WHERE WINNING BEGINS: INSIDE SM SUPERMALLS' LARGEST SPORTS PLAYGROUND

 PHILIPPINES — Across the country, a growing community of runners, pickleball players, skaters, bowlers, cyclists, fitness enthusiasts, and aspiring athletes are embracing more active lifestyles at SM Supermalls. Through SM Active Hub, millions of Filipinos have found opportunities to move, compete, learn new sports, and connect with like-minded communities, turning SM malls into the country's largest network of active lifestyle destinations.

From April to June alone, SM hosted more than 3,500 sporting and sports-related events nationwide, strengthening its role as a catalyst for sports participation and community engagement. From grassroots programs and beginner clinics to tournaments and large-scale activations, SM continues to make sports more accessible while inspiring more Filipinos to stay active and engaged.

PHILIPPINES’ BEST 3X3 TEAMS BATTLE FOR GLOBAL GLORY AT THE RED BULL HALF COURT NATIONAL FINALS

  

PHILIPPINES — The Philippines' top three-on-three teams have spent months grinding through regional qualifiers. On June 13, they find out who among them is built for the world.

The Red Bull Half Court Philippines National Finals takes over Bigger Pictures, Mandaluyong in a single-day, winner-takes-all showdown where speed, skill, and offensive power determine everything. Following a series of qualifiers across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, the country’s best streetball teams now converge for a single goal: to earn the right to represent the Philippines at the Red Bull Half Court World Finals in Manila.

Red Bull Half Court delivers the fastest version of three-on-three basketball, where games are capped at 10 minutes, and the first team to reach 21 points wins. What sets it apart from any other 3-on-3 format are the two unique rules that keep the pressure rising. First, the Own the Court Bonus, where six points are awarded to the highest-scoring squad in a cumulative team tally. In some cases, this bonus makes all the difference in the teams’ final standings.

Next is the three-point shots rule. Introduced in 2024, this rule features two three-point spots marked by circles drawn two metres behind the arc. Once a player takes a shot with their foot on the circle, it counts for three points.

JOIN THE PICKLEBALL WAVE AT SM: DISCOVER 61 COURTS ACROSS 25 MALLS IN 2025!

 PHILIPPINES – Pickleball continues to find its home in SM Supermalls.

 

Through the SM Sports and Lifestyle Center (SLC), SM expands its permanent pickleball court locations to SM Center Shaw and SM Center Muntinlupa, giving the all-inclusive sport, its athletes, and enthusiasts even more venues for their next friendly or competitive matches. Because of this, SM closed 2025 with 61 court locations across the Philippines with 37 total permanent courts—the largest among mall operators.

 

SM empowers the thriving local pickleball scene with maxed-out sports experiences for picklers and the active lifestyle community nationwide. Through its launch of SM Active Hub, the country's largest sports playground, partnered with SM SLC's mission of revolutionizing fitness and sports engagement in the country, it encourages tournament play, friendly competition, and fun bonding moments. 

 

"SM launched SM Active Hub in March last year with the strong intention of giving athletes, sports enthusiasts, and even casual players alike high-quality and easily accessible spaces that can house their best sports experiences—whether that's lighthearted fun or high adrenaline competition," said Joaquin San Agustin, SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing. "Closing 2025 with our largest pickleball court locations while adding two new permanent courts in SM Center Shaw and SM Center Muntinlupa in Metro Manila is evidence that sports remains not just a strong interest, but a new way of life for our customers."

 

Opened in partnership with Paloo, the pickleball court locations of SM Center Shaw and SM Center Muntinlupa boast three outdoor and four indoor permanent courts respectively, both intuitively designed to accommodate experienced and novice players, with accessible rates.

 

The Home of Elevated Sports Experiences 

Through Active Hub, SM gave local picklers the ultimate spot to maximize movement and active lifestyles, meeting the athletic appetite of customers through its modular court approach. With the integration of the SM Malls Online app, players can easily sign up to be part of the community, discover upcoming events, and gain exclusive access to the best deals that maximize experiences they'll love.

 

MANILA, ARE YOU READY? RED BULL HALF COURT 2026 WORLD FINALS ARE COMING TO THE PHILIPPINES!

 PHILIPPINES  – Following the conclusion of the Red Bull Half Court 2025 World Finals in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Red Bull shifts the global spotlight to the Philippines, proudly announced as the Ddto ddto official host of the Red Bull Half Court 2026 World Finals, marking the the first major 3-on-3 world championship staged outsideFIBA.

READY TO LACE UP? HUAWEI’S ACTIVE RINGS FUN RUN CALLS YOU THIS NOVEMBER 8!

 PHILIPPINES – HUAWEI, in collaboration with RUNRIO, Leslies’, and Universal Robina Corporation [Nips] will host the Active Rings Fun Run on November 8, 2025 at Block 20 of the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex. This vibrant event welcomes seasoned runners and first-timers alike, celebrating health, innovative technology, and the HUAWEI running community, exclusive to all HUAWEI users.

The top three male and female finishers will each take home a brand-new HUAWEI WATCH GT 6, the brand’s latest smartwatch. It is designed to help users track their performance, monitor their health, and stay connected wherever they go.

TAHO STORY AND URATEX DREAM WIN RED BULL HALF COURT PHILIPPINES NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP – BOUND FOR DUBAI WORLD FINALS NOVEMBER 2025

 PHILIPPINES – The Red Bull Half Court National Finals ignited the court, capping off an epic Philippine tour by uniting top-tier teams from Davao, Cebu, and Manila alongside WildCards for a one-day, all-or-nothing 3-on-3 basketball brawl. On ctober 25, 2025 at Parqal, Aseana City, the nation’s fiercest 3-on-3 squads unleashed electrifying plays under Red Bull Half Court’s high-octane ruleset, scrapping for glory. Played under a 12-second shot clock, with matches capped at 10 minutes or first to 21 points, every possession carried weight, demanding sharp decision-making, tight defense, and quick execution.

But the National Final wasn’t just about competition—it was a full-on streetball celebration. Hosted by MC Pao Avila who helped elevate the event with his insight and charm. The Philippine All Stars lit up the stage with a high-energy dance performance, while Stance Philippines rolled in with a slick Street Car Showcase, turning heads with custom rides. Plus, the HoopJeep partnership added a mobile court bringing streetball culture to life. Fans got in on the action with their own contests. Like the Dunk Competition judged on creativity and sheer wow factor. While the Two-Point Shootout, where sharpshooters fired clutch shots in a 60-second frenzy, lighting up the sidelines with every swish. These moments captured the event’s unique blend of basketball, culture, and community energy.

STRIPES RUN 2025 IS BACK – BRING YOUR FAMILY & FRIENDS FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE DAY!

  PHILIPPINES - WEther you’re chasing a new personal best, making memories with your kids and fur babies, or simply out to enjoy the run with friends, McDonald’s Stripes Run 2025 is the run that should be on your calendar to end the year!

Get ready for Stripes Run 2025 on December 7, 2025 at the SM MOA Concert Grounds! It’s more than a race, it’s a feel-good experience where families, friends, and fur babies run together for fun and for a cause.

PUMA SPONSORS ATLETANG AYALA WORLD POLE VAULT CHALLENGE FOR FILIPINO SPORTS ENTHUSIASTS

 

PHILIPPINES — The Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge unites fans in an unforgettable sporting experience, bringing together top national athletes and world-class international vaulters in a rare showcase of talent and pride. PUMA, as an official partner, highlights the athletes' drive for greatness and unites sports fans internationally through this sporting event. Fans can also look forward to exclusive PUMA apparel as memorable souvenirs from this one-of-a-kind competition in Makati.

Marking its debut as the first-ever major event backed by Atletang Ayala, the challenge sets the stage for athletes to soar to new heights and push their limits in front of an energized crowd.

For two days, from September 20 to 21, Filipino fans will rally behind EJ Obiena as the Ayala Triangle Gardens transforms into a premier athletics venue. The Asian record holder and 2023 World Athletics Championships silver medalist will once again face some of the sport’s biggest names. After taking part in the 2024 Paris Olympics, this challenge offers him a chance to reaffirm Filipinos' place among the world’s best olympic athletes.

DUNK, DRIBBLE, DOMINATE: RED BULL HALF COURT BRINGS STREETBALL MADNESS BACK TO THE PHILIPPINES

PHILIPPINES – Get your squads ready as Red Bull Half Court returns to the Philippines for a brand-new season filled with unmatched energy, raw determination, and high-stakes action. The biggest 3-on-3 streetball tournament is the ultimate battlefield for rising local talent to prove their skills for a chance to represent the Philippines at the Red Bull Half Court World Final, set to take place in the UAE in November.

 

The Ultimate Streetball Tournament is Back in the Philippines

Red Bull Half Court brings the fastest version of 3-on-3 streetball to players across the globe. In partnership with FILA and Spalding, Red Bull Half Court will hold qualifier rounds across five continents and over 20 participating countries, including South Africa, Norway, and Kosovo as the rookies.

 

Legendary NBA shooting coach Chris ‘Lethal Shooter’ Matthews shared his excitement for this year’s tournament, saying, “Year after year, Red Bull Half court continues to push the game forward. Seeing the sport grow in new countries and watching these athletes bring their best is truly special. I can’t wait to see who makes it to the World FInal in the UAE.”

Unlike traditional basketball, Red Bull Half Court games only take up half the court, with teams of 3 players. Games follow FIBA rules and are played with a regulation time of 10 minutes and a maximum of 21 points. Winners of each match are determined by who reaches the highest score within the regulation time or who reaches the maximum number of points first.

 

LULU MONEY JOINS THE ARGENTINA FOOTBALL STORY, BRINGING WORLD CHAMPIONS CLOSER TO FILIPINO FANS

 This partnership, part of LuLu Financial Holdings’ wider deal with AFA across ten countries, brings the world champions closer to fans across Southeast Asia.

The partnership signing ceremony was led by notable figures in attendance, including LuLu Financial Holdings Founder and Managing Director Adeeb Ahamed (fourth from the left), Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni (fifth from the left), and Ambassador of Argentina to UAE His Excellency Jorge Agustin Molina Arambarri (second from the left)

PHILIPPINES - LuLu Money, a leading cross-border payments provider in the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong, has announced a partnership with the Argentine Football Association (AFA), signing on as their Regional Fintech Partners for these four countries.

This sponsorship is part of a larger global agreement through which the various entities under LuLu Financial Holdings, across 10 countries, will become official AFA partners within their respective regions. This collaboration caters to Filipino communities, both at home and abroad, who rely on LuLu Money for seamless remittances and have a growing passion for international football. In India, LuLu Forex, a leading foreign exchange provider, and LuLu Finserv, the group’s microlending and financial services arm, will represent the brand. Meanwhile, LuLu Exchange will take on the partnership role in the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman.

A INTRODUCES VELOCITY NITRO™ 4: ELEVATE YOUR RUNNING JOURNEY

  

            PUMA Velocity Nitro™ 4

 

●   PUMA delivers its latest upgrade in everyday running footwear, Velocity NITRO™ 4.

●   The most versatile Velocity yet, offering a combination of comfort and responsiveness for runners of all abilities.

●   The Velocity NITRO™ 4 will be available to purchase globally from Thursday 17 July.

 

PHILIPPINES – PUMA has today revealed the Velocity NITRO™ 4, the latest instalment in its much-acclaimed Velocity series.

 

The most versatile of PUMA’s running line-up, Velocity NITRO™ 4 is built for all runners - regardless of time and distance – and designed for you to experience the way running should feel.

 

Comfortable at multiple paces, Velocity NITRO™ 4 delivers when you need it most; from tempo sessions to recovery days and everything in between, allowing you to unleash your inner athlete.

PUMA Velocity Nitro ™4 in Women’s (Top) and Men’s (Bottom)

 

Building on the success of its predecessor, the Velocity NITRO™ 4 introduces significant upgrades including a full-length NITROFOAM™ midsole for lightweight cushioning and maximum energy return. A reengineered upper allows for a more breathable and adaptive fit, and the PUMAGRIP outsole continues to be a market leader, offering superior multi-surface traction.

 

HUAWEI AND RUNRIO RALLY RUNNERS TO EMBRACE SMARTER, HEALTHIER LIFESTYLES WITH ‘ACTIVE RINGS: ENJOY YOUR MOMENT’ COMMUNITY RUN AT SM MOA

PHILIPPINES –  On June 30, 2025 HUAWEI continues to empower smart fitness as it hosted a community run event with running events organizer RUNRIO. Held last June 28 at the monumental SM Mall of Asia Complex, the community run event was part of HUAWEI’s ‘Active Rings: Enjoy Your Moment’ initiative.

Enjoy the Moment from Start to Finish Line

The event gathered participants from the HUAWEI Wearable community and other run club members, who embraced a morning of movement and motivation during the community run. The community run in Manila is part of HUAWEI’s ‘Active Rings: Enjoy the Moment’ initiative, which seeks to encourage communities to live healthier and more active lives. The Manila event was the latest in its lineup of global fitness events in different cities across the globe. 

For many, the initiative’s message resonated beyond physical activity. Lara Beriña, engineer and avid runner commended the initiative, saying, “‘Active Rings’ is such a smart and timely campaign. As an engineer, I’m obsessed with numbers and metrics, but this reminded me to be present and enjoy the journey.” She added, “It wasn’t just about hitting goals—it was about celebrating the effort, the community, and the joy of movement.”

Throughout the run, participants worked toward achieving their goals and closing each activity ring on the HUAWEI wearable devices. According to regular runner Addy Alajar, this made the run more fun and challenging. He claimed, “I’m a visual person, so seeing my progress like that keeps me going. It’s a simple but really motivating way to stay on track and know exactly what I still need to do.” By the time they reached the finish line, most runners were able to close each of their activity rings, which added a sense of accomplishment to their experience.

Once the participants have cooled down, the top three fastest male and female finishers. For the women’s category, Arielle Chantal Guado won first place with a recorded time of 24 minutes and 31 seconds. Trisha Cruz came in second, finishing her run in 26 minutes and 19 seconds. Close behind her in third was Hannah Dacanay who finished at 27 minutes and 40 seconds.

Francis Geoffrey Ramos Parreñas was the top finisher for the men’s category with a recorded time of 21 minutes and 32 seconds. With only a 13-second difference at 21 minutes and 45 seconds, John Mark Calves came in second. And, only 9 seconds behind was Josh Campos at 21 minutes and 53 seconds. 

HUAWEI BRINGS ACTIVE RINGS VIBES TO MANILA WITH RUNRIO’S EPIC COMMUNITY RUN

PHILIPPINES – HUAWEI forwards its global movement to inspire communities to live healthier lifestyles as it brings its ‘Active Rings’ initiative to the Philippines. This marks the next major stop in HUAWEI’s worldwide series of high-energy fitness events across the globe.

 

As part of its ‘Active Rings’ fitness campaign, HUAWEI is partnering with renowned running events organizer RUNRIO to host a community run event. Happening on June 28 at Block 20, SM Mall of Asia Complex, the event will serve as a celebration of movement, fitness, and joy powered by HUAWEI’s innovative technology.

 

Enjoy Every Movement and Every Moment with HUAWEI’s Active Rings

‘Active Rings,’ a fresh take on HUAWEI’s successful ‘Light Up Your Rings’ campaign, redefines how the community connects with their health. Centered around the ‘Enjoy Your Moment’ philosophy, the initiative helps communities to keep moving in an increasingly fitness-focused world. It invites people of all ages, abilities, and fitness levels to stay active anywhere, anytime, and anyway, not for perfection, but for joy, consistency, and personal progress.

 

PUMA TEAMS UP AS OFFICIAL OUTFITTER FOR UAAP CHAMPIONS UP FIGHTING MAROONS

 

PUMA Philippines becomes official partner of the UP Men’s Basketball Team

PHILIPPINES — On June 16, 2025, PUMA has officially entered a multi-year agreement with the UP Men’s Basketball Team. Following the official signing last June 14 at the PUMA Flagship Store at SM North EDSA, the leading global sports brand has become the official outfitter of the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Basketball Champions. 

The partnership marks a significant milestone for both PUMA and UP, uniting their shared commitment to performance excellence. 

“We’re proud to equip the UP Fighting Maroons with elite performance gear,” said PUMA Philippines Country Manager and proud UP alumn Paolo Misa. “At PUMA, we believe greatness lives within each athlete, and the right support brings it to life.” 

He added, “A championship team deserves only the best.”

BLUEWATER PANGLAO HOSTS GIRO D’ LUCA 2025 IN SUNNY BOHOL

  

PHILIPPINES – The province of Bohol served as the scenic backdrop for the Giro d’Luca 2025, a three-day, non-competitive cycling celebration held from May 23 to 25, 2025. Generously hosted in part by Bluewater Panglao, a proud partner and standout summer destination in the heart of Bohol, this year’s event brought cyclists on a breathtaking journey through nearly 500 kilometers of coastal roads, lush countryside, and iconic landmarks including Panglao, Loboc, and the world-renowned Chocolate Hills.

GIRO D’LUCA RETURNS TO BOHOL’S BREATHTAKING ROADS FOR AN EPIC CYCLING JOURNEY

PHILIPPINES – On May 29, 2025 The province of Bohol once again served as the dynamic backdrop for the Giro d’Luca, a three-day, non-competitive cycling celebration held from May 23 to 25, 2025. Covering close to 500 kilometers, the event brought cyclists through a scenic journey across Panglao, Loboc, the famed Chocolate Hills, and other iconic locations across the province. 

Now in its twelfth year, the Giro d’Luca has grown from a private birthday ride into a well-loved regional cycling tradition. It was first launched in 2012 by Gianluca Guidicelli, a restaurateur, entrepreneur, and multisport athlete, as a way to share his passion for health, community, and the natural beauty of the Philippines.

This year’s Giro d’Luca continued its intimate format, welcoming a close-knit group of family members and friends who share a deep appreciation for cycling and the outdoors. Unlike a competitive race, the Giro d’Luca focuses on the experience of bringing riders together to foster camaraderie while enjoying some of the country's most stunning routes.

HUAWEI EMPOWERS MPT DRIVEHUB CYCLING TEAM TO CONQUER ‘THE GREAT REVIVAL: TOUR OF LUZON’

 Philippines – HUAWEI furthers its commitment to build healthier communities through innovation with its partnership with Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) for the ‘The Great Revival: Tour of Luzon.’ After an exhilarating, 8-day cycling race, which started last April 23 in Paoay and concluded last May 1 at Camp John Hay in Baguio, the MPT DriveHub Cycling Team emerged as the overall winner at the historic event.

MPT DriveHub Cycling Team

More than a revival of Asia’s longest cycling events, the Tour of Luzon served as a rallying point for athletic excellence, holistic wellness, and cultural celebration.

Glory on the Great Revival

A total of 13 local and 4 international cycling teams competed in the multi-stage race, covering 7 provinces across Northern and Central Luzon. Spanning 1,074.90 kilometers over 8 days, the event showcased exceptional talent, endurance, and sportsmanship from both Philippine and international athletes.

HUAWEI AND MPTC SPIN THE WHEELS OF PH HISTORY WITH TOUR OF LUZON’S BIG COMEBACK

 Philippines — On April 28, 2025 HUAWEI continues its push to connect innovation with meaningful community impact as it partners with Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) and DuckWorld PH to officially launch ‘Tour of Luzon: The Great Revival.’ A cornerstone of Asian cycling history, the race first began in 1955 and returns this year to rekindle national pride, regional unity, and wellness through sport.

HUAWEI Forwards Community Wellness and Revive Cycling Legacy with MPTC

As a global leader in innovation, HUAWEI has been at the forefront of developing groundbreaking innovations to enhance its user community’s wellness. The leading tech brand also sets its sights on leveraging its expertise to bridge the gap between advanced technology and cultural heritage. From trailblazing smartphones to revolutionary wearable devices, HUAWEI has a wide range of tech offerings that are designed to deliver next-level convenience and offer a smarter way of living through advanced and powerful features.

Since 2015, HUAWEI has made remarkable strides in wearable technology, setting new standards in both innovation and style. Renowned for their sleek, fashionable designs and impressive features, HUAWEI’s fitness bands and smartwatches double as fashionable accessories that complement any look and as the perfect fitness companions. In 2024, HUAWEI redefined the wearable experience with the launch of the HUAWEI TruSense System, which debuted on the HUAWEI GT 5 Series. Featuring a timeless, elegant design and support for over 100 sport modes, including cycling, the HUAWEI GT 5 Series blends aesthetics with powerful performance.

PUMA STANDS WITH ATHLETES AND CREATES LEGENDS IN EVERY ARENA

Philippines – From the track to the hardwood, the fairway to the Formula 1 grid, PUMA has been making major waves across both local and global athletic landscape as it persists in championing national and international athletes. Its strong, ubiquitous presence in various sports fields reflects a deep-rooted commitment to performance and innovation, to build up Filipino and global athletes for victory.

Here’s how PUMA is winning in sports, one field at a time:

1. Running the Distance

In 2021, PUMA strengthened its presence in the running scene when it introduced the RUN PUMA line powered by NITROFOAM™ technology. And this year, PUMA upped its influence in running as it launched the “Go Wild” global campaign. “Go Wild” invites everyday runners to unleash their inner energy and chase the emotional highs from pushing their limits. It inspires them to let go, trust their instincts, and embrace their authenticity, confidence, and playful spirit. 

To amplify the campaign in the Philippines, PUMA tapped 4 elite running athletes, Jonna Lina Abutas and Beef Co, as well as national athletes Christine Hallasgo and Junel Gobotia. 

Abutas has scored first place wins in many 10k and 21k races including the Women’s Run Asia in 2024 and the Milo Marathon. A rising “runfluencer,” Co has is determined to reach peak performance without compromising his well-being. He competed in the 2024 Hyrox Open Incheon and placed second for his age group. During the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in 2019, Hallasgo hit the ground running when she bagged gold for her debut appearance on home turf. She set a new personal best record just last March when she competed at the 20th Asian Marathon Championships in China. Meanwhile, Gobotia continues to dominate the Steeplechase scene in the Philippines as he dominated the 3000M Steeplechase event at the 2024 Philippine National Games.

RUNNING FOR A GREENER FUTURE: THE GCASH ECO RUN PLANTS OVER 76,000 TREES THROUGH THE SUPPORT OF GREEN HEROES AND PARTNERS

 

First ever GCash Eco Run gathers 12,000 Eco Runners and sustainability partners to take collective action for mangrove reforestation in the Negros region

 

Philippines – The time, effort, and dedication needed to train for a race or marathon make crossing the finish line so rewarding for many runners. In the same way, creating a greener, more sustainable future requires the same level of collective commitment.

More than just a race, the first-ever GCash Eco Run turned the streets of Ayala Avenue, Makati, into an eco-movement. Over 12,000 eco-runners laced up their shoes—not just to set personal records but to make a lasting impact on the environment. With the support of its event sponsors and sustainability partners, this milestone initiative has already planted 76,000 trees across 11 hectares in the Negros region.

A race that goes beyond the finish line

In support of the South Negros Reforestation Initiative, a long-standing partnership between Silliman University and GCash, each sign-up to the GCash Eco Run contributed to the planting of a grey stilted mangrove tree in Negros Occidental. GCash doubled their commitment by pledging an additional tree for every participant. This means that the runners alone contributed 24,000 new trees.

Grey stilted mangroves play a vital role in environmental conservation as they mitigate the impacts of extreme weather and sequester carbon while providing habitats for marine life. As a result, mangrove forests are some of the most effective natural ecosystems for carbon storage today, making them a crucial asset in the fight against climate change.