Biggest MLBB esports tournament in the Philippines to send top two teams to MSC 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

May 9, 2024, Manila—The 13th edition of MPL Philippines, the nation's most prominent MLBB esports competition, will take place at a larger location in the South. Over 10,000 offline fans are expected to attend the playoff season, which will be place in SM Southmall, Las Piñas City, from May 22–26, 2024. Six teams—AP Bren, ECHO, Blacklist International, RSG Philippines, Minana EVOS, and ONIC Philippines—have meritoriously qualified for the playoffs.

• MPL Philippines Season 13 Playoffs head to SM South Mall, Las Piñas City for the first time from May 22-26, 2024. The event will welcome over 10,000 on-ground fans for the week.
• Six MPL Philippines teams will compete not just for the championship title, but the chance to represent the Philippines in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Mid Season Cup (MSC) 2024 featured at the Esports World Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 
• Dubbed 'Home of the Champions', the Philippines has a high chance of securing the title and taking home the biggest share of the prize pool worth USD 3 million.

Additionally, offline viewers can take part in a variety of on-ground events at the MPL Community Hub, which is housed at SM Southmall Game Park. Here, fans can experience a variety of activations, socialize with artists and cosplayers, and use the watch party space. There will be merchandise stalls set up by MPL-PH teams, allowing fans to purchase the newest jerseys, jackets, stickers, and other products.

Finally, following every series of matches, MPL-PH teams will have meet-and-greet events, providing fans with an opportunity to snap pictures with their heroes!

As the official telco partner, Smart Communications, Inc. supports MPL Philippines. Conversely, Infinix and MPL-PH have inked a long-term contract that will run for four seasons, beginning with season 13. The Infinix GT10 Pro will be the league's official tournament phone for Season 13.

The AirAsia MOVE app is the only place to get the ASEAN Explorer Pass with its special discount pricing of PHP13,488 till April 30. The pass will revert to its initial cost of PHP 14,888 after April 30.

Over 80,000 foreign flights are redeemed and flown each year, demonstrating the strong demand for travel within the ASEAN area, according to data from prior travel passes sold by AirAsia MOVE in December 2022. Enabling intra-ASEAN connectivity and accessibility to essential travel essentials like flights, hotels, and transportation is critical as ASEAN continues to grow as a significant hub for international trade and investment. Through AirAsia MOVE, Capital A is pleased to make it possible for more people to fully experience the varied landscapes of ASEAN.

"On behalf of ASEAN-BAC, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to AirAsia and AirAsia MOVE for this remarkable achievement," said Tan Sri Nazir Razak, Chairman of ASEAN-BAC Malaysia. The introduction of this pass is evidence of our shared goal of an ASEAN without borders, where obstacles are replaced by flights and bridges, and a celebration of our diversity as our greatest asset. In 2023, ASEAN welcomed 100 million foreign visitors, representing 70% of pre-pandemic levels. We are optimistic that AirAsia MOVE's efforts will significantly increase travel and boost the region's economy.

The redemption period for those who bought the "Asean Pass" in March 2024 will be extended to May 6, 2025, allowing them to travel until May 20, 2025. All current holders of Asean Passes will be affected by these changes starting on May 7, 2024. When converting to an "ASEAN Explorer Pass," holders of the ASEAN Passes who wish to redeem domestic destinations in nations other than their own (based on the nationality listed on their passport) will be subject to SST charges. To learn more, go to the FAQ page.

About AirAsia MOVE

AirAsia MOVE’s ecosystem includes OTA services such as flight bookings from over 700 airlines, including the World’s Best Low-Cost Carrier AirAsia, and 900,000 hotels worldwide plus ride-hailing, dining experiences, insurance, and more, underpinned by a robust loyalty program, MOVE Rewards. AirAsia MOVE won ‘Asia’s Leading Online Travel Agency 2023’ by World Travel Awards in its first nomination in the OTA category. Complementing AirAsia MOVE is BigPay, Capital A Berhad's digital payment platform, which has streamlined financial transactions for travelers. 

With features such as real-time currency exchange and low-cost remittance services, BigPay has simplified the process of managing finances while traveling, eliminating the hassle of carrying physical currency or dealing with exorbitant transaction fees. Download the AirAsia MOVE app via the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and Huawei App Gallery. 

Asia's Superstar Star Kathryn Bernardo is still making waves this year as she launches Century Tuna, the top tuna brand in the Philippines, and shows off her finest side.

“I’ve always found the Century Tuna Superbods to be inspiring and being a part of this campaign feels like a dream come true. It’s an honor to become part of the Century Tuna Superbods and through this campaign, I hope that I’ll also become an inspiration for every Filipino to let them enjoy full, happy, and healthy lives,” said Kathryn Bernardo.

Through the Best You Ever campaign, the Century Tuna Ambassador hopes to encourage Filipinos to embrace Century Tuna's philosophy that everybody can be a superbod. This is as she enters a new chapter of her life.

“Anyone can achieve the best version of themselves with the right discipline and determination, proper exercise and nutrition, and a good support system. So I encourage everyone to take that first step towards your 'Best You Ever' and join me in Century Tuna Superbods 2024! Let’s redefine fitness by embracing self-love, challenging growth, and inspiring others.,” Kathryn added.

Century Tuna's Superbods campaign, which debuted in 2006, pioneered the promotion of fitness, wellness, and an active lifestyle. This year, they're pushing for holistic self-improvement and self-love in their "Best You Ever" campaign, which goes above and above. As the top tuna brand, Century Tuna encourages customers to embrace their journey to becoming the healthiest and most positive versions of themselves.

All body kinds are celebrated and welcomed at Century Tuna Superbods 2024 Best You Ever. The mechanics of the #CenturyTunaSuperbodsBestYouEver are available here: bit.ly/superbodkath. Auditions are currently open.

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

Summer is an excellent time to renovate your house, purchase for school or job supplies, or simply fill your pantry. This summer, PLDT Home gives you more reasons to make the most of your upgrade or purchase, including the opportunity to win a P100,000 shopping trip.

Reward yourself with an upgrade and a shopping spree

There are numerous ways for PLDT Home members to earn raffle entries and win this once-in-a-lifetime vacation. First, you can upgrade your current PLDT Home Fiber plan to enjoy a more advanced digital experience at home, such as streaming your favorite movies and series, playing games with pals, doing office and schoolwork quickly, and more. 

Are you enjoying your fiber-fast speeds? You can still earn an entry if you purchase at least two (2) WiFi Mesh Systems. You can select between the latest TP-Link X55 WiFi6 mesh if you and your family enjoy high-bandwidth activities such as simultaneous streaming and gaming, and the TP-Link Deco M4 WiFi5 Mesh if you have simpler WiFi requirements such as boosting WiFi in all corners of your home.

Finally, if you're looking for ways to enjoy unli-entertainment, you can earn raffle entries by subscribing to a CignalTV Postpaid Plan, upgrading an existing CignalTV Plan, or using the newly launched PLDT Home StreamTV Android TV Box, which is a smart speaker that can also transform a regular TV into a smart TV.

An automated raffle draw will be held on May 6 to choose seven (7) winners, who will enjoy a shopping spree at SM Store Megamall on June 4, 2024. SM Gift Passes are valid at all SM Store affiliates, including the SM Store, SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket, Uniqlo, Bata, Savemore Market, Under Armour, Forever21, Waltermart, Levi's Surplus, Brownies, Watsons, Our Home, Ace Hardware, Crate & Barrel, The Body Shop, Innisfree, Miniso, Pet Express, Kultura, Sports Central, Baby Company, Crocs, and Toy Kingdom. Winners can also utilize their SM Gift Card prizes to book stays at Pico Sands Hotel, Conrad Manila, Taal Vista, Park Inn by Radisson, and Radisson Blue Hotel.

Be one of the lucky seven winners and get everything you want and need this summer, courtesy of PLDT Home! PLDT Home's Shopping Spree Upgrade promotion is valid till April 30, 2024.

For more information, visit https://pldthome.com/shopping-spree-promo.

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

Photo by Red Bull

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines has locked in its representatives to compete at the Red Bull Half Court 2024 in New York City, USA, following the last regional showdown in Manila last April 27 at the Bonifacio Shrine.

The journey to make it to this point has been nothing short of spectacular and exciting, as teams from across the country displayed incredible sportsmanship, skill, and resilience on the court. From thrilling buzzer-beaters to jaw-dropping dunks, the Red Bull Half Court series this year has been fierce, and yet only the top twenty-four teams: eight men’s qualifying teams, eight men’s wildcard teams, four women’s qualifying teams, and four wildcard teams, were left to compete at the Red Bull Half Court 2024 National Finals.

Last April 27, the qualifying teams with dreams of competing in New York battled it out on the court. Actor and basketball enthusiast Gerald Anderson was in attendance with his team, 3rd Floor. After advancing through the Pool Phase and facing off against four other teams, they reached the Quarter Finals. Despite a valiant effort, they were bested by TNT Tropang Giga with a score of 12-11.

“It was recommended to me. I was looking for a basketball event to compete in and Red Bull Half Court was perfect,” Gerald Anderson said, explaining how he came to know about the event. “Red Bull Half Court is intense,” he commented. “(It’s) very hot due to the intense heat, but overall the concept is great for everyone.”

In the end, Almond Vosotros, Levin Flores, Chester Saldua, and Matt Salem of TNT Tropang Giga and Sam Harada, Kaye Pingol, Eunique Chan, and Afril Bernardino of Uratex Dream earned the prestigious chance to represent the Philippines on the global stage for the Red Bull Half Court 2024 World Finals. Their hard work and dedication have evidently paid off, and these attributes brought them one step closer to their ultimate goal.

Photo by Red Bull

"Red Bull provided a lot of opportunities for the basketball community in the Philippines, from Cebu, (to) Davao, and here in Manila. It really is a great help for all of the players and we hope that Red Bull will continue this event (Red Bull Half Court) every year or even better if possible twice or thrice a year for everyone to play and participate " exclaimed Almond Vosotros from TNT Tropang Giga.

Kaye Pingol from Uratex Dream expressed their gratitude and enthusiasm to Red Bull for providing women an opportunity to be seen in a bigger stage, “Red Bull Half Court is a big win for our team, especially (since) women’s basketball isn’t often seen or given a bigger platform here in the Philippines.”

In addition to the thrilling matchups on the court, the Red Bull Half Court 2024 National Finals also featured performances by the Philippine All Stars, Pricetagg, Zae, and DJ Razikyle. Their electrifying routines brought an extra dimension of entertainment to the event, showcasing not only the incredible agility but also the vibrant cultural scene of the Philippines.

Moreover, amidst the basketball action and artistic performances, attendees were treated to an art showcase by Raco Ruiz. His unique artistic vision brought a touch of creativity and flair to the event. Red Bull’s collaboration with Raco Ruiz and the Manila LGU extended to the revamping of a chosen basketball court for a local community in Manila, including painting a mural for the floor and hoop backstops. Adding to the spectacle, live art demonstrations on the hoop backstops further enriched the atmosphere and highlighted both sports and artistry in the country.

Photo by Red Bull

“This is a really big opportunity, not only for us but women’s basketball in general, to have an opportunity to showcase our talent, and we are extremely happy that we won and will be representing the Philippines in New York,” said Kaye Pingol of Uratex Dream.

The Red Bull Half Court 2024 World Finals will take place in New York this October, where the best street basketball talent from around the globe will battle it out in an unforgettable series of tournaments. As each team prepares for their next challenge, they carry with them the hopes and dreams of a nation united by the love of the game.

For more information and updates regarding the World Finals of Red Bull Half Court, visit the Red Bull website and the following social media pages (Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Tiktok )

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About Red Bull

Red Bull gives wings to people and ideas. As a functional beverage, we give wings to people by vitalizing the body and mind – supporting their dreams and aspirations through their passion for sports.

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

Experience magic this May with the multi-awarded HONOR Magic6 Pro, an AI camera phone with 5 DXOMARK Top 1 Labels! #HONORMagic6Pro #MagicAICameraPhone

Manila, Philippines, April 24, 2024 - The HONOR Magic6 Pro, which has been multi-awarded five DXOMARK Gold Labels for Camera, Battery, Display, Selfie, and Audio, is being introduced in the Philippines by HONOR, the world's top producer of smart devices. In the global ranking of DXOMARK's best camera phones, the HONOR Magic6 Pro continues to hold the top spot.

"The HONOR Magic6 Pro is a delightful treat for our HONOR fans and consumers seeking camera phones capable of capturing their desired "money shots." Recognized by DXOMARK five times for its spectacular specs, we're proud to be known for our quality products, consistently serving Filipinos with only the latest and best innovations in the market," said Stephen Cheng, Vice President of HONOR Philippines.

HONOR has started a journey of constant innovation in response to the changing sportography landscape and the growing significance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in photography. HONOR recognizes the need for quick capture times and excellent image quality. To meet and surpass consumer expectations, HONOR has made proactive investments to improve its camera capabilities.

Furthermore, the HONOR Magic6 Series—which combines cutting-edge hardware and clever software—is evidence of this dedication. The AI-powered Pro-grade Falcon Camera System, painstakingly designed to take photography to new heights, is at the heart of it all. 

The first-ever Customized HDR Sensor in the industry, featuring an enormous variable aperture and an ultra-large dynamic range, perfectly complements this innovation. With this sensor, users may record sceneries with never-before-seen fidelity, capturing the subtleties of light and shadow in each frame. Furthermore, the camera system can autonomously adjust settings in real time thanks to the integration of AI technology, guaranteeing that every picture is a work of art.


The highly anticipated HONOR Magic6 Pro will make its complete debut in May, showcasing its class-leading features. Watch this space for additional information on this thrilling launch! 

Soon, the HONOR Magic6 Pro will be up for pre-order. Once it goes live, you can purchase it at TikTok Shop, Shopee, and Lazada at bit.ly/Shop_M6Pro_PR, Lazada, and bit.ly/Laz_M6Pro_PR.

Follow HONOR Philippines:

Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines)

Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/)

TikTok Shop (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines) 

For more updates on the amazing specs of the HONOR Magic6 Pro, visit this link to view HONOR's full list of retail locations: bit.ly/Web_M6Pro_PR. 

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

Forming a crucial partnership: PLDT Enterprise, Smart Communications Inc., and People in Need leaders unite to launch a ground-breaking collaboration that aims to strengthen Mindanao's resilience to disasters. They set out on a mission to use technology to create a more sustainable and safe future together. Photo (L-R): Zcyrill Ryan B. Agac-ac, PLDT Enterprise's Northern Mindanao Relationship Manager; Alfred Mark Rosete, People in Need's Early Warning Systems (EWS) Program Manager; Roberto W. Suzon, Business Head, Corporate Relationship Business Head for Northern Mindanao; and Judee Caroline D. Chaves, Mindanao Relations Head at Smart Communications, Inc.

The B2B division of PLDT Enterprise, the largest telco in the Philippines, and PLDT's wireless arm, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), have announced their latest partnership with the international humanitarian organization People in Need (PIN) to advance disaster resilience and sustainable development in the country. Through this relationship, we hope to better prepare for and respond to disasters in Mindanao by utilizing cutting-edge technology, with a particular emphasis on the Strengthening Resilience Through Early Action and Impact Mitigation (STREAM) Project.

The STREAM Project intends to transform early warning systems and local impact forecasting in 12 municipalities throughout the provinces of Zamboanga del Sur, Misamis Occidental, Maguindanao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur in Mindanao. It is supported by the UK government through the UK International Development and funded by the GSMA Innovation Fund for Anticipatory Humanitarian Action. The innovative Smart Internet of Things (IoT) SIM and Smart Messaging Suite from PLDT and Smart would be beneficial for these locations, which have been recognized as high-risk for flooding.

Roberto W. Suzon, Head of PLDT Enterprise Corporate Relationship Business for Northern Mindanao, emphasized the importance of this partnership: "Our partnership with People in Need is a commitment to safeguarding communities and providing them with the necessary tools to mitigate the impact of natural calamities; it goes beyond just being a technological endeavor." Through the utilization of PLDT's dependable fiber network and Smart's innovative solutions, we are establishing a new benchmark for preparedness and resilience against disasters.

To provide precise forecasts, the Smart IoT SIMs will be crucial in remotely monitoring water levels in flood-prone areas and ensuring prompt data transmission to PIN's servers. In the meantime, the Smart Messaging Suite will be essential in providing vulnerable populations with evacuation alerts and critical information, increasing their ability to effectively respond to impending dangers.

"With the support of PLDT Enterprise and Smart, we are poised to make a significant impact on the lives of those in the most at-risk communities in Mindanao," said Alfred Mark Rosete, Program Manager for People in Need's Early Warning Systems (EWS) initiative. Our vision of a world where innovation and technology work hand in hand with humanitarian efforts to create a safer, more resilient future for everyone is embodied in the STREAM Project.

Furthermore, as part of its campaign for disaster resilience, Smart recently collaborated with PIN at the Humanitarian Connectivity Charter (HCC) Asia-Pacific seminars organized by GSMA and attended by ASEAN delegates in Clark, Pampanga. When Smart was introduced in 2015, it was one of the first operators globally to embrace the HCC's tenets. The HCC is a cooperatively developed set of best practices and guidelines for mobile network operators (MNOs) on how to anticipate, address, and recover from sudden-onset emergencies.

These initiatives support the PLDT Group's long-standing #SafeandSmart advocacy, which encourages readiness and quick action using network resilience, constant communication service availability, mobile solutions and activities, and relief aid to assist communities in reducing the risk of disaster. The telco group underlines its commitment to a disaster-resilient Mindanao through programs like the PLDT and Smart Ligtas Kit program, which has already outfitted ten provinces with complete emergency communications packages.

The partnership between PLDT Enterprise and Smart and PIN sets an example of how the business community and the humanitarian community can work together to address some of the most urgent issues of our time and help achieve UNSDG No. 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities and UNSDG No. 13: Climate Action. Both companies are constantly pushing the boundaries of what technology can do to help with disaster resilience and climate action. PLDT Enterprise and Smart continue to incorporate climate risk management into their network architecture, operations, and customer solutions because they recognize that climate change is one of the biggest dangers facing the Philippines and the PLDT Group as a whole. The Group helps communities most at risk from the effects of climate change adapt and become more resilient by utilizing its cutting-edge technology and digital solutions.

"PLDT Enterprise is unwavering in its ambition to not only transform the corporate landscape but also to cultivate a community where progress and resilience coexist side by side. We are always pushing forward, collaborating with our partners to achieve this goal. Our dedication to using technology for the benefit of society is demonstrated by our collaboration with People in Need, which makes communities and businesses alike more connected, capable, and resilient. We strive to push the envelope in terms of creativity and teamwork with each step, making sure that every development we make benefits society and business alike. As a team, we strive for a day when every problem is handled with a clever, long-term solution, increasing our overall influence and pointing us in the direction of a better, more robust future," Suzon said. 

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