 |
| (Image Source: BusinessWorld/Junior Golf Foundation Of The Philippines) |
Recognizing that the future of Philippine golf is built by more than athletes alone, the Junior Golf Foundation of the Philippines (JGFP) proudly announces the launch of The JGFP Community — a national movement that brings together families, alumni, corporate partners, and supporters behind one shared mission: creating more opportunities for the next generation of Filipino golfers. More than a membership program, The JGFP Community is founded on a simple belief: when a community comes together, every child has a greater opportunity to succeed. It is an avenue where parents, alumni, coaches, volunteers, sponsors, golf enthusiasts, and advocates become part of a community committed to opening doors, creating opportunities, and giving back to the sport that has shaped so many lives.
“Every young golfer’s journey begins with someone who chooses to believe in them. Our responsibility at JGFP is not only to develop great athletes, but to build a community that stands beside them every step of the way. The JGFP Community gives every family, alumnus, partner, and supporter the opportunity to play a meaningful role in shaping the future of Philippine golf,” said JGFP President Oliver Gan. Members of The JGFP Community will enjoy exclusive partner privileges, member experiences, community events, volunteer opportunities, Foundation updates, and meaningful ways to contribute to JGFP’s mission. Every interaction is designed to strengthen the relationships that have always been the true foundation of junior golf. For decades, Philippine junior golf has flourished because of families who sacrificed, coaches who inspired, alumni who returned to give back, and partners who believed in young athletes long before anyone else did. Today, JGFP is giving that community a permanent home. More importantly, The JGFP Community transforms individual acts of support into a collective movement — one that will continue creating opportunities for generations of Filipino golfers while ensuring that no young athlete is ever alone. The launch of The JGFP Community is made possible through the support of SIGMA Ventures whose commitment to purpose-driven organizations reflects a shared belief that sustainable impact begins by investing in people and empowering communities. “Communities create the greatest and most lasting impact when they rally around a shared purpose. At SIGMA Ventures, we believe investing in people creates the greatest long-term return. We’re proud to stand beside JGFP as it builds a community where generosity, opportunity, and collaboration empower the next generation of Filipino golfers,” said SIGMA Ventures Managing Partner Ronald Robins, Managing Partner.
The initiative was developed in partnership with Minotaur, JGFP’s strategic marketing and community-building partner, whose expertise lies in helping organizations build communities that inspire participation, belonging, and lasting engagement. As JGFP looks towards the future, The JGFP Community represents more than a new initiative — it marks the beginning of a long-term movement where every contribution, every partnership, and every act of support helps shape the lives of young Filipino athletes. Interested members can sign up exclusively at rewards.jgfp.ph.
* * * *
Boracay Spotlights Fame With 4th SEA Open Water Championships
 |
| (Image Source: Manila Bulletin/Philippine Aquatics Inc.) |
Boracay’s fame as the country’s premier island beach resort will lure more entries and visitors to witness the 4th Southeast Asian Open Water Championships presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) on August 21-23, 2026 off the Boracay Newcoast in Malay, Aklan. At the recent Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum, Philippine Aquatics Inc. (PAI) Secretary General Eric Buhain stressed, “Indonesia had its Bali, Thailand had its Pattaya, and now the Philippines has Boracay to be proud of so we fan anticipate even more swimmers and tourists to watch the open water swimming meet.”
PAI Executive Director Anthony Reyes, who was present at the program, disclosed that at least eight of the 11 member countries from the Southeast Asian Swimming Federation, which is sanctioning the three-day championships overlooking the beautiful 150-hectare tourism estate being developed by real estate giant Megaworld, will be fielding teams including Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste, Vietnam, and host Philippines. In a statement, PAI President Michael Vargas noted, “This sporting event not only advances the growth of open water swimming in Southeast Asia, but also shines a spotlight on Boracay island as a true gem of the region, while reflecting the warmth and hospitality of the Filipino people.” Buhain said that they expect to have around 200 swimmers in the the regular medal distances of 5 and 10 kilometers in the men’s and women’s division that will be held over a 1.66-kilometer square course held very early in the morning inside the island’s cove. The former national swimming standout and lawmaker noted, “But we can expect more participants in the open water festival in the 3 and 5-kilometer distances that will be coincide with the regular meet so the numbers will swell, which is in keeping with PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio’s sports tourism advocacy.” Buhain also recognized the full support of the 4th Southeast Asian Open Water Championships by the Malay municipal and Aklan provincial governments led by Mayor Frolibar Bautista and Gov. Jose Miraflores, respectively, and cited the assistance of the National Sports Tourism Interagency Committee headed by PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio for its involvement in the project.
Gregorio stressed, “The 4th SEA Open Water Championships is another prime example where government, private stakeholders and National Sports Associations can pool their resources and efforts together in successfully staging an international sporting event. Not only is this competition a boon for open swimming development in the country but a huge boost for local tourism. This is a win-win situation for everybody so we salute the PAI under leadership of president Mico Vargas for hosting the event here.” Both Buhain and Reyes emphasized that extra precautions were taken so that the meet will have three days of smooth sailing, with lifeguards, life rafts and medical and other needed personnel addressing the needs of swimmers all throughout strategic locations of the course, stating, “Even when the swimmers train, we see to it that all of these conditions are in place before they work out in open water, moreso in actual competition.”
* * * *
British Chamber Of Commerce Tees Up Great British Golf Tournament 2026
 |
| (Image Source: The Manila Times/British Chamber Of Commerce Of The Philippines) |
The British Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (BCCP) is set to stage The Great British Golf Tournament 2026 on August 14, 2026 at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club in Mandaluyong City, bringing together business leaders, executives and golf enthusiasts for a day of competition and networking. The annual tournament aims to strengthen business ties and foster new partnerships among members of the British and Philippine business communities while promoting the Chamber’s commitment to inclusive business engagement.
Leading this year’s tournament are major sponsors Get Go Golf Carts, Turkish Airlines, Fisherman’s Friend, Shell, Jollibee Group, Ortigas Land, Britpart Phils. Inc., Locally by NutriAsia, Eastern Communications, Pru Life UK, Oakley, Philippine National Bank, Motolite, Victor Consunji Development Corporation (VCDC), and Unilever. Supporting the event are The Peninsula Manila, Foreplay Golf, Four Points by Sheraton, Sequoia Hotel, Seda Nuvali, Grand Hyatt Manila, Nurture Wellness Village, Home Mavericks Inc., Camp John Hay Hotels, Landco Lifestyle Ventures, El Nido Resorts, Pearl Bay Villas Palawan, Lanson Place, Golf Avenue, Nova Aesthetics, Vivere Hotel & Resorts, Amari, PLDT Enterprise, Malbon Golf, Canon Philippines, Slumberland, Onésimus, Shinagawa Healthcare Solutions, Vitaminboost by Suncoast Brands International Corporation, FIC (Fruits in Ice Cream), Dilmah Tea, iWhite Korea, Immuni, Asia Brewery Inc., Crazy Carabao Craft Beer, and Melcon Worldwide Logistics. BCCP Executive Vice Chairman Chris Nelson said the tournament continues to serve as a platform for building stronger business relationships, stating, “We look forward to welcoming both members and non-members for a great day of golf and new connections. The event is really about bringing people together and continuing the Chamber’s commitment to supporting businesses from all backgrounds.”
Tournament registration opens at 6:30 am, followed by an 8:00 am shotgun tee-off, with the awarding ceremony scheduled at 2:00 pm. The BCCP has invited golfers from the business community and the public to take part in the event. Interested participants may register through the Chamber’s official event registration page at https://britcham.org.ph/events/bccp-golf-tournament-2026/.
* * * *
Gearbox Tandem Of Hughes And Woo Capture Bronze In Thrilling Comeback At PPA Tour Asia Singapore
 |
| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Gearbox Sports) |
Filipino Gearbox athletes Diana Grace Hughes and Grace Woo once again proved why they are among the country’s premier pickleball players, surviving multiple match points before mounting a breathtaking comeback to capture the bronze medal in the Women’s Doubles 35+ division of the PPA Tour Asia Singapore. Against Singapore’s Lauren Ling and Eelin Chin, Hughes and Woo found themselves staring at defeat, trailing 8-14 in the bronze medal match. With their opponents holding six match points, the Filipina pair refused to surrender. They calmly erased match point after match point, displaying remarkable poise and determination before completing an unforgettable 8-0 scoring run to steal a dramatic 16-14 victory.
The podium finish comes just two months after Hughes and Woo captured the silver medal in the Women’s Doubles 35+ event at the World Pickleball Championship (WPC) Bangkok in May. Winning medals in back-to-back major international tournaments highlights their consistency on the Asian stage and further reinforces their status as one of the Philippines’ top pickleball players and one of its most formidable women’s doubles partnerships. The PPA Tour Asia Singapore featured one of the deepest and most competitive fields in the region, bringing together many of Asia’s top players from Vietnam, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, and other countries. Hughes and Woo’s bronze medal finish against such elite competition underscores the caliber of their performance. “When we were down 8-14, we knew there was no room for error. We simply focused on one point at a time and kept believing in each other. Saving those match points gave us momentum, and we never looked back. This bronze feels incredibly rewarding because we had to fight for every single point,” said Hughes. Woo said their unwavering trust in each other made the comeback possible, stating, “We never stopped believing, even when they had match point after match point. We stayed positive, trusted our game plan, and kept competing until the very last rally. We’re grateful to bring home another medal for the Philippines and proud to represent our country on the international stage.”
The latest international podium finish further cements the Gearbox duo’s reputation as one of Philippine pickleball’s most consistent performers. From silver in Bangkok to bronze in Singapore, Hughes and Woo continue to deliver medal-winning performances against Asia’s best, proudly raising the Philippine flag and inspiring the next generation of Filipino pickleball athletes.
* * * *
Beyond Mobility: GAC Philippines Champions PH Sports Through Partnership With Cignal And TV5
 |
| (Image Source: Manila Standard/GAC Philippines) |
GAC Philippines is strengthening its support for Philippine sports through a strategic partnership with Cignal TV Inc. and TV5 Network Inc., connecting the global mobility brand with Filipino fans across some of the country’s biggest basketball and volleyball leagues. By teaming up with the official broadcast homes of the PBA Governors’ Cup, Premier Volleyball League On Tour and Invitational Conference, and UAAP Season 89 and NCAA Season 102 Men’s Basketball, GAC connects its lineup of smart, high-performance vehicles with some of the country’s most anticipated basketball and volleyball action.
Echoing the brand’s initials with its Go Above Competition sports marketing campaign, GAC brings this mindset to life both on the court and on the road, accelerating its brand presence in the Philippine market through high-energy fan engagement. Throughout the partnership, fans can look forward to GAC broadcast integrations, custom player features, and highlights celebrating game-changing plays. These activations are designed to bring GAC closer to millions of sports fans nationwide while extending the brand’s global sports marketing tradition to the Philippines. The partnership also reflects how GAC vehicles support the varied lifestyles of Filipino sports fans and active families. From the all-electric AION V and AION UT, designed for smart and efficient everyday mobility, to GAC’s versatile lineup of MPVs offering space and comfort for families, teams, and their gear, the brand provides mobility that complements life both on and beyond the court. The local initiative reflects GAC International’s global drive to align its core values of perseverance, teamwork, and innovation with the energetic spirit of athletics. In the automotive industry, building world-class mobility demands constant drive, precise engineering, and relentless self-improvement. “Bringing our global sports marketing tradition to the Philippines is an exciting step as we deepen our roots in the country. Sports embody energy, endurance, and relentless determination, which are values that lie at the very core of GAC’s brand DNA. Through this partnership with Cignal TV and TV5, we aim to inspire Filipino sports enthusiasts by bringing together the dynamic spirit of competition and our commitment to world-class mobility,” said GAC International Senior Vice President Steven Wang.
Globally, GAC International’s sports marketing footprint spans top-tier athletic disciplines across multiple continents. GAC has served as an official sponsor for storied football clubs like Mexico’s Deportivo Toluca FC and Australia’s Sydney FC while supporting cricket’s international Global Super League in the Caribbean and sponsoring major European golf events like the Rosa Challenge Tour in Poland. From backing official mobility fleets for China’s 15th National Games to sponsoring endurance events like the Bolivia Half Marathon, GAC consistently aligns its high-performance vehicles with the energy, teamwork, and competitive spirit of global sports.
* * * *
All Elite Wrestling To Present Special AEW Rebel Heart Dynamite On September 9th, Live From Akins Ford Arena In Athens, Georgia, U.S.A.
 |
| (Image Source: All Elite Wrestling) |
All Elite Wrestling (AEW), I AM ALS and Team Gleason recently announced that a very special AEW Rebel Heart Dynamite will take place on September 9, 2026, live from the Akins Ford Arena in Athens, Georgia, U.S.A. The event, to be aired live on TBS in the U.S. and TSN2 in Canada and streamed live on HBO Max in the U.S. and on demand on MyAEW worldwide, will honor one of the original members of the AEW roster, Tanea Brooks, known to fans around the world as Rebel, who was diagnosed with ALS in March 2026.
As part of the event, Rebel is scheduled to make a special appearance and fans in attendance will receive a special limited-edition Rebel trading card sheet from Upper Deck while supplies last. A donation will be made from AEW Rebel Heart Dynamite to benefit I AM ALS, the leading community movement dedicated to ending ALS by empowering patients and caregivers to secure billions in federal funding, improve care, treatment access, and drive research, and Team Gleason, an organization founded by former New Orleans Saints player Steve Gleason that provides adventure, technology, equipment and care services to people living with ALS and countless others through advocacy, research, support and the goal of ultimately bringing an end to the disease. In addition, the event at Akins Ford Arena takes place in the home community of the University of Georgia's Regenerative Bioscience Center (RBC) where groundbreaking research and the training of future scientific leaders are helping drive the development of new therapies for ALS. “On behalf of everyone at All Elite Wrestling, we are proud to present AEW Rebel Heart Dynamite on September 9 at Akins Ford Arena in Athens, GA. We look forward to honoring Rebel while also raising awareness and donations for two incredible organizations that are on the front lines of finding a cure for ALS and improving life for people affected by this terrible disease,” said AEW Co-Founder, President, CEO, General Manager, and Head of Creative Tony Khan.
Tickets for AEW Rebel Heart Dynamite are now available at AEWTix.com. Fans interested in early access presale opportunities can register to become an AEW Insider by visiting allelitewrestling.com/aew-insider. Official Rebel Heart shirts and bracelets are available now at ShopAEW.com with 100 percent of the profits going to I AM ALS and Team Gleason. Additional details regarding AEW Rebel Heart Dynamite will be announced in the near future. For more information or to donate, please visit AEWTogether.org/RebelHeart.
