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| (Image Source: International World Games Association) |
The Global eSports Federation and the International World Games Association (IWGA) are proud to announce the signing of a Strategic Framework Agreement (SFA) to discuss opportunities to integrate eSports into future editions of The World Games. The SFA focuses on featuring eSports demonstrations in The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China slated to be held on August 7-17, 2025. eSports activation next year will create unique experiences that will embrace the eSports community at one of the most prestigious multi-sport events worldwide. The core of this SFA is the mutual commitment to develop and showcase world-class eSports demonstrations during The World Games, intending to fully integrate eSports into TWG sports program in the years to come. With Chengdu 2025 set as the stage, this partnership seeks to tap into the limitless potential of eSports, offering a platform where digital and sports converge.
GEF Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Paul J. Foster expressed his enthusiasm for the agreement, stating, “This partnership marks a significant milestone in uniting the #worldconnected eSports and traditional sports communities. By creating limitless opportunities for world-class athletes, we aim to inspire billions of fans through high-performance competition. We are dedicated to creating innovative and immersive entertainment experiences that celebrate both eSports and sport.” IWGA Deputy CEO Guillaume Felli highlighted the transformative potential of eSports, remarking, “We are thrilled to announce the signing of the Strategic Framework Agreement between the IWGA and the Global Esports Federation. This collaboration marks an exciting new chapter for our organization and the progressive integration of eSports within our global sporting community. Our partnership brings immense opportunities, starting with The World Games Chengdu 2025, where we anticipate a vibrant fusion of traditional sports and revolutionary eSports as part of the entertainment program. This agreement not only enhances the scope and appeal of our event but also underscores our commitment to innovation and inclusivity in sports. We look forward to the remarkable possibilities this collaboration will unlock for future events and the global sporting landscape.”
The collaboration will strengthen digital engagement and presence through innovative initiatives, aiming to resonate with the global esports community. This strategy includes new partnerships and creative projects to enhance audience interaction and participation while supporting UNESCO’s Sustainable Development Goals by integrating social responsibility and sustainability into the events.
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GMA Integrated News Launches First-Ever News Podcast "Philippines Today"
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| (Image Source: GMA Network) |
Leveraging on today's evolving technology, GMA Integrated News (GMAIN) adds another digital product to its growing lineup, introducing its first-ever news podcast "Philippines Today" which was launched last May 27, 2024. Developed by GMAIN Digital Strategy and Innovation Lab (DigiLab), in collaboration with GMA News Online and GMA New Media Inc. (GMA NMI), “Philippines Today” is the newest source of information for Filipinos everywhere as it provides the latest and most significant news headlines to all podcast listeners. Fresh episodes drop every morning from Mondays to Fridays on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Listeners with Alexa-enabled speakers can also enjoy the podcast.
“GMA Integrated News, being the News Authority of Filipinos, broadens its reach with its first-ever news podcast 'Philippines Today'. A testament to its 'mas malaking misyon, mas malawak na paglilingkod', this podcast will serve as the daily news roundup for all Filipinos as we bring the latest and most relevant and credible news headlines every morning from Mondays to Fridays. As we launch the latest addition to our ever-growing offerings here at GMA Integrated News, we invite everyone to tune in at your favorite streaming platform and be the first to know the hottest headlines including news you can use and the latest stories happening in all parts of the world,” says GMA Network Senior Vice President and Head of Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy Oliver Victor B. Amoroso.
“We developed this podcast to provide a new way for our audience to stay updated with the latest news. It's part of GMA Integrated News' strategy to reach younger audiences and meet them where they are, as shown by last year's Reuters Digital News Report, which found that people under 35 are more likely to listen to news,” shares GMAIN Senior Manager and Deputy Head of Digital Strategy and Innovation Lab Bernice Sibucao. Among the other podcasts produced by GMAIN aside from "Philippines Today" are “The Howie Severino Podcast", "The Mangahas Interviews", “Updated With Nelson Canlas", "Surprise Guest With Pia Arcangel", “Share Ko Lang" and “Game On!”
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Palawan Goes Cashless: PalawanPay Partners With Pay&Go To Simplify Payments
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| (Image Source: ievents.etc/Palawan Group Of Companies) |
The Palawan Group of Companies, the trusted name in money remittance (Palawan Express Padala) and pawning services (Palawan Pawnshop) in the country, has marked another significant milestone when it formed a partnership with Pay&Go, the 24-hour self-service payments kiosks, which allow consumers to conveniently pay their bills and top up their mobile phones and e-wallets, in real time..This development means that users of PalawanPay, the digital wallet of Palawan Group of Companies, can now conveniently cash-in their accounts by using any of Pay&Go over 2,000 kiosks nationwide. This partnership did not come at a more opportune time since most Filipinos have transitioned to using digital wallets as their mode of payments.
PalawanPay Head Third Librea considers the tie-up as a business move that gives added value to PalawanPay users, saying, “We at Palawan always look for ways to make things easier for our customers. With Pay&Go, we are expanding our reach, and at the same time, we are giving our clients more options and access to our services.” Pay&Go Chief Commercial Officer Mariel Medina recognizes the partnership as a big step in the right direction for their companies and their clients, saying, “We have always been pushing for digital finance literacy among Filipinos. I believe this partnership will bring our products closer to the masses. More people will now be more familiar with the services and features of both the PalawanPay app, and our Pay&Go kiosks. Our target in the next five years is to expand our network of kiosks to 5,000 across the country.”
Users who have yet to experience the "mura, mabilis, at walang kuskos balungos (affordable, fast, and convenient)" services and features of PalawanPay are encouraged to download the app from the Google Play Store. PalawanPay, which has already reached more than 18 million downloads, promises a win-win situation for its users, making bills payment, mobile load purchasing, or pawn renewal easy with just a few taps on their mobile phones. They also continue to create partnerships that can provide their consumers with ease and accessibility. The Palawan Group of Companies continues to improve and grow their products and services to ensure win-win solutions for its sukis. Download PalawanPay App now and be a verified user to enjoy an increased monthly transaction limit of up to Php250,000, seamless and instant fund transfers to other banks and e-wallets, and no account expiration.
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GMA Network And MTRCB Collaborate For "Responsableng Paggabay" Compliance Seminar
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| (Image Source: GMA Network) |
Leading broadcast media company GMA Network and the Movie and Television Review Classification Board (MTRCB) came together for a compliance seminar titled “Responsableng Paggabay", held last June 4, 2024 at the GMA Network Center in Quezon City. The seminar aimed to provide guidance and clarifications regarding the jurisdiction of the MTRCB over content regulations and rating classifications.
Representing GMA Network were Officer-in-Charge Mildred Zarah G. Garcia, Senior Assistant Vice President for Program Management Ma. Concepcion R. Agnes, and Assistant Vice President for Litigation and Special Projects Atty. Jose Vener C. Ibarra. Also in attendance were GMA Network employees involved in TV content production, including those who produce TV plugs, publicity layouts, and theatrical cinema movies. Leading the discussion for "Responsableng Paggabay", MTRCB Chairperson and CEO Lala Sotto emphasized the responsibility that comes with broadcasting, saying, “Broadcasting is a privilege and not a right. And the airwaves utilized are a matter of public resource. With this privilege comes the duty to be conscientious about airing content. Being a broadcast network, GMA-7 shares the responsibility of ensuring viewer welfare and is expected to uphold standards that protect the Filipino audience and impressionable young minds from harmful content.”
Also lending their expertise on other topics were MTRCB Vice Chairperson Atty. Sonny Cases Jr. (“Scope of Authority and Guiding Principles”); Legal Affairs Division Chief Atty. Farinah B. Mindalano, REB, MPA (“Administrative Procedures”); and Board Members Atty. Gaby Concepcion and Eloisa C. Matias (“Ratings for Television Programs”) and Dr. Lillian N. Gui (“Imitable Behavior”). MTRCB Board Members Keats Musngi, Neal Del Rosario, and Bobby Andrews were also in attendance.
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Presidential Son Leads Ceremonial Launch Of PH's Hosting Of World Men's Volleyball Meet
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| Presidential son William Vincent ‘Vinny’ Araneta Marcos (fifth from left) leads the ceremonial launch of the Philippines' first-time solo hosting of the FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship 2025 alongside (from left) Philippine National Volleyball Federation President Ramon ‘Tats’ Suzara, Asian Volleyball Confederation President Rita Sibowo, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, Volleyball World CEO Finn Taylor, Senator Pia Cayetano, Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino, Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Richard ‘Dickie’ Bachmann and Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano. (Image Source: PhilStar.com/Philippine National Volleyball Federation) |
Presidential son William Vincent “Vinny” Araneta Marcos exuded pride and confidence as he led the ceremonial launch of the Philippines' first-time and solo hosting of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025 last June 18, 2024 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. “We’re proud and confident of hosting the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025,” said the 27-year-old youngest son of Philippine President Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos Jr. in the ceremony held during the break between the opening-day matches of the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Men’s Week 3 at the said venue.
Marcos chairs the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the world championship scheduled to be held on September 12-28, 2025 at the MOA Arena and the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Volleyball World CEO Finn Taylor formally turned over the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025 ceremonial ball to Marcos and to LOC co-chairpersons Senators Allan Peter Cayetano and Pia Cayetano, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Richard Bachmann.
Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) President Ramon “Tats” Suzara, as LOC president and CEO, mastered the ceremony, which was also graced by Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) President Rita Sibowo and Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano. Other top officials of Volleyball World and VNL and FIVB who are overseeing the country’s third-time hosting of the VNL were also there to witness the event. “The ball is now very much in play for the country’s hosting of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025. Dozens of activities are lined up ahead of the hosting of the world’s most prestigious and important volleyball tournament," said Suzara. Cayetano, who is also PNVF's chairman emeritus, assured that the Philippines will become a sports tourism powerhouse.
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KRAFTON Announces Launch Of PUBG WEST Partners Hub
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| (Image Source: KRAFTON Inc.) |
KRAFTON Inc. has announced the official launch of the PUBG WEST Partners Hub, showcasing the company’s dedication to its PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS Partners and influencers. This newly established hub aims to enhance communications and streamline management processes for valued PUBG creators across the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) and AMERICAS regions.
Since its inception shortly after the launch of PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS, the PUBG Partner Program has grown strongly, becoming a cornerstone for the game’s community engagement. Earlier this year, KRAFTON consolidated the EMEA and AMERICAS regions under the unified WEST banner, to provide better support and more opportunities for regional Influencers creating PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS content. This merger allows for closer relationships with creators, ensuring they receive the support to thrive. The PUBG WEST Partners Hub is designed to improve communication with Partners by offering a centralised location for all program-related information. It also addresses the community’s need for clearer details on the PUBG Partner Program, including how to join, the benefits of membership, and the application process.
PUBG WEST Senior Creator Partnerships Manager Iva Balavajderova commented on the launch, “The PUBG WEST Partners Hub represents a significant step forward in how we support our Partners. By centralising resources and information, we can better serve our creators and help them succeed in the PUBG community.” When the program is ready to open to new creators, the application process will be managed directly through the hub with a simple, one-button application system. Interested creators in the EMEA and AMERICAS regions are encouraged to follow PUBG social media channels for updates on when applications will reopen.
