death Row Family

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ON THE RADAR | August 23, 2026

Left: Gushcloud talent Iman Fandi at “Superstar Among Friends: Broadus Together” TikTok LIVE event in Los Angeles, California
Right: Snoop Dogg and family at “Superstar Among Friends: Broadus Together” in Los Angeles. L-R: Snoop Dogg, Shante Monique Broadus, Princess Broadus, Kalvin Love, Soraya Love, Phia Barragan and Cordell Broadus
(Image Source: Marketing-Interactive/Kreative Kaptures)

Gushcloud International, a global creator, content, IP, and audience data management company, and CMC Shine SEA, the overseas arm of one of China’s leading entertainment groups and a key global content partner of TikTok, co-produced “Superstar Among Friends: Broadus Together,” a one-night TikTok LIVE Premiere with Death Row in Los Angeles, California, U.S.A. last August 15, 2026. The event, produced together with Cordell Broadus and Death Row Games and hosted by Boss Lady Entertainment, is a marker of where Gushcloud is heading toward creating, producing, distributing, and commercializing entertainment, well beyond just marketing it. 

gamescom 2026 Expands Leading Position – More Exhibitors, Bigger Indie Area And Strong International Presence

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GAMING | August 23, 2026

(Image Source: gamescom)

gamescom continues its record run in 2026. As the gamescom week gets ready to kick off, the world’s biggest games event already boasts more than 1,600 exhibitors with 70 percent from abroad, 47 country pavilions representing 40 countries and 233,000 square meters of gross exhibition space, fully booked for the first time this year. New country pavilions from Bulgaria, Cyprus, Hungary, Morocco and Nigeria further strengthen the event’s international presence. Visitor demand is also strong – wildcards and tickets for gamescom Saturday are already sold out. Once again, gamescom highlights its importance as the central platform for the global games industry and community. 

S2G eSports Takes The 2026 PUBG Mobile World Cup Trophy In Nailbiting Finale

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SPORTS, GAMING | August 23, 2026

S2G eSports raises the 2026 PUBG MOBILE World Cup trophy, celebrating its championship win at the 2026 eSports World Cup in Paris, France (Image Source: eSports World Cup)

The curtains have been drawn on the 2026 PUBG MOBILE World Cup (PMWC) as the Grand Finals officially concluded as part of this year's eSports World Cup in Paris. After a weekend of electrifying action, Turkish team S2G eSports have claimed the crown on the third installment of one of PUBG MOBILE eSports most prestigious events. Celebrating their first global tournament victory since the 2022 PUBG MOBILE Global Championship (PMGC), the team has also secured the official trophy and the lion’s share of the $3,025,000 prize pool. 

KAIA Joins Cinemalaya 2026 Awards Night In Celebration Of Filipino Film And Creativity

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ENTERTAINMENT | August 23, 2026

(Image Source: Starmometer/KAIA Official/Cinemalaya Foundation Inc.)

The 2026 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival honored outstanding films, filmmakers, performers, and creative teams at its awards night held last August 17, 2026 at the Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong City, bringing together members of the Philippine independent film community for a night that celebrated the achievements and continuing development of Filipino cinema. Joining the Cinemalaya community was P-Pop girl group KAIA, composed of Angela, Charice, Sophia, Alexa, and Charlotte, who took the stage for a special performance as part of the evening’s program. 

LG Electronics Launches 2026 Life's Good Campaign To Free Up People's Minds For What Truly Matters

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LIFESTYLE | August 23, 2026

(Image Source: LG Electronics)

LG Electronics (LG) launched its 2026 Life’s Good campaign under the key message “Free Up Your Mind”. The campaign explores how LG AI can help reduce the mental load of everyday life by quietly taking care of routine demands, creating more room for people to focus on what truly matters. The campaign arrives at a time when people work harder than ever to keep everyday life running, yet increasingly struggle to switch off from its demands. 

XONARA Is Timezone Philippines' Newest Brand Ambassador

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ENTERTAINMENT, LIFESTYLE | August 23, 2026

(Image Source: manila concert scene/Timezone Philippines)

Filipino arcade culture and P-Pop fandom just collided on the same game floor as Timezone Philippines, the country's premiere family entertainment center, has officially named XONARA — the seven-member girl group taking over your playlists under 1Z Entertainment — as its newest brand ambassadors. And this isn’t a wave-at-the-camera, sign-the-banner kind of deal. The one-year partnership comes loaded: an exclusive buy 250, get 500 credit bonus on the Timezone Fun App with the code XONARA, and official Timezone x XONARA photocards dropping on August 25, 2026. 

City Of Dreams Manila Triumphs As Overall Champion In The Professional Division At The Philippine Culinary Cup 2026

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LIFESTYLE | August 23, 2026

The City of Dreams Manila's 17-chef delegation at the Philippine Culinary Cup 2026 with Property President Geoff Andres, Food and Beverage Director Chad Ogden, Executive Chef – Chinese Danny Khoo, Executive Chef – Western Jeff Hurst and Assistant Food and Beverage Director Juvel Contreras (Image Source: INQUIRER.net/City Of Dreams Manila)

City of Dreams Manila, the luxury integrated resort in Entertainment City and Aseana City Parañaque, emerged as Overall Champion in the Professional Division of the 2026 Philippine Culinary Cup (PCC), besting 52 teams from hotels, restaurants, and catering services. This marks a new milestone in the luxury integrated resort’s award-winning track record since 2016 at the prestigious competition. The four-day 16th edition of the PCC was held alongside the World Food Expo (WOFEX) at the SMX Convention Center. 

On The Radar: Metrobank Rolls Out New Anti-Fraud Features To Strengthen Digital Banking Security

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ON THE RADAR, LIFESTYLE | August 23, 2026

(Image Source: Metrobank)

Mobile banking has made managing money more convenient, but it’s also given scammers more opportunities to target unsuspecting users. According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), social engineering attacks, including phishing, account takeovers, and identity theft, accounted for 76% of reported cyber fraud losses in 2025. As scams become more sophisticated, banks are adding stronger security features to help customers stay protected. Metrobank recently rolled out several new security enhancements in the Metrobank App designed to give users more control over their accounts while making it harder for fraudsters to access their money. 

MOONTON Games, eSports Foundation Tackle The Global Rise Of Mobile eSports

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SPORTS, GAMING | August 20, 2026

L-R: eSports Foundation Director of Game Partnerships and Activations Morten Holst, MOONTON Games Head of eSports Ecosystem Ray Ng, Team Vitality Chief International Officer Danny Engels (Image Source: MOONTON Games/eSports Foundation)

Football took a century to build a global entertainment empire. Mobile eSports is doing it in a decade. 

Football took more than a hundred years to grow from a working-class weekend pastime into a global entertainment empire — one built on broadcast rights, star power, and civic loyalty that now moves billions of dollars a year. Mobile eSports is retracing that same arc in a fraction of the time, with flagship tournaments drawing multi-million peak audiences and generating nine-figure brand value — scale once reserved for the world's biggest traditional sports and entertainment properties. 

Prime Video Announces 2026-2027 NBA Season Schedule

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SPORTS | August 20, 2026

(Image Source: Manila Standard/Prime Video Philippines)

Prime Video has officially revealed its schedule for the 2026-2027 NBA season. The second season of NBA on Prime tips off with a doubleheader on October 24, 2026 beginning with reigning World Champion New York Knicks vs the Boston Celtics at 7:00 am PHT. Later that evening, Kevin Durant returns to Austin when the Houston Rockets face the Western Conference Champion San Antonio Spurs at 9:30 am PHT at the University of Texas’s Moody Center. Looking ahead, Prime Video’s extensive NBA postseason coverage extends deeper than ever this season, culminating with an exclusive presentation of the Eastern Conference Finals. 

BatStateU Formally Opens PH’s First Industry-Based Learning Campus With More Than 700 Pioneer Engineering And Technology Students

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LIFESTYLE | August 20, 2026

(Image Source: Batangas State University, The National Engineering University)

For decades, engineering education has traditionally followed a familiar path where students learn in classrooms, train in laboratories, complete industry internships, and eventually transition into the workforce. But as technology reshapes the way businesses operate, employers need engineers who can work with emerging technologies, adapt to changing production environments, and solve problems grounded in actual practice. Batangas State University, The National Engineering University (BatStateU The NEU), is challenging that sequence by bringing industry into the learning journey from the very first day of class. 

Gentry Open Draws Strong Support As Brands Invest In Development Of Philippine Tennis

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SPORTS | August 20, 2026

Gentry Open Founder and Gentry Timepieces President Hayb “Pareng Hayb” Anzures and HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng (Image Source: Manila Standard/Gentry Open)

The Gentry Open 2026 is bringing together a growing network of private-sector partners as businesses from technology, personal care, hydration, finance, automotive and lifestyle sectors throw their support behind the development of Philippine tennis. For tournament founder and owner Hayb Anzures, the partnerships are more than commercial arrangements. They are part of a broader effort to create a stronger environment for athletes and help bring greater attention to tennis in the Philippines. 

BRAVE CF's Balkan Dominance Fuels Record-Breaking Viewership Surge In India

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SPORTS | August 20, 2026

(Image Source: Journal Online/BRAVE Combat Federation)

The roar inside Burgas Arena in Bulgaria was impossible to ignore, but the loudest statement from BRAVE CF 107 came from thousands of kilometers away. As one of Eastern Europe's biggest combat sports spectacles unfolded last August 1, 2026, millions of viewers across India tuned in to witness another memorable night of elite mixed martial arts. That overwhelming response transformed the showcase into a watershed moment, producing unprecedented digital numbers that highlighted India's emergence as one of the sport's most rapidly expanding markets. 

Grab Philippines Partners With International Trade Centre To Boost MSME Digitalization

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TECHNOLOGY | August 20, 2026

Women farmer-entrepreneurs from the Rural Improvement Club (RIC) Davao City Federation Inc. took part in learning modules on AI 101 for small businesses, branding strategy, product photography, and digital business profile optimization facilitated by Digitalization Business Advisors from ITC-Digital PINAS. (Image Source: Grab Philippines)

Grab Philippines has partnered with the International Trade Centre (ITC), the joint agency of the United Nations (UN) and the World Trade Organization (WTO), to strengthen the technology and artificial intelligence capabilities of Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises and track how digital adoption translates into business growth. The collaboration brings together Grab’s flagship public-private partnership program Grab Asenso: Digital Diskarte and the Inclusive, Competitive and Responsible Digital Philippines program or Digital PINAS.