NEWS
Gilas exits FIBA World Cup 2023 with a bang, blows out China by 21

September 3, 2023 11:30 p.m.
Two days short of nine years since the Philippines saved its best for last in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2014 in Seville, Spain, the present-day Nationals produced a similarly exhilarating final day moment Saturday, September 2, for jubilant Filipino fans to long remember.
After four straight losses in the Group Phase, Gilas Pilipinas delivered an exclamation point at the close of a World Cup campaign laden with questions, overwhelming traditional Asian powerhouse China, 96-75, at the historic Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The triumph was fashioned in the wake of heartbreaking losses to Dominican Republic, Angola, and Italy in group play, and to South Sudan in the first of two classification matches; lifting the crushing burden of a winless stint and averting a replication of the forgettable finish in the 2019 edition in China.
It may have also restored some faith in the national team, which became the object of public ridicule as a result of its struggles and failure to advance to the second round or secure a ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes, who found himself in the middle of a blistering social media storm, took the microphone during the post-game press conference to indicate that he may be stepping down after the World Cup.
Reyes didn’t use the word “resign,” but he did say he was “stepping aside.”
“No, I haven’t heard anything from management. It is my decision. Like everybody knows, I didn’t apply for this job. I didn’t volunteer. I was given this mandate,” Reyes said.
“I already retired from coaching the national team and through all these times, I always said to judge us on our performance in the World Cup regardless of what happened between the time I was appointed and today.
“I said judge us by our performance. Obviously, we did not perform. We didn’t perform and like I said in the last game, I take full accountability, and because of that, I think it is time for me to step aside.
“I hate using the word ‘resign’ because I’m not a quitter. I would just like to emphasize that to everyone who is asking for that. But, at the same time, I signed up to do a job and I did not deliver the result, so I think it’s time to step aside, and allow the SBP (Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas) to make a decision for the good of the team and the program.”
The 32nd Asian Games in Hangzhou, China is three weeks away and Reyes departing the national team at this juncture would leave the SBP scrambling in search of a new Gilas Pilipinas head coach.
For now, however, the Nationals have found themselves freed from anguish as they shared hugs inside the locker room, signed jerseys and balls, and doused themselves with celebratory champagne.
Both SBP president Al Panlilio and vice president Ricky Vargas glowingly spoke of their gratitude to the coaches and players, hailing their victory as a “gift to the Filipino people, whose support never wavered throughout the World Cup.”
SBP executive director Sonny Barrios bared that the two federation executives had urged the Nationals before the game “to give everything they’ve got and to dig deep for the sake of the fans in the Big Dome who braved the inclement weather to cheer for them.”
They were also advised “to have fun,” said Barrios.
Reyes confirmed that the pressure to perform and the accompanying expectation weighed heavily on the team from the start.
“Iba talaga, ang bigat e” he said. “Noong na-lift yung expectation, lumabas yung laro. Unfortunately, the results didn’t come out as we expected. But to end with a win, there’s no greater feeling.”
Reyes, along with June Mar Fajardo and Japeth Aguilar, remnants of the Gilas Pilipinas team in Seville, savored the feeling on September 4 nine years ago after the Nationals defeated Senegal 81-79 in overtime in the last game of their participation. It was also the Philippines’ first World Cup win in 40 years.
Under the glow of that historic moment, Jordan Clarkson erupted for 34 points – 24 of which he unloaded in the third quarter, including a stretch where he drilled four straight triples, as the Nationals pulled away from a tight back-and-forth affair.
Down by two, 46-48, early in the third frame, Gilas Pilipinas unleashed a scorching 27-2 run to take full control of the contest and establish a 73-50 lead the Nationals never relinquished until the final buzzer.
“It feels good. It’s been a tough tournament, but we kept fighting, kept competing, kept playing,” said Clarkson. “I really wanted to end this on the right note. We might not see the same guys in the locker room after this, but at the same time, we just wanted to show heart, fight, and resilience.”
Unlike in the first four games, it was not Clarkson who China needed to stop as the 11,080 crowd came alive and erupted in a frenzy at every defensive stop AJ Edu, June Mar Fajardo, and fan favorite Rhenz Abando pulled off to fuel the run.
Abando went on to finish with 14 points, while Kai Sotto chipped in 12 points, and birthday boy Dwight Ramos added 11. Edu only finished with five points, but focused all of his energy on the defensive end, collecting 10 boards and a block.
More importantly, Gilas Pilipinas also kept its bid alive for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament, as it finished as the third-best Asian team in the global showpiece.
Li Kaier (Kyle Anderson) paced China with 17 points, nine rebounds, and five assists while Zhang Zhenlin added 13, as the Chinese badly missed the services of 7-foot-1 center Zhou Qi who exited the ball game in the second frame.
Gilas Pilipinas exits FIBA World Cup 2023 with a bang, blows out China by 21
Two days short of nine years since the Philippines saved its best for last in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2014 in Seville, Spain, the present-day Nationals produced a similarly exhilarating final day moment Saturday, September 2, for jubilant Filipino fans to long remember.
After four straight losses in the Group Phase, Gilas Pilipinas delivered an exclamation point at the close of a World Cup campaign laden with questions, overwhelming traditional Asian powerhouse China, 96-75, at the historic Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The triumph was fashioned in the wake of heartbreaking losses to Dominican Republic, Angola, and Italy in group play, and to South Sudan in the first of two classification matches; lifting the crushing burden of a winless stint and averting a replication of the forgettable finish in the 2019 edition in China.
It may have also restored some faith in the national team, which became the object of public ridicule as a result of its struggles and failure to advance to the second round or secure a ticket to the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes, who found himself in the middle of a blistering social media storm, took the microphone during the post-game press conference to indicate that he may be stepping down after the World Cup.
Reyes didn’t use the word “resign,” but he did say he was “stepping aside.”
“No, I haven’t heard anything from management. It is my decision. Like everybody knows, I didn’t apply for this job. I didn’t volunteer. I was given this mandate,” Reyes said.
NEWS
Motolite cranks up sustainability drive with use of e-bikes for delivery

10:12 p.m. January 22, 2025
Motolite, the country’s leading, most trusted battery brand and leader in technology and product innovation, shifted its sustainability drive to a higher gear as it started deploying to key outlets eco-friendly e-bikes for the delivery of batteries to customers.
These e-bikes will now be part of the delivery fleet of Motolite Express Hatid (MEH) hubs and will be used by well-trained technicians in providing services to motorists.
The deployment of e-bikes started last November 28, with the MEH Maceda Hub and Cebu Hub receiving the initial batches of three units each. The MEH hubs in Mindanao Avenue, Las Pinas, Mandaluyong, Katipunan, and Pasong Tamo are also included in the project’s pilot phase.
E-bikes produce zero emissions, making them a more environment-friendly option for delivery. They help reduce air pollution and have three times less carbon footprints than conventional vehicles.
E-bikes also do not contribute to noise pollution and are lighter and easier to navigate than regular motorcycles, especially on busy metropolitan roads. Their speed is also comparable to conventional gas-powered motorcycles.
The deployment of e-bikes for delivery is part of Motolite’s heightened sustainability campaign, which also includes programs for the recovery and recycling of used lead acid batteries (ULAB) and the mounting of solar panels on the rooftops of its retail, warehousing, and production facilities.
Motolite’s battery production plants in Bulacan alone have an installed photovoltaic system capacity of 7,472 kWp, cutting its carbon footprint by 2,346 tons of CO2.
Both the solar panels and e-bikes are being supplied by Greener Solar Power and Electric Motor, Inc. (GEMI), a rising player in the country’s green energy sector.
Motolite’s ULAB recovery and recycling program, meanwhile, significantly reduced its dependence on fresh plastic resins and newly mined lead for its battery production.
“We are looking for every opportunity to contribute to the global effort to limit climate change. We are the only battery brand that takes its sustainability drive seriously, from manufacturing to retail and delivery,” Richard A. Chan, Motolite Vice President for Sales and Marketing, shared.
Aside from its free battery delivery 24/7 nationwide, Motolite also provides services to motorists such as emergency refueling, jumpstarting a dead battery, assisting with overheating, and changing a flat tire via the Motolite Res-Q App.
NEWS
The story on how EJ Obiena vaulted over controversy

6:57 a.m. January 17, 2025

The Philippines’ top pole vaulter and Olympian EJ Obiena faced a challenging moment when he became the subject of a controversial accusation last October, 2023.
However, the 29-year-old athlete demonstrated grace under pressure, addressing the claims with professionalism and composure. His dignified response not only refuted the allegations, but also earned widespread praise. Ultimately, the accuser issued a public apology, acknowledging the false nature of the claims against him.
Behind the scenes, Obiena’s coach and mentor, James Michael “Jim” Lafferty, played a vital role in guiding the athlete through the ordeal.
Lafferty, a seasoned executive coach and motivational speaker, provided strategic PR and crisis management support to help Obiena navigate the situation effectively. Known for his dedication to nurturing athletic talent, Lafferty has also mentored other Filipino Olympians, including long jumper Marestella Torres-Sunang.

“Whilst I have long stated that EJ Obiena is a world-class athlete, yet an even better human being, he, like all celebrities, has been unfairly embroiled in various controversies,” Lafferty recalled.
He highlighted Obiena’s remarkable ability to overcome challenges, including handling multiple crises over the years.
Despite these hurdles, Obiena rose to become the world’s No. 2 pole vaulter, Asia’s top pole vaulter, a member of the six-meter club, and now a two-time Olympian.
Recognizing a broader need for expert crisis management among businesses and public figures, Lafferty, who also serves as the Chairman of Katapult, one of the country’s leading end-to-end marketing solutions providers, took action.
“Sensing the need to better serve EJ and other clients, Katapult has established a new PR and Crisis Management division as of January 1,” Lafferty said.
Lafferty is collaborating with Media Head Anika Basa and Data Analytics Head David Rosario to ensure the seamless integration of services.
The launch of this division underscores Katapult’s commitment to help clients navigate challenges, while safeguarding their reputations and achieving sustainable growth.
Lafferty’s leadership experience spans over three decades, during which he has held CEO roles at multinational companies such as Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola, British American Tobacco, and Fine Hygienic Holding. His proven track record of driving success across industries makes him exceptionally qualified to lead Katapult’s PR and Crisis Management division.
CEO Francis Uy highlighted Katapult’s comprehensive approach: “Katapult was born as a digital-first company with a sniper-shotgun strategy—combining precision targeting of specific consumer personas with broad-reaching campaigns that maximize impact. By leveraging insights from our AI-powered platform, we not only drive marketing success but also provide a robust safety net for brands navigating crises. With our expanded services, including PR and crisis management, we ensure our clients’ reputations are protected and their stories resonate in even the most challenging situations.”
Rosario’s team enables hyper-precise consumer targeting, fostering authentic campaigns and lasting connections.
Together with Basa’s team, they seamlessly execute the Sniper-Shotgun Approach—combining the wide-reaching impact of a shotgun with the pinpoint precision of a sniper rifle to deliver tailored ads that drive maximum impact.
Discover how Katapult can help safeguard your brand’s reputation and lead you through any crisis with precision and expertise. Reach out today to learn how we can support your brand’s continued growth, no matter the challenges ahead.
Check us out at katapultdigital.com.
NEWS
Agoda: Cebu is tourist favorite to welcome ‘The Year of the Snake’

10:30 a.m. January 13, 2025
As the Lunar New Year approaches, digital travel platform Agoda unveils Cebu to be the most sought-after destination for international visitors celebrating the start of ‘The Year of the Snake’ in the Philippines. Agoda further reports that, based on accommodation searches made on the platform, Manila is the top-searched domestic destination, with Hong Kong being the most popular among Filipino travelers looking to spend the Lunar New Year holiday abroad.
International travelers are increasingly looking to the Philippines as a Lunar New Year destination, with accommodation searches growing 19% compared to the previous year. The archipelago draws the most visitors from South Korea, United States and mainland China. Cebu, with its world-renowned beaches, marine life, and cultural heritage continues to charm as the top destination for international travelers during the holiday period, with accommodation searches rising 15% from last year.
Domestic travel during the Lunar New Year holiday is also increasingly popular in the Philippines as witnessed by a 52% rise in accommodation searches on Agoda. The most popular destination for domestic travel is Manila, with a nearly 50% increase in searches compared to last year. The capital is a favorite among Filipinos looking to usher in the Lunar New Year in what is said to be one of the oldest Chinatowns in the world, featuring traditional dances, lantern-lined streets and festive fare.
For Filipinos looking to celebrate ‘The Year of the Snake’ abroad, Hong Kong slithers into the lead with a 120% growth in accommodation searches compared to the previous year, overtaking Tokyo. With its impressive skylines and melting pot of cultures, Hong Kong offers an exciting array of festivities including fireworks, parades and performances to usher in a prosperous new year. Overall, outbound accommodation searches increased by 67%, indicating Filipino travelers’ growing desire to spend the holiday period abroad.
Mike Hwang, Country Director, Philippines at Agoda said, “The Lunar New Year holiday is one of Asia’s most popular travel periods and it’s great to see growing interest in the Philippines from international and domestic travelers alike. Cities like Cebu and Manila showcase the wonderful diversity of experiences in the Philippines, from stunning island escapes to cultural festivities in the heart of the capital city. Whether celebrating the new year from the Philippines or traveling abroad, Agoda offers travelers great deals on flights, accommodations and activities to usher in the Year of the Snake.”
The Lunar New Year holiday marks new beginnings and the arrival of Spring, making it a significant travel period as people look to reunite with family and friends. ‘The Year of the Snake’ symbolizes rebirth and transformation and is said to present an auspicious opportunity for embracing self-discovery and exploring new horizons. Known for their association with good fortune, snakes inspire travelers to shed the old and welcome the new — whether by rediscovering familiar places or venturing abroad during this festive season.
Looking at the combined preferences for Asian travelers, Japanese cities in particular emerged as favorites for the Lunar New Year holiday, with Tokyo taking the crown followed by Bangkok (Thailand), Osaka (Japan), Fukuoka (Japan), and Seoul (South Korea).
As travelers prepare to shed the old and embrace the new, Agoda offers exceptional deals for their Lunar New Year holiday on over 4.5 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities and experiences that are available on the platform. The latest deals are available in the Agoda app or on agoda.com/deals.