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| (Image Source: Sports Bytes Philippines/BRAVE Combat Federation) |
On Serbia’s National Day, BRAVE Combat Federation celebrates its growing impact on the nation’s MMA (mixed martial arts) ecosystem. As the most globally recognized MMA organization, BRAVE CF has become a cornerstone of European MMA, having hosted events in 16 European countries. Serbia stands out as one of the organization’s key success stories, marking a notable chapter in its European expansion. Since its debut in Serbia in 2021, BRAVE CF has been instrumental in elevating the Serbian MMA scene. The organization’s first event in the country, BRAVE CF 56, was a ground-breaking showcase, bringing top MMA talent from around the globe to Serbian fans. In 2023, the organization returned with BRAVE CF 69, a monumental event headlined by a Lightweight World Title fight, which solidified Serbia’s place on the international MMA map.
The 2023 event, part of BRAVE International Combat Week, was a milestone, not just for BRAVE CF but for Serbian MMA as a whole. It shattered attendance records, drawing over 20,000 fans to Stark Arena. This spectacular event not only highlighted Serbia’s potential as a major MMA hub but also set new standards for world-class MMA events in Europe. However, BRAVE CF’s commitment to Serbia goes beyond organizing world-class events. The promotion has provided Serbian fighters with a global platform to showcase their talent. Fighters like Darko Stošić, Slobodan Maksimović, and Borislav Nikolić have flourished under BRAVE CF’s banner and with Nikolić scheduled to fight for the Bantamweight World Title in 2025, Serbia is poised for another historic achievement in MMA. In addition to its event success, BRAVE CF’s partnership with Arena Channel has expanded its reach in the Balkans, allowing fans to enjoy top-tier MMA action across the region. This partnership has been pivotal in enhancing the fan experience, making BRAVE CF’s world-class MMA accessible to more people than ever before.
“Through our collaboration with Arena Channel and the success of our events in Serbia, we are committed to growing MMA in the region. As we embrace the ‘Year of the BRAVE’ in 2025, we are excited to further highlight the exceptional talent and fighting spirit of Serbian athletes, reinforcing Serbia’s place in the global MMA landscape,” said BRAVE CF President Mohammed Shahid. As BRAVE Combat Federation continues to expand in Europe throughout 2025, Serbia remains a key part of this growth. The country is establishing itself as a prime destination for MMA development, and BRAVE CF’s ongoing success in Serbia ensures that the nation’s MMA future looks brighter than ever.
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Shopee, SPX Express Join Forces For Disaster Preparedness Efforts
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Shopee Philippines) |
Shopee, the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, and SPX Express collaborated to strengthen disaster preparedness and provide emergency essentials to communities in Meycauayan, Calamba, Naga, and Mandaluyong from December 2024 to February 2025, working hand-in-hand with local government units (LGUs) and nonprofit organizations, to ensure timely and effective aid distribution. To address the urgent needs of communities during crises, Shopee and SPX Express provided relief bags containing food, medicine, and hygiene essentials donated by brand partners including Unilever, Mega Prime Foods Inc. (MPFI), Pharmaton Energy+, Hapee, Lysol, Tiny Buds, Sofy, Mamypoko, and Monde Nissin. Additionally, SPX also donated rescue boats to local government units (LGUs), to enhance emergency response efforts. Demonstrating their commitment to volunteerism and positive social impact, Shopee and SPX representatives, along with volunteers, actively participated in every stage of the relief efforts, from packing to distribution.
Local officials from each community expressed their support and appreciation for Shopee and SPX’s initiatives, emphasizing the crucial role these donations play in improving mobility and providing support during times of crisis. Mayor Ross Rizal of Calamba dubbed the donations as a ‘big step towards more efficient disaster response.’ At the same time, Councilor Charisse Marie Abalos-Vargas said that the donated goods would directly aid families currently seeking refuge in the Mandaluyong Evacuation Building. Former Philippine Vice President and Angat Pinas Inc. Chairperson Atty. Leni Robredo also expressed her gratitude for the donations towards her hometown of Naga City, recognizing Shopee and SPX’s support in strengthening the disaster response efforts of Angat Buhay, a non-profit organization dedicated to uplifting communities across the country. “At Shopee, our commitment to supporting communities extends beyond our online platform. Serving local communities is central to our mission. Through our Shopee Bayanihan program, we work closely with LGUs and other organizations to proactively address urgent needs, particularly in disaster-prone areas. We want Filipinos to know Shopee will be there for them, providing essential aid during emergencies and disasters,” says Shopee Philippines Head Vincent Lee.
SPX Express Philippines Head Martin Yu also emphasized SPX Express’ commitment to providing reliable service even in times of disaster, stating, “As a leading logistics provider, we recognize our critical role in ensuring the swift and efficient delivery of emergency relief to affected communities. These rubber boats serve as vital assets for mobility during typhoons, enabling effective disaster response. By donating them to flood-prone areas, we reinforce our dedication to providing uninterrupted logistical support to Filipinos, regardless of the challenges.” Shopee and SPX Express remain committed to uplifting Filipinos, particularly during crises, through initiatives grounded in the spirit of bayanihan. These efforts also strengthen their partnerships with like-minded brands and enable them to deliver impactful service that touches hearts.
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Globe Hosts 1st Hiring Hackathon To Discover Tech Talent And Tackle Real-World Challenges
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Globe Telecom) |
Globe Telecom recently held its inaugural Code To Career Hackathon, bringing together top tech talent from Metro Manila to solve real-world challenges and compete for exclusive career opportunities within the company. The one-day hiring hackathon was designed to break the mold of traditional recruitment, allowing participants to showcase their coding expertise, develop innovative solutions, and vie for exciting rewards. “At Globe, we are constantly seeking bright, driven individuals who can help push the boundaries of technology. This hackathon is more than just a competition — it’s a gateway for aspiring tech professionals to gain hands-on experience, connect with industry leaders, and take the next big step in their careers with us,” says Globe Chief Information Officer Raul Macatangay.
“As a company deeply dedicated to innovation and career development, Globe is excited to offer this platform to emerging tech talent. This event reflects our belief in nurturing individuals by giving them the opportunity to showcase their coding skills and tackle real-world challenges,” said Globe Head of Engineering and Digital Solutions Keith Batallones. During the hackathon, participants were guided by mentors from Globe and its partners — Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google, UpLift Code Camp, and F5 — who provided valuable insights, resources, and guidance throughout the day. This collaboration further highlighted Globe’s dedication to promoting continuous learning and mentorship within the tech community. At the same time, it provided an environment where tech enthusiasts could thrive and develop their professional paths with Globe.
“The Code To Career event became a platform for newbie and seasoned professionals to solve real life challenges through code, cloud and AI. The top participants get a chance to win awesome, cool prizes and those qualified get a job offer on the spot. Grateful to the participants who chose to spend their Saturday learning and having fun through hacking and building their network,” said Globe Senior Director for Architecture and Engineering Jesse Liamzon. Globe continues to be a premier destination for tech talent in the Philippines. The hackathon further solidified the company’s leadership in the tech industry and reinforced its commitment to empowering the next generation of tech leaders. For those looking to take the next step in their tech journey, Globe offered various roles across different teams that emphasize creativity, innovation, and collaboration. The company hired 15 new employees from the hackathon event, including engineers and developers.
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“Ready, Set, Row!” Seminar Paddles To Victory At PUP Bulwagang Balagtas
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| (Image Source: Malaya Business Insight/Polytechnic University Of The Philippines) |
Aiming to provide student participants deeper insight about the in-sync collaboration between advertising clients and agencies in today’s dynamic industry, BAPR S1NAGTALA conducted “Ready, Set, Row!: Staying In Sync For Bigger Waves And Bigger Wins” as one of the seminars held under the 21st AdCongress last February 4, 2025 at Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) Bulwagang Balagtas. The seminar featured two esteemed speakers, Yamaha Motor Philippines Senior Marketing Communications Supervisor Jenifer Sario-Perey and Dentsu Creative Philippines Creative Director Wacky Torres. Their discussions explored the complex yet significant collaboration between brands and agencies in establishing impactful campaigns.
Sario-Perey emphasized the importance of alignment between clients and agencies to achieve successful marketing campaigns. She tackled how a client-agency relationship requires trust, transparency, clear communication, and well-defined objectives. Moreover, she also stressed the importance of a well-structured creative brief, which serves as a foundation for any successful advertising project and acts like a roadmap that ensures clarity in objectives, target audience, and overall direction for the creative team. She ended her talk with a reminder that “Great campaigns don’t happen in isolation. When clients and agencies share a vision, they create not just results, but lasting success.” Meanwhile, Torres presented an unconventional yet thought-provoking talk on how embracing the “boring” aspects of work has the capability to bring creative success. He explained that the more mundane a task seems, the greater the opportunity to make it engaging and unexpected. He proved his point by setting the PayMaya tutorial as an example that transformed from an ordinary instructional video into an engaging campaign by shifting the focus to scammers instead of merchants. Mr. Torres also addressed the importance of taking ownership of a client’s challenges, even if they are not necessarily within one’s direct responsibility. He shared how his team responded to a viral meme about a conditioner which resulted in a creative and appealing opportunity that helped win over a new client.
After the discussion, the seminar conducted an insightful panel discussion where both speakers entertained more questions and clarifications from the participants. This final segment emphasized the reality that disagreements between clients and agencies are a natural part of the creative process. While differences in ideas and visions may arise, both sides work toward alignment to ensure they are on the same page. By communicating well, they can ultimately create campaigns that are not only effective but also true to the brand’s identity and goals. The seminar gathered a remarkable 342 attendees, which included students from different universities, organizations, and members of the media, all thrilled to gain industry insights from distinguished professionals from the client and agency side. The “Ready, Set, Row!” seminar exhibited that strong partnership between client and agency, creative thinking, and attention to detail are the instruments needed to trigger waves in the ever-evolving advertising landscape.
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Discover Entertainment For Every Family Member With Disney+ Now On Cignal
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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/Cignal TV Inc.) |
Cignal subscribers can now enjoy even more Hollywood blockbusters, award-winning series, and Korean dramas on Disney+ with its variety of movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and general entertainment content brand Star. Whether you’re reliving childhood favorites or discovering new stories together, Cignal has the complete range of entertainment offerings to create unforgettable moments for the whole family. With Disney+, viewers can dive into timeless classics like Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” and family friendly series like “Bluey”. Fans of fantasy and adventure can enjoy Disney+ Originals such as “Percy Jackson And The Olympians” and blockbuster hits like Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2″ and Marvel Studios’ “Deadpool & Wolverine”. K-drama lovers can binge on award-winning titles like “Moving” and “Lightshop Keeper” while Hollywood fans can catch the latest seasons of “Grey’s Anatomy”, “Modern Family”, and “Shōgun”.
Whether it’s for a cozy movie night or a weekend marathon, Cignal offers an unparalleled content selection to create memorable bonding moments at home. For the ultimate family entertainment experience, Cignal’s Family Time Bundle 700 offers exceptional value and virtually limitless enjoyment. This pack offers the family-favorite channel line-up of Cignal Family Time 300, plus more premium channels, access to Cignal Play Premium 149 for seamless viewing anytime, anywhere, and the addition of Disney+ access — all for just Php700! Current Cignal subscribers can also enjoy Disney+ as an add-on to their existing subscriptions starting at the special rate of Php495 per month.
Cignal remains committed to bringing the best of entertainment to its subscribers, offering even more stories and characters that inspire joy and connection. Don’t miss this opportunity to create more memorable moments for your family by subscribing to Disney+ via Cignal today.
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Sing Galing Returns With Reinforced Powerhouse Cast, Grander Videoke Showdown
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| (Image Source: The Manila Times/TV5 Network Inc.) |
The Philipines' Original Videoke Kantawanan Show is making a ‘Sobrang Grand’ comeback! After two years, the iconic TV5 legacy show Sing Galing will once again spread joy and laughter on-air — bringing together exceptional, legendary, and fresh musical talents in its newest season. True to the show’s format, the powerhouse cast was presented to the press through a “Media Videoke-Con” held last February 17, 2025 at Rockstar KTV in Greenhills. Returning to guide and entertain our kaawitbahays are the original Singmasters: Mr. Private Eyes Randy Santiago, Ultimate Performer K Brosas, and Biriterang Beshie Donita Nose. Alongside them are the returnee Jukebosses who have helped shape the Philippine music industry: Chief Sing-patiko Ariel Rivera, OG Sing Galing host Allan K, Phenomenal Diva Jessa Zaragoza, the ever-hilarious Champion Diva Ethel Booba, and the OPM Legend Sing-Nior Hitmaker Mr. Rey Valera as the Head Jukeboss.
Adding even more excitement to the panel are four new extremely talented Jukebosses: Soul Icon Ella May Saison, Asia’s Diamond Soul Siren Nina, Vocal Powerhouse Mitoy Yonting, and multi-awarded songwriter and hitmaker Vehnee Saturno. With their combined vocal prowess and years of experience, they are set to challenge and inspire this season’s hopeful Singtestants to become the next Ultimate Bida-Oke Star. Sing Galing expands its reach anew to engage the younger audience by tapping social media sensations Queenay, Gab Pascual, Ari G, and Yanyan De Jesus as its Singtokers. Another thrilling addition to the show is the return of its first-ever grand champion Marimar Tua who will co-host its companion online show NOW ZENDING alongside the dynamic and vibrant Zendee. The duo will provide fans with exclusive digital content, backstage interactions, and special features that bring them closer to the heart of the competition.
With a bigger stage, a powerhouse roster of Jukebosses, and an exciting very Pinoy format, Sing Galing Year 3 promises to be the ultimate platform for Filipino talent and love for music. Get ready to sing your heart out and join the fun because in this season’s “Sing Galing”, everyone has a shot at becoming a champion – ’kaya mong abutin ang tono ng tagumpay!’ Premiering on March 1, 2025, Sing Galing will air every Saturday at 5:45 PM on TV5 and TV5 HD. Share the excitement by using the hashtags #SingGaling2025 #SingGalingTV5. Stay updated with the latest buzz and exclusive content by following Sing Galing on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X (@SingGalingTayo), at YouTube (@SingGaling).
