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| Samahang Basketbol Ng Pilipinas (SBP) President Al Panlilio and East Asia Super League (EASL) CEO Henry Kerins shake hands to mark the launch of the EASL Future Champions Philippines program. (Image Source: Philippine News Agency/Samahang Basketbol Ng Pilipinas) |
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) recently announced its partnership with EASL for the launch of the EASL Future Champions Philippines program. SBP President Al Panlilio expressed his enthusiasm about this collaboration, saying, “We are thrilled to partner with EASL in this exciting initiative. Our shared vision is to nurture and develop Filipino basketball talent at every level, and this partnership allows us to create meaningful opportunities for our youth to excel. We believe that by working together, we can significantly elevate the future of Philippine basketball.”
EASL’s Future Champions program will be structured into two key components: the Grassroots Program, which will focus on talent development camps and community engagement across the country; and the Elite Program, an elite track aimed at training top-tier Asian grassroots talents through world-class coaching, international exposure, and comprehensive player development. The Elite Program is scheduled to commence in March 2026. Panlilio emphasized the importance of youth development, stating, “This initiative perfectly complements the SBP’s ongoing efforts to cultivate homegrown talent and promote the sport nationwide. Coach Norman Black leads our Talent Identification Program and it will work as a natural feeder for the EASL’s platform. In return, our young athletes will benefit from the transfer of knowledge that the EASL will open up.”
SBP Executive Director Erika Dy also shared her optimism, stating, “EASL’s vision for transforming youth basketball aligns seamlessly with SBP’s mission. We are eager to collaborate closely and contribute to shaping the next generation of Filipino basketball players, both locally and internationally.” More details about the first EASL Future Champions – Philippines camp will be announced soon. This partnership marks a significant step in the continued growth and development of basketball in the Philippines, ensuring that our youth are given every opportunity to succeed on the global stage.
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San Miguel Foods Expands First 1,000 Days Child Health Program, Reports Lower Malnutrition Rates
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/San Miguel Foods Inc.) |
San Miguel Foods Inc. said malnutrition among children has declined under its expanded First 1,000 Days program which now covers more than 1,000 mother-and-child pairs across 24 barangays nationwide. The company said 89 percent of children enrolled have achieved normal height and weight, while underweight cases dropped to 2 percent. Only 9 percent remain classified as malnourished. Launched in 2022 with 254 beneficiaries across nine barangays, the program — branded “Happy Si Mommy, Malusog Si Baby” — now includes over 400 families in Luzon, 300 in the Visayas, and 250 in Mindanao. It supports mothers and children from pregnancy to age two, a critical period for development and long-term health.
The initiative is led by San Miguel Foods and San Miguel Foundation in coordination with local governments and private partners. It provides prenatal checkups, ultrasounds, health education, and fortified meals. The food supplements, known as Mingo Meals, are developed by the Department of Science and Technology’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) and produced by the Negrense Volunteers for Change Foundation. San Miguel Corporation (SMC) chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang said the program aims to offer long-term support rather than one-time aid. In a statement, Ang said, “Good nutrition starts before birth, and we want to make sure mothers and children in underprivileged communities receive sustained support.”
Earlier this year, San Miguel Foods distributed an additional supply of Mingo Meals in new flavors as some children moved into toddlerhood. The company also said it has trained 102 barangay health workers through webinars covering breastfeeding, postpartum care, and childhood nutrition. These workers help pass on the information to mothers in their communities. The initiative is part of San Miguel’s broader goal to improve the lives of 15 million Filipinos by 2030.
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HONOR Joins Guanzon Festival 2025 With An Epic Durability Challenge And Star-Studded Performance
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| (Image Source: MegaBites/HONOR Philippines) |
Leading global technology brand HONOR Philippines made a strong and exciting presence at Guanzon Festival 2025, held recently at the Activity Hall of Guanzon in Calasiao, Pangasinan. The crowd was treated to an unforgettable afternoon of innovation, entertainment, and hands-on challenges headlined by the viral and ultra-tough HONOR X9c 5G. “We’re excited to bring the HONOR experience closer to the local community through our partnership with Guanzon. This year’s Guanzon Festival gave us the perfect platform to showcase our most durable smartphone yet, the HONOR X9c 5G through real-life, on ground tests,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.
At the heart of the event was The Ultimate Durability Test, an interactive game where participants battled it out in a three-stage challenge using the HONOR X9c 5G, proving the phone’s All-Angle Ultra-Tough OLED Display and Triple Defense System. From blindfold tests to smashing fruits and knocking down cans, the crowd witnessed the device’s unmatched durability live and unfiltered. One lucky participant emerged as the Ultimate Winner, taking home a brand-new HONOR X7c and ₱5,000 in cash, while all participants received exclusive HONOR merchandise. The event was hosted by the dynamic duo Tito Abdul and Tito Marsyyy who energized the crowd with games, giveaways, and nonstop banter. The highlight performance came from Prince of Soul Jason Dy, Grand Winner of The Voice Philippines Season 2, who serenaded fans with his signature hits, making the afternoon even more memorable.
The Guanzon Festival 2025, which celebrates Guanzon’s 80th founding anniversary, served as a key touchpoint in HONOR’s continued regional expansion efforts. By joining large-scale community events outside Metro Manila, HONOR reaffirms its commitment to making its smart technology more accessible to Filipinos across the country. HONOR’s participation in Guanzon Festival 2025 marks another milestone in its mission to reach more Filipino consumers across the country. By tapping into community-led events in key provinces, the brand is forging stronger connections beyond urban centers. The vibrant crowd turnout at the festival underscored the growing demand for smart, durable, and affordable technology values at the core of HONOR’s product lineup. Guanzon, now celebrating its 80th anniversary, is one of HONOR’s most valuable retail partners in Northern and Central Luzon. This shared celebration is a testament to their long-standing partnership built on innovation, accessibility, and customer service. HONOR reaffirmed its commitment to continuously support regional retail partners with nationwide campaigns, exclusive launches, and activations that directly engage Filipino consumers.
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Benilde Students Develop Art-Based Values Education Materials For Public Schools
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Sinibatao) |
Multimedia arts students from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) have introduced Sinibatao, a set of art-integrated learning materials designed to help Grade 3 students in public schools better understand values and ethics. The team — Aldrin Isaac Baltazar, Ayesha Decena, Aliyah Azel Macatol, Abram Olivar, and Kyla Marie Uy — created the project to offer new ways of teaching good manners and right conduct (GMRC), particularly for children with diverse learning styles.
Motivated by Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget’s cognitive development theory which states that children aged 7 to 11 understand concrete logic but struggle with abstract thinking, the group focused on Grade 3 learners. They said early education on morality plays a crucial role in shaping beliefs and behavior. After months of research including interviews with students and educators to study teaching strategies and classroom experiences, the team produced a range of offline tools, such as storybooks, audio plays, visual and auditory animations, flashcards, placards, coloring sheets, and metacards. They said the materials promote the role of arts in developing students’ cognitive, emotional, and physical skills. The name Sinibatao combines the Filipino words sining (art), bata (child), and pagpapakatao (being human). It also plays on the phrase sino ba tayo? (who are we?), reflecting the theme of self-awareness and moral development.
The students said that using tangible materials in classrooms helps children better engage with lessons and form stronger connections with teachers and classmates, especially in public schools where access to digital tools may be limited. The project aims to support various teaching and learning styles, with the students hoping it will increase classroom participation and reduce the burden on educators to create their own visual aids. More information about the project is available at www.facebook.com/sinibatao.
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BRAVE Combat Federation Celebrates Africa Day 2025
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| (Image Source: BRAVE Combat Federation) |
As the world unites in celebration of Africa Day 2025, BRAVE Combat Federation proudly joins in commemorating the rich history, cultural pride, and future promise of the African continent. As a truly global MMA promotion with roots in every corner of the fight world, Africa serves as more than just a market to BRAVE CF. Instead, the African continent is viewed as the land of warriors whose stories and spirit embody the heart of combat sports. Africa Day, observed each year on the 25th of May, honours the formation of the African Union (AU) which was then known as the Organization of African Unity (OAU). Formed in 1963, the AU stands as a symbol of unity, independence, and pride for a continent whose sons and daughters continue to make their mark on a multitude of global stages. In 2025, the significance of this day is felt even more deeply within BRAVE Nation, as Africa’s fighters rise to prominence in some of the sport’s most competitive divisions.
Among those flying Africa’s flag high is Nicholas ‘The Saint’ Hwende, the reigning BRAVE CF Bantamweight World Champion from Zimbabwe. Hwende etched his name in the promotion’s history books in December 2024 when he headlined BRAVE CF 91 against fellow African standout and BRAVE CF alumni Nkosi Ndebele. The bout not only showcased elite-level MMA but also symbolized the continent’s growing influence in the sport. Africa’s presence within BRAVE CF extends far beyond the bantamweight ranks. In the Super Welterweight division, Eliezer ‘King Kong’ Kubanza of the Democratic Republic of Congo has built a reputation for his ferocity and knockout power, becoming one of the most dangerous men in the division. Meanwhile, Algeria’s Mohamed ‘L’Ambiance’ Said Maalem continues to cement his status as a top Light Heavyweight contender, blending experience and grit with an unyielding fighting spirit that’s earned him respect across continents. Morocco’s Youssef Boughanem, a decorated striker with an elite Muay Thai background, represents North Africa proudly in the Lightweight division, bringing a dynamic skill set to the global stage. In the featherweight ranks, fellow Congolese fighter Prince ‘The Black Lion’ Lolia is quickly making a name for himself as a formidable contender with ambitions of championship gold. Not to be outdone, South Africa’s Luthando ‘Shorty’ Biko recently entered the BRAVE CF flyweight division and his technical prowess and heart make him one of the division’s most captivating fighters.
BRAVE CF’s connection with Africa has always extended beyond its roster. The organization has made a conscious effort to bring its events to African soil, offering local fans the opportunity to witness world-class MMA firsthand while allowing international athletes to experience the continent’s beauty and culture. From Morocco to South Africa, BRAVE CF has built a proud and growing history in Africa with several events. Most recently, in May 2024, the promotion touched down in St. Pierre, Mauritius for BRAVE CF 82, further expanding its African footprint and laying the foundation for future events. As the MMA world celebrates Africa Day, BRAVE Combat Federation stands with its African athletes and fans, honouring the continent’s contribution to the sport and its growing influence within the global MMA community. The warriors of Africa, past and present, embody a spirit of resilience, unity, and pride – and BRAVE CF is honoured to be part of the journey.
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Primetime King Coco Martin And Prime Actress Julia Montes Head To Kenya For The First Time For Groundbreaking Fan Meet
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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
After years of captivating African audiences through its beloved Filipino teleseryes, ABS-CBN is bringing its very own Primetime King Coco Martin and Prime Actress Julia Montes to Kenya to meet loyal viewers for the first time ever in a groundbreaking celebration. This marks a milestone for the Philippines' premiere media and entertainment company as this is the first time that it is bringing its Kapamilya stars to a country in the continent of Africa to celebrate the connection, culture, and the stories that continue to unite the Filipino and African communities.
Coco, as Tanggol in “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo”, and Julia, as Anna in “Saving Grace”, will head to Kenya to personally thank viewers for their unwavering support for ABS-CBN’s programs in an exclusive fan meet experience called “Kapamilya Live In Kenya”. This momentous event is happening on June 28, 2025 at the Nairobi Cinema. Apart from getting up-close and personal with CocoJul, Kenyans should also look forward to the airing of the beloved tandem’s hit ABS-CBN programs in Africa that will air on the StarTimes channel this year. Relive the ‘kilig’ of CocoJul in the romantic-drama “Walang Hanggan” this July and catch Julia in the heavy drama “Saving Grace” this September. Coco’s Kapamilya teleseryes continue to make waves in Africa where the hit action-packed show “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo”, known internationally as “Gangs Of Manila”, is currently airing in 41 countries in Africa, while “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano”, known abroad as “Brothers”, aired from 2021 to 2023. Likewise, some of Julia’s biggest hits also captured Kenyan hearts such as “Ikaw Lamang”, “Doble Kara”, “Asintado”, and many more.
ABS-CBN’s well-loved programs have been airing in Africa since 2003. Since then, through ABS-CBN International Distribution and StarTimes, African households have been drawn to ABS-CBN’s Filipino storytelling where more of its hit programs continue to air in different African countries. Recent titles include “Can’t Buy Me Love”, “Lavender Fields”, “What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim”, and “The Broken Marriage Vow”, to name a few. For more information on “Kapamilya Live In Kenya” and how to get tickets for the groundbreaking event, visit https://bit.ly/kapamilya-live.
