PLDT and Cignal TV support Philippine Hosting of 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship

The Philippines’ world-first solo hosting of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship has gotten a boost as PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and Cignal TV announced their support for the prestigious volleyball tournament taking place on September 12-28, 2025. 

 

The country’s largest telco network PLDT will be the official broadband partner of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship. Cignal TV, the pay TV arm of the MediaQuest Group, will be the event’s official broadcaster.

 

“This is a great opportunity to inspire a new generation of Filipino athletes and showcase our countrymen's passion for sports,” said Manuel V Pangilinan, Chairman and CEO of PLDT. “The Philippines is now taking center stage in the world of volleyball. We look forward to working with the DOT and the PNVF to provide a top-notch experience for fans all over the world.”

DOT Office of Film and Sports Tourism Director Roberto Alabado III, Sen Alan Peter S. Cayetano, PNVF President Ramon Suzara, and MediaQuest Holdings Inc. and Cignal TV President and CEO Jane Jimenez Basas pose with top UAAP, NCAA men’s volleyball players at the 2025 FIVB Men's World Championship press event.

 

The Philippines is the first solo host nation of the biggest men’s volleyball tournament in the world. The event will also be the biggest FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship to date, as the tournament format expands to 32 teams. The sport has rapidly grown in popularity in the Philippines over the past few years, with a passionate fanbase supporting highly competitive leagues such as Spikers’ Turf, Premier Volleyball League (PVL), and Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Champions League. 

PLDT Chairman and CEO Manny V. Pangilinan with Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) officers and Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Ramon Suzara (3rd from left) and Secretary-General Don Caringal (rightmost).

“It will be a huge challenge to host the highest-ranking teams and fans from all over the world. But as Filipinos, we know we can create the best environment for everyone to compete at the highest level on our home soil.”, said PNVF president Ramon Suzara.

 

The Philippine men’s national volleyball team’s preparations will begin with a comprehensive selection process for the player pool and the unveiling of a new team name. Aside from supporting the national team, PLDT was a key partner in the recent 2023 Volleyball Nations League in Manila.

Timezone's Grand Opening: Unveiling Innovation in Family Entertainment at U.P. Town Center

Get ready as Timezone the premier family entertainment center brand, unveils its newest and largest venue at U.P. Town Center on Friday, April 26, 2024. Brace yourself for a wave of innovation with cutting-edge games and thrilling experiences, promising to elevate entertainment for all ages!

The latest addition to the number one family entertainment center chain brings innovative games and exciting experiences to the Diliman crowd!

Timezone, the leading family entertainment center brand, is set to open its newest and largest venue at U.P. Town Center in Diliman on Friday, April 26, 2024. This much-anticipated opening promises innovative games and attractions, elevating the entertainment experience for all ages.

Replacing its original U.P. Town Center location, the new facility is a spacious 1,535-square- meter area located on the second level of the mall’s Phase II zone. This upgrade brings more games, larger spaces, and unique offerings to the community. Timezone has planned a series of opening promotions, with special Powerload packages and exclusive prizes to celebrate this event.

A New World of Entertainment

Keen gamers can enjoy new offerings like Minecraft Dungeon Arcade, as well as state-of- the-art virtual reality and augmented reality experiences such as Sailor Quest VR, HALO Fireteam Raven, and the six-seater VR Warship. Fans of multiplayer racing will love Asphalt 9DX Motion, a thrilling addition to the lineup.

Timezone U.P. Town Center goes beyond arcade games, offering a six-lane bowling alley, an All-Star Basketball machine, and four NBA Hoops games for basketball enthusiasts. Guests can also experience the fun of seven bumper cars, four billiard tables, and five music zones. The Prize Shop adds an extra element of excitement, where guests can redeem unique prizes with their game points.

Timezone offers two party rooms, each with a maximum capacity of 50 people, ideal for birthday parties and other special events. Timezone parties are carefully designed to make every celebration a truly exceptional experience. From children’s birthday parties and corporate functions to milestone celebrations, Timezone’s attention to detail, passion, and precision ensure a memorable and seamless event for every occasion.

Expanding the Timezone Experience

Timezone has been a leader in family entertainment since 1998, with a legacy of innovation and quality. With over 50 venues in the Philippines, Timezone has become a popular destination for families and friends seeking quality entertainment.

The new Timezone U.P. Town Center continues this tradition, offering a broader range of experiences to visitors. According to U.P. Town Center General Manager Ydonna Alvendia, Timezone has played a significant role in bringing joy and excitement to the mall's regular visitors.

"Since its original opening, Timezone has been a bustling hub of energy and excitement at U.P. Town Center," Alvendia remarks. "Its new location will continue to add a unique dimension to the mall experience, providing an engaging alternative to shopping and dining."

Grand Opening Promotions and Anticipation

To celebrate the grand opening, Timezone offers a special promotion: guests can purchase P600 and receive P1,000 Powerload + 100 Powertickets from April 26 to May 15, 2024. In addition, the first 50 guests who purchase P1,000 or more in Powerload can receive a Mini Mega Lollipop from Chupa Chups.

Regular guests, including students and those working in nearby BPO hubs, are excited about the new location. "We can't wait to see all the new games and attractions," says one regular visitor. "It's always a fun place to unwind with friends."

With this new jewel in its crown, Timezone certainly has the Diliman crowd in a buzz, offering an unmatched entertainment experience for families and friends alike. Join us at the grand opening and discover a new world of fun and excitement.

Xiaomi Fan Festival 2024 captivates fans with SB19

Summer is the perfect time to experience iconic moments. This is the season to go on adventures with friends, go to music festivals to feel the sunny vibe and seek out new activities you’ve never tried before. The recent Xiaomi Fan Festival 2024 brought all of this and so much more with its immersive event at SM MOA By the Bay.

#TeamRedmiNote’s SB19 brought energy and flair to the Xiaomi Fan Festival Concert stage

The Xiaomi Fan Festival is an annual event celebrating Xiaomi’s anniversary, and also a way to thank the brand’s loyal fans for their unwavering support. For this year’s festival, Xiaomi invited several local acts, including P-pop group and #TeamRedmiNote member SB19, for a memorable day of music, activities, and creative expression.

The SM Mall of Asia fireworks brought more beauty and sparkle to the Xiaomi Fan Festival Concert stage.

 

Iconic experiences

Right off the bat, Xiaomi fans were treated to Xiaomi Fan Festival essentials, such as balloon clappers, LED wristbands, and more. They were free to explore the festival grounds to join games and raffles to win prizes, check out Xiaomi’s latest phones, including the limited-edition XFF Redmi Note 13, at the Pop-Up Showroom, and of course, to watch their favorite local artists perform on stage.

 Xiaomi’s Pop-Up Showroom showcased the latest Xiaomi and Redmi phones, including the limited-edition XFF Redmi Note 13.

 Xiaomi fans from all over came together to sing and dance to their favorite songs at the Xiaomi Fan Festival.

The concert stage lit up with electrifying performances from acts like Arthur Miguel, Demi, P4blo, and more. P-pop sensation SB19 headlined the show and got everyone in the zone while performing their hits “Bazinga,” “Mapa,” and more. A’tins and music-loving Xiaomi fans alike joined together to sing along and vibe from afternoon until evening. Lucky fans also got the chance to play a game with SB19 on stage.

 Demi, Mikay Bobis, P4BLO, and more gave energizing performances, showing Xiaomi fans why they should be on their playlists.

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Overall, many fans made the most of their Xiaomi Fan Festival 2024 experience and even brought home new Xiaomi phones and awesome prizes from the event. These iconic moments will be part of their core summer memories.

 

Xiaomi’s anniversary celebration doesn’t end there. Fans can shop Xiaomi smartphones and AIoT smart products at discounted prices with the Xiaomi Fan Festival 2024 Sale until April 30, 2024. Check out these offerings via the Xiaomi Fan Festival microsite, and authorized Xiaomi stores. 

 

For more information, visit Xiaomi Philippines’ website and Facebook page.

Hot Air Balloon Festival and Airshow Set to Soar Over Albay Next Weekend

                                                            

 

 From May 3-5, 2024, the old Legazpi Airport in Albay will transform into a vibrant playground for enthusiasts of all things airborne. "A Weekend of Everything that Flies," the country's exclusive airshow experience typically hosted in Clark, Pampanga, will debut in the Bicol region, with the iconic Mayon Volcano providing a breathtaking backdrop.

 

Initiated by Ako Bicol party-list representative, Cong. Zaldy Co, the event draws inspiration from renowned hot air balloon festivals worldwide, particularly in Clark, Pampanga, and the daily flights of Cappadocia, Turkey. Co envisions this international spectacle, headlined by foreign pilots and participants, as a catalyst for revitalizing tourism throughout Albay and the wider Bicol region.

 

"In Cappadocia, Turkey, we marveled at hot air balloons drifting over stunning landscapes. Now, imagine these vibrant balloons against the backdrop of the majestic Mayon Volcano," Co expressed. "This event promises to attract spectators, generate tourism-related employment, bolster sales of local products, and invigorate our regional economy."

 

Attendees can anticipate a captivating array of hot air balloons, including whimsical shapes like Brazil's Bidu and the UK's Bella and Buster (different dogs), Party Balloon from USA, UK's Dyno (a dinosaur), and Belgium's Princess Nelly (an elephant) among others. Additionally, the Global Stars aerobatic team will dazzle spectators with thrilling aircraft stunts, accompanied by daytime smoke trails and nighttime pyrotechnics.

The festivities continue with drone light shows, fireworks displays, and the enchanting Night Glow, where hot air balloons illuminate the evening sky to synchronized music. Throughout the event, visitors can explore exhibitions featuring paramotors, kites, FPV drones, ultralight planes, and even car drifters, all set against the scenic runway backdrop.

Indulge in Bicol's renowned local cuisine and products showcased in the "Fly Market" and food booths scattered across the venue. While entrance to the event is free, those seeking to experience hot air balloon flights, tethered rides, tandem skydiving, or tandem paragliding are advised to book tickets online in advance, as slots are limited. 

 

Organized by the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF), renowned for its annual airshow in Clark, Pampanga, and New Clark City, Tarlac, the event continues a tradition of nearly three decades. Its core objectives remain steadfast: to ignite aviation interest among youth, instill discipline in aspiring pilots, and foster a spirit of community volunteerism.

 

Tickets for rides and experiences are available at www.balloonfiesta.ph. Stay updated on event details via PIHABF's official social media channels: Facebook – www.facebook.com/pihabf Instagram – @philballoonfest TikTok – @philballoonfiesta

TechLife Is Back On Shopee

 Get ready to ignite the summer with the hottest tech deals. TechLife is making its grand return to Shopee on April 30, 2024, with discounts of up to 70% off. One lucky follower will also win a P10,000 voucher as a special treat. Save the date for the ultimate tech extravaganza, and don’t miss out on a summer of innovation.

Check out some of the things in store for TechLife’s Shopee Grand Relaunch:

New and improved gadgets that are perfect summer companions 

What’s life without music? An ordinary moment can turn into a rockin’ summer party with the right song and playlist. Improve the audio experience with the TechLife Buds Classic 2, TechLife Wireless Earbuds, TechLife Wireless Headphones, and the TechLife 360° Bluetooth Speaker. 

Summer is also the time for endless adventures. To keep everyone from missing out on all the fun, TechLife ensures that devices can stay powered all day long with their range of sturdy and reliable power banks. Choose between the TechLife power banks to keep gadgets juiced wherever and whenever. With accessories such asthe TechLife 6-in-1 Type C Hub, TechLife Extension Cord with 3 USB Outlets, and various cables like the TechLife Micro USB, TechLife 2-in-1 Cable, and TechLife Type C Cable, the brand ensures that everyone stays connected and ready to enjoy those memorable moments.

TechLife Shopee Grand Relaunch Promo Offers
Item	SRP	Checkout Price (April 30 only)
TechLife Buds Classic 2	P399	P179
TechLife Wireless Earbuds	P999	P479
TechLife Wireless Headphones	P799	P579
TechLife 360° Bluetooth Speaker	P599	P469
TechLife Power Bank 10000mAh	P799	P399
TechLife Power Bank 2 10000mAh	P849	P579
TechLife Power Bank 2 20000mAh	P849	P679
TechLife 6-in-1 Type C Hub	P999	P599
TechLife Extension Cord with 3 Outlets	P599	P429
TechLife Micro USB Cable	P249	P69
TechLife 2-in-1 Cable	P349	P139
TechLife Type C Cable	P299	P79

 

 

Lifestyle essentials to beat the summer heat

Stay fresh at home with TechLife’s range of home appliances, like the TechLife Cooling Fan and TechLife 10-blade Remote Control Electric Fan. The latter’s ten blades create powerful, consistent airflow, while its 14” diameter promises more comprehensive coverage for improved air circulation.

Make the season the perfect time to whip up delicious shakes and smoothies with the TechLife 800W Power Blender. TechLife’s 4.5L See Through Air Fryer can prepare healthy dishes for those working on their summer bodies. At the same time, the TechLife 2-in-1 Humidifieralso works as an aromatherapy diffuser, keeping any part of the house smelling fresh while offering relief from dry air. 

TechLife Shopee Grand Relaunch Promo Offers
Item	SRP	Checkout Price (April 30 only)
TechLife Cooling Fan	P1,999	P1,499
TechLife 10-Blade Remote Control Electric Fan	P1,499	P1,399
TechLife 800W Power Blender	P2,599	P2,199
TechLife 4.5L See-Through Air Fryer	P2,799	P2,399
TechLife 2-in-1 Humidifier	P1,599	P1,299

 

Maximize discounts with sulit vouchers

Hurry and make the most of these incredible summer deals from April 30 to May 4, 2024. Be sure to take note of all the special discounts that will be available on the TechLife Shopee Store:

● Vouchers

○ P50 OFF with a minimum spend of P499 (10%)

○ P100 OFF with a minimum spend of P799 (12.5%)

○ P150 OFF with a minimum spend of P999 (15%)

 

● Special Giveaway

○ One lucky winner will score a P10,000 voucheronce the TechLife Shopee Store hits 10,000 followers.

○  

Here are the complete mechanics of how to win. Note that all three steps must be completed for an entry to be valid. The three lucky winners will be announced on May 10 once the TechLife page reaches 10,000 followers by May 7.

1. Follow the official TechLife Shopee store

2. Comment your fave summer memory + tag a friend on this TechLife Facebook post

3. Share the Facebook post with#TechLifeSummerToRemember

 

Visit the TechLife Shopee Store to enjoy these vouchers and deals. To get updates on TechLife announcements and promos, don’t forget to follow their official Facebookpage.