Philippines’ Best 3x3 Teams Battle for Global Glory at the Red Bull Half Court National Finals

Photos provided by Red Bull

Manila, Philippines, May 26, 2026 — The Philippines' top three-on-three teams have spent months grinding through regional qualifiers. On June 13, they find out who among them is built for the world.

The Red Bull Half Court Philippines National Finals takes over Bigger Pictures, Mandaluyong, in a single-day, winner-takes-all showdown where speed, skill, and offensive power determine everything. Following a series of qualifiers across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, the country's best streetball teams now converge for a single goal: to earn the right to represent the Philippines at the Red Bull Half Court World Finals in Manila.

Red Bull Half Court delivers the fastest version of three-on-three basketball, where games are capped at 10 minutes, and the first team to reach 21 points wins. What sets it apart from any other 3-on-3 format is the two unique rules that keep the pressure rising. First, the Own the Court Bonus, where six points are awarded to the highest-scoring squad in a cumulative team tally. In some cases, this bonus makes all the difference in the teams' final standings.

Next is the three-point shots rule. Introduced in 2024, this rule features two three-point spots marked by circles drawn two metres behind the arc. Once a player takes a shot with their foot on the circle, it counts for three points.

Spotlighting the Philippines' Rich Basketball Culture

Photos provided by Red Bull

More than a championship, the National Finals is a collision of stories, styles, and stakes. Emerging victorious from their respective regional qualifiers, the following regional teams now face off for one women's slot and one men's slot at the global court:

• Manila

• Uratex Tibay (Women's Team)

• Lady Maroons (Women's Team)

• SGF Kings (Men's Team)

• Filipino Mixtape (Men's Team)

• Cebu

• Gimcuad-Ninz (Women's Team)

• Team BOKKI (Men's Team)

• Davao

• Three-time winner Coaches Corner (Women's Team)

• Two-time winner Davao Agilas (Men's Team)

Some arrive with established reputations, others as rising contenders who fought through tightly contested brackets, but all teams have earned their place through decisive performances under pressure.

"Earning a chance at the World Final isn't only about winning games. It's about proving that the path from local community courts to the international stage is possible through discipline, resilience, and belief in the team," said Mart Redyn Arellano of Davao Agilas.

During the regional qualifiers, each winning team brought a distinct brand of play shaped by its local basketball culture. Manila's game was fast and calculated with reads and reactions built on years of urban court culture. Cebu brought relentless offensive energy, a high-scoring mentality that thrives in the format's pace. Davao arrived with confidence, grit, and chemistry, turning their regional qualifier into a showcase of total dominance.

Having dominated on home courts, teams must now adapt to a format where scoring output is just as critical as winning, pushing them to balance control with agility in every possession.

"Getting a spot at the World Finals means the world to us. As players from the province, we've spent years dreaming of sharing the court with the stars we look up to—the ones who inspire us every day to elevate our game. This opportunity is more than just a tournament; it is a moment we will carry with us forever," expressed Lorelaine Pulido Gestopa of Coaches Corner.

The Road to the World Stage

Photos provided by Red Bull

"It's about time to bring the Red Bull Half Court World Finals here. Filipinos have improved and have been preparing for this kind of platform. 3-on-3 Basketball is well represented here in every street and every corner. As long as we can shoot a hoop, Filipinos will play basketball. All I'm saying is, welcome to the Philippines, where basketball is a part of being a Filipino," said Nathan Heinrich Egea of Filipino Mixtape.

The National Finals mark a defining moment for the competing teams and for the continued rise of streetball in the Philippines. Since 2021, Red Bull Half Court has built a platform that has taken streetball athletes across the globe from local courts to iconic international stages. Two Filipino teams will once again wear their country's pride as they perform on home court.

"If our team makes it to the World Finals, I would want the world to see that we, Filipinos, not only play with so much heart and passion, but we also play with great sportsmanship and integrity," expressed LJ Miranda of Uratex Tibay.

"If there's one thing that I'd want the world to see as they watch Filipino streetball, it's our heart. Everyone here in the Philippines plays with their whole heart," shared Mary Angela Abejar Alcos of Gimcuad-Ninz.

Witness Manila, Cebu, and Davao's best streetballers battle it out at the Red Bull Half Court Philippines National Finals on June 13 at Bigger Pictures, Mandaluyong. Doors open at 3PM. 

Find out which squads will earn the right to carry the Philippine flag to the Red Bull Half Court World Finals in Manila this December. Visit Red Bull Philippines' official website and social media channels (Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok) to learn more.

Catching Up on Life, Content, and Coffee with Coins.ph QRPh Crypto Payments

Coming back from vacation sounds relaxing in theory.

But if you’re a content creator balancing a full-time job, you already know what happens after the trip ends.

You come home to pending deliverables, unread emails, unfinished edits, and a camera roll full of photos waiting to be organized.

This is basically my entire week after getting back from our Legazpi-Sorsogon trip last May 14 to 18.

We arrived home late on May 18, around 9 PM, and by Tuesday morning (May 19), it was straight back to my usual 7 AM to 4 PM work schedule. On top of that, I was catching up on brand deliverables, editing travel content, sorting through drone shots, writing captions, and slowly getting everything from the trip posted and organized. 

Honestly, the backlog was stressful.

After work one afternoon, instead of heading straight home, I decided to stop by The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf to continue editing content for a few hours.

I brought my laptop, charger, hard drive, and the usual “mobile office” setup that most creators probably understand way too well.

At that point, coffee already felt less like a want and more like a requirement.

But what unexpectedly stood out that afternoon wasn’t the caffeine.

It felt so convenient to pay through the QRPh Crypto Payment feature on Coins.ph.

And it made perfect sense for the kind of lifestyle I currently have.

A Quick Coffee Stop Between Deadlines

Meanwhile, I was sitting there transferring photos from Sorsogon, reviewing pending deliverables, and trying to figure out which content needed to go up first.

Somewhere between editing reels and organizing files, I finally got up to order coffee.

Normally, paying is just a routine thing you barely think about. But this time, I decided to use the QRPh Crypto Payment feature on Coins.ph since I already had the app installed on my phone.

What I immediately liked was how straightforward the process felt.

No complicated setup.

No unnecessary steps.

No long waiting time at the counter.

Just scan, choose, confirm, and pay.

Paying with Coins.ph Using QRPh Was Surprisingly Easy

For people who are constantly out — whether for work, errands, shoots, or meetings — convenience honestly matters a lot.

And this feature felt practical in a very real-world way.

Coins.ph allows users to pay at over 700,000 QRPh-enabled merchants nationwide using either Philippine Peso or supported crypto assets like USDT and USDC.

So instead of pulling out cash or looking for a physical card, everything was handled directly from my phone.

Here’s how the process went:

Step 1: Open the Coins.ph App

I opened the Coins.ph App and selected the QR scanner.

The interface was clean and easy to navigate, even while multitasking and holding coffee shop receipts, hard drives, and my phone all at once.

Step 2: Scan the QRPh Code

At the counter, the cashier presented the QRPh code.

I scanned it using the Coins.ph app, and the merchant details appeared on the screen instantly.

This part genuinely felt fast. No manual typing, no searching for merchant names, no complicated process.

Just point the camera and proceed with the payment.

Step 3: Enter the Amount

After scanning, I entered the total amount for my order. That’s it.

No waiting for change.
No digging through my bag for cash.
No worrying if I brought enough physical money with me.

Step 4: Choose Which Asset to Use

This was the part I found most interesting.

Coins.ph gave me the option to pay using:

• PHP
• USDT
• USDC

For this transaction, I selected PHP.

The app automatically handled the conversion before proceeding with payment, which made the experience feel seamless.

Even if you regularly use crypto, the process doesn’t feel intimidating at all.

It honestly just feels like a normal digital payment experience — only more flexible.

Step 5: Confirm Convert & Pay

Before finalizing the transaction, the app showed the complete payment summary, including:

• Amount
• Selected asset
• Merchant details
• Conversion information

After reviewing everything, I tapped:
“Confirm Convert & Pay.”

A few seconds later, the payment was successful.

Simple as that.

Why It Actually Worked Well for My Lifestyle

What made the experience stand out wasn’t just the crypto feature itself. It was how naturally it fit into my daily routine.

These past few days have honestly been nonstop:

• Catching up on deliverables
• Editing travel content
• Preparing pending brand posts
• Balancing full-time work
• Managing deadlines after vacation

And during busy weeks like this, small conveniences genuinely make a difference.

Being able to pay directly through QRPh using Coins.ph without needing physical cash or cards felt practical for someone constantly moving between work, cafés, meetings, and content shoots.

The entire process only took a few taps:

• Scan
• Choose asset
• Confirm
• Done

No hassle.

And because QRPh is already supported by so many merchants nationwide, it doesn’t feel like some complicated “future tech” situation anymore.

It actually feels usable in everyday life.

Especially for moments like this.

Coffee, Catching Up, and Small Conveniences That Help

I eventually spent the next few hours inside Starbucks editing content from our Legazpi-Sorsogon trip while slowly trying to regain control of my schedule again.

Somewhere between exporting files and drinking iced coffee, I realized how useful digital convenience becomes during hectic weeks.

Sometimes it’s not about huge life-changing moments. Sometimes it’s simply about making everyday routines easier.

And honestly, the QRPh Crypto Payment feature of Coins.ph felt exactly like that — simple, practical, and easy.

#QRPHCryptoPayments #CoinsPartner

Ube Takes Spotlight at SM Supermalls’ Ube Nation

From classic Filipino desserts to inventive ube-inspired treats, explore a vibrant lineup of must-try purple yam creations at SM Supermalls nationwide. 

From indulgent ube pastries to refreshing café creations, discover bold purple yam flavors and exciting new cravings in every bite.

MANILA, Philippines, 18 May 2026 — Rich, vibrant, and undeniably Filipino, ube has evolved from a local favorite into a global flavor obsession, winning over foodies worldwide with its signature sweetness, eye-catching purple hue, and endless versatility. From nostalgic merienda staples to trendy café drinks and viral desserts, the beloved purple yam continues to dominate cravings across generations.

At your most-loved SM Supermalls, ube is having its moment as a main character, with must-try treats and creative twists popping up in cafés, bakeries, and dessert spots nationwide. Whether you’re in the mood for something comforting, indulgent, or TikTok-worthy, there’s an ube discovery waiting on your next Gala To The Max food crawl.

Sweet, Creamy, and Decadent

Sweet, creamy, and decadent—ube takes the spotlight at SM Supermalls’ Ube Nation with beautifully crafted cakes, indulgent pastries, and café-inspired desserts perfect for every kind of craving.

For dessert lovers, SM malls across the country are serving up next-level ube creations that turn the iconic Filipino flavor into irresistible sweet treats perfect for celebrations, catch-ups, or everyday cravings.

At SM Mall of Asia, shoppers can satisfy their sweet tooth with the Ube Velvet Donut from Founder’s Donut, the soft and dreamy Ube Cloud Cake from Hearts and Bells, and the indulgent Ube Cloud Cream Cake from Butternut Bakery. Dessert cafés also serve up Instagram-worthy twists like the Ube Parmesan Basque Cake from Paris Baguette and Ube Tarts from After Tree Cafe.

From cookies and cakes to crinkles packed with flavor, these ube-inspired creations at SM Supermalls bring together comforting Filipino flavors and playful modern twists in every bite.

At SM North EDSA, dessert lovers can discover playful flavor combos from Fickle Cookies, including the Ube’t Queso Cookie, Ube Coffee Cookie, and Browned Butter Ube Halaya Cookie.

Meanwhile, in SM City Baguio, longtime favorites Vizco’s and Everything Nice continue to serve comforting ube classics that keep locals and tourists coming back for more.

Filipino Favorites, Reimagined

Classic Filipino merienda favorites get a delicious purple twist at SM Supermalls, with comforting ube treats that blend nostalgia, sweetness, and everyday indulgence.

Classic Filipino snacks and merienda staples are getting a delicious glow-up with ube-inspired twists that blend nostalgia with modern flavors.

At SM City Santa Rosa, Ambos offers freshly baked Ube Pandesal that’s perfect for breakfast, merienda, or a quick snack run.

Meanwhile, at SM City Fairview, comforting Filipino flavors meet chocolatey indulgence with the rich Ube Champorado from Mom's Ube & Triple Chocolate Champorado.

At SM City Clark, beloved Kapampangan favorites shine with classic Ube Halaya from Susie’s Cuisine and Nathaniel’s.

From indulgent ube cakes to cheesy pastries and creamy milkshakes, these colorful creations at SM Supermalls blend comforting Filipino flavors with modern dessert indulgence.

Over at SM City Pampanga, diners can enjoy both traditional and modern ube treats, from the rich Ube Cake of The Beanery to the soft and buttery Ube Spanish Bread from Hola.

In Mindanao, Yucca at SM City Davao serves up ultimate merienda cravings with its indulgent Ube Ensaymada, Ube Cheeserolls, and refreshing Ube Queso Milkshake.

Cool and Refreshing Ube Discoveries

Cool down with refreshing ube discoveries at SM Supermalls, from creamy ice cream and rich gelato to vibrant café drinks that make every sip and scoop a sweet summer treat.

For those looking to beat the heat, cafés and dessert spots are serving refreshing ube drinks, shakes, and frozen treats that are perfect for summer hangouts and spontaneous dessert dates.

At SM Seaside City Cebu, diners can cool down with creamy Ube Ice Cream from Bohol Bee Farm and MyChoice, or try the Ube Purple Yam with Cheese gelato from Giardini Gelato. Halo-halo lovers can also enjoy refreshing ube-filled treats from MyJoy and Chikaan.

Meanwhile, at SM City Cebu, The Patio Coffee Club puts a trendy spin on café favorites with its earthy, creamy Ube Matcha Latte and a rich Ube Leche Flan Cake.

Bite-Sized Ube Treats and Pasalubong Finds

Bite-sized but packed with flavor, these ube treats and pasalubong finds at SM Supermalls offer sweet purple yam goodness perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying on the go.

For snack lovers and pasalubong hunters, specialty stores are packed with bite-sized ube goodies perfect for gifting—or keeping all to yourself.

At SM Megamall, Artisan Emporium offers a wide variety of ube treats, including Ube Barquillos, Ube Mallows, Ube Lengua, and Ube Pastillas. Dessert fans can also try the Ube Cream Macarons from Macarons Macarons and Merry Moo's premium ube ice cream flavors.

From comforting classics to bold new café creations, ube continues to reinvent Filipino flavors in exciting and delicious ways. Whether you’re planning a dessert crawl, merienda date, or weekend food trip, your next ube obsession might just be waiting at SM Supermalls.

SM Seaside City Cebu Recognized as PAWS Certified Pet-Friendly Mall

Creating experiences that are truly all for you, including your furry companions, the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) has officially conferred SM Seaside City Cebu the Certified Pet-Friendly Seal. The recognition highlights the mall’s dedication to providing a safe, respectful, and genuinely welcoming environment for pets of all breeds and sizes.

SM Seaside continues to max out the malling experience by making everyday moments more enjoyable and accessible for pet owners and animal lovers alike. It reinforces its commitment to creating spaces and experiences thoughtfully designed for the community—including beloved companion animals.

As part of the certification process, PAWS carried out evaluations by sending undercover volunteers accompanied by aspins (native dogs) to act as “secret shoppers” in assessing the mall’s pet-friendly standards, to ensure that the mall upholds pet-friendly standards rooted in inclusivity, safety, and responsible pet interaction. The recognition also reflects the collective effort of both mall management and participating tenants in fostering a more compassionate and pet-welcoming environment.

During the formal conferment on May 7, 2026, key representatives from both organizations were present. Attending on behalf of PAWS were Directors Atty. Anna Cabrera and Ms. Cristina Martinez. They were joined by SM Seaside executives led by Antonio del Prado, Regional Operations Head; Renato Leduna Jr., Regional Public Relations Head; and Percelyn Irizari, Assistant Mall Manager, underscoring a shared commitment to elevating pet-friendly standards in the retail and lifestyle space.

Guests visiting SM Seaside can enjoy bonding moments with their pets across several certified pet-friendly dining establishments throughout the mall, including A Little Tea, Auntie Anne’s, Bahn Mi Kitchen, BonChon, Bo’s Coffee, Botejyu, Cabalen, Chili’s, Chowking, Classic Savory, Coffee Bay, Dotonbori Ramen, Giardino Gelato, Hawker Chan, Hukad, KFC, Kuya J Restaurant, Kuzina Guadalupe, Lemon Grass, Leylam Deluxe, Lugang Cafe, Max’s Restaurant, Mesa Filipino Moderne, Sizzling City, The Buzzz Cafe, The Spud Diner, Tim Ho Wan, Tokyo Joe Japanese Fastfood, Tokyo Tokyo, YAYOI, and Zubuchon.

Whether enjoying a stroll, dining out, or simply spending quality time together, fur parents can truly make every gala moment count at SM Seaside—where memorable experiences are made all for you.

SM Seaside Cebu Arena on track for June 2026 opening

An architect’s vision of the SM Seaside Cebu Arena. 

SM Seaside Cebu Arena on track for June 2026 opening SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) is set to open its second arena, the SM Seaside Cebu Arena, in June 2026. The large-scale venue is designed to meet global standards for live entertainment, sports and major events.

 “The enduring success of SM MOA Arena shows the strong demand for world-class entertainment venues, so we are bringing the same proven model to Cebu,” said Jeffrey C. Lim, President of SM Prime. “We believe Cebu is a key growth center, and this arena will help attract major events, support tourism and create more economic activity for the region.” 

With seven storeys and a capacity of up to 25,000 people, SM Seaside Cebu Arena will be one of the largest indoor arenas in the Philippines. 

Its flexible event bowl allows seamless configuration for both large-scale concerts and more intimate events, giving promoters greater versatility in staging productions. 

The SM Seaside Cebu Arena will feature one of the most advanced center-hung displays in the country, supported by immersive LED ribbon boards that deliver a 360-degree viewing experience. These are complemented by high-capacity digital infrastructure, including 5G connectivity, enabling real-time engagement and enhanced production capabilities for both organizers and audiences. 

Dedicated premium suites are integrated into the design to cater to corporate partners and elevate the overall hospitality offering. Premier Suites to bring luxury to live entertainment in Cebu. SM Seaside Cebu Arena was also designed to support both front-of-house and backof-house requirements for major productions. A practice court is available for performers, while multi-functional event spaces can be used as holding areas, breakout rooms or venues for smaller private events. 

Premier Suites to bring luxury to live entertainment in Cebu. 

Located within the SM Seaside Complex, the arena benefits from direct access to retail, hospitality and transport infrastructure, creating a seamless ecosystem for visitors and event organizers. 

Its proximity to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport and surrounding lifestyle developments strengthens its appeal as a regional destination for international acts and large gatherings. 

Seaside Cebu Arena has been securing advance bookings since late last year, with BINI on July 11, IV of Spades on July 18, TJ Monterde and KZ Tandingan on September 5 and LANY on November 6 and 12 already confirmed for this year.

SM City Mindpro Powers Greener Future with the Launch of E-Vehicle Charging Station

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines, 13^th May 2026 – SM City Mindpro officially marked another milestone in sustainable development with the launch of its first-in-the-region E-Vehicle Charging Station (EVCS) at the Level 3 Carpark Building on May 12, reinforcing SM Supermalls’ commitment to environmental stewardship under the SM Green Movement.

The launching ceremony was graced by City Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso, together with City Planning and Development Office Assistant Coordinator Jessie Christopher Lapinid, alongside partners, stakeholders, and guests from both the public and private sectors.

The newly launched EVCS is part of SM Supermalls’ nationwide initiative to promote greener mobility solutions and encourage more environmentally responsible practices among communities. As electric vehicles continue to gain traction across the country, the charging station provides accessible support infrastructure for EV users in Zamboanga City.

In his message of support, Mayor Olaso commended SM City Mindpro for taking proactive steps toward sustainability and innovation, emphasizing the importance of partnerships between the private sector and local government in creating environmentally conscious communities. 

Meanwhile, SM City Mindpro Mall Manager Aileen Ann Villa-Enriquez welcomed guests and underscored the importance of collective action in building a more sustainable future.

“The launch of our E-Vehicle Charging Station is more than just providing infrastructure for electric vehicles. It symbolizes our commitment to innovation, environmental responsibility, and supporting cleaner mobility solutions for the benefit of future generations,” she said. 

The EVCS launch forms part of SM Supermalls’ continuing sustainability efforts, which include waste management initiatives, energy efficiency programs, water conservation practices, and environmental awareness campaigns under the SM Green Movement.

Through projects like the EVCS, your most-loved SM City Mindpro continues to strengthen its role not only as a lifestyle destination, but also as a partner in driving positive environmental change in the community. 

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About SM Green Movement 

Through the SM Green Movement, SM Prime champions sustainability by focusing on waste management, water stewardship, and energy efficiency for lasting impact. The movement empowers individuals, families, and communities to take part in simple acts that create shared prosperity for generations to come.

Colimited Philippines Becomes Cebu City’s First Thai Restaurant to Receive the Prestigious Thai SELECT Award 2026

Colimited Philippines proudly announces that it has been awarded the prestigious Thai SELECT certification, becoming the first Thai restaurant in Cebu City to receive this distinction. The Thai SELECT award is granted by the Department of International Trade Promotion under the Ministry of Commerce Thailand, recognizing the authenticity and quality of Thai cuisine across the world.

To commemorate this milestone, Ms. Kirida Bhaopichitr, Vice Minister for Commerce, together with her delegation, visited Colimited Philippines, located at SM Seaside City Cebu, on May 7, 2026, to officially present the Thai SELECT award. The visit included an awarding ceremony and a photo session. 

Thai SELECT is a globally recognized certification that assures diners of genuine Thai flavors with premium cooking techniques, and high-quality ingredients to strengthen the brand's core value — Premium Thai Street Food.

Operated under the partnership with Thailand’s Co-Rungrueng Group, an established restaurant operator with three hot-spot locations in Bangkok, Thailand. The brand upholds Thai street-food recipes, an elevated setting and quality standards of both ingredients and cooking techniques.

“We are deeply honored to receive the Thai SELECT certification. This recognition reflects our dedication to preserving the true essence of Thai cuisine and bringing it to the Cebuano community,” said a Colimited executive.

The awarding ceremony marks an important step in strengthening cultural and culinary ties between Thailand and the Philippines, while further elevating Cebu City as a destination for world-class dining experiences.