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| (Image Source: DAZN) |
DAZN, the world’s leading sports entertainment platform, and the Portuguese Basketball Federation (FPB) have announced a new agreement for the 2026-2027 season, which will see DAZN provide comprehensive coverage of Portugal’s leading men’s and women’s basketball competitions. More than 400 games will be available live and completely free-to-view on DAZN. The agreement puts DAZN at the heart of Portuguese basketball, bringing together on one platform every game from the men’s and women’s Liga Betclic, men’s and women’s Taça de Portugal, Taça Hugo dos Santos, Taça Federação, Supertaça Mário Saldanha and Supertaça Feminina.
The new partnership marks a step change in how Portuguese basketball reaches fans. For the first time, a global sports platform will be the only place to watch every game from the country’s leading men’s and women’s competitions, providing comprehensive, free-to-view coverage throughout the 2026-2027 season. All games will be available free to registered DAZN users. New users simply need to create a free account via the DAZN app or website with no paid subscription required. DAZN Portugal Managing Director João Diogo Ferreira said, “DAZN brings together some of the world’s biggest international competitions, and we also want it to be a home where sports in Portugal can grow their reach. This agreement shows exactly what that means in practice. For the first time, a single broadcaster brings together every Liga Betclic game and comprehensive coverage of all eight leading domestic competitions, across both the men’s and women’s game, with everything available free to fans. This represents a step change in how Portuguese basketball can be followed: without fragmentation, simply and directly through our app, with no paid subscription required. More than just broadcasting games, we want to put our platform to work for competitions, clubs and athletes, giving them greater visibility, bringing them closer to more fans and supporting their growth both in Portugal and internationally.” Portuguese Basketball Federation President João Carvalho said, “DAZN is a brand that has been changing the way we follow and experience sport. This collaboration represents a very important step, not only because of DAZN’s scale and reach among fans, but also because of the opportunity to create new content, experiences and moments of connection with a community that shares our passion for basketball. We are very excited about what we can build together from here.”
The partnership will also give Portuguese basketball unprecedented international reach. Through DAZN’s global platform available in more than 200 markets, Portugal’s leading domestic competitions will benefit from international distribution that will enable them to engage new fans around the world and significantly expand their reach and profile. Outside Portugal, games from these competitions will be available exclusively through Courtside 1891, the dedicated basketball service available on DAZN. DAZN Group CEO Shay Segev said, “One of the major advantages of DAZN as a global platform is our ability to give domestic competitions a genuine opportunity for international growth. With a presence in more than 200 markets, we can bring Portuguese basketball to fans around the world, increasing the reach and profile of its top-tier competitions, clubs and athletes. We use our scale, technology and experience to help our partners reach new audiences and grow beyond their domestic markets. This partnership is also a fantastic addition to DAZN’s comprehensive global basketball offering.”
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Cebuana Lhuillier-Backed Blu Girls Finish Fourth After Valiant Asian Games Campaign
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Cebuana Lhuillier/WBSC Flickr) |
The Cebuana Lhuillier-backed RP Blu Girls capped a hard-fought campaign at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, finishing fourth overall after falling to Chinese Taipei, 12-2, in the battle for bronze last October 3 at the Anjo Softball Grounds. While the Filipinas narrowly missed a place on the podium, their run saw them battle through early setbacks, string together crucial victories and fight their way into medal contention.
Chinese Taipei established control early, scoring four runs in the opening inning before adding eight in the second. The Blu Girls refused to go quietly, responding with two runs in the third inning. Nicole Adra Hammoude delivered both RBIs, recording a hit and scoring once, while Mylia Isabel Perez also crossed home plate. Ma. Angelu Gabriel and Reyae Mae Villamin both added hits as the Philippines finished with four hits against Chinese Taipei’s 13. Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (ASAPHIL) President and Cebuana Lhuillier President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier commended the national team for the fight and determination it showed throughout the Games, stating, “Of course, we wanted to see the Blu Girls come home with a medal, but this campaign gave us many reasons to be proud. They faced some of the strongest teams in Asia, fought their way back after a difficult start, and never stopped competing for the flag. That resilience is what defines this team. We will continue to support them, build on everything we learned here, and keep working toward the day Philippine softball finally reaches that Asian Games podium.”
The bronze medal game brought an end to a campaign marked by resilience from the Filipinas. After opening with difficult losses to Japan and Chinese Taipei, the Blu Girls responded with three straight victories, beating Korea, 7-3, blanking Thailand, 7-0, and dominating Singapore, 10-0. A 7-0 setback against eventual finalist China followed, but the Philippines stayed in the medal hunt and defeated Hong Kong, China, 9-3, to earn its shot at bronze. Japan ultimately claimed the women’s softball gold medal after defeating the People’s Republic of China, 7-0, in the championship game later on October 3 at the Anjo Softball Ground. The result gave Japan the top spot on the podium while China settled for the silver medal and Chinese Taipei secured bronze following its victory over the Philippines. With another high-level international campaign behind them, the Blu Girls leave the Games with valuable experience to build on as they continue their pursuit of a breakthrough medal for Philippine softball.
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MLW Returns To PPV With Saturday Night SuperFight On November 7th
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| (Image Source: Major League Wrestling) |
Major League Wrestling (MLW) announced that MLW Saturday Night SuperFight will be streaming live worldwide exclusively on Live Nation’s VEEPS on November 7, 2026 at 8:00 pm ET (November 8, 2026 at 8:00 am PHT/HKT/SGT) from Cicero Stadium in Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A. Saturday Night SuperFight marks MLW’s return to pay-per-view for the first time in seven years and represents the biggest premium live event on the league’s 2026 calendar.
The event arrives amid significant momentum for MLW following the launch of its flagship weekly series, MLW Fusion, on Tubi, airing every Thursday at 8:00 pm ET. Saturday Night SuperFight will serve as the culmination of the championship quests, epic rivalries, and escalating conflicts unfolding each week on Fusion with MLW raising the stakes for a loaded night of must-see title fights and marquee matchups. “MLW is on a roll and now it’s time to go bigger. We’re not coming back to pay-per-view to play it safe. November 7 is where championships will be decided, rivalries will come to a head, and the best fighters in MLW will be expected to deliver on the biggest stage we’ve had in years. Chicago always brings an incredible atmosphere and we’re giving that crowd — and fans watching around the world — a night of super fights,” said MLW Founder and CEO Court Bauer. “MLW has built a highly engaged global audience and Saturday Night SuperFight is the kind of must-see moment fans want to experience as it happens. We’re excited to bring MLW’s return to pay-per-view to fans around the world and give them the opportunity to watch the biggest matches, rivalries, and championship moments unfold live,” said VEEPS Co-Founder and Chief Content Officer Kyle Heller.
MLW’s roster features some of the most recognizable and compelling athletes in professional wrestling including MLW World Heavyweight Champion Killer Kross, Matt Riddle, Místico, Austin Aries, The Good Brothers, CONTRA Unit, and emerging powerhouse ZAMAYA. Matches and championship bouts for Saturday Night SuperFight will be announced in the weeks ahead. MLW and Live Nation’s VEEPS will also collaborate on a collection of limited-edition Saturday Night SuperFight merchandise created exclusively for the event. Additional details about the collection and its availability will be announced soon. Pro wrestling and MLW fans across the globe can now order MLW Saturday Night SuperFight at https://veeps.events/mlw.
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Globe Boosts Connectivity, Empowers Student Leaders At Silliman’s Hibalag Festival
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Globe Telecom) |
Globe Telecom strengthened connectivity at Silliman University’s Hibalag Festival 2026, helping the university community stay connected during one of its biggest annual gatherings. The company also supported student leaders with training and grants to help turn their ideas into initiatives for the campus community.
Hibalag, a local Visayan term associated with meeting or coming together, is a longstanding Silliman Founders Day tradition. Through organization booths, activities and homecoming events, it brings generations of Sillimanians together and celebrates the university’s heritage and enduring ties with Dumaguete City. To support increased network demand as more people gathered on campus, Globe deployed a Cellsite on Wheels (COW) at the Hibalag grounds to provide additional capacity during major events. This complemented Globe’s network presence across Dumaguete City, supported by more than 40 cell sites providing coverage to approximately 92% of the city’s population. With 5G services also available, students, alumni and visitors were able to stay connected and share their Hibalag moments with family and friends. “Hibalag is an important tradition for the Silliman community. We are glad to support this tradition through reliable connectivity and programs that help young people lead and contribute to their communities,” said Globe Business Area Head for Western Visayas Jun Juada. Beyond providing connectivity during the festival, Globe worked with Silliman students through its Win The Youth (WTY) Program, providing leadership training and grants to help student leaders turn their ideas into initiatives for the campus. The program gave students opportunities to build their skills, collaborate with their peers and take a more active role in university life.
Globe also engaged students, alumni and visitors through experiential booths and activities. Silliman students and other Globe customers in Dumaguete enjoyed Go5G Turbo 50, a localized data offer, while festival goers redeemed one Rewards point for a free ice cream through the GlobeOne app at the Globe booth. Through its participation in Hibalag, Globe brought together two areas where it can make a practical contribution to the Silliman community: keeping people connected during one of the university’s biggest traditions and giving young leaders resources to turn their ideas into action.
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Okada Manila Wins Asia’s Leading Entertainment Resort 2026 At World Travel Awards
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Okada Manila) |
Okada Manila has been named Asia’s Leading Entertainment Resort 2026 at the World Travel Awards, marking another major recognition for the 30-hectare luxury integrated resort. The award adds to Okada Manila’s growing recognition as a destination where guests can stay, dine, unwind, shop, celebrate, and enjoy entertainment within one property. The World Travel Awards recognizes excellence across the global travel and tourism industry. Winners are selected through votes from qualified travel and tourism professionals and consumer travel buyers, with votes from verified travel professionals carrying greater weight.
“We are honored to be named Asia’s Leading Entertainment Resort. At Okada Manila, guests can experience so much in one destination — from memorable stays and exceptional dining to entertainment, wellness, and celebrations. This recognition strengthens our commitment to continually give our guests more reasons to return. I thank our team members, guests, members, and partners who continue to be part of our journey,” said Okada Manila President and Chief Operating Officer Nobuki Sato. A stay at Okada Manila puts guests at the center of the destination. Across its 30-hectare property are 1,001 rooms, suites and villas, more than 40 dining choices, wellness and leisure experiences, shopping, family attractions, live entertainment, and venues for celebrations and major events. The Fountain, as expansive as 50 Olympic-sized pools, brings water, light, and music together at the heart of the property while live performances offer guests more ways to enjoy their evenings. Cove Manila provides a distinctive setting for celebrations and special events. Guests can also dine across more than 40 choices including MICHELIN Selected Ginza Nagaoka, recharge at the Forbes 5-Star The Retreat Spa, shop at The Promenade, or spend time together at Okada Kids Club and Thrillscape. The resort’s event spaces host occasions ranging from Tinghun ceremonies and milestone celebrations to corporate events and large-scale gatherings.
Across the luxury integrated resort, Japanese excellence and Filipino warmth shape the way guests are welcomed and cared for, combining thoughtful attention to detail with genuine Filipino hospitality. The experience is complemented by added value for guests who book their stay directly with Okada Manila. Current direct-booking privileges include complimentary round-trip airport transfers for stays of at least three consecutive nights, up to 20% off at select restaurants, and savings on other resort experiences, subject to applicable terms and blackout dates. Together, these privileges make it easier for guests to settle in, explore, and enjoy more of the destination. The Asia’s Leading Entertainment Resort 2026 recognition gives travelers another reason to experience Okada Manila for themselves.
Book your stay directly at www.okadamanila.com and discover current room offers and direct-booking privileges.
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EastWest Dream Run 2026 Heads To Cagayan De Oro With Donny Pangilinan
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| L-R: EastWest Division Head for Cagayan de Oro (CDO) Orville Dimafiles, CDO City Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Officer John Asuncion, EastWest Vice President for Brand Activations and Corporate Communications Me-Anne Bundalian, Jeffrey and Francis Velasquez of Circle Productions, RUNRIO General Manager Andrew Neri (Image Source: EastWest Banking Corporation) |
After the successful Manila and Iloilo legs which gathered over 9,000 dreamers, the EastWest Dream Run 2026 is heading to Cagayan de Oro City on October 18, 2026 (Sunday) — made even more exciting with the Donny Pangilinan joining runners as they take on the scenic route in the City of Golden Friendships. Organized by RUNRIO, the third of the four-leg run series is part of the Bank’s support for the Department of Tourism (DOT PH)’s Love The Philippines campaign, showcasing Cagayan de Oro as an emerging destination for sports tourism.
Set at Limketkai Center, the Dream Run 2026 will welcome runners across different experience levels with 1K Dog Run, 3K, 5K, 10K, and 21K distances available for participants looking for anything from a short and easy run to a longer endurance challenge. Participants can look forward to exclusive race merchandise and finisher rewards including a race bib, race singlet, finisher’s medal, loot bag, finisher’s towel, a 21K finisher’s shirt, and a dog bandana for Dog Run participants. The Cagayan de Oro event continues EastWest’s Dream Run experience of bringing together runners, families, and communities through an event built around an active lifestyle and the personal goals that inspire people to keep moving forward. “The EastWest Dream Run has always been about encouraging people to go after their dreams and goals. After such strong turnout in Manila and Iloilo, we’re excited to bring that experience to Cagayan de Oro and make race day even more memorable with Donny joining our runners on the course,” said EastWest Chief Marketing Officer Martin Reyes. Participants can also make the most of their Dream Run registration through EastWest’s group registration promos. Groups that register 10 runners can receive one free slot through the 10+1 Promo while groups that register 15 runners can receive two free slots through the 15+2 promo. EastWest credit cardholders can likewise enjoy a Php500 rebate when they use their EastWest credit card to register, giving cardholders another reason to join the Cagayan de Oro leg.
Beyond the race route, runners can also look forward to a lively race village with exciting raffle prizes, giveaways, and special treats from EastWest and its partners: Filinvest, FDC Misamis Power Corporation, Filinvest Land Inc., Visa, EastWest Ageas, Ford, Nature’s Spring, Yakult, Monde Nissin, Toby’s Sports, Nutribullet, Dyson, Columbia, Saucony, Mogu Mogu, Colgate, Palmolive, Chlorelief, Salonpas, Ponds, and Clear. Interested runners are encouraged to register for the EastWest Dream Run 2026 on October 18, 2026 in Cagayan de Oro City at https://www.eastwestbanker.com/dream-run-2026.
