Team Philippines Turns Up the Heat on Ice at the 33rd SEA Games

AS the 33rd Southeast Asian Games light up Bangkok, Thailand, Team Philippines is charging into the spotlight—bringing speed, style, and serious fire across Speed Skating, Figure Skating, and Ice Hockey.

This year’s Philippine skating delegation isn’t just competing—they’re making statements. From explosive short track racers to elegant figure skaters trained on the world stage, and a historic first-ever women’s ice hockey team, Filipino athletes are proving that ice sports are no longer niche—they’re a movement.

And it all connects back to one place where passion meets possibility: SM Skating.

The Philippines’ first-ever Women’s Ice Hockey National Team is ready to make waves at the 33rd SEA Games. (Ice Hockey images courtesy of Yuka Fukuma)

Speed Skating: Blink and You’ll Miss Them

Short Track Speed Skating is pure adrenaline—tight corners, lightning-fast sprints, and heart-stopping finishes. Team Philippines’ speed skaters are built for exactly that kind of pressure.

The Philippine Speed Skating Team represents the nation with focus and fire.

Short Track Speed Skating Representatives: Caitlyn Benitez, Shaelynn Bolos, Xsandrie Guimba, Ethelmae Suguitan, Peter Groseclose, Hans Buemio, JC Asuncion and Sun Phil Zablan

Powered by discipline and relentless training, many of the country’s rising speed skating talents sharpened their edge at SM Skating Megamall—a hub where speed meets structure and raw potential is transformed into podium-ready performance.

Figure Skating: Where Power Meets Poetry

Figure skating is where athleticism collides with artistry—and Team Philippines’ representatives are ready to own the ice with commanding jumps, fluid footwork, and undeniable presence.

Figure Skating Representatives: Maxine Bautista, Cathryn Limketkai, Paolo Borromeo and Brandon Baldoz.

Brandon Baldoz brings strength and style to the ice.

Paolo Borromeo in motion.

Cathryn Limketkai in perfect balance.

Maxine Bautista in full flow

Trained abroad and competing globally, these Filipino-American skaters bring international flair and elite technique to the SEA Games stage. Their journey highlights a growing truth: figure skating is gaining momentum back home, and SM Skating branches nationwide are opening the ice to a new generation eager to spin, glide, and shine.

Ice Hockey: Power Plays, Big Hits, and a Historic First

Fast-paced, physical, and fiercely strategic—ice hockey is where grit truly shows. Team Philippines enters the SEA Games with strong men’s and women’s squads ready to battle shift after shift.

Team Philippines’ Men’s Ice Hockey National Team is ready to battle it out at the 33rd SEA Games. (Ice Hockey images courtesy of Yuka Fukuma)

This year marks a historic milestone: the Philippines’ first-ever women’s ice hockey team at the SEA Games—an empowering leap forward for the sport and for women in Philippine athletics.

Both teams trained and developed at SM Skating Mall of Asia, the country’s premier ice hockey venue—where speed, strength, and teamwork are forged on world-class ice.

From Watching to Doing: Start Your Skating Journey at SM Skating Academy

Every national athlete once stood on the ice for the very first time. Through the SM Skating Academy, skating becomes more than a spectacle—it becomes an experience you can live.

Whether you’re chasing fitness, fun, or future competition, SM Skating Academy offers:

• Beginner to advanced skating programs

• Specialized training in speed skating, figure skating, and ice hockey

• Professional coaches and safe, competition-grade rinks

Where Champions Train:

• Ice Hockey: SM Skating Mall of Asia

• Speed Skating: SM Skating Megamall

• Figure Skating: Available at SM Skating branches

A New Era for Philippine Ice Sports

The Philippines is skating faster, stronger, and bolder than ever. As Team Philippines competes at the 33rd SEA Games, they carry more than medals in mind—they carry inspiration for every sports fan, lifestyle enthusiast, and dreamer ready to try something new.

Feel the rush. Own the ice. Enroll at SM Skating Academy and be part of the next wave of Filipino skating excellence.

TIEZA Reinforces the Legacy of Club Intramuros Golf Course as a Premier Sports Tourism and Heritage Landmark

MANILA City, Philippines — The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) proudly underscores its commitment to cultural preservation, sports tourism, and sustainable tourism development through its continued stewardship of the Club Intramuros Golf Course (CIGC)—one of the Philippines’ most historically significant recreational sites and a distinctive gem in the country’s golf tourism landscape. 

Strategically located within the storied walls of Intramuros, the Club Intramuros Golf Course offers a rare combination of athletic pursuit and heritage immersion. Established in 1906 during the early American colonial period, the course is not simply a leisure amenity but a living mark of Manila’s layered history. 

Its manicured greens and fairways sit against the backdrop of Spanish-era fortifications, old watchtowers and historic artillery—making it one of the few golf courses in the world built entirely within a preserved heritage district.

More than a destination for golf enthusiasts, the Club Intramuros Golf Course plays a vital role in sustaining cultural identity and community vibrance. It serves as a green lung within the capital’s historic center, a venue for sports tourism activities, and an iconic tourist spot that connects modern recreation with the Philippines’ colonial heritage.

A Testament to TIEZA’s Mandate to Protect, Preserve, and Promote Tourism Assets

As one of TIEZA’s managed properties, the Club Intramuros Golf Course exemplifies two of the agency’s four core mandates: (1) to develop and maintain quality tourism infrastructure, and (2) to preserve cultural and historical assets for future generations. 

TIEZA’s dedication to the preservation of CIGC ensures that its historic significance is honored while continuing to meet standards for sports tourism facilities. Current efforts include heritage-sensitive landscaping, structural conservation, facility upgrades, drainage and irrigation improvements, and sustainability-focused maintenance work—each guided by the agency’s responsibility to balance preservation with modern tourism needs. 

Mr. Rodolfo E. Ancheta, Assistant Chief Operating Officer for Assets Management Atty. Shangrila Quezon, Operations Division Manager Ms. Mylene Acuña Magsino, Manager - Club Intramuros Golf Course Atty. King John Joshua T. Bauyon, Chief of Staff and Officer in Charge, Legal Services Division

“TIEZA is committed to protecting tourism assets that reflect our cultural roots and elevate the Philippines as a global destination,” said TIEZA COO Mark T. Lapid. 

“The Club Intramuros Golf Course is a symbolic reminder of our past and a vibrant platform for sports tourism. Its continued preservation is made possible through the support of every Filipino traveler.”

Building Tourism Together: How Travel Tax Contributions Sustain CIGC

TIEZA emphasizes the collective power of Filipino travelers in shaping the country’s tourism landscape. A portion of travel tax collections directly supports the operations, upkeep, and preservation of tourism assets under TIEZA’s portfolio—including the Club Intramuros Golf Course—ensuring the continued protection of its historical structures and the improvement of its tourism facilities. 

This includes maintenance of the course’s fairways, greens, and heritage-sensitive landscaping, and upgrading of facilities such as lighting, safety features, and visitor amenities for year-round playability.

Every contribution made by travelers helps TIEZA sustain the CIGC as a safe, enjoyable, and historically significant site—allowing both local and foreign visitors to appreciate the unique experience of golfing within the centuries-old Walled City.

Strengthening Golf Tourism in the Philippines

As golf tourism continues to grow globally, the Club Intramuros Golf Course stands as one of the Philippines’ most strategic assets. Its central location, night golf offerings, rich heritage value, and picturesque setting make it a key attraction for international golfers and tour operators seeking distinctive, memorable experiences.

CIGC complements the country’s broader network of world-class golf courses, further positioning the Philippines as an emerging golf tourism hub in Asia. As part of TIEZA’s long-term tourism development roadmap, enhancements to the course are expected to support increased visitor arrivals, economic activity for Intramuros and nearby communities, and wider recognition of Manila as a historic yet dynamic destination.

A Living Heritage, Sustained by Collective Support

With its blend of history, heritage, and sport, the Club Intramuros Golf Course represents a triumph of cultural preservation and tourism development. Its continued protection is a shared responsibility—made possible through TIEZA’s stewardship, the support of the Department of Tourism, the involvement of the Intramuros Administration, and the contributions of Filipino travelers through the travel tax.

Recently, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized his vision for the revitalization and sustainability of Manila City landmarks and centers. TIEZA supports this direction and recently launched the "Sundays at Club Intramuros" initiative to give the community an opportunity to enjoy non-golf activities such as walking, jogging, light exercises, and small group picnics within the historic Intramuros walls. 

As TIEZA advances its mission of Building Tourism Together, CIGC remains a powerful reminder that preserving the country's past plays an essential role in shaping a stronger, more vibrant tourism future.

For more information, visit https://tieza.gov.ph and follow @TIEZAOfficial on Facebook, and @tiezagovph on Instagram and X.  (other photos: credit to the owner)

NDMstudios Celebrates 25 Years with the launch of limited edition 'Direku'

NDMstudios just celebrated its 25th year with the launch of their limited edition “Direku” commemorative figurine collectible at Le Verre Café & Bar in Sct. Torillo, QC. 

Based on a viral hand-drawn online comic strip in 2011, “Direku” is NDMstudios very own IP Character. 

“He’s a director who’s obssessed in finding his Ikigai,” Director Nijel de Mesa (President-CEO of NDMplus) shares in an interview. 

“Highly excitable and always busy, he always tries helping people but then always end up comically unappreciated or at the short end of the stick.” 

The figurine is definitely in short supply since only 500 copies of the figurine were made for sale.

Attended by famous personalities in the Entertainment industry (such as Arci Muñoz, Kim Rodriguez, Richard Quan, Robert Seña, Nico Locco, Anthony Ocampo, Direk Rahyan Carlos, Josh Yugen, Ynez Veneracion, Gene Padilla, Moymoy Palaboy, Chichirita, Arnold Reyes etc.), the event was also intended to feature NDMstudios’ milestone achievement for 2025: NDMplus.

DMplus is a premium global streaming platform exclusively made for NDMstudios enthusiasts. The platform was launched in Singapore last October and has been creating films and series non-stop. 

Since their launch at the NDM Expo in Singapore, they have been collaborating with other international entertainment companies such as: Sony, AMC Networks’ Acorn TV, ALLBLK, HIDIVE, Shudder, Sundance Now, Crunchyroll, Tubi, Roku Channel, OUTtv, Rakuten Viki and many more.

Annette Gozon-Valdes, GMA Network’s Senior Vice President, during the event shares, “We’re here to show our support and appreciation to NDMstudios’ many creative collaborations with GMA and its talent management group, Sparkle.” 

Other NDMstudios and NDMplus executives (Executive Vice President Ms. Jan Christine, Chief Legal Counsel Atty. Jiji Jorge, Board Member & Director Carlo Alvarez) were also present during the event. 

The “Direku” figurine is set to be available in Japan as well during this Christmas season until early next year.

“Manila's Finest", a cinematic masterpiece brought to life by the genius of director Raymond Red

MANILA, Philippines — The finest days of 1960s Manila came to life at the grand media launch of the Metro Manila Film Festival 2025 entry Manila’s Finest. 

Led by its star-studded cast and powerful creative team, the film is fast gaining traction for what is poised to be one of this year’s most talked-about MMFF entries – a police drama set in the gritty, changing Manila of 1969. 

Manila’s Finest is produced by MQuest Ventures – the same team that brought past MMFF headliners GomBurZa and The Kingdom – and directed by Raymond Red, the first Filipino to win the prestigious Palme d’Or award at the Cannes Film Festival. 

Penned by a team of renowned screenwriters led by Moira Lang, Michiko Yamamoto, and Sherad Sanchez, the film tells the story of Capt. Homer Magtibay (Piolo Pascual) and his trusted partner 1st Lt. Billy Ojeda (Enrique Gil) as they navigate the challenges of serving in the Manila Police District during a pivotal time. 

These officers face crimes that test their loyalty, courage, and the bonds of brotherhood that define them. More than a police drama, Manila’s Finest also explores the sacrifices made for family and friends and moral choices that shape a city struggling to hold on to its identity.

“We are proud and excited to present Manila’s Finest as MQuest Ventures’ entry to this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival,” said MQuest Ventures President Jane Jimenez-Basas. 

“This is a cinematic masterpiece brought to life by the genius of director Raymond Red. We are confident that Manila’s Finest will resonate deeply with Filipino moviegoers this Christmas.”

Joining Piolo and Enrique in the all-star cast of Manila’s Finest are Cedrick Juan, Rico Blanco, Ariel Rivera, Joey Marquez, Romnick Sarmenta, Rica Peralejo-Bonifacio, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Kiko Estrada, Paulo Angeles, Ashtine Olviga, Ethan David, Dylan Menor, Inday Fatima, Tyke Sanchez and Pearl Gonzales.

“We wanted to capture Manila at a pivotal moment—beautiful, wounded, and alive. This film is about the people who kept moving, even as the city around them was changing,” director Raymond Red shared.

Piolo Pascual recounted his experience in preparing for his role as Capt. Homer Magtibay. 

“We studied the lives of police officers in the 1960s to ground the story in truth. These characters may be fictional, but they reflect real people in the past who served with passion and heart,” he said.

Enrique Gil, on his second MMFF appearance in a row, also shared how the film marks a new chapter in his career, particularly working with Piolo Pascual in their first-ever project together. 

Catch Manila’s Finest in cinemas nationwide this December 25, 2025—don’t miss the chance to step back in time and experience one of the FINEST stories and visuals of 1960s Manila on the big screen!

Heart Evangelista bonds with cancer and thalassemia patients

FROM fashion to art session. 

Style icon, artist, and entrepreneur Heart Evangelista recently shared her drawing talent at a workshop for children with cancer and thalassemia.

During GMA Network's "heArt Gap Gives Back" event in partnership with Little Ark Foundation, Heart led a live painting session that allowed children to showcase their creativity.

The Little Ark Foundation aims to provide holistic support to children with critical illnesses, such as cancer and thalassemia, and their families.

The Little Ark Foundation also aims to address the medical, emotional, and spiritual needs of child patients through a community of love, faith, and hope.

By raising awareness and connecting families with resources and caregivers, the organization ensures that no child or family faces the challenging journey alone.

During the painting session, the children also took the opportunity to thank Heart, who has been a long-time supporter and advocate for thalassemia patients.

“My journey with thalassemia patients started when I was 21, and they have held a special place in my life ever since,” Heart said in a social media post.

Lately, Heart has been focusing on her artistry again, showcasing new works on her social media accounts. In one of her most recent posts on her Instagram, Heart shared a painting that showcases her signature style and captioned it: “Feelings on display.”

Heart’s gesture immediately garnered praise from her followers.

Many believed that Heart’s new paintings reflect the many faces of vulnerability and the many emotions that are felt but cannot be expressed.

“Power to express what words cannot. The diary of the soul…,” said @jodiecamilleg in her comment on Heart’s Instagram post.

Heart has long demonstrated her talent in painting and passion for art.

In fact, Heart's first solo art exhibit was held at the Ayala Museum, Makati City in 2014. It was titled, “I am Love Marie: The Art and Works of Love Marie Ongoauco.” 

This was followed in 2015 at the Chan Hampe Galleries in Singapore.

Aside from paintings on canvas, Heart's art pieces include painted designer handbags, clothing, and other items for local and international clients.

In fact, she also had an exhibit titled “Carry Your HeART” at Bonifacio Global City where some of her hand-painted luxury handbags were displayed to the public for the first time.

She once mentioned in an interview that painting is “very therapeutic for me.”