Philippine Pickleball Federation forms strong team for World Cup

A strong and fighting team will represent the country in the 2026 Pickleball World Cup in Da Nang, Vietnam from August 30 to September 6.

Leander Lazaro and Sarah Jane Lim-Narvasa, two of the country's best athletes, will lead the Philippine team in the prestigious competition, which is expected to draw roughly 4,000 athletes from 80 countries competing in five categories for a $500,000 prize pool.

Because they both want to improve Philippine pickleball and give Filipino players more opportunities, the Philippine Pickleball Federation (PPF) and Skechers continue to fund initiatives that give athletes a stage on which to compete, interact, and grow. 

The growing popularity of pickleball and PPF's efforts to improve the path for Filipino athletes to compete at the professional and international levels serve as examples of this commitment as Team Philippines prepares to compete at the Pickleball World Cup.

"We believe that every Filipino athlete deserves the opportunity to dream bigger, compete with confidence, and take their talent to the world stage—that's why we're committed to giving athletes the comfort and support they need to go further, and show the world what they're made of. As Team Philippines takes on the world in Da Nang, Skechers is honored to be part of this historical journey of our Filipino athletes." ~Camille Coronel, Skechers Marketing Manager

Nik Isagan, Patrick Mendoza, Johnny Arcilla, and Ruben Gonzales—all former members of the national lawn tennis team—join Lazaro in the Men's Open division. A reserve is Johwee Sam Bernales.

In the Women's Open division, Lim-Narvasa will compete alongside Lauren Mercado, Fatima Amirul, Kelsey Larente, and Medelene Saraza, with Jessica Agra acting as a reserve.

The selection process was carried out by the federation's Tournaments Committee and the Selection Committee, which consists of a panel of respectable players, a local coach, and a high-performance international coach, according to PPF President Shery (Shawy) Cu.

The panel's decision was based on the athletes' performance in elite, international competitions and leagues as well as their involvement in Federation events like open tryouts.

Cu claims that players were selected based on their ability to work well as a team, their ability to adapt to different match formats, and their individual performance—all of which are critical in a rotating team format.

“Pickleball has established its strong growth  in the Philippines, and Team Philippines going to Da Nang is a significant show of competitiveness of our athletes. To every Filipino fan and supporter—rally behind this team. They are fighting for all of us. And to everyone who believes in what Philippine pickleball can become, this is just the beginning.” ~Shery (Shawy) Cu, PPF President

This commitment was shared by Skechers Country Manager Suzette Pasustento, who emphasized the company's continued support for initiatives that empower athletes, expand player opportunities, and cultivate a lively pickleball community—from grassroots participation to national and international competition.

“The Philippines is already one of the fastest-growing pickleball markets in Asia, and the world is watching. Soon we will also see major tournaments taking place here in the Philippines.” ~Suzette Pasustento, Skechers Country Manager

The Philippine delegation will also see action across the Seniors, Masters, and Juniors categories. Rounding up the national roster are Annie Legaspi, Edshel Pagaiguron, Minerva San Jose, and Lilibeth Pulido in the Women’s Seniors division; Angelo Enad, Lucob Chan, Rico del Rosario, and Gilbert Medina in the Men’s Seniors division.

Conrada Henson, Lea Camarao, Liza Badion, and Leah Aragon in the Women’s Masters division; Jose Allan Avila, Carlos Darren Badion, Clinton Lee and Allan Hermano in the Men’s Masters division.

In the Boys’ Juniors division, representing the country are Mackonner Dy, Matt Daniel Navarro, Alva Bual, and Randy Lee Capoquian while Syesha Bree Rivera, Rain Isabelle Astano, Rhenna May Tavera, and Adreanna Pastor will vie in the Girls’ Juniors division.

Skechers introduced performance footwear all over the world, including pickleball shoes made especially to meet the demands of the court.  In the Philippines, Skechers' Viper Court line of pickleball shoes has been the top seller.

Globe ‘Just for You Goes Extreme’ with Fresh Customer Experiences to Connect, Care, and Delight!

“Connectivity means different things at different moments for every customer. Sometimes it’s about being able to reach someone when it matters, while other times it’s about making everyday tasks easier or simply enjoying more of what they love. Our goal is to understand those moments and make the Globe experience work around them, strengthening the systems and applications customers use, making them more dependable and reliable. Together with Globe, customers can progress further than they could ever do so on their own.” ~KD Dizon, Globe Chief Marketing Officer

Globe leaders at the latest The Blueprint by Globe, where the company unveiled new ways to make connectivity more convenient, rewarding and personal for customers.

Globe's The Blueprint, which launches in August, brings together new technologies, partnerships, and consumer experiences to enhance more personal moments. By focusing on connectivity with greater convenience and value catered to each individual customer, Globe is enhancing the overall experience.

This year's first two events, which explored the growing importance of connectivity and how it helps Filipinos work, learn, earn, relocate, and maintain relationships with those they love, are expanded upon in the most recent Blueprint.  This time, the focus is on making the most of that connection rather than just being connected, whether it be through easier access to services, more relevant offers, additional benefits, or experiences focused on what customers find enjoyable.

KD Dizon, Globe Chief Marketing Officer

917 GDay 2026, Globe's annual customer celebration, will return with more unforgettable moments and surprises that make customers feel valued. Globe also introduced the new Globe Circle, which recognizes customers who rely on Globe for mobile and home connectivity and gives them access to additional benefits, incentives, and experiences during their time with Globe.

As connectivity becomes more and more integrated with how people live, move, work, play, and explore, Globe also unveiled new offers in the areas of roaming, digital lifestyle partnerships, and home internet. Experiences with short-form entertainment platform ReelShort, fitness platform Strava, and Meta AI have given customers more ways to enjoy the things they love with their Globe connection. Additionally, new roaming and home internet options offer more flexibility and value whether they are traveling or staying connected at home.

Globe is also helping customers make more eco-friendly choices with Green GSM, an all-electric ride-hailing service that uses VinFast electric cars. Thanks to the initiative, consumers can now select a more eco-friendly form of transportation, and drivers can help make the switch to electric vehicles.

As TM celebrates its 25th anniversary, customers can look forward to a year-long celebration with extra rewards, everyday value, and shared experiences. Nationwide TeaM Fair caravans will bring games, activities, and prizes closer to communities, with Dionela and SB19 performing at the TeaM Fair Concert on September 12.

Together, these initiatives show how Globe is expanding the advantages that customers can obtain from their connectivity, from easier access and more customized value to experiences, rewards, and benefits that fit into their everyday schedules.

When considered collectively, these initiatives demonstrate how Globe is expanding the role of connectivity beyond access to enhance the everyday lives of its clients.

SONY CORPORATION

Sony Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation and is responsible for the Entertainment, Technology & Services (ET&S) business. With the mission to “create the future of entertainment through the power of technology together with creators,” we aim to continue to deliver Kando* to people around the world. For more information, visit: http://www.sony.net

 

*Kando is a Japanese word that roughly translates to the sense of awe and emotion you feel when experiencing something beautiful and amazing for the first time.

Delicious and nutritious soup recipes with Ajinomoto Philippines

Rainy Habagat nites make you crave hot, filling soup that you can prepare in a matter of minutes after a demanding day at work or school.

You can avoid slow cooking without compromising flavor by using AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning, a well-liked flavor enhancer that is often used to intensify deliciousness in vegetable recipes, meat dishes, sauces, broths, soups, and much more. 

To give foods like vegetables, meats, and seafood a tasty, savory boost, add a "tak, tak, tak" of MSG, the purest form of umami. No additional calories, unnecessary color, or complex flavors are added by MSG. MSG helps you reduce your sodium intake while adding depth of flavor because it only has about one-third of the sodium present in table salt.

Here are two easy soup recipes from Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation (APC)’s Cookmunity website to bookmark for the rainy months:

• Egg Drop Soup

This filling soup is perfect for warm evenings because it evokes happy childhood memories and the happiness of being safe at home with the family. With just one sip and that umami explosion, stress can be removed and the body rehydrated.

Ingredients

• 6 cups (1500ml) Water
• 1/2 cup (65g) Carrots, cubed
• 2/3 cup (80g) Corn kernel, canned
• 2/3 cup (80g) Green peas, canned
• 3 Tbsps. (30g) Cornstarch
• 5 Tbsps. (75ml) Water for slurry
• 1 pack (11g) AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning
• 4 pcs. (200g) Eggs, beaten
• 1 Tbsp. (15ml) Water for egg mixture
• 1 tsp. (5g) Salt
• 1/2 tsp. (3ml) Sesame oil

 

Procedure

1. BOIL. In a pot, boil water. Once boiling, add carrots, corn and green peas. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Once vegetables are cooked, add cornstarch slurry.
2. SEASON. Add AJI-NO-MOTO® and salt then mix well. In a bowl, whisk eggs and water. Add egg mixture to the pot gradually while mixing. Turn off heat and add salt and sesame oil.
3. SERVE. Transfer onto serving bowls and enjoy. Can be garnished with spring onions.

• Molo Soup

The garlicky, meaty flavor of Molo soup, a popular Filipino classic, is enhanced by AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning. This tasty broth soothes the senses and offers reassuring nourishment.

Ingredients     

• 1 3/4 cups (375g) Pork, ground
• 1/2 cup (100g) Potato, minced
• 1/4 cup (35g) Carrots, minced
• 1/2 pc. (30g) White onions, minced
• 1 pc. (50g) Egg, beaten
• 1 tsp. Salt
• 20 pcs. Molo wrapper
• 2 Tbsps. (30ml) Cooking oil
• 1 Tbsp. (15g) Red onions, minced
• 1 Tbsp. (15g) Garlic, minced
• 4 cups (1000ml) Water
• 1 1/2 Tbsps. (20g) AJINOMOTO® Chicken Powder
• 1 Tbsp. (15g) Soy Sauce
• 1 pack (11g) AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning
• 3 Tbsps. (20g) Spring onions, chopped
• 2 Tbsps. (10) Toasted garlic

 

Procedure

1. MIX. In a large bowl, mix pork, potato, carrots, white onions, egg, and salt.
2. MOLD. Take 1 tsp. of the mixture and place it in the middle of the molo wrapper. Dampen the molo wrapper with beaten egg to seal. Repeat until finished.
3. SAUTE. In a pot, heat oil to sauté red onions and garlic until fragrant.
4. SIMMER. Add water and AJINOMOTO® Chicken Powder, wait for it to simmer.
5. UMAMI-MIX. Add soy sauce and AJI-NO-MOTO® Umami Seasoning and stir.
6. SIMMER. Add molo dumplings onto the pot. Cook for 5-8 minutes.
7. SERVE. Transfer onto serving bowl and garnish with spring onions and toasted garlic.

George Optical makes eye health a priority with “Don’t Lose Sight” Campaign

Don’t Lose Sight is built on an important message: vision should not be taken for granted. The campaign recognizes that concerns like childhood myopia, prolonged screen-related eye strain, dryness, blurred vision, and other conditions can develop gradually, making awareness and early assessment particularly important.

Making eye health a priority

George Optical aims to promote awareness of responsible eye care while reinforcing its commitment to making professional, reliable, and affordable eye care and treatment accessible to more Filipinos. By supporting regular eye checks and greater awareness of possible warning signs, the campaign instills the value of identifying issues early on and pursuing professional guidance when needed. Combining public education with customer-focused programs and offers, the Don’t Lose Sight campaign has rolled out across George Optical’s channels and stores this month.

A key part of the campaign is the “Thank Your Eyes” Digital Campaign, inviting customers to share what they are most grateful to see through their vision. Turning personal experiences into a collective reminder about the significance of healthy eyesight, George Optical will feature select stories on its social media channels.

George Optical will also prioritize its free basic eye checkups available at its stores, alongside Eyecare 360, a more extensive service for customers seeking assessment of their overall eye health.


Bringing eye health education closer to communities

George Optical will host an Eye Health Lecture Series, featuring weekly YouTube educational sessions with Dr. Eileen Caubalejo, George Optical Professional Services Manager.

The sessions meticulously provide practical, accessible information about eye health. It also encourages viewers to pay closer attention to changes in their vision. By incorporating professional lectures and discussions into an accessible digital format, George Optical hopes to make conversations about eye care part of everyday health awareness.

The campaign also spotlights keratoconus, a progressive eye condition in which the cornea gradually becomes thinner and bulges outward. The condition may cause distorted or blurred vision that can worsen over time if left undetected.

Possible signs include frequent prescription changes, increased sensitivity to light, halos or glare, double or distorted vision, and difficulty seeing clearly even while wearing glasses. While these symptoms may have other causes, they point out the importance of professional eye examinations as vision changes occur.

To support greater awareness and early detection, George Optical practices at SM Megamall and SM Lanang Premier will conduct free Keratoconus Awareness Screenings every Wednesday from 6 p.m. onwards, by appointment.

George Optical recognizes the importance of accessible eye care and consistently includes affordable, quality eye checkups as part of its commitment to helping Filipinos take better care of their vision. Through its campaign, the brand continues to emphasize the value of regular professional eye examinations and offers packages this month to promote its advocacy on a community level.

The Perfect Pair Packages allow customers to experience stylish yet affordable eyewear equipped with ZEISS lenses, one of the world’s most reliable names in optical technology.

The Perfect Pair Powered by ZEISS package starts at PHP 2,490 and includes frames, ZEISS lenses, and an eye checkup.

George Optical is also offering variable payment options through participating credit cards (BDO, Metrobank, Chinabank, Citibank, HSBC, UnionBank, and EastWest). Customers may avail of installment terms of 3, 6, 9, or 12 months, subject to minimum purchase requirements and applicable bank terms and conditions.

Senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWD) may also enjoy a 20% discount, further expanding access to quality eye care and eyewear.

Together with its ongoing promotional offers, these projects are part of George Optical’s wider effort to make responsible eye care easy to access without undermining quality, expertise, or style.


A legacy built on care

George Optical delivers a complete eye care experience with stylish, affordable eyewear and reliable expert service, tailored for middle- and upper-income families, OFWs, and young professionals.

Every product and recommendation is grounded in genuine care, honesty, and expertise.

Unlike other optical retailers, George Optical follows a customer-first policy, offering only what truly benefits your vision and ensuring the best care and real value for every peso spent.

Don’t wait until you lose sight. Get your eyes checked, because George cares.

Book your eye checkup at George Optical.

Follow George Optical on socials:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgeph.official

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/georgeph.official

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@georgeph.official