Thoney Pascual, Author at The Metropolista

23 October 202423 October 2024

NIKE, Inc. Signs Historic Partnership Extension with NBA, WNBA and NBA G League Through 2037

NIKE, Inc., the National Basketball Association (NBA), and the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) today announced a 12-year extension of their global outfitting, merchandising, marketing, and content partnership that solidifies NIKE, Inc. as the leader in global basketball and as the exclusive on-court uniform and apparel provider for the NBA, WNBA, and NBA G League.

NIKE, Inc. will extend its rights over 12 additional seasons to design and manufacture NBA, WNBA, and G League uniforms, on-court apparel, and fan apparel, furthering its commitment to grow and improve the sport of basketball for the next generation.

“NIKE has always been more than a league sponsor—we’re a strategic partner with an unwavering commitment to growing the game alongside the NBA, WNBA, and NBA G League,” says Elliott Hill, NIKE, Inc. President and CEO. “Our collective power, global reach, and genuine love for the game will only continue to create new pathways and opportunities for players and fans.”

“This partnership extension reflects our enduring commitment to growing the game, championing basketball culture, and supporting the next generation of athletes,” says Sarah Mensah, President, Jordan Brand. “We put athletes and the game at the center of all we do, and this extension serves to further galvanize hoopers behind a shared pursuit of greatness as only NIKE, Inc. and our partners can.”

The global extension is highlighted by new content initiatives, a comprehensive commitment to grassroots basketball, as well as the continued development of a joint membership program that delivers benefits to fans of the brands through distinctive products, content, and experiences. As the biggest champion of the women’s game, Nike, Inc. is also deepening its investment in the WNBA.

“NIKE is inextricably linked to basketball and has helped fuel the growth and innovation around our sport for decades,” says NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. “With an added focus on youth basketball, our expanded partnership will create even more opportunities for aspiring players to learn and compete at all levels and for fans of all ages to engage with the NBA and WNBA.”

“Since our league’s inception, NIKE has committed to a shared vision for girls and women’s basketball,” says WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “Our continued partnership is an opportunity to fortify avenues for development and enhance touchpoints across our dynamic fanbase while globally showcasing the WNBA.”

NIKE, Inc. and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) also extended their group license agreement, making NIKE, Inc. an official partner of the NBPA.

“We’re excited to renew our partnership with NIKE and continue to showcase our players’ efforts on and off the court,” says NBPA Executive Director Andre Iguodala. “This partnership highlights the reach, influence, and impact of our members, driving basketball fandom and inspiring millions of people around the world.”

The renewal follows the eight-year global outfitting, merchandising, marketing, and content partnership struck in 2015, which made NIKE, Inc. the official on-court outfitter beginning with the 2017-18 NBA season. Nike has been an NBA partner since 1992, a marketing partner of the WNBA since its inception in 1997 and a marketing partner of the NBA G League since the 2017-18 season.

Together, the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League, and NIKE will continue to expand basketball for the next generation by:

Introducing programs and resources to make best-in-class youth basketball accessible and scalable, prioritizing broad-based access to age- and stage-appropriate coaching, training, on-court development curriculum, and playing standards to youth of all backgrounds and abilities, including through the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA.

Creating basketball programming and resources designed to increase access to the sport and improve the playing experience for girls of all levels, including through the Jr. WNBA and Basketball Without Borders (BWB).

Collaborating to enhance player, coach, and program development opportunities across the NIKE Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) through expanded leadership, player health, and on-court development programming.

NIKE, Inc. will further grow its established presence across marquee league events, including NBA Global Games, NBA All-Star, WNBA All-Star, the NBA Draft Combine, the WNBA Draft, WNBA Changemakers, the NBA Draft presented by State Farm®, the NBA 2K Summer League and the NBA G League Fall Invitational.

23 October 2024

SM’s loyalty program raises PHP30M to solve food insecurity and quality education.

SMAC, SM’s loyalty program, raised over PHP30 million between December 2023 and January 2024 to assist in solving involuntary hunger and a lack of access to excellent education across the country, in conjunction with Globe’s Hapag Movement and the SM Foundation.
This is SMAC’s second year working with the Hapag Movement, which aims to provide supplemental meals and sustainable livelihood training to 100,000 Filipino families. Last year’s campaign raised PHP5.5 million, benefiting 10,000 people.

SMAC sponsored the campaign by donating P50 for every SMAC kit sold. Bonus points were also donated to the campaign for every eligible purchase made at participating SM Retail affiliates, which included SM Store, SM Fashion, SM Beauty, SM Appliance Centre, Kultura, Our Home, Surplus, Sport Central, Silk Issues, Levi’s, Forever 21, The Body Shop, Echo, and Crate and Barrel.

“We credit our success to the support of our devoted SMAC members. Every purchase they make, every point they donate, helps needy families. “Together, we can create a future in which no one goes hungry,” said Kevin Hartigan-Go, Chief Operating Officer of SMAC.

This year, SMAC and Globe’s collaboration generated approximately 30 million points, which will be donated to the Hapag Movement and the SM Foundation. Hartigan-Go emphasized that “these will be put into programs that will directly impact the lives of many Filipinos.”

Unite to make a difference.

According to the most recent June 2024 Social Weather Station (SWS) poll, the country’s hunger rate has risen to 17.6% from 14.2% in March.

Hartigan-Go shared that “Hapag’s vision of fighting involuntary hunger resonates with SMAC, our retail partners, and our SMAC member base.”
Meanwhile, Yoly Crisanto, Globe’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer, emphasized the importance of working with SMAC.

“This cooperation extends beyond seasonal efforts to provide families with long-term support. We are laying the groundwork for long-term change by reducing involuntary hunger and empowering households to better their livelihoods. We are delighted to continue this effort and invite other organizations to partner with us so that we can make a difference,” Crisanto stated.

The Hapag Movement’s partner organizations include the UN World Food Programme, the Ayala Foundation, and World Vision Philippines.

19 October 2024

2GO Partners with Grab for Seamless Transport from Door to Shore

Thanks to its partnership with Grab, 2GO sea travellers can now enjoy seamless transportation from home to the pier.

In a move to elevate the travel experience for Filipino passengers, 2GO, the Philippines’ largest integrated transportation and logistics solutions provider, has partnered with Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading super app, to offer a seamless and convenient transport option from door to shore and shore to door. This strategic partnership spans five major ports across the country: Manila, Cebu, Bacolod, Iloilo, and Cagayan de Oro. It combines the strengths of two industry leaders to enhance the journey of modern travellers.

Starting today, every 2GO Travel ticket transaction made through the 2GO app will come with a Grab promo code in the booking confirmation email. Passengers can use this code to book Grab rides to or from their homes to the specified port, making the entire journey more convenient and hassle-free.

“At 2GO, we are dedicated to enriching every aspect of our customers’ travel experience, ensuring their journey is enjoyable and stress-free from start to finish. Our partnership with Grab perfectly aligns with our goal of providing seamless transportation solutions, both to and from the pier,” said Blessie Cruz, 2GO Retail Business Unit Head. “Grab is an ideal partner to help us deliver this promise, enhancing the overall travel convenience we offer to our passengers.”

As a trusted provider of safe, reliable, and convenient ride-hailing services, Grab Philippines is excited to be part of this initiative. “GJ Roño, Director for Commercial and Business Development of Grab Philippines, shared, “Grab has always been keen on collaborating with companies that share our mission of improving the transport experience of Filipinos. Through our partnership with 2GO, we enable more Filipinos to plan and access a seamless integrated transport experience that is safe and convenient.”

To avail of this exciting offer, passengers simply need to download the 2GO app, purchase their tickets, and receive a Grab promo code upon completing their transaction. The code is valid for rides both to the pier and back from the pier to their chosen destination, creating a truly seamless door-to-pier and pier-to-door travel experience.

With this partnership, 2GO and Grab are redefining the travel landscape in the Philippines. They combine trusted transport services with innovative digital solutions to make every journey a memorable adventure.

19 October 2024

The LeBron XXII Applies Pressure, Offering Lockdown Support For Explosive Movement.

LeBron’s latest distinctive silhouette reflects decades of overcoming pressure. The LeBron XXII is designed to improve LeBron’s game and inspire future basketball players to thrive under pressure.

“We engineered the LeBron XXII to match his powerful and agile playing style,” explains Ross Klein, Senior Director of men’s Basketball Footwear Product Design. “To move with the force and precision LeBron needs, we focused on delivering maximum lockdown control, all while maintaining the speed, lightweight feel, and court connection that he’s loved in his recent signature models.”

The LeBron XXII features a unique midfoot saddle structure that functions as a guardrail, providing natural control and stability. This allows the next generation to confidently push the limits. The shoe has Cushlon 2.0 foam in the midsole for comfort, while Zoom technology is in the heel and forefoot for powerful propulsion and smooth landings.

The low-top silhouette promotes stability and freedom of movement for athletes while maintaining control. The outsole characteristics, including traction zones, support important motions like LeBron’s jab steps, reverse pivots, takeoffs, and step-backs.

The LeBron XXII combines performance and luxury, including premium materials, enhanced construction, and refined craftsmanship to meet the demands of any stage, from the hardwood to Hollywood. The shoe reflects LeBron’s distinctive style, with vivid colorways inspired by his design influences and his signature implanted in the heel, adding a unique and personal touch.

LeBron’s latest signature model follows the debut of his first training shoe, the LeBron TR1. This all-day silhouette caters to multisport athletes looking for top-tier performance and strong street flair.

The LeBron XXII will be available in adult and kids’ sizes on Nike.com and in select retail stores. November 1LeBron’s current distinctive silhouette is the result of decades of embracing, channeling, and overcoming pressure. The LeBron XXII is designed to improve his game while also motivating the next generation of basketball players, who, like their idol, thrive under pressure rather than avoid it.

The LeBron XXII features a unique midfoot saddle design that serves as a guardrail and provides a natural sense of control and stability, allowing the next generation to lock in, take off, and push the limits with confidence. The shoe also has Cushlon 2.0 foam in the midsole for more comfort with each step, and Zoom technology in the heel and forefoot assures powerful propulsion and smooth landings.
The low-top silhouette keeps athletes grounded and allows for free mobility while maintaining control. The outsole characteristics, including traction zones, are designed to enhance important motions like LeBron’s jab steps, reverse pivots, takeoffs, and stepbacks.

The LeBron XXII combines performance and luxury, including premium materials, higher-performance construction, and refined detailing that can withstand the demands of any stage, from hardwood to Hollywood. LeBron’s distinctive style is obvious throughout the shoe, from the colorful, disruptive colorways inspired by his design influences to his signature embedded in the heel, which adds a distinct and personal touch.
The debut of LeBron’s latest signature model comes shortly after the announcement of his first training shoe, the LeBron TR1, which spans disciplines in an all-day silhouette that caters to multisport players looking for both top-tier performance and strong street flair.

The LeBron XXII will be available in adult and kids’ sizes at Nike.com and select retail locations on November 1.

8 October 2024

2GO and DOT Join Forces for FBSE Program, Promoting Filipino Brand of Service Excellence

2GO, a proud subsidiary of the SM Group and the Philippines’ top marine travel provider, has partnered with the DOT to support the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) Program. Working together, 2GO and the Philippines Tourism Board are reiterating their shared goal of raising the bar for the tourism industry through superior hospitality and culturally relevant service.

Undersecretary Shahlimar Hofer Tamano is in charge of the FBSE Program, which is one of the Department of Tourism’s most well-known initiatives. Our goal is to train frontline workers in the tourism and hospitality industry to create a unique national brand by providing outstanding service that embodies the warmth of the Filipino people. Dios, Makatao, Maka-Kalikasan, Makabansa, Masayahin, May Bayanihan, and May Pag-asa are the seven fundamental Filipino values that this customer service program centers on. These principles set it apart from more traditional approaches.

The industry’s commitment to upgrading hospitality standards in the Philippines is shown in 2GO’s commitment to the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence Program. “This partnership guarantees that our guests will encounter the distinct friendliness and generosity that characterize the Filipino service style,” remarks Hon. Shahlimar Hofer Tamano.

Greetings, 2GO: Making the Filipino Hospitality Industry Stronger
By sending fourteen people to a DOT-sponsored “Train-The-Trainer” training session, 2GO supports the department’s efforts to establish and broaden the FBSE’s reach. These 2GO participants will train team members, especially those who work in the tourist industry or on the front lines. Among other culturally significant Filipino customs with a 2GO touch, the training demonstrates and applies the Mabuhay and Salamat Gestures within 2GO establishments. By adopting FBSE standards, 2GO is improving the service experience for its customers and creating an atmosphere that is welcoming to Filipinos.

These certified trainers will be crucial in instilling the FBSE values across 2GO and maintaining service standards that faithfully represent the diverse Filipino hospitality culture. Aligning with the FBSE Program enables us to contribute to a seamless Filipino hospitality experience for our passengers travelling from shore to shore, as we expect more travellers in the Philippines,” says Frederic DyBuncio, President and CEO of 2GO Group, Inc.

“The FBSE Program has truly enriched our approach to service,” notes Vince Canete, 2GO’s HR and Training Supervisor and one of the newly certified trainers. Instilling a sense of pride and cultural identification in our passengers is equally as important as training our staff. It is our hope that our day-to-day operations reflect this kind of professionalism and friendliness.

Raising the Bar for Service Quality Company-wide
Aiming to foster a culture of service excellence, integrating the FBSE Program within 2GO will substantially raise the quality standards of the sea transport tourism workforce. 2GO must provide first-rate service that reflects Filipino values, and this project couldn’t come at a better moment because the Philippines is seeing a consistent rise in tourist arrivals.

Two-Go is reiterating its commitment to building a brand that reflects the rich history of Filipino hospitality by training 200 participants from different departments across different locations. With this relationship with the DOT, 2GO has reached a new level of success in its mission to improve transportation and logistics services in the Philippines.

To learn more about 2GO’s products and services, visit 2go.com.ph

6 October 20246 October 2024

Celebrating Brotherhood and Philanthropy: The 17th Annual Reggie Padua Cup

Under the sun-drenched skies of Camp Aguinaldo Golf Course, nearly 100 participants gathered for the 17th Annual Reggie Padua Cup, a day filled with camaraderie, competition, and a commitment to philanthropy. Organized by UP TAI and expertly managed by SOCEX Consulting Corp., this year’s tournament raised vital funds for the National Children’s Hospital, showcasing the profound strength of community bonds and the joy of uniting for a noble cause.

The event was more than just a golf tournament; it was a vibrant celebration of friendship and generosity. As golfers teed off, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement, each swing echoing the underlying message that true brotherhood thrives in connection and support. Participants celebrated not only their love for the game but also their dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of others.

Adding a layer of thrill to the day, two brand-new cars and a premium Cobra golf set were up for grabs in the highly anticipated hole-in-one challenge. While none claimed these impressive prizes this year, the excitement was palpable as participants came close to driving home in style. The day’s spirit remained undeterred, with over 100 raffle prizes ensuring everyone left with smiles and a sense of accomplishment.

As the sun began to set, participants took a moment to reflect on their shared experiences. The laughter and stories exchanged on the greens created lasting memories, a testament to the enduring legacy of Reggie Padua. This year’s tournament held special significance as it coincided with the 56th anniversary of the Tau Gamma Phi, making the event a moving reminder of the power of community and compassion in action.

The 17th Annual Reggie Padua Cup was more than just a golf competition; it was a sentimental occasion honoring the community’s enduring brotherhood and giving back mentality. Along with the trophies and awards, the participants also left with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that they had honored the legacy of a beloved local figure and made a contribution to the National Children’s Hospital.