Red Bull Half Court Brings 2026 World Finals to Manila

Red Bull Half Court Brings 2026 World Finals to Manila

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Manila will become the global stage for streetball this December as Red Bull Half Court brings its 2026 World Finals to the Philippines for the first time.

National champions from 13 countries are set to compete on December 5, with the tournament combining 3-on-3 basketball with elements of street culture and art.

The event will take place across two distinctly different Manila settings: the historic Fort Santiago in Intramuros and the modern urban district of Bonifacio Global City (BGC).

World Finals to feature historic and modern Manila

The group phase will be held at Fort Santiago, placing the international streetball competition within one of Manila's best-known historic landmarks.

The remaining teams will then move to BGC for Finals day, where the 2026 Red Bull Half Court champions will be crowned.

Paul Gudde, Red Bull Half Court Global Sports Director, said Manila was a natural setting for the tournament because of the city's strong basketball culture.

“Manila is built for this format. It’s a city where basketball isn’t just watched, it’s lived,” Gudde said.

The Philippines has long been one of the world's most basketball-focused markets, with the sport deeply embedded in communities and local courts. Bringing the global 3-on-3 competition to Manila gives the country's streetball scene a chance to share the spotlight with players from other countries.

Global basketball personalities coming to Manila

The World Finals will also feature several recognizable names from the international streetball and basketball community.

Streetball performer Grayson “The Professor” Boucher and shooting coach Chris “Lethal Shooter” Matthews are among the personalities scheduled to participate.

They will be joined by Polish dunker and Red Bull athlete Piotr “Grabo” Grabowski and Filipino dunking star David “Air David” Carlos.

Carlos is a FIBA 3x3 World Tour Dunk Contest winner and is among the Philippines' notable dunkers.

Boucher, who has previously visited the Philippines, said he was looking forward to returning for the event and experiencing Manila's streetball culture.

Matthews, meanwhile, pointed to the city's appreciation for basketball shooting and said he was looking forward to seeing national champions compete on the global stage.

Philippine champions head to the World Finals

The sixth season of Red Bull Half Court has featured competitions across several countries, including Egypt, India, Kenya, Lebanon, Nigeria, the Philippines, South Africa, Sweden and Ukraine.

Among the teams that have already secured places in Manila are the Philippine men's champions JSKILLS and women's champions Pilipinas Aguilas.

India's men's champions, Team 911, earned their place after winning in Chandigarh, while Team Sinatra will represent North Macedonia after taking the national title in Skopje.

Egypt will send Team Hustlers and Bad Luck, with additional national champions expected to join the World Finals as qualifying events continue.

What makes Red Bull Half Court different?

Red Bull Half Court is built around a faster format of 3-on-3 basketball.

Games are limited to 10 minutes, with the first team to reach 21 points taking the win. During pool play, teams can also earn an “own the court bonus” based on their scoring performance, which can help them advance to the next stage.

The competition adds another scoring element through two special three-point circles positioned behind the regular arc, creating a risk-and-reward component to the game.

Since its launch in 2021, Red Bull Half Court has staged World Finals in cities including Rome, Cairo, Belgrade, New York City and Dubai.

This year, Manila joins that list as the tournament's latest host city.

Design the basketball court of your dreams

Beyond the competition itself, Red Bull Half Court is also inviting Filipino designers, street art enthusiasts and basketball fans to participate in Design My Court.

The initiative gives participants an opportunity to create their vision for a basketball court, with selected designs brought to life as part of the event.

Design My Court submissions will be accepted from September 28 to October 21, 2026.

With the World Finals arriving in December, Manila will host not only international 3-on-3 competition but also a showcase of the city's connection to basketball, street art and urban culture.

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Barbie Almalbis and Kitchie Nadal Team Up for CROSSFADE

Barbie Almalbis and Kitchie Nadal Team Up for CROSSFADE

Saturday, October 3, 2026

Barbie Almalbis and Kitchie Nadal are teaming up for CROSSFADE, a one-night live music show happening on October 11, 2026, at Matchpoint Sports Bar and Events in Mandaluyong City.

The intimate two-billed show will feature extended sets from both artists, bringing together familiar songs from their catalogs alongside newer material.

Tickets are priced at ₱1,600, with the event primarily standing-room only. A limited number of seats will also be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

What can fans expect from CROSSFADE?

CROSSFADE will feature Barbie Almalbis and Kitchie Nadal performing long sets of classic songs and newer releases in an intimate live setting.

Rather than a large-scale concert format, the event is designed around the experience of seeing two established Filipino artists perform in a more intimate venue.

For audiences who have followed Pinoy rock and alternative music through different eras, the pairing also brings together two distinct musical catalogs.

Almalbis and Nadal have each built careers that extend well beyond individual hit songs, making their respective live sets an opportunity to revisit familiar material while hearing what they are creating at this point in their careers.

A collaboration that has happened before

CROSSFADE is not the first time Almalbis and Nadal have performed together.

The two artists previously shared the stage during the first two editions of Secrets at the Music Museum.

They later reunited for the two-part Tanaw series, which brought together artists associated with the Philippine rock and alternative-pop scene.

Their history of performing together gives CROSSFADE a different context from a first-time collaboration.

This time, however, the format puts the two artists together for a dedicated one-night engagement.

When and where is CROSSFADE happening?

CROSSFADE takes place on October 11, 2026 (Sunday) at Matchpoint Sports Bar and Events in Mandaluyong City.

Why CROSSFADE matters to Pinoy rock fans

Almalbis and Nadal represent different chapters of the Philippine alternative and rock music landscape, while sharing an audience that has followed the local scene across generations.

Their collaboration also highlights how songs that became part of Filipino pop culture can continue to find new life in live performances.

CROSSFADE pairs that familiarity with new material, giving longtime listeners something recognizable while leaving room for the artists' current musical directions.

For fans, the appeal is ultimately straightforward: two established Filipino rock voices, one intimate venue, and a full night dedicated to their music.

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Hanabishi Honors Longtime Appliance Owners on Eat Bulaga

Hanabishi Honors Longtime Appliance Owners on Eat Bulaga

Friday, October 2, 2026

Hanabishi marked its 40th anniversary by recognizing Filipino families who have kept their trusted appliances for decades through the Subok sa Tibay at Kalidad Awards, held on Eat Bulaga.

The campaign invited viewers to share stories of their longtime Hanabishi appliances, from irons and rice cookers to blenders, electric fans and oven toasters. Five winners were selected, along with a special winner whose appliance was almost as old as the brand itself.

The awards also highlighted Hanabishi's long-running relationship with Eat Bulaga, where the appliance brand has been a partner for 16 years.

Who won the Hanabishi Subok sa Tibay at Kalidad Awards?

The special award went to Caroline Marcelo of Taytay, Rizal, whose family still uses a Hanabishi flat iron purchased in 1987.

At 39 years old, the iron is just one year younger than Hanabishi's 40-year history. According to Marcelo's entry, the appliance was given to her parents as a wedding gift on March 7, 1987, and remains in use by the family.

The Marcelos received ₱20,000 in cash and a selection of Hanabishi appliances, including the Digital Pressure Cooker HDIGPC-18IN1, Flat Iron HI83, Rice Cooker HHRC14FS, Mini Jumbo Fan HMJF7, Oven Toaster HO70 and Juice Blender HJB115.

The five other winners were:

Odessa Sengseng — a 35-year-old Hanabishi flat iron that was her family's first electric iron

Dwight Jason Malabag — a 36-year-old Hanabishi Super Blender inherited from his grandfather

Hermie Gavino — a 30-year-old Hanabishi Oven Toaster that her husband won at a Christmas party raffle

Epifania Ablaza — a 20-year-old Hanabishi Electric Fan that was used by her first grandchild

Raquel Tolentino — a 33-year-old Hanabishi Rice Cooker received as a wedding gift

Each of the five winners received ₱10,000 in cash along with a Hanabishi Flat Iron HI38, Rice Cooker HHRC14FS, Mini Jumbo Fan HMJF7, Oven Toaster HO70 and Juice Blender HJB115.

What made the contest stories special?

While the contest centered on old appliances, the entries were ultimately about family memories.

Some appliances were wedding gifts. Others were inherited from grandparents or won as prizes. One became part of a child's memories growing up.

That gives the campaign a distinctly Filipino household angle, where an everyday appliance can remain in a home long enough to become associated with different generations.

For Hanabishi, the stories also became part of its 40th-anniversary celebration.

Hanabishi Appliances Vice President for Operations Candice Ong-Ang said the company created the awards with Eat Bulaga to highlight stories of trust and endurance from Filipino consumers.

How long has Hanabishi partnered with Eat Bulaga?

The appliance brand has been a partner of Eat Bulaga for 16 years, according to the company.

Host and Hanabishi brand ambassador Vic Sotto also recalled the brand's connection to the program, including its early support for the show's popular Sugod Bahay segment.

The longtime partnership provided the setting for Hanabishi to invite viewers to look through their homes and share the stories behind their older appliances.

Where will the winning Hanabishi appliances be displayed?

The winning appliances are set to be displayed during Hanabishi's 40th-anniversary celebration on September 30 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel.

The anniversary event caps a year focused on the brand's four decades in the Philippine household appliance market and the consumers who have used its products over the years.

For the families recognized through the awards, however, the significance goes beyond the age of an appliance.

A 20-year-old fan, 30-year-old toaster or decades-old rice cooker represents something increasingly unusual in a world where many household products are replaced long before they become family heirlooms.

And that is what makes the Subok sa Tibay at Kalidad stories particularly relatable: sometimes, the things sitting quietly in our homes end up holding some of our oldest memories.

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Red Bull Half Court World Finals Head to Manila on December 5

Red Bull Half Court World Finals Head to Manila on December 5

Friday, September 25, 2026

Manila is set to become the global stage for streetball as the Red Bull Half Court World Finals comes to the Philippines for the first time on December 5, 2026.

National champions from 13 countries will gather in Manila to compete for the Red Bull Half Court title, bringing together 3-on-3 basketball, street culture, art, and the energy of the local basketball community.

The sixth season of Red Bull Half Court has already seen national competitions take place across countries including the Philippines, India, Egypt, Kenya, Lebanon, Nigeria, South Africa, Sweden, and Ukraine.

What to expect at the Red Bull Half Court World Finals in Manila

The 2026 World Finals will take players and fans to two very different sides of Manila.

The group phase will take place at Fort Santiago in Intramuros, giving the tournament a historic backdrop as teams compete for a spot in the Finals.

The competition will then move to Bonifacio Global City (BGC) for Finals day, where the remaining teams will battle for the championship.

The combination of Intramuros and BGC puts the tournament against two distinct Manila settings, from one of the city's historic landmarks to one of its modern business and lifestyle districts.

Who will compete in Manila?

National champions from 13 countries are expected to compete at the World Finals.

Several teams have already secured their places, including Team 911 from India, Team Sinatra from North Macedonia, and the Philippines' own JSKILLS, who won the men's national title.

For the women's competition, Pilipinas Aguilas will represent the Philippines.

Egypt will be represented by Team Hustlers and Bad Luck, while additional national champions will be confirmed as qualifying competitions continue.

Basketball personalities coming to Manila

The World Finals will also bring several recognizable names from the international basketball and streetball scene to the Philippines.

Streetball personality Grayson “The Professor” Boucher and shooting coach Chris “Lethal Shooter” Matthews are set to join the event.

They will be joined by Polish Red Bull athlete and dunker Piotr “Grabo” Grabowski and Filipino dunking star David “Air David” Carlos, a FIBA 3x3 World Tour Dunk Contest winner.

The lineup adds a mix of streetball, shooting, and dunking talent to the competition.

What is Red Bull Half Court?

Red Bull Half Court is a 3-on-3 basketball tournament built around a fast-paced format. Games are limited to 10 minutes, with the first team to reach 21 points winning.

The competition also includes an additional scoring element: two special three-point circles positioned behind the regular three-point arc. This gives players another opportunity to score while adding a risk-and-reward component to the game.

During pool play, teams can also earn an “Own the Court” bonus based on their scoring performance, which can help determine advancement to the next stage.

The format is designed to keep games short and high-scoring, making it suited to the quicker rhythm associated with streetball.

Design a basketball court for Red Bull Half Court

The World Finals will also include a creative component for Filipino basketball and street-art fans.

Through Red Bull Design My Court, local designers, street-art enthusiasts, and basketball fans can submit designs for a basketball court they would like to see brought to life.

Submissions will be accepted from September 28 to October 21, 2026.

The initiative gives local creatives an opportunity to contribute to the visual identity of the event while combining basketball with street art and design.

Red Bull Half Court has held World Finals around the world

Manila becomes the latest host city for the Red Bull Half Court World Finals.

Since the tournament launched in 2021, previous World Finals have been held in Rome, Cairo, Belgrade, New York City, and Dubai.

The 2026 edition brings the global competition to the Philippines for the first time, putting Manila alongside those international host cities.

With basketball deeply embedded in Philippine popular culture, the Manila event will bring together local basketball fans and national champions from around the world for two days of competition, entertainment, and street culture.

The Red Bull Half Court World Finals takes place in Manila on December 5, 2026.

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AXEAN Festival 2026 Draws 4,000 to Bali for Southeast Asian Music

AXEAN Festival 2026 Draws 4,000 to Bali for Southeast Asian Music

AXEAN Festival 2026 brought more than 4,000 attendees to Jimbaran Hub in Bali for three days of Southeast Asian music, industry networking and cultural exchange.

The latest edition of the regional music showcase and conference marked the festival's third consecutive year at Jimbaran Hub. Organizers said attendance, including private events, nearly doubled compared with the previous edition.

The festival brought together musicians, music professionals, international delegates and audiences from across the region, combining live performances with meetings, panels, pitching sessions and networking activities.

What happened at AXEAN Festival 2026?

AXEAN Festival 2026 featured artists from Southeast Asia and beyond across a three-stage setup, alongside conference and networking activities for music professionals.

Indonesian artist Ndarboy Genk was among the performers who drew audiences together through a repertoire rooted in dangdut, koplo and Javanese pop.

His performance also reflected one of AXEAN's objectives: creating opportunities for audiences to discover music from different countries, genres and cultural backgrounds in the same setting.

Festival co-founder and co-team leader Piyapong Muenprasertdee, also known as Py, said audience interaction across different musical styles was one of the indicators of the festival's success.

The festival also expanded activities beyond the main program, with a Southeast Asian street food hawker center and an arts and crafts area aimed at making the event more accessible to younger audiences and families.

Why was KEXP's participation significant?

One of the most notable developments at this year's festival was the participation of KEXP, the Seattle-based nonprofit music station and media organization.

AXEAN said the festival became KEXP's first Asian festival partner for its Live at KEXP program.

Twelve Southeast Asian artists were filmed and recorded at two Bali locations, Locca Sea House and Puri Bhagawan, giving their performances an opportunity to reach KEXP's international audience.

For Southeast Asian musicians, exposure through international music platforms can provide another route for audiences and industry professionals outside their home markets to discover their work.

The partnership also demonstrates how music festivals can function as more than live-performance events. They can serve as points of connection between artists, media organizations, promoters and other players in the international music ecosystem.

How did AXEAN connect Southeast Asian music professionals?

The festival's conference component included speed meetings, pitching sessions and panel discussions designed to connect music professionals from different markets.

Partner activities included a brunch hosted by Sounds Australia, programming from Korea Spotlight by the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), and initiatives involving France's Centre national de la musique (CNM).

A VIP lounge supported by The Orchard and the festival's closing after-party also provided informal settings for artists and delegates to meet.

These activities are significant because music markets across Southeast Asia operate within different languages, business structures and cultural contexts. Regional events can give professionals opportunities to establish relationships that may eventually lead to collaborations, touring arrangements, licensing opportunities or other forms of cross-border activity.

Why does Bali remain important to the festival?

AXEAN Festival has held its event at Jimbaran Hub for three consecutive editions, making Bali an increasingly established part of its identity.

According to Py, the festival's connections with Bali's creative community also helped expand its local activities ahead of the main event.

Through its Bali-based correspondent Chika, AXEAN partnered with Craft Hotel in Ubud and Amplitude in Seminyak for pre-event activities, including panel discussions and live performances by Balinese artists.

The approach allowed the festival to connect with local creative communities rather than concentrating its activities solely around the main festival grounds.

What does AXEAN mean for Southeast Asian music?

AXEAN Festival was created around the idea of connecting music markets within Southeast Asia while giving artists opportunities to reach audiences and industry professionals beyond their home countries.

That regional focus is particularly relevant to artists working in markets where language and geography can limit international exposure.

Rather than treating Southeast Asian music as a single genre, the festival's programming brings together different musical traditions and contemporary styles.

The appearance of Indonesian dangdut and Javanese pop alongside artists from other Southeast Asian markets illustrates the diversity of the region's music ecosystem.

The festival's organizers say the longer-term goal is to strengthen Southeast Asia's position within the wider Asian music industry.

What comes next for AXEAN Festival?

AXEAN Festival plans to continue building its regional network through collaborations with other Asian music events and industry initiatives.

A songwriting camp is also planned following the festival as part of efforts to encourage further collaboration among music professionals.

The organizers intend to continue focusing on music discovery and the international promotion of Southeast Asian artists.

For the regional music industry, the significance of AXEAN lies not only in the number of people attending its Bali event, but also in the connections created among artists, media organizations, industry professionals and audiences from different markets.

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Sucere Foods Joins MassKara Festival 2026 in Bacolod

Sucere Foods Joins MassKara Festival 2026 in Bacolod

Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Sucere Foods Corporation is joining the MassKara Festival 2026 in Bacolod City as a co-presenter and food partner, bringing its confectionery brands to one of the country's most anticipated annual festivals.

The Filipino food company will participate in the celebration organized by the Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc., with its brands set to be part of the festival experience for residents and visitors.

MassKara Festival is an annual celebration in Bacolod, widely known for its colorful masks, street dancing, music, performances and community activities. The festival has become closely associated with Bacolod's identity as the City of Smiles.

What is MassKara Festival 2026?

MassKara Festival is Bacolod City's annual festival celebrating local culture, creativity and community through public performances, entertainment, food and other activities.

The festival's name combines the English word "mass" with the Spanish-derived word "kara," meaning face, reflecting its iconic smiling masks.

Sucere Foods will join the 2026 festivities as a Co-Presenter and Food Partner, giving festival-goers opportunities to encounter its confectionery products during the celebration.

Sucere brings its confectionery brands to the festival

Sucere Foods' participation will feature products from its portfolio of Filipino consumer brands, including Mello, Mayfair, Marble and Bambino.

The company's product range includes chocolates, cookies, marshmallows, gummies and other confectionery items.

According to Sucere Foods, its participation is intended to bring its products closer to consumers during a major community celebration.

“We are very happy and honored to be part of the MassKara Festival 2026 as a Co-Presenter and Food Partner. MassKara represents the Filipino spirit of celebrating life, community, and togetherness, values that are very close to Sucere,” said Andrea Valentin Alzaga, AVP for Marketing of Sucere Foods Corporation.

“Through our brands, we hope to add a little more sweetness to the festival experience and create moments that people can enjoy and remember with their families and friends.”

A partnership centered on food and community

Food has long been an important part of Philippine festivals, where meals and treats often become part of gatherings among families and friends.

For food companies, festival partnerships also provide an opportunity to bring consumer brands into settings where people are already gathering and celebrating.

Sucere Foods said its MassKara participation reflects its interest in supporting community events while allowing festival-goers to experience its products.

The company describes itself as a proudly Filipino food company and currently has a portfolio that includes confectionery products across several categories.

MassKara Festival brings Bacolod to life

MassKara is one of Bacolod's signature cultural celebrations and contributes to the city's identity as a destination for festivals and tourism.

The event is particularly recognizable for its smiling masks and colorful street performances, but its activities extend beyond the iconic parades and dancing. Festival programming typically brings together entertainment, food, community gatherings and other activities across the city.

For visitors planning to attend MassKara Festival 2026, the partnership with Sucere Foods adds another food-focused component to the festivities.

Sucere Foods said it looks forward to celebrating alongside Bacolod residents and visitors coming from different parts of the country.

Who organizes MassKara Festival?

The Bacolod Gugma Foundation Inc. is identified by Sucere Foods as the official organizer of MassKara Festival 2026.

The foundation works with partners and stakeholders to mount the city's annual celebration, which brings together residents, businesses, communities and visitors.

For this year's festival, Sucere Foods joins the network of organizations supporting the event as a co-presenter and food partner.

Sucere Foods adds a food brand presence to MassKara 2026

The partnership puts Sucere Foods' consumer brands in the middle of one of Bacolod's largest annual celebrations.

While MassKara remains primarily a cultural and community event, partnerships with consumer brands help support the activities and experiences that make large-scale festivals possible.

For festival-goers, Sucere's participation means another opportunity to discover or enjoy familiar Filipino confectionery products while taking part in the city's colorful celebration.

MassKara Festival 2026 will once again bring together Bacolodnons and visitors for a celebration built around music, dance, food, culture and community.

With Sucere Foods joining as co-presenter and food partner, the company will be adding its own sweet touch to the festivities in the City of Smiles.

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Austin Dizon and Vienne Luna Win Century Tuna Superbods 2026

Austin Dizon and Vienne Luna Win Century Tuna Superbods 2026

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Austin Dizon and Vienne Luna emerged as the male and female Grand Winners of the 20th Century Tuna Superbods, taking home ₱1 million each during the competition’s 2026 Finals Night.

The two winners were selected from 40 finalists who competed in the milestone edition of the long-running fitness and wellness competition.

Held at Solaire Resort North, the finals brought together the contenders, celebrity guests, fitness personalities and Century Tuna ambassadors for the culminating event of the 2026 search.

Dizon was recognized for his advocacy promoting accessible quality nutrition, while Luna highlighted Project H.E.R., which stands for Health, Empowerment, and Resilience.

The runners-up were MJ Ordillano and Jas Paguio, who each received ₱250,000.

Who are the 2026 Century Tuna Superbods winners?

Austin Dizon and Vienne Luna stood out not only for their physical preparation but also for the advocacies they brought to the competition.

Dizon's advocacy focuses on making quality nutrition more accessible, while Luna's Project H.E.R. centers on health, empowerment and resilience.

Their causes reflected the direction of this year's competition, which placed greater emphasis on personal stories, wellness journeys and advocacy alongside physical fitness.

Century Tuna's official website continues to feature the Superbods program as part of its fitness and wellness initiatives.

From 40 finalists to the final Top 16

The 40 finalists went through several stages before the winners were announced.

During Finals Night, the contenders took part in runway presentations featuring activewear, lifestyle wear and swimwear. The field was eventually narrowed to the Top 16, who faced the decisive Question and Answer round.

The finalists had also undergone physical challenges, advocacy workshops and community engagements before the finals.

These activities were designed to highlight qualities beyond physical appearance, including communication, personality, confidence and the causes the contestants wanted to champion.

Century Tuna celebrates 20 years of Superbods

The 2026 competition marked the 20th edition of Century Tuna Superbods, making this year's finals a milestone for the brand's fitness-focused platform.

The anniversary edition placed emphasis on the stories behind the contestants and the different ways they define health, strength and personal growth.

Rather than focusing exclusively on physique, the competition highlighted advocacies ranging from nutrition and physical training to mental strength and personal resilience.

That approach was reflected in the special awards handed out during the evening.

Meet the other special award winners

Several finalists received special recognition during the finals.

Among the awards presented were:

• Century Tuna Super Bowl Game Changer: Ricardo de Jesus and Diane Querrer
• Century Tuna Nuggets Supermom: Rov Mizuse
• Century Tuna Nuggets Superdad: Jaco Benin
• Vita Coco Most Refreshingly Real Award: Nunoy van den Burgh and Jas Paguio
• Fitness Breakthrough Award: Ameer Ahid and Maan Marquez
• Jojo Bragais Power Walk Award: MJ Ordillano and Vienne Luna
• Superbod Ultimate Transformation: Rafael Tan and Vienne Luna
• Fan Choice Award: Austin Dizon and Aleiah Torres
• Bench Active Lifestyle Icon: Austin Dizon and Anna Lakrini
• Kilos Superbod Synergy: Jaco Benin and Anna Lakrini; Josh Florendo and Cianne Dominguez
• Digital Champ Award: Lorenzo Isip and Vienne Luna
• Ageless Award: Jay Gonzaga and Gee Canlas
• Solaire Wellness Icon Award: Prince de Guzman and Cianne Dominguez
• Media Choice Award: Prince de Guzman and Cianne Dominguez
• Beyond the Bod Advocacy Champion: Ricardo de Jesus and Thalia Joaquin

Vienne Luna was among the night's most frequently recognized finalists, receiving awards for Power Walk, Ultimate Transformation and Digital Champ, in addition to the female Grand Winner title.

Austin Dizon also received multiple honors, including Fan Choice and Bench Active Lifestyle Icon, before being named the male Grand Winner.

Anne Curtis, Alice Dixson and Atasha Muhlach join the celebration

Century Tuna ambassadors Anne Curtis, Alice Dixson and Atasha Muhlach were among the personalities who appeared during the finals.

Curtis and Dixson were also part of the judging panel, alongside actress Marian Rivera, actor-host Luis Manzano, athlete Mauro Lumba, Century Pacific Food Inc. executives Greg Banzon and Carlo Endaya.

Radio DJ Sam YG and television host Bianca Gonzalez served as hosts for the evening.

The event brought together entertainment and fitness personalities as the 40 finalists made their final presentations before the winners were announced.

What comes after the Century Tuna Superbods finals?

While the competition has reached its final night, Century Tuna is positioning the 2026 winners and finalists as advocates who can continue sharing their respective health and wellness journeys.

For the contestants, the competition involved more than the final stage presentation. Their preparation included fitness challenges, advocacy work and community activities intended to connect their personal stories with broader wellness messages.

That makes the 20th edition less about a single competition night and more about how the finalists can carry their respective advocacies beyond the stage.

For now, Austin Dizon and Vienne Luna take the titles as the Century Tuna Superbods 2026 Grand Winners, closing the competition's 20th edition with two new faces representing the Superbod platform.

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Marcelo H. Del Pilar Exhibit by His 17-Year-Old Descendant

Marcelo H. Del Pilar Exhibit by His 17-Year-Old Descendant

Monday, September 14, 2026

At just 17 years old, Pax Pineda is examining Philippine history from a deeply personal perspective.

As the great-great-great-grandson of Filipino reformist Marcelo H. Del Pilar, Pineda has grown up with a family connection to one of the country’s most recognized historical figures. His debut exhibition, MARCELO: THE MAN BEHIND THE HERO (Reflections on the Legacy of Marcelo H. Del Pilar), looks beyond Del Pilar’s political work to explore the personal sacrifices behind his life as a patriot, husband, and father.

The exhibition runs from September 4 to October 17, 2026, at the 2F Lobby of the Diorama Experience Gallery at Ayala Museum. It is co-presented by Ayala Museum and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

Looking at Del Pilar as a person

For Pineda, the exhibition is an attempt to move beyond the way heroes are commonly presented in history lessons.

“Often, history books shroud our heroes behind a dense wall of specific publications, dates, and political actions,” he says.

Rather than focusing solely on Del Pilar’s contributions to the Philippine reform movement, Pineda examines the person behind those historical milestones, particularly the cost of his decision to live away from his family while pursuing reform.

The exhibition draws from Del Pilar’s writings, including Dasalan at Tocsohan and his work associated with La Solidaridad, as well as personal letters that provide a glimpse into his relationship with his daughters, Sofia and Anita.

Those letters offer a different perspective on Del Pilar’s years away from home. Despite the distance separating him from his family, the documents portray a father who remained emotionally involved in his daughters’ lives.

For Pineda, this personal material is important in understanding that Del Pilar’s absence was not necessarily a reflection of a lack of love. Instead, it shows the difficult choices he made while living with poverty, isolation, and homesickness.

A family connection, approached as historical research

Pineda's position as a direct descendant gives the exhibition a perspective that is both personal and unusual.

At the same time, he approached the project as a historical inquiry, using research to balance his family's connection to Del Pilar with the need to present an evidence-based account of his life.

“This exhibition aims to strip away that historical mystery and introduce the actual character of the man,” Pineda explains.

His interpretation centers on the tension between Del Pilar's love for his wife and daughters and his decision to sacrifice the comforts of family life for his reformist work.

For Pineda, that sacrifice is part of what makes Del Pilar relatable beyond the pages of history books.

Connecting Philippine history with the Filipino diaspora

Pineda's own experience growing up in Hong Kong also informs the way he views his ancestor's story.

The exhibition draws a connection between Del Pilar's life abroad and the experiences of Filipinos in the diaspora today. Many Filipinos continue to live and work far from their families, making personal sacrifices in the hope of creating better opportunities for those at home.

This contemporary perspective allows Pineda to present Del Pilar's story not only as a chapter in Philippine history, but also as a story about family, separation, responsibility, and sacrifice.

Making history relatable to younger Filipinos

One of Pineda's goals is to encourage young visitors to approach history through empathy rather than memorization.

“Young people might not relate to editing a reformist newspaper, but they absolutely understand love, homesickness, and standing up for what is right,” he says.

Through MARCELO: THE MAN BEHIND THE HERO, Pineda hopes visitors will see Marcelo H. Del Pilar not simply as a name associated with the Philippine reform movement, but as a person who faced difficult choices and personal losses while pursuing what he believed was a better future for his country.

MARCELO: THE MAN BEHIND THE HERO (Reflections on the Legacy of Marcelo H. Del Pilar) is on view from September 4 to October 17, 2026, at the 2F Lobby of the Diorama Experience Gallery at Ayala Museum.

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SM East Metro Malls Offer Up to 50% Off in September

SM East Metro Malls Offer Up to 50% Off in September

Shoppers in the East Metro can look forward to three days of discounts as the SM Super September Sale takes place from September 18 to 20, 2026.

The sale will be available at SM City Marikina, SM City Masinag, and SM City San Mateo, with discounts of up to 50% off on select items.

The three-day promotion gives shoppers an opportunity to pick up clothing, household items, gifts, and other purchases ahead of the holiday season while taking advantage of participating store offers.

When and where is the SM Super September Sale?

The SM Super September Sale runs from September 18 to 20, 2026, at three SM malls in the East Metro:

• SM City Marikina
• SM City Masinag
• SM City San Mateo

Selected items will be offered at up to 50% off, although actual discounts and participating products may vary by store.

For shoppers planning a visit, checking individual store offers and sale conditions before purchasing is advisable, particularly for items with limited stocks or specific promotional terms.

What can shoppers look for during the sale?

The September schedule makes the promotion timely for several types of purchases.

Start Christmas shopping early

With the holiday season approaching, the sale can be an opportunity to begin buying gifts before the heavier shopping period in November and December.

Starting early can also make it easier to spread purchases across several weeks instead of handling most Christmas shopping in one trip.

Prepare for the rainy season

September remains part of the rainy season in the Philippines, making practical purchases such as clothing, footwear, home items, and other everyday essentials worth considering during a sale.

The key is to prioritize items already on your shopping list rather than buying simply because something is discounted.

Refresh your wardrobe

Shoppers looking for new clothes or accessories can also check participating fashion retailers for sale items.

A discount can be more useful when applied to something you already need, whether that means replacing frequently used basics or preparing for upcoming events.

How can shoppers make the most of a mall sale?

A three-day sale can be tempting, but a little planning can help keep the shopping trip within budget.

1. Make a list before heading to the mall.

Identify the items you actually need, especially if you're shopping for Christmas gifts.

2. Compare the sale price with the regular price.

A percentage discount does not automatically mean an item is the best value.

3. Check store-specific promotions.

The advertised “up to 50% off” applies to select items, so discounts can differ between participating stores.

4. Set a spending limit.

Decide how much you intend to spend before shopping and prioritize essential purchases.

5. Shop early for popular items.

Sale stocks may be limited, particularly for specific sizes, colors, or gift items.

A September sale before the holiday shopping rush

September is an increasingly useful time for Filipino shoppers to start thinking about the holiday season. Buying gifts earlier can spread expenses over several pay periods and reduce the pressure of last-minute shopping.

For families in Marikina, Antipolo-area communities, and nearby parts of the East Metro, the three participating SM malls also provide convenient options for combining shopping with dining and other weekend activities.

The SM Super September Sale runs September 18 to 20 at SM City Marikina, SM City Masinag, and SM City San Mateo. Discounts of up to 50% are available on select items during the promotion.

Shoppers should check participating stores for specific offers, product availability, and applicable sale terms.

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Ylona Garcia Marks 10 Years in Music With PH Homecoming

Ylona Garcia Marks 10 Years in Music With PH Homecoming

Thursday, September 3, 2026

Ylona Garcia is marking a decade in music with two homecoming performances in the Philippines this September, revisiting the songs and experiences that have shaped her journey while giving fans a preview of what comes next.

The two-part celebration begins with Backyard Live: Ylona Garcia Spotlight on September 4 at Backyard Warehouse Studio in Baesa, Quezon City. The invitation-only event will offer a limited audience an intimate look at Ylona's 10th anniversary project.

On September 5, the celebration opens to the public with 10 Years of Ylona Garcia: Live at Venice Grand Canal Mall in McKinley Hill, starting at 7 p.m.

What will Ylona Garcia's 10th anniversary shows feature?

The anniversary performances will revisit songs from Ylona's decade-long career, but the material will be presented through her current perspective as an artist.

Rather than simply looking back, the project reflects how her experiences over the past 10 years have influenced the way she approaches music today.

Ylona described her first five years in the industry as a period of learning, particularly as she navigated Filipino culture and the entertainment business. She said the following five years brought more difficult personal experiences, including loss, emotional challenges and periods of being alone abroad.

Those experiences, she explained, helped her understand the distinction between being a singer and becoming an artist.

That evolution will be reflected in the anniversary performances.

From Philippine pop star to international artist

Ylona first gained recognition in the Philippines before expanding her musical career internationally.

Her journey eventually brought her to Paradise Rising, the Filipino-focused label under 88rising, and to Los Angeles, where she continued developing her music career.

Her international work has included a performance at 88rising's Head in the Clouds festival and the release of "Entertain Me," a collaboration connected to Riot Games' VALORANT.

Her growing profile has also brought attention from international publications, including V Magazine.

The path has not always been straightforward, but the different stages of her career have helped shape the artist she is today.

A new live album is also coming

The two Philippine performances will eventually form part of Ylona Garcia's 10th Anniversary Live Album, a nine-track collection featuring her interpretations of songs from the past decade.

The album will also connect her previous work with her next musical chapter.

Elements of the sounds and influences being developed for her long-awaited second EP will be incorporated into the anniversary performances, giving the project a forward-looking component.

For fans, that means the homecoming is not simply a retrospective. It is also a glimpse into the direction Ylona wants to take next.

Ylona Garcia begins a new chapter with Sony Music

Ylona is working with Sony Music Entertainment to reimagine her catalog for the anniversary project.

For the singer, the collaboration has also become part of her personal and artistic growth.

She described learning how to bring her own vision into a creative room, consider other perspectives and build something collectively without losing the message she wants to communicate.

That process appears to be central to the next stage of her career: maintaining her identity while becoming more intentional about the music she creates.

Two shows, one decade of music

Ylona Garcia's 10th anniversary homecoming brings together different parts of her journey, from her beginnings in Philippine showbiz to her international ambitions and the personal experiences that have influenced her songwriting and artistry.

The September 4 show at Backyard Warehouse Studio offers an intimate start to the celebration, while the September 5 performance at Venice Grand Canal Mall brings the anniversary to a broader audience.

After a decade of change, Ylona is returning to the Philippines not only to revisit where she started, but also to introduce audiences to the artist she has become.

The anniversary performances mark a significant milestone for Ylona Garcia, but the bigger story may be what follows. With a live album and second EP in the works, her 10th year in music looks less like an ending and more like the beginning of another chapter.

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The Itchyworms Bring OPM to New Zealand This September

The Itchyworms Bring OPM to New Zealand This September

Filipino pop-rock band The Itchyworms are taking their music to New Zealand this September with the Akin Ka Na Lang New Zealand Tour, bringing their signature mix of catchy melodies, sharp lyrics, humor and heartbreak to four cities.

The band will headline shows in Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown, and Christchurch, giving Filipino communities in New Zealand an opportunity to reconnect with home through OPM while inviting Kiwi audiences to experience one of the Philippines' well-known pop-rock acts.

Where will The Itchyworms perform in New Zealand?

The Itchyworms will perform in four New Zealand cities throughout September 2026:

• Auckland: September 18 at Galatos
• Wellington: September 19 at Notre Dame Performing Arts Center
• Queenstown: September 25 at Queenstown Memorial Center
• Christchurch: September 26 at Christ's College Auditorium

Tickets are priced at NZ$99 for Standing VIP, which includes a photo opportunity, and NZ$69 for Standing General Admission.

Tickets are available through the tour's ticketing page.

The tour is more than a series of overseas performances for The Itchyworms. It also gives the band a chance to connect with Filipinos living in New Zealand and introduce OPM to friends and audiences from outside the Filipino community.

The Itchyworms bring a distinctly Filipino sound overseas

The Itchyworms have built their identity around songs that combine memorable pop-rock melodies with clever and often relatable storytelling.

For drummer and vocalist Jazz Nicolas, that combination is part of what makes the band's music accessible across generations and cultures. Their songs can tackle petty frustrations, heartbreak and difficult experiences while packaging those emotions in melodies that are easy to remember.

That balance of humor and emotion has become part of the band's appeal.

It also makes the New Zealand tour an opportunity to introduce international audiences to another side of Original Pilipino Music (OPM). Filipino music is not limited to one sound or genre, and bands such as The Itchyworms show how contemporary OPM can blend rock, pop and distinctly Filipino storytelling.

A chance to celebrate Filipino culture

For vocalist and guitarist Jugs Jugueta, the New Zealand shows are also about reconnecting with Filipino communities abroad.

Jugueta said the band is encouraged by the growing international interest in Filipino culture, including its music and artists. He also encouraged Filipinos attending the shows to bring their Kiwi friends and family.

That invitation reflects an important part of overseas Filipino concerts. These events can serve both as a gathering for Filipinos abroad and as an introduction to Filipino culture for international audiences.

For The Itchyworms, music becomes a way to share not only familiar songs but also the energy and humor associated with Filipino celebrations.

Four cities, one OPM experience

The New Zealand tour gives Filipino music fans across the country several opportunities to catch The Itchyworms live.

Auckland opens the tour on September 18, followed by Wellington the next day. After a short break, the band heads to Queenstown on September 25 before wrapping up the tour in Christchurch on September 26.

For Filipino fans who have been away from home, hearing familiar OPM songs performed live can offer a strong connection to the Philippines. For first-time listeners, meanwhile, the shows could provide a lively introduction to the songwriting and sound of The Itchyworms.

With four stops across New Zealand, The Itchyworms New Zealand Tour is set to bring a familiar Filipino sound to audiences far from home while giving OPM another opportunity to travel beyond Philippine shores.

For Filipino music fans in New Zealand, it is also a chance to sing along, reconnect and, as Jugueta puts it, show their Kiwi friends how Filipinos party.

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17-Year-Old Pax Pineda Brings Marcelo H. Del Pilar’s Story to Ayala Museum

17-Year-Old Pax Pineda Brings Marcelo H. Del Pilar’s Story to Ayala Museum

Tuesday, August 25, 2026

At 17, Pax Pineda is taking an unusually personal approach to Philippine history: he is helping tell the story of his own ancestor, Filipino propagandist and journalist Marcelo H. Del Pilar.

Pineda, Del Pilar’s great-great-great-grandson, is collaborating with Ayala Museum and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) for LOLO MARCELO: THE MAN BEHIND THE HERO (Reflections on the Legacy of Marcelo H. Del Pilar). The exhibition runs from September 4 to October 17, 2026, at the 2F Lobby of Ayala Museum’s Diorama Experience Gallery.

The exhibit goes beyond the familiar image of Del Pilar as a historical figure. Through artifacts, letters, and artworks, it looks at the man behind the name—his work as a journalist and lawyer, but also his life as a husband, father, and Filipino who paid a personal price for his reformist cause.

Who was Marcelo H. Del Pilar?

Marcelo H. Del Pilar, who wrote under the pen name Plaridel, was a Filipino writer, journalist, lawyer, and reform advocate who became one of the leading figures of the Propaganda Movement.

The movement sought political and social reforms for Filipinos under Spanish colonial rule. Del Pilar became closely associated with La Solidaridad, the reformist newspaper published in Spain, and contributed to the intellectual campaign for greater rights and representation for Filipinos.

According to the NHCP, Del Pilar was born in Bulacan on August 30, 1850, and died in Barcelona on July 4, 1896. The agency identifies him as a patriot, writer, and editor of La Solidaridad.

His legacy is often discussed alongside fellow reformists such as José Rizal and Graciano López Jaena. But the Ayala Museum exhibition takes a different approach by asking what his political work meant for the people closest to him.

What does the exhibit reveal about Del Pilar’s personal life?

One of the exhibition’s central themes is sacrifice.

Del Pilar left the Philippines in 1888 amid persecution and continued his reform campaign in Spain. His departure meant prolonged separation from his family and homeland.

He also devoted substantial personal resources to La Solidaridad. When the publication faced financial difficulties, Del Pilar helped keep it going, eventually experiencing serious financial hardship himself.

Those details add another dimension to the historical narrative. Del Pilar was not simply a name attached to a reform movement. His political convictions affected his finances, family life, health, and ultimately where he spent his final years.

The NHCP records that Del Pilar died in Barcelona in 1896, making his final resting place far from the country whose political and social conditions he had spent years seeking to change.

Why is Pax Pineda telling his ancestor’s story?

For Pineda, the exhibition is also a family story.

Being Del Pilar’s descendant gives him a perspective that differs from the standard textbook account. Instead of focusing only on the propagandist's political achievements, Pineda wants visitors to consider the consequences of those choices for Del Pilar and his family.

That perspective is particularly relevant for younger audiences.

Historical figures can sometimes feel distant when they are presented only through dates, portraits, famous writings, and political milestones. Looking at Del Pilar as a person—a journalist working under pressure, a lawyer, a husband, a father, and a man separated from his family—creates another way to understand his decisions.

Pineda says he wants to share that less familiar side of his ancestor's story and the sacrifices experienced by the family he left behind.

Why is this approach important for Philippine history?

Personal stories can make historical events easier to understand without diminishing their significance.

The Propaganda Movement was not simply an abstract political campaign. Its participants lived with censorship, persecution, financial pressures, separation from their families, and uncertainty.

By placing those experiences alongside Del Pilar's public achievements, the exhibition encourages visitors to consider what political advocacy actually required from the people who pursued it.

It also raises a question that remains relevant: What happens to families when one person chooses to pursue a cause larger than their own immediate interests?

What can visitors see at the Marcelo H. Del Pilar exhibit?

The exhibition features materials on loan from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, including artifacts transported from the Marcelo H. Del Pilar Shrine in Bulakan, Bulacan.

The shrine is recognized by the NHCP as a national shrine and museum dedicated to Del Pilar. Its historical registry identifies the site as his birthplace and notes his roles as patriot, writer, and editor of La Solidaridad.

The Ayala Museum presentation brings selected materials into a different setting, allowing visitors to encounter Del Pilar's story within the museum's broader approach to Philippine history and culture.

According to Ayala Museum, the project is also intended to explore significant historical figures and events that are not specifically represented in its existing 60 Dioramas of Philippine history.

When and where can you see the exhibit?

LOLO MARCELO: THE MAN BEHIND THE HERO (Reflections on the Legacy of Marcelo H. Del Pilar) will be presented from September 4 to October 17, 2026 at the 2F Lobby, Diorama Experience Gallery of Ayala Museum in Makati City.

The exhibition is being presented in collaboration with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

Ayala Museum Events and Visitor Information

The timing also gives the exhibit added significance. Its opening comes just days after Del Pilar's 176th birth anniversary on August 30.

Ayala Museum curator Tenten Mina connects Del Pilar's experience of separation from his family with a reality still familiar to many Filipinos: leaving loved ones behind in pursuit of work, opportunity, or a larger goal.

The historical circumstances are different, but the emotional experience of separation remains recognizable.

That is perhaps where this exhibition's most accessible idea lies. Del Pilar's contribution to Philippine history can be studied through his writings and political activities, but his life can also be understood through universal experiences—family, ambition, sacrifice, homesickness, financial struggle, and commitment.

For younger visitors in particular, that human dimension can make a figure from the 19th century feel considerably less distant.

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