MANILA, Philippines, June 2026 — 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.

Where Winning Begins

The success of SM Supermalls' sports ecosystem is built on a simple belief: every athlete deserves a place to start. Through sports programs, tournaments, fitness activities, and community events across its malls nationwide, millions of Filipinos have discovered new passions, developed their skills, and embraced more active lifestyles, helping build one of the country's largest sports communities.

 At the heart of this movement is SM Sports & Leisure Centers, which introduces aspiring athletes and enthusiasts to a wide range of sports through its seasonal training programs. Under the banner "Where Winning Begins," participants gain access to expert coaching, quality facilities, and opportunities to build confidence and sharpen their skills.

 From the ice rink to the bowling lane and archery range, these programs inspire beginners to take their first steps in sport while nurturing the discipline, focus, and determination needed to grow.

"Every champion starts somewhere, and for many young Filipinos, that journey begins with access, opportunity, and the confidence to try," said Joseph Francis V. Silva, Senior Assistant Vice President for Operations of SM Sports & Leisure Centers.

 He added, "Sports teach more than technique. They build discipline, resilience, teamwork, and character. Our goal is to make these experiences accessible to more Filipinos and help nurture the next generation of athletes."

 

A Nationwide Active Lifestyle Movement

The success of these programs reflects SM Supermalls' vision of making sports more accessible to Filipinos. By transforming its mall spaces into venues for sports, wellness, and recreation, SM continues to inspire more people to stay active and engaged.

 From skating rinks and bowling centers to pickleball courts, running hubs, basketball events, and multi-sport activations, SM has become a major force in bringing sports closer to communities nationwide.

"Sports have the unique ability to bring people together, inspire healthier lifestyles, and build stronger communities," said Joaquin L. San Agustin, Executive Vice President for Marketing of SM Supermalls. "Through SM Active Hub, we're transforming our malls into spaces where people don't just shop or dine—they move, compete, learn, and connect."

 He added, "What began as individual sports initiatives has grown into the Philippines' largest sports communities. Every run, every game, every training session, and every event creates opportunities for Filipinos to pursue their passions and become part of something bigger."

 Today, SM Supermalls is more than a destination for leisure and entertainment. It has now become the country's premier sports destination, where communities gather, and athletes are born.

 To learn more about upcoming sports events, programs, and activities, visit SM Active Hub through the SM Malls Online app or SM Supermalls' official channels. From active lifestyle experiences to Gala to the Max and other Maxed Out Fun moments, there's always something exciting waiting at SM Supermalls.

Women power! FWD Philippines is making it happen as one of today's female triathlete/marathoner, Joyette Jopson will represent the Philippines for the FWD North Pole Marathon. This is the "World's Coolest Marathon" where the marathon is happening in a below negative degrees temperature location in the world.

During the media event, friends, FWD Philippines Executives, supporters and family members gave their full support to Ms. Joyette. Good lucks and words of encouragements comes from the squad member to FWD Philippines executives, to members and supporters were also given to her.



Ms Joyette is a triathlete, 2014 Ironman 70.3 Philippines Filipino Elite Champion, and FWD Financial Wealth Officer. She will be flying to the northernmost point on Earth to represent the Philippines in the forthcoming FWD North Polo Marathon. Imagine the cold weather, the terrain, and the challenge.

“FWD is extremely proud to continue our support for this challenging and one-of-a-kind event, as it resonates our core values of empowering people to pursue their passions and explore a lifetime of limitless possibilities,” said FWD Life Philippines President and Chief Executive Officer Peter Grimes said. “Moreover, as a Pan-Asian insurer, we are a strong supporter of Asian achievement, endurance, and excellence.”




Jopson will be joined by FWD representative runners from Hong Kong, Japan, Vietnam, and Thailand, collectively called FWD Team Asia, as well as runners from around the world, in what is dubbed as one of the world’s most challenging and grueling sporting events.

“We chose Joyette as the Philippines’ representative to the FWD North Pole Marathon this year because of her indomitable spirit, something that will help her conquer the North Pole. As the first Filipina who is set to conquer the marathon, she will proudly bring both FWD and Filipino Pride to the world stage,” Grimes added. “Joyette has broken her own barriers as a triathlete, competing with the most experienced athletes in the world, and this is why we believe she is perfect to be the country’s representative this year.”



“As an FWD Financial Wealth Officer, I take to heart our mission to take care of our customers’ financial future and change the way people feel about insurance,” Jopson said. “I am truly grateful to have been chosen to represent FWD and the Philippines in the North Pole Marathon as this really will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me! Inspired by the FWD’s Get Ready to Live brand spirit, I will bring with me relentless courage and determination against the world’s harshest conditions as I aim to make my country proud.”




How extreme is the "World's Coolest Marathon"? Well, as what the Guinness World Record recognize it the "Northernmost Marathon on Earth" is a very unique and extreme marathon, it is run on a small 4.22-kilometer (2.62-mile) loop about 10 times, over hard snow or ice. This marathon is recognized by the Association of International Marathons & Distance Races (AIMS). Adding to its uniqueness, it is the only certified marathon that is run entirely on the frozen water of the Arctic Ocean.



Toughest marathons it may seems but we know Filipinos can conquer everything and Joyette, she'll the first Filipina to conquer the "World's Coolest Marathon".

Bonding with Family is real! It requires great effort. allotment of time, and of course shelling out some of your hard earned money but hey its for them. As of now, for me, it is a must, especially now that my kids are starting to grow faster than I expect it. That's why I have dedicated some of my time and space in my FB account the "Date with My Boys". This is to at least record every important happening in my life with them.


One of the things that I realized while doing some of my "Date with My Boys" is that I am not a sporty kind of Mom. And well in fact I should be because I have 3 boys (including my hubby) who are very adventurous and sporty. I did realized after we visited Climb Central.

Climb Central is one of the indoor training facilities for individuals who loves wall or rock climbing. Wall or Rock Climbing is a sports that requires grip strength, muscles coordination, and agility in accomplishing or reaching the top.


It’s really ironic that during my high school days, I’m one of the CAT officer who had rapelling training and other military exercises. One of I attended team bldg has a wall climbing, it’s been a while since I did wall climbing, I'm not into it because first I have fear on heights, I'm not sporty and I’m not expose on that kind of activity.


During our visit at Climb Central my kids were all excited even my hubby. Of course registration first, safety gear and introduction with briefing. We need to be informed of the dos and don'ts plus what to expect. The facility is for partners or individuals who would like to harness their climbing ability. 
Personally, I tried the climb -twice. Unfortunately the mind willing but the body is weak. I guess I need to have more practice. My husband love this kind of activity he even reached the top for 4 to 5 times during our stayed their. Though his not much into it and with no practice, still, he managed to do the wall climbing properly that made our kids get amazed and eager to try the activity.


Our eldest son, Maki, loved and tried it that he managed to reached 1/4 of the wall climbing area. Just like me he wanted to reached the top but his body is not prepared for this activity. Perhaps next time that we do something like this. While our youngest son, Gelo, managed to reached higher area than his older brother. Gelo is like his Daddy because he kept on climbing and trying different stunts at Climb Central.

Both my kids loved to do it and they told me that we need to be there at least once a week. During our stayed they kept asking when will be our next visit. Yeah, Climb Central is true on what they said that this activity is so addictive that you want to go back again.


This is a full bonding moment for us with lots of memories. It is so sporty I guess I need to be sporty because my boys loved to do wall climbing. A different kind of bonding activity that really gives you  moments to treasure for the rest of your lives.


Mommies if you want something different that will make your family go actively in sports better try Climb Central's wall climbing activity. They also have other activities inside the facility.
You can also get your whole day pass through TravelBook.ph. Enjoy!

Personally I'm not that very fond of basketball. I seldom watch basketball but after being married and having two more boys in my life made me realized that I need to know stuff, particularly boy stuff. So one of them is familiarizing some of the basketball teams in the Philippine Basketball Association or PBA. At least that's much easier to learn and lesser teams to memorize unlike the NBA which have the East Coast and the West Coast. But anyhow what I will be sharing is regarding this one celebrity player from the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel team which is one of the rising celebrity basketball player, Scottie Thompson.

Just recently, Scottie Thompson together with Icy Cool Shake owner Ms. Icy Mendoza signs contracts. Scottie will be Icy Cool Shake's Brand Ambassador/ Endorser. The contract signing and media briefing happened at McDonald's in Greenhills.

According to the owner, Ms. Mendoza, Scottie was chosen as their endorser because of his cool personality on and off the court. Which is right and shows in some of his games. His cool headed and doesn't easily get cranky when things heats up inside the court.
Scottie is describe as chill, suave, and cool by people around him that sees his true personality.  He is a role model when it comes to being cool.

Icy Cool Shake on the other hand is one of the rising SME companies in the country today. This brand started from a humble beginning and is thriving to be the best in the franchising business. Their products is what we can say the best when it's time to cool the heat away, most especially that summer is just few weeks to go. I'm sure it will be a hit.
Icy Cool Shake is owned and managed by Ms. Icy Mendoza who comes from a humble beginning without any experience of running a business like this but is driven by her passion. This gave birth to a company that is cool enough to welcome others who would like to try to franchise the business.
As for Scottie, he is honored to be part of the company, to its success and of course to its growth. Scottie even shared that he's planning to be one of the franchisee as well. Two entities driven by their passion but still embodies the attitude of being cool.

For those who might want to be a franchisee they can be contacted at (046) 402-7282 or email them at icycool820@gmail.com / icy_cool820@yahoo.com or visit their website at www.icycoolshake.com.ph

One of the number one fan of Basketball, Senator Manny Pacquiao will give an interesting view of Filipino Basketball as the created league, the Maharlika Pilipina Basketball League (MPBL) kicks off this coming January 25. This gives fresh Filipino Basketball talents from local communities and former collegiate and professional players their chance to shine on national TV at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The opening ceremonies, followed by a match-up between the Paranaque Patriots and Caloocan Supremos, will air live on ABS-CBN S+A starting at 7pm.

"This will support the youth who are interested in the sport. This will be a great help to them. From the grassroots, we are going to discover good players," said MPBL founder Senator Manny Pacquiao."Hindi naman kami nakikipag-compete sa ibang liga, kundi ito ay ambag, tulong din sa pag promote ng basketball dito sa Pilipinas. It's possible that players who shine in the MPBL will eventually get the opportunity to be drafted by other leagues so it could be complementary."
Arnold Vegafria, ALV Events International chairman who happens to be business manager of Pacquiao and overall head of production and marketing of MPBL says, "Through Senator Manny Pacquiao's vision, we have a basketball league that truly reaches the grassroots level. Finally, Filipinos from all walks of life who have the talent and passion for the game will be able to show their mettle on the hard court.We are thankful for this opportunity and hope advertisers and basketball fans support this. This is another platform where Pinoys can find their potential basketball heroes."

ABS-CBN Sports head Dino Laurena expressed his excitement with the entry of the MPBL S+A, which aims to give grassroots athletes and undrafted or untapped basketball players a venue to showcase their skills and continue to pursue their basketball dreams. "It was very natural for us to get together because of our shared vision for Philippines sports and our desire to support Filipino athletes in the grassroots level. Seredipitously, we are celebrating the anniversary of the MBA (Metropolitan Basketball Association) this year, which had the same concept and objective," he said.

Similar to the MBA, the MPBL features teams that represent a province, city or municipality in the country and has a home and away format that will give the teams a chance to play in their home court in front of fans. Currently, the league has 10 teams from Metro Manila and Luzon representing Bataan, Batangas, Bulacan, Caloocan, Imus, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Paranque, Quezon City and Valenzuela. They plan to eventually include teams from Visayas and Mindanao.

MPBL Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes also said that each team is required to have at least three players that are truly homegrown to the area. "The advantage of this is really the pride of the players playing for their respective provinces and cities. We also believe that it will be more exciting because of the support of the fans for their teams. In the preseason , we can really see that they are exited as they aslo want to see their home players succeed," he said.

MPBL team coordinator Emmerson Oreta, a former professional player like Duremdes, added that their long-term goal is to have all teams featuring all homegrown players, like their preseason champion , the Bulacan Kuyas.

Helping Duremdes and Oreta is former professional and national team player Zaldy Realubit, who heads the operations, and assistant commisioner Satar Macantal, Pacquiao's childhood friend who played for Pacquiao's local team and helped him organize basketball leagues in thier hometown of General Santos City.
To further encourage fans to watch the opening at the Araneta Coliseum, Vegafria said the MPBL will be giving away one car and ten motorbikes on January 25.

The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League telecast is a production of ALV Events International and ABS-CBN Sports+Action. It airs 7pm January 25 live from the Smart Araneta Coliseum on S+A and S+A HD. Catch the games every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 7pm to 11pm.

Circulo Verde showcased a new kind of sports that the big boys will enjoy. This is not your typical toys in the toy shop but more of the adult hobbyist, who takes toys seriously. This giving birth to Game of Drones which showcased its first flight.


We all know that Circulo Verde just launched its first signature pump track and bike playground here in the Philippines. And with that area great for outdoor activities, the revitalized industry player introduced yet another signature event which captured the imagination of millennials and kids of all ages. Everyone present at Circulo Verde looked skyward and witnessed a spectacle of lights and drone feats- The grandest yet - Game of Drones 1st Flight.

Circulo Verde, Ortigas & Co.'s 10 hectare master planned mixed use community in Quezon city was set aglow with the spectacular sight of drones flipping in the air. After dusk, the place was ablaze with lights coming from the lit tracks where the quadcopters coursed through,prompting spectators to squeal in delight & excitement.
Circulo Verde oferred the perfect venue for Game of Drones 1st Flight where drone professionals, hobbyists & amateurs had the whole day for themselves to race - and learn a few tricks using the remote-controlled aircrafts.

The games were open to two drone categories: the Spec Class or Beginners for pilots using a quadcopter with 35 LiPo and 5" diameter props and Open Class or Advance for pilots with quadcopters that weighed a maximum of 50 lbs. The Game Arena was divided into several areas with different races for drone controllers, namely Time Trial, Drone Sprint, Rotocross, and Drone Photography.

But Game of Drones was not exclusively for drone enthusiasts. The country's biggest and grandest drone spectacle also enticed families and friends to bond over raffles and other activities while served with first-class entertainment throughout the jampacked one-day event. Everyone from kids and teens to adults also took advantage of food booths and other stalls that sold sports apparel from sponsors and concessionaires.

It was definitely air supremacy ablaze as everyone enjoyed the spectacle leaving a collective question which begged to be answered: What will Ortigas & Co. offer next?