PHL Sports Blog

by JL Aquino

  • “A Force of Four in Year 4”: Vermosa Green Run champions fitness, sustainability, youth sports, and animal welfare in 2025

    The Green Run at Vermosa is back for the fourth consecutive time this June with a renewed commitment to fitness, environmental sustainability, animal welfare and youth sports development.
    Entitled Vermosa Green Run 2025: A Force of Four in Year 4, it will be off and running on Sunday, June 29, 2025 at the Vermosa Estate in Imus, Cavite. This year, Ayala Land’s flagship multi-level running event launches a Plastic Donation and Collection Drive alongside its 3K, 5K, 10K, and 21K road races.

    All participants are encouraged to bring used plastics that will be recycled and repurposed by Ayala Land Estates Inc. and Makati Development Corporation (MDC). The plastic waste will be transformed into sustainable construction materials, concrete aggregates and other tools to build sidewalks and fences that will contribute to Ayala Land’s green development initiatives. Those who donate get a discounted rate on their Green Run registration.

    Coming back for the third time is the popular 1K Dog Run that promotes Ayala Land’s advocacy for animal welfare. This special feature of the Green Run was introduced in 2023 to provide people a fun and meaningful way to engage in physical activity while bonding with their furry companions and to raise awareness on animal welfare.

    The young athletes of Takbo Kabitenyo, a 200-member-strong group that runs for health reasons and competes in marathons around the country, will join the Green Run. The young runners from this group receive training, mentorship and the use of Vermosa’s sports facilities as part of Ayala Land’s championing of young athletes.

    Event proceeds will benefit key advocacy partners, including Pawssion Project, which champions animal welfare, Haribon Foundation, a leader in reforestation efforts, and Takbo Kabitenyo, a local program supporting young athletes through training and mentorship opportunities.

    “Each step you take at the Vermosa Green Run supports a bigger cause; combining fitness, sustainability, and community support into one meaningful event,” said Chrissy Roa, Ayala Land Estates’ Marketing and Communications group head.

    Now an established benchmark for purpose-driven lifestyle events, the Vermosa Green Run reinforces Ayala Land’s long-term vision for sustainability, proving that fitness can be a powerful catalyst for environmental and social impact.

    For registration, more information and updates on Vermosa Green Run 2025, visit https://ayalaland.myruntime.com.

  • SM City Valenzuela Serves Up Summer with Sports at the Center

    SM CITY VALENZUELA SERVES A SMASH HIT OF INCLUSIVITY AND FUN – Children with special needs took part in a special badminton clinic during the launch of SM Active Hub and Summer Games. The mall transformed into an indoor arena for health, movement, and community, championing accessible sports and fitness for all. Joining the launch is SM City Valenzuela Assistant Mall Manager Kristine Joyce Pimentel (middle).

    With temperatures rising and the school break in full swing, SM City Valenzuela has officially launched its SM Active Hub and Summer Games campaign, transforming the mall into a dynamic indoor arena for families, sports lovers, budding athletes, and fitness enthusiasts of all ages.  

    The campaign kicked off with an exciting badminton exhibition match featuring over 50 local players, showcasing impressive skills and sportsmanship. In addition to the thrilling on-court action, a special badminton clinic led by experts from Ace Badminton Academy offered children with special needs the opportunity to learn from seasoned pros and experience the joy of the sport firsthand.

    SM City Valenzuela’s launch marks the first of several sports-packed weeks, positioning the mall as a prime destination for summer fun in Metro North. The mall provides a safe, air-conditioned, and inclusive environment for locals looking to stay active, while escaping the summer heat.

    As temperatures soar outside, SM City Valenzuela turns up the fun indoors with the launch of SM Active Hub and Summer Games—transforming the mall into a cool, inclusive playground for movement and community spirit. Kicking off the campaign, a heartwarming badminton clinic gave children with special needs a chance to play, learn, and shine on court—proof that every child deserves a winning shot

    “This summer, we’re redefining what it means to go to the mall,” shares SM City Valenzuela Mall Manager Christian Bryan Umali. “We want families and individuals to find not just a place for leisure, but for sport and wellness — all while staying cool and safe indoors.” Engr. Umali added. 

    Over the next two months, SM City Valenzuela will host a variety of summer sports- from high-energy Zumba sessions and Taekwondo training to Pickleball and badminton exhibition matches, among many others. Its neighboring malls in the north — SM City Grand Central and SM Center Sangandaan — will likewise feature gymnastics, pickleball, and basketball clinics, respectively.

    This initiative is part of SM Supermalls’ nationwide campaign to promote wellness and active lifestyles and to make sports an inclusive experience for all. 

  • Game On: SM City Marilao Puts Sports at the Heart of Summer

    Young athletes dive into the game at SM City Marilao, where the volleyball camp gave 104 participants with valuable lessons from seasoned pros to sharpen their skills.

    As the Philippine heat index breaches a scorching 40 degrees Celsius and students bask in the freedom of summer break, SM City Marilao is offering more than just air-conditioned relief — it’s serving up sports, wellness, and community spirit in one game-changing campaign. 

    Redefining what it means to go to the mall during the hottest months of the year, SM City Marilao has launched its Active Hub and Summer Games, positioning the mall as Bulacan’s newest sports destination. The initiative drew an impressive crowd from the get-go, with hundreds of players signing up to train and play in its newly designated sports zones. 

    “As temperature rises, so does our commitment to community wellness,” said SM City Marilao Mall Manager Engr. Emmanuel Gatmaitan. “We are not just offering shoppers a place to cool down – we are creating an accessible venue for sports and physical activity, regardless of age or skill level,” Engr. Gatmaitan added. 

    Active Hub and Summer Games campaign at SM City Marilao kicked off with a dynamic volleyball camp, drawing in 104 local athletes.

    The campaign kicked off with a dynamic volleyball camp, attracting 104 local athletes, followed by a table tennis session that welcomed 36 young paddlers, eager to learn the ropes from the seasoned pros. 

    Over the next two months, SM City Marilao will roll out sports activities like basketball and volleyball training, badminton exhibition matches, and more opportunities for Bulakeños to get active. 

    More action is also coming up in the region, with SM City Baliwag and SM Center Pulilan joining the movement through pickleball, basketball clinics, and even motocross events, giving locals more reasons to stay fit, have fun, and stay protected from the summer heat. 

    This initiative is part of SM Supermalls’ nationwide campaign to make health and wellness accessible and enjoyable for everyone, turning the malls into safe, inclusive spaces where sport is a shared experience.

  • Get Fit with SM City Valenzuela’s Anytime Fitness

    Staying fit just got easier and more exciting with the arrival of Anytime Fitness at SM City Valenzuela. Designed for individuals with busy lifestyles, this state-of-the-art fitness hub offers 24/7 access, premium facilities, and expert-guided programs to help you stay on top of your fitness game – anytime, anywhere. 

    Conveniently located on the third level of SM Valenzuela, Anytime Fitness is more than just a gym—it’s a community where health and wellness thrive. It features a dynamic and inclusive environment, complete with top-of-the-line training equipment, expertly crafted workout programs, and engaging group classes that inspire motivation and consistency.

    Members can take advantage of the versatile workout areas that cater to a broad spectrum of fitness styles. Whether you are drawn to the energy of group exercise sessions, the precision of strength training or the rhythm of a cardio workout, you will find dedicated zones equipped with the latest in fitness innovations. From multi-functional training systems to an array of cardio machines, every corner of this hub is crafted to empower you to achieve your personal health goals. 

    Beyond top-notch equipment, Anytime Fitness is dedicated to a holistic wellness experience. From personalized training programs and expert nutrition counseling to smart technology that tracks your progress, every detail is designed to keep you motivated and on track. With its strategic and prime location, staying fit has never been easier—no matter how packed your schedule is.

    So jumpstart your fitness routine with Anytime Fitness! Because good things come to those who sweat! Don’t forget to visit our Anytime Fitness branch at SM City Grand Central for more workout options. 

  • Top Local, Int’l Riders Compete at the FIM Asia Motocross Championship in SM Center Pulilan

    Top local and international riders from Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, South Korea, China, and the Philippines gathered to compete at the FIM Asia Motocross Championship held at the SM Center Pulilan Race Track.

    The heart-pounding action of motocross returns to the Philippines as top local and international riders from Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, South Korea, China, and the Philippines gathered to compete at the FIM Asia Motocross Championship recently held at the SM Center Pulilan Race Track.


    Organized by TC22 Sports Promotions & Teves Cup in collaboration with SM Center Pulilan as the official venue partner, the event showcased fierce competition and extreme motocross action as riders displayed their skills, speed, and endurance on the rugged DigDirt MX track.


    Motocross enthusiasts and sports fans were thrilled as they witnessed world-class athletes navigate challenging obstacles, sharp turns, and jumps, pushing their limits, while serving as a platform for cultural exchange, camaraderie, and sportsmanship celebration, uniting riders and fans from across Asia-Pacific.


    Accredited by FIM Asia and the National Motorcycle Sports and Safety Association (NAMSSA), the championship prioritizes safety and regulation, ensuring that the event is conducted to the highest standards for the well-being of riders, spectators, and organizers. With rigorous oversight, the race adhered to stringent guidelines, delivering a thrilling yet safe environment for all participants.


    SM Center Pulilan, as a premier venue partner of this year’s FIM Asia Motocross Championship, marks its commitment to advocate for a healthy lifestyle and environment-friendly activity while providing attendees with safe, ample facilities and amenities to ensure a convenient and unparalleled race track experience.

  • More Than Just A Ride—Spin101 opens at University Hotel in UP Diliman Campus!

    The much-awaited and most technologically-advanced boutique studio for indoor cycling classes opens at the University Hotel in UP Diliman, Quezon City on September 14.

    Spin101 promises spinners an immersive, seamless, and fun ride through its studio that is cozily tucked in the quiet and picturesque UP Diliman. Spin101 is one of the first spin studios, if not the first, to base in Quezon City. This means, that finally, fitness enthusiasts, beginners, and elite athletes from the north can enjoy spin classes and cross training sessions without going through the hassle of long travel!

    And it is not just a typical indoor cycling class that they can attend. Spin101 uses Technogym’s Group Cycle Connect, the first in the country and within South East Asian Region, which enables hyper-personalization of the cyclists’ journey and, coupled with brilliant visuals, allows them to connect with the entire class and ride as one.

    Established in 1983, Technogym is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of state-of-the-art fitness equipment, renowned globally for its innovative design and technology. It is known for supplying champion athletes, sports teams, and major sporting events around the world, including the recent Paris 2024 Olympics. Designed in collaboration with athletes, trainers, and academic research institutes, Technogym’s Group Cycle improves performance using a scientific training method which develops pace, power & endurance in a fun, challenging, safe, effective, and achievable way.

    Spin101 also invested in the My Wellness digital solution which works perfectly alongside Group Cycle with the inclusion of specific music selections, pre-programmed workouts, and environment simulation to offer the ultimate Cycling Experience. It enables everyone, from athletes at all levels to weekend warriors, to improve different aspects of their performance and health. With the use of advanced technology, on screen visuals, live feedback, and motivational music, Spin 101 studio turns into an interactive, energetic, and immersive training zone.

    Spin101 Partnerships

    TriMac Triathlon Team headed by esteemed Coach Jojo Macalintal has moved some of the team’s training sessions at Spin101 for a more calibrated and curated on-saddle off-season training.

    “We are partnering with different varsity teams, clubs, brands, and start-ups like us within the vicinity that share our values. One of our commitments is to give back to the community. Hence, we hope to help varsity teams augment their training. We also offer donation-based community classes where eligible spinners can pay whatever amount they can as a class fee,” said Pearl Managuelod, Spin101 Co-Founder and President. Pearl teaches Sports and Exercise Psychology at UP Diliman and is a respected figure in the national and international sporting community, being a board member of the Philippine Olympic Committee and executive member of several international federations. She was recently awarded by the Philippine Sports Commission Women in Sports as Executive of the Year while also being a seasoned marathoner and a recreational tri-athlete.

    @jayl_aquino

    More Than Just A Ride 🚴🏻‍♂️ — #SPiN101 opens at @universityhotel.ph in UP Diliman Campus! ✨🚴🏻‍♂️ The much-awaited & most technologically-advanced boutique studio for indoor cycling classes is now open!

    ♬ Swear By It – Chris Alan Lee

    Pearl is also thrilled to say that the customized, level-suited offerings at Spin101 through the Group Cycle Connect technology is not the only bespoke experience that await spinners. The studio partnered with Chef Waya Araos-Wijangco, the mastermind behind Gypsy Café in Baguio City, to add more zest to SpinStars’ balanced diet through a uniquely concocted and diverse range of healthy and convenient take out options including wraps, salads, and hummus.

    “Spin101 is all about offering quality service that upholds sustainability and nurtures grit and inner strength. We want to make this kind of experience accessible not only to those who frequent Makati, BGC or Ortigas CBD-where most spin studios are-but to a bigger community. It’s a unique vibe that we hope will help SpinStars see life more positively and create a better impact on the community that hosts us,” said Dinah Remolacio, Spin101 Founder and CEO. Dinah was a member of the UP Diliman fencing team and a retired national team member. Now a music executive, she is behind the studio’s unique performance space vibe.

    Check Spin101’s socials at @Spin101 on Facebook and @spin101studio on IG or call 0998 594 1158 to book your class. Class rates start at P400.00. Special discounts and promo are available on September 14!

  • Smart Omega Empress Wins MLBB Women’s Invitational 2024 with HONOR 200 Pro!

    Smart Omega Empress swept the defending champion, Team Vitality of Indonesia, with a 3-0 streak during the grand finals of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Women’s Invitational 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Propelled by HONOR 200 Pro as their official gaming phone, the world-class Filipinas dominated the competition.

    Smart Omega Empress wins MWI 2024 with HONOR 200!

    “It is with great pride and pleasure that we celebrate Smart Omega Empress’ success in conquering the Esports World Cup arena. Indeed, the Empress Era has begun! The AI Portrait Master has proven itself not just as an impressive camera phone but also as a powerful tool for enhancing the gaming experience, leading to this historic achievement,” said the Vice President of HONOR Philippines.

    The Smart Omega Empress Team, led by Gwyneth “Ayanami” Diagon, Kaye “Keishi” Alpuerto, Rica “Amoree” Amores, Mery “Meraaay” Vivero, and Sheen “Shinoa” Perez, who won the Finals MVP Award, claimed the championship title.

    Get your hands on the AI Portrait Master! HONOR 200 and HONOR 200 Pro are now available in-store nationwide priced at Php 24,999 and Php 29,999 respectively. Drop by any HONOR Experience and Partner Stores, or online via Lazada https://bit.ly/Laz_H200Series_PR, Shopee https://bit.ly/Shop_H200Series_PR, and Tiktok Shop https://bit.ly/TikTok_H200_PR. 

    MLBB Filipina Pro Team Smart Omega Empress takes the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Women’s Invitational 2024 Championship title, at the Esports World Cup ending Team Vitality 24-tournament win streak 🔥 Propelled by HONOR 200 Pro as their official gaming phone, the world-class Filipinas dominated the competition🏆

    For more affordable offers, the HONOR 200 is also available at Home Credit for as low as Php 1,619/month. Inquire now via: https://bit.ly/HONORPH_HomeCredit.
    To know more about HONOR 200, head on to: https://bit.ly/Web_H200_PR. For more exciting announcements, check out HONOR Philippines’ social media platforms: Facebook (Facebook.com/HonorPhilippines), Instagram (Instagram.com/honorph/) and TikTok Shop: (Tiktok.com/@honorphilippines). To check out HONOR’s complete list of retail stores, go to https://www.hihonor.com/ph/retailers/.

  • Vermosa furthers mission to support PH Sports with inauguration of its Athlete’s House

    An Athlete’s House envisioned to enhance the training of elite national athletes who are honing their skills for national and international competitions is now open at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub inside Vermosa Estate in Imus, Cavite.

    The 30-room athletes’ accommodation built on the spacious Sports Hub grounds of the 752-hectare Ayala Land estate – was officially inaugurated July 10, with the groundbreaking of the Athletics Center Dugout taking place right after.

    @jayl_aquino

    An Athlete’s House envisioned to enhance the training of elite national athletes who are honing their skills for national & international competitions is now open at the Ayala @vermosaph Sports Hub inside Vermosa Estate in Imus, Cavite. 🏃🏻‍♀️🏅 The 30-room athletes’ accommodation built on the spacious Sports Hub grounds of the 752-hectare Ayala Land estate – was officially inaugurated July 10, with the groundbreaking of the Athletics Center Dugout taking place right after. #VermosaPH #AthletesHouse #VermosaActivated #AyalaVermosaSportsHub

    ♬ 10 minutes BGM for light training such as yoga(845880) – kakumaru

    The Athlete’s House is very accessible to the different sports facilities in the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub, which includes a FINA-standard Olympic size swimming pool with a warm-up pool, an IAAF certified 400-meters track oval, a multi-sport open field, an indoor fitness facility equipped with a sports science laboratory and is one of three football pitches in the country with valid FIFA certification.

    Designed with the Filipino athlete in mind, room configurations are built to suit a team seeking a comfortable and convenient home base for training or a family looking for an active getaway. The bathrooms have a three-way feature to enable three persons to use the shower, toilet, and vanity area simultaneously. There are other offers such as a marketplace, open bar and lounge that guests will enjoy. The best part is that the training facilities and gym are just a few meters away.

    The Athletics’ Center Dugout meanwhile is the only missing piece to the FIFA Certified football field that will turn the AVSH grounds into a busy competition venue for both professional and amateur leagues. It is projected for completion in the first quarter of 2025. The facility features locker rooms for playing teams, a dedicated room for officials and referees, a room for media partners, and an open deck for VIP guests with panoramic views of the field and track. AVSH also improves spectator experience by investing on expansive canopies to better protect spectators from the weather.

    The professionally managed Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub has long been intended to be the premier training ground of amateur and professional athletes and the preferred venue for national and international sports events in the Philippines.

    Among the athletes supported by Ayala Corp. are two-time Olympic swimmer Jasmine Alkhaldi; gold-medal archer Andrea Robles; youngest nationally ranked karateka Prince Alejo; world-ranked archer and SEAG medalist Pia Bidaure; world-ranked archer Abby Bidaure; Philippines’ top foil fencer Nat Perez; world-ranked fencer Noel Jose and Filipino Olympian pole vaulter EJ Obiena, currently ranked second in the world.

    Recently, Vermosa also opened its facilities to the young athletes of Takbo Kabitenyo, a non-profit organization for young runners from Cavite who aspire to become national athletes one day.

    “The formal inauguration of the Athlete’s House is a testament of Vermosa’s ongoing commitment to support Philippine sports and encourage a healthy and active lifestyle for all,” said Moses John (MJ) Aragones, Project Development Manager of Ayala Land Estates, Inc.

    The Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub (AVSH) is the regular training ground of National Sports Associations such as the Triathlon Association of the Philippines, the Philippine Rugby Football Union and the Philippine Athletic and Track and Field Association. AVSH is open to the public as well with a pay-per-use facility. Anyone can train there by booking through the hotline 09674055782.

  • Thousands run for a greener, leaner, brighter future

    More than 2,500 humans and over 300 dogs of different breeds joined the third edition of The Green Run, the annual multi-category run inside Vermosa, AyalaLand’s 700-hectare modern suburban estate in Imus, Cavite, on Sunday, June 30.

    The unprecedented surge of participants in this running event with various distances to suit fitness levels and running purpose reflected the still growing enthusiasm for running and the desire to get involved in meaningful advocacies for a greener, brighter future.

    Fun runners, fitness enthusiasts and aspiring marathoners joined elite athletes on the tracks, lacing up for 21K, 10K, 5K, and 3K distances, while fur parents bonded on the trail with their ShihTzus, Poodles, Jack Russels, Huskies, Retrievers, and Aspins in the crowd favorite, the 1.4K Dog Run.

    Vermosa Green Run 2024 takes running to a whole new level

    “We are extremely happy and grateful for the overwhelming support and response of runners in this year’s Green Run. More than just bringing fun and promoting healthy living, we are delighted to also give the running community a worthy cause to support. The Green Run’s main mission is to give back to the community by concretizing our commitment to protect the environment, championing young athletes and promoting animal care,” said Chrissy Roa, AyalaLand Inc. marketing and communications group head.

    “This year, we welcomed Takbo Kabitenyo to the growing family of Vermosa. We opened the Ayala Vermosa Sport Hub to youth runners from Cavite who have a strong potential to become national athletes. We are committed to providing them with training support and the use of our state-of-the-art facilities. We look forward to producing athletes who will bring pride to our country in the future while providing them with opportunities to have a better quality of life,” Ms. Roa added.

    Aside from Takbo Kabitenyo, the Green Run continued to support the Haribon Foundation this year and added Pawssion Project as a beneficiary to also advocate for animal welfare.

    The Green Run 2024 was made possible by its partner brands: Avida Sentria Storeys, Ayala Malls Vermosa, Kremil-S, Diatabs, Merrell, Pocari Sweat, Park Access, Chris Sports, Fitbar, Naturals, Healthway Medical Network, Fuwa Fuwa, Nutrition Depot, Mogu Mogu, Sante Barley and Oishi.

  • Race to raise young athletes at Vermosa Green Run

    The Green Run at Vermosa, the highly anticipated, sustainability-themed running event, is back on its third year on June 30, Sunday, packing more punch and giving back to the community in more ways than one.

    The Green Run at Vermosa has taken its popular multi-category run to the next level this year.

    Besides providing an opportunity for fun runners, running enthusiasts, serious runners and elite athletes the chance to hit the trails for recreation and training, this year’s run is focused on giving assistance to young runners from Cavite who want to pursue their dreams of becoming national track athletes.

    On June 14, Ayala Land Estates, Inc. welcomed Takbo Kabitenyo, an organization in Cavite dedicated to nurturing the talents of its aspiring athletes who have the ambition and potential to become national athletes. Ayala Land, through its Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus, opened its doors to the running youngsters of Cavite.

    Ayala Land representatives led by Chrissy Roa, Group Head of Marketing and Communications for Ayala Land Estates, donated 30 Green Run race kits and products from Merrell, a brand dedicated to running, to the Cavite running organization at Vermosa. The Takbo Kabitenyo group will also receive freebies and gifts from all Vermosa Green Run sponsors at the Run that will gun off on Sunday, June 30.

    “We are committed to providing these aspiring athletes with the training, support and opportunities they need to achieve their dreams and represent our community on a national level,” said Ms. Roa. The Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub, envisioned to be the preferred venue for national and international sports events in the Philippines, will be a perfect training camp for the young Cavite athletes.

    Noel Diaz, Takbo Kabitenyo president, expressed his gratitude for the support – ”We are deeply grateful to Ayala Land Estates Inc.and Vermosa for choosing Takbo Kabitenyo as one of the beneficiaries of the 2024 The Green Run. The exposure to this prestigious event will hopefully inspire our young runners to elevate their aspirations and work even harder towards excellence in their chosen sports,” he said.

    Ayala Land Estates has launched another running initiative alongside The Green Run this year called the Ayala Vermosa Running Club. It has weekly activities for its members and classes conducted by Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub coaches. The environment-themed run is also supporting the Pawssion Project and Haribon Foundation on its third year.

    Fueled by its 2024 theme of “Go Greener, Get Leaner, Give Back: Run Towards a Brighter Future”, The Green Run 2024 is supported by Avida Sentria Storeys, Kremil-S, Diatabs, Merrell, Pocari Sweat, Park Access, Chris Sports, Fitbar, Naturals, Healthway Medical Network, Fuwa Fuwa, Nutrition Depot, and Oishi.

    Those interested to join any of the Green Run categories – 3K, 5K, 10K, the half-marathon 21K and the 1K Dog Run – may register at ayalaland.myruntime.com.

    The Sports Hub is a state of the art professionally-managed sports facility with a 400-meter IAAF standard track oval that is a premier training ground of amateur and professional athletes. It also has a FINA-standard Olympic sized swimming pool and an indoor training facility equipped with a sports science laboratory.

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