Despite the heavy rain, Michael de Guzman did not miss his chance to watch the opening of UNTV Cup Season 8 at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena on Monday (September 9).

Not only was he excited to watch the first match between the AFP Cavaliers and the PITC Global Traders, he was able to reactivate his membership with Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHeath).

“Okay nga iyong pagkakataon na ito dahil na-enjoy ko na ang panonood, nakakuha pa ako ng kailangan ko sa Philhealth, (This is a good opportunity because I was able to enjoy the game and at the same time work on what I need from PhilHealth),” he said.

Different public service booths like the Social Security System (SSS), Pag-IBIG booth, and PhilHealth were available for everyone as part of the opening of UNTV Cup Season 8.

Meanwhile the whole family of basketball fan, Edgar Santiago, arrived at MOA around 3:00 p.m. which was four hours before the official opening of the series.

Edgar and his family have been supporting UNTV since season 1 and they never miss an opportunity to watch some of the games.

“Alam naman natin ang proceeds ay para sa mga soldiers, mga POW [prisoner of war], mga nasaktan, mga pamilya na hindi halos masuportahan ng ating gobyerno, (We know the proceeds will go to the soldiers, prisoners of war, injured individuals and families that our government can no longer support),” he said.

Fans never stopped cheering once the first match started.

“Ang saya-saya ng laban at tsaka ang galing-galing talaga ng AFP, (It’s really fun and the AFP is a good team)” according to one of AFP’s fans Whisky Villanueva.

Brother Eli Soriano and Kuya Daniel Razon are grateful to God and the fans for their full support.

“Ito po ay patuloy naming gingawa sa tulong ng mga Members of the Church of GOD International kaya natutuwa kami na nakakatulong kami one way or the other even without lifting a finger (We continue to do this with the help of the Members of the Church of GOD International so we are happy to help in one way or the other without lifting a finger),” according to Brother Eli.

“Ang satin lang po alam natin ang dahilan kung bakit tayo nandito, ang gusto natin una sa lahat ay makatulong sa ating mga kapuwa tao na nangangailangan, (We know why we are here. First of all, we want to help our fellowmen in need)” Kuya Daniel said.—AAC (with reports from Aiko Miguel)

Fil-Am hip-hop artist Allan Pineda Lindo or most widely known as apl.de.ap will perform at the opening and closing ceremony of the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

The ceremonies will be held on November 30 and December 11 at the New Clark City in Pampanga.

Lindo said he is excited to perform onstage and be part of the SEA Games.

“[I want to perform] simply because I’m from Angeles City, Pampanga and I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I wanted to be part of this historical moment. It only happens every 20 years. I’m really proud of my country and I just really wanted to share my talent and what I can provide for this event,” Lindo said.

He also added that his group, the Black Eyed Peas, will also perform alongside him.

The signing was held at the House of Representatives on August 20. Meanwhile, House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano hopes more Filipinos will be inspired by the musician.—AAC

Margielyn Arda Didal finished in 5th place at the 2019 Street League Skateboarding World Tour in Los Angeles, California.

This is the highest finish by a Filipino national. Didal accumulated a total of 21.7 points which makes her closer into qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.

11-year-old sensation Rayssa Leal from Brazil ranked first in the competition for scoring 23.3. Pamela Rosa, also from Brazil, finished second with 22.8 while American Alana Smith landed in third place, scoring 22.5 points.—AAC