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NBA MVP to receive Michael Jordan Trophy

December 13, 2022 10:06 p.m.

NEW YORK – The National Basketball Association (NBA) today unveiled six newly designed trophies named after NBA legends, which will be presented to the end-of-season Kia Performance Award winners. 

Headlined by The Michael Jordan Trophy, which will be awarded to the Kia NBA Most Valuable Player, the lineup of reimagined trophies honors the league pioneers who helped define the standards of excellence that these trophies represent.

“Our new collection of trophies celebrates some of the greatest and most impactful players in the history of the NBA,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.  “As we recognize the league’s top performers each season, we also pay tribute to the legends who embody these prestigious awards.”

THE MICHAEL JORDAN TROPHY – Awarded to the Kia NBA Most Valuable Player:

The league’s MVP will now be awarded with The Michael Jordan Trophy, bearing the name of the NBA legend widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.  During his illustrious career, Jordan was named MVP five times.  The Hall of Famer also earned six NBA championships, six NBA Finals MVP Awards, 11 All-NBA Team selections, 14 NBA All-Star selections, three NBA All-Star Game MVP Awards, 10 scoring titles, an NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award, an NBA Rookie of the Year Award and selections to the NBA’s 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams.

Mark Smith, retired VP of Innovation Special Projects at Nike, Inc., and Jordan Brand designer, worked in creative partnership with Jordan to design the new trophy, which symbolizes an NBA player’s journey to winning an MVP.  Smith has collaborated with Jordan on countless projects over the past two decades.  Artist Victor Solomon will manufacture the trophy on a yearly basis.

The bronze trophy features a player breaking out of a rock to reach for the ultimate rock – a crystal basketball.  From the bottom to its top, the patina of the trophy grows more burnished – “raw to refined” – signifying the MVP’s hard work and progression from entering the league to achieving the NBA’s greatest individual honor.  The trophy’s reach symbolizes an MVP’s endless chase for greatness.

Additionally included throughout are subtle nods that pay tribute to the trophy’s namesake:

  • The trophy stands 23.6 inches tall and weighs 23.6 pounds, representing Jordan’s jersey number (23) and number of NBA championships (6).
  • Its five-sided base is a nod to Jordan’s five league MVPs.
  • The namesake badge is six-sided, a nod to Jordan’s six NBA championships.
  • The 15-degree angle of the base is a nod to Jordan’s 15-season career.
  • The crystal basketball consists of 23 points, a nod to Jordan’s jersey number.
  • The crystal basketball measures 1.23 inches in diameter, in reference to the singularity of the MVP and Jordan’s standout career.

“I’m incredibly honored to have created the NBA’s MVP trophy in partnership with Michael Jordan,” said Smith.  “Sculpting Michael’s vision of his own pursuit of athletic achievement into this award has been the opportunity and challenge of a lifetime.  As we worked together on this project, it was very important to Michael that the figure not be a likeness of him, but instead that the recipient should be able to see himself in the award.  For Michael, naming the award in his honor was recognition enough.”

THE JERRY WEST TROPHY – Awarded to the Kia NBA Clutch Player of the Year:

The NBA will introduce a new Kia Performance Award at the end of the 2022-23 season, the Kia NBA Clutch Player of the Year, with its recipient receiving The Jerry West Trophy.

Voted on by a media panel based on nominations from NBA head coaches, the award will honor the NBA player who best comes through for his teammates in the clutch.

Legendary Los Angeles Lakers broadcaster Chick Hearn gave West the nickname “Mr. Clutch” for his extraordinary shooting at the end of close games.  West is an NBA champion, 14-time NBA All-Star, NBA Finals MVP, NBA All-Star Game MVP, 12-time All-NBA Team selection and a member of the 35th, 50th and 75th NBA Anniversary Teams.  During the 1971-72 season, West led the Lakers to a record 33 consecutive regular-season victories and an NBA championship. 

The trophy features an NBA player shooting a jump shot, modeled after West’s perfect form.

“There are few greater thrills as a basketball player than coming through for your teammates and fans when they need it most,” said West, Special Advisor, LA Clippers.  “This new trophy will be awarded to the player who best delivers in those moments.”

The Jerry West Trophy, as well as the following newly designed trophies awarded to the Kia Performance Award winners, were designed in collaboration with Solomon.  The trophies all feature an embedment inside a 15-inch crystal net structure.  The front face is flat to allow for a direct line of sight to the icon, and the etching of the award and recipient is detailed at the bottom.

“While working alongside the NBA to reimagine the league’s trophy offerings, our singular goal was to create a cohesive collection of honors worthy of the athletes who raise them,” said Solomon.  “These trophies celebrate the hard work of the players who reach the pinnacle of individual excellence while honoring the NBA legends who have defined that greatness.”

THE HAKEEM OLAJUWON TROPHY – Awarded to the Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year:

Defensive dominance helped define Hakeem Olajuwon’s Hall of Fame career.  A two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and nine-time NBA All-Defensive Team selection, Olajuwon is the league’s all-time leader in blocked shots and ranks ninth in steals.  He is also a two-time NBA champion, 12-time NBA All-Star, league MVP, two-time NBA Finals MVP, 12-time All-NBA Team selection and a member of the NBA’s 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams. 

The trophy features a player in a classic defensive stance with one hand up and one down, knees bent and ready to move. 

“I am honored to have the opportunity to celebrate the league’s best defensive player each year,” said Olajuwon.  “Great basketball teams are defined by their ability to defend, with every great team connected by an elite defensive anchor.”

THE WILT CHAMBERLAIN TROPHY – Awarded to the Kia NBA Rookie of the Year:

Wilt Chamberlain’s 1959-60 season is unmatched for an NBA rookie.  Chamberlain averaged 37.6 points and 27.0 rebounds in 46.4 minutes per game for the Philadelphia Warriors, winning both the Rookie of the Year and MVP awards.  His career highlights include two NBA championships, 13 NBA All-Star selections, four league MVPs, 10 All-NBA Team selections, an NBA Finals MVP and inclusion on the league’s 35th, 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams. 

The trophy features a player palming two basketballs at once.

“We are humbled and thankful that the NBA has immortalized Wilt’s greatness with this honor,” said Barbara Chamberlain Lewis, Wilt’s sister, and the Chamberlain family.  “Wilt rewrote nearly every NBA record throughout his illustrious career, which tipped off with an incredible rookie season that redefined what was possible and set a ceiling as high as he stood for all rookies who have followed.”

THE JOHN HAVLICEK TROPHY – Awarded to the Kia NBA Sixth Man of the Year:

John Havlicek starred in his role during his Hall of Fame career, excelling off the bench like no player before him.  Havlicek came off the bench for the first seven seasons of his career and was an All-Star in four of those seasons.  His career highlights include eight NBA championships, 13 NBA All-Star selections, 11 All-NBA Team selections, an NBA Finals MVP, eight NBA All-Defensive Team selections and inclusion on the league’s 35th, 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams. 

The trophy features a player elevated and shooting a running jumper, symbolic of the boost provided by the player to his team.

“We are honored that the NBA recognized John’s career achievements with this award,” said Beth Havlicek, John’s wife, and the Havlicek family.  “John defined what it means to be the ultimate sixth man, with his leadership and stellar play serving as the utmost example of effectively starring in a role for the betterment of the team.”

THE GEORGE MIKAN TROPHY – Awarded to the Kia NBA Most Improved Player of the Year:

A layup and footwork exercise known as the “Mikan Drill” has been used for decades by players at all levels to improve their game.  It is named for George Mikan, who mastered the fundamentals as the NBA’s first dominant big man.  His Hall of Fame career included five NBA championships in seven seasons, four NBA All-Star selections, an NBA All-Star Game MVP, six selections to the All-NBA Team and inclusion on the NBA’s 25th, 35th, 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams.

“We are grateful that the NBA has recognized George’s career achievements with this honor,” said Mike Mikan, son of George Mikan #99, and the Mikan family.  “George is one of the best NBA players ever, but perhaps his greatest legacy is the one he has passed down to others through his legendary ‘Mikan Drill,’ providing generations of basketball players around the world with the tools to improve their game.”

Today’s announcement builds on Kia America’s support of the NBA’s performance award platform for the past 15 seasons.

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Converge collaborates with volunteer groups to bring green initiatives, health services to Aeta community in Pampanga

10:11 a.m. February 6, 2026

LEADING fiber broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. recently engaged with an Aeta community in Angeles City, Pampanga, through a day of tree-planting and outreach activities aimed at creating lasting, positive impact at the grassroots level.

Working alongside socio-civic group The Fraternal Order of Eagles – Kandili Chapter and the all-women volunteer organization Inner Wheel Club of Taguig, Converge sowed 300 fruit bearing seedlings in the Sapangbato Watershed. 

The initiative supports the local government’s watershed reforestation efforts while also helping strengthen the livelihood opportunities of farmers in the community.

After the tree planting, the said organizations also conducted a medical mission to bring essential health and dental services directly to residents. Members of the Inner Wheel Club of Taguig gave a health education session on proper oral hygiene, provided basic dental care services, and distributed hygiene kits to community members as part of the outreach.

In addition to these, Converge and the Philippine Eagles also distributed grocery packs, medicines and vitamins, including garments to help address the immediate needs of the families in Sitio Target, Sapangbato.

“This initiative reflects our shared goal of supporting communities in ways that respond to their needs. By working together with other organizations, we were able to do so much for the environment, for the people’s livelihoods, and also in promoting the health and well-being of the community, all in one meaningful effort,” said Converge VP and Head of Corporate Communications and Public Relations Jay-Anne Encarnado. 

The engagement of Converge with Sitio Sapangbato builds on an earlier effort where 1,000 mandarin and coffee seedlings were sowed by its employees last year as part of its Women’s Month celebration, led by the mentors and mentees of its women’s leadership program, Grace Under Pressure: MentorSHE.

Overall, Converge planted a total of 4,700 seedlings for the watershed in 2025 in partnership with the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Angeles City, Pampanga.

The sustainability commitment of Converge includes a strong focus on creating positive community impact, which the company fulfills by engaging with marginalized communities through the capabilities of its business.

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Grab, MOVE IT strengthen on-trip protection with expanded COCOLIFE partnership 

8:12 a.m. February 3, 2026

Grab Philippines and motorcycle taxi platform MOVE IT have expanded their emergency insurance support with COCOLIFE, widening hospital assistance and financial protection for both rider-partners and passengers in a bid to make coverage more accessible and comprehensive for users of the on-demand mobility services. 

Through the deepened partnership, rider-partners and passengers gain 24/7 access to a wider network of more than 700 COCOLIFE-accredited hospitals nationwide for emergency situations involving a Grab or MOVE IT ride.

The expanded hospital assistance with COCOLIFE strengthens Grab Philippines and MOVE IT’s protection ecosystem by addressing the most time-critical gap in on-trip incidents: emergency care and hospitalization support for both rider-partners and passengers. 

It is designed to complement existing coverage across the platforms. Grab and MOVE IT’s group personal accident insurance, administered through AIG Philippines, continues to provide complimentary on-trip protection for fatal injuries, permanent disablement, and accident-related medical expenses for passengers and partners, while AXA-backed life and disability protection remains an incentive-based benefit for top-performing driver-, delivery-, and rider-partners. 

“Safety and protection have to keep evolving with the realities our partners and passengers face every day,” said Ronald Roda, Managing Director of Grab Philippines. “This expanded support with COCOLIFE builds on our work to strengthen welfare protection in the gig economy. Grab and MOVE IT remain committed to the people who make every trip possible, and to the passengers who place their trust in us with every booking. We’ll keep investing in stronger safety nets so partners can keep earning with confidence, and passengers can ride with greater peace of mind.” 

Under the expanded coverage, Grab and MOVE IT riders and passengers nationwide are entitled to hospital assistance for accidents that occur while a trip is active on the platform. The policy provides up to P50,000 per member per year to help cover essential accident-related healthcare costs, with benefits available for emergency room, inpatient, and outpatient services across COCOLIFE’s accredited hospital network nationwide – with additional assistance available subject to case assessment. 

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TCL shines at 61st Anvil Awards, securing 4 major honors

3:05 p.m. January 30, 2026

TCL Electronics, the Triple Global Top 1 TV Brand, a leading force in consumer electronics, and the No.1 ranking in global fresh air AC sales, has achieved four recognitions at the recently concluded 61st Anvil Awards Gabi ng Parangal held last January 28 at Solaire Resort, North Quezon City.

Marking a historic milestone, TCL secured its first-ever Anvil trophies, officially placing the brand among the country’s top communicators and demonstrating its excellence in press relations, marketing, and technology.

The Anvil Awards received by TCL highlights how the brand combines innovation, social impact, and strategic communication to deliver meaningful results. The TCL-TESDA Air Conditioning Training Program, which earned top marks in both Good Governance and Government Relations got Gold and Silver awards, the TCL x Olympic Basketball Project, which gained recognition in CSR bagging a Silver award and finally the TCL FreshIN 3.0 Campaign which won in Marketing and Brand Communication got Silver award.

We are beyond honored to be recognized by the PRSP. Bringing home not just one, but four Anvil awards is a monumental achievement for us. We are absolutely grateful, yet deeply humbled to be among this year’s top-tier honorees. These awards inspire us to continue pushing boundaries, to innovate boldly, and to deliver initiatives that make a meaningful impact on our customers and communities,” TCL Brand Manager Joseph Cerntichez shares.

The 61st Anvil Awards recognizes those who go beyond the conventional, celebrating bold leadership, creative brilliance, and impactful results for communities and brands alike. As one of the most respected programs in the Philippine communications industry, the Anvil Awards, organized annually by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines, honors outstanding public relations tools, programs, and campaigns that demonstrate strategic insight, creativity, and measurable impact. Winners are carefully selected by a distinguished, multi-sectoral jury of communication professionals, academics, business leaders, and industry representatives, ensuring a rigorous and credible evaluation process.

Headlining TCL’s historic debut at the Anvil Awards is a Gold trophy in the Public Relations Program for Corporate Responsibility and Good Governance. This prestigious award honors the TCL-TESDA Training Center, a landmark initiative that seamlessly integrates social impact with brand leadership. More than just a facility, this fully equipped hub allows students to master advanced climate control technology through direct mentorship from TCL experts. By pioneering a ‘structured enrollment-to-employment’ pathway, TCL has created a sustainable solution to the industry’s skills gap—transforming graduates into certified professionals within its own service network. This award-winning program stands as a masterclass in nation-building, reflecting TCL’s enduring commitment to the Filipino workforce. TCL-TESDA Air Conditioning Training Program also got a Silver award for Public Relations Program Government Relations category.

TCL’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and good governance was once again honored with a Silver Anvil for the TCL Basketball Camp, a project that perfectly embodies the brand’s ‘Inspire Greatness’ mission. Located in the bustling heart of Manila, the camp provided a platform for young athletes to hone their skills and chase their dreams. The campaign’s success across Tech, Education, and Sports media highlights TCL’s unique ability to empower the Filipino youth through multifaceted engagement. As the world looks toward the World Olympics, this initiative stands as a testament to TCL’s dedication to fostering the next generation of champions.

TCL’s FreshIN 3.0 Campaign took home the Silver Anvil for its brilliant execution of a consumer-centric marketing strategy. Recognized in the ‘Marketing and Brand Communication’ category, the program stood out for its seamless integration of experiential touchpoints and multi-channel outreach. By transforming traditional PR into an interactive journey for the public, TCL didn’t just market a product—it built a lasting brand connection, proving its mastery in the art of modern storytelling and external engagement.

Beyond the impressive specs of the FreshIN 3.0 AC, the campaign’s success was driven by the TCL Cool Truck, which brought superior cooling directly to high-traffic areas. By integrating a skills-building partnership with TESDA, TCL showcased a holistic brand philosophy: delivering top-tier appliances while empowering the next generation of Filipino professionals. The result was a massive surge in brand sentiment and a reinforced standing as an industry innovator.

Marking a landmark achievement in its Philippine journey, TCL has solidified its standing as a leader in electronics and communications. These maiden ANVIL honors are a testament to a brand that refuses to settle, successfully merging technical brilliance with the art of storytelling to define the future of the industry

TCL’s growth is driven by a ‘trailblazer mindset’ under the leadership of TCL Philippines CEO Peter Chen. The brand has outlined a strategic roadmap centered on technical leadership and brand elevation. This directive aims to systematically upgrade TCL’s brand value through collaborative industry progress and the continuous pursuit of cutting-edge consumer experiences.

Looking ahead, TCL is set to roll out several key initiatives in the coming week. The mission remains unchanged, Inspire Greatness upholding the highest standards of quality and service, ensuring that the brand will consistently deliver world-class experiences to their loyal customers.

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