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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/ArenaSocial) |
The Philippine eSports Organization (PeSO), the National Sports Association (NSA) for eSports in the Philippines recognized by the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and the International Esports Federation (IESF), and ArenaSocial, a free-to-play sports prediction hub that redefines how fans engage with sports and eSports, signed a strategic partnership last December 3, 2025 at Hilton Manila, solidifying a major boost for the national eSports team Sibol as they prepare for the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand. The ceremonial signing and media luncheon gathered PeSO leaders including Secretary General Joebert Yu, Executive Director Marlon Marcelo, and Sibol General Manager Leo Andrew Escutin, ArenaSocial executives led by Managing Director Erick Su, and several coaches and captains of various eSports squads representing Team Sibol.
Through the partnership, ArenaSocial has been named PeSO’s Official Sports Prediction Partner, supporting three major priorities in PeSO’s national roadmap: strengthening grassroots eSports programs across the country beginning 2026, enabling the creation of the PeSO National eSports Training Facility, and enhancing the preparation and resources for Team Sibol ahead of the SEA Games, 2026 Asian Games in Japan, and the China ASEAN eSports Competition 2026. Marcelo expressed his gratitude for the partnership, emphasizing its impact on PeSO’s long-term vision, stating, “We are incredibly grateful to welcome ArenaSocial into the PeSO family. This partnership democratizes access to eSports through grassroots programs, allows us to finally break ground on a National eSports Training Facility, and ensures Team Sibol has the support needed to compete and win at the SEA Games and Asian Games in 2026.”
Su shared how the collaboration aligns with their goal of elevating fan engagement in sports and eSports, stating, “ArenaSocial is proud to partner with PeSO and SIBOL to bring fans and sports enthusiasts a new way to enjoy and engage with the games they love. As the country’s free-to-play sports and eSports prediction hub, we give fans an exciting and rewarding experience while promoting a safe and educational environment.” Moreover, Escutin expressed the importance of this partnership for the development of local talents, stating, “This is basically the most important thing for us. Because as much as we want to support the talents of the players, the reality is we need financial support to do that properly. We can do all the motivation and all that stuff but if we don’t have the backing, tangible things that we can give them, that’s not the only support we want to give. This is very important to us and it supports the vision of PeSO and the hard work that the athletes are doing.”The partnership marks a significant milestone in strengthening the Philippines’ eSports ecosystem and supporting Filipino athletes on the international stage.
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SM Prime, BFP Announce Top 20 Finalists For The 2025 Search For Ten Outstanding Firefighters Of The Philippines
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/SM Prime Holdings Inc.) |
Now in its second year, the 2025 Search for the Ten Outstanding Firefighters of the Philippines (TOFF) continues under the partnership of SM Prime and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), recognizing exemplary bravery, dedication, and public service among BFP personnel nationwide. Building on the success of the inaugural TOFF in 2024, this year’s search once again highlights both commissioned and non-commissioned officers who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment, courage in emergencies, innovation in fire safety or disaster response, and a sustained record of service to their communities.
From nationwide submissions, the candidates have been shortlisted to the Top 20, all of whom underwent a rigorous evaluation and interview process. These include:
Non-commissioned officers: SFO1 Jan Vincent R. Alba , SFO2 Donn Canlas Anloague, FO3 Dianne Daphne Parinas Bruno, SFO3 Daisy Leal Cabautan, FO2 Jay Lord B. Corpuz, SFO2 Lloyd Casilao Francisco, SFO1 Sussie May Limaco Magan, SFO4 Rachel Sangalang Nicasio, FO1 James Harley Omayao Palencia, FO2 Bernard P. Sureta
Commissioned officers: FSINSP Zardoz V. Abela, FSUPT Josephus Franco Alburo, FSSUPT Bartolome O. Beliran DSC, FCINSP Julius Daryl M. Bulatao, FSUPT Raul G. Bustaliño, FCINSP Marc Allan C. Consuegra, FCINSP Anthony Cadion De Paz, FSINSP Julius R. Mangrubang, FSUPT Jacqueline Sanson Ortega, FSINSP Karl Aerole M. Rojales
The Top 10 Outstanding Firefighters were honored at an award ceremony held last December 4, 2025 at SMX Aura. Each awardee received a plaque of recognition and a cash prize of ₱250,000. The TOFF program continues to celebrate not only individual heroism and excellence but also the shared commitment of SM Prime and the BFP to build safer, more resilient communities across the country.
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HONOR Strengthens Nationwide Expansion With New Headquarters In Manila, Nine New Stores
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| (Image Source: Business Mirror/HONOR Philippines) |
Global AI device ecosystem company HONOR continues to strengthen its expansion in the Philippines with the opening of its new and larger headquarters in Manila as well as nine new stores across the country. The tech giant has experienced one of the most commendable growth trajectories in the local tech industry as evidenced by its stores and successful campaigns.
HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng shared, “We’re very excited to share that we’re expanding our operations in the Philippines. As our team and projects continue to grow, this upgrade will give us the room we need for better service and even bigger collaborations.” The new HONOR Stores are located in SM City Olongapo, SM City Telabastagan, SM City La Union, KCC Mall of Zamboanga, KCC Mall of Cotabato, Ayala Malls Feliz, Abreeza Mall Davao, Robinsons Palawan, and Market! Market! “We are obviously expanding, and we are very proud of it. It has been the vision ever since, and it feels really great to see our dreams come to life. This success is because of our loyal HONOR fans who have supported and believed in us from the moment we stepped foot again in the Philippines,” said Cheng.
Meanwhile, the holidays just got merrier with HONOR Holideals 2025. Whether you’re gifting or upgrading, HONOR has wrapped up the best deals just for you. Get the foldable phone of your dreams — the HONOR Magic V5 — or check out the viral HONOR 400 series, as well as the HONOR X7d and HONOR X9c 5G. For the latest updates on current and upcoming HONOR devices, visit HONOR’s official website at www.hihonor.com or follow HONOR Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.
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Signify Philippines Embodies Bright Lives, Better World With Tree Planting Activity In Rizal Along The Sierra Madre Foothills
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| (Image Source: UPSIZE PH/Signify Philippines) |
Trees are a blessing to humankind. They symbolize life and provide sustenance to every human being through their fruits, clean and fresh air, and protection from external harm, such as strong winds and rain. However, the current state of our Philippine forests calls for urgent and widespread reforestation efforts as recent data by the Philippine Institute of Development Studies (PIDS) shows that forest coverage is now only at a concerning 23% of the total land area. Signify, the world leader in lighting, heeds Mother Nature’s call with a mission to bring brighter lives for a better world, reflected not only in its products but also in its proactive initiatives to make a low-carbon future a reality.
The “Brighter Lives, Better World 2025” program, guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), aims to double the company’s positive environmental and social impact by accelerating the transition to a circular economy, offering eco-friendly products, and significantly reducing its carbon footprint. Translating its global vision into local action, Signify Philippines employees traded their office tasks for a day of connecting with nature through a tree-planting event in Sitio Maysawa, Barangay Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal last October 25, 2025. This area in Rizal is part of the vast Sierra Madre mountain range, a million-hectare forest that shields the Philippines from severe storms and is now in need of conservation efforts. The Signify Philippines team successfully contributed to the planting of a total of 500 fruit-bearing seedlings in collaboration with Green Media Events Company and other participants. This collective effort represents a tangible contribution to greening the environment, actively ensuring the preservation of nature for future generations.
In addition to its corporate social responsibility initiatives through innovative lighting solutions, Signify also believes in harnessing the power of community involvement. The tree-planting initiative served as a personal and impactful way for employees to connect with Signify’s core values, reinforcing the message that sustainability extends far beyond lighting technology. Moving forward, Signify Philippines is committed to amplifying its positive impact on both the environment and society. With the success of this tree-planting activity, the seedlings will soon become seeds of hope for a brighter and greener tomorrow. For more updates on Signify’s sustainability efforts, visit Signify Philippines' official website at www.signify.com/en-ph.
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foodpanda, Coke Make Christmas More Affordable With PamasCoke
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| (Image Source: Iconic MNL/foodpanda Philippines) |
With reunions filling the calendar, choosing what to eat, for yourself or a group, can feel like one more thing to juggle — all while trying to stay within a holiday budget. From now until December 21, 2025, foodpanda brings together all-time favorites from Jollibee and McDonald’s, paired with Coca-Cola, making holiday meals more sulit. Through PamasCoke, customers can enjoy 25% off well-loved Jollibee and McDonald’s meals paired with Coca-Cola. The offer brings nationwide savings on well-loved holiday staples, making it an easy way to enjoy or contribute to any celebration. Whether you’re treating yourself to a comforting solo meal or bringing a ready ambag to a reunion, this sulit lineup keeps Christmas feasting simple and stress-free.
McDonald’s fans can enjoy comforting choices like the McShare Bundle for 3 with Coke or the classic Cheeseburger with Fries Small Meal with Coke, both available at 25% off with a maximum ₱100 discount and no minimum spend. For those craving Jollibee, Christmas favorites like the Family Super Meal A, featuring a 6-pc Chickenjoy Bucket with three rice and Coke, also come at 25% off with the ₱170 maximum discount. This offer is available only at selected times in Luzon and Visayas only, making these well-loved holiday staples even more accessible for moments worth savoring alone or sharing with others. Whether it is a barkada potluck, a small family merienda, or a last-minute office gathering, PamasCoke makes it easy to show up with something everyone will enjoy. These familiar, comforting meals instantly feel welcome on any table, turning ordinary get-togethers into warm moments without the stress of planning or preparing.
With so much happening this season, having a ready-to-serve option that feels both festive and sulit is a small gift of relief. Just order, unwrap, and let the holiday spirit take over. This season, foodpanda gotchu! Check out the PamasCoke offers on the foodpanda app and bring joy to any meal, big or small.
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Meralco Brings Holiday Initiatives And Solar Lighting To Batangas Communities
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| (Image Source: The Chronicle/Meralco) |
Meralco, through its corporate social responsibility arm One Meralco Foundation (OMF), has rolled out a series of holiday initiatives in Batangas, supporting local communities in partnership with the Archdiocese of Lipa. The activities held last December 3, 2025 at the Metropolitan Cathedral of San Sebastian grounds in Lipa City aimed to bring Christmas cheer while strengthening community electrification efforts across the province. OMF said it is helping illuminate parish grounds with solar streetlamps as part of its broader community programs. These include the energization of low-income households, schools, rural health centers, agricultural and livelihood facilities, and water access systems.
The foundation noted that these efforts seek to expand access to energy, enhance productivity, and improve safety in underserved areas. Alongside the lighting initiatives, Meralco and OMF also distributed Noche Buena packages to indigent families through the parishes. The gift-giving coincided with the much-anticipated Christmas lighting of the façade of the historic Metropolitan Cathedral of San Sebastian, making the festivities even more heartfelt. These were led by Meralco Chief External and Government Affairs Officer Atty. Arnel D. Casanova, Meralco Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer and OMF President Jeffrey O. Tarayao, Meralco Chief Operating Officer and OMF Trustee Engr. Ronnie L. Aperocho, Lipa City Mayor Eric B. Africa, Lipa Archbishop Most Rev. Gilbert Garcera, and Metropolitan Cathedral of San Sebastian Parish Priest Msgr. Ruben M. Dimaculangan. “We join our kababayans in Batangas in celebrating Christmas through the display of lights and gift-giving. We hope that by coming together, we can celebrate this season meaningfully and bring warmth and joy, especially to families in need,” said Tarayao.
Meralco said the activities demonstrate its continuing engagement in Batangas where it currently serves Sto. Tomas City, Batangas City and the municipality of San Pascual. The company noted that these initiatives deepen its presence in the province and reinforce its commitment to community development. “This holiday season, Meralco, through OMF, is illuminating our churches to inspire hope and strengthen the spirit of community among Filipinos. As a proud member of the Batangas community, Meralco remains committed to supporting the province’s development by bringing light that empowers progress and uplifts lives,” said Meralco’s Atty. Casanova.
