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| (Image Source: INQUIRER.net/FIBA) |
The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 has launched its global creative campaign “Nothing Else Matters” ahead of the highly anticipated men’s flagship event getting underway. The selection of players showing the broad cross-section of talent at the World Cup is headlined by global superstar Luka Dončić, China’s anchor Zhou Qi and two host countries’ heroes — Philippines’ ace Jordan Clarkson and Japan’s leader Yuta Watanabe. The original creative, developed in-house, merges the personal off-season hobbies of the players with their unique on-court talents in a manner that is sure to delight fans.
To provide fans with unique access to their heroes and convey authentic storytelling, each player was shot in iconic locations strongly tied to their paths — Dončić in Ljubljana, Clarkson in San Antonio, Watanabe in Miyazaki and Qi in Qingdao City. State-of-the-art filming techniques and computer-generated imagery were used to create a smooth transition for each player from their personal leisure time into the intensity of a FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 battle which delivers a fusion of action, basketball skills and stunning locations. All of those elements have all been combined to provide an exciting, kinetic film that will bring to life the #NothingElseMatters message globally. The production was led by UK agency Be Media and directed by Will Clark Smith.
Leaving aside their off-season hobbies, stars from 32 countries around the globe are slated to compete at the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, set to tip-off on August 25, 2023 across the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia and concluding with the Final to be held on September 10, 2023 in Manila at the SM Mall Of Asia Arena. Cignal TV, as the official Philippine broadcaster, is utilizing all its platforms in order to deliver the best FIBA Basketball World Cup viewing experience for local fans. Games will be available on Free-To-Air via TV5, One Sports and PTV-4; Pay TV via One Sports+ and PBA Rush on Cignal; Pay-Per-View (PPV) exclusive for Cignal and Satlite subscribers and Over-the-Top (OTT) streaming via Pilipinas Live, Cignal Play and Smart LiveStream.
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Sony Music Entertainment Philippines Announces Partnership With Indie Label Offshore Music
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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Sony Music Entertainment Philippines) |
Sony Music Entertainment (SME) Philippines has formed a strategic partnership with Offshore Music, a Philippine-based indie label known in the country for its cutting-edge artistry and focus on creative integrity. Under the partnership, SME Philippines will distribute Offshore Music’s catalogue globally and work together to build strategies in marketing, media promotion, artist development, brand partnership, and synchronization.
Offshore Music is headed up by Ely Buendia, a Filipino rock icon responsible for writing and producing some of the most commercially and culturally successful songs in the country, including music for ‘90s alternative legends The Eraserheads. The Manila-based label is home to carefully handpicked artists and bands including Apartel, Ena Mori, Pinkmen, Sulo, Sansette, Eliza marie, and Toni Panagu. “Ely Buendia has always been an integral part of the Sony Music family, as The Eraserheads’ catalog is with our label. With this partnership, we are thrilled to be working with him more closely moving forward. There is not a more gifted and inspiring mentor to our country’s current generation of talented, young musicians,” said Sony Music Entertainment Philippines General Manager Roslyn Pineda.
According to Buendia, the unique partnership seeks to establish a bright and successful future for Filipino musicians, crafting compelling campaigns that push the boundaries of music creatively and commercially, which in turn, expand their audiences inside and outside the country. “We’re hopeful that this unique partnership is the start of a fresh new era for the Filipino music scene,” said Buendia. One of the first titles under the partnership is Ena Mori’s reimagining of her 2022 single “VIVID". Re-released with a darker and sparser arrangement and a visual accompaniment shot in the cold, mountain town of Sagada, the new version of “VIVID” offers a strong sense of poise and direction, and an ethereal vocal performance that brings great rewards. Its video features cameos from Ely Buendia, the band Sulo, and the rest of the Offshore Music family.
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Enjoy The Bed Weather With SKY Fiber's Boosted Internet Connectivity
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
Rainy season means more time to spend indoors and SKY is here to liven up your bed weather experience with fun online activities you can enjoy with the help of SKY Fiber’s boosted Super Speed internet plans that are just right for your budget. For as low as Php999 a month, subscribers can get the most of its value with its 20 Mbps plan now boosted to 30 Mbps with no additional cost.
You can also opt for faster connectivity through its 30Mbps Plan (Php1,299/month), 50Mbps (Php1,699/month), or 100Mbps Plan (Php2,299/month) which have free boosted speeds of up to 75 Mbps, 150Mbps, and 200Mbps, respectively. And the good news for new and existing subscribers, SKY Fiber is extending its speed boost promo until December 31, 2023. And as a bonus for new subscribers, installation is free for all SKY Fiber plans until October 31, 2023. Simply present one valid ID to avail. Now, you can cozy up and seamlessly stream your favorite shows including hit Kapamilya programs such as “It’s Showtime", "FPJ’s Batang Quiapo", "The Iron Heart" and “Dirty Linen” via Kapamilya Online Live on YouTube plus an array of box-office movies and originals on HBO GO and the hottest sporting events via TapGo TV — right at the comfort of your bed!
Missing your outdoor hangout with friends and loved ones? SKY Fiber got you covered with its reliable connectivity, perfect for catching up with the homies through social media, whether on Facebook, X, Instagram, or TikTok. More time indoors means more time to catch up on learning new skills and discovering fun activities. Learn a new hobby through uninterrupted browsing with the help of SKY Fiber’s reliable internet speeds. Plus, easily add-to-cart products without the hassle of heading out for groceries and shopping sprees during the rainy season with just a push of a button through your favorite shopping apps — perfect with a SKY Fiber connection to cash out right away on your wanted item.
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Taiwan Excellence's "Your Song Of Excellence" Returns For A Bigger Season 3
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| (Image Source: Business Mirror/Taiwan Excellence) |
Taiwan Excellence's “Your Song of Excellence", one of the country’s grandest and much-awaited singing competitions, is back for an even bigger Season 3! The big change in this display of musical talents, co-presented by Aromase “Breathe & Grow” (bit.ly/Aromase), Derma Angel “The Science of Your Angel-Like Skin!” (bit.ly/Derma_Angel) and Johnson Fitness & Wellness “The Home of Fitness” (bit.ly/ShopJohnsonFitnessPH), is that it will not only be a singing but also a songwriting contest where big cash and product prizes await the Pinoy music geniuses.
Auditions for “Your Song of Excellence” Season 3 are now open for aspiring and promising Filipino singers and songwriters aged 18 years old and above. Those participating in the Singer Category may choose from any of the six (6) Taiwan Excellence Registered Songs which can be found at bit.ly/YSOE2023Audition. Only an audition song that came from the six (6) Taiwan Excellence Registered Songs will be qualified. After choosing a song, upload an Audition Video following this file name format – JuanDelaCruz_Audition.mp4. As for those participating in the Songwriter Category, they can upload an audio or video file of the originally composed song with lyrics at the same audition link following the same file name format – JuanDelaCruz_Audition.mp3. Deadline for submission of audition entries is on September 15, 2023.
“Your Song of Excellence” Season 3 is also supported by Taiwan Excellence brand partners Acer Philippines, Annie’s Way, ASUS Philippines, Feca, iBle, MSi, Tatung, Republic of Gamers, PC Express and Predator Gaming. Visit and follow facebook.com/taiwanexcellence.ph and instagram.com/taiwanexcellence_ph for more details and updates on Taiwan Excellence programs and activities.
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Smart Poised To Keep Momentum After Successful SIM Registration Campaign, Registers 99% Of Active Subscribers
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| (Image Source: BusinessWorld Online/Smart Communications Inc.) |
After registering 99% of its active subscribers, PLDT Inc. (PLDT)'s wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is poised to keep its momentum and possibly recapture the leadership position in mobile subscribers as the only provider to gain SIM share during the SIM Registration campaign. Compared to the end of 2022 when Smart had 39.5% of all SIMs in the market, Smart ended the SIM registration campaign with 46.1% of SIMs. "We are also the only telco that hit the Government's initial target of 70% -- reaching close to 80%," said PLDT and Smart President and CEO Alfredo S. Panlilio at the recent PLDT first half 2023 earnings media briefing.
Looking at the final SIM registration figures from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), Smart has narrowed the gap in terms of market share and subscribers with its nearest competitor from over 20 million to just 1.2 million. Among the active subscribers who registered their SIMs, Smart also noted growth in average revenue per user (ARPU). The company also noted an actual increase in the number of new subscribers after the SIM registration deadline. Smart said that it will continue to drive activations as well as deliver more value-for-money offers in order to retain subscribers and drive ARPU further. Smart also emphasized its continued initiatives to improve its network as key to its growth, acknowledging that ultimately, consumers choose the better telco with the better network experience. "It takes a while to gain ground and it is going to be a long, drawn-out battle. We will continue to push, to innovate and to look at growth areas. We cannot stand still, especially in the telco space," Panlilio said.
As of the end of June 2023, Smart covered 97% of the population with its 3G, 4G/LTE and 5G networks, supported by PLDT's fiber infrastructure which is the country's most extensive at over 1.1 million kilometers including domestic and international fiber. Smart's support for SIM registration and continued enhancement of its mobile network are in line with the national government's intensified campaign to combat scam and spam messages and overall digitalization thrust, which aims to narrow the digital divide nationwide, and are part of the PLDT Group's commitment as one of the founding members of the government-mandated Presidential Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) under the Digital Infrastructure Pillar. It also bolsters PLDT's aspirational multi-year transformation, with elevating customer experience as one of the key priorities, as well as contributes to the Group’s endeavors to provide connectivity to all, and to anchor initiatives on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG) particularly on SDG No. 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
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Aika Online Global Set To Rekindle Adventure To End 2023
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| (Image Source: MMO Haven/Hanbitsoft Inc.) |
Aika Online Global, the beloved classic MMORPG that once captivated gamers worldwide, is poised to make an epic comeback this year in the 4th quarter of 2023. CBM Interactive Inc., in partnership with Hanbitsoft Inc., has breathed new life into the iconic title, promising an enchanting journey back to the realm of fantasy, camaraderie, and epic battles. Originally renowned for its sprawling fantasy universe, immersive storytelling, and intense Realm vs. Realm (RvR) battles, Aika Online Global won hearts during its initial launch. The forthcoming revival aims to resurrect the magic of the past while embracing modern gaming sensibilities.
CBM Interactive Inc., recognized for their innovation, and Hanbitsoft Inc., a powerhouse in the gaming industry, have united their talents to ensure that Aika Online Global's essence remains unblemished. The revival of Aika Online Global promises an adventure through a fantastical world, replete with epic quests, alliances, and heart-pounding RvR battles. With a modern visual overhaul, refined gameplay mechanics, and a dedication to incorporating player feedback, the rejuvenated MMORPG is poised to set new standards within the genre.
As anticipation for the return of Aika Online Global escalates, players are eagerly awaiting news about the release date, beta testing, and in-game features. The collaboration between CBM Interactive Inc. and Hanbitsoft Inc. stands as a testament to the potential of partnerships in breathing new life into cherished gaming experiences. Stay tuned for the latest updates on Aika Online Global's revival by visiting the official Aika Online Global website and engaging with the game's social media channels.
