| (Image Source: PinoyGamer.ph/Honor Of Kings Philippines) |
After three days of intense competition, Honor of Kings Philippines has crowned Team Northern Nostra Kings as champions of Laban ng HOKbo Season 2, bringing together creators and community players on a dynamic stage for a thrilling competitive showdown. Held last April 19 at Dogzilla Studio in Caloocan City, Team Northern Nostra Kings clinched the championship title following a commanding 3–1 victory over Mindanao Iron Creed in a best-of-five Grand Finals series.
Mindanao Iron Creed delivered an impressive lower-bracket run leading into the finals, but Northern Nostra Kings maintained control across the series. The opening game saw team member Qwertydabi secure MVP honours while H2WO and Yawi delivered standout performances in Games 2 and 4 respectively, ultimately sealing the championship win. Team captain Akosi Dogie also announced that the Php100,000 prize will be fully awarded to a member of their community, underscoring the team’s commitment to giving back. Building on the success of the previous season, Laban ng HOKbo Season 2 continued to showcase a unique format that brings creators and community players onto the same stage, reinforcing Honor of Kings’ commitment to an inclusive, community-driven eSports ecosystem. Prominent creators such as Naser “Akosi Dogie” Mollazehi, Renejay “Renejay” Barcarse, and John Paul “H2WO” Salonga led their teams comprising of community players through a series of competitive matchups, while Kiel “Oheb” Soriano served as Commissioner, offering live insights and engaging fans throughout the tournament. Fans from across Metro Manila who secured exclusive access filled the venue, creating an energetic atmosphere as they cheered on their favourite creators and teams live.
With strong participation both on-ground and online, Laban ng HOKbo Season 2 further highlights the growing role of community-driven formats in shaping the local eSports scene. By bringing creators and grassroots players together in one competitive space, Honor of Kings Philippines continues to foster deeper engagement within its player base while creating more opportunities for fans to take part in the action. More updates on upcoming tournaments and community initiatives will be announced soon through Honor of Kings Philippines’ Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube channels.
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Smart Introduces All-New Plans+ For Your Digital Lifestyle
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| (Image Source: Gadget Pilipinas/Smart Communications Inc.) |
Today’s digital lifestyle depends on a simple mix of gadgets, devices, and internet data working together. Phones, tablets, and wearables are now part of everyday life, used for work, entertainment, and communication. But their full use relies on steady internet access. As apps become more central to daily routines, data has become something people rely on all the time, powering everything from messaging and streaming to online work and learning.
Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) has introduced its All-New Plans+ (SIM-only) postpaid lineup, offering redesigned packages that center on app-based usage and data consumption habits. The updated plans include what the company calls Unli App Bundles which group selected applications under categories for social networking, productivity, and gaming. These categories comprise of the Connect Bundle which includes access to TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp; the Create Bundle covers YouTube and Google services such as Gmail, Drive, Docs, Meet, Maps, and others; and the Play Bundle includes mobile games Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Call of Duty Mobile, and Honor of Kings. Subscribers may choose one bundle depending on their plan tier, with varying periods of access. Plan 799 includes six months of access to the Connect Bundle while Plans 999 to 1999 offer 12 months of access to a selected bundle.
The plans also include data allocations with 5G access, unlimited calls and texts across networks, and unlimited landline calls, excluding special numbers. Smart said the plans are designed around common smartphone activities such as streaming, gaming, messaging, and content creation as telecom providers continue to adjust offerings to shifting mobile usage patterns.
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Pangmalakasang Rice Meals: Jollibee Upgrades Burger Steak, Introduces New Burger Steak Supreme
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| (Image Source: Jollibee) |
Jollibee has upgraded its Burger Steak rice meal and has also introduced a new variant, the Burger Steak Supreme, as Filipino families continue to look for meals that are delicious, satisfying and affordable. The Philippines’ no. 1 fast food chain said the improved Burger Steak now comes with more sauce to enhance flavor and overall experience while keeping its starting price at Php70 for a solo order.
“We’re seeing that customers are paying closer attention to taste, how filling a meal is, and price, so we’re giving them a pangmalakasang rice meal. We focused on improving the experience of a familiar product while also introducing a new option for those who want a bigger meal,” said Jollibee Philippines Vice President of Marketing Dorothy Ching. Jollibee said the move is part of its effort to respond to changing consumer needs, particularly the demand for meals that combine taste, serving size, and affordability. The saucier-sarap Burger Steak is available nationwide for dine-in, takeout, drive-thru, and delivery. Meanwhile, customers can enjoy the Burger Steak Supreme in select stores only and for a limited-time offer from now until July 31, 2026.
Craving more Jollibee treats and exclusives? Head to www.jollibee.com.ph for the latest updates, order your favorites at order.jollibee.com, and follow Jollibee on social media for more JOYful surprises.
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Big Celebrations Made Easy: Sesame Street-Themed Parties Debut At Max’s
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| A vibrant Sesame Street birthday setup at Max’s Restaurant, featuring a brick-patterned backdrop, character standees of Big Bird, Elmo, and Cookie Monster, and a primary-colored balloon display (Image Source: ABS-CBN.com/Ralph Revelar Sarza) |
For today’s families, celebrations are about more than just a party — they’re about shared moments, meaningful experiences, and making life a little easier. Max’s Restaurant is debuting Sesame Street-themed parties, a modern, joy-filled way for families to celebrate together, bringing learning, play, and connection into one seamless experience.
What makes a Sesame Street party at Max’s stand out is how it blends fun with purpose. Featuring beloved characters like Big Bird, Elmo, and Cookie Monster, the experience is rooted in Sesame Street’s trusted approach to learning through play — encouraging curiosity, kindness, and confidence through interactive activities that keep children engaged and parents at ease. Each party transforms Max’s Restaurant into a lively Sesame Street setting, complete with familiar characters and a fully managed celebration. With decades of experience hosting Filipino family gatherings, Max’s knows what it takes to bring people together. By handling every detail, from activities and décor to food and flow, the experience allows families to focus on what matters most: being present and celebrating together. Party packages are designed to be simple and stress-free, covering everything from food and party kits to lighting and sound systems, program host, decorations, and the cake. Flexible customization options ensure each celebration reflects the needs and personalities of today’s families so parents can simply arrive, relax, and enjoy the moment.
The Sesame Street Birthday Party experience is now available at 30 Max’s Restaurant branches across Metro Manila and Luzon. For booking inquiries, you may visit the official Max’s Restaurant website and social media pages.
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Infinix To Deliver Industry-leading Performance With Snapdragon Platforms
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| (Image Source: INQUIRER.net/Infinix) |
Infinix announced its plans to integrate the cutting-edge Snapdragon® platforms from Qualcomm Technologies Inc. across select smartphones and broader product categories. Through its work with Qualcomm Technologies on system-level optimizations, Infinix aims to achieve deeper integration of chipset capabilities within Infinix’s product portfolio, delivering an enhanced and more seamless user experience.
Select models in the NOTE 60 Pro mark the first time Infinix smartphones are powered by Snapdragon mobile platforms, representing a significant step in Infinix’s core platform strategy and an important milestone for the brand. By integrating the renowned Snapdragon system-on-a-chip solutions into select models, the NOTE 60 Pro is poised to unlock extraordinary possibilities and deliver a next-level experience to users worldwide. By combining Qualcomm Technologies’ industry-leading technological expertise with Infinix’s strong capabilities in product design and user experience, the NOTE 60 Pro focuses on delivering elevated, consistent, and stable performance across core areas, including power efficiency, immersive gaming, advanced imaging, and integrated AI experiences. Over the past year, Infinix has adopted Snapdragon platforms in its tablet lineup, receiving positive market feedback. This success has laid the groundwork to expand into smartphones and broader product categories. As Infinix continues to advance its premiumization strategy, deepening collaboration with leading technology partners remains a key focus in expanding its product ecosystem and strengthening long-term competitiveness.
“We are excited to collaborate with industry leader Qualcomm Technologies. This important step for Infinix advances our mission for a tailored user experience through in-depth hardware-software integration, utilizing Snapdragon platforms and technologies to deliver greater innovation and quality for customers globally,” says Infinix CEO Tony Zhao. “We are thrilled to collaborate with Infinix as we work together to bring industry-leading Snapdragon technologies to more mobile users worldwide. Expanding Snapdragon integration into Infinix’s mobile portfolio marks an exciting milestone — one that highlights our shared commitment to delivering breakthrough innovation, elevated performance, and more seamless user experiences,” said Qualcomm Technologies Inc. Senior Vice President of Product Management Chenwei Yan.
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Professional Fighters League Announces PFL San Diego Presented By GOVX On June 27, 2026 At Pechanga Arena San Diego
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| (Image Source: Professional Fighters League) |
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) recently announced its return to Southern California with PFL San Diego Presented by GOVX, set to be held on June 27, 2026 at Pechanga Arena San Diego. The event will be headlined by a pivotal featherweight clash between No. 2-ranked AJ McKee (24-2) and undefeated No. 6-ranked Salamat Isbulaev (10-0) and a pivotal women's flyweight battle between San Diego’s own No. 2-ranked Liz Carmouche (25-8) and Brazil’s No. 9-ranked Viviane Araújo (13-7).
“San Diego is a world-class fight city, and this card reflects exactly what PFL is building, elite talent competing in meaningful matchups. AJ McKee versus Salamat Isbulaev is a high-stakes main event between a proven champion and an undefeated contender on the rise, making this an incredibly special night,” said PFL CEO John Martin. The PFL San Diego Presented by GOVX main card will air live on ESPN 2 in the U.S. beginning at 10:00 pm ET / 7:00 pm PT. The preliminary portion of the event will begin at 7:00 pm ET / 4:00 pm PT and can be seen via the ESPN app. In the Philippines, TAP Digital Media Ventures Corporation will bring the exciting action of PFL San Diego Presented by GOVX on June 28, 2026 starting at 7:00 am PHT on Premier Sports and thru live streaming and on-demand viewing on Blast TV. Additional bouts will be announced shortly. The main event carries significant implications in the PFL featherweight division as former Bellator World Champion AJ McKee looks to defend his position near the top of the rankings against one of the division’s fastest-rising contenders in Isbulaev. Ranked No. 2, Southern California’s McKee remains one of the most dangerous and accomplished fighters on the planet, most recently earning a unanimous decision victory over Adam Borics at PFL Madrid. Kazakhstan’s Isbulaev enters with a perfect professional record, and his emphatic win over Jesus Pinedo in February has quickly positioned him as a legitimate title threat at 145 pounds.
In the co-main event, the women’s flyweight division takes center stage in a high-stakes race toward the top, where every result carries immediate consequences. San Diego fan favorite Liz Carmouche returns home as one of the most decorated athletes in the history of women’s MMA, entering as a former Bellator Champion, the 2025 PFL Women’s Flyweight Tournament Champion, and the current No. 2-ranked contender. Across from her, Brazil’s Viviane Araújo, a 13-fight UFC veteran with a well-rounded skillset and recent momentum following an impressive win in her PFL debut, will look to force her way into contention with a statement victory. In a division with undefeated Dakota Ditcheva looming, a win can elevate either fighter into the title conversation and bring them within reach of a championship opportunity. PFL San Diego Presented by GOVX will serve as a featured event within the league’s newly announced partnership with GOVX, the leading platform serving military members, first responders, and government personnel. Through the partnership, GOVX will offer exclusive discounted ticket access to its community of more than 12 million members, while also serving as the Presenting Partner of PFL San Diego and the presenting sponsor of “Military Row”, honoring the San Diego military community on fight night.
