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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/SportsPlus.PH) |
Filipino basketball fans got a taste of one-on-one basketball action as SportsPlus, the Philippines’ premier PAGCOR-licensed sportsbook, hosted an event featuring content creator Matt “MK” Kiatipis last October 28, 2026 at SportsPlus Gameville Ball Park in Mandaluyong City. Held in partnership with Serious Player Only, the event drew hundreds of fans eager to see Kiatipis take on familiar local basketball personalities including reigning MPBL Slam Dunk champion Joe Gomez de Liaño and basketball impersonators Stepping Curry and Lebwrong James.
Known for his brash on-court personality and aggressive style, Kiatipis brought his competitive brand to the venue, letting fans see 1v1 basketball’s growing appeal up close. “Every place is electric nowadays, but I was very surprised by Asia. We have been to Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and now the Philippines, all of them. Asia is just so passionate about basketball. They love it,” said Kiatipis who has more than 9 million followers on social media. He continued, “I was not expecting this many people to show up, this many people to be excited, this culture to be so deep; it is an amazing surprise. So much passion and so much skill. The Philippines, they love basketball, and I love basketball, but I got to love it as much as they do.” Beyond the on-court action, SportsPlus treated attendees to merchandise giveaways, adding to the interactive experience. For Gomez de Liaño, initiatives like these offer an opportunity to bring basketball enthusiasts together and build stronger connections within the local basketball community. “It was very nice putting the community together; it is good for the crowd, they loved watching it. SportsPlus, keep continuing to grow and have more events. You guys are doing well, and for MK, keep up your vlogging. It is a hit everywhere in the world.”
The event was part of SportsPlus’ broader efforts to bring fans closer to the sport they love through live experiences, interactive activities, and community-driven initiatives. SportsPlus Head of Brand Marketing Paul Macalindong assured fans that they can expect more activities designed to engage local sports communities, stating, “Fans can always look forward to more exciting and engaging sports from SportsPlus. We are committed to delivering fun and memorable live experiences for Filipino sports fans in the years to come.”
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From SUMMER SONIC To The World: SB19 And Kento Nakajima Release ‘GENTO’ Collaboration
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| (Image Source: INQUIRER.net/Sony Music Entertainment Philippines) |
A miracle collaboration born at SUMMER SONIC has arrived as SB19, the Kings of P-Pop, has released “GENTO feat. Kento Nakajima” last October 30, 2026 and now available worldwide on digital music streaming platforms under Sony Music Entertainment Philippines. The group's long-awaited collaboration with the Japanese singer-actor premiered on stage at SUMMER SONIC 2026 Tokyo last August 15, 2026 when the two acts performed it together and sent the crowd into a frenzy.
“GENTO” is SB19’s signature song and their most-streamed solo track in Japan. With Kento Nakajima joining, the collaboration drew a huge response as a historic moment when the Philippine and Japanese music scenes intersected. The collaboration grew out of the “GENTO with Kento Nakajima” TikTok project, filmed during SB19’s visit to Japan last year, which became a major talking point on social media and led to the production of an official collaboration track. The song features special lyrics partly written by Kento Nakajima himself. It carries on the themes of “GENTO” (“success”, “hard work”, and “proving your worth”) while adding a fresh side of Kento Nakajima. Thx group shares, “We’re truly happy to have collaborated with Kento. This collaboration has also reminded us of the power of music. It has been a while since we released ‘GENTO,’ but its message, its musicality, and its goal of changing people’s lives through the beat have not faded at all, and they continue to reach many hearts.” SB19 says Kento was the perfect fit for the collaboration, not only because of the wordplay between his name and the song, but also because of who he is as an artist.
The P-Pop powerhouse adds, “We met him last year and reunited at SUMMER SONIC. Through those experiences, we saw how naturally he connects with people and embodies the energy and message that ‘GENTO’ stands for.” Kento, meanwhile, has nothing but praise for their collaborator, SB19, stating, “Since the SUMMER SONIC performance, music fans in general, not just fans of the two acts, have been eagerly waiting for the release. With today’s launch, this historic collaboration goes beyond the excitement of the venue and reaches fans around the world.”
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EastWest Priority Highlights Wealth Preservation And Legacy Planning Amid Market Uncertainty
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| (Image Source: Starmometer/EastWest Banking Corporation) |
As investors navigate an increasingly complex market environment, diversification, liquidity, and capital preservation are becoming increasingly important. These themes took center stage during recent editions of the Partnership Perspectives series held in Bacolod and Pampanga where clients engaged with experts on market outlooks, portfolio strategy, wealth preservation, and legacy planning.
The forums featured EastWest Chief Investment Officer Bede Lovell Gomez and EastWest Ageas Distribution Training Head Patrick Lim who shared insights on navigating today’s investment landscape while preparing for long-term financial security. “With inflation pressures, elevated yields, and currency volatility remaining key risks, investors should focus on diversification, liquidity, and capital preservation rather than chasing returns. Successful wealth management is about more than generating returns. It also involves creating sustainable income, protecting legacy, and maintaining the flexibility to adapt as markets evolve,” said Gomez. Beyond investing, the forums highlighted the growing importance of legacy planning, with discussions covering succession planning, wealth protection, and preparing future generations to manage family wealth responsibly. “Many families spend years building wealth. Legacy planning helps ensure that wealth continues to support future generations in the way it was intended,” said Lim.
The events are among the exclusive benefits offered to EastWest Priority clients, connecting them with timely market insights, wealth management expertise, and meaningful conversations on wealth creation, preservation, and succession. “Building wealth is only one part of the journey. Equally important is preserving it and ensuring it can support future generations. Through Partnership Perspectives, we bring clients closer to the insights, solutions, and experts that can help them pursue their goals with confidence and create a meaningful legacy for their families,” said EastWest Head of Wealth Management Richard Chester Tamayo. To learn more about EastWest Priority and its exclusive privileges, events, and wealth management solutions, visit https://www.eastwestbanker.com/priority.
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2GO Delivers Learning Resources To Public Schools In Culion, Palawan
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| (Image Source: Corner Magazine PH/2GO/Culion Foundation Inc.) |
2GO, the Philippines’ leading integrated transportation and logistics provider, partnered with Culion Foundation Inc. (CFI) to deliver essential learning resources to 19 public schools across Culion, Palawan, helping make educational materials more accessible to students in one of the country’s island communities. Through 2GO’s integrated transport and logistics network, CFI delivered 17,239 books to elementary and high school students across the coastal municipality. The initiative supports CFI’s Education Program which aims to strengthen local literacy, improve access to learning materials, and advance foundational educational goals.
The collaboration demonstrates how 2GO’s core capabilities can support organizations in reaching beneficiaries beyond major urban centers. By facilitating the transport of donated resources to underserved communities, 2GO helps connect organizations with the students and families they seek to serve. “At 2GO, we believe our role goes beyond providing transport and logistics solutions. By working with partners like the Culion Foundation, we leverage our nationwide reach to help address community needs and support education initiatives that create more opportunities for the next generation. Ultimately, connecting the country means helping ensure that more Filipinos can participate in and benefit from its growth,” said 2GO President and CEO Frederic Dy-Buncio. For organizations distributing resources across geographically dispersed communities, reliable logistics is essential to translating donations into tangible support for beneficiaries. By working with trusted community organizations, 2GO applies its transport and logistics solutions to move essential resources where they are needed while contributing to broader efforts to improve access to education.
“Our partnership with 2GO has been instrumental in helping us bring donated books to public schools across Culion. Their logistics support demonstrates how the private sector can mobilize its core strengths to create collective community impact. Together, we are helping make learning resources more accessible and opening more opportunities for children to learn, grow, and thrive,” said CFI Executive Director Eugenio M. Caccam Jr. The initiative reflects 2GO’s commitment to extending the value of its integrated solutions beyond commercial requirements. By working with organizations on the ground, the company helps connect resources with communities and supports efforts to expand access to education.
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Southstar Drug And PhilHealth Team Up To Simplify Free Medicine Access
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| Present at Southstar Drug's “Kasama Sa Pag-Galing” community medical mission event at Robinsons Antipolo, L-R: Southstar Drug Commercial Business Development Manager Mik Aling, Southstar Drug Robinsons Retail Drugstore Segment Group General Manager Mariel Crisostomo, Southstar Drug Assistant Vice President for Private Label Merchandising Laurie Cabaies, Southstar Drug Merchandising Manager Vinky Flores, Southstar Drug Corporate Affairs Manager Atty. John Kua, Southstar Drug Brand Marketing and Communications Manager Fraz Sta. Ana, Southstar Drug General Manager Thaddeus Sanchez, Southstar Drug Merchandising Manager Al Supapo, Southstar Drug Brand Marketing Manager Nico Moleta (Image Source: Philippines Graphic/Southstar Drug) |
Long before the doors of its first Naga City branch opened nearly nine decades ago, Southstar Drug has anchored its legacy on a single, enduring promise: keeping community health within reach. Today, that mission takes a formidable leap forward. As part of its sweeping “Kasama Sa Pag-Galing” campaign rolling out nationwide, the trusted drugstore chain is doubling down on its partnership with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to ensure that accessing free, life-saving medicines under the government’s flagship health programs is no longer a privilege, but a daily reality for everyday Filipinos.
Unveiled during Generics Awareness Month, the “Kasama Sa Pag-Galing” initiative is designed to dismantle the barriers that often leave families struggling with recurring treatment costs. Beyond equipping communities with practical education on generic medicine labels, prescription literacy, and responsible over-the-counter use, the campaign serves as an invaluable bridge to PhilHealth’s Yaman Ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP). As an accredited partner pharmacy for PhilHealth’s Guaranteed And Accessible Medications For Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT) benefit, Southstar Drug is transforming its network of over 700 stores into frontlines of affordable care, complete with on-site pharmacist guidance and volunteer-led health consultations for senior citizens managing chronic conditions. At the heart of this collaborative effort is a dramatic expansion of medical support for outpatient care. While standard YAKAP primary care facilities traditionally offer 21 essential medicines, the GAMOT benefit integrated through partner pharmacies like Southstar Drug injects an additional 54 generic medications into the fold — bringing the total to a robust 75 covered medicines designed to treat a wide spectrum of long-term illnesses. To make these resources truly work for the public, Southstar Drug goes beyond simply dispensing prescriptions; stores actively assist patients with YAKAP registration, decode GAMOT privileges, and connect beneficiaries directly with YAKAP-accredited physicians.
Navigating the program relies on a streamlined, step-by-step procedure engineered to put patients first. Under the established protocol, beneficiaries must first visit their chosen YAKAP facility for a primary care consultation and secure the appropriate prescription from a YAKAP-accredited physician. Armed with this official documentation, patients can walk into any accredited Southstar Drug branch nationwide to claim their covered medicines seamlessly, subject to standard PhilHealth guidelines. By pairing grassroots health education with accessible retail infrastructure, Southstar Drug and PhilHealth are redefining what community healthcare looks like — proving that when public service and corporate commitment align, healing is truly brought closer to home.
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OCEANMAN Announces Landmark Global Media Partnership With DAZN
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| (Image Source: DAZN/OCEANMAN) |
OCEANMAN, the international open water swimming circuit, recently announced a multi-year media partnership with DAZN, the world’s leading sports entertainment platform. Under this new agreement, DAZN is the Official Media Partner of OCEANMAN, bringing open water swimming free-to-view to an unprecedented global audience. The partnership kicks off with live, worldwide coverage of the flagship OCEANMAN Elite Race World Final Championship, taking place on November 13, 2026 in the pristine waters of Miches, Dominican Republic. The prestigious race is part of the OCEANMAN World Final Championship 2026, slated to be held on November 10-15, 2026.
Sports fans around the world will be able to stream the high-stakes competition live and free-to-view on DAZN as world champions, Olympians, and top international athletes battle for the ultimate title in open water swimming. Fans can look forward to watching Olympic medalist Reche Bruni, Marc-Antoni Oliver, and Giunevera Taddeuci as well as many other world-class athletes. Beyond the World Final in Miches, the collaboration lays the foundation for a transformative 2027 season. Starting next year, DAZN and OCEANMAN will deliver expanded live race broadcasts, exclusive athlete features, behind-the-scenes content, and dedicated event highlights across key international destinations, offering fans unprecedented access to the sport. “Partnering with a global powerhouse like DAZN marks a historic turning point for OCEANMAN and the entire open water swimming community. Our athletes push human limits in some of the most spectacular marine environments on Earth. DAZN’s cutting-edge platform will allow us to showcase their talent, dedication, and the unique spirit of the OCEANMAN Family to millions of sports enthusiasts around the globe,” said OCEANMAN CEO Fermin Egido. “By welcoming OCEANMAN to DAZN, we’re bringing the thrill of open water swimming and the passion and stories of its world-class athletes to fans around the world. This is an ambitious, international sport with huge potential, and exactly the kind of property DAZN can help grow by giving it greater visibility and global reach. We look forward to showcasing the World Final and building on the partnership in 2027,” said DAZN Group CEO Shay Segev.
The live broadcast of the Elite Race on November 13 will feature comprehensive multi-camera coverage, real-time race tracking, and expert commentary, capturing every strategic move and dramatic finish line moment in Miches. Further details regarding the 2027 broadcast schedule and international destination coverage will be released in the coming months.
