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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Sharks Billiards Association) |
As a passionate advocate for the sport of billiards in the Philippines, the Sharks Billiards Association (SBA) is reaching out to someone committed to revitalizing its status in the Philippines — Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino. As the son of Perry Mariano who has long championed the development of world-class Filipino billiards’ players, SBA founder Hadley Mariano is eager to continue his father’s legacy by ensuring that their athletes receive the recognition and support they deserve.
Through the SBA, the Marianos are working to professionalize and elevate billiards to new heights, providing a structured platform for both emerging and elite players. “Given the POC’s role in shaping the national sports landscape, we would like to explore a partnership between SBA and POC to strengthen the sport’s presence and ensure its long-term success. One key initiative we are currently preparing is the SBA Philippine Open 2025, set to take place on April 21-27, 2025. This premier event will bring together top local and international players, reinforcing the Philippines’ position as a powerhouse in the global billiards’ scene. More than just a competition, the SBA Philippine Open 2025 will serve as a major scouting event for SBA, identifying and recruiting the next generation of elite Filipino players. This event will provide aspiring athletes with a platform to showcase their skills, gain exposure, and earn opportunities to compete professionally both locally and internationally,” said the young Mariano.
Mariano extended his formal request for a meeting with Tolentino to discuss the possibility of securing POC’s sanction of the event while exploring other collaborative opportunities that will benefit Filipino players and further institutionalize billiards within the POC framework. Emphasizing that the SBA is an amateur and professional pool league, Mariano said, “We believe that with the POC’s support, this event can serve as a stepping stone for billiards to gain broader national recognition and open doors for more athletes to represent the country internationally. Additionally, we are excited to share that Season 2 of the Sharks Billiards Association (SBA) is set to launch on June 2, 2025. Following the overwhelming success of Season 1, which showcased the immense talent of our Filipino billiards players, we are eager to build on this momentum,. We strongly believe that a partnership with POC would not only elevate the league, but also create more opportunities for athletes to compete at the highest level, further solidifying billiards as a premier sport in the country. I believe that by working together, we can create a stronger, more sustainable future for billiards in the Philippines.”
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OPPO, Cultural Center Of The Philippines Partner To Champion Arts And Culture Through Mobile Innovation
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| L-R: OPPO Philippines Vice President for National Sales Zen Han and Chief Executive Officer Damon Huang with Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) President Kaye C. Tinga and Vice President for Administration and Finance Jose Victor Gaite (Image Source: Manila Standard/OPPO Philippines) |
Leading global smart device brand OPPO and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) have officially sealed a long-term partnership aimed to empower Filipino youth’s love for arts, culture, and creativity through mobile technology and innovation. Through the collaboration, OPPO will be the official mobile partner of CCP in its upcoming CCP University Roadshow, giving students an opportunity to enhance their creative potential by maximizing OPPO’s cutting-edge technology and AI innovations.
“We, at OPPO Philippines, are excited to empower the Filipino youth development, especially in creativity, arts, and culture. We want more Filipino youth to experience firsthand how OPPO devices can elevate creativity and inspiration through technological innovations,” said OPPO Philippines Chief Executive Officer Damon Huang. “As the country’s premier institution for promoting arts, culture and creative expression, this partnership with OPPO will allow us to help more students across the country to access new technologies that will expand and realize their creative potential,” said CCP President Kaye C. Tinga.
Kicking off the long-term partnership between OPPO and CCP is the ongoing #OPPOA5ProSnapAndSlay Dance Challenge where winning students from CCP’s partner schools will receive special gifts from OPPO. The dance challenge runs until April 25, 2025 and aims to highlight the new OPPO A5 Pro 5G’s durability and reliability through creative dance moves on TikTok. OPPO’s relentless pursuit for innovation in its products and the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ dedication to uplift Filipino arts and culture will inspire a new wave of creative excellence among the Filipino youth.
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FAP Partners With DOLE-BWC To Initiate Reel Change For Film, TV Workers
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| (Image Source: Journal Online/Film Academy Of The Philippines) |
The Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) teamed up with the Department of Labor and Employment's Bureau of Working Conditions (DOLE-BWC) to hold “REEL CHANGE: Empowering Filipino Filmmakers Through Learning And Innovation” last March 9, 2025 at the Dencar Theater inside MOWELFUND in Quezon City to instill behavioral change among entertainment industry workers. Hosted by actress and filmmaker Sheenly Gener, DOLE-BWC Director Atty. Alvin B. Curada opened the event which was held in celebration of the 2025 National Women’s Month by stressing the need “to ensure safe, inclusive, and dignified work environments across all industries.”
DOLE-BWC Medical Officer IV Dr. Marco Antonio Valeros talked about Republic Act No. 7877, or the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act, and Republic Act No. 11313, or the Safe Spaces Act. He focused on the importance of stronger protections against Gender-Based Sexual Harassment in the workplace, as he tackled the “GBSH Safe Spaces Act: Promoting Safe Workspaces” and its relevance to the industry. The in-depth conversation, which emphasized the shared responsibility of employers and workers in creating a harassment-free environment, also touched on “the continued coordinated efforts to promote anti-harassment policies, empower Committees on Decorum and Investigation (CODI), and intensify industry-wide awareness campaigns to create safer and more respectful workplaces”. FAP Director General Paolo Villaluna led the participants which include former FAP OIC and veteran production designer Manny Morfe; Director’s Guild of the Philippines Inc. (DGPI) President Mark Meily; filmmakers Raymond Red, Pam Miras, Jules Katanyag, Dustin Celestino, Ma-an Asuncion-Dagñalan, Michael Angelo Dagñalan, Paul Sta. Ana, Seymour Sanchez, Max Celada, and Celeste Lapida; producers Janel Gutierrez and Kristine Kintana; Katipunan ng mga Artista ng Pelikulang Pilipino at Telebisyon President Hero Bautista; and Philippine Talent Guilds President and Founder Evangeline Torcino, among others.
A screening of the award-winning short film “Cross My Heart And Hope To Die” and a talkback session with director Sam Manacsa and producer Chad Cabigon gave the learning session attendees an opportunity to reflect on workplace experiences and real-life scenarios. Intimacy director and coordinator Dr. Missy Maramara discussed in detail the rules on set protocols when shooting sensitive scenes and gave exercises for the workshop participants to do in “Bawas Tao Sa Set”. This is relevant to ensure safety and professionalism during intimate or challenging film productions. FAP and DOLE-BWC plan to conduct the event on a bigger scale to reaffirm its commitment to strengthen labor rights and enhance occupational safety and health standards.
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An Exciting Adventure Awaits At The McDonald’s Kiddie Crew 2025 Bootcamp Edition
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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/McDonald's Philippines) |
This summer, kids are in for a fun-filled adventure as McDonald’s Kiddie Crew Workshop returns. Through exciting activities and hands-on experiences, Kiddie Crew campers will not only get a chance to make new friends but also build confidence, teamwork, and communication skills — all while getting a glimpse of what it’s like to be part of the McDonald’s family in a fun and guided environment. Now in its 33rd year, the Kiddie Crew Workshop Bootcamp Edition aims to train 50,000 young squad members across participating McDonald’s stores nationwide.
Registration for the McDonald's Kiddie Crew Workshop 2025 Bootcamp Edition, which will run on April 21-June 13, 2025, is open for children aged 3-12. Each participating Kiddie Crew camper receiving an exclusive Kiddie Crew Kit which consists of a shirt, backpack and a bucket hat. They will also get to enjoy McDonald’s treats throughout the program. Kids can enjoy all of these for only Php999. Interested parents may need to register their kids by simply visiting the nearest McDonald’s branch in their area. The Kiddie Crew Workshop Bootcamp Edition will conclude with a Grand Graduation Ceremony — happening on June 21-22, 2025 at the World Trade Center Manila in Pasay City with more grand graduation locations to be announced in the coming months.
“Our Kiddie Crew are always excited to learn and take on new adventures at McDonald’s. More than just a workshop, it’s an enriching experience that helps kids build confidence, teamwork, and social skills — all while having tons of fun! We also want to thank all the parents for letting us be a memorable part of their kid’s summer. Kiddie Crew participants can look forward to an exciting lineup of activities, including assisting at the front counter, making their own Cheeseburgers, joining fun group games, showcasing their talents in special performances, and exploring their creativity—all while developing confidence and valuable social skills,” said McDonald’s Philippines Chief Marketing Officer Ada Lazaro. Sign up your kids now to give them a memorable summer that will not only let them discover new skills, but also meet new friends!
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Jollibee And kidzooona Launch Exclusive Partnership To Bring Joyful Playtime Celebrations
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| (L-R) Jollibee, Jollibee Regional Business Unit Head for Mega Manila and National Key Accounts Group Kakam Gabunada Jr., Jollibee Head of Marketing Dorothy Dee-Ching, kidzooona President and CEO Tetsuhiro Masaru, kidzooona Finance Director Kristine Nohay, kidzooona General Manager of Marketing Ariel Jabagaton, and Lala-chan pose together after signing their partnership agreement. (Image Source: Manila Standard/Jollibee Philippines) |
Kids’ celebrations at kidzooona just got a whole lot more joyful and fun with Jollibee as its exclusive fast food partner. The partnership was officially sealed during a signing and launch event at kidzooona SM North Edsa last March 28, 2025. The event was a day filled with joy, with families enjoying everything kidzooona’s amazing playground has to offer, along with their favorite Jollibee meals and none other than the kids’ best friend, Jollibee. Kids dove into the kidzooona ball pit in search of special golden balls with fantastic prizes waiting for those who found them. Parents also got in on the action with the Bee Quiz, a fun-filled game where they teamed up with their little ones to answer questions about Jollibee and kidzooona.
The event wouldn’t be complete without Jollibee and kidzooona mascot Lala-chan making special appearances. Both mascots wowed the crowd with live performances, keeping the energy high and the smiles wide. “We’re thrilled to be partnering exclusively with kidzooona. We know this is a very special partnership between two industry leaders. Both Jollibee and kidzooona are dedicated to bringing joy to kids and families, so this partnership feels like a perfect match. I can’t wait to see kids celebrating in the most exciting playground while enjoying their Jollibee favorites,” said Jollibee Regional Business Unit Head for Mega Manila and National Key Accounts Group Lead Kakam Gabunada Jr. The new collaboration allows kidzooona party celebrants to choose Jollibee favorites like the crispylicious, juicylicious Chickenjoy, beefiest langhap-sarap Yumburger, and the sweet-sarap Jolly Spaghetti as part of their parties. Alongside this, celebrants can also have the Jollibee mascot in their events at kidzooona, which is full of interactive activities and experiences. “We’re so happy to see this partnership come to fruition. As a Jollibee lover, I’m happy to see how both brands can grow together and deliver even more joy,” said kidzooona President and CEO Tetsuhiro Masaru.
Jollibee Head of Marketing Dorothy Dee-Ching also expressed her excitement, saying, “At Jollibee, kids have always been at the heart of everything we do. From serving their favorite Chickenjoy, Yumburger, and Jolly Spaghetti to making every visit to Jollibee a fun experience, we believe in creating memories that kids will cherish forever. We know that a joyful childhood is largely influenced by meaningful experiences beyond Jollibee stores. That’s why this partnership with kidzooona is so special.” The Jollibee offerings and mascot will now be available as part of kidzooona celebrations, delivering the ultimate party experience, ensuring your little ones will have a celebration they’ll never forget.
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Snapdragon Pro Series Mobile Masters MLBB 2025 Gathers The World's Best Teams In Jakarta
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| (Image Source: eSports Insider/Snapdragon Pro Series) |
The stage is set for Snapdragon Pro Series (SPS) Mobile Masters Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) 2025, the crowning moment of Year 3 of ESL FACEIT Group’s and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Pro Series. Twelve participating teams are gearing up for the international competition set to take place in Jakarta, Indonesia’s Tennis Indoor Stadium Senayan on April 7-13, 2025 where only one squad will claim the lion’s share of the up to US$200,000 prize pool and the world champion title.
“Mobile Masters is a pivotal moment for the Snapdragon Pro Series each year, bringing together our international community to celebrate the world’s best mobile teams. Indonesia has shown up as a hotspot for top tier mobile competition, and we’re excited to build on that pedigree as we crown this year’s champion in front of a global audience,” said ESL FACEIT Group Glonal Senior Product Manager Michael Kiefer. The Snapdragon Pro Series (SPS), the world’s largest multi-game mobile eSports circuit, chose Indonesia as the host nation for this year’s Mobile Masters to capitalize on Southeast Asia’s overwhelming love for not only mobile gaming, but MLBB in particular. This decision underscores the region’s unwavering passion for eSports along with its strong community engagement and commitment to competitive gaming. As one of the largest markets for MLBB, Jakarta provides the perfect stage for one of the largest global eSports championships of the year: Snapdragon Pro Series Mobile Masters 2025.
Beyond intense competitions, SPS Mobile Masters 2025 aims to deliver a dynamic and immersive experience for attendees. Fans will have the opportunity to participate in side-activities and mini-games, meet popular creators from the mobile gaming scene, enjoy indie music performances, and participate in coaching sessions. At the event's press conference last March 20, 2025, APJ Senior Director of Business Operations Caitlyn Kang shared, “At our eSports events, we’re not just celebrating competition, we’re celebrating community. Historically, eSports was dominated by a male fan base, but this is changing rapidly, especially at events of the Snapdragon Pro Series. Our events are truly for everyone — men, women, fans of all backgrounds, and even families. All of these fans, no matter their background, have become an integral part of our community.”
