Davao City, Philippines – August 16 – Red Planet Davao recently sponsored the exciting "Lounge & Learn: Bloggers Slumber Party," in collaboration with the Davao Bloggers Society. This theme went nicely with the venue, providing a great backdrop for an evening that smoothly merged relaxation and teaching.

Under the leadership of President Gem Tadefa, the event featured engaging workshops aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of the invited bloggers.

Red Planet Hotels' and the Davao Bloggers Society's alliance demonstrates their shared dedication to developing connections and relationships within Davao City's tourist industry. This partnership not only draws attention to Davao's natural beauty but also extends an invitation to visitors from other parts of the Philippines and outside to enjoy its distinctive attractions and culture.

Discover and enjoy Davao with up to 35% off your hotel accommodation. Red Planet Davao is offering an exclusive promotion: use promo code REDPLANETDAVAO, rates may vary without prior notice. Travelers may book directly at https://redplanet.link/RPDavaoPromo to take advantage of this great offer.

Thanks for reading and see you in the next one!

-BENCH

Davao City, Philippines – August 14 – Red Planet Davao is thrilled to present the grand opening of its recently renovated building, updated amenities, and modernized room designs, all of which promise visitors to Davao City a new and improved experience.

• Modernized Rooms: Modern, minimalistic design has transformed every room, offering generously sized rooms with high-pressure rain showers, personalized beds, and necessary staycation conveniences like mini-fridges, water kettles, safes, and hair dryers. Furthermore, the hotel provides free parking, adding to the convenience of every visitor.

• Enhanced & Engaging Facilities: The hotel has enhanced its amenities to guarantee a better stay for both business and leisure guests. These include Instagram-worthy photo walls exhibiting Davao City's culture, Info Walls that display the hotel's products on LED TV displays, iMacs available in the co-working space, and better common areas.

• Exclusive Perks as a Red Member: Visitors who download the Red Planet Hotels app and sign up as Red Members will receive exclusive savings, which include up to 15% off hotel stays and up to 10% off at Red Partners including Camp Burgrill, David's Salon in SM Lanang, and more.
  
  
  

"Over the last three months, we've been working hard to reimagine and elevate our hotel's ambiance, aiming to create a more comfortable and convenient experience for every guest," said Ms. Clarisse Lim, Assistant Hotel Manager of Red Planet Davao. It gives us great pleasure to present to you exclusively the gorgeous new look of our hotel and the new designs of our rooms tonight. From the bottom floor, where we greet each of you, to the location for tonight, and to your new room designs, we think these improvements will provide a new degree of comfort and convenience for everyone.

The unveiling event on August 13, attended by the Davao Bloggers Society at Red Planet Davao, marked an exciting milestone. Red Planet Hotels now invites you to be among the first to experience the newly modernized Red Planet Davao. Become a Red Member today and unlock a lifetime discount of up to 15% whenever you book directly at https://redplanet.link/RedPlanetDavaoCity

Thanks for reading and see you in the next one!

-BENCH

10 August 2024, MANILA — The 14th edition of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Professional League (MPL) Philippines officially begins today with significant modifications to the competition format. Season 14 will be place at the new location of Green Sun, Makati, and run from August 16, 2024, until October 6, 2024. Friday and Sunday events begin at 5 p.m., while Saturday matches begin at 2:30 p.m.

With the theme, "Heroes Within," MPL PH Season 14 aims to embark on a journey of self-discovery to focus back on the competition in the biggest MLBB esports tournament and what it means to win in arguably the most competitive league in the world, and the community and their contributions to the growth of the MLBB esports in the country. 

Never-before-seen competition 

Now that Serbian esports organization Aurora has joined the MPL PH, Season 14 is the most intriguing version yet. The most recent version also celebrates the comeback of Filipino imports MP The King and Dlar, who played for teams in the MPL Indonesia and MPL Cambodia, respectively.

The tournament also introduced a new scoring system to shake up the competition further. Each team will play two best-of-three (BO3) matches with the seven other teams. The competition's ranking will be determined by points, wherein the winning team by 2:0 will get 1 point; the winning team by 2:1 will get 1 point; the losing team by 1:2 receives no point; and the losing team by 0:2 gets no point.

Top teams receive the most advantages in Season 14, emphasizing the significance of Regular Season placing. The MPL Philippines Season 14 Playoffs - Lower Bracket Finals will now feature a best of seven (BO7) format instead of a best of five (BO5) format, to determine who will be the best opponent to earn a spot in the Grand Finals.

In addition, the league introduced a worldwide open transfer system that permits mid-season moves throughout the MLBB Esports ecosystem, not just between MPL and MDL teams. This implies that MPL PH teams are free to sign, release, or swap players with one another throughout the transfer window by the rules. Free agents and players from abroad are also covered by this.

Finally, to enhance its award categories, the Alamat Awards, a seasonal program honoring the top players and influential figures in the MLBB esports scene, have undergone a redesign. Beginning with this season, the league will honor the head coach and the entire coaching staff for their exceptional strategies, leadership, and impact on the team's performance.

Additionally, three new award categories have been added: Fans' Choice, Most Improved Player of the Season, and ALL-STAR Team 1 & 2. Three categories will be awarded for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award: MVP of the Game, MVP of the Match, and MVP of the Week.

Bringing MPL PH Community Closer

MPL PH brings back the MPL Smart Battle Trips, an initiative where MLBB communities from cities, schools, or workplaces will be invited to visit the MPL PH arena and experience the action first-hand. In partnership with MLBB Community Heroes and Student Leaders (CHSL), the league will invite around 40 students and community members from Luzon to watch the tournament offline. Workshops will be held to show participants the available opportunities in the esports and gaming industry. 

In addition, the league will host the inaugural MPL Infinix FANSiklaban, a mini-MPL tournament in which fans can compete for charity while representing their teams. We'll be sharing more information soon.

Infinix GT20Pro is the official tournament phone for this season. The phone's reliable frame rate engine will offer gamers flawless gameplay and excellent network performance.

Infinix and Smart Communications, Inc. are the official sponsors of MPL Philippines Season 14. Index Salon and EMC Asia, meanwhile, are the Official Suppliers for this season.

 

Get to know more about MPL PH by visiting its official platforms below:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MDLPhilippines/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OfficialMDLPhilippines
• Download Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Philippines: iOS and Play Store.

Thanks for reading and see you in the next one!

-BENCH

 

Keeping Family Connected

Whether it’s movie night for the singles in their condo, a family catching up on the latest sports events like the Olympic Games Paris 2024, or keeping the kids entertained with their favorite cartoons and educational shows, Cignal TV guarantees that all members of the household stay engaged and entertained.

Davao City, Philippines – July 27, 2024 — The Davao Bloggers Society (DBS) recently held a community drive at the Field of Dreams Children's Charity Foundation, and it had a big impact. The July 27, 2024, event demonstrated the organization's dedication to community service using several well-planned events and kind contributions.

With the help of various prestigious sponsors, DBS gave the kids at the foundation a whole experience. Doctors and nurses performed medical check-ups in cooperation with Davao Doctors Hospital to make sure the kids' medical needs were met. SM Supermalls contributed water bottles, and Ripple8 provided meals for the kids. International Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (IPI) kindly supplied the hygiene kits, which included Bioderm products and casino alcohol. Electric fans, acrylic tables, and towels were donated by Red Planet Hotels. In addition to providing food and logistical support, foodpanda delighted the kids by bringing their cherished figure, Pau-Pau.

A magic act and a bookmark-making workshop led by DBS member Olivia Limos were among the special DBS-organized programming highlights of the occasion. To give the celebrations a more unique touch, the kids also had the chance to display their talents by performing songs and dances. The kids sang a very special thank you song to DBS and its partners to end the day.

Lalaine Cabalhog, Trustee of The Field of Dreams Children’s Charity Foundation, expressed her gratitude, saying, “We are so privileged and thankful to have been the beneficiary of the Davao Bloggers Society’s community drive. We thank them all for their efforts and to their partner brands for coming here. The boys really appreciate these gestures, as all their donations, the program, and the check-up are a big help to their everyday living.”

“We initiated our second but first on-site community drive because the Davao Bloggers Society has received a lot of blessings for two years now and it was time for us to give back to the community, to make sure that we are also sharing our blessings, because that’s what DBS is,” said Gem Tadefa.

Pauline Balayon-Ruta emphasized the importance of supporting the foundation, stating, “We chose The Field of Dreams Children’s Charity Foundation because the charity provides shelter and care for children ages 7-19. These are neglected children who are abandoned and just need a chance in life. This is especially important to me personally because I know people who have been beneficiaries of organizations like this. You can really say that it makes a difference.”

The Davao Bloggers Society continues to embody the spirit of community and compassion, making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.

Thanks for reading and see you in the next one!
-BENCH

The biggest and longest-running professional esports league moves to a bigger venue, launches ticket sales, allows mid-season transfers, and more!

2 August 2024, MANILA—The 14th season of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Professional League (MPL) Philippines is scheduled to debut on August 16, 2024. The eight-week season will begin on Fridays and end on Sundays. Friday and Sunday events start at 5 p.m., while Saturday matches begin at 2:30 p.m.

These are the main reasons MPL PH Season 14 is the most anticipated season of MLBB esports: experienced competitors finding homes in new teams; significant roster changes announced; new rules to be adopted; and increased community activities.

1. MPL PH moves to a new venue; tickets on sale starting 5 August

 2. New teams, new rivalries, new stories

 However, with over half of their staff moving to Aurora, BLCK will need to rewrite the code for their successful approach. Well-known Filipino imports Gerald "Dlar" Trinchera and Michael "MPTHEKING" Endino join BLCK as EXP Laner and Jungler, respectively. Will the latest group of Codebreakers succeed in claiming victory? With their key players absent this time, all eyes are on them to make the crucial decisions needed to win.

Caisam "Wolf" Nopueto, a former MPL PH Analyst, has joined the TNC Pro Team as their head coach for the upcoming campaign. Wolf has continuously been a member of the international talent desk and MPL PH cast for MLBB's overseas events. As the head coach of TNC, he can greatly increase the team's in-game expertise. Will the team benefit from his analysis as it prepares for a significant overhaul in front of MPL PH Season 14?

3. New rules, including the open transfer system

Now that each team in the MLBB Development League (MDL) Philippines has access to a complete mid-season transfer ecosystem, the rivalry in the MPL PH will be even more intense. Teams can alter their strategy at any point during the season to put themselves in the best possible position to capture the much sought-after MPL PH title. More information will be revealed soon!

 

4. More community activities!

The top tour operator in the UAE, Holiday Factory, opens for business in the Philippines to transform the travel sector.

Manila, Philippines. July 29, 2024, Filipino vacation packages at half the going rate! Filipino vacationers now have the opportunity to enjoy fantastic vacations at a price half of what is typically charged, all while receiving top-notch service from Holiday Factory. Travelers can now get more for less because of this!

“To celebrate the launch as the first tour operator, Holiday Factory is hosting a Mega Giveaway of 100-holiday packages to 100 lucky Filipinos. Everyone can participate for Free by registering on www.holidayfactory.ph” says Sandra Daemmrich, General Manager at Holiday Factory.

This award-winning online tour operator buys airline tickets, hotel stays, and other services in bulk, which enables them to give their clients substantial savings and guarantee the best possible bargain.

“Research on the Philippines market indicates that more than 1/3 of the population is seeking affordable holidays but is underserved due to the lack of real tour operators. That's why Holiday Factory is entering the market as the first real package tour operator,” says Hakan Bakar, Business Development Director- International Markets at Holiday Factory. "With us, holiday packages are now affordable for everyone."

As the nation's first legitimate package tour operator, Holiday Factory proudly takes on this role today. Travelers from the Philippines can now affordably and easily plan the vacations of their dreams. Greetings from a new festive era. Greetings from Holiday Factory.   

Please visit www.holidayfactory.ph for additional details.

Thanks for reading and see you in the next one!
-BENCH

Photo credits:  MOONTON Games

• Newly-crowned champions, Selangor Red Giants, take home the biggest share of the prize pool (USD 1 million). Muhammad Haqqullah "Sekys" Ahmad Shahrul Zaman was named the Grand Finals Most Valuable Player (FMVP).
• The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) esports action continues with the MLBB Women's Invitational (MWI) 2024, held from 24 to 27 July, in Riyadh. 
• The M6 World Championship venue will be held at Axiata Arena Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, a homecoming for MLBB's flagship international tournament after five years away.

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA, 14 July – Today, July 14, at the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Mid Season Cup (MSC) 2024, Selangor Red Giants (SRG) brought their Cinderella tale to a close. In front of a packed Amazon Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the tournament dark horses stunned the global champions, Falcons AP.Bren (FCAP), 4:3 in a fierce best-of-seven (BO7) series. The Grand Finals Most Valuable Player (FMVP) went to Muhammad Haqqullah "Sekys" Ahmad Shahrul Zaman, a jungler. FCAP will receive USD 500,000, and the newly crowned champions will receive USD 1 million.

 

Photo credits:  MOONTON Games

Photo credits:  MOONTON Games

Photo credits: Esports Charts

Artyom Odintsov, Co-founder and CEO of Esports Charts said: “The MSC 2024 marked a significant milestone in the development of MLBB esports. The championship achieved excellent viewership momentum early on, which only slowed after the unexpected elimination of all Indonesian teams before the Knockouts. Without this setback, the results would have been even more impressive. This year’s event transcended its Southeast Asian roots, reaching new audiences worldwide and growing to the level of premier esports events with a $3 million prize pool. The MSC 2024 has undoubtedly elevated the status of MLBB in the global esports arena.” 

Ray Ng, Head of Esports Ecosystem at MOONTON Games, said: "We're elated to have achieved this milestone at the Esports World Cup. The EWC x MLBB MSC 2024 is the first time we've held the MSC outside of Southeast Asia, so we're elated to have achieved our goal of providing a platform for our teams and audiences to #SeeTheWorld. This truly reflects the status of MLBB Esports as a global brand. A massive thank you to all of the fans who completely filled our arena."

MLBB esports continues with the upcoming MLBB Women's Invitational from 24 to 27 July. Witness the grit and glory of female MLBB teams as they prove to the world their gaming prowess on the biggest international stage for women. The full tournament schedule and roster will be announced on 16 July.

Where it all began: M6 World Championship venue announced!

MOONTON Games today officially announced Axiata Arena Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, as the venue of the M6 World Championship Semi-Finals and Grand Finals. This represents a homecoming for MLBB's flagship international tournament after 5 years, with the arena hosting the first-ever M Series in 2019. This year, the most prestigious global MLBB tournament will commence from November 2024.

YB Adam Adli, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports of Malaysia, said: “M-Series is back in Malaysia and we are as excited as you are to witness this incredible event. We welcome you, selamat datang ke!”

Thanks for reading and see you in the next one!
-BENCH