Mr. Benigno De Guzman Casayuran from Quezon Province GTCC Summer Showdown Champion

“Just last year, we launched the Tongits Champion Cup. This was a pioneering moment, the very first esports-style tournament for the traditional card game of Tongits in the Philippines. It marked a significant milestone, bringing a new level of competition and excitement to the traditional Filipino card game. Now, in 2025, we have expanded and rebranded, and we proudly present GTCC. This is more than just a tournament.” ~Mr. Rafael Jasper Vicencio, President of Gamemaster Integrated Inc.,

Casayuran holding his championship mock-check and trophy for GTCC: Summer Showdown.

Benigno De Guzman Casayuran, a 62-year-old player from Quezon Province, broke down in tears after winning the GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup (GTCC): Summer Showdown Championship title and the 5 million peso grand prize during the 5-day online-to-onground Tongits tournament that took place in Makati City from June 12 to June 15.

Benigno De Guzman Casayuran kissing his GTCC: Summer Showdown championship trophy.

The local artists' performances and the studio's goodies, which were all devoted to the players, added even more excitement to the occasion.

Head-to-head smackdown in GTCC: Summer Showdown

Ninety-three top Tongits players from all around the nation competed for the season title and a chance to win five million pesos, with a prize fund of ten million pesos. 

Rafael Jasper Vicencio, President of Gamemaster Integrated Inc., game provider of GameZone, delivering his message for the GTCC: Summer Showdown.

In his introductory remarks, Rafael Jasper Vicencio, President of Gamemaster Integrated Inc., described how the tournament turned into a significant occasion for the Filipino Tongits gaming community.

From April 25 to May 16, the Tongits Free Multi-Table Tournament, which was accessible via the GameZone app, qualified in-app participants for the tournament.

Nine semi-finalist gracing the stage of GTCC: Summer Showdown.

Players were divided into three brackets at random to begin the five-day competition.  After three 20-round games, participants were ranked according to the total number of points they had accrued.  On Day 2, the best players competed in higher and lower bracket groups to advance to the promotional round.

On the third day, eligible participants were divided into different groups at random.  While the remaining participants joined the lower bracket, the best players from the previous round advanced to the upper bracket.  Only five players from the upper bracket and four from the lower bracket advanced to the semi-finals, with players in both brackets vying for the top spots.  As the nine semi-finalists fought it out in the group stage in a 60-round match on Day 4, the competition grew more intense.

Finalist Ryan Dacalos with his lucky coin on his forehead during GTCC: Summer Showdown championship match.

A 100-round championship match pitted the top three players of the season against one another on the last day: Ryan Dacalos of Batangas, Cesha Myed Tupas of Rizal, and Benigno De Guzman Casayuran of Quezon Province.  Casayuran outwitted the two competitors with a leading game standing, winning the GTCC season's championship.

Filipino female rapper Queen Monica Money performing GTCC official theme song “Liga ng mga Hari”.

Beyond the competition, the tournament was made even more memorable by on-site treats and live performances from the Pinoy pop group Press Hit Play and Filipino female rapper Queen Monica Money, who energized the crowd with the official tournament anthem, “Liga ng mga Hari.”

A life-changing match

Benigno De Guzman Casayuran, a 62-year-old retiree from Candelaria, Quezon Province, won this year’s GTCC: Summer Showdown. 

Behind this success and life-changing story is the inspiring narrative of Casayuran’s efforts to turn his and his family’s dreams into reality, with the support of his community.

In an exclusive interview, Casayuran tearfully shared why he joined GTCC, said, “...para sa pagpapa-chemotherapy ng misis ko”

Casayuran is a retiree and former fisherman who lives a simple life in a humble town in Candelaria, Quezon Province. He recalled his younger years and shared that he was a high school graduate who pursued a Commerce degree in college. However, due to financial difficulties, he was unable to finish his studies.

He was blessed with two children after getting married years later.  His youngest, a boy, is a second-year college student pursuing an electrical degree, while his oldest, a daughter, has a family of her own.

His main motivation for joining GTCC was the recent diagnosis of stage 2 breast cancer in his 65-year-old wife.  The family mostly depends on the ₱2,000 monthly pension that he and his wife receive, so it was a strange turn of events.  To help pay for their everyday necessities, they also own a tiny sari-sari store.  But it's insufficient, so they had to look for government assistance to cover their medical costs.  Casayuran currently provides full-time care for his wife.

Casayuran on-game-mode during the finals smackdown in GTCC: Summer Showdown.

Casayuran remembered his early days of playing Tongits with fondness, despite his difficulties.  He began playing the game socially in pursuit of leisure, making modest wagers between ₱5 and ₱10.  His interest was piqued when neighbors showed him the Tongits website.  He started taking the game more seriously and finally came across GameZone, which allowed him to earn a spot in the GTCC: Summer Showdown.

He was quite fortunate to have guaranteed a place in the championship, even though his initial goal was to place in the top 84.

When questioned about his first feelings after defeating his two rivals, he broke down in tears of sheer happiness.

Casayuran hugged tournament runner-up Dacalos in tears after winning the final match.

"Napakasaya, di po ako makapaniwala. Una ko pong pinasalamatan ay si Lord. Niyakap ko pa po ang aking dalawang kalaban at nagpasalamat din po ako sa kanila. Nung inawardan po ako, kinukurot ko ang sarili ko, tinatanong ko kung nananaginip ba ako—pero hindi pala. Wag agad magexpect ng malaki. Bale, responsible gaming lamang po. At sabi nga po ni Vice Ganda, 'Gambling is not an option to solve your financial problems.' Maglaro po tayo ng responsable at wag nating iasa sa gambling ang mga pangangailangan natin sa buhay." ~Mr. Benigno De Guzman Casayuran, a 62-year-old player from Quezon Province, the GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup (GTCC): Summer Showdown Champion

With his life-changing winnings, Casayuran plans to allocate funds primarily for his wife's treatment and recovery, support his two children, and purchase a car for family travels around the Philippines.

He also expressed his deep gratitude to the brand and reminded fellow players to always practice responsible gaming.

Community wins 

In partnership with BingoPlus Foundation, GameZone donated ₱1 million to Gems Heart Outreach Dev’t., Inc. a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving lives through sustainable community programs. The donation was made in fulfillment of the brand's commitment tied to the ongoing GTCC:Summer Showdown, dedicated to urgent needs of a community in South Luzon.

BingoPlus Foundation Executives awarding the the 1 million pesos donation to Gems Heart Outreach Dev’t.,

In collaboration with the BingoPlus Foundation, GameZone, the nation's newest digital Tongits provider, has also shown its support for the community by formally donating ₱1 million to Gems Heart Outreach Dev’t., Inc. to address the immediate needs of the Buso-Buso community in South Luzon, which was severely damaged by the most recent Super Typhoon Kristine.

Impact of the recent  Super Typhoon Kristine in Buso-buso, Batangas.

The donation, was accepted on stage by BingoPlus Foundation Executive Director Ms. Angela Camins-Wieneke.

Executive Director of BingoPlus Foundation Angela Camins-Wieneke delivering her message of gratitude for the 1 million pesos donation.

“Thank you so much to GameZone for the generous donation of 1 million pesos… To the players, this is an opportunity for you to make a difference. Your participation is not just about playing a game, and it’s not just about delivering entertainment to our viewers. Your participation will truly make a lasting difference in the lives of thousands of Filipinos across the country.” ~Ms. Angela Camins-Wienek, BingoPlus Foundation Executive Director

By working together, GameZone, BingoPlus Foundation, and GTCC players have shown how gaming communities can have a significant influence outside of the competitive setting, proving that real champions do more than just win games—they improve people's lives.

DigiPlus Interactive Corp. pioneered digital entertainment in the Philippines. It introduced leading platforms BingoPlus and ArenaPlus, widely known for their engaging experiences in interactive gaming and sports entertainment. DigiPlus also operates GameZone, with more to come. For more information, visit: www.digiplus.com.ph.

New Horizon dawns anew for AirAsia Philippines

"I think the resilience of Philippine AirAsia is something to marvel at. I'm someone who never gives up. I will fight to the end. But it's tough fighting alone. And so it was amazing to see the energy. I will still remember coming to the old office and the greeting I got. The energy of this company is unbelievable. It is true, there is no AirAsia company like this. The great thing about this airline, we've gone from two planes to 255. We've been through COVID. We started with 200,000 passengers, and this year we're carrying 90 million. We're just short of carrying 1 billion people since we started this airline 23 years ago. But we're all the same. We're exactly the same. Everyone has maintained their humility, maintained their hard work, and most important about AirAsia is our passion to be the best.” ~Tony Fernandes, Capital A CEO

The ceremonial opening of AirAsia Philippines' new headquarters in Pasay was a major milestone, demonstrating the airline's expansion, optimism, and dedication to providing the best service in the world.

The airline's long-term goal of democratizing air travel by providing value-driven air transportation in the Philippine market will be strengthened by the new office, which will be home to more than 1,500 Filipino Allstars and is dubbed “The Red Horizon.”

Along with airport and aviation officials such as Office for Transportation Security Undersecretary Arthur Bisnar, Manila International Airport Authority General Manager Eric Ines, and Civil Aeronautics Board Executive Director Carmelo Arcilla, the opening was graced by Senator Erwin Tulfo, one of the top scorers in the just concluded 2025 midterm elections.

Capital A CEO Tony Fernandes together with Deputy Group CEO for Airline Operations Capt. Chester Voo of the AirAsia Aviation Group, AirAsia Philippines President and CEO Suresh Bangah and the Philippine leadership team led the warm welcome among guests in the new office.

In his message, Senator Tulfo lauded AirAsia’s efforts in ensuring safe journeys among the Filipino people.

“From its humble beginnings, AirAsia has become a pioneer in budget air travel—not just connecting destinations, but connecting dreams, families, businesses, and cultures. It brought the skies closer to millions of Filipinos and travelers around Asia by making flying affordable, accessible, and enjoyable. As a public servant, I deeply value how AirAsia plays a role in economic development, tourism, job creation, and nation-building. Your growth is the country’s gain. And rest assured, we will continue to support an environment where enterprises like AirAsia can soar even higher.” ~Senator Erwin Tulfo

The new facility is a Filipino-inspired area that embodies contemporary ideals of solidarity, inclusivity, and patriotism.  The names of its main function rooms—The Philippines, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao—stand for regional participation and unity.

In addition, the headquarters has a fully furnished gym to promote health and wellbeing, special prayer spaces to promote spiritual inclusivity, and a People First Stop area that symbolizes our dedication to prioritizing people.  It acts as a center for care, connection, and support. It also provides a secure setting for mental health motivational lectures for people who need a break.

AirAsia Philippines Rolls Out Mid-Year Sale with Fares as Low as PHP77 on 330k Seats

With the introduction of its Mid-Year Sale, which offers one-way base tickets as low as PHP77, AirAsia Philippines continues to fulfill its aim of making travel more accessible as it embarks on a new chapter with Red Horizon.

With more than 330,000 tickets available, travelers can reserve their inexpensive vacation from July 7–13, 2025, for travel from August 1–October 15, 2025. This time frame is ideal for visits during the third quarter, long weekends, and early "ber-month" getaways.

Whether flying home or exploring new destinations, travelers can enjoy this promo on all 10 domestic routes, including Bacolod, Cebu, Iloilo, Kalibo, Caticlan (Boracay), Puerto Princesa, Tagbilaran, Roxas City, Tacloban, and Cagayan de Oro.

For international travel, guests can also plan ahead and fly to Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul, Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Hong Kong to welcome the start of the cooler season. Or they can explore the culture and tourist spots in Macao, Bangkok, and Kota Kinabalu with friends and family.

About AirAsia Philippines

AirAsia is a leading low-cost carrier with licenses to operate in five Asean countries—Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Cambodia. Founded in 2001, AirAsia has stayed true to its purpose and tagline "Now Everyone Can Fly". The airline has made flying affordable and accessible to over 800 million guests, connecting people and communities across more than 130 destinations. Today, as one of the largest airlines in the region, AirAsia is expanding to become the world's first global low cost network carrier. It operates more than 200 aircraft and holds a significant orderbook for the next decade. AirAsia leads in sustainable aviation with green initiatives and a net zero target by 2050. In 2023, it avoided 130,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions from its narrowbody regional network through 20+ efficiency measures, saving US$40 million in fuel and over US$388,000 in shadow carbon costs.

PCPPI, LLDA Partner for more sustainable Laguna de Bay

Photo shows: Ms. Sharon Burgos, PCPPI’s Environment, Health, Safety, and Security Manager (leftmost); Atty. Senando Santiago, Acting General Manager of LLDA (center); Atty. Carina Sumilong Bayon, PCPPI’s Chief Environmental, Social, and Governance Officer; and Engr. Fernando Ramos, PCPPI’s Head of Environment, Health, Safety, and Security.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the joint initiative, “Abot-Kamay Para sa Laguna de Bay – Mission in Action: Solid Waste Recovery,” has been formally signed by Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI) and the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA). The partnership reaffirms the two organizations’ dedication to protecting and preserving the Laguna de Bay through cooperative solid waste recovery efforts and pollution control, in accordance with the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Law.  In keeping with its long-standing commitment to the wellbeing of regional water ecosystems, PCPPI has also adopted the Magdaong River through LLDA's Adopt-a-River initiative and continues to be an active member of the Muntinlupa Watershed Management Council.

Art for Everyone at SM City Baliwag

"Art for Everyone," a vibrant art exhibit, will be on display at SM City Baliwag from July 19 to July 31. It is a remarkable celebration of Filipino ingenuity.  This much awaited exhibition, which is organized in collaboration with the faculty and alumni of Bulacan State University College of Architecture and Fine Arts and the "Ang Bagong Likha Art Group," is expected to make hundreds of outstanding pieces of art more accessible to the general public.

The exhibit, which coincides perfectly with SM Supermalls' 40th Super Years, highlights SM City Baliwag's dedication to supporting local artists and offering a space where creativity may thrive.  Customers and art lovers will have a unique chance to see and acquire an inspirational variety of paintings, sculptures, mixed-media works, photographs, and digital art created by some of the most well-known and up-and-coming artists in Bulacan.

Art for Everyone is more than simply a gallery; it turns the shopping center into a living canvas where visitors may explore the origins, history, and concepts of each item.  This year's exhibit seeks to enhance awareness for Filipino art while fortifying ties between artists and the community, building on the success of the previous year's Art Market, which won SM Supermalls a Gold Stevie® Award for Innovation in the Use of Events.

As artists explore issues based in local identity and contemporary culture, the exhibit opens on July 19 and begins a visual journey that combines tradition with contemporary ideas.  In keeping with SM's inclusive vision for art appreciation, visitors can interact with the artists and the audience through meaningful discourse.

For more details, visit https://www.facebook.com/smbaliwag and follow SM City Baliwag on social media for updates. Celebrate 40 Super Years of SM Supermalls and rediscover the joy of art that connects and inspires us all.

PlayTime Announces Partnership with Tap DMV for Pacquiao-Barrios Fight

“At PlayTime, we’re committed to revolutionizing entertainment — not just through gaming, but also through the power of sports. Our partnership with Tap DMV for the Pacquiao-Barrios fight is a step forward in making world-class sports content more accessible, more engaging, and more exciting for our community. This isn’t just a livestream — it’s a front-row seat to history, delivered the PlayTime way.” ~Krizia Cortez, Director of Public Relations of PlayTime

(L-R): Gonzalo de Guia, Tap DMV Chief Technology Officer, Peter Chan Liong, Tap DMV Chief Operating Officer, Krizia Cortez, PlayTime Director of Public Relations, Celinda de Guia, Tap DMV President and Chief Executive Officer, Renen de Guia, Tap DMV Chairman

The most anticipated boxing match of the year, the Pacquiao-Barrios bout, is scheduled for July 20 at 8 AM Manila Time. PlayTime, the nation's most inventive online entertainment platform, has teamed up with TAP Digital Media Ventures Corp. (Tap DMV) for this event. 

The PacMan's thrilling return from his retirement from the sport makes this battle an event not to be missed.  If Manny Pacquiao prevails in this bout, he will become the oldest boxing champion ever.

The program will be streamed live on PlayTime's app and website, providing users with cutting-edge sports entertainment at their fingertips.

About PlayTime

PlayTime is an online entertainment platform licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). It boasts over 2,500 games to more than 30 million subscribers and offers the highest daily cashback of up to 2% and fastest withdrawals guaranteed within 10mins. Visit www.playtime.ph to access a revolutionary entertainment experience.

McDonald’s Philippines 800th Store Opening in Davao Global Township

“The opening of our 800th store is another milestone for McDonald’s in the Philippines, following our new term license agreement with McDonald’s Corporation. It is a reflection of our stewardship of the business—our commitment to growth, and our continued commitment to the customers and communities we serve. With 800 McDonald’s stores and growing, we look forward to creating more feel-good moments and memorable experiences for more Filipinos in more parts of the country.” ~Kenneth S. Yang, President & CEO of Golden Arches Development Corporation (GADC)

McDonald’s Philippines President and CEO Kenneth S. Yang formally opens the company’s 800th store in Davao City, marking a significant milestone in its continued nationwide expansion.

McDonald's Philippines launched its 800th location on June 30th, demonstrating its ongoing expansion and scaling.  This landmark store is situated in Davao Global Township, a new central business district in Davao del Sur that features a park-inspired way of life.

The launch of the store coincides with Golden Arches Development Corporation (GADC) President & CEO Kenneth S. Yang and Chairman and Founder Dr. George T. Yang receiving a new 20-year franchise from McDonald's Corporation in Chicago, Illinois.  George and Kenneth Yang will continue to run and expand the McDonald's brand in the nation, including sub-franchising its eateries, until 2045 under the new agreement.  Since the Golden Arches established its first McDonald's restaurant in Morayta, Manila, in 1981, the Yangs have owned the master franchise for McDonald's in the Philippines.

The new location is located at Matina Galleria, Gen. Douglas MacArthur Highway, Talomo, Davao City, and is open twenty-four hours a day.  It is the first Bike & Dine restaurant and the 22nd McDonald's in Davao City.  The 179-seat eatery offers McDelivery, ride-thru, takeout, and dining in. It also features a Party Area that's ideal for parties.

McDonald’s Philippines President and CEO Kenneth S. Yang with Chief Happiness Officer Ronald McDonald at the quick service restaurant’s newest branch in Davao City, located at Davao Global Township—an emerging central business district with a park-inspired lifestyle in Davao del Sur.

Boosting Local Employment

Nearly 100 people from Davao and the surrounding areas now have gainful employment thanks to the launch of McDonald's Philippines' 800th location.  A direct recruitment approach is used to hire restaurant management and staff.

Approximately 70% of McDonald's Philippines' 65,000+ employees are working students.  All workers receive government-mandated pay and benefits, and their jobs are secure.  They also receive top-notch instruction as well as comprehensive learning and development to advance their careers.

McDonald’s 8th Green & Good Flagship Store

McDonald's Davao Global Township, one of the QSR behemoth's Green & Good flagship locations, has solar electricity, a rainwater collection tank, energy-saving motion and photo sensors, LED lighting, and an air conditioner that uses less energy.

The newest store also has bike-friendly amenities including a Bike and Dine, which is the ideal place for cyclists to stop throughout their trips, as part of its dedication to and support for sustainable active mobility.

McDonald’s Philippines’ other Green & Good stores are located at UN Del Pilar (Manila), Shaw Boulevard Wack-Wack (Mandaluyong), Mambugan (Antipolo), Delos Reyes (Tagaytay), Nuvali (Sta. Rosa, Laguna), Sta. Monica Commonwealth (Quezon City), and Ayala Crescendo (Tarlac).

McDonald’s Philippines President and CEO Kenneth S. Yang (3rd from left), Assistant Vice President for Corporate Relations and Impact Adi Hernandez (leftmost), and other officials lead the unveiling of the brand’s 800th store in the country, located at Davao Global Township.

Grand Opening

Before it ever opened, McDonald's showed its dedication to the community by giving away 800 McDonald's Kindness Kitchen meals to the Badjao Community and Barangay Matina Aplaya CDC beneficiaries.

McDonald's Davao Global Township gave away one complimentary Chicken McDo to its first 800 patrons in honor of its launch.  Kenneth S. Yang, President and CEO of McDonald's Philippines, presided over the new location's opening ceremony.

McDonald's unveiled a unique store marker honoring its CEO and president as part of the festivities.  The marker represents McDonald's Philippines' path of deliberate expansion, which is fueled by core principles, a dedication to quality, and forward-thinking leadership.

Rain or Shine at Vermosa Green Run 2025

“It’s a lifestyle that you immerse yourself in and becomes a part of you. You look forward to it and get the right motivation for it – whether that be new clothes, new gear, new shoes or seeing friends and getting fit. It’s an opportunity to enjoy not only the benefits of running, but also the group camaraderie and being part of the whole running community.” ~Angel Montevirgen, From Cavite and a Member of Takbo Kabitenyo

On Sunday, June 29, about 2,500 runners and 350 dogs participated in the fourth edition of the Green Run at Vermosa Estates in Imus, Cavite, despite some rain and lightning.

Beginning in 2022 at the 750-hectare Ayala Land site south of the metro, the multi-level run has attracted elite athletes, families, and casual runners to its different race categories, which include the 10K, 5K, and 3K intermediate distances, as well as the 21K half-marathon.  In the verdant yet well-paved environs of Vermosa Estates, the popular 1K Dog Run allows pet owners to spend quality time with their furry companions.

After a three-year pandemic lockdown, the inaugural Vermosa Green Run in 2022 urged people to “go out, lace up, mask up and run for a greener tomorrow” in order to get moving and rediscover the great outdoors.  It led the push for the resumption of outdoor, in-person environmental activities and the Run with a sustainability focus.  As promised, Vermosa Estates aggressively encourages exercise and a healthy way of living.

The inaugural Green Run, organized by Pinoy Fitness, a sports and fitness event organizer, promoted a greener future and aided the Adopt-A-Seedling Program of the Haribon Foundation.  In addition to continuing to assist the Haribon Foundation, Green Run 2025 has added Takbo Kabitenyo, a running organization that trains young athletes for regional and global contests, and Pawssion Project, an animal care organization, as beneficiaries.  Participants and visitors were urged to bring their old plastics during the registration period so they may be recycled and utilized to construct sustainable seats and paths.

Considered by running regulars as “the most scenic run”, Angel Montevirgen from Cavite and a member of Takbo Kabitenyo said the running community looks forward to this run yearly. 

Pinoy Fitness Inc. Founder and President Jeff Lo was very pleasantly surprised by the huge turnout of runners and pet dogs despite the threat of rain. 

“Runners actually enjoy running in the rain. It’s cooler, mas masaya. And I’m confident about Vermosa (as a running venue) because even if it rains, the roads are well-paved, safe and walang lubak. It’s a very green, very clean, very scenic venue – quite different from other runs. It’s fun and refreshing to see a venue where runners can actually go all out and enjoy themselves while finishing their runs. I think the vision of Vermosa is to be the greener place to run. You don’t just run races here, by the way. Runners and fitness enthusiasts can come and run here anytime, day or night – for free. They can run, train or just enjoy the outdoors. The Green Run itself is like a culmination of all the running activities you do here – an event that you look forward to that lets you experience closed roads and competing with others, for fun or for competition.” ~Jeff Lo, Pinoy Fitness Inc. Founder and President

"Each step you take at the Vermosa Green Run supports a bigger cause. The Run advocates fitness and overall wellness, sustainability, and community support into one meaningful event." ~Chrissy Roa, Ayala Land Estates’ Marketing and Communications Group Head

Now an established benchmark for purpose-driven lifestyle events, the Vermosa Green Run reinforces Ayala Land’s long-term vision for sustainability, using fitness as a powerful catalyst for environmental and social impact.