Category: Philippine Star

Mobile services provider Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) has launched what it calls a ‘one-stop AI workspace’ in a bid to make powerful artificial intelligence (AI) more accessible to Filipinos.

In a news release, the company said ‘AI.Smart’ brings multiple advanced AI models and tools into one easy-to-use experience.

Powered by Avtica, AI.Smart gives Smart and TNT subscribers access to AWS Nova, ChatGPT, Claude, Google Gemini, and Thinking Machines through a single interface that can be accessed on any browser.

Based on the user’s prompt, AI.Smart automatically selects the appropriate AI model to deliver the desired output, whether generating content and images, creating documents and presentations, and analyzing data in English, Filipino, or Taglish.

Everything a subscriber uploads stays private to their own workspace and is never used to train AI models. Subscriber data is never retained and is encrypted and handled in line with the Philippine Data Privacy Act.

‘AI should be for everyone, not just for those who can afford premium AI services. With AI.Smart, we are making AI more inclusive by bringing powerful AI models and tools together in one affordable platform, giving more Filipinos the opportunity to use AI to learn, create, work smarter, and achieve more,? said?Lloyd Manaloto, first vice president and OIC for Smart.

Smart and TNT subscribers can sign up for AI.Smart using their mobile number and verify their account via SMS.

Users can choose from a range of credit packs based on their needs, with access starting at just P49 for seven days. For users with bigger needs, the P499 plan is valid for 30 days and supports up to 10 users sharing a pool of credits, making it suitable for small businesses and teams.

Customers can purchase additional AI.Smart credits through AI.Smart , and pay using prepaid load, postpaid billing, credit or debit cards, and select e-wallets.

As an exclusive launch treat, Smart and TNT subscribers who sign up to AI.Smart can get a chance to enjoy free access to the platform valid for seven days.

Smart and TNT subscribers can make the most of AI.Smart powered by Smart 5G, which enables customers to enjoy a seamless mobile experience for activities such as video streaming, gaming, and real-time social media sharing

The country’s national esports team, Sibol, will look to apply its recent international experience into the 20th Asian Games when its Pokemon Unite team opens its campaign Friday at the Aichi Sky Expo in Japan.

The Philippine squad is composed of Kim Rey Salazar, Michael Vaughn Ocio, Ducke Leoncio, Lawrence Gatmaitan, Robert Mempin and Lance David, with Albert Camp serving as head coach.

The same core competed as Team Nemesis at the Pokemon Unite World Championship in San Francisco last month, where it finished joint ninth to 16th.

‘Sa performance namin last month sa World Championship, kami ata ang pinaghahandaan nilang lahat. Pero hindi ako overconfident. Ayaw ko i-underestimate ang kalaban,’ said Camp.

The team will begin their campaign against Kazakhstan at 11:50 a.m. on September 25 before taking on Chinese Taipei at 9 a.m. and Malaysia at 2:40 p.m. on September 26.

Camp said the Filipinos are familiar with two of their group-stage opponents after repeatedly facing Chinese Taipei and Malaysia in international competition.

‘Maganda para sa amin ang bracket namin. Nakalaban na namin ang Chinese Taipei at Malaysia multiple times over the past four years,’ said Camp.

Despite that familiarity, Camp stressed the need for the squad to adjust quickly in a game where momentum can shift rapidly.

‘Sa Pokemon Unite game, mabilis mabaliktad ang laro. So ang expectation namin ay maging handa din sa mga ipapakitang surprise strategy ng kalaban. For us to achieve this, kailangan namin maging in-sync with proper communication and right state of mind during the games para makuha ang gold.’ said Camp.

The Philippines is seeking its first esports medal of the Aichi-Nagoya Games after its Naraka: Bladepoint squad bowed out in the group stage in the opening day of the esports events.

Carlos Yulo can now call himself an Asian Games champion.

The Filipino Olympic double gold medalist finally nailed an elusive Asian Games gold medal after ruling the floor exercise event Thursday at the Nagoya General Gymnasium in Japan.

Yulo not only got his first-ever Asian Games gold medal, but also gave the Philippines its first in the Aichi-Nagoya Games.

The 26-year-old razzled and dazzled in his routine, easily the most flawless among the competitors. He scored 8.966 in execution and 5.7 in difficulty for a total of 14.666.

Competing last, Kazakhstan’s Milad Karimi ended up with the silver medal with a score of 14.600.

Japan’s Shoma Tsukiyama brought home the bronze medal with 14.566.

Yulo’s brother, Eldrew, failed to make the podium in his first Asian Games tournament, finishing seventh with a 12.233 score on his routine.

One of the elder Yulo’s Olmpic gold medals also came from floor exercise.

Dark clouds hovered and the threat of rain hung heavy over the open-air court at Kinjo Futo Station Square, but Gilas Pilipinas Men 3×3 refused to let the weather dampen its charge.

Amidst the gloomy skies, the Nationals took care of business, fending off Kazakhstan, 21-15, yesterday to complete a flawless sweep of Pool A and barge into the quarterfinals of the 20th Asian Games.

It was Gilas’ third straight win after stunning Asian No. 1 Mongolia, 19-12, and Sri Lanka, 21-12, securing top spot in the group and moving a win away from medal play.

By nightfall, Gilas Women completed the same feat, with a 17-12 drubbing of Malaysia that also automatically sent them to the quarterfinals.

The team of Quinn dela Rosa, Ka Kennan, Amyah Espanol and Maria Pasilang pulled off earlier wins over Mongolia and Macau-China.

Nic Cabañero bucked a sprained, swollen right shooting hand suffered against Mongolia on Monday and led the way again with seven points, three rebounds and an assist.

The team looked rattled early after Kazakhstan jumped to a 4-1 lead on a two-pointer from Timur Tangiyev.

Gilas quickly settled down behind Koji Buenaflor – who had an emphatic two-handed slam earlier – with a strong putback, and a timely deuce from Cabañero to build a 13-9 cushion.

Kazakhstan threatened again, pulling within 13-12 after a basket by Artur Junussov, but the Filipinos closed with an 8-3 blast to seal the win with 33 seconds to spare.

Collegiate teammates Luis Pablo and Doy Dungo sparked the finishing kick, combining for five of the final eight points. Dungo finished with six points, three rebounds and two assists, while La Salle teammate Pablo added five. UST’s Buenaflor chipped in three.

Timur Tangiyev paced Kazakhstan, which dropped to 1-2, with six points and eight rebounds.

Up next for Gilas is either Chinese Taipei or Malaysia at 5:30 p.m. today in the knockout quarterfinals.

Coach Patrick Fran said they are ready.

‘Nandito na,’ said Fran, tapping his bag containing the scouting report and video materials. ‘Ready na.’

Dela Rosa and Pasilang combined for 14 markers – outscoring the entire Malaysian crew by themselves – and 14 rebounds as they led the Gilas belles to a perfect 3-0 card in Pool C.

A busy triple-header playdate opens the exciting collegiate volleyball action of the 2026 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Unity Cup on Friday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila.

Adamson University begins its quest to end a three-year podium drought when it takes on Lyceum of the Philippines University in the curtain-raiser at 1 p.m. in Pool D.

The Lady Falcons, who finished third in the inaugural edition back in 2022, are parading a solid lineup behind power-hitting winger Frances Mordi, Joy Aseo, Lhouriz Tuddao, Lana Barrera, and playmakers Bella Sapienza and Fhei Sagaysay.

Top hitter Shaina Nitura is expected to join the team after a short rest following a tour of duty with Alas Pilipinas in the 20th Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

Adamson aims to snatch a medal in the tournament’s fifth staging, backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner and RandB Milk Tea, after falling short in the battle for bronze last year against Far Eastern University.

‘Mai-expect ‘yung high competition sa amin and really giving our all kada game,’ said Sapienza, who was named Adamson’s SSL ambassador this year.

On the other hand, the Lady Pirates seek a good start to their campaign following a first-round exit in the 2025 edition of the competition supported by Smart, PusoP.com, Summit Natural Drinking Water, with the Philippine Sports Commission, Commission on Higher Education, Mikasa, Asics, Rigour Technology, Jersey Haven, Solar Sports and 12 Beyond Production as technical partners.

Meanwhile, Mapua University and Jose Rizal University clash at 3 p.m. to start their Pool B campaign.

Both the Lady Cardinals and Lady Bombers eye better results this time after last season’s early elimination.

Mapua had one win in three outings in the previous edition while JRU went winless.

Capping the opening hostilities is the Pool A encounter between Arellano University and University of Perpetual Help System DALTA at 5 p.m.

The opening ceremony is scheduled on Saturday at 11 a.m. followed by another triple-header.

National University sets its five-peat bid in motion against San Beda University at 5 p.m. in Pool A.

Last year’s runner-up University of Santo Tomas debuts opposite College of Saint Benilde at 1 p.m. in Pool B while FEU and Ateneo De Manila University square off at 3 p.m. in Pool C.

All games are available live and on demand via PusoP.com and Solar Sports

The Alex Eala mania has officially reached Asia.

Eala treated her Asian fans with a jam-packed meet and greet session Thursday before all hell breaks loose for the start of the Asian swing in the WTA500 Singapore Open.

The tournament also serves as Eala’s final build-up for a much-awaited return in the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, where the Filipina sensation looms as the heavy title favorite.

“I have no words. I love you all,” said Eala, who was welcomed by Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Medardo Macaraig, in front of hundreds of fans ahead of her Round 2 duel against Russia’ s Tatiana Prozorova Thursday night at the centercourt of the OCBC Arena inside The Kallang, Singapore’s massive sports hub for all sports disciplines.

Eala, WTA No. 18, headed straight into the Round of 16 due to a first-round bye as the No. 3 seed. A win against Prozorova, WTA No. 180, would push her to the quarterfinals against either China’s Wang Xinyu (WTA No. 40) or Chinese Taipei’s Joanna Garland (WTA No. 168).

Prozorova, 22, beat Belgium’s Sofia Costoulas (WTA No. 152) in Round 1 to advance.

The 21-year-old Filipina pride, now considered as one of the world’s hottest ticket and biggest crowd drawer, has filled every arena and stadium around the world this season during a banner year that catapulted her to inside the world’s Top 20 players, thanks to gallant finishes in the Wimbledon and US Open laced by titles in Birmingham and Washington.

Name it: from the US to Mexico and Canada to the Middle East and Europe, Eala has been the undisputed tennis darling as Filipinos, and new fans from different countries, rally behind her regardless of the results of her matches as per tournament organizers.

And Singapore, one of the Philippines’ neighbors for Eala’s stint closer to home, is no different as organizers had to transfer Eala’s meet and greet from Gate 6 to the bigger Gate 9 of the National Stadium to accomodate more fans.

“I don’t think we can ever be ready. It’s a surprise every day. You hear more and more,” said tournament co-director Laure Ceccarelli on the well-attended Eala event that included a selfie opportunity, autograph signing on tennis balls, caps and Eala shirts, QandA session, as well as an open workout at the nearby tennis court.

“We welcome the Filipino community to support their star player. This is something we create not only for the Singapore community, but for having that connection between athletes and fans,’ added co-tournament director Yazed Osman.

For Singapore, which also got promoted from WTA250 to 500 this year, it’s a sort of homecoming for Eala after being the recipient of the Li Na Inspiration Award there in 2016 and 2017 during her juniors days for the WTA Future Stars event.

But there’s more to it than just that for the lefty sensation, who will seek vengeance in Singapore after after a 6-3, 6-2 loss to Simona Waltert of Switzerland in the qualifying round last year when she was still outside the Top 100.

Stronger, better and fiercer, Eala has high hopes to fulfill that mission for also a good momentum going into the Asiad right after the Singapore Open from September 27 to October 2 in Japan for a tall order of surpassing her two bronze medals in women’s and mixed doubles events in the 2023 Hangzhou Games.

Eala will play in the women’s singles and women’s doubles this time around in Asiad, billed as the player to beat for gold as the highest-ranked WTA player and especially with the absence of reigning gold medalist Zheng Qinwen of China.

Carlos Yulo should stop talking about his private life in public. It is not to spare him from mindless bashers, they will always be there, lurking like thieves in the night and robbers in broad daylight ready to ambush at the slightest opportunity.

It is to spare the disinterested from watching him, his girlfriend and mother wash dirty linen in public. The world does not need to know about their ugly family feud. No one forces them to share sordid details about their personal life. No need for transparency if it does not involve public interest. If it is any consolation though, at least he does not launder public money as opposed to many called honorable. Public men and women keep damning secrets about corruption even in public trial while private men and women share everything, even if no one is asking.

Many are quick to judge after he and his girlfriend talked about their marital plans, minus his parents. Many more are quicker to rule karmic justice did him in the Asian Games after he flopped in the vault, fell from the horizontal bars and in the all-around. Expectedly, the jack of all trades, master of none discipline is not his forte. Regardless, win or lose, it is not karma. For if it were real, why do bad things happen to good people? Why are plunderers rewarded with more money and power while the poorest among the poor continue living dead?

No answer, except probably that everything happens for a reason, the usual consolation for people averse to reason. It’s personal belief, which is not reality. Everything happens because it is life unfolding. This is reality. For if things happen for a reason, why does life allow innocent children to be either abused, molested, raped or worse, killed? If the reason is to teach them a lesson in resilience, why through cruelty is beyond comprehension. The dead does not even learn anymore. The truth is, life is not fair, except to the rich and richer. Whether it stays the same, no one knows for sure.

The fictional Forrest Gump taught humanity about reality, reminded us that life is unpredictable. No one sees the future, especially fortune tellers who could not guess winning lottery combination. The slow-witted Alabaman said life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get. At least the choices are good whichever is picked. But for the poor, life is a can of worms. They have no choice what they’re gonna get. It’s all parasite that sucks and bleeds their dignity.

President Marcos yesterday lauded the progress on the Metro Manila subway project as he inspected its Quezon Avenue station in Quezon City, where the first tunnel boring machine under contract package 102 broke through.

Marcos said the location of the subway station would provide residents with more transportation options.

‘We are seeing the gradual completion of the subway project. Once it is completed, people living here will be fortunate. They will have a subway, they will have an MRT,’ he said.

The breakthrough of the tunnel boring machine marked the completion of a major segment of the subway’s underground structure.

The subway project, which consists of 17 stations, is being funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency with counterpart funds from the Philippine government.

The project, which has a total cost of P488.48 billion, has an overall progress of around 60 percent. It is projected to serve 520,000 passengers daily once it becomes fully operational in 2032.

The subway is expected to cut travel time between Valenzuela City and Ninoy Aquino International Airport from one hour and 30 minutes to 41 minutes.

Police have launched a manhunt for a couple who figured in a road rage incident in Antipolo City that left an eight-year-old girl wounded.

The Antipolo police identified the couple as Jayvee Aduque and Shyrie Morta, whose relatives told police that the suspects and their child have left their house.

The suspects were caught on video arguing with the girl’s mother along M.L. Quezon Extension in Barangay Dalig on Monday afternoon.

The argument broke out when the suspects’ motorcycle blocked the tricycle with the girl and her mother.

Aduque allegedly got mad when the minor asked him to move his motorcycle.

Another video posted by the girl’s mother on Facebook showed the minor with a bloodied forehead after one of the suspects allegedly threw a hard object at them.

JCB International Co., Ltd (JCBI), the international operations subsidiary of JCB, Japan’s only international payment brand, announced the launch of JCB Japan Fiesta in celebration of JCB’s 30th anniversary in the Philippines.

Since entering the Philippine market in 1996, JCB has grown alongside the strengthening ties between Japan and the Philippines, creating more opportunities for Filipinos to experience the best of Japan through travel, dining, shopping, entertainment, and everyday experiences.

For many Filipinos, Japan is more than a dream destination. From its rich culture and world-renowned cuisine to its pop culture, entertainment, shopping, and breathtaking destinations, Japan continues to capture the imagination of Filipino travelers and enthusiasts.

Now, as JCB celebrates its 30th anniversary in the Philippines, the brand is bringing the spirit of Japan closer to Filipinos through JCB Japan Fiesta on September 25 to 27 at the SM Megamall Mega Fashion Hall Mandaluyong City.

Experience Japan and win exciting prizes

JCB Japan Fiesta

The celebration goes beyond the festival floor, with exciting activities and prizes lined up throughout the weekend. The festivities will culminate in the much-awaited Grand Raffle, where one lucky winner will receive an exclusive trip to Japan

Best of Japan 4.0 Promo

JCB will also unveil the Best of Japan 4.0 Promo, offering:

5 unforgettable Japan-inspired experiences

1 guaranteed winner from each participating bank partner

For those dreaming of an extraordinary getaway, the grand prize includes:

Ultimate luxury trip to Japan worth P1,000,000

An exceptional travel experience designed around comfort, exclusivity, and the best of Japanese hospitality

In addition, participants will have more chances to win:

30 lucky winners will each receive P10,000 worth of shopping credits

This provides even more opportunities for cardmembers to discover and enjoy Japan.

Adding to the excitement is a lineup of distinguished partner and merchant booths, where visitors can discover Japanese brands, products, travel experiences, and special JCB offers.

Participating brands include ANA, Bandai Gashapon, B.League, Fujifilm, Gindaco Takoyaki, ItoEn, Japan Airlines, JNTO, Muji, Nitori, Uniqlo, VFS Global, Warabimochi Kamakura and 10 Yen King.

Celebrating 30 years of connection

More than a corporate milestone, JCB’s 30th Anniversary in the Philippines celebrates 30 years of meaningful connections, trusted partnerships, and shared experiences with Filipino consumers, financial institutions, merchants, and business partners.

Over the years, JCB has continued to strengthen its role in connecting Filipinos to Japan-not only as a travel destination, but as a culture and lifestyle that can be experienced through food, shopping, entertainment, hospitality, and everyday moments.

This milestone also reflects the enduring relationship between Japan and the Philippines, built on decades of friendship, cultural exchange, tourism, and people-to-people connections.

Through JCB Japan Fiesta, JCB transforms its 30th Anniversary into a celebration that everyone can enjoy-bringing the sights, sounds, flavors, and excitement of Japan to the heart of Manila, while looking ahead to many more years of connection between Japan and the Philippines.

JCB Japan Fiesta is open to the public from September 25 to 27 at the SM Megamall Mega Fashion Hall. Admission is free, and visitors do not need to be JCB Cardholders to join the celebration.