Salmon Finance, a leading fintech company in the Philippines, is accelerating the growth of its motorcycle financing business with the launch of in-store moto loans, giving Filipinos access to fast, secure, and digital-first financing for motorcycles.
In 2025, Salmon Finance first introduced its moto loans service in the Philippine market, allowing customers to finance motorcycle purchases via the Salmon app. From online, Salmon Finance is now bringing this service on-ground in partnership with Suerte Motoplaza, a fast-growing motorcycle dealership network in the Philippines. The service will initially become available in select Suerte Motoplaza branches across Metro Manila and soon, in additional locations nationwide.
The launch of in-store moto loans marks the next phase of the expansion of Salmon’s motorcycle financing business, strengthening the fintech’s presence at a critical moment in the customer journey – right where purchasing decisions are made.
Through this partnership, Suerte Motoplaza customers can conveniently access Salmon’s credit services at the point of purchase. The entire journey, from application to loan repayment, is fully digital. Now, customers don’t need to go through the tedious process of filling out countless forms and waiting for days for credit approval.
They can receive credit decisions in as fast as 60 seconds, making the experience seamless, efficient, and hassle-free. This convenience extends beyond the stores: repayments can also be completed entirely online, allowing customers to manage their loans anytime, anywhere.
“For many Filipinos, a motorcycle is more than just a vehicle; it is a source of livelihood, a practical commuting solution, and a way to navigate heavy traffic efficiently. As two-wheeled transport continues to grow in popularity in the Philippines, we are committed to making ownership more accessible through fast, convenient financing solutions. We’re happy to partner with Suerte Motoplaza in bringing this experience closer to customers,” said Raffy Montemayor, Co-Founder of Salmon.
Salmon Moto Loans is a product offered by Salmon Finance Inc. (formerly Sunprime Finance Inc.). LoanOnline, powered by the Salmon app, serves as the online lending platform for Salmon Finance Inc., a licensed financing company regulated by the SEC with CA No. 1241 and CR No. CS201916698.
AIA Philippines, formerly Philam Life and one of the country’s premier life insurance providers, has been named among the inaugural Fortune 100 Companies to Work For™ Southeast Asia and has been recertified as a Great Place to Work in the Philippines. These distinctions spotlight AIA Philippines as one of Southeast Asia’s most trusted and people-first workplaces, reflecting its focus on fostering an inclusive, supportive, and growth-oriented environment for its people.
The Fortune 100 Companies to Work For Southeast Asia recognition honors organizations across the region where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow. Meanwhile, AIA Philippines’ Great Place to Work certification is based on employee feedback and a rigorous assessment of workplace culture, leadership, and engagement, reflecting sustained levels of employee trust, collaboration, and satisfaction.
“We are deeply honored to receive these recognitions, which reflect not only our pursuit of business excellence but also our dedication to creating meaningful impact for our people,” said Melita Teo, Chief Executive Officer of AIA Philippines. “At AIA, we believe that inspired leadership and a people-first culture go hand in hand. These distinctions affirm our long-term focus on fostering an environment where our employees feel supported, empowered, and motivated to grow.”
AIA Philippines has continued to strengthen its people-first culture anchored on innovation, governance, and sustainability. Through the One AIA Framework, it unifies AIA Philippines, BPI AIA, MediCard, and AIA Investment Management into a cohesive, future-ready enterprise. By embedding Environmental, Social, and Governance principles at the heart of the company’s strategy, AIA Philippines has achieved measurable progress in emissions reduction, transition to renewable energy, and sustainable investment.
Beyond business success, the organization’s focus on inclusivity and community empowerment is reflected in impactful initiatives such as AIA Healthiest Schools, which promotes health and wellness education among young Filipinos; Hope Mobi Clinic, which delivers accessible healthcare to underserved communities; and Rise Through Hunger, which addresses food security and nutrition needs.
“These recognitions matter to us because certifications like Fortune’s Best Companies to Work For and Great Place to Work affirm that our culture isn’t just aspirational but one that’s lived every day. Our HR practices are designed as part of AIA Philippines’ journey to become an Employer of Choice. Our thrust is to continuously develop our people, strengthen our leadership and create an environment of respect, inclusivity, and growth,” added Ellen Imasa, Chief Human Resources Officer, AIA Philippines.
The Fortune 100 Companies to Work For Southeast Asia distinction is a testament to AIA Philippines’ dedication to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and growth-oriented environment. The recognition is based on employee feedback and organizational culture assessments, highlighting workplaces where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow. This achievement, alongside the Great Place to Work® recertification, reinforces AIA Philippines’ reputation as a leading employer in the region and reflects the collective efforts of its workforce in building a culture rooted in trust, respect, and opportunity.
AIA Philippines continues to align its people strategy with its mission of helping people live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives, ensuring that workplace excellence and social responsibility remain central to its long-term value creation.
Ogilvy is thrilled to announce that Senior Art Director Marion Manabat has been selected as a recipient of the highly coveted LIONS Scholarship 2026 for the Creative Academy. Manabat stands out as one of only five creatives worldwide to receive the honor, and the sole representative from the Philippines, chosen from an impressive pool of over 400 applicants spanning 67 countries. This achievement highlights her exceptional talent and innovative approach but also reinforces Ogilvy’s commitment to nurturing creative excellence.
“We are incredibly proud of Marion’s achievement,” says Chino Jayme, Executive Creative Director of Ogilvy Manila. “Her selection for the Cannes Lions Creative Academy brings us honor and showcases the caliber of creative minds we foster within the Agency.”
“This scholarship means so much to me because it’s a chance to represent. As a Filipino woman who didn’t grow up with much, opportunities like this often feel out of reach, like something you only dream about. Every time a Filipino step onto the global stage, we send a message to younger creatives: it’s possible, we belong, and we deserve a seat at the table!! I’m really excited to meet industry leaders, learn from them, and bring those insights back home,” said Marion Manabat.
The LIONS Scholarship is a cornerstone global program by Cannes Lions, dedicated to fostering the next generation of creative and marketing talent. The learning program emphasizes diversity across location, gender, race, class, and perspective. The competitive selection process involved an initial screening followed by a rigorous final evaluation by a jury comprised of over 40 global creative leaders. Manabat’s selection as one of ten under-30 individuals globally (five for Creative, five for Brand Marketers) underscores her position as a rising star whose work embodies the future of impactful communication and her potential to shape the industry’s landscape.
Apart from the five-day Creative Academy, Marion’s LIONS scholarship grants her full access to the Cannes Lions Festival. She’ll engage with world-class leaders in masterclasses and workshops designed to hone her creative leadership and strategic problem-solving skills, directly contributing to Ogilvy’s continued innovation.
From Magnolia Gold Label favorites to a chance at winning a Toyota Yaris Cross, here’s why your next ice cream run might be more rewarding than usual.
There’s something about summer that makes one scoop turn into two—and somehow, that turns into a full tub in your freezer.
At Landers, that habit might actually take you further than you think.
From March 25 to May 10, 2026, the Landers Ice Cream Festival is back—and this time, every ice cream run comes with a little extra: a chance to win a brand-new Toyota Yaris Cross V CVT.
Here’s why this might be the one time you won’t feel bad about reaching for another scoop.
1. It Starts with Ice Cream You’ll Actually Want to Keep Coming Back For
This isn’t just about quantity—it’s about options.
Done in partnership with Magnolia Ice Cream, the festival highlights the brand’s Gold Label line, alongside a wide assortment of frozen treats from around the world. Whether you’re sticking to familiar favorites or trying something new, it’s the kind of lineup that makes repeat trips feel justified.
And honestly, once you start, it’s hard to stop at just one.
2. Your Usual Ice Cream Runs Now Come with a Shot at Something Bigger
Here’s where things get interesting.
Every time you stock up, you’re also getting closer to a raffle entry. To qualify, members need to purchase at least P1,500 worth of participating ice cream products and reach a total spend of P4,000. Registration is done through QR codes available in-store—and once you’re in, every qualified purchase adds another entry.
The raffle draw happens on May 15, 2026, at the Landers Aseana Head Office, under DTI supervision.
So yes, your freezer refills could literally take you somewhere.
3. It All Kicked Off with a Pretty Sweet Start
The festival officially launched at Landers Aseana, where media, influencers, and members got first access to the deals—and the desserts.
From left to right: Magnolia’s Head of Modern Trade Sales Acie Sunga, actorDerek Monasterio, Landers Buying Division Head Edgar Fernandez, and Landers Deputy CEO Bill Cummings.
Led by Landers Deputy CEO Bill Cummings, alongside Buying Division Head Edgar Fernandez, Magnolia’s Head of Modern Trade Sales Acie Sunga, and actor Derek Monasterio, the kickoff set the tone for what’s ahead: weeks of good finds, great deals, and a few surprises along the way.
4. There’s More to Get If You’re Already Shopping There Anyway
If you’re planning to make the most out of the festival, Landers’ Executive Membership adds even more value. Members can enjoy:
Up to 2% rebate on purchases
An additional 5% rebate with the Landers Executive Visa Signature Credit Card
Free delivery for online orders (minimum spend required)
Free personal shopper service
Plus everyday perks like fuel discounts and free haircut
Right now, it’s available at an introductory price of P600, making it an easy upgrade if you’re already shopping regularly.
So… How Far Can One Scoop Really Take You?
Maybe just to your couch after a long day.
Maybe to your freezer for another round.
Or, if things line up just right—maybe all the way to a brand-new car.
As demand grows for more focused, scalable restaurant concepts, one local brand is gaining regional attention.
Metro Manila-based hot chicken chain LA Chicks was recently awarded “Best New Concept” at the QSR Media Asia Awards 2026, an annual Singapore-based program that recognizes restaurant brands designed for long-term viability across markets.
The win puts a spotlight on a model that prioritizes simplicity over variety. Instead of building a wide menu, LA Chicks centers its offering on a single product category: hot chicken, executed across a tight lineup that includes tenders, sandwiches, and bone-in options.
A key feature of the concept is its tiered heat system, where customers can choose between Naked, Mild, Medium, Hot, and Extra Hot. This built-in customization allows the brand to introduce variety without adding operational complexity, a balance that has become increasingly important for fast-growing food businesses.
The approach also translates well into expansion. In under a year, LA Chicks has opened five branches across Metro Manila, signaling a format that is relatively easy to replicate while maintaining consistency in both product and service.
Beyond operations, the brand has leaned into digital to build awareness. Its challenge-driven messaging, anchored on how much spice customers can handle, has helped generate organic engagement, particularly on social platforms where shareable food experiences continue to drive discovery.
Industry platforms like QSR Media have increasingly highlighted concepts that combine clear positioning with efficient execution. LA Chicks’ recognition this year reflects a broader shift toward restaurant models that are not only attention-grabbing but also built to scale.
Visit the nearest LA Chicks branch today and see for yourself. How hot can you handle it?
From Left: Rycel Engalla Director of Hotel Sales & Marketing, David Batchelor SVP of Resort Operations, and Marimil Ermita VP Hotel Operations at the launch of “Light the Aisle”, Solaire Resort Entertainment City’s first bridal fair happening on May 9-10, 2026.
Its inaugural bridal showcase sets the stage for the Philippines’ most distinguished wedding planners, designers and visionaries to bring dream weddings to life.
Every wedding is a new beginning.
For some, it marks the start of life together. For others, it becomes a celebration of a love story that has already stood the test of time — a vow renewal, a milestone anniversary, a golden wedding, or a gathering that honors years of shared memories. Whatever form it takes, the meaning often feels the same: a beautiful occasion made even more meaningful by the people, details, and setting that bring it to life.
This May, Solaire Resort Entertainment City opens that world to couples and families through Light The Aisle: A Luminous Beginning, a two-day Bridal Showcase happening on May 9–10, 2026.
Set within Solaire Resort Entertainment City’s elegant event spaces, the showcase invites guests to imagine how wedding and milestone celebrations can unfold across the property — from the Grand Ballroom and Pre-Function Area to the Pool Deck and Luxury Suites. These spaces set the tone for occasions that can feel intimate, grand, and deeply personal all at once.
A Gathering of Celebrations Shaped by Distinct Signatures
Part of what gives Light The Aisle its pull is the roster behind it.
Among the planners taking part are Christine Ong-Te Events, Events by Miss P, Kim Torres Events, Kiss the Girl Events, Rhed Sarmiento Events, and Sweet Comfort Events Management, — each bringing a point of view that many couples already recognize when searching for the right team behind a meaningful celebration.
Some are known for stylish, highly visual weddings where every detail reads beautifully both in person and in photographs. Others are recognized for polished coordination, romantic atmosphere, or the kind of planning discipline that makes a celebration feel seamless from start to finish.
For the Bridal Showcase, each planner will present a fully realized wedding vignette shaped by that signature style. Rather than simply offering pegs or mood boards, the installations invite guests into settings that already feel layered, considered, and celebration-ready — the kind of spaces where a wedding, a renewal of vows, or an anniversary gathering can immediately be imagined in full.
Light the Aisle – SVP of Resort Operations David Batchelor
The Names Behind the Look, the Mood, and the Memory
Alongside the planners are creative partners whose work also helps define how celebrations are seen and remembered.The showcase opens with a curated selection of sought-after stylists, including Amante Fleurs Event Styling, Events Central by Anna Winstel, Eyecandy Manila Event Styling Co., Ginger Gaddi, Jo Claravall, Kathy Sy King, Kyno Kho, Key Design by Erick Daquioag, Ralph & Co., as additional names are set to join this growing roster of wedding visionaries.
A key moment of the showcase will unfold on May 10 with a bridal fashion show by renowned Filipino designer Val Taguba. Known for refined silhouettes and romantic detailing, Taguba’s couture creations will bring the elegance of the wedding aisle to life on the runway, closing the two-day showcase with a stylish nod to contemporary Filipino bridal fashion.
Serving as the official photography and video partner, Nice Print Photography will document the event’s highlights across the two-day showcase — capturing the installations, runway presentation, and the many celebrations imagined throughout the venue.
Where Ideas Begin to Feel Real
Across two days, guests will be able to move through Solaire Resort Entertainment City’s spaces while gathering ideas for the kind of celebration they hope to create.
The program includes guided venue tours, styled photo corners, food tastings, consultation sessions with planners, designers, and suppliers, live musical performances, bridal masterclasses, and a bridal fashion show. Together, these create a fuller picture of how a celebration may come together — not only in concept, but in atmosphere, movement, and feeling.
Just as important, the showcase places Solaire Resort Entertainment City at the heart of that vision as a destination for meaningful occasions. Whether the celebration calls for a grand ballroom reception, a more intimate exchange of vows, a poolside gathering, or a milestone anniversary marked with family and close friends, the property offers a setting where scale, polish, and personal detail can meet in one place.
This May 9–10, 2026, Solaire Resort Entertainment City welcomes couples, families, and celebration planners to discover Light The Aisle: A Luminous Beginning and explore how meaningful occasions can take shape in a destination built for moments worth remembering.
For updates on the Bridal Showcase, visit Solaire Resort Entertainment City’s website at sec.solaireresort.com/light-the-aisle or follow @solaireresort on Instagram and Facebook.
The beloved homegrown bakery and café marks its first international expansion, proving that 30 years of bringing ‘The Goodness of Home’ resonate far beyond Philippine shores
Since opening its doors on March 13, 2026 at 52 Tras Street, Tanjong Pagar, Mary Grace Café’s first-ever international branch has drawn a steady, eager stream of guests as Filipinos in Singapore find a comforting taste of home and locals embrace the brand’s signature warmth and flavors for the first time.
The opening was met with an immediate and enthusiastic reception, reflecting its broad appeal across diverse communities. Filipinos expressed a surge of Pinoy pride, thrilled that a beloved brand they grew up with—or frequently visited in Manila—was now easily accessible. This palpable excitement was evident on opening day, with queues of guests lining up for take-away baked goods.
Beyond the diaspora, Singaporeans demonstrated a genuine curiosity, first observed during the brand’s successful web-based pop-ups in September 2025. International residents also showed significant interest, readily exploring the café.
The Singapore menu thoughtfully highlights founder’s picks, and these selections have naturally become the most ordered products. These include the classic Ensaymada and Cheese Rolls, often enjoyed toasted by dine-in guests, perfectly paired with Mary Grace Hot Chocolate. Reflecting local tastes, the Salted Egg Ensaymada and Kaya Pandan Cheese Roll have also soared in popularity, their familiar flavors deeply resonating with Singaporeans. Other bestsellers include the Crab Cake Brioche and the refreshing Ube Coconut Cloud. Despite being new, their flavors possess a comforting familiarity, a delicious blend of nostalgia and novelty that appeals without being foreign. This, coupled with the meticulous care evident in every dish—from the quality of ingredients to preparation and plating—has garnered positive reviews among visitors of Mary Grace Café Singapore.
This warm welcome underscores how Mary Grace’s “Goodness of Home,” built on cherished traditions and authentic flavors, has earned its place on the global stage. “I have always believed that what we serve is more than food. It is the feeling of being taken cared of, of being home,” said Mary Grace Dimacali, Founder, President, and CEO of Mary Grace Foods Inc. “When I started Mary Grace 30 years ago, I was simply trying to share what I knew best—good ingredients, heartfelt cooking, and a warm table for everyone. It fills my heart that we have brought this feeling to a whole new community in Singapore.”
Extending the “Goodness of Home” Beyond the Philippines
From the very beginning, Mary Grace Café was an extension of home—a place where the smell of freshly baked ensaymada meant comfort, where a warm cup of hot chocolate meant belonging, and where every corner table held a story worth telling.
The decision to plant Mary Grace’s first international location in Singapore was both strategic and sentimental. Singapore is home to a vibrant and thriving Filipino community—professionals, families, and creatives who have built their lives in the Lion City while carrying the Philippines close to their hearts. At the same time, Singapore’s cosmopolitan, food-forward culture and its appetite for authentic, quality-driven dining experiences made it the ideal first frontier for the brand.
The location at Tanjong Pagar—in the heart of one of Singapore’s most beloved heritage neighborhoods—reflects this intention: to be accessible, to be welcoming, and to earn a place not just among Filipinos abroad, but among Singaporeans and international guests discovering Filipino warmth.
“We wanted every detail in Singapore to feel like Mary Grace,” said Chiara Dimacali-Hugo, Executive Director of Mary Grace International. “My mother built this brand with her deep belief in what a home should feel like. It is our family’s privilege to carry that forward into Singapore, and to make sure that every single guest who walks through that door—whether they are a Tita who grew up eating our ensaymada in Manila, or a Singaporean who has never heard of us before—feels exactly the same thing: that they are welcome, that they are cared for, and that they are home.”
Unveiling the Limited-Edition Pandan Coconut Cake
In honor of the international expansion, Mary Grace Café introduced a limited-edition Pandan Coconut Cake, available exclusively at Mary Grace locations across the Philippines. Inspired by the flavors of Singapore, this specialty product is a fragrant pandan almond cake with toasted coconut white chocolate crunch, silky coconut crémeux, and light-as-a-cloud whipped pandan ganache—crafted together for a cake that’s light and indulgent at once.
What’s Next for Mary Grace Café
The Singapore opening marks a significant milestone, yet it is truly just the beginning. As Mary Grace embarks on its next decade, the priority for this first international outpost is to uphold the brand’s renowned quality and consistency, mirroring its esteemed reputation in the Philippines. The vision extends to cultivating a deep connection within Singapore, striving to expand the Mary Grace customer base and establish the café as a cherished “home” for everyone.
Future plans include thoughtfully expanding the menu with beloved Filipino favorites from Manila and introducing innovative Singapore-exclusive creations, with aspirations for additional café branches and kiosks across the island.
While the potential for broader international expansion remains a long-term aspiration, for now, nurturing the Singapore café to thrive amidst the dynamic F&B landscape is paramount, ensuring it continues to bring the “Goodness of Home” and its unique blend of Filipino warmth and quality to all who experience its charm.
Goldilocks Bakeshop Inc. receives the “Halal Champion Excellence” Award.
Pictured (L-R): Maher Ghanem, Regional Laboratory Manager, Prime Group UAE; Sheila Marie Rea, Vice President for Quality Assurance, Environment, Health & Safety (EHS), and Technical Services, Goldilocks Bakeshop Inc.; and Khalid Sanawbar, Group Operations Manager, Prime Group UAE.
Goldilocks Bakeshop Inc. was honored with the Halal Champion Excellence Award at the Prime Group Stakeholders Recognition and Gala Night held on January 29, 2026, at SO/Uptown Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
The award was presented by Prime Group, a UAE-headquartered quality, compliance, and Halal certifying body operating across Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. The distinction recognizes organizations that demonstrate sustained commitment to Halal integrity, food safety, and regulatory compliance.
Goldilocks was cited for maintaining strong quality assurance systems and consistently meeting internationally recognized Halal standards. The company recorded three consecutive years of achieving the highest compliance ratings under current standards governing Halal certification and food safety protocols.
The recognition places Goldilocks alongside other distinguished Philippine companies, reflecting the Philippines’ continued presence among regional leaders in Halal compliance.
The Prime Group Stakeholders Recognition and Gala Night gathers partners across industries to recognize leadership in quality management, compliance, and Halal governance.
For Goldilocks, the award underscores the role of disciplined compliance systems and continuous improvement in supporting responsible growth and expanding access to diverse markets.
Ms. Celeste Jovenir, DigiPlus VP of Investor Relations, Corporate Communications and Sustainability with
the UPMG Board Members.
A shared vision in branding as BingoPlus was recognized as one of the Top Advertisers at the United Print and Multimedia Group (UPMG) Philippines Print Summit and Headliners Awards with the theme: The Legacy of Print and its Evolution last March 24 at Dusit Thani Manila.
The award was received by Ms. Celeste Jovenir, Vice President of Investor Relations, Corporate Communications and Sustainability of DigiPlus Interactive Corporation, who also represented DigiPlus-owned platform. Celebrating the power of print and digital advertisement, BingoPlus was the only digital entertainment platform to receive the award, together with PhilHealth, Meralco, SM Malls and other recipients from the government and private sectors.
BingoPlus, stands as the only top advertiser in the digital entertainment industry
The top advertiser award was voted by the UPMG Board, once again proving the brand’s relationship with the media in sharing credible information in online gaming.
DigiPlus Interactive Corporation and BingoPlus continue to evolve the brand with a purpose, upholding its message of responsible gaming and standing together as a leading platform in the digital entertainment industry.
About DigiPlus
DigiPlus Interactive Corp. pioneered digital entertainment in the Philippines. It introduced the leading platforms BingoPlus and ArenaPlus, widely known for their engaging interactive gaming and sports entertainment experiences. DigiPlus also operates GameZone, with more to come. For more information visitwww.digiplus.com.ph.
Ahrold celebrates as he emerged victorious at the GameZone Tour Tongits Plus Championship Cup Season 4
Under the bright lights of the GameZone Tour stage, a father’s grief turned to grace as Pampanga’s best tongits player, Ahrold Tubig, won the GameZone Tour Tongits Plus Champions Cup (TPCC) Season 4 held on March 8 in Pasay City.
Everyone who joined the tournament had one goal: to win the staggering P5,000,000 grand prize. For Tubig, that dream became a reality. His victory was not only a personal triumph but also an emotional milestone for his family.
Tubig carried more than hopes of becoming the Tongits Plus Championship Cup grand champion the moment he stepped atop the GameZone Tour stage, bearing the memories of his sons, Yuan Poll and Yuan Pitt.
Before the tournament began, Tubig, along with his family, visited the separate graves of their boys who died six years ago. Poll and Pitt were fine, though prematurely born in December 2019. Then came the infection Poll developed, so Pitt had to be taken home to avoid getting ill as well.
“Una po, okay sila dalawa sa NICU (Newborn Intensive Care Unit). Pero nagka-infection po yung isa, si Poll. So si Pitt po, dahil naging okay naman po yung lagay niya, kahit sobrang liit at payat niya noon, nakalabas po siya ng ospital. Kasi baka mahawa po siya kay Poll,” Tubig shared in an exclusive interview with GameZone.
On February 20, 2020, Poll was finally cleared to go home. The twins spent five days together before Poll was rushed back to the hospital again. On February 28, he passed away. Nothing compares to the pain of having to bury your own child, but for Ahrold, life goes on. After a year, the family was able to celebrate Pitt’s first birthday. Everything was perfect, but on Poll’s death anniversary, Pitt got sick.
Pitt was rushed to the hospital on March 2, 2021. The doctors initially diagnosed it as dengue and had Pitt transferred to another hospital, where it was later confirmed as sepsis, a blood infection. On March 4, Pitt was also taken away from them.
“March 2 po dinala namin sa ospital si Pitt, sabi ng ospital dengue, hanggang ma-coma siya at nilipat ng ospital kung saan namatay si Poll. Pagdating doon, sepsis po pala ang nakita sa kanya, na sakit sa dugo. March 4, nawala na po si Pitt,” said Tubig.
The heartbreak of Poll’s and Pitt’s passing was why the twins were laid to rest separately. For years, Tubig kept the pain and a quiet wish in his heart—to bring the boys’ resting place side by side.
Journey fueled by heart
Tubig’s journey in the Tongits Plus Champions Cup was nothing short of a comeback story fueled by heart. He had to fight through the revival round, where he was dominated by Nanay Pilar throughout the contest. Eventually, he clawed his way back to the leaderboards to secure a seat in the semifinals. He pushed through the season composed, patient, and strategic.
GameZone Tour hosts together with Pilar Fernandez, Gina Bengco, and Ahrold Tubig before the start of Tongits Plus Championship Cup final round.
After his success in the semis, Tubig faced Nanay Pilar, who was seated at the top, and Gina Bengco at second in the finals. Pilar dominated the opening round, but Tubig, a seasoned tongits player, stayed calm and calculated every meld and draw. Then came the second round.
Tubig played sharply, fearlessly, and perfectly, a kind of performance that eliminates any doubt. After getting hammered by Pilar in the revival round and the 1st round of the finals, Tubig turned the tables by flushing out Pilar’s special card (tongits) that got him back in the game. Instinct and strategy collided, and at the end of the final round, Ahrold Tubig of Masantol, Pampanga, bagged the cash prize as the Tongits Plus Champions Cup season 4 champion.
Ahrold Tubig clasped hands in joy after the final round of the Tongits Plus Champions Cup finals.
Tubig believed that the championship was destined, and Poll and Pitt guided his journey. “Dalawang beses po kami bumalik sa puntod nila, February 28 at March 4 po. Kinausap ko po sila noon kaya alam ko po na binantayan po nila ako noong laban ko,” he said. Ahrold also shared how highly motivated he is during the tournament because of his family, “My pamilya ang alas ko, that’s how I win.” He added.
More than winning
Tubig highlighted the importance of playing responsibly, emphasizing that aspiring GameZone Tour players should set a limit when playing. “Sa mga aspiring players, hinay hinay lang sa paglalaro. Dapat may limit lang sa paglalaro. Pag wala na, tama na,” Tubig said.
He also urged players to dream big if they want to join the GameZone Tour tournament. “Sa mga gustong sumali sa mga GameZone tournament, tiyaga lang mangarap ka. Dahil kay GameZone Tour, maari niya tuparin ang pangarap mo.”
Tubig’s victory is more than just winning the Tongits Plus Championship Cup championship. It is a story of healing and giving. Today, the Tubig family is finally able to fulfill their promise to bring Poll and Pitt together in peace. They also plan to donate to their local chapel to help fund its renovation after it was severely damaged by the recent flood.
DigiPlus Interactive Corp. pioneered digital entertainment in the Philippines. It introduced the leading platforms BingoPlus and ArenaPlus, widely known for their engaging interactive gaming and sports entertainment experiences. DigiPlus also operates GameZone, with more to come. For more information visit www.digiplus.com.ph.
