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Obiena leads PH’s most productive day in SEA Games

May 14, 2022 7:23 p.m.

HANOI – Olympian Ernest John Obiena easily retained his pole vault title and the Philippines, in its most productive day yet, also struck gold in triathlon, jiu-jitsu, fencing, and gymnastics Saturday to boost its bid for a top-three finish even as host Vietnam moved out of reach in the 31st edition of the Southeast Asian Games here.

Kim Mangrobang, at 30 still very much competitive, broke away from the pack in the bike leg of the 1.5K swim, 40K bike, and 10K run event and won her third straight SEA Games crown pulling away while Fil-Spanish Fernando Tan Caseres, 26, proved to be a very able successor to compatriot John Leerams “Rambo” Chicano, topping the men’s race in 1:56.57.

The twin victories, which duplicated the two-gold sweep by triathlon in the 2019 Philippine Games, started the ball rolling for the Filipinos, who also got gold medals from jiu-jitsu fighters Meggie Ochoa in the women’s minus 48kg class and Annie Ramirez in the women’s minus 62kg division and fencer Samantha Catantan in the women’s foil event.

As dusk set in, Fil-Am Aleah Finnegan, a former US national team member, led the national team to the gold medal in women’s artistic gymnastics at the Quan Ngura Sports Palace with a score of 184.500. Vietnam settled for the silver with 183.800 while Singapore was third with 182.500 points.

Finnegan also won the all-around silver medal, scoring 48.250 points in four apparatus – balance beam, floor exercise, vault, and uneven bars – with the gold going to Indon Rifda Irfanaluthfi who scored 49.650.

The last time the Philippines won a medal in women’s artistic gymnastics was in the 2001 Kuala Lumpur Games, with Pia Adelle Reyes leading the way.

The seven-gold medal haul raised the country’s total to 12, counting the gold medals retained by kickboxers Gina Iniong-Araos and Jean Claude Saclag after midnight last Friday.

Obiena, one of the world-class stars on the national team funded by the Philippine Sports Commission, found no worthy opposition and handily won the gold with a leap of 5.46 meters at the My Dinh National Stadium, his every leap lapped up by the appreciative crowd.

He tried to set a new Asian mark, raising the bar to 5.94 meters, but failed after three tries although this hardly mattered as he successfully defended his title won in a breakthrough performance in 2019 back home.

“I’m relieved and happy to win the gold. I came here as a favorite and finally delivered. Mission accomplished,” said Obiena, 26, the Asian record holder at 5.93 meters.

Pinoy athletes also added six more silver medals to the mix, two of them courtesy of triathlete Andrew Kim Remolino and wushu practitioner Agatha Wong, along with six more bronze medals for an overall tally of 12-18-17, good for fourth.

With its athletes boosted by hometown fans, Vietnam improved to 34-21-28, with Indonesia a distant second (13-16-4) and Malaysia a fighting third (13-7-20). Thailand was running a close fifth with a 10-13-25 tally.

What started out as a good day, however, ended badly for the Philippines as the Gilas men’s and women’s 3×3 teams failed to retain the crowns won in 2019, depriving the Philippines of at least two more gold medals.

The Gilas women’s team was beaten by Thailand in the semifinals, their 14-21 loss reducing some team members to tears. Thailand eventually won the gold at the expense of Vietnam while Gilas was shut out, losing to Indonesia 10-16 in the battle for third.

The quartet of Janine Pontejos, Afril Bernardino, Clare Castro, and Angelica Surada, who also lost by the same score to the vastly-improved Thai side last Friday, finished with an even 3-3 mark in the eliminations for the No. 4 spot in the semifinals, being ranged anew against the Thais.

The Thais got back at the Filipinas, who defeated them for the gold medal three years ago in the Philippine SEA Games.

The Gilas men’s team of Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, Jorey Napoles, Marvin Hayes, and Reymar Caduyac lost to Thailand 17-21 in the semifinals and settled for the bronze after beating Indonesia 14-10.

Basketball action takes a one-day break before the start of the 5-on-5 tournament on Monday.

The Gilas Pilipinas men’s squad, backed by a mix of players from the PBA, Japan B. League, and the cadet pool of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, arrived here early Saturday morning.

The Gilas Pilipinas women also arrived here, even going to the 3×3 tournament to support their teammates that will also be playing in the 5-on-5 battle.

Remolino of Cebu, 22, retained the silver medal he won in the 2019 Philippine SEA Games by clocking 3:59.16 while Wong, considered the face of wushu after dominating the taijiquan event in the 2017 and 2019 games, lost her grasp on the gold, scoring 9.69 points for the silver. The gold went to Alisya Mellynar of Indonesia, who scored 9.71.

The victory of the women’s gymnastics team came a day after Caloy Yulo won the men’s all-around individual title.

Yulo will be back in action Sunday, competing in the floor exercise finals where he once reigned as world champion; pommel horse and rings. The action starts at 2 p.m.

On Monday, he sees action in the vault, where he is the reigning world champion; parallel bars, and high bar.

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Join the league of retail leaders: Why top brands call SM home

7:47 p.m. September 30, 2034

As consumer expectations evolve, SM Supermalls continues to lead the way, not just in expansion but in completely reimagining the mall experience. Partnering with global and local industry leaders, SM creates an unmatched platform for brands to thrive in the competitive Philippine retail market.

Why Brands Choose SM: The Perfect Partnership for Growth

More than just a shopping destination, SM Supermalls offers retailers strategic advantages that extend beyond leasing space. With millions of visitors each year and a comprehensive approach to marketing and customer engagement, SM gives brands the tools they need to succeed. Here’s why top global and homegrown retailers prefer SM:

  1. Unmatched Visibility and Foot Traffic
    SM Supermalls are strategically located in key cities across the Philippines, ensuring high foot traffic and exposure to diverse consumer demographics. For brands looking to break into the Filipino market, this visibility is critical for building awareness and driving sales.
  • Integrated Marketing Support
    SM partners benefit from extensive marketing initiatives, including in-mall promotions, digital innovations, and social media campaigns that extend the reach of new store openings, product launches, and events. SM ensures that each new partner gets the spotlight it deserves.
  • A Hub for Innovation and Global Firsts
    From first-in-the-country experiences to unique retail concepts, SM consistently attracts pioneering brands that shape the future of retail. For example, the first Disney Store in the Philippines has opened its doors at SM Mall of Asia, providing an immersive retail experience for families.  In the culinary space, two viral sensations have chosen SM to be their first home in the country. Burger & Lobster, a London-based favorite, is opening soon at SM Aura, offering an exciting new dining experience. Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyuhas fired up its stone grills, bringing authentic beef-style katsu to Filipinos at SM Mall of Asia.
  • Collaborative Business Ecosystem
    SM Supermalls offer more than just retail space—they foster an ecosystem where businesses can thrive. SM provides brands access to a robust support network, enabling collaborations, strategic partnerships, and a future-focused approach to business growth.

What’s New at SM? Experience the Best, First

SM’s dynamic retail portfolio continues to grow, bringing globally and locally loved brands to Filipino consumers. Some of the latest additions include:

●      Disney Store at SM Mall of Asia – The first of its kind in the country.

●      Burger & Lobster at SM Aura – A world-renowned London eatery.

●      Venchi at SM Podium – Italy’s famous chocolatier and gelateria.

●      Allbirds at SM Megamall – Opened its first store at SM.

●      National Geographic Store at SM Aura – The first in the Philippines.

●      Maison Margiela, Le Labo, Aesop, and Victoria’s Secret at SM Mall of Asia – Top luxury and lifestyle brands.

●      Sunnies World at SM Mall of Asia  – An experiential concept store of the local cult favorite brand.

These brands have chosen SM for the strategic opportunity to grow their presence in the Philippines, where they can access an ever-growing and diverse consumer base.

Partner with SM: The Future of Retail Awaits

There’s more to come at SM Supermalls as we continue to push the boundaries of retail, transforming our malls into thriving communities where businesses and consumers alike can grow. Whether through flagship stores, exclusive partnerships, or innovative retail concepts, SM is the partner of choice for brands that want to make an impact in the Philippine market.

Stay connected with SM Supermalls and discover more about how we’re reshaping the future of retail. Visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow us on @SMSupermalls for exclusive previews and updates.

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Paradise Dynasty now open at Greenbelt 5

September 29, 2024

Paradise Dynasty’s #WorldsFamous 8 colored Xiao Long Bao Now Open at Greenbelt 5, 3rd Level, Ayala Center, San Lorenzo, Makati City.

Follow their socials:

Social media accounts:

fb: @paradisedynastyph

IG: @paradisedynastyph

Web: http://paradisedynasty.ph

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Jordan Brand’s New Tatum 3 delivers lightweight feel, adaptable performance

1:41 p.m. September 25, 2024

A gold medal. A championship ring. A hunger for more.

After winning on the greatest stages in the game this summer, Jayson Tatum is back for another NBA season — ready to rise to the occasion in his latest signature shoe, the Jordan Tatum 3.

The new, court-ready silhouette has all the features fit for a champion while delivering unmatched style and continuing the Tatum series’ reign as the lightest in the Jordan Brand basketball collection.

“I don’t take having a signature shoe for granted,” Jayson says. “I’m grateful to be in a position where I can co-create with Jordan Brand and have fans connect with me through my shoe. My favorite part of the 3s is the way they take on color, so my hope is that we inspire and energize a lot of people through the colorway storytelling.”

The Tatum 3 is the result of Jayson’s extensive collaboration with Jordan Brand’s footwear designers, who met his needs with a shoe that feels broken in right out of the box, and adapts to the foot without restrictions or pressure. A new upper incorporates insights from athletes’ on-court moves in the Nike Sport Research Lab, layering materials where they matter most for power and comfort, creating a supportive, conforming fit without feeling bulky or stiff. 

Cushlon 3.0 foam and a Zoom Air insert work alongside the upper’s firm frame to promote lateral movements that feel smooth and secure, and a herringbone traction pattern propels a superior first step and quick cut while helping hoopers stop on a dime.

The smoothness of Jayson’s play and his commitment to his family are built into the Tatum 3, reflected in fluid lines that represent his uninterrupted approach to the game and the foundation of his family tree. Like the Tatum 2, the name of Jayson’s son, Deuce, is featured on the inside of the tongue, opposite his signature JT logo, and his number 0 is included on the heel along with unique sayings on the heel tabs, specific to each colorway. His popular “Find A Way” quote from his 2023 “humbly” interview is also included on the medial side of the shoe.

The launch colorway, Welcome to the Garden, showcases growth in all areas of Jayson’s life — his family, his game and his pursuit of greatness — in a floral pattern that nods to his home and personal garden, where he’s surrounded by family, friends and loved ones.

Jayson first unveiled the new silhouette via the NBA 2K25 cover and during his summer tour of China, where he teamed up with fellow Jordan Brand athletes Luka Dončić, Zion Williamson and Paolo Banchero to connect with local youth and foster their love for the game.

The Tatum 3 will be available globally on jordan.com and select retailers October 10. 

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