Tag: SPORTS

  • Can It Survive? The HONOR X9d 5G Ultimate Plane Drop Challenge

    Can It Survive? The HONOR X9d 5G Ultimate Plane Drop Challenge

    Starting the year with a total bang! Leading global AI smart devices provider HONOR Philippines unveils its most explosive release yet—the HONOR X9d 5G.

    Positioned as the toughest mid-range smartphone of the year, the latest addition to the X Series is built to withstand extreme challenges while delivering powerful everyday performance.  

    Since the launch of the X9 Series in the Philippines in 2023, HONOR has built a reputation as an innovative technology brand known for putting smartphone durability to the ultimate test.

    From the debut of the HONOR X9a 5G—famously dropped under five feet and featured in viral smash tests—the ultra-tough HONOR X9b 5G, which endured an intense 50-foot drop, each generation has pushed the boundaries of what mid-range smartphones can withstand.  

    This legacy continued with the launch of the HONOR X9c 5G in January 2025, which quickly became the most anticipated device in the X Series, thanks to its Triple-Defense mechanism and headline-making helicopter drop test and Guinness World Records for “The Most People Performing a Mobile Phone Drop Test Simultaneously.  
     
    Now, HONOR raises the bar even higher. To prove the next evolution of toughness, the all-new HONOR X9d 5G was subjected to its most extreme challenge yet—an ultra-intense high-altitude drop test.  

    “Year after year, HONOR fans and consumers push us to go beyond expectations, and that inspires everything we do,” said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines. “The HONOR X9d 5G was designed with Filipino users in mind—combining toughness, innovation, especially value. Our extreme durability tests reflect our confidence in delivering a device that can keep up with real life challenges.”  

    And now the ultimate question remains—can the HONOR X9d 5G survive an extreme high-altitude drop from the plane? Let’s find out!  
     

    The Ultimate Phone Drop Challenge: Media VS HONOR X9d 5G 

    To ensure credibility and transparency, HONOR Philippines invited one of its trusted media partners, Gadget Pilipinas’ Editor-in-Chief Gian Viterbo, to take part in the ultimate phone drop challenge, releasing the device from an ultralight plane at a speed of 60 km/hr.  
     
    “I said YES to the ultimate phone drop test challenge as a consumer, because I was genuinely curious about the result. I knew the risks and factors at hand, and I really wanted to know if the HONOR X9d would really survive,” expressed by Gian Viterbo, EIC of Gadget Pilipinas.  

    Here is the full video to witness and see the ultimate durability phone drop test:https://bit.ly/HONORX9d5G_PlaneChallenge   

    Watch the Launch and Win HONOR X9d 5G 
     
    Interested to know more about the toughest phone, HONOR X9d 5G? Don’t dare to miss the big news, revelations, and updates. Catch its grand launch, live on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/17fq2PZZUZ/ on January 9, Friday, 6 PM, and have the chance to win the latest HONOR X9d 5G.   

    And is really HONOR giving away a Tesla Cybertruck? The answer will be coming your way very soon.  

    Join the conversation and find out. Visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com, and follow HONOR Philippines on Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines) for exclusive teasers, launch updates, and big reveal. 

    Check out HONOR’s wide array of mobile phones, tablets, and laptops at any HONOR Experience and Partner Stores nationwide (https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/) or online via Shopee (https://bit.ly/HONORPHShopee), Lazada (https://bit.ly/HONORPHLaz) and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/HONORTikTokShop). 

  • Crypto’s corporate reset fuels billions in mergers and public listings

    Crypto’s corporate reset fuels billions in mergers and public listings

    Crypto industry dealmaking surged to record levels in 2025, marking a decisive shift toward maturity and scale as mergers, acquisitions, and public listings rebounded sharply across the sector.

    Data from PitchBook shows more than 265 crypto-related mergers and acquisitions were completed during the year, with total transaction value reaching $8.6 billion, nearly four times the activity recorded in 2024.

    At the same time, public market access reopened in a meaningful way, with 11 crypto companies completing initial public offerings that raised a combined $14.6 billion, compared with just $310 million from four IPOs a year earlier.

    The acceleration in exits reflects clearer regulatory frameworks, growing institutional participation, and stronger operating fundamentals among leading firms.

    Companies that successfully went public in 2025 generally demonstrated recurring revenue, clear product-market fit, and limited reliance on volatile token prices.

    Exchanges, stablecoin issuers, and infrastructure providers dominated the IPO class, signaling investor preference for predictable, scalable business models.

    Industry executives point to regulatory clarity, durable revenue visibility, and improved public-market readiness as key factors behind the reopening of the IPO window.

    The inclusion of Coinbase in the S&P 500 further amplified institutional interest and validated crypto as an investable sector for traditional asset managers.

    Mergers and acquisitions in 2025 also differed from prior cycles, shifting away from distressed sales toward strategic expansion.

    Buyers focused on acquiring licenses, regulatory approvals, distribution networks, and technical capabilities that would be costly or slow to build internally.

    Payments infrastructure, stablecoin platforms, wallets, and enterprise-grade tools were among the most sought-after targets, while Web2 companies increasingly used acquisitions as a faster entry point into crypto.

    Looking ahead to 2026, deal pipelines remain strong despite a slowdown in early-stage funding that could limit future acquisition targets.

    Analysts expect continued activity across regulated services, infrastructure, and payments, alongside greater use of SPACs, reverse takeovers, and token-based deal structures as the sector enters its next growth phase.

  • Entertainment’s AI boom is creating a new and dangerous blind spot

    Entertainment’s AI boom is creating a new and dangerous blind spot

    Artificial intelligence will be the primary driver of new security risks across the global entertainment industry in 2026, expanding the attack surface from ticketing and production to distribution, gaming, and regulatory compliance, according to Kaspersky’s latest Security Bulletin.

    Kaspersky’s analysis concludes that AI is no longer a peripheral tool but a core operational layer that both defenders and attackers will exploit, forcing studios, platforms, and rights holders to rethink risk management across creative and commercial systems.

    The firm warns that AI-driven ticketing systems will intensify competition between pricing algorithms and scalpers, enabling real-time demand analysis, large-scale bot deployment, and dynamic resale pricing that can undermine fixed-price strategies and artist controls in secondary markets.

    In content production, the growing use of cloud-based and AI-assisted visual effects tools is expected to widen supply-chain risk, as studios increasingly rely on smaller vendors and freelancers whose infrastructure may be less secure, creating new pathways for pre-release leaks of high-value assets.

    Kaspersky also flags content delivery networks as an emerging concentration risk, noting that unreleased episodes, game builds, and live streams are often centralized within a limited number of providers, making them attractive targets for AI-enabled reconnaissance, credential abuse, and configuration exploitation.

    Within gaming and fan communities, generative AI tools are expected to accelerate abuse patterns, including the circumvention of in-game safeguards, the creation of prohibited content, and the potential exposure of personal data through poorly governed training or fine-tuning processes.

    On the regulatory front, Kaspersky anticipates tighter rules around transparency, consent, and licensing for AI-generated and AI-trained content, driving the creation of internal AI governance roles responsible for compliance across production, marketing, and distribution workflows.

    The company advises entertainment organizations to treat AI systems and their underlying data as critical infrastructure, extend threat modeling to all AI-enabled processes, strengthen oversight of external vendors, harden CDN security monitoring, and implement strict governance for generative AI deployments to mitigate financial, legal, and reputational risk.

  • Why upcoming Nvidia graphics cards may be harder to find than expected

    Why upcoming Nvidia graphics cards may be harder to find than expected

    A tightening global supply of memory and storage components is beginning to spill over into the consumer graphics card market, raising concerns about availability of Nvidia’s next generation GPUs.

    Industry observers say the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure worldwide is absorbing vast quantities of key components, leaving fewer resources for traditional PC hardware.

    The strain first became visible in memory markets. Spot prices for 16GB DDR5 chips surged by as much as 450 percent in the final quarter of 2025, according to market trackers, as data centers competed aggressively for supply.

    Retail markets reflected the imbalance, with some resellers listing DDR5 kits at prices exceeding $2,000. NAND flash used in solid state drives has also seen steep increases, with suppliers reporting price jumps of more than 200 percent over the past year.

    Graphics cards, which depend heavily on high bandwidth memory, are now feeling the effects. In late November, Nvidia confirmed a change in its supply model, ending the practice of bundling VRAM with GPU chips sold to board partners.

    Manufacturers are now required to source memory independently, a shift that places additional pressure on GPUs with large memory capacities, particularly models equipped with 16GB or more of GDDR7.

    Against this backdrop, a Reddit post from an alleged European PC retailer has drawn attention within the enthusiast community. The user, posting on the r/pcmasterrace subreddit, claimed their supplier has imposed strict limits on Nvidia GPU orders.

    According to the shared email, the retailer can order only up to five units of the RTX 5070 per cycle, while the RTX 5070 Ti and higher tier models are currently unavailable. The supplier reportedly cited the current market situation as the reason, without further detail.

    While the claims have not been independently verified, they align with broader signals of stress across the hardware supply chain.

    Analysts warn that as long as AI driven demand continues to dominate memory and storage production, shortages and allocation limits for high performance consumer GPUs are likely to persist, potentially reshaping pricing and availability well into the next product cycle.

  • HONOR starts 2026 with a toughness stunt

    HONOR starts 2026 with a toughness stunt

    Leading global AI smart devices provider HONOR Philippines kicked off the first day of the year with another explosive launch. The HONOR X9d 5G is now officially set to arrive on January 9.

    The ultimate phone durability test has indeed become a tradition—but among the hundreds of videos circulating online, what does a Tesla Cybertruck have to do with #TheToughestPhone, the HONOR X9d 5G?

    It has been circulating online that HONOR Philippines is giving away a Tesla Cybertruck during the official pre-order period of its newest smartphone, the HONOR X9d 5G. However, after watching videos from media and influencers, one could say it’s much more than just a prize.

    HONOR X9d 5G vs. Tesla Cybertruck?

    Based on the videos online, it’s shaping up to be a battle between the toughest phone and the toughest car. The #AllAngleUltraDefense HONOR X9d 5G is set to take on the all-steel Tesla Cybertruck. It’s an intriguing matchup, and HONOR fans are ecstatic to learn more.

    Join the conversation and find out soon. Visit HONOR’s website www.hihonor.com, and follow HONOR Philippines on Facebook(Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram(Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines) for exclusive teasers, launch updates, and big reveal.

    Check out HONOR’s wide array of mobile phones, tablets, and laptops at any HONOR Experience and Partner Stores nationwide (https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/) or online via Shopee (https://bit.ly/HONORPHShopee), Lazada (https://bit.ly/HONORPHLaz) and TikTok Shop (https://bit.ly/HONORTikTokShop).

     

  • TCL Super Drum C682: The 5 Must-Know Features Setting the New Laundry Standard

    TCL Super Drum C682: The 5 Must-Know Features Setting the New Laundry Standard

    TCL, the Philippines’ No. 1 Panel TV brand and a global leader in TV and air conditioner sales, has made laundry solution smarter, easier, and quicker with the arrival of TCL Super Drum C682.

    It’s a sophisticated laundry solution designed to maximize cleaning efficiency while prioritizing fabric care and user convenience. By integrating innovative technology and intelligent design, the TCL Super Drum C682 sets a new standard for modern home appliances.

    Built on the core philosophy of smart clean and supreme care, this washing machine transcends ordinary cleaning.

    It seamlessly combines a bigger drum, advanced stain removal, and intelligent features that perfectly adapt to your family’s needs, delivering everything from efficiency and convenience to superior fabric-friendly care.

    “The TCL Super Drum C682 truly is a game-changer. By injecting genuine intelligence into laundry technology, we are setting a new industry benchmark. This machine is engineered to surpass all expectations, guaranteeing superior cleaning performance and the most economical use of water and energy available,” says Eric Li, Senior Product Manager of Washing Machine and Refrigerator, TCL Philippines. 

    Here are the five key features that solidify the TCL Super Drum C682 as a game-changer in laundry technology. 

    1. The Ultra-Large 540mm Super Drum

    The defining feature of the C682 is its massive drum diameter. At 540mm drum, the Super Drum is significantly larger than standard washing machine drums.

    With more room for clothes to drop naturally, this ultra-large size reduces friction and tangling for improved fabric care. It ensures garments are handled gently, protecting them from damage and wear, especially delicate or bulky items. 

    This feature also gives superior washing performance that allows water and detergent to penetrate deep into fabrics more effectively, leading to a deeper, more thorough, and more hygienic clean for every load.

    Lastly, it is very ideal for large households with its increased volume that easily accommodates bulky items like comforters, blankets, and large loads of family laundry, reducing the number of cycles required.

    2. DD Inverter Motor Technology (Direct Drive)

    The C682 utilizes a Direct Drive (DD) Inverter Motor, eliminating the traditional belt mechanism found in conventional machines.

    This technological advancement translates directly into enhanced performance and longevity for exceptional durability and reliability with fewer moving parts, the risk of component wear and tear is dramatically reduced, leading to a longer lifespan for the machine.

    Furthermore, the direct drive mechanism significantly minimizes vibration and noise, making the C682 one of the quietest washers in its class—perfect for homes where laundry is done near living spaces or bedrooms.

    It also optimizes energy efficiency with its precise control offered by the inverter technology that controls the power consumption for the load size and wash cycle selected, leading to substantial savings on electricity bills.

    3. Smart Control and Auto Dosing

    The integration of intelligent functions makes the laundry process effortless, ensuring optimal results every time without guesswork with its automatic dosing system that highlights sensors that automatically calculate the precise amount of detergent and softener required based on the load size and soil level. This prevents wastage, avoids residue buildup on clothes, and guarantees the best possible clean.

    TCL Super Drum C682 is also created with smart features that allow users to control and monitor the washing machine remotely via the TCL Home app. You can start, pause, and track cycles, receive alerts, and even download specialized programs, adding a layer of convenience to busy modern schedules.

    4. Steam Wash + ActiveFresh Function

    In today’s hygiene-conscious world, the ability to sanitize fabrics is essential. The TCL Super Drum C682 addresses this need with its powerful steam wash feature with its deep sanitization giving high-temperature steam penetrates deeply into fabrics, effectively eliminating bacteria, allergens, and dust mites without relying on harsh chemicals.

    It also introduces steam to help relax fabric fibers, significantly reducing wrinkles and making the ironing process much easier, or in some cases, unnecessary.

    The TCL Super Drum C682 also has ActiveFresh Function that prevents moisture buildup, bad odors keeping the clothes fresh even if you forget to unload immediately. 

    5. Ocean Wave Pattern

    C682’s Drum has the upgraded Ocean-wave pattern design, making it more suitable for ultra-thin, large diameter washing machines. Ensures cleaner washing results while being gentler on clothes. 

    In essence, the C682’s Ocean-wave Drum speaks of a modern solution that addresses the conflicting demands of modern washing: achieving maximum cleanliness while minimizing wear and tear—all within a space-saving, high-capacity machine design.

    TCL Super Drum C682 comes in 2 color variants: white (exclusively sold at all SM Appliance stores) and gray available at all authorized TCL dealers. 

    Follow TCL Electronics on Instagram and  Facebook or check out https://www.tcl.com/global/en for more details on TCL Super Drum C682.

  • HONOR broke a world record, now it is daring itself to go further

    HONOR broke a world record, now it is daring itself to go further

    Leading global AI smart devices provider HONOR Philippines has dominated the mid-range smartphone market with its iconic and biggest hit HONOR X9 series.

    Started with HONOR X9a 5G in 2023, HONOR has been dropping hits after hit. At this point, the new year’s campaign of the viral phone series has already become a tradition.

    “When we launched HONOR X9a 5G, we literally had zero expectations. What we had was hope and confidence in our capabilities, and then it exceeded all expectations. We did not let the success get into our heads; we just thought it was beginner’s luck. So we leveled up with HONOR X9b 5G, and again it became a massive hit. Then HONOR X9c 5G came and it was our biggest feat yet, outdoing everything we’ve done in 2023 and 2024,” said HONOR Philippines Vice President Stephen Cheng.

    The HONOR X9 series has been synonymous with exceptional durability, raising the bar year after year.

    What began with five-foot drop tests evolved into a 50-foot intense drop test, and this year, HONOR X9c pushed to the extreme when it was dropped from a helicopter hundreds of feet above the ground, further proving its unmatched toughness.

    “One can only think about how we can even top the past three generations of the HONOR X9 series. We must admit it has become a challenge at this point, but with the technology and talent we have at HONOR, it is indeed a good challenge. I’m very excited for everyone to witness what we have been planning for the past few months,” Cheng continued.

    That unforgettable moment, when 264 brave participants dropped their HONOR X9c 5G simultaneously, earned HONOR a coveted spot in the Guinness World Records for the most people performing a mobile phone drop test simultaneously.

    This historic feat positioned HONOR Philippines as a benchmark in delivering credible, impactful messaging, reinforcing HONOR’s place as the standard for innovation, durability, and trust among Filipino consumers.

    The question remains, is HONOR ready to follow the success of the past HONOR X9 series? Stay tuned.

    For more information and exciting announcements, visit HONOR’s website at http://www.hihonor.com or follow its social media platforms on Facebook at facebook.com/HonorPhilippines, Instagram at instagram.com/honorph, and TikTok at tiktok.com/@honorphilippines.

    In the meantime, check out HONOR’s wide array of mobile phones, tablets, and laptops at any HONOR Experience and Partner Stores nationwide or online via Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.

  • TIEZA Reinforces the Legacy of Club Intramuros Golf Course as a Premier Sports Tourism and Heritage Landmark

    TIEZA Reinforces the Legacy of Club Intramuros Golf Course as a Premier Sports Tourism and Heritage Landmark

    The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) proudly underscores its commitment to cultural preservation, sports tourism, and sustainable tourism development through its continued stewardship of the Club Intramuros Golf Course (CIGC)—one of the Philippines’ most historically significant recreational sites and a distinctive gem in the country’s golf tourism landscape.

    Strategically located within the storied walls of Intramuros, the Club Intramuros Golf Course offers a rare combination of athletic pursuit and heritage immersion. Established in 1906 during the early American colonial period, the course is not simply a leisure amenity but a living mark of Manila’s layered history.

    Its manicured greens and fairways sit against the backdrop of Spanish-era fortifications, old watchtowers, and historic artillery—making it one of the few golf courses in the world built entirely within a preserved heritage district.

    More than a destination for golf enthusiasts, the Club Intramuros Golf Course plays a vital role in sustaining cultural identity and community vibrance.

    It serves as a green lung within the capital’s historic center, a venue for sports tourism activities, and an iconic tourist spot that connects modern recreation with the Philippines’ colonial heritage.

    A testament to TIEZA’s mandate to protect, preserve, and promote tourism assets

    As one of TIEZA’s managed properties, the Club Intramuros Golf Course exemplifies two of the agency’s four core mandates: (1) to develop and maintain quality tourism infrastructure, and (2) to preserve cultural and historical assets for future generations.

    TIEZA’s dedication to the preservation of CIGC ensures that its historic significance is honored while continuing to meet standards for sports tourism facilities.

    Current efforts include heritage-sensitive landscaping, structural conservation, facility upgrades, drainage and irrigation improvements, and sustainability-focused maintenance work—each guided by the agency’s responsibility to balance preservation with modern tourism needs.

    “TIEZA is committed to protecting tourism assets that reflect our cultural roots and elevate the Philippines as a global destination,” said TIEZA COO Mark T. Lapid.

    “The Club Intramuros Golf Course is a symbolic reminder of our past and a vibrant platform for sports tourism. Its continued preservation is made possible through the support of every Filipino traveler.”

    Building tourism together: how travel tax contributions sustain CIGC

    TIEZA emphasizes the collective power of Filipino travelers in shaping the country’s tourism landscape. A portion of travel tax collections directly supports the operations, upkeep, and preservation of tourism assets under TIEZA’s portfolio—including the Club Intramuros Golf Course—ensuring the continued protection of its historical structures and the improvement of its tourism facilities.

    This includes maintenance of the course’s fairways, greens, and heritage-sensitive landscaping, and upgrading of facilities such as lighting, safety features, and visitor amenities for year-round playability.

    Every contribution made by travelers helps TIEZA sustain the CIGC as a safe, enjoyable, and historically significant site—allowing both local and foreign visitors to appreciate the unique experience of golfing within the centuries-old Walled City.

    Strengthening golf tourism in the Philippines

    As golf tourism continues to grow globally, the Club Intramuros Golf Course stands as one of the Philippines’ most strategic assets. Its central location, night golf offerings, rich heritage value, and picturesque setting make it a key attraction for international golfers and tour operators seeking distinctive, memorable experiences.

    CIGC complements the country’s broader network of world-class golf courses, further positioning the Philippines as an emerging golf tourism hub in Asia.

    As part of TIEZA’s long-term tourism development roadmap, enhancements to the course are expected to support increased visitor arrivals, economic activity for Intramuros and nearby communities, and wider recognition of Manila as a historic yet dynamic destination.

    A living heritage, sustained by collective support

    With its blend of history, heritage, and sport, the Club Intramuros Golf Course represents a triumph of cultural preservation and tourism development. Its continued protection is a shared responsibility—made possible through TIEZA’s stewardship, the support of the Department of Tourism, the involvement of the Intramuros Administration, and the contributions of Filipino travelers through the travel tax.

    Recently, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized his vision for the revitalization and sustainability of Manila City landmarks and centers. TIEZA supports this direction and recently launched the “Sundays at Club Intramuros” initiative to give the community an opportunity to enjoy non-golf activities such as walking, jogging, light exercises, and small group picnics within the historic Intramuros walls.

    As TIEZA advances its mission of Building Tourism Together, CIGC remains a powerful reminder that preserving the country’s past plays an essential role in shaping a stronger, more vibrant tourism future.

    For more information, visit https://tieza.gov.ph and follow @TIEZAOfficial on Facebook, and @tiezagovph on Instagram and X.

    About TIEZA

    The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) is the infrastructure, investment, and asset management arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT), mandated to develop, manage, and supervise tourism infrastructure projects and Tourism Enterprise Zones (TEZs) across the country.

    Through strategic investments in public tourism facilities, flagship destinations, and sustainable development initiatives, TIEZA plays a vital role in enhancing the country’s tourism-readiness and making tourists’ travel experiences seamless and meaningful. TIEZA is committed to helping transform the Philippines into a globally competitive tourism destination.

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  • PUMA Philippines Launches PFF Kit Ahead of the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup and Second Send-Off Event for PMNFT 

    PUMA Philippines Launches PFF Kit Ahead of the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup and Second Send-Off Event for PMNFT 

    PUMA Philippines marked a historic moment for Philippine sports with the launch of the 2026 Philippine Football Federation (PFF) National Team Kits at Bridgetowne, Pasig City.

    The event spotlighted the Philippine Women’s Futsal Team (PWFT) ahead of their home debut at the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup 2025, while also unveiling the new kits for the Men’s National Team and U23 squad ahead of the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand this December.

    The launch event captured a pivotal moment in the country’s football journey, reflecting the growing visibility, discipline, and international competitiveness of Filipino athletes.

    The 2026 PFF Kit builds on PUMA’s past designs for the Philippines, where last year incorporated motifs like the sunrise over sea and sky, and the Amihan winds symbolizing resilience.

    The current design showcased its inspiration from tribal textiles, woven patterns and Philippine flag colors. 

    The event was attended by national team players, PFF executives, PUMA Philippines representatives, Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC) executives, partners, and fans.

    Supporting Philippine Football and Futsal with PUMA’s Custom Kits

    The unveiled national team kits reflect PUMA Philippines’ commitment to equipping Filipino athletes with statement jerseys while honoring their cultural identity.

    Designed for competition at the highest levels, the jerseys are constructed with advanced sweat-wicking fabrics, strategic ventilation, and athletic tailoring engineered for both indoor futsal or outdoor football games.

    PUMA Philippines 2026 Philippine Men’s National Football Team Official Away Kit

    The Philippine Men National Football Team and the Philippines U23 squad design for their Away Kit is in clean white design which features a mix of contemporary and Filipino-inspired visual elements representing the forward movement of Filipino football.

    Tailored for high-intensity outdoor conditions, the kits support breathability and unrestricted mobility as the teams prepare to represent the nation at the SEA Games.

    PUMA Philippines 2026 Philippine Men’s National Football Team and Women’s National Futsal Team Home Kits

    For the 2026 PUMA Philippine Women’s National Futsal Team’s Away Kit, introduces a striking pink palette specifically made by PUMA as the team competes on home ground for the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup 2025, presenting the Philippines to the world.

    Both Philippine Men’s National Football Team and Women’s National Futsal Team Home Kit jerseys feature a deep national blue base that incorporate fine linework inspired by traditional Filipino weaving patterns that symbolise unity, resilience, and heritage.

    Together, these kits express a shared identity and purpose across futsal and football: elevating Filipino skill, heart, and pride on the international stage.

    Bridgetowne’s Victor Statue Becomes a Canvas for National Pride

    The event’s major highlight was the iconic Victor statue that was brought to life. The towering symbol of Filipino strength and fighting spirit was illuminated in the blue, pink, and white of the new 2026 PUMA Philippine Football Federation Kits, transforming Bridgetowne’s skyline into a monumental celebration of the country’s athletic ascent.

    This collaboration symbolizes shared values between PUMA Philippines, the Philippine Football Federation, and Robinson’s Land Corporation to elevate Filipino excellence, strengthening community, and showcasing national pride through sports and culture.

    Fans in attendance were also given the opportunity to purchase the 2026 PUMA PFF Kits ahead of public release through the on-site PUMA Bootcamp store, where exclusive event merchandise encouraged supporters to wear and represent their national colors with pride. 

    PUMA’s Continued Commitment to Philippine Football

    Building on PUMA’s ongoing partnership with the Philippine Football Federation, which was first formalized in May 2024, the collaboration will reach a new milestone with the Second Send-Off Event on December 8 ahead of the SEA Games.

    These national kits are produced in partnership with PUMA that reflect their deeper commitment to long-term support for Philippine football development from grassroots to international competition.

    With a legacy of championing global athletes since 1948, PUMA reinforces its role as a driving force in the continued rise of football and futsal in the Philippines.

    The 2026 PUMA PFF National Team Kits will be available beginning November 16 at PUMA.com as well as in select PUMA stores and official retailers nationwide.

    For more information, visit www.puma.com.

  • AXA Philippines and the NBA Team Up to Make Mental Health a Winning Priority

    AXA Philippines and the NBA Team Up to Make Mental Health a Winning Priority

    AXA Philippines, one of the country’s largest and fastest-growing insurance providers, has reaffirmed its partnership with the National Basketball Association (NBA) to raise awareness on the importance of mental health.

    As part of this long-standing collaboration, 2006 NBA Champion and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Gary Payton Sr. visited Manila to engage with fans, share his personal journey and emphasize to Filipinos that true strength begins with the mind, underscoring the importance of openness, resilience, and support in sports and everyday life. 

    AXA Philippines and the NBA’s dynamic collaboration reflects a shared commitment to spark conversations that place mental health at the core of a person’s true well-being.

    It brings to light an important message: that resilience and balance are built when people allow themselves to talk about their experiences and emotions.

    For athletes in particular, mental health has long been a taboo topic, and strength is often equated with silence. Payton knows this firsthand, having faced the pressure to appear confident on the court while managing personal challenges privately.

    His visit to Manila, hosted by AXA Philippines, reinforced the message that overall well-being includes caring for one’s mind and fostering supportive communities, and not just about physical health.

    “AXA is in the business of protecting what matters, and that includes mental well-being. We want to provide the right support when people need it the most, in the everyday challenges that shape their lives,” said Ayman Kandil, President and CEO of AXA Philippines. 

    “Conversations on mental health goes beyond generations and cultures. By working with the NBA, we hope to offer a fresh outlook through the athletes who have shown that speaking about mental health is not a sign of weakness, but an act of strength,” Kandil added.

    “Our goal is to create safe spaces where everyone can thrive, reminding that resilience involves both seeking help and offering it.

    Gary Payton reflected on how mental health was treated in his playing years, contrasting it with what younger athletes face today. “[During his playing career] You had to grind it out. Grind. And that’s why a lot of these kids now are going through mental health because they don’t know how to deal with it. They don’t know who to go and talk to, who to become,” he said.

    For Payton, young players need guidance and safe spaces to open up. “You want somebody to talk to you… you need somebody on your shoulder to cry on. You need to release it.

    By bringing voices like Payton’s into the conversation, AXA Philippines and the NBA aim to help reinforce why mental health should be openly discussed.

    That it is not just about overcoming struggles, but about having the confidence to move forward by finding balance, nurturing resilience, and building communities where people feel seen, heard, and supported.

    Through these efforts and with the right protection, Filipinos are empowered to know they can live a healthier, more balanced life—on the court, at work, at home, and in everyday moments.

    For more information about AXA Philippines’ end-to-end solutions for all your protection needs, visit https://www.axa.com.ph.