 |
| (Image Source: FlingerosPhilippines.com/Red Bull Half Court Philippines) |
The Red Bull Half Court National Finals ignited the court, capping off an epic Philippine tour by uniting top-tier teams from Davao, Cebu, and Manila alongside WildCards for a one-day, all-or-nothing 3-on-3 basketball brawl. On October 25, 2025 at Parqal in Aseana City, the nation’s fiercest 3-on-3 squads unleashed electrifying plays under Red Bull Half Court’s high-octane ruleset, scrapping for glory. Played under a 12-second shot clock, with matches capped at 10 minutes or first to 21 points, every possession carried weight, demanding sharp decision-making, tight defense, and quick execution.
But the National Final wasn’t just about competition — it was a full-on streetball celebration. MC Pao Avila helped elevate the event with his insight and charm. The Philippine All Stars lit up the stage with a high-energy dance performance while Stance Philippines rolled in with a slick Street Car Showcase, turning heads with custom rides. Plus, the HoopJeep partnership added a mobile court bringing streetball culture to life. Fans got in on the action with their own contests. Like the Dunk Competition judged on creativity and sheer wow factor. While the Two-Point Shootout, where sharpshooters fired clutch shots in a 60-second frenzy, lighting up the sidelines with every swish. These moments captured the event’s unique blend of basketball, culture, and community energy. Taho Story brought relentless hustle and razor-sharp precision, battling through a fierce elimination gauntlet to outplay Fit’ N’ Grind in a clutch 9–5 showdown, claiming the men’s national championship throne. Taho Story shared that their game plan throughout the tournament was to focus on defense and ensure that each member understood their role on the court. One member said, “Even if one of us makes a mistake, we motivate each other to keep focused in the game.” said one of Taho Story’s team members.
As they prepare for the World Finals in Dubai on November 27–29, the team expressed their pride and determination to showcase the heart and fighting spirit of Filipino basketball players. Another member of Taho Story said, “It’s overwhelming — for us to be representing the country. It’s a good opportunity for us to improve our 3×3 game.” To their fellow Filipinos, the team shared a message of gratitude and encouragement: “Keep on supporting us, it will for sure motivate us to keep bringing our A-game against other teams.” On the other hand, in the women’s national finals, Uratex Dream lit up the women’s bracket, outshining rival team Uratex Tibay in a heart-pounding, down-to-the-wire final, sealing the deal with a 22–8 triumph in the final match.
* * * *
Korean Stars Kim Myung Soo And Choi Bo Min Return To The Philippines On December 2025
 |
| (Image Source: KPopmap/Tourism Promotions Board Philippines) |
The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines is enlisting the star power of the two popular Korean celebrities, Kim Myung Soo and Choi Bo Min, anew to entice Korean travelers to discover the Philippines’ inviting weather during Korea’s winter season. Signed with Universal Records and GLXY Talent Management, Myung Soo and Bo Min will be putting the spotlight on the Philippines – particularly Clark, Pampanga – as a premier tourist destination for Korean visitors, highlighting its relaxing atmosphere, scenic landscapes, and mild climate. As part of this promotion, they will take part in the Runrio PUMA Clark Half Marathon on December 14, 2025. Interested runners may register at https://raceroster.com/events/2025/109838/puma-clark-half-marathon.
Myung Soo, known as “L” from the popular K-Pop group Infinite, is also an award-winning actor who has starred in K-Dramas like Angel’s Last Mission: Love, and Royal Secret Agent. On the other hand, Bo Min is a former member of the idol group Golden Child and a former host of Music Bank. He also appeared in the GMA and Viu series Beauty Empire, and is the endorser of BlueWater Day Spa and Ever Bilena. Kim Myung Soo and Choi Bo Min’s involvement underscores the growing cultural ties between Korea and the Philippines, encouraging fans and travelers alike to experience Clark’s serene landscapes and mild climate. This collaboration not only boosts tourism but also fosters stronger bilateral connections through shared entertainment and travel experiences.
* * * *
PLDT Enterprise And Synermaxx Corporation Strengthen Partnership To Deliver Secure And Scalable Messaging Solutions
 |
| PLDT Enterprise and Synermaxx Corporation commemorate the ceremonial signing of their expanded partnership to deliver secure and scalable messaging solutions. L–R: PLDT Enterprise Relationship Manager Marili Anne Fernandez, PLDT Enterprise Assistant Vice President and Head of Enterprise & International Wireless Product Management Josh Montecillo, Synermaxx Corporation Senior Vice President for Tech Operations Eiffel Saldana, Synermaxx Corporation Vice President for Finance and Administration Rollinda Cagungun, Synermaxx Corporation Vice President for Mobile Sales and Operations Trisha Gonzales, Synermaxx Corporation President and Chief Operating Officer Dexter Qua, Synermaxx Corporation Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Daniel Ongchoco, PLDT and Smart Senior Vice President and Enterprise Business Group Head Blums Pineda, PLDT and Smart First Vice President and Head of Enterprise Core Business Mitch Locsin, PLDT Enterprise Head of Customer Relationship Management Marlon Alberto (Image Source: Orange Magazine TV/PLDT Enterprise) |
PLDT Enterprise, the corporate arm of PLDT Inc., has expanded its long-standing collaboration with Synermaxx Corporation to enable businesses to engage customers through secure and reliable digital communications. Building on more than a decade of partnership, Synermaxx has renewed its long-term partnership as a certified Application-to-Person (A2P) aggregator of PLDT Enterprise – a certification that authorizes Synermaxx to deliver A2P messaging traffic via PLDT and Smart’s network, ensuring that enterprises across industries can count on legitimate, trusted channels for mission-critical messages such as one-time passwords, banking notifications, and customer alerts.
The expanded engagement also includes Silent Authentication and colocation services at VITRO Clark. Together, these solutions provide Synermaxx with the scalability, security, and redundancy needed to support the growing demand for seamless mobile interactions and fraud-resistant digital services. “We are pleased to continue working with Synermaxx, one of our first local SMS aggregator clients. By combining our advanced messaging suite with Synermaxx’s proven expertise, we are helping enterprises safeguard their communications and deliver better customer experiences,” said PLDT and Smart Senior Vice President and Enterprise Business Group Head Blums Pineda. Founded in 2004, Synermaxx Corporation has been a pioneer in integrated ICT solutions in the Philippines, offering services spanning software, internet, mobile, and hardware. Today, it supports industries from finance and healthcare to logistics, retail, and education.
“Our long history with PLDT Enterprise has allowed us to grow alongside the evolving needs of businesses in the Philippines. With PLDT Enterprise’s robust infrastructure and reliable network, we are able to provide our clients with messaging solutions that are secure, scalable, and built for the digital age. This renewed partnership gives us the foundation to deliver even greater value to our customers,” said Synermaxx Corporation Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Daniel Ongchoco. By certifying trusted A2P partners such as Synermaxx, PLDT Enterprise continues to strengthen the integrity of domestic SMS traffic — helping reduce fraud, protect consumers, and preserve confidence in digital channels that power e-commerce, financial services, and online platforms.
* * * *
Mapúa MCL Recognized As Tier 1 Institution For Engineering
 |
| (Image Source: Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna) |
Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna (Mapúa MCL) has achieved a significant distinction in engineering education, officially earning the prestigious Tier 1 Institution classification from the Philippine Technological Council (PTC). This notable status was granted following the meticulous completion and subsequent verification of the university’s Self-Tiering Assessment Report (STAR), submitted as part of its application for accreditation and international recognition of its engineering programs under PTC CASEE.
Upon the strong recommendation of the PTC Accreditation and Certification Board for Engineering and Technology (PTC-ACBET), the PTC confirmed that Mapúa MCL met the necessary thresholds for all three criteria of the PTC Tier Classification System (TCS). This Tier 1 standing is not just a local accolade, it also serves as a direct pathway to global recognition for the university’s engineering programs, all seven of which are accredited by the PTC-ACBET. These include B.S. Chemical Engineering, B.S. Civil Engineering, B.S. Computer Engineering, B.S. Electrical Engineering, B.S. Electronics Engineering, B.S. Industrial Engineering, and B.S. Mechanical Engineering. The implications of this Tier 1 classification are profound, placing Mapúa MCL on the international stage. Pursuant to the conditions set by the highly esteemed Washington Accord, only the engineering programs offered by a Tier 1 institution and accredited by the PTC as of the year 2023 and thereafter will be accorded international recognition under the Accord. This critical achievement ensures that Mapúa MCL graduates hold qualifications that are recognized and respected by signatory nations across the globe, enhancing their mobility and career opportunities worldwide.
Furthermore, these PTC-accredited engineering programs being offered by the institution will also secure a coveted spot on the register of accredited programs of the Federation of Engineering Institutions of Asia and the Pacific (FEIAP), in accordance with its FEIAP Guidelines for Engineering Education. This dual international endorsement — from both the Washington Accord and FEIAP — underscores the world-class quality and relevance of the engineering education provided at Mapúa MCL.
* * * *
GMA Stars Lianne Valentin And Sean Lucas Celebrate HONOR X7d’s Nationwide Availability With Store Launches In SM City La Union And SM Olongapo Central
 |
| (Image Source: GadAboutPrincess.com/HONOR Philippines) |
Leading global AI smart devices provider HONOR Philippines continues to expand its retail footprint with the grand opening of its newest HONOR Experience Stores in SM City La Union and SM Olongapo Central, perfectly timed with the nationwide availability of its newest All-Angle Water-Resistant smartphone — the HONOR X7d. Adding star power to the celebrations were GMA Kapuso celebrities Lianne Valentin and Sean Lucas who joined HONOR Executives, partner dealers from Fonerange and PCC Zone, and SM Mall Management to mark this exciting milestone for the brand.
HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng shared, “The day has come for our HONOR stars and fans to get their hands on our newest water-resistant AI smartphone, the HONOR X7d. We are truly grateful to our HONOR community from La Union and Olongapo for their unwavering support and love for the brand. This celebration is a testament to HONOR’s promise to bring the HONOR experience closer to Ilocanos and Olongapeños.” The festivities drew hundreds of HONOR fans and mallgoers who were among the first to experience the HONOR X7d up close. Attendees eagerly participated in fun water test activities, putting the smartphone’s all-angle water resistance to the ultimate challenge. Some daring fans even dipped the HONOR X7d in water tanks prepared on-site — proving that the newest X series device can confidently withstand accidental spills and splashes without missing a beat. The celebration continued with energetic performances by Valentin and Lucas who lit up the venue with their charm and musical numbers, entertaining fans and shoppers who flocked to the HONOR Experience Stores.
Equipped with a large 6500mAh Battery, the HONOR X7d provides a price-level biggest battery life, offering all-day lasting and 5 years Super Durable. It is also the first smartphone in its class to feature the AI Button. With a single click, users can open APP which they can customize or perform background cleaning and speeding up, while with a long press, users can activate functions like AI Translation and AI Creation, delivering a truly personalized and seamless user experience. HONOR X7d (512 GB variant) is now available nationwide at all HONOR Experience Stores and partner dealers for Php9,999 — available in 3 colorways: Desert Gold, Ocean Cyan, and Velvet Black.
* * * *
NBA THE RUN, Officially Licensed NBA & NBPA 3v3 Street Basketball Game, Coming To PS5, Xbox Series X|S, And Steam In 2026
 |
| (Image Source: MKAU Gaming/Play By Play Studios) |
Play By Play Studios, together with the National Basketball Association (NBA) and National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), unveiled NBA THE RUN, a fast-paced, 3v3 street basketball game that’s played above-the-rim and packed full of NBA stars, posterizing moments, ankle-breaking tricks and a unique, signature style. NBA THE RUN will be coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Steam on PC, with Cross Play enabled, in 2026. Play Solo or Squads - the choice is yours. In either mode, you’ll face off against the best of the best in Knockout Tournaments on legendary streetball courts, stacking up the W's to become the GOAT of THE RUN. Gameplay is fast, fluid and perfectly responsive thanks to the game’s true rollback netcode system, ensuring smooth online play that makes every trick, signature block and high flying alley-oop all the more satisfying. Announcing all the action will be Bobbito Garcia – legendary DJ, author, and iconic video game voice adding his endless energy, enthusiasm and original sazón to every call.
“As fans of pretty much every basketball video game ever made, we have very big shoes to fill - and we don't take that lightly. Our partnership with the NBA & NBPA takes us to a whole new level and we're beyond excited about the collaboration and the potential of NBA THE RUN. We’re a small team, but we’re scrappy, focused and relentless about creating an all new smash hit. This game is for every hoops fan across the globe,” said Play By Play Studios Founder and CEO Scott Probst. In NBA THE RUN, you’ll play as some of your favorite current NBA stars along with fictional streetball legends, going to legendary streetball courts spanning the globe including Venice Beach, and The Tenement in Taguig, Philippines. Every last detail is handcrafted – the players, the courts and every single hand-keyed animation come together to deliver a truly curated experience that puts NBA THE RUN in a lane of its own. “We’re always looking for new ways to bring fans closer to the game. NBA THE RUN provides fans with new ways to express their passion for basketball and we’re looking forward to working with the team at Play by Play to bring it to market,” said NBA Senior Vice President for Global Partnerships and Media Adrienne O’Keeffe.
“NBA THE RUN captures the spirit of the video game classics that inspired generations of fans to fall in love with basketball. We are excited to be giving fans yet another way to deepen their connection with our players and the sport through gaming,” said Nikki Pozzi, Vice President of Licensing at THNK450, the licensing, partnership and innovation arm of the NBPA. NBA THE RUN, will be available in 2026 for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam on PC. For more information on NBA THE RUN, including how to sign up for playtesting, please visit the game’s official web site at nbatherun.com. Follow the team for updates on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok and join the game’s community on Discord.
