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Grab lauds additional 4,000 TNVS slots in 2023

January 3, 2023 3:30 p.m.

Grab Philippines has welcomed the opening of 4,000 transport network vehicle service (TNVS) slots, and said the recent move by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) would improve the ride-hailing experience of over a million Grab users in the Philippines.

In a year-end message sent to users of the popular ride-hailing and food delivery application, Grab Philippines Country Head Grace Vera Cruz revealed that “the LTFRB, with the Department of Transport, announced that it will open 4,000 more TNVS slots, making your ride-hailing experience much better and more affordable.”

Speaking on behalf of Grab, Vera Cruz pointed out that now that the Philippine economy has fully reopened, “the urgent need for safe, reliable, accessible means of transportation is front and center.”

“This is a shared responsibility between the regulators, transport companies, and other partners in government,” she said.

Aside from working with the Manila International Airport Authority and the Department of Transportation to better serve arriving and departing passengers, Vera Cruz said Grab is fully committed to providing consumers and their drivers “every possible solution within our means.”

“With the support of all our stakeholders, we will strive to provide all of you with a much better mobility experience through our app and platform,” she added.

While acknowledging that “there is more work that needs to be done on the mobility front,” Vera Cruz reiterated the commitment of Grab to “play a leading and much active role in co-developing solutions together with our transport stakeholders and regulators.”

“Our teams are working tirelessly to help address our current transport situation, but we cannot do this alone,” said the Grab Philippines chief, who explained that their partners in government “play a vital role in our ability to onboard more drivers making safe, reliable, and more accessible means of transportation possible for you and many Filipinos.”

In the same message, Vera Cruz thanked Grab users for supporting the everyday entrepreneurs and micro, small and medium enterprises that deliver their services and products through the Grab platform.”

“Every time you use Grab to book a ride, order food and essentials, or pay cashless, you are creating a positive impact on the lives and livelihoods of many Filipinos while playing a vital role in driving the Philippines and Southeast Asia forward,” said Vera Cruz.

The Grab executive shared that the company would continue to increase its “positive socioeconomic impact” by reaching out to more consumers and by providing more livelihood opportunities in key areas outside of Greater Metro Manila. 

The University of the Philippines and London Business school alumna said that Grab anticipates increased economic activity in key cities in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, as well as an uptick in local and international tourism. 

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NEWS

Experience next-level fun at SM Game Park MOA

December 1, 2023 5:42 p.m.

Get ready to elevate your fun and dive into an action-packed experience at the newest sports destination in SM Mall of Asia (MOA)—SM Game Park!

The SM Game Park Mall of Asia (MOA), featuring 1,947 sqm of top-notch amusement, is now open on the 3rd Level of the South Entertainment Mall in MOA.

Prepare for an exciting recreational and active lifestyle facility, launching you into a sporty era with an electrifying lineup of games and activities. SM Game Park MOA is the brand’s flagship branch, designed by the award-winning Hong Kong-based company, Alexander Wong Architects. It marks the fourth branch in the country, following SM Southmall, SM City Fairview, and SM Cagayan de Oro (CDO) Downtown.

Situated on the 3rd Level of the South Entertainment Mall of SM Mall of Asia, SM Game Park MOA spans 1,947 sqm of everything fun, offering top-notch amusements and the best amenities for everyone of all ages.

(L-R): Taters Enterprises President Brian Tanchanco, Metro Archery owner Luis Timothy Fuentes, Philippine Sports Commission Commissioner Olivia “Bong” Coo, SM Lifestyle Sports & Leisure Centers Assistant Vice President for Operations Joseph Silva, SM Supermalls Senior Assistant Vice President for Operations Perkin So, Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) legend Jayjay Helterbrand, and acclaimed table tennis player Jann Nayre

At SM Game Park MOA, let the good times roll at its massive 16-lane regular bowling area. Plus, have an unforgettable and exclusive experience with your social circles at the new four-lane private bowling, equipped with state-of-the-art Augmented Reality (AR) technology—a first in the country.

The vast 16-lane regular bowling area.
The four-lane private bowling section is equipped with cutting-edge Augmented Reality (AR) technology.

Gather the hoop crew and shoot your shots at the mini indoor basketball court, accommodating a team of 3×3 players. For those exploring other sports, test your skill with a bow and arrow at the archery zone by PANA.

SM Lifestyle Sports & Leisure Centers Assistant Vice President for Operations Joseph Silva (center) performs the ceremonial first basketball jump ball with Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) stars Marc Pingris (left) and Jayjay Helterbrand (right) at the mini indoor basketball court.
The ceremonial first arrow release is executed by top archers Emanuel Caducoy (left) and Adrianna Jessie Magbojos (right).

Master the art of billiards at any of the six billiard tables available. Serve up intense rallies at the table tennis area, or challenge a friend to a game of basketball hoops or E-darts at the arcade games corner.

The ceremonial first billiards break shot is performed by SM Lifestyle Inc. Sports & Leisure Centers Assistant Vice President for Operations Joseph Silva (left) and SM Mall of Asia Mall Manager Rosaly Anne Salazar.

There’s no shortage of heart-pumping thrills at SM Game Park MOA. Sing, dance, and play your hearts out to your favorite songs and games inside the Game Room. You can now enjoy karaoke, and soon there will be additions like board games, dance consoles, and various other recreations, offering a multitude of options for passing the time. If you need to wind down or simply chill with the squad after a fun day, grab some delicious grub and refreshing drinks from the Sports Bar by Taters.

Enjoy karaoke and upcoming additions like board games, dance consoles, and various entertainment options in the Game Room.
Indulge in savory bites and cool beverages at the Sports Bar courtesy of Taters.

Exciting promos await customers, so make sure to check out the official social media accounts of SM Game Park on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for more information.

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NEWS

NU Lady Bulldogs reach UAAP for 9th consecutive time

November 22, 2023 8:30 p.m.

TOP-SEEDED National University needed just one game to dispose of fourth-ranked Ateneo de Manila University, 58-43, and advance to its ninth straight UAAP Women’s Basketball Finals on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The Lady Bulldogs will seek their eighth consecutive title when they face the winner between the twice-to-beat UST Growling Tigresses and the UP Fighting Maroons in the Season 86 best-of-three championship series.

The UST-UP game is ongoing as of publishing.

This was also NU’s 12th straight win after losing to UP in the first round last October 8, 69-72.

“I thought it’s always hard to play against Kacey Dela Rosa and Jhazmin Joson kasi they’re considered nga the 1-2 punch of Ateneo that’s why our main goal every time we play them is to limit them,” said Lady Bulldogs head coach Aris Dimaunahan.

And that goal of limiting the “Kobe and Shaq” of Ateneo in their second straight Final Four duel? NU successfully achieved.

Dela Rosa was limited to just 10 points, including just two in the second half, but still grabbed 11 rebounds and two blocks. In her final game for the Blue Eagles, Jhaz Joson was held to just seven points on a woeful 2-of-12 shooting while also committing eight turnovers.

NU made some separation from a slim 31-27 lead at the break with a strong third quarter that saw Ann Pingol score eight points after being held scoreless in the first half, helping build a 48-37 advantage heading into the fourth.

The Lady Bulldogs continued their onslaught to open the payoff period with Marylene Solis, Maymay Canuto, and Pingol contributing for a 55-39 cushion with 6:15 to go.

After Junize Calago’s layup at the 7:09 mark, the Lady Bulldogs tightened up, with the Blue Eagles’ next basket coming in at the 2:41 mark on a Kacey Dela Rosa deuce, 41-58.

“Thank you sa mga teammates ko na in-encourage nila ako para makabawi ako nung second half kasi nung first half wala talaga ako,” said Pingol, who scored all her 10 points in the pivotal second half where the Lady Bulldogs broke away.

Camille Clarin paced NU in the first half, making all of her 12 points there to go with four assists and three rebounds.

Maymay Canuto and Jainaba Konateh both tallied eight points while grabbing nine and seven rebounds, respectively.

After the game, Joson was given her moment by NU and Ateneo at center court.

Just like last season, the Blue Eagles finished the season in fourth place.

Calago led Ateneo with 12 points, eight rebounds, four steals, and three assists but went just 5-of-19 from the field, while Sarah Makanjuola also added eight points, 16 rebounds, and two blocks.

Mille Gastador had also played her last game for the Blue Eagles.

The Final Four battle was also attended by Gilas Pilipinas players Janine Pontejos, Chack Cabinbin, Khate Castillo, Trina Guytingco, and Mikka Cacho.

The Scores:

NU 58 – Clarin 12, Pingol 10, Canuto 8, Konateh 8, Berberabe 4, Solis 4, Cayabyab 3, Betanio 3, Talas 3, Surada 2, Fabruada 1, Alterado 0, Alcantara 0.

Ateneo 43 – Calago 12, Dela Rosa 10, Makanjuola 8, Joson 7, Villacruz 6, Gastador 0, Angala 0, Solis 0, Nieves 0, Mataga 0, Fetalvero 0, Eufemiano 0.

Quarterscores: 13-11, 31-27, 48-37, 58-43.

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NEWS

Pacquiao lauds Marcial, wants Asiad silver medalist to fight in Manila before Paris stint

November 12, 2023 5:50 p.m.

RETIRED eight-division world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao has just personally congratulated Paris Olympic-bound fighter Eumir Felix Marcial for winning a silver medal in the recent Hangzhou 19th Asian Games in China. 

Not only becoming the first Filipino boxer to qualify for the Paris Games after reaching the Asiad final — an Olympic continental qualifier, the 28-year-old boxer from Zamboanga City got boxing tips from Pacquiao during their meet up at the Forbes Park in Makati City last Friday. 

“He [Marcial] was congratulated by the Senator personally after bagging a silver medal in the Asian Games and making it to the Olympics for the second time,” International matchmaker Sean Gibbons said. “The living legend Pacquiao was so excited to see him, he also gave Eumir some boxing tips.”

But there was a bigger story from there. 

The 44-year-old future hall of famer, according to Gibbons, is planning to set up a pro fight here in an undetermined venue in Manila for Marcial — one of Marcial’s possible two scheduled pro bouts — before competing to the Paris Olympics from July 26 to August 11. 

“The Asiad silver medalist, Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist just met with Viva Manny Pacquiao, he presented him the silver medal, and the big news was the senator wants to do a fight here in Manila, maybe in February to be sponsored by the Manny Pacquiao promotions,” Gibbons added. 

Marcial, who is sporting a 4-0 win-loss record with two knockouts, expressed excitement to fight in front of his hometown, noting that the last time he fought in Manila was in 2019 Philippines 30th Southeast Asian Games when he won the gold in the middleweight class. 

“It definitely excites me to hear it from Senator himself that he wanted to arrange a fight here for me under his promotions,” Marcial said. “There are many Filipinos who like to see me fight here. I’m begging for the support of my fellow Filipinos.”

Marcial will definitely be the main event bout of the fight card to be arranged by Gibbons later on, but the training of the four-time Southeast Asian Games middleweight king will definitely stay in the United States. 

“My training stays in the United States for sure because that’s only the ideal place to train not only for my pro bouts but also for my Olympic campaign,” added Marcial. “I will just return to Manila two weeks before the fight if it’s officially announced.”

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