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| (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/BOGT Philippines) |
BOGT Philippines is proud to announce that its critically acclaimed production “13th Of September” has received its third invitation to an international theater festival, marking a significant milestone for Filipino artistry on the global stage. After joining the festivals in Canada (2019) and Germany (2021, 2022), BOGT is set to make its highly anticipated debut at the prestigious 18th Mondial du Théâtre in Monaco on August 20-27, 2025. This marks the first time the Philippines will participate in this esteemed quadrennial festival since its founding in 1957.
“13th Of September”, an adaptation by three-time Palanca awardee Eljay Castro Deldoc from Lanie Robertson’s “The Insanity of Mary Girard”, will feature a groundbreaking reimagined staging under the direction of ALIW and LEAF awardee Riki Benedicto whose directorial works have not only been presented but have also won awards on the international stage. Acclaimed film and theater director Andoy Ranay will take on the challenging lead role of Mary Girard, promising a performance that will elevate the production to new, more powerful heights together with Lao Rodriguez and Drew Espenocilla. BOGT Philippines is an independent, non-profit theater company established in 2019 by a group of professional theater, events, and film practitioners from Manila, Philippines. Its key objectives are to create and produce performances for international theater festivals and to strengthen the visibility of Philippine theater on the global stage. BOGT Producers Katreen Dela Cruz (Production and Stage Manager), JayLo Conanan (Production Designer), Roldan Lozano (Lighting Designer), and Ces Valera (Projection Designer) complete the delegation of 9 who will fly to Monaco this August.
The historic performances in Monaco are scheduled for August 26-27 at the renowned Princess Grace Theater where “13th Of September” will have the honor of closing the festival alongside esteemed productions from Lithuania and Morocco. The play delves deeper into profound and timely themes, tackling issues of empowerment, injustice, powerplay, and the complexities of sanity. Its narrative of overcoming adversity and asserting one’s voice has already resonated with audiences in previous international showcases at the Festival International de Théâtre de Mont-Laurier 2019, Canada and THEATERWELTEN 2021 and 2022. The BOGT Philippines delegation, driven by pure passion, is eager to share this impactful work with the world. BOGT Philippines extends its deepest gratitude to Fire and Ice Studio, Beyond Concepts Photo Studio, the Office of the First Lady, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines for their invaluable contributions and for creating a space where Philippine theater can thrive.
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Acer Day 2025 Concert Set To ‘Break A Limit’ Featuring Star-Studded Performances From SB19, G22, Sarah Geronimo, PBB Celebrity Collab Housemates, And More
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| (Image Source: Starmometer/Acer Philippines) |
Returning for its ninth consecutive year, Acer Day is back with the theme “Break A Limit” which highlights the drive to overcome obstacles, achieve new milestones, and push boundaries. Acer’s mission is to provide the technology that enables and empowers individuals to explore limitless possibilities and strive for excellence in various aspects of life, including productivity, creativity, gaming, learning, and personal well-being. “This year’s Acer Day celebration brings to the fore Acer’s mission of breaking down barriers between people and technology. We believe that to ‘Break A Limit’, you need to surpass your personal best,” said Acer Philippines Managing Director Sue Ong-Lim.
For this year’s Acer Day, Acer Philippines presents a musical extravaganza on August 9, 2025 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena featuring the best of the best in Filipino music and artistry including Acer ambassadors SB19, G22, and Sarah Geronimo along with Itchyworms, KMKZ, and Maki. The Acer Day stage will be the first appearance of Acerpure’s newest ambassadors, the PBB Celebrity Collab housemates Klarisse De Guzman, Mika Salamanca, Shuvee Etrata, Esnyr Ranollo, Will Ashley, Brent Manalo, Ralph De Leon, and Charlie Fleming. Fans can look forward to electrifying performances, unprecedented collaborations between artists, and songs they will hear for the first time.
“Every Acer Day celebration is special, and this year, we welcome new members to the Acer family. This year’s concert ‘Break A Limit’ celebrates a future where limits are not barriers but opportunities for innovation and growth,” said Acer Philippines Senior Marketing Manager Princess Laosantos. Acer Day helps Acer engage with customers through music and various activities that allow them to try products and discover new user experiences. For more information about Acer and Acer Day, visit Acer Philippines on Facebook (@AcerPH) or Acer's official website at www.acer.com.
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MOONTON Games Partners With The Little Black Book Studios And Base Media To Develop Animated Series For Mobile Legends Bang Bang
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| (Image Source: MOONTON Games) |
MOONTON Games, the global developer and publisher of the hit mobile Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) game Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), has announced a strategic partnership with The Little Black Book Studios (TLBBS) and Base Media to develop a premium animated series based on the MLBB universe. The series will be produced by TLBBS in collaboration with the acclaimed production house Base Media. Base’s award-winning visual effects (VFX) and animation team behind global box office phenomenon Ne Zha 2 and Marvel/Disney+’s reboot of Daredevil will work on the MLBB animation, bringing to life the Land of Dawn’s iconic heroes, landscapes, and lore that have captivated more than 1.5 billion global players.
Base Animation/Base Studios Founder and CEO Chris Bremble said, “It’s been an exciting journey working with the MOONTON Games team, seeing their story process and future plans for the MLBB universe. I’ve also had a fantastic relationship with Ross and the folks at TLBBS; being able to work as a team to bring MLBB to a new audience is the kind of challenge we’re always looking to meet.” TLBBS Co-Founder Leo Ross said, “This is our most ambitious project to date; we are taking a huge and popular game and translating that into an animation that will bring the MLBB world to life. Partnering with the best from Hollywood and with our expertise, we can’t wait to provide a series of animations that will not only delight the gamers of MLBB, but for any animation audience that are engrossed by storytelling, adventure, and world building. Having the opportunity to establish a long term partnership with MOONTON Games and then bringing one of our family studios, Base Animation, provides the perfect blend of a strong IP with huge fan base, multi characters, and an animation studio that creates the best and whom only works with the best (Marvel, Disney, Industrial Light and Magic, to name a few).”
MOONTON Games Head of Publishing Cherry Xia said, “MLBB is well known for its dynamic in-game storytelling. This collaboration is a step out of our comfort zone as we explore a different entertainment platform to experience the MLBB universe. We are excited to unite TLBBS’s creative vision and Base Media’s world-class animation pedigree — to offer fans of MLBB and animation alike a novel way to enjoy our world-famous franchise.” Beyond the animation, this partnership will include a multi-faceted marketing campaign including the launch of a merchandise line. Further details, including the series title, publishing platforms, and release date, will be announced in the future.
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Taiwan Collaborates With Philippines To Promote Health-Focused Technologies And Wellness Through “Go Healthy With Taiwan” Proposal Contest
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| (Image Source: Business Mirror/Taiwan Excellence PH) |
Taiwan has taken a bold step in the movement for global health innovations with the launch of the “Go Healthy With Taiwan” campaign in the Philippines. The contest invites Filipino public institutions, enterprises, and SMEs to propose pioneering ways to apply Taiwan’s health-focused technologies to local community needs. Executed by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), the “Go Healthy With Taiwan” campaign aims to foster global partnerships with Taiwan’s leading health and wellness industry. The top three proposals will be awarded with US$30,000 each and the top six finalists will be invited to Taiwan for an exclusive “Go Healthy Tour” — where they will be given opportunity to experience Taiwan’s dynamic health technology ecosystem face-to-face. This tour will feature hands-on demonstrations, site visits, and networking opportunities with leading Taiwanese companies, allowing the finalists to explore collaboration, product integration, and market expansion opportunities firsthand.
Taiwan Trade Center Manila Director Alex Lai noted the participation of Filipinos to the proposal contest by Taiwan Excellence, stating, “The people of the Philippines are eager than ever to share their innovative ideas to the Go Healthy With Taiwan contest. Ever since the campaign was launched, Filipinos across the nation became inspired to partner with Taiwan for solutions that will help the health concerns in their local community, and even beyond.” The contest calls for proposals, highlighting the following health sectoral focus areas: Fitness & Sports Technology, Cycling, and Smart Healthcare. Taiwan’s smart fitness technologies — such as AI-assisted training machines—are one of the recommended innovations to incorporate into proposals that aim to boost personal and nationwide wellness. Another sector for consideration to be integrated into proposals is the cycling sector of Taiwan, as the country is globally recognized for its high-performance bicycles and leading urban cycling infrastructure. Lastly, the contest encourages Taiwan’s smart healthcare systems to be applied into the proposals, featuring technologies from Taiwan that are reshaping healthcare delivery and preventive care models across the globe.
For easy submission, participants can submit their proposals through the official SurveyCake platform at https://gohealthy.surveycake.biz/s/0DZg4. The deadline for submission of proposals is on August 14, 2025. For more information, visit the official website of “Go Healthy With Taiwan” at https://gohealthy.taiwanexcellence.org/ where detailed guidelines of the contest and case examples — such as Acer’s wearable health monitors already adopted by leading hospitals worldwide — are available to support proposal development. For updates on the contest, view the Facebook page of Taiwan Excellence PH at https://www.facebook.com/TaiwanExcellence.ph. Join Taiwan in creating a healthier, more resilient future — through innovation, collaboration, and shared purpose!
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IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu-Lapu Ushers In New Era Of Elite Triathlon
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| (Image Source: Manila Bulletin/Sunrise Events Inc.) |
IRONMAN 70.3 Philippines kicks off a new decade of world-class racing in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu with an even more explosive and demanding test of endurance, power and speed set to unfold on August 10, 2025. Held in the country’s premier destination for sports and adventure, this blue-ribbon event continues to attract a dynamic mix of local and international triathletes, all eyeing glory in one of Asia’s most prestigious multisport competitions. As in previous years, the grueling 1.9km swim, 90km bike, and 21km run – presented by Megaworld and Mactan Newtown – will challenge athletes through a course that blends breathtaking scenery with unforgiving terrain.
Celebrated globally, the IRONMAN 70.3 Philippines earned the distinction of Best Spectator Race in 2018 and has since grown into a marquee event in the international triathlon calendar. Billed as the Crown Jewel of Asia, the IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu-Lapu offers a unique course that weaves through the crystal-clear waters off Mactan Island, an iconic and scenic cycling route, and a festive yet demanding run – delivering an unmatched racing experience. Fueled not only by its challenging course and scenic location but also by the exceptional hospitality and vibrant local culture that make Cebu a favorite among global triathletes, the IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu-Lapu has built a reputation for rapid sell-outs with slots often snapped up within days of registration. It’s actually a full weekend of racing and celebration with a host of exciting side events adding to the festive atmosphere of race week complementing the main event. These include the 2GO Reyna Bulakna Run (August 8 at Liberty Shrine) – a 5km fun run inspired by local heroine Reyna Bulakna, promoting empowerment and unity. It is open to all genders ages 5 and up; the RLC Residences IRONKIDS (August 9 at Dusit Thani Mactan Cebu Resort) for 6-15 years old – a swim-run and running event designed to nurture young triathlon talents; and the Sunrise Sprint (August 10) – a shorter distance race (750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run) catering to beginners and recreational athletes.
South African Olympic medalist Henri Schoeman and Dutch Els Visser took center stage as overall champions last year, capping a thrilling decade of competition. As IRONMAN 70.3 Philippines returns this year, the continued partnership between Megaworld and IRONMAN ensures another spectacular edition – one that celebrates perseverance, resilience and elite athleticism. With another international field expected to compete, the 2025 race promises intense battles, personal triumphs and memories that will define this new era of endurance racing in the region. For registration and full race details, visit ironman.com/races/im703-cebu-philippines/register.
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Select Puregold CinePanalo Films To Return To The Big Screen At UP Film Institute
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| (Image Source: Business Mirror/Puregold Price Club Inc.) |
Select films from the 2024 Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival are set to return to the big screen at the University of the Philippines Film Institute (UPFI) through “Choice Cuts: Panalong Film Festival Rewatch” scheduled to be held on July 30-August 1, 2025 and on August 6, 7, and 9. The screening series will feature eight full-length films and 10 student shorts that highlight authentic Filipino stories, cultural identity, and diverse social themes. “As we gear up for next year’s festival, we’re giving another window for Puregold CinePanalo films. Good films are meant to be seen, and we want to give these alumni films the spotlight they deserve,” said Puregold Price Club Inc. Senior Marketing Manager Ivy Hayagan-Piedad.
Among the featured full-length films are Under A Piaya Moon by Kurt Soberano, which won Best Picture at the 2024 festival, and Pushcart Tales by Sigrid Bernardo, which earned the Best Director award. Other titles include One Day League: Dead Mother, Dead All by Eugene Torres, A Lab Story by Carlo Obispo, Boys At The Back by Raynier Brizuela, Fleeting by Catsi Catalan, Road To Happy by Joel Ferrer, and Sepak Takraw by Mes de Guzman. Meanwhile, the student short films that will be shown include Rafaela Abucejo's "Saan Ako Pinaglihi?”, Alexa Moneii Agaloos' "Ka Benjie", Reutsche Colle Lima's "Tiil Ni Lola", Marian Joyce Tiongzon's "May Kulay Rosas Ba Sa Bahaghari?”, Kent Michael Cadungog's "Text FIND DAD To 2366", Joshua Andrey Doce's "I Am Mutya And I Thank You!”, Mark Terence Molave's "Paano Po Gumawa Ng College?”, Joanah Pearl Demonteverde's "Kang Pagpuli Ko", Alexandra Lapid's "Queng Apag", and Doxford Perlas' "Naduea Eoman Si Brownie". “Choice Cuts: Panalong Film Festival Rewatch” is a collaboration between the Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival, UP Film Institute, and EdukSine Studios, a DOST-funded social venture that promotes independent filmmaking, that covers a wide range of topics, including indigenous culture, LGBTQ rights, mental health, and language preservation in the Philippines. These films also encompass a wide range of genres including family dramas, coming-of-age stories, and romantic pictures.
“We have a lot of gratitude towards EdukSine Studios and the UPFI for partnering with us for Choice Cuts. Our goal with the CinePanalo has always been to further the development of Filipino filmmaking, and give underrepresented voices a platform. We’re so excited to be able to do it with two esteemed institutions that have the same purpose,” said Hayagan-Piedad. Those interested in attending the Film Festival Rewatch must first sign up and register using the online form at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeL8NVUXpHSXdytxc2tQ2rOJ5cS4C9yr8Ahz5WLgA-hMFEVCQ/viewform. Audience members can purchase tickets to the event for Php200 per full-length film or collection of short films. Due to strong demand, audience members are recommended to book their tickets in advance. Screenings of Choice Cuts will begin at 11:30 am with further screenings at 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm, and 5:30 pm. The UPFI Videotheque will host each screening with the exception of the 4:00 pm screening which will take place at the Cine Adarna Theatre.
