News
Smart, FIBA renews global partnership
Celebrates PH hosting of FIBA World Cup 2023
Smart Communications Inc. and FIBA have renewed their Global Partnership for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 in Qatar.
The four-year extension comes off the back of the excellent cooperation between both parties. This includes Smart’s stellar promotional work for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.
While the main focus of the Global Partnership has been on the Philippines as co-hosts of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, it’s now set to go much wider. In this next phase of the, Smart will reach out to Filipinos all over the world with promotional campaigns. More exciting plans still to be unveiled.
The new partnership agreement secures Smart’s further enhancements, including additional exclusive rights in the areas of digital and live streaming. They will be the presenting partner of ‘Chat Parties’ hosted on respective FIBA competition websites. This is FIBA’s official mobile digital and media application for the competition or another official FIBA digital media channel. All of which are accessible to users located in the Philippines.
Smart will enjoy graphic integration on the live stream of official draws of FIBA competitions as well as youth competitions. All these come alongside being the presenting partner of the FIBA ‘Power Rankings’.
The renewal was revealed at an announcement ceremony during the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Final in Manila.
Smart is the mobile network of choice of FIBA goers
Ahead of the tournament, Smart teamed up with technology partners Huawei and Ericsson. This is to further expand and permanently optimize its LTE and 5G mobile network coverage across all venues.
Smart emerged as the mobile network of choice of fans with up to 59 percent of live attendees relying on their Smart-powered SIMs and eSIMs. They shared real-time updates and upload online content on the fly. This is according to an internal report covering the Phase 1 games from Aug. 26 to Sept. 3.
Filipinos’ love for basketball spilled over on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, the three top apps used by fans during the games. Smart made it easier for local and foreign basketball fans to latch on to the Smart network by making available Prepaid SIMs and eSIMs at Smart Stores and accredited retailers near the venues and airports.
Larger-than-life basketball tributes
Ten days before the games, Smart transformed the MOA Ball into a giant basketball with a hoop. The giant installation — measuring 1.5 meters in diameter, inside a ring with 111 meters in circumference — officially signaled the country’s all-out efforts to kick off the hosting of the FIBA World Cup 2023. It also showcased the larger-than-life passion and energy that Filipinos have for basketball.
Smart also drummed up the excitement of fans by unveiling an interactive LED billboard with a massive basketball ring and augmented reality integration along EDSA, complete with a QR code allowing fans to view FIBA stars’ signature moves on their smartphones. Smart also took it a step further with an interactive 3D Billboard featuring the FIBA official mascot JIP at Bonifacio Global City (BGC), captivating fans and spectators.
Epic basketball fan experiences
Smart helped mount an epic street festival at BGC for the FIBA Draw. Aside from the live viewing of the much-awaited draw, fans were treated to a concert, games, and other exciting activities.
Moreover, subscribers were given a chance to own a piece of basketball history as Smart unveiled limited-edition Gilas Prepaid Cards, and FREE collectible non-fungible tokens or NFTs exclusive to Smart subscribers.
During the tournament, basketball fans trooping to the venues enjoyed awesome augmented reality activities, such as the Smart Quiz, Smart Shirt Blast, and Smart Power Dribble Cam for a shot at winning premium tickets, exciting prizes, and limited-edition merchandise.
Real-time access to all FIBA games
As a treat, Smart gave all its subscribers FREE access to all FIBA games via the Smart LiveStream App. By downloading the app and connecting to the Smart mobile network, fans could stream the games live anytime, anywhere. They can also replay and relive all the FIBA hardcourt action.
Smart also introduced GILAS POWER 399. It’s a prepaid data pack that comes with 78 GB valid for 30 days. The data pack includes access to FIBA World Cup Games via the Smart LiveStream App.
During the Gilas vs. Italy game last Aug. 29, Smart and US-based Radisys Corporation, a subsidiary of Jio Platforms Limited, showcased the future of mobile streaming with its beta test of Smart LiveStream App’s groundbreaking new features, enabling select Smart users to enjoy 360 viewing, live chat, and viewing party features.
As FIBA Global partner, Smart also provided Prepaid eSIMs to all the the players, coaching staff, and delegates who flew to Manila for the tournament so they may stay connected with their loved ones back home.
News
REDMI Note 15 Series named Presenting Partner for Spartan Race Philippines 2026 season
Titan Toughness takes center stage!
Being a Spartan athlete for five years has taught me that endurance isn’t just about physical strength; it’s about the mental grit to keep moving when your body begs you to stop.
In this world, “toughness” becomes more than just a marketing buzzword. Now, it’s a requirement for survival. That’s why the partnership between Spartan Race Philippines and the REDMI Note 15 Series feels like a shared philosophy.
Partner for a tough course
Starting March 21, 2026, at Parklinks, Pasig City, the REDMI Note 15 Series officially joins the Spartan circuit.
For someone who has navigated these obstacles for years, I know that technology usually doesn’t belong in the mud. But the “Titan Tough” promise of the REDMI Note 15 is built for this exact routine.
It’s designed to be there for the moments that matter. For capturing the raw, unpolished triumph of the finish line; for surviving the grit of the course so you can focus on the next hurdle; and for finding the device at the heart of the festival area and the winner’s circle, mirroring the resilience of the athletes themselves.
Join the journey
Whether you are a seasoned elite racer or stepping into your first Open heat, this season is about testing your limits.
To help you get to that starting line, you can use the discount code REDMINOTE15 to get 10% OFF on all Spartan Race OCR, Spartan Kids Race, and Hurricane Heat events.
See you at the starting line. AROO!
HONOR Philippines has launched its latest mass-market smartphone entry that caters to students and the youthful market in general: the HONOR X8d.
The budget smartphone is priced at PhP 15,999 and is available in Blue, Velvet Black, and Velvet Grey colors.
As part of launch offers, those who pre-order until March 27 can get a free accessory and can also avail of 0% installment plans via credit cards and Home Credit.
Customers can get the device through Lazada, Shopee, and HONOR stores.
REVIEW: The HONOR X8d is serviceable
The HONOR X8d is powered by a Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen 2 processor and comes with 8GB of RAM (plus 8GB expansion) and 256GB of storage.
It has a large 7,000mAh battery which supports 45W charging, making it a very long-lasting daily value companion.
The device features a 6.77-inch 120Hz display which has up to 3,000 nits of brightness, making it useful for practical situations.
The handset comes with usual display certifications and protections, including 3840Hz PWM dimming, E-Book mode, SGS drop resistance, and an IP65 rating.
For its cameras, the X8d has a 108MP main camera, plus a 16MP front camera. The main shooter can capture decent quality at 1x, 2x, and 3x zoom ranges.
There are also handy AI editing tools like AI Eraser, AI Cutout, and AI Upscale.
Out of the box, the HONOR X8d runs on MagicOS 10 based on Android 16. It also has staple productivity tools like AI Translate, AI Writing, AI Notes, and AI Recorder, alongside features such as Magic Portal and Circle to Search.
Deals
GoTyme Bank, Visa partner for FIFA World Cup 2026 raffle giveaway
Win an all-expense-paid trip to the World Cup with your GoTyme Visa Debit Card
GoTyme Bank and Visa have officially teamed up for a FIFA World Cup 2026 raffle giveaway.
This gives Filipino football fans the chance to win an all-expense-paid trip to attend either the World Cup Group Stage or Final in the United States.
The partnership marks GoTyme Bank’s growing presence not only in the market but also in the global stage. Recently, the digital bank has grown to over 9 million customers in the Philippines, and 20 million worldwide.
Under the partnership, GoTyme Bank and Visa have released new limited-edition FIFA World Cup 2026-themed Visa Debit Cards.
These are available in two designs: Pitch Black and Trophy Gold. Both are designed by Filipino artist Ross Du, who incorporated the iconic tournament’s iconic trophy.
The latter, in particular, has some rarity as there will only be 20,000 copies printed in GoTyme Bank kiosks nationwide. Customers can have them printed starting March 23.
Print, Spend, Score
To join the raffle, cardholders simply have to spend at least PhP 1,000 for a raffle entry. That’s using the Classic or Pitch Black card.
Overseas spending also comes with a 3x multiplier, meaning three entries for every PhP 1,000 spent abroad.
Two winners — one Classic and one Pitch Black cardholder — will each win an all-expense-paid trip for two to attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage in Los Angeles.
But even better, those who get the exceptionally rare Trophy Gold card will automatically get a raffle entry for the grand prize raffle draw — with no minimum spend required.
One Trophy Gold cardholder will win an all-expense-paid trip for two to attend the World Cup Final in New York City. This includes roundtrip business class seats as well.
In addition to the major prizes, 10 customers will receive exclusive FIFA World Cup 2026 Visa Premium merchandise.
The fly-off promo runs until May 7 for the Classic and Pitch Black cardholders and until June 10 for the Trophy Gold cardholders.
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