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| (Image Source: INQUIRER.net/Robinsons Malls) |
Pickleball is quickly becoming one of the fastest-rising sports among Filipinos, evolving from a niche hobby into a vibrant, community-driven activity enjoyed by players of all ages. Easy to learn, highly social, and beginner-friendly, the sport has captured the interest of everyone from fitness enthusiasts and young professionals to families and first-time players looking for a fun and active way to connect. As more Filipinos embrace active lifestyles and intentional ways to unwind, Robinsons Malls continues to evolve into more than just a shopping destination by creating vibrant third spaces centered on wellness, recreation and community.
With its growing number of recreational spaces and pickleball courts nationwide, Robinsons Malls is making it easier than ever for communities to stay active while enjoying shared experiences. Further strengthening its lineup of lifestyle and active third spaces, Robinsons Malls recently opened two new indoor pickleball courts at Robinsons Galleria and Robinsons Las Piñas. Designed to provide a comfortable, all-weather venue for players, the new indoor courts offer accessible spaces for casual games, friendly matches, training sessions, and community tournaments year-round. Conveniently located within the mall environment, the courts also give visitors easy access to dining, wellness, entertainment, and leisure destinations, creating a more holistic recreational experience that goes beyond the game itself. Whether it’s grabbing coffee after a match, enjoying a meal with friends, or spending quality time with family, Robinsons Malls transforms every pickleball visit into a complete lifestyle experience. Beyond Robinsons Galleria and Robinsons Las Piñas, Robinsons Malls continues to expand its pickleball spaces across the country, bringing active lifestyle experiences closer to more communities nationwide. Players can also enjoy pickleball courts at Robinsons Butuan, Robinsons Dasmariñas, Robinsons GenSan, Robinsons Jaro, Robinsons Naga, Robinsons North Tacloban, Robinsons Palawan, Robinsons Roxas, Robinsons Starmills, Robinsons Sta. Rosa, and Robinsons Tagum.
As more Filipinos prioritize health, wellness, and intentional living, Robinsons Malls continues to evolve into more than just a retail destination as it offers thoughtfully curated spaces where communities can gather, recharge, and pursue active lifestyles. From fitness and recreation to dining, entertainment, and open community spaces, Robinsons Malls remains committed to building experiences that enrich everyday life and foster stronger community connections across the country. Whether you’re looking for a new fitness activity, a fun bonding experience, or simply a fresh way to spend your weekends, Robinsons Malls invites everyone to discover the fun and energy of pickleball at its growing network of courts nationwide. Players can conveniently reserve pickleball courts at participating Robinsons Malls through the RMalls+ app.
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HOKA Midnight Run Asia To Stage Races In Six Philippine Cities
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/RUNRIO Inc.) |
HOKA Midnight Run Asia is set for its biggest season yet as the premier nighttime running series expands to six cities across the Philippines in 2026, bringing its unique fusion of running, music, and nightlife culture to more communities nationwide. Presented by GOMO, the 2026 edition was officially unveiled during the media launch at Citadines Bay City where organizers announced an expanded calendar featuring stops in Davao, Manila, and Cebu; additional legs in Cagayan de Oro and Iloilo; and the culminating event in Clark.
Building on the success of last year’s races, HOKA Midnight Run Asia continues its rapid growth as one of the country’s most anticipated running events, transforming city streets into vibrant celebrations of movement, music, and community. “HOKA Midnight Run Asia has always been about creating a unique race experience where running, energy, and community come together. As we continue to grow, our goal is to bring that experience to more cities and inspire more Filipinos to embrace an active lifestyle,” said RUNRIO President Rio Dela Cruz. Manila remains the flagship stop of the series after attracting 18,000 participants in 2025, making it the largest race in the HOKA Midnight Run Asia calendar. Organizers expect an even bigger turnout this year as the event continues to gain momentum among both seasoned runners and first-timers. The 2026 season kicked off last May 31 in Davao City and will be heading to Manila on July 19, Cagayan de Oro on August 2, Cebu on October 11, Iloilo on October 25, and Clark on November 15.
Known for combining performance running with a festival atmosphere, HOKA Midnight Run Asia offers participants more than just a race. Each event features immersive lighting installations, live entertainment, music-driven race experiences, and community activities designed to celebrate movement beyond the finish line. With six cities, thousands of runners, and an expanded nationwide footprint, HOKA Midnight Run Asia 2026 promises to deliver its most ambitious season yet — one that celebrates not only speed and endurance, but also the power of community, music, and shared experiences under the night sky.
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SBP Announces Partnership With Akari In Support Of Gilas Pilipinas Youth Women
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| Gilas Pilipinas U18 Women's team donning their jerseys with the Akari logo (Image Source: Manila Standard/Samahang Basketbol Ng Pilipinas) |
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) announces its partnership with Akari in support of the Gilas Pilipinas Women program, specifically focusing on the Youth Team. Through the partnership, Akari becomes the Official Lighting and Electrical Partner of the SBP and the Gilas Pilipinas Women’s Program.
“Our Gilas Pilipinas Women’s program has taken major steps forward in the past few years. We’re happy to gain more support for our Filipina basketball players, and we welcome Akari onboard as a valued partner. Akari has been heavily involved in the Philippine sports scene, and they’ve also invested heavily in women’s sports, so we know this will be a fruitful partnership for both parties,” said SBP Executive Director Erika Dy. “Akari Sports is proud and privileged to stand side by side with the Gilas Youth Women Basketball Program in its vision of nurturing and championing the next generation of Filipina basketball players. We stand ready to support our young athletes as they strive to represent our country with pride, passion, and excellence, and bring honor to our nation,” said Akari Chief Executive Officer Chris Tiu.
Kicking off the partnership, Gilas Pilipinas U18 Women carried Akari’s logo on their jerseys during the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers held last June 2-6, 2026 at the STI West Negros University Gym in Bacolod City. “We’re thankful to Akari Sports for their support, and we will be relying on them for their experience in the women’s sports space as well. We at the SBP have seen the potential of this team and the hard work and dedication they have shown during the past few weeks of preparation. We’re happy to receive the support of Akari because we know our players and the entire Philippine women’s basketball community deserve this kind of backing,” said Gilas Pilipinas Women Program Director Bacon Austria.
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Undefeated Thad Jean Faces No. 1 Ranked Shamil Musaev For The Vacant PFL Welterweight World Championship On July 25 In Washington, D.C.
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| (Image Source: Professional Fighters League) |
The Professional Fighters League recently announced that undefeated 2025 PFL Welterweight Tournament Champion and No. 4-ranked Thad Jean (11-0) will face top-ranked 2024 PFL Welterweight Tournament Champion Shamil Musaev (20-1-1) for the vacant PFL Welterweight World Championship on July 25, 2026 at the CareFirst Arena in Washington, D.C. In the U.S., the PFL D.C. main card will air live in the U.S. on ESPN beginning at 10:00 pm ET while the preliminary portion will begin at 7:00 pm ET and can be seen on the ESPN app. Viewers in the Philippines can catch PFL D.C. on July 26, 2026 starting at 7:00 am PHT live and exclusive on Premier Sports thru SKYcable, SKY TV, Cignal, GSat, and Blast TV.
The PFL Welterweight World Championship was vacated after Ramazan Kuramagomedov was stripped of the title, setting the stage for the division’s last two tournament champions, undefeated 2025 winner Jean and 2024 winner Musaev, to battle for the right to call themselves the best welterweight in the world. The event marks the second of three consecutive weeks of PFL action featuring a world championship fight. “Thad Jean did everything that was asked of him. He won the 2025 tournament, beat elite competition, took the hardest path, and now he can finish the job and become PFL Welterweight World Champion on July 25. Standing across from him is Shamil Musaev, one of the most proven and dangerous welterweights in the world, a fighter in pursuit of the one thing he doesn’t have yet: PFL gold. This is a massive world championship fight between two of the best welterweights on the planet, and I can’t wait to bring it to Washington, D.C. live on ESPN,” said PFL CEO John Martin. For Jean, the stakes extend beyond the PFL World Championship. The undefeated standout captured the 2025 PFL Welterweight Tournament Championship by navigating one of the most difficult paths in the division, scoring a first-round knockout over Mukhamed Berkhamov, defeating former Bellator Welterweight Champion Jason Jackson, and closing his tournament run with a five-round unanimous decision over former interim Bellator Champion Logan Storley. But even after winning the tournament and remaining unbeaten, Jean enters July 25 fighting for more than recognition. He is fighting for his place among the very best fighters in the world. Gold would make Jean a PFL World Champion and put him exactly where he believes he has always belonged: at the top of the welterweight division.
Across from him is Musaev, a proven, established force already recognized as one of the best welterweights in the world. The 2024 PFL Welterweight Tournament Champion built his résumé with a knockout win over Storley, two victories over Murad Ramazanov, and a third-round TKO of Magomed Umalatov to capture the 2024 tournament title. Musaev does not need to prove he belongs among the elite. He has already done that. What he is chasing now is the one thing missing from his résumé: the PFL Welterweight World Championship. Two tournament champions. Two fighters chasing gold. One looking to take his place among the best in the world. The other looking to cement it.
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Bulgaria's Delyan Georgiev Squares Off Against India's Qwais Yaqoob At BRAVE CF 107
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| (Image Source: BRAVE Combat Federation) |
BRAVE Combat Federation™ (BRAVE CF), the world’s fastest-growing and most global mixed martial arts organization, continues to raise anticipation for its return to Bulgaria with a lightweight showdown officially confirmed for BRAVE CF 107, scheduled to be held on August 1, 2026 at the Burgas Arena. The bout will see hometown favorite Delyan Georgiev collide with Indian standout Owais Yaqoob in a three-round featured attraction on the supporting card, adding further intrigue to a highly anticipated international showcase.
Georgiev, a former IMMAF World Champion, stated, “I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time. Finally making my BRAVE CF debut in front of my home fans and a worldwide audience is truly special. I am ready to show everyone what I can do and prove that Bulgaria has another elite talent ready for the international scene.” Yaqoob, the No. 5-ranked lightweight contender, expressed, “I’m excited to compete again in BRAVE CF and continue building my momentum. Delyan Georgiev is a young and talented fighter from Bulgaria, so I know this will be a tough test in front of his supporters. These are the kind of fights that push you to the next level, and I’m ready for it.” Georgiev joins BRAVE CF carrying an exceptional amateur pedigree. The Bulgarian prospect established himself as one of the brightest names in European mixed martial arts after becoming a two-time IMMAF World Champion, winning the gold medal in 2017 and 2018. Since transitioning to the professional ranks in 2021, Georgiev has compiled an unbeaten 3-0 record, showcasing versatility with victories by both knockout and submission. Now, the promising lightweight prepares to unveil his skill set on one of the sport’s premier platforms in what could become a defining chapter of his young career. Standing across from him will be a competitor who has rapidly emerged as one of BRAVE CF’s most dangerous new athletes. Yaqoob owns an impressive 5-1 professional record with three stoppage victories and has made an immediate impact during his current run under the promotion’s banner. The Indian bruiser forced Ian Paul Lora to tap from strikes in the opening round at BRAVE CF 98 in September 2025 before delivering another emphatic first-round finish against Mehmet Can Tasdoven through relentless ground-and-pound at BRAVE CF 103 three months later. Those dominant performances earned Yaqoob the prestigious 2025 BRAVE CF Breakout Fighter of the Year award and cemented his reputation as one of the most exciting talents in the weight class today.
The clash becomes even more intriguing considering the elite camps behind both competitors. Georgiev sharpens his craft alongside BRAVE CF alumnus Ilia “El Matador” Topuria while Yaqoob trains under the guidance of MMA legend Khabib “The Eagle” Nurmagomedov. With national pride, rising momentum, and international recognition all at stake, Georgiev vs. Yaqoob promises to deliver a compelling battle when BRAVE CF 107 lights up Burgas Arena on August 1. Several additional matchups will be announced in the coming weeks as BRAVE CF continues to build anticipation for its return to Bulgaria.
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DAZN Kicks Off A New Era For Canadian Football With Domestic And Global CFL Rights Beginning 2027
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| (Image Source: DAZN Group) |
DAZN, the world’s leading sports entertainment platform, has acquired media rights to the Canadian Football League (CFL) in Canada and globally, bringing one of Canada’s most popular sports leagues to fans domestically and globally beginning in 2027 through the 2032 season. DAZN Canada will be the exclusive broadcaster of all Saturday Night Football games at 7:00 pm ET. Fans nationwide will be able to watch 21 consecutive Saturday prime-time regular season games and two playoff games each season, only on DAZN. Meanwhile, DAZN will broadcast all CFL regular season games, playoff games and the Grey Cup each season to fans internationally (excluding the U.S.). All CFL content will be available free on DAZN outside of North America.
DAZN will produce its exclusive Canadian broadcasts featuring its own on-air team, delivering a modern experience while remaining authentic to the league’s identity. Fans around the world will also benefit from DAZN’s enhanced platform features including FanZone live chat, dedicated fan spaces, highlights, breaking news, real-time Scores and original programming. CFL Commissioner Stewart Johnston said, “We are thrilled to align with DAZN, the global leader in sports media and innovation. From our first conversations, they have been steadfast in their pursuit of the CFL. That drive and passion for our game, combined with their cutting-edge capabilities, an unwavering commitment to football and unparalleled global reach, will deliver a new viewing experience for all CFL fans, while introducing broader audiences to Canadian football.” DAZN Canada Head Deidra Dionne said, “Having grown up as an Albertan with Saskatchewan roots, I’ve witnessed firsthand the proud history and passionate fan base the Canadian Football League has across the country. The CFL has built on that legacy through recent innovation and modernization and has solidified its place among Canada’s elite properties. Our partnership enables DAZN to showcase the CFL in new ways, with accessible coverage and authentic storytelling, while keeping it uniquely Canadian.”
DAZN Group CEO Shay Segev said, “The Canadian Football League combines heritage, loyalty, and growing international appeal. Adding the world’s second-largest professional football league is a no-brainer. The CFL is a strong addition to our robust football portfolio and reinforces our commitment to offering top-tier sports to fans globally.” In Canada, the CFL will join a growing portfolio of premium sports content on DAZN including NFL Game Pass as well as world-class soccer competitions and leagues such as the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, UEFA Nations League and Bundesliga alongside world‑class women’s sport such as the WTA.
