ArenaPlus Launches Austin Reaves As Its Newest Brand Endorser.

ArenaPlus, your 24/7 sports betting app, recently welcomed Austin Reaves as its newest brand endorser and celebrated the partnership with various activities on August 3, 2024, at Shangri-La the Fort.

The brand, known for supporting athletes in their endeavors, had expressed excitement at bringing Reaves into the fold. The partnership was described as a big milestone for ArenaPlus, showing how much more, it has grown and been able to work with various athletes since it was launched.

President Jasper Vicencio of Total Gamezone Xtreme, Inc. during his opening remarks.

ArenaPlus held a press conference in the morning to make an official announcement, followed by an exclusive fan meet where several fans spent the afternoon with Reaves. The day then concluded with a private dinner with ArenaPlus VIPs and a few basketball fans to commemorate both the partnership with Reaves and the support the brand has received from its players.

Press Conference at Shangri-La the Fort

In his opening speech during the press conference, President Jasper Vicencio of Total Gamezone Xtreme, Inc. had remarked upon how far ArenaPlus has come in recent years. Its efforts have allowed it to expand operations, work in even greater capacities and provide more athletes with a wider range of support.

“ArenaPlus, more than anything, places heavy importance on those who play and enjoy sports,” Vicencio continued to say, highlighting the core of ArenaPlus’ work and advocacy. “As much as we value creating memorable entertainment experiences, we also want to nourish our support to the athletes, especially those in the court.”

Shot of the press conference proper during the Q&A portion with President Jasper Vicencio (left), Austin Reaves (middle), and Reaves’ business representative Aaron Reilly (right)

This partnership comes from ArenaPlus’ belief in Reaves’ dedication and professionalism, two facets of the Lakers player that the brand deeply values. As the leading sports entertainment app in the Philippines, ArenaPlus is mindful to only work with the best so that it can further elevate sports appreciation in Filipinos.

During the Q&A portion of the press conference, Vicencio had further expounded on this as he spoke about the significance of ArenaPlus working with several well-known athletes.

“We used to have such a small reach, but now we’re being acknowledged by these amazing people and we’re able to easily offer them the support they deserve,” Vicenco said, “These partnerships are also milestones in our commitment to both elevating the quality of sports entertainment and standing alongside our athletes.”

Vicenco later addressed Reaves and his team, “To Austin and his team, I want to express my most heartfelt thanks. It truly does mean a lot to us that you’ve joined the ArenaPlus family. Having someone of your caliber among us is a source of inspiration and pride and will push us to do our best as well.”

President Jasper Vicencio (left), Austin Reaves (middle), and Reaves’ business representative Aaron Reilly (right) finalizing the ArenaPlus x Austin Reaves partnership.

Reaves recalled his experience about the warm welcome from the Filipinos. “It feels like home. I’ve been here before, so it feels like home. The Filipinos are big sports fans. They know sports well so partnering with ArenaPlus is like connecting back with everybody,”

In addition, Reaves expressed his gratitude to the brand for the opportunity given to him and his team. “I never thought in my life to get this far, being from a small town where few people get the opportunity to do what I’m doing. Every day I wake up and try to cherish that. So, to be able to be a brand ambassador for ArenaPlus is very special, not just for me but for all of us.”

ArenaPlus concluded the press conference with a raffle giveaway featuring merchandise signed by Reaves and a photo opportunity.

Fan Meet at Kerry Sports

Following the press conference, ArenaPlus brought Reaves to the Kerry Sports Gym in Shangri-La the Fort for a fan meet called the “Courtside Takeover” in the afternoon. Attendees included fans, online creators, and media partners. The meeting had several segments, including a Q&A, games, and a raffle.

Reaves during the Q&A segment of the fan meet.

ArenaPlus hosted three games to increase engagement with the attendees and maintain their excitement while they waited for Reaves to arrive. The first game tested the trivia knowledge of eventgoers, with the topics centered around Reaves and the Lakers. The second game, called “Over or Under,” challenged 10 random guests to figure out which of the two Lakers players chosen by ArenaPlus had the higher point average. The last game was “Swing the Rock,” which featured five random players shooting baskets at targets of varying sizes. Winners received gift certificates and prepaid load cards, while ArenaPlus merchandise was given out as consolation prizes.

A smaller segment was held after the games, where two fans with the best Lakers merchandise were selected.

Once Reaves joined the meet, selected fans were invited to take part in the Q&A portion to get to know ArenaPlus’ newest endorser even better. The questions centered around team preparations and his source of inspiration.

ArenaPlus then treated attendees to another game after the Q&A, this time with the participation of Reaves. Dubbed the “Reaves Masterclass,” two or more players had to try and mimic basketball moves under Reaves’ instruction and coaching. Reaves judged and scored each attendee with scorecards, with the highest scoring player named the winner.

A shot of Reaves signing merchandise during the fan meet.

The fan meet finished with a raffle, followed by a meet and greet with Reaves for 20 lucky fans to have a photo-op with him as well as have their merchandise signed. The 20 lucky fans comprised 15 pre-drawn names, the winners from “Over or Under,” “Swing the Rock,” and “Reaves Masterclass,” and the two owners of the event’s “Best Lakers Merch.” Event-goers later went home with ArenaPlus loot bags to finish the day.

ArenaPlus continues to be an active member of the sports scene as it draws inspiration from the athletes it strives to support while working towards making sports more fun and entertaining for Filipinos. By inking a partnership with Austin Reaves, ArenaPlus draws closer to its goal of becoming the key source of sports entertainment in the Philippines as well as a trustworthy partner to various sports organizations.

DigiPlus is the fastest-growing digital entertainment company in the country. It operates the country’s leading digital platforms, BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, PeryaGame, Tongits+, and BingoPlus Poker, with more to come. ArenaPlus, the leading sports betting app that provides various sports live streaming in the Philippines, serves as the leading sports entertainment gateway for Filipinos. For more information, visit: www.arenaplus.net.

ArenaPlus Celebrates Double Olympic Gold with Brand Ambassador Carlos Yulo

ArenaPlus, your 24/7 sports betting app, joins with countless Filipinos across the globe in celebrating the “HIStoric” double gold medal win of its official brand ambassador, Carlos Yulo, in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Having sent Yulo off to the Olympics with a loud cheer of support last June 2024, ArenaPlus is now ready to welcome home the country’s golden boy with open arms after he became the second Philippine Olympic champion following his floor exercise routine on August 3, Saturday. The brand had been ecstatic about his initial win; the energy later shot up when a second golden medal was announced for the vault exercise on August 4, Sunday.

These hard-won triumphs have earned Yulo a grand reward from ArenaPlus, both as an acknowledgement of his hard work and a show of pride in his success.

In addition, ArenaPlus will be giving Php 5 million in cash to its official brand ambassador and golden boy Yulo, dubbed “Astig Hero Bonus.”.

Of course, ArenaPlus will not turn a blind eye to the other Philippine athletes who have raised the country’s flag at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The brand stands with each of the athletes who have fought long and hard, and recognises everything they have done and gone through.

ArenaPlus salutes the other athletes who comprise Team Philippines for the 2024 Olympics: EJ Obiena, Lauren Hoffman, and John Cabang Tolentino for Athletics; guaranteed bronze medalist Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam, Hergie Bacyadan, guaranteed bronze medalist Aira Villegas, and fellow ArenaPlus endorser Eumir Marcial for Boxing; Aleah Finnegan, Emma Malabuyo, and Levi Jung-Ruivivar for Gymnastics; gold medalist hopefuls Elreen Ando, John Ceniza, and Vanessa Sarno for Weightlifting; Bianca Pagdanganan and Dottie Ardina for Golf; Kayla Sanchez and Jarod Hatch for Swimming; Joanie Delgaco for Rowing; Samantha Catantan for Fencing; and Kiyomi Watanabe for Judo.

For ArenaPlus, the Olympic gold is more than just an incredible achievement on the global stage. It also stands as a source of inspiration that will push Filipinos, as well as ArenaPlus, to continue pushing forward to attain their goals. Truly, Yulo, alongside his fellow Philippine athletes, have won the “Ginto para sa mga Astig na Atleta.”

Enchanted Kingdom Turns Over 10th and 11th Brigada Eskwela Classroom

Enchanted Kingdom, the first and only world-class theme park in the Philippines, turned over its 10th and 11th adopted classrooms to Southville Elementary School, Santa Rosa, on July 26. Two (2) Kindergarten classrooms were adopted for improvement in support of the 2024 Brigada Eskwela of the Department of Education (DepEd).

The Brigada Eskwela is a nationwide school maintenance program that engages all education stakeholders to contribute their time, efforts, and resources to ensure all public schools are set up in time for class opening. This year’s theme is once again “Bayanihan Para sa Matatag na Paaralan.”

This is the 10th year that EK is supporting the said program in fulfilment of the theme park’s advocacy of promoting a fun, unique, and healthy learning environment for students. EK’s very own maintenance personnel and visual artists repaired, upgraded and repainted the turned-over classrooms.

Mr. Mario O. Mamon, Chairman and CEO of Enchanted Kingdom, reaffirmed EK’s steadfast support for DepEd’s Balik Eskwela program and expressed his desire to expand the reach of EK’s initiative beyond the city of Santa Rosa as well as the province of Laguna.

“What we have been doing here at Brigada Eskwela is more than just repainting walls. We are bringing the magical experience of Enchanted Kingdom to our dear students through our colorful murals. And of course, we have decorated the walls with our five core values that we would like to impart to them while they are still young,” he added.

Mr. Mamon furthered that he is glad to have the opportunity to share EK’s core values of love of God, respect, integrity, loyalty and innovativeness to the students, and encourage them to put it into practice.

The turnover ceremony was graced by no less than Santa Rosa City Vice Mayor Arnold Arcillas, as well as Southville Elementary School Head Teacher II Maria Marlene Furio, DepEd Santa Rosa Senior Education Program Specialist Jayson Sagaysay, Cluster III Public Schools District Supervisor (PSDS) Soledad Baylon, School Parent-Teacher Association (SPTA) President Aileen Cielos, Barangay Caingin Captain Edwin Servo, teachers, parents, and students.

For more information about upcoming events, stay connected with Enchanted Kingdom’s official digital platforms via https://linktr.ee/enchantedkingdom.ph

2GO Enhances Logistics Efficiency with New X-ray Machine at Air Freight Hub

2GO, the Philippines’ largest end-to-end logistics, transportation, and distribution solutions provider, together with Cebu Pacific Airlines, is proud to announce the commissioning of the X-ray machine at 2GO’s Gateway Hub. This significant upgrade aims to optimize the movement of goods via air to and from Manila and various parts of the country, providing businesses with more flexibility in terms of cargo acceptance without compromising delivery deadlines.

From left to right: Michelle Lee-Ventura, Director of Cebu Pacific Cargo Sales—Commercial; Ma. Josefa Magbanua-Sarate, Director of Cebu Pacific Cargo Customer Service; Will Howell, 2GO Group Chief Finance Officer; Bonita Busch, Group Director of Cebu Pacific Cargo Commercial; Faye Alonzo, Business Unit Head of 2GO Forwarding; Nazreen Charmaine Galang, Director of Cebu Pacific Cargo Commercial Planning; and Sharon Musngi-Ngo, Business Unit Head of 2GO Sea Solutions.

The newly installed X-ray machine enables 2GO to extend the cut-off time for cargo acceptance, giving partners additional time to prepare their shipments while still adhering to stringent delivery schedules.

“At 2GO, we are continually seeking ways to innovate and improve our services,” said Faye Alonzo, Business Unit Head of 2GO Forwarding. “The introduction of this state-of-the-art X-ray machine is a testament to our dedication to achieving efficiency and customer satisfaction. We look forward to showcasing our increased flexibility to our partners.”

2GO’s commitment to serving its clients and partners has been recognized by its air cargo partner, Cebu Pacific Airlines, which named 2GO its Top Domestic Cargo Agent of 2023. The X-ray technology significantly reduces processing times, allowing for immediate loading and transfer to Cebu Pacific aircraft, especially highly sensitive pharmaceutical products, perishables, and temperature-controlled items. This enhancement not only ensures faster delivery but also improves security measures by thoroughly screening prohibited items, safeguarding the supply chain’s integrity.

“2GO Forwarding was one of our most significant logistics partners last year, and we aim to strengthen this partnership by offering tools that enhance their operations and improve the quality of cargo checks before flying with us. The reduced processing time and extended cut-off hours perfectly align with our shared commitment to delivering timely and efficient services to our customers,” said Bonita Busch, Group Director of Cargo Commercial.

“We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with Cebu Pacific,” said Will Howell, 2GO Group Chief Financial Officer. “This new equipment brings immense value to our operations and business, enabling us to leverage technology and extend our service capabilities. We anticipate continued growth and success as we work together to deliver exceptional logistics services to Filipinos.”

In addition to its enhanced air freight capabilities, 2GO offers robust Less than Container Load (LCL) and Full Container Load (FCL) shipside services, catering to diverse shipping needs with nationwide reach and reliable schedules.  Furthermore, 2GO’s logistical power is complemented by an extensive fleet of trucks that enhance its capabilities on land as well as its maritime services. These ongoing upgrades to its fleet and infrastructure reinforce 2GO’s position as the leading logistics provider in the Philippines, supporting the growing e-commerce sector that demands rapid and reliable delivery services.

Learn more by emailing us at forwarding_sales_mnl@2go.com.ph, visiting your nearest 2GO Retail store, or exploring our website at www.2go.com.ph.

 

Increased Assistance from SM to Communities Affected by Typhoon Carina

Thanks to the SM Foundation’s Operation Tulong Express (OPTE) program, the SM Group has stepped up its assistance efforts following the devastating effects of Typhoon Carina on Luzon and Metro Manila. Those impacted by the torrential rains and widespread flooding have received over 23,000 “Kalinga” aid packets from the foundation.

Several impacted areas, including Metro Manila, Bulacan, Bataan, Olongapo City, Pampanga, Rizal, and Cavite, have received Kalinga Packs from SM employee volunteers in the field. To ease the urgent demands and bring comfort to families who have been relocated, these bags contain necessities.

As part of a concerted effort, SM Supermalls and the Philippine Red Cross have set up OPTE booths. These booths are central locations for providing aid and distributing relief supplies to those in need.

The SM malls have gone above and beyond to serve the community by providing free WiFi and phone charging stations, free overnight parking for those who are stuck, and other amenities to help people stay connected with their loved ones. Help desks have also been set up at several SM Supermalls to give locals the information and support they need during this difficult time.

In the event of a disaster or emergency, the SM Foundation, SM Supermalls, and SM Markets work together through their social responsibility initiative, Operation Tulong Express (OPTE), to ensure that people receive prompt assistance. More than 800,000 Kalinga packs have been distributed across the country since the campaign began.

The “Know Your Tire Campaign” is launched by CST Tires, and Kuya Kim Atienza is introduced as the brand ambassador.

According to the Department of Health, road accidents continue to be the top cause of mortality and injuries, particularly among younger individuals.

The use and ownership of motor vehicles are directly correlated with the rising number of vehicular accidents.

Fortunately, road safety may be attained with adequate road safety education, and the steadily growing trend can be reversed. The DOTr claims that accident prevention is the main objective. The country’s traffic accident rate can be cut in half by 2028 if we adopt a preventative strategy.

CST Tires has long been a supporter of road safety and the importance of comprehending the role that tires play in the reliability of transportation. The company’s product line includes tires and tubes for various vehicles and equipment, including bicycles, motorcycles, ATVs, cars, trucks, forklifts, and even agricultural and gardening machinery.

Now more than ever, CST Tire is dedicated to spreading awareness about the importance of tires and safe driving practices. The Taiwanese company has teamed up with Kuya Kim Atienza, a famous fact-checker and motorcyclist, since they realize how important it is to have an approachable and trustworthy source to spread the word about road safety.

The newest face of CST Tires is making an effort to persuade people to put safety and performance first in their vehicles by interacting with the racing community, both professional and amateur, and regular drivers and riders.

We are thrilled to have Kuya Kim Atienza on board as our new brand ambassador. Her dedication to both performance and safety is an inspiration to all of us. Truth, public education, and safe driving have always been causes close to his heart. Even though tires are technically complex, he has a way of making even the most complex concepts understandable and appealing to the general public. Also, everyone pays attention when he speaks. When it comes to choosing the correct tire, how to properly care for them, and how to ensure their quality, Kuya Kim will be a big assistance to CST Tire in their advocacy efforts. “Our shared objective is to assist in enhancing road safety for a greater number of riders and drivers,” stated Christine Roque, Marketing Manager of AP Bluewhale Corporation.

In his role as brand ambassador, Kuya Kim will spearhead the Know Your Tire Campaign, an initiative by CST Tire that aims to educate consumers about tires by sharing interesting, lesser-known facts and practical advice.

For both two- and four-wheeled vehicles, the tire is the safety component that matters most. “They influence safety, braking, handling, steering, and ride quality; they are the vehicles’ connection to the road,” Kuya Kim added.

Atienza elaborated by saying that high-quality tires grip the road, allow for safe turning, and come to a complete stop when necessary. World-class manufacturing equipment, innovative technology, and a strong focus on quality, delivery, and customer satisfaction are key components of CST Tire’s operations. Affordable and guaranteeing tire quality and safety, the brand’s seven-year warranty policy is hard to beat. Customers that appreciate innovation in tire production, durability, and dependability over the long haul are the ones that CST Tires aims to attract. CST Tires not only satisfies customers’ needs, but also promotes a change towards better-informed and safer purchasing choices.

Ms. Roque highlighted that CST offers a wide choice of tires developed to match the market’s individual needs, so customers may choose the right one for their riding, driving, or off-roading needs.

The sole authorized distributor of CST Tires in the Philippines is AP Blue Whale Corporation. In 2001, the company began distributing tires for a variety of vehicles, including motorcycles, cars, SUVs, trucks, and buses.