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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/MOONTON Games) |
Popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) mobile game Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) officially introduces MLBB Rising Open (MRO), a new and improved iteration of MLBB Competitive League (MCL) that allows players from around the world to experience competitive gaming similar to the professional scene. With the theme “The One From Everyone”, MRO aims to be an in-game eSports tournament platform that discovers the best of the best players from various MLBB regions. The MRO allows gamers to participate in the games and experience the eSports thrill while earning in-game rewards and recognitions.
MRO is open to all players regardless of their in-game ranks. Upon entering the game, players start their match on the Neighborhood Bracket. Every time the player wins the bracket, the player moves onto the higher bracket from the City Bracket, Provincial Bracket, Regional Qualifier Round 1, Regional Qualifier 2, and Division Championship. Mythic-ranked players will start on a higher-tier bracket than the other players to keep the game’s fairness. In the early stages of the MRO, players’ unfinished bracket progress will be carried over to the next week, making the advancement easier. Players can also change their team anytime and continue with their current bracket. This allows players to choose like-minded teammates to form an unbeatable team and be recognized as the best player in the city.
MLBB gamers can play the MRO matches, earn rewards, and exclusive honorary titles, like “eSports Player”, “Neighborhood Champion”, and “City Champion”, among others. Those who will be declared the Division Champion can win massive in-game diamond rewards. What’s more, players can earn MRO coins to redeem permanent skins, exclusive battle effects, and gift packs, just by playing the game. Reservations for MRO are open with the competitions already underway. Users can participate in MRO by logging in to MLBB on weekends.
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Smart Makes History With First-Ever 5G Max-Powered Concert
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| Belle Mariano, Moira and Bamboo graced the Smart Amazing 5G Max Experience stage at Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig City with their electrifying performances. (Image Source: Rappler/Smart Communications Inc.) |
Mobile services provider Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) made history with the country’s first-ever 5G Max-powered concert and experiential showcase — the Amazing 5G Max Experience — held last December 14, 2024 at 5th Avenue, Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig City. A leveled-up 5G connectivity, Smart 5G Max features significantly faster speeds for uploading and downloading, and ultra-low latency, providing customers with amazing mobile experiences. Smart first launched 5G Max in BGC, a strategic and dynamic hub where professionals, students, and entrepreneurs converge, and to showcase its power, it mounted the Amazing 5G Max Experience.
To demonstrate what 5G Max is capable of, Smart seamlessly livestreamed the performance of OPM singer and songwriter Arthur Nery from Fully Booked on High Street to the screen on main concert stage on Fifth Avenue, leaving fans swooning with his heartfelt lyrics. Bamboo, Belle Mariano, Moira, and AC Bonifacio also graced the 5G Max-powered stage with one electrifying performance after another before thousands of attendees, who enjoyed the free concert like an early Christmas treat. Aside from enjoying the free concert, subscribers also enjoyed many amazing ways Smart 5G Max can elevate the digital lifestyle of Filipinos through the Creator’s Lab, Game Arena, Stream Theater, and 5G-powered Store. Subscribers got the chance to explore the Creator’s Lab, an interactive area where they experimented with creating content and uploaded it on TikTok in a snap. On the other hand, mobile gamers got the chance to go up against celebrated eSports teams Smart Omega and Empress on Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Honor of Kings. Smart subscribers also trooped to the Smart 5G Max’s Stream Theater, the best place to catch up on the latest shows on MAX and Netflix.
To showcase Smart 5G Max’s exceptional capabilities, real-time speed tests were conducted throughout the venue, showing Smart 5G Max speeds to be up to three times faster than normal 5G. The event also featured exciting special prizes for attendees, adding to the rewarding 5G experience and making the event even more memorable for participants. For updates on the next Smart 5G Max-powered event, follow Smart’s official accounts on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube.
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Pinoy Rock Queens Reunite For “TANAW: The Repeat” Concert At Newport World Resorts
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| Pinoy rock queens (L-R) Acel Bisa, Aia de Leon, Barbie Almalbis, Hannah Romawac, Kitchie Nadal and Lougee Basabas (Image Source: Daily Tribune/GNN Entertainment Productions) |
Due to insistent public demand, Pinoy rock queens Acel Bisa, Aia de Leon, Barbie Almalbis, Hannah Romawac, Kitchie Nadal, and Lougee Basabas are staging another run of their sold-out concert TANAW. The highly anticipated show will take place at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Pasay City on February 9, 2025 (Sunday) at 8:00 pm. The powerhouse women of OPM, known for their defining contributions to the late ’90s and early 2000s music scene, will reunite for an unforgettable night of their biggest hits, collaborations, and new material. TANAW: The Repeat will also feature special arrangements of select songs, performed alongside a mini-orchestra led by The Manila String Machine, adding a fresh, symphonic dimension to their timeless music.
This second edition of the TANAW series serves as a heartfelt celebration of the enduring bond between these iconic artists and their dedicated fans. Through decades of navigating personal challenges, triumphs, and growth, these women have remained pillars of the OPM scene. The concert offers a chance to give back to the fans whose unwavering support has been a constant source of strength. The title TANAW (translated as “to gaze” or “to look out”) speaks to the reflective nature of the event — whether looking back in admiration or gazing forward with anticipation. For these singer-songwriters, this reunion is not only an opportunity to perform together again but to share new and meaningful musical expressions, embodying both their individual journeys and their collective sisterhood. The show marks the third time these six solo artists will share the stage together, after their unforgettable first reunion concert and its thanksgiving follow-up. From their days as frontwomen of some of the most influential OPM bands of the late ’90s and early 2000s to their successful solo careers, these women have become true queens of the alt-rock landscape. With sold-out tours, chart-topping albums, and a loyal fan base, their influence continues to resonate across generations.
This event is presented by Newport World Resorts, and in collaboration with GNN. Tickets to TANAW The Repeat are available via https://tanawtherepeat.helixpay.ph. Here are the ticket prices for the said concert.
• Platinum: Php6,300 (Includes soundcheck pass, center-front seats, premium meet and greet, pre-signed posters)
• SVIP: Php5,300 (Includes meet and greet, pre-signed posters)
• VIP: Php4,500
• Gold: Php3,500
• Silver: Php2,500
• Bronze: Php1,800
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BRAVE CF Partners With TIG Holdings To Elevate Global Sports Commercialization
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| TIG Holdings' Ahmed Al-Nasr and BRAVE Combat Federation President Mohammed Shahid (Image Source: BRAVE Combat Federation) |
The most global mixed martial arts (MMA) organization in the world, BRAVE Combat Federation, has announced a strategic partnership with Triangle International Group (TIG Group Holdings) aimed at redefining the global sports landscape and elevating the standard of sports commercialization. “This partnership represents our continued commitment to transforming MMA from an event business to a global sports platform. By joining forces with TIG Holdings, we aim to introduce groundbreaking innovations that will elevate the entire sports ecosystem and provide unprecedented opportunities for fighters worldwide,” said BRAVE CF President Mohammed Shahid.
As part of this collaboration, TIG Holdings will support and fund a wide range of innovative projects under the BRAVE banner with a particular focus on BRAVE’s franchise-based league initiatives which are redefining the global MMA landscape. Together, BRAVE Combat Federation and TIG Holdings will explore jointly identified commercialization opportunities to elevate global sporting standards and introduce groundbreaking innovations to the sports ecosystem. “Our collaboration with BRAVE Combat Federation underscores our strategic vision to invest in dynamic and innovative sports platforms. Together, we will explore new commercialization opportunities that can redefine how global sports are developed, marketed, and experienced by fans around the world,” said TIG Holdings' Ahmed Al-Nasr. TIG Holdings operates in the industrial and property investment sectors across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, Europe, and the United Kingdom. The group companies are leaders in multiple industries and bring nearly five decades of experience across an extensive portfolio of projects.
Founded in 2016 under the guidance of His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, BRAVE Combat Federation has been leading the change in MMA since its inception. Home to some of the best MMA talent from around the globe, BRAVE CF holds the record for being the most hosted MMA organization globally, with events held in 35 nations. It is also the most hosted MMA organization in Europe, with events in 15 European countries, and is tied for the top spot in Asia, with events in 13 Asian countries. Additionally, BRAVE CF is the only international MMA organization to have hosted events in the African continent, underscoring its global presence.
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Brighten Your Holiday With Reverb Worship's Back-To-Back Music Releases: Hesus Aming Hari, Bahaghari EP
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| (Image Source: CBN Asia) |
Reverb Worship, CBN Asia’s music arm, brings a vibrant mix of worship tracks to make your Christmas season more meaningful and colorful with the back-to-back release of its first-ever Extended Play (EP) Bahaghari and Christmas single Hesus Aming Hari — out now on all digital streaming platforms worldwide. The EP opens with Jonathan Manalo’s Bahaghari, a lively pop-funk anthem that highlights God’s enduring promise. Tahanan, performed by Diwa and composed by Adrian Crisanto, offers a heartfelt reminder of our real refuge and ultimate source of peace amid life’s uncertainties. Bahagi, sung by EJ De Perio and penned by Daryl Cielo, is a beautiful ballad thanking God for His love that made us whole. In the powerful ballad Palagi, Vee Jay Dela Calzada sings about unwavering devotion — a powerful promise to praise God in every high and low, joy and sorrow. The closing track, God Is Good, by Hazel Faith and Caleb Santos, is a joyful declaration of God’s goodness and faithfulness.
Vee Jay shares, “I am so humbled and grateful to be part of Reverb Worship’s two major back-to-back releases. It has been one of the beautiful highlights of my Christian journey this year. I was reminded that my purpose as a singer is not just to entertain, but also to give Him praise. I am beyond blessed for this opportunity.” Known for producing Christian Contemporary Music for radio and streaming, Reverb Worship is now making waves in church worship — bringing faith-filled, homegrown melodies to the heart of every congregation. “This is the first time we’ve produced music specifically for church and congregational worship. Reverb Worship aims to contribute to the Filipino church worship by offering original, locally produced music tailored for them,” says CBN Asia Vice President and Chief Operating Officer John Valdes Tan. Reverb Worship also proudly presents Hesus Aming Hari, a moving Christmas anthem that celebrates the birth of the One who brought everlasting peace, love, and hope to the world. The song brings together the incredible voices of Jonathan Manalo, John Roa, EJ De Perio, Vee Jay Dela Calzada, Diwa, Hazel Faith, Shekinah Gram, Viola Natividad, and Caleb Santos.
Add the Bahaghari EP and Hesus Aming Hari to your holiday playlist and experience the joy, faith, and inspiration they bring. Don’t miss Reverb Worship’s future music releases, follow @reverbworshipph on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.
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Eco-Warriors Unite With Globe At Home During QC Eco-Run
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| (Image Source: Business Mirror/Quezon City Government) |
The Quezon City Government and Globe At Home joined hands in advocating ecological preservation and sustainability at the first QC Eco-Run held recently at the Quezon Memorial Circle. Dubbed the premier straight run, more than 6,000 runners committed themselves as eco-warriors as they traversed the Quezon Avenue-EDSA underpass in a historic gathering that marked the beginning of a healthier lifestyle. The event fostered camaraderie as families, friends, and co-workers connected as they carried out this fitness initiative.
In line with the activity, Globe At Home reiterated its commitment to sustainability with essential, reliable, and fast connectivity for today’s lifestyle. The brand breaks new ground with a first-of-its-kind product for prepaid fiber customers, offering the flexibility to double their internet speeds to up to 100 Mbps. “Globe At Home understands how essential, reliable, and fast connectivity is for today’s lifestyles. With the GFiber Prepaid speed boost, we’re offering our customers the freedom to increase their internet speeds without being tied to a contract. This proves our commitment to providing accessible, flexible, high-quality internet that adapts to the needs of Filipino households,” said Globe Telecom's Vice President and Head of Brand Management for Broadband Business Abigail Cardino.
For its part, the Quezon City Government led by Mayor Joy Belmonte stayed true to its promise to protect the environment by recycling all the tarpaulins used in the event via their Tarp-cycling program. They further bolstered their commitment by distributing vegetable seeds to participants to enable them to start their backyard urban gardens. “Quezon City reaffirms its commitment to building a green, livable, and sustainable community. This is why we integrated this advocacy into our inaugural running event – to inspire every stakeholder to embrace the role of an eco-warrior,” said Quezon City Administrator Michael Alimurung. This endeavor shall mark the start of a long sustainability effort to protect the environment for the future generations.
