Category: Business Mirror

NATIONAL University (NU) allayed fears of diminished competitiveness from key departures and a sudden coaching shakeup with a dominating conquest of the 2025 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Preseason Unity Cup.

Seasoned holdovers Vange Alinsug, Chams Maaya, playmaker Lams Lamina and defense specialist Shaira Jardio displayed solid leadership in proving that the rebuilding Lady Bulldogs pack the same powerful bite to complete a four-peat.

NU overcame the challenge of a strong field, punctuated by a nail-biting 22-25, 25-22, 25-27, 25-23, 15-10, escape over gritty University of Santo Tomas in Game 2 of the best-of-three finals on Saturday for an impressive 10-game sweep of the league’s centerpiece tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner and R and B Milk Tea.

The Lady Bulldogs also completed a season sweep for the second straight year after ruling the National Invitationals Davao Leg last August-a clear proof that they remain as one of the country’s top college women’s volleyball programs, if not the best.

NU passed the preseason test with flying colors, ushering in the dawn of a new breed of Lady Bulldogs following the exit of three-time University Athletic Association of the Philippines Most Valuable Player Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, Sheena Toring and Erin Pangilinan after winning back-to-back titles early this year.

‘Because we’ve lost key players to graduation, I told the girls that we have to do this together, we have to work as a team,’ said Regine Diego after winning a title in her first run as head coach since replacing Sherwin Meneses last September.

NU went 13-0 this season, including a three-game domination of the National Invitationals, where prized rookie Sam Cantada emerged as Best Player, introducing herself as the team’s newest weapon.

Cantada connived with Alinsug, Kaye Bombita and Maaya on offense in the championship series clincher, finishing with 24 points as NU replicated a come-from-behind Game 1 win that also went the full five sets.

‘We were pressured because our seniors are no longer around,’ said Lamina, who was named tournament MVP and Best Setter. ‘And I’m very happy we all stepped up and our coaches gave us their trust and confidence.’

Long-time SSL partner Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures Inc. (SPAVI), through its Shakey’s Pizza SSL Bundle initiative, has donated a total of P11,845,100 to all 16 participating teams.

‘We hope that those amounts will help the school programs and make their teams even stronger,’ SPAVI president and CEO Vic Gregorio said.

Ateneo de Manila University received the lion’s share of P1,201,925 in financial support, followed by Adamson (P1,163,275), Arellano University (P1,147,175), University of the Philippines (P862,725), Jose Rizal University (P850,375), NU (P692,925), Lyceum of the Philippines University (P689,575) and UST (P682,825).

University of Perpetual Help System Dalta got P666,725 followed by Far Eastern University (P636,125), Emilio Aguinaldo College (P597,625), San Sebastian College (P584,975), Mapua University (P576,675), Letran ((P519,425), College of Saint Benilde (P487,175) and San Beda University (P485,575).

In 1994, I was handed a compact disc sampler that a colleague of mine at Universal Records compiled and was to be given to rock and pop radio, and those willing to play alternative rock that had become very popular.

Titled Dislocated 2, the sampler featured among others, Deadeye Dick’s ‘New Age Girl’ that was being given a significant push, Tanya Donnelly’s band Belly, dream pop band Lush, and. a song from the Pixies (‘Here Comes Your Man,’ now a powerpop classic) and the solo work from the latter’s vocalist Frank Black (‘Headache’ from the solo album, Teenager of the Year).

I first heard the Pixies in 1989 while crate digging in the Stanley area of Hong Kong. That song was ‘Monkey Gone to Heaven’. I wasn’t paying much attention until the chorus, when the singer went, ‘Rock me, Joe.’

After the guitar solo reeled me in, the singer went: ‘If man is five, if man is five, if man is five. then the devil is six, then the devil is six, then the devil is six, then the devil is six. And if the devil is si,x then God is seven!’

Now he was raving.

‘What is this?’ I thought to myself as the song went crazy.

‘Like a Paul McCartney song,’ was my thought about rave-ups such as ‘Oh, Darling’, ‘Hey, Jude’, and ‘I Saw Her Standing There,’ among others. It was McCartney’s style – start soft, then end with a rock and roll bang.

Impressed, I bought the record of the Pixies titled Doolittle that contained ‘Monkey Gone to Heaven’ among others. Apparently, it was their second after Surfer Rosa; their first release was a mini album titled ‘Come on Pilgrim’.

Watching the music video of ‘Here Comes the Man’ on MTV, I was like, ‘This band is weird, which seemed par for the course for 4 A.D. Records. And they do have a sense of humor.’

But that seemed to be the norm in the 1990s as it seemed like rock music was one big fraternity party from Unrest to Reel Big Fish to Weezer to the Breeders to Pearl Jam and many others.

The infatuation with the Pixies was short-lived as I began working in 1989. Working at an advertising agency meant long hours, and that meant losing touch with what was new on the airwaves and record racks. I wasn’t into compact discs yet, and I didn’t have the time to check out new music.

It wasn’t until I joined Universal Records in 1993 that I dove back into music and fortuitously encountered the Pixies again, since my company secured the licensing for 4 A.D. Records.

My job allowed me to focus on music; this changed everything for me.

With the alternative rock scene taking off and, in many ways, becoming part of the mainstream, I had a better appreciation for the Pixies.

The weirdness, bizarre lyrics, odd song structures, and the soft and loud dynamics wrapped around these manic boy and sweet girl harmonies. And how about the title to their first-ever ‘greatest hits’ compilation – Death to the Pixies. It’s brilliant!

Imagine learning that the Pixies (along with the Melvins, the Cure, Echo and the Bunnymen, and others) had a huge influence on the music of the 90s – that was amazing. And best of all, guitarist Joey Santiago is Filipino!

When the band reunited in the late 1990s, I got to see them perform, scratching that out from my Bucket List. But lo and behold – 25 years later, as they celebrate their 40th Anniversary, the Pixies are coming to Manila in 2026.

Aside from Santiago’s homecoming, it isn’t every day that one of the bands that had a massive influence on the alternative rock scene of the 1990s hits these shores. Furthermore, it isn’t like they are rehashing old hits and living off legacy.

The Pixies put out five albums post-Trompe le Monde, the band’s final studio album before the supposed breakup and the last with Kim Deal on bass – Indie Cindy, Head Carrier, Beneath the Eyrie, Doggerel (their best since Doolittle), and The Night the Zombies Came.

While Kim Deal or even Paz Lenchantin will not be around to handle bass duties, three out of the four original members in Black Francis, Dave Lovering, and Santiago, are better than nothing. It’s like Smashing Pumpkins, who were here recently with three of their OG line-up present, along with new bassist Emma Richardson (formerly of Band of Skulls). Boy, she can sing.

Joey Santiago will be feted like a returning hero. The crowd will be crazy (well, who doesn’t get crazy to their songs). And I. I cannot wait to yell back a vociferous ‘Ho Ho Ho Ho’ and shout back, ‘Chien.’

A RELATIVELY big field made up of sports officials and scribes gather for some competition and a lot of camaraderie on Monday when the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Golf Cup gets off the ground at the Legends course of the Manila Southwoods in Camona, Cavite.

From former Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and Philippine Football Federation presidents Al Panlilio and Mariano ‘Nonong’ Araneta to some of the youngest reporters just starting to take up the game, the 18-hole tournament is a day for everyone to get to know each other while they battle for three division titles.

‘We look forward to this day each year,’ Inquirer sports editor Francis Ochoa, serving his first term as PSA president, said. ‘It’s a day of fun and competition and a day for the reporters and the officials we cover to know each other better and vice versa.’

Manila Southwoods will play host to the event for the fourth straight time, and with the help of the Philippine Sports Commission, Premier Volleyball League, International Container Terminal Services Inc. and former Azkals team manager Jeff Cheng, the tournament will go on for yet another year.

The Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association, Polylite, San Miguel Corp., Athletic Events Sports Managements Inc. Nonong Araneta, Pagss, Philippine Basketball Association, Best Center and MacBeth are also sponsoring the event.

Jerome Delariarte, the ex-The Country Club champion, will not be around to defend the overall championship this year because of duties with Manila Southwoods as the club’s assistant general manager.

Champions in Classes A and B for the PSA members and a friends division winner will also be crowned.

Far Eastern University completed an unbeaten run to the title in the University Athletic Associaiton of the Philippines women’s football tournament, scoring a 2-0 victory over La Salle in the championship game on Saturday at the University of the Philippines Diliman Football Stadium.

The Lady Tamaraws secured their fourth consecutive crown and 14th overall title.

FEU is the first to accomplish a four-peat since La Salle from Season 65 to 68.

‘It’s a good gift for the graduating players,’ coach Let Dimzon said. ‘Even before we went here, they were very confident na makukuha namin yung game.’

Judie Arevalo scored on a 15th-minute header off a corner kick.

Three minutes into stoppage time, 2025 FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup national team member Regine Rebosura capped off her collegiate career with a goal off a corner to seal the win.

FEU won all matches, conceding only three goals this season.

The Lady Tamaraws’ winning streak now stands at 13 games dating back to the second round of Season 87, and they remain unbeaten in 32 matches overall.

This championship also marks FEU’s second collegiate title this Season 88, following their earlier triumph in women’s athletics.

Lady Tamaraws captain Jonela Albino was named Most Valuable Player, Regine Rebosura earned the Best Midfielder title and and Jessa May Lehayan was awarded Best Goalkeeper.

Arevalo, who finished the tournament with eight goals, received the Golden Boot award.

La Salle’s Elisha Lubiano was named Best Defender and Jodie Banzon the Rookie of the Year.

Ateneo’s Jada Bicierro took home the Best Striker award after scoring six goals, while the Blue Eagles also received the Fair Play Award for accumulating the fewest bookings.

The Blue Eagles claimed bronze, marking their first podium finish since Season 79.

MORE than 300 athletes from 15 nations will be up for an adventure like no other as the 5150 FAB Triathlon fires off Sunday at the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB).

Organized by Sunrise Events Inc. in partnership with FAB, the event’s inaugural staging promises a unique racing experience-one that pushes athletes beyond their limits through a meticulously designed course engineered to test strength, stamina, strategy and mental fortitude.

The route begins with a 1.5-km swim at the pristine Camaya Coast, followed by a 40-km single-loop bike course marked by a climb up the Bagac-Mariveles Road and a 10-km, two-loop run at the FAB Gym.

What elevates this year’s event is the two-transition setup-bikes at Transition 1 (Camaya Coast) and run gear at Transition 2 (Visayas Avenue, FAB).

The triathletes are from Brazil, Canada, Finland, France, India, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Northern Mariana Islands, the Russian Federation, Northern Ireland, Singapore, the United Kingdom, United States and the Philippines.

The event also features the Sunrise Sprint (S2)-a 750-meter swim, 20-km bike and 5-km run race-for beginners or athletes eager to close out their season with a fast, festive race.

‘This event reflects our shared vision of promoting Bataan as both an economic and sports tourism hub,’ FAB Administrator Hussein Pangandaman said. ‘The 5150 FAB Triathlon brings the world’s athletes to our shores and showcases our commitment to providing an environment that supports wellness, tourism, and community pride.’

‘We are proud to continue our partnership with the Freeport Area of Bataan,’ Sunrise Events Inc. president and managing director Princess Galura said.

Among the notable athletes toeing the line are IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship standout Mervin Santiago and Nicole Andaya, winner of the historic 5150 Dapitan in 2024.

Also competing are Paulo Sauler who’s fresh from a World Championship finish, Claudine Mendiola, Rockstar coach Reujen Lista and Vanessa Agdon, a multi-time Ironman World Championship qualifier.

Ten years or so between installments of a successful Hollywood franchise is a lifetime. When it comes to the third ‘Now You See Me’ movie – poof! – time doesn’t matter. These magicians still got it.

‘Now You See Me: Now You Don’t’ does what sequels apparently must do these days – load up the characters, return to favorite bits, and go global – but nails the trick, a crowd-pleasing return that already has a fourth in the works.

‘It is very good to be back,’ says Jesse Eisenberg as the egotistical, perfectionist J. Daniel Atlas, the brains behind the magician-robber outfit. It’s hard to argue with that sentiment on the strength of this outing, directed with assurance by Ruben Fleischer.

‘Now You See Me: Now You Don’t’ acts as a sort of pivot, bringing back the veterans – all of them, in various forms – as well as introducing three Gen Z eat-the-rich magicians played by Dominic Sessa, Justice Smith, and Ariana Greenblatt. They’re clearly the future. It’s in good (sleight of) hands.

The movie starts off with a clever rip-off of nasty crypto bros in Brooklyn and expands to scenes in Belgium, the United Arab Emirates, France and South Africa. It’s got Nazis, ‘Harry Potter’ vibes and some Louvre museum heist energy. We didn’t need the F1 chase through Abu Dhabi, but no one’s complaining.

The original Four Horsemen – Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco and Isla Fisher – are supplemented by Lizzy Caplan, who had replaced Fisher in the second installment. Morgan Freeman returns as the gravel-voiced mentor.

The prize at the movie’s heart is a diamond – but no mere bauble. It’s the Heart Diamond, the largest ever discovered, with a price tag of half a billion dollars. It’s the size of a smoked turkey leg.

The diamond is owned by a particularly vile South African diamond mine scion who uses her ultra-wealth to launder money for warlords and arms dealers. She is played deliciously by Rosamund Pike with a snide disdain and a nifty Afrikaner accent.

The secretive magic society known as The Eye unites the old Horsemen and the new trio (the Three Ponies?) to steal the diamond, stored in one of those multilevel, biometric ‘Mission: Impossible’-style bunkers.

Capturing it won’t enhance their bank statements. Remember, they’re all really anti-capitalist, share-the-wealth magicians – most likely democratic socialists, in vogue right now. ‘This is a chance to drive a stake through the devil herself,’ Eisenberg’s character says.

Hollywood is funny that way, creating a multimillion-dollar franchise on the back of heroic left-wing activist characters and convincing the UAE to set it on their streets.

At first, it’s hard, with eight heroes rushing around, to figure out the primary dynamics. The older Horsemen are strangely muted here – except for Caplan, a hoot – and the young need some seasoning. Intergenerational bickering keeps the movie alive.

There’s a quick stop at a French chateau where some real magic takes place, literally. The last two ‘Now You See Me’ installments got very green-screen and CGI when it came to effects, but the third very refreshingly steps back into old-fashioned trickery. In a single take, we see each of the heroes try to top the others with a card trick, misdirection or illusion.

There’s also a hall of mirrors, an upside-down room, an infinity staircase, a perspective-warping room, and a nifty escape from a chamber filling with sand. Kudos to the filmmakers for embracing physical tricks over digital trickery. Also, cute use of Lady Gaga’s ‘Abracadabra.’

All this leads to a huge showdown between the diamond princess and our motley magicians. You won’t guess who’s been pulling the strings all this time. Seriously, you won’t. And a new generation of magician-thieves is minted. That was a hard trick to pull off.

‘Now You See Me: Now You Don’t,’ a Lionsgate release in theaters Friday, is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association for some strong language, violence, and suggestive references. Running time: 112 minutes. Three stars out of four.

Environmental group Greenpeace urged world leaders taking part in the ongoing United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Brazil to take a strong stance in making fossil fuel companies pay for climate damages.

The call was made as the Philippines is reeling from two devastating typhoons this month-‘Tino’ (international code name Kalmaegi) and ‘Uwan’ (Fung-Wong).

Both successive natural hazards have left a path of deaths and destructions, rendering thousands homeless, destroying millions worth of crops, and causing damage to fisheries and livestock.

‘COP30 is a chance for Filipinos to obtain justice, and the window is closing fast. It must give Filipinos a fighting chance to survive the climate crisis with dignity and peace of mind. We deserve a future where safety and security is a way of life-not one where a wave of casualties and destruction is just another Monday morning,’ said Greenpeace Philippines Campaigner Virginia Benosa-Llorin.

Incidentally, the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD) has launched its first call for funding requests for the Barbados Implementation Modalities.

This marks the Fund’s transition to active operationalization, enabling it to initiate its first interventions to respond to climate-induced loss and damage for developing countries.

The BIM has been allocated an initial $250 million to support response efforts in developing countries facing economic and non-economic loss and damage from slow-onset and extreme climate-induced events.

Greenpeace and other environmental groups have been calling for climate justice and has been demanding that polluters pay for the damage brought about by climate change-triggered extreme events to vulnerable countries, including the Philippines.

The launch of the call establishes the process through which countries can access funding from the FRLD.

In addition to offering a platform for stakeholders to engage in support of the FRLD, the launch event raised awareness about the BIM and clarified the call for funding requests’ procedures, timelines and criteria. The call will be opened for a period of six months from December 15.

‘If these global negotiations don’t deliver on making climate polluters pay, we can expect more Uwans and Tinos to pummel those who are still trying to recover from past extreme weather events. The science is clear: fossil fuel companies are raking in billions while supercharging storms that dig Filipinos into their graves,’ Benosa-Llorin said.

Super Typhoon Uwan is the Philippines’ 21st storm in 2025, with more than a million have been evacuated. Typhoon-strength winds were already battering parts of the country before the storm arrived.

A week before Uwan, Typhoon Tino left a heavy toll in the Visayas and parts of Luzon-at least 224 dead and over 300,000 people evacuated, according to official tallies.

Uwan triggered the country’s highest wind signals and severe coastal warnings within days of Tino’s floods. Transport and power disruptions were widespread as authorities raced to move people out of danger.

‘These back-to-back events show how quickly compounding risks escalate for already-hit communities. They result in lost lives and are driving up socioeconomic losses,’ Benosa-Llorin pointed out.

‘Agriculture and fisheries suffer destroyed harvests and reduced catch, tourism revenues decline, and local livelihoods were disrupted. These growing economic costs fall on communities, a burden that they should not be shouldering. Robust climate finance mechanisms must be set in motion to capacitate survivors to recover and live with dignity,’ she added.

With the ongoing COP30, Greenpeace reiterated urgent demands for rich nations to fill the Loss and Damage Fund with grant-based finance that reaches communities fast.

‘We also urge Parties to seek other sources of loss-and-damage funding, such as from the world’s carbon majors-companies that continue to pollute despite decades of knowledge about their climate harms,’ she said.

‘Nationally, the government must prioritize the Clima Bill to make the biggest polluters pay, protect and audit all climate and flood-control funds to prevent plunder, prosecute the corrupt, and fast-track community-led resilience-from mangrove and reef protection to early-warning and safe evacuation-while stopping any new fossil fuel expansion,’ she pointed out.

Clima bill, or the proposed Climate Accountability Act (House Bill 9609), is a proposed law that seeks to hold corporations accountable for their role in the climate crisis

‘We call on our government and on governments from around the world, especially the global north: Choose people over profit. Make polluters pay,’ Benosa-Llorin said.

ERIC SHAUWN CRAY will be competing for the last time at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December-ending a 12-year career donning the country’s colors and yielding eight gold medals in the biennial meet where he earned the title ‘Sprint King.’

‘This will be the last one,’ Cray told BusinessMirror on Friday via phone call from his base in San Antonio, Texas. ‘I will try to close one chapter of my career with an impressive performance, trying to achieve that goal and win the gold.’

Cray’s retirement was actually announced in a Facebook post by the Team Philippines-SEA Games/Asian Games/Olympics/Latest Updates group last October 11.

‘I’m very gratefully to PATAFA [Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association] for allowing me to represent the Philippines as my country,’ the 37-year-old said. ‘It was a great career, but I want to have one final great sprint for my fellow Filipinos.’

In between his dominant performance in the SEA Games, Cray ran in the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympics and won the 400 meters hurdles gold at the 2017 Asian championships.

He was hirdles king in the 2013 (Myanmar), 2015 (Singapore), 2017 Kuala Lumpur), 2019 (Philippines), 2022 (Hanoi) and up to 2023 (Cambodia) SEA Games.

He also won the 100 meters SEA Games gold in 2015 Games and was part of the 2019 4×100 meters mixed relay champion squad.

Asked of a possible seventh straight 400 meters hurdles gold Thailand, Cray said: ‘Nothing can stop me from doing that. I do not know about the record, but I still have the speed to win the gold and be on top.’

‘So far, I just have this minor sore on my knees, but I believe I can do it,’ he added.

Cray, whose mother Maria originally is from Olongapo City, expressed his desire to help PATAFA and its president Terry Capistrano to find new talents and teach the next generation of athletes.

‘My next plan after being an athlete is to help the Philippines’ next generation of sprinters, runners and hurdlers to be successful overseas,’ Cray said. ‘I do not know what will be the set up, but I am willing to help in any means I can.’

He also praised 16-year-old Pi Durden Wangkay for winning the 3rd Asian Youth Games 200 meters gold medal in Bahrain two weeks ago, saying he is a ‘great athlete that could lead the Philippines in bringing home glorious overseas achievements in years to come.’

‘Great kid. He is going to be the Philippines’ next best athletes out there,’ he said.

Capistrano said Cray-considering his work ethic and dedication-could repeat as 400 hurdles champion in Thailand.

‘Eric Cray is a seasoned athlete. So, when he told us that he can still win a gold medal at his final performance in SEA Games, we did not hesitate to give him a chance,’ Capistrano said. ‘We believe in him.’

Cray is also a reserve in the 4×100 and 4×400 relay teams.

The Philippines will host the 31st Session of the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF-31) from November 18 to 21 in Cebu, bringing together leading experts, policymakers, and stakeholders in space science and technology to drive space-enabled solutions, and stronger regional cooperation.

Organized by the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) in collaboration with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, the event is recognized as the largest space-related conference that seeks to strengthen space capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region.

This is the second time the Philippines hosted APRSAF. The first time it hosted it was in 2016.

With over 30-years of history, the APRSAF has served as a vital platform for governments, space agencies, international organizations, academia, and industry to share knowledge, establish regional partnerships, and pursue joint space activities that deliver benefits to communities across the region.

This year’s theme, ‘Empowering the Region through Space Ecosystems in Action,’ reflects the shared goals of the Asia-Pacific community to harness space capabilities in addressing pressing global challenges such as disaster preparedness and climate change, while also driving economic growth, innovation, and scientific advancement.

PhilSA OIC Dr. Gay Jane P. Perez affirmed the importance of regional cooperation and shared growth, highlighting the country’s active role of hosting regional space forums.

‘PhilSA’s hosting of APRSAF-31 will showcase the Philippines evolving space ecosystem-our Yamang Kalawakan [Space Resources]-recognizing the country’s leadership role in the Asia-Pacific region. We also look forward to deepening our cooperation with regional space actors as we continue to advance our capabilities in space science and technology and boost the growth of our domestic space industry,’ Perez said.

The forum will feature plenary sessions where space agencies across the region will discuss priorities on capability enhancement, space exploration, industry growth, education, policy development, and applications of space technology for societal benefit.

APRSAF-31 will convene its five working groups, where participating countries will exchange experiences and projects that demonstrate how space science is utilized in development.

These working groups will focus on Satellite Applications, Enhancement of Space Capability, Space Education, Space Frontier, Space Policy and Law, highlighting the diverse and collaborative efforts driving space development across the Asia-Pacific region.

Complementing the discussions, simultaneous activities include an exhibit where space technologies will be explored; the Space Industry Connect, which serves as a platform for partnership between the private and public sectors; and the voting for the APRSAF-31 Poster Making Contest, featuring creative perspectives from youth across the region.

Side events will also be conducted including: Southeast Asian Leaders’ Forum hosted by PhilSA; 11th Asia-Pacific Space Generation Workshop of the Space Generation Advisory Council; ‘Earth Observation partnerships in action: Europe and Southeast Asia expand geospatial services together’ spearheaded by the Digital for Development Hub, together with other organizing units; and the ‘Seven years of NovaSAR-1 S-band radar imaging services-Applications, use cases, and lessons learned’ of the Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd.

The Philippines will showcase its local space capabilities through technical and educational tours in Cebu.

JBL continues to push the boundaries of sound and innovation with the launch of its latest collection under the theme Hear the Future, a dynamic lineup designed for every kind of listener, mover, creator, and musician.

From home theaters that redefine cinematic immersion to wearables, portables, and music-focused tools built for life on the go, this season’s newest releases prove that JBL sound isn’t just heard, it’s felt.

From cinematic sound at home to immersive streaming experiences, JBL’s newest BAR Series redefines what home entertainment can sound like. Leading the lineup, the BAR 1300MK2 delivers true Dolby Atmos immersion through its detachable wireless surround speakers, bringing 3D audio that moves with every scene.

The BAR 1000MK2 follows with the same room-filling precision in a streamlined design, perfect for modern spaces. For those who want big sound in compact form, the BAR 800MK2 delivers deep bass and crisp clarity without the bulk. Meanwhile, the BAR 500MK2 and BAR 300MK2 round out the range, offering accessible yet powerful options for everyday entertainment. Together, the series redefines what home sound can be: effortless, immersive, and unmistakably JBL.

Taking the party beyond the living room, the JBL Boombox 4 brings a powerful upgrade to JBL’s most iconic portable speaker. It delivers deeper bass, bold JBL Pro Sound, and an even more durable build that’s ready for every adventure. Pair that with marathon-long battery life and you’ve got the soundtrack for every outdoor moment.

When it’s time to turn up the energy, JBL keeps the party alive with the PartyBox On-The-Go 2 and the PartyBox 720 (now with battery included for ultimate portability). The PartyBox On-The-Go 2 amps up gatherings with JBL Pro Sound and wireless mics for karaoke anywhere, while the PartyBox 720 transforms any setting into a light-and-sound spectacle with dynamic LED effects that move to the beat. Plug in, pair up, or play all night, JBL makes sure the vibe never fades.

Meanwhile, JBL Endurance Zone and Endurance Pace are built for motion. Crafted for athletes and everyday movers alike, these sport earphones deliver JBL’s powerful, motivating sound in sweatproof, secure-fit designs that keep up through every sprint, stretch, and rep.

JBL also redefines personal sound with the Soundgear Clips, Sense Pro, and Sense Lite. These next-gen wearables offer open-ear comfort, situational awareness, and long-lasting playtime for those who live life connected, perfect for work, travel, or staying active while keeping tuned in to your surroundings.

Adding to this versatile lineup is the JBL Grip, designed for everyday listeners who want durability and pure sound in one compact package. Sleek, lightweight, and made for nonstop play, the Grip proves that great sound doesn’t need to stay still; it moves with you. The JBL Quantum 250, meanwhile, brings JBL’s signature gaming audio to a wider audience, delivering precise sound and clear communication for immersive play. Comfortable and intuitive, it’s designed to keep gamers in sync and in control for every match.

JBL BandBox: Built for Musicians Anywhere

For creators and jam enthusiasts, the JBL BandBox Solo and Trio bring practice, play, and performance together in one portable package. Stem AI lets you isolate or remove vocals and instruments in real time, turning any track into a custom backing mix. Solo is perfect for individual players, while Trio accommodates small bands with multiple inputs and a built-in mixer. Both deliver rich, powerful JBL sound with effects, tools, and app controls that make practicing or performing anywhere effortless.

From powerful soundbars to compact portables, intuitive wearables, and versatile music tools, JBL’s latest range captures the spirit of innovation at the heart of Hear the Future. Each product is built for how we live today; seamless, expressive, and always in rhythm with the world around us.