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| (Image Source: ABS-CBN Corporation) |
The country’s first queer dating reality show “Sparks Camp” is taking love to new heights for its third season with all-new facets – a breathtaking mountain location, a ‘kilig’-filled theme song, and a fresh batch of lovestruck campers that will captivate viewers beginning July 16, 2025 where it will now stream in its new home on the ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube channel. “Sparks Camp” season 3, which is directed by Theodore Boborol, will feature three times more romance set against the backdrop of scenic mountains and accompanied by its new theme song “Nahuhulog” by former “The Voice Teens PH” season 1 finalist Chie.
LGBTQIA+ advocate, ‘Mother Sparker’ Mela Habijan, returns as host to help ten charming campers find their mutual spark as they engage in various fun activities that will involve physical and intimate challenges, heart-to-heart talks, and fun dating games. Netizens worldwide have expressed their excitement on social media for the return of “Sparks Camp” which earned a nomination for Best Original Reality and/or Competition Programme at the 2024 ContentAsia Awards and it has also accumulated over seven million digital views on YouTube for seasons 1 and 2. For the show’s third season, get ready to fall in love with a new batch of campers from various backgrounds - advertising executive Joer Reyes, content creator Edward Maalihan, brand strategist Kim Bejerano, performing artist Harold Espiritu, pilot Andrew Rabin, podcaster Julian Agustin, flight attendant Khali Empleo, graduate student Aaron Aberasturi, professional wrestler Julio Dragon Silvestre, and marketer Ants Pedregosa. For the first time, “Sparks Camp” will also offer a special director’s cut with extended versions of episodes that is available worldwide exclusively for Super Kapamilya members on ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube and via iWant subscription.
Since its premiere, “Sparks Camp” has captured the hearts of viewers worldwide, including those in the Philippines, USA, Canada, the Middle East, and India, for showcasing a combination of romantic experiences, empowering stories, and relatable struggles of individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community. Catch the premiere of “Sparks Camp” for free on the ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube channel with a new episode drop every Wednesday. You may also watch the special director’s cut by visiting the ABS-CBN Entertainment YouTube channel and click “join” in the Super Kapamilya tab or get access on iWant.
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Abi Marquez Named One Of 2025 Mansmith Young Market Masters Awardees
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| (Image Source: adobo Magazine/NYMA Talent Management/Mansmith Young Market Masters) |
Food content creator Abi Marquez has been named one of this year’s Mansmith Young Market Masters Awardees (YMMA), joining a prestigious roster of young leaders recognized for their excellence in marketing, sales, and entrepreneurship. The awarding ceremony will be held on July 23, 2025 at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium of RCBC Plaza in Makati. Now celebrating its 20th year, the Mansmith YMMA honors outstanding Filipinos aged 35 and below who are driving meaningful impact in their industries through innovative, strategic, and purpose-driven work. As a young food content creator championing Filipino cuisine on the global stage, Abi’s inclusion in this year’s awardees represents the growing power of the next generation to reshape industries in bold and creative ways.
At just 25 years old, Abi has already made significant contributions to the Philippine food and content landscape – from viral recipe videos that rack up millions of views, to earning back-to-back local and international awards, and even collaborating with some of the world’s most respected chefs and creators. Aside from marketing herself as a brand, this young food content creator is, most importantly, marketing Filipino food and culture to the world. Her platform is a space where everyday Filipino dishes are celebrated with pride, and where home cooks – especially young ones – are empowered to embrace and take pride in their heritage. Her content has sparked a renewed interest in home cooking, particularly among the youth. And more importantly, she has shown that digital influence can translate into cultural impact – using her voice to make Filipino cuisine more approachable, more visible, and more respected globally. Abi has built a digital brand that educates, entertains, and inspires – a reflection of the very spirit the Mansmith YMMA seeks to recognize: young leaders who are not only excelling in their craft but also raising the standards of their industries.
She joins the ranks of previous awardees like Edgar “Injap” Sia II, Founder of Mang Inasal and Chairman of DoubleDragon Properties (YMMA 2010 for Entrepreneurial Marketing); Avin Co Ong, Founder and CEO of Fredley Group behind brands like Macao Imperial Tea and Nabe (YMMA 2022, Entrepreneurship); Kim Frances Lato, Founder and CEO of e-commerce platform Kimstore (YMMA 2021, Entrepreneurial Marketing); and Cza Sevilla, Founder and CEO of Avocadoria (YMMA 2024). Indeed, Abi continues to pave the way for a new generation of marketers and creators who use creativity and authenticity to shape industries in bold new ways.
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Christian Bautista Scores Another International Nomination – This Time At The 2nd Collision Awards
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| (Image Source: Starmometer/NYMA Talent Management/Collision Awards) |
Asia's Romantic Balladeer Christian Bautista adds another global recognition to his name as he secures a finalist spot at the 2nd Collision Awards, an international platform that celebrates standout creative and digital work from around the world. Christian’s entry, Matching Outfits Series, has officially been shortlisted under Digital Communication – Campaign category, and is now in the running for a Gold or Silver Collision Award, as well as the Collision Audience Choice Award, which will be determined by public vote.
The Matching Outfits series, which features Christian and his wife Kat, first gained international recognition earlier this year when it bagged a Bronze Telly Award. And now with this Collision Awards finalist spot, it’s back-to-back international recognition for Asia’s Romantic Balladeer – or should we say, digital creator. Blending humor, authenticity, and real chemistry, the content offers a refreshing and relatable take on storytelling – proof that personality-driven content can resonate just as deeply as high-production campaigns. The series has become a standout for fans earning high scores from Collision’s jury of global experts. Now over two decades into his career, Christian continues to prove that Filipino talent can thrive across genres and platforms.
Public voting for the Collision Audience Choice Award is now open. Fans and supporters are encouraged to vote for Christian Bautista's Matching Outfits at the official Collision Awards website and celebrate Filipino creativity on the global stage. They can also share on social media using the hashtags #TeamChristian and #CollisionAwards2025. Winners will be announced on July 22, 2025.
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BIG3 And EASL Announce Partnership To Bring Premier 3-On-3 Basketball To Asia In 2026
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| (Image Source: East Asia Super League) |
BIG3, the premier global 3-on-3 basketball league, and East Asia Super League (EASL), the champions league of Asian basketball, have announced a groundbreaking strategic partnership to bring top-tier 3-on-3 basketball to fans across Asia in 2026. This collaboration marks a new chapter for both organizations, combining BIG3’s high-energy, entertainment-first approach with EASL’s deep ties to Asia’s top professional leagues, teams, and fan communities. While the partnership is rooted in competition, it also aims to foster cultural exchange and introduce a new basketball experience across the region.
BIG3 is known for its fast pace, physical play, and creativity, with a format that features former and current NBA players, Hall of Fame coaches, and top talent from the international 3-on-3 circuit. Since launching in 2017, the league has built a loyal following in the U.S. and continues to grow globally. In recent years, the BIG3 has held international events in cities like Nassau, Toronto, and London, where it drew a sold-out crowd at the O2 Arena for its 2023 Championship Game. The league also recently partnered with the National Basketball League (NBL) in Australia to bring BIG3 basketball to fans there in fall 2025. “BIG3 was built to change how people experience basketball. Through this landmark partnership with EASL, we’re taking that mission to Asia and inviting millions more to be part of it. The EASL has done an incredible job elevating the gameplay across Asia and, specifically, growing its popularity with young sports fans. This partnership will set the stage for the future of the BIG3, and we can’t wait to bring our game there next year,” said BIG3 Co-CEO Ice Cube.
EASL, which unites champions and top contenders from domestic leagues across the region, sees this partnership as a significant step in its growth. By introducing a new format and connecting with the global basketball community, the league aims to further raise the level of play and fan engagement in Asia. “We’re here to push limits. BIG3 brings a different level, a different style, and a different energy to basketball. Taking it to Asia with EASL shows how far the game can go. Fans are going to see something fresh and something real, and it’s only the beginning,” said EASL CEO Henry Kerins. More details regarding event locations, scheduling, and additional activations will be announced as the BIG3 and EASL continue collaborating toward the 2026 launch.
(With words by Tyler Schiff, East Asia Super League)
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EJ Obiena, Atletang Ayala Bring Historic Pole Vault Event To PH
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| (Image Source: Good News Pilipinas/EJ Obiena) |
Atletang Ayala has partnered with premier Filipino athlete Ernest John (EJ) Obiena to mount a historic global pole vault event, gathering several of the world’s Top 10 athletes in the sport in the heart of Makati City. The Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge is set to thrill sports fans at the Ayala Triangle Gardens on September 20-21, 2025.
The marquee athletic event is made possible by a collaboration between the Ayala Group’s Atletang Ayala which helps Filipino athletes compete in the global stage, the MVP Sports Foundation, and Obiena, a two-time World Championship medalist and current Asian Champion and record-holder. “It has been my lifelong dream to mount a world-class sporting event in my homeland to showcase Filipino talent and make the nation proud. Now, it’s finally happening. I call on my kababayans to come together and support this once-in-a-lifetime event,” said the 29-year-old Asian champ. “Ayala is proud to partner with EJ for an event that celebrates Filipino excellence and marks the successes of our sporting heroes. Through this pole vault challenge, we hope to bring Filipinos together in encouraging sporting participation, inspiring future athletes and making us proud as a nation,” said Ayala Corporation Executive Director Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala.
The Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge will follow a street vaulting format. It is officially sanctioned by the World Athletics Continental Tour-Bronze category, aligned with rigorous global standards for competition, athlete eligibility, and event organization. It is also supported by the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association and global athletics organizations World Athletics and Asian Athletics. Athletes will earn ranking points for their participation, while the winning vaulter will take home a cash prize. Watch out for updates on EJ Obiena’s social media pages.
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Acer And SB19 Mark 5 Years Of Collaboration With Outstanding Achievements
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| (Image Source: Starmometer/Acer Philippines) |
Before its “Simula At Wakas” world tour stop in Taipei, global P-Pop sensation SB19 was invited to Acer’s Taipei headquarters as “one-day employees”. Besides being honored guests, the “Kings Of P-pop” also met Acer Chairman and CEO Jason Chen, along with Pan-Asia Pacific President Andrew Hou, who gave each member — Pablo, Josh, Stell, Ken, and Justin — a Predator Helios 18 gaming laptop as a token of appreciation for their five-year collaboration.
During their visit, SB19 visited Acer’s product experience center where they tried out the latest gaming laptops and the FreeSense Ring smart wearable developed by Acer Fashion. The group also participated in a design workshop where they brainstormed ideas for laptop aesthetics and compact home appliances. Acer was also the co-presenter for SB19’s “Simula At Wakas” world tour stop in Taipei. “SB19 is more than a brand ambassador for Acer. They are our brand partner, and they have helped us enhance brand visibility and trust. Together, Acer and SB19 have achieved so many things and connected with more customers,” said Acer Philippines Senior Marketing Manager Princess Laosantos.
In Q1 2025, Acer secured the top position in the Philippine personal computer market with a 35.7% total market share, a 34.2% share in consumer notebooks, and an impressive 40.6% share in gaming laptops, according to market research firm GfK. The collaboration between Acer and SB19 began before their official ambassadorship for Acer Day and endorsement with Acer and Acerpure in 2021. This long-standing partnership continues to demonstrate the perfect synergy of technology and entertainment, creating meaningful connections and exciting experiences for consumers.
