Magellan Voyage Quincentennial Kick-Off, SEA Games Ceremonies Dazzle through Immersive Technology

The opening and closing ceremonies of the recently concluded 30th Southeast Asian Games at the Philippine Arena and Clark City still makes jaws drop whenever the sounds and sights of it come to mind.

The brave and colorful Filipino spirit came to life on stage, providing glimpses of our art and culture, our tribal roots, old society elegance, and modern soul. The impressive, mind-blowing visual images that constantly changed, evolved and defied the imagination, added a new dimension to entertainment. They enhanced the storytelling and delivered the message with both sensitivity and punch.

Last December, another dazzling production kicked off the 500-day countdown to the 500 years of the Victory of Mactan in Cebu. The one-hour cultural show entitled “Mangayaw; The World of Our Ancestors” showcased graceful choreography, original music, and a captivating production of dazzling visuals. The Quincentennial Celebration aimed to highlight the heroism and importance of Lapu Lapu in Philippine history.

What audiences probably do not know is that the unsung hero of both the SEA Games and the Quincentennial kick-off is immersive technology. It can make everything magical and bigger than life. Captivating visual images that were constantly changing, evolving and defying the imagination added a new dimension to the viewing experience. They enhanced the storytelling and delivered the message with both sensitivity and punch.

In the Quincentennial kick-off, Video Mapping Technology by IMMRSV ASIA INC. helped transformed the show from just great to stupendous. Immersive technology was the creative tool that amplified the action to retell and relive early scenes of Philippine history.

Lutgardo Labad, noted composer and multi-awarded director of music and theater who led the presentation, said he was “completely swept away by the innovative technology of projection mapping”. “Before, props were firm and set with some finality in their tones and colors. But in my first-time experience of witnessing video or projection mapping, the texture of the physical backdrop: floors, walls and ceilings, became a new breed of characters themselves. They accentuate the emotions and provide a dynamic engagement with the human characters.”

“Immersive technology is a new tool that can turn any size wall, building façade, blank space or object into a screen that tells stories, teaches lessons, conveys information or evokes all sorts of emotion. It makes audiences act and respond to the events in a positive way because the audience becomes part of the message. That’s why brands, sports and government use immersive technology these days to kick off events, launch products, inaugurate places and promote tourism or mark special occasions. It’s the best storytelling tool,” said Tony Gloria, chairman and co-founder of IMMRSV Asia who also founded and chairs Optima Digital and UxS (Unitel/Straight Shooter).

“Using creative imagination with the help of 360-degree video, virtual reality and the unique application of sound, light and projection creates eye-popping, mesmerizing experiences. This innovative creative execution never fails to wow and send the message across. How can you forget something that you have been part of, or that became a part of you?” he added.

Immrsv Asia worked on the notable 30th SEA Games closing ceremonies -- resulting in tech-driven productions that were perfect in execution, with mind-boggling visual displays and dramatic overhead shots that provided world-class entertainment for all.

Mart Miranda, CEO of Video Sonic and co-founder / president of IMMRSV Asia says immersive technology creates modern day magic. And it has a lot of applications. Museum exhibits, for example, can bring historical figures to life through augmented reality. Julius Caesar can speak and tell his version of the Ides of March to students. Prehistoric animals can roam the premises so guests can measure their height against them. Theme parks can amp up the excitement and overall experience with headsets and touchscreen magic. “In fact, any one and anything can use immersive technology to achieve any desired effect,” said Miranda, whose IMMRSV firm recreated Hogwarts using immersive technology for a Harry Potter-themed party.

Sporting events have been ahead of the curve in embracing immersive technology, Miranda shared. “That’s because sports fans demand high-impact effects so they can better listen, watch and experience the action. New immersive technologies and apps have changed the ways that fans interact with teams, players and brand sponsors. Opening ceremonies of sports events have all benefited from immersive technology.”

“We have the creative vision, the talent, technology and equipment to achieve something local audiences have never seen. We can fuse existing technologies and creative approaches to create amazing, magical effects. Trust the innate art and capability of the Filipino. And trust the forward vision of our creative and production talents,” added Tony Gloria.

Now is the time to embrace these new mediums and let the world know that immersive domes, projection mapping, virtual augmented reality, air scan technology, 3D animation graphics, LED Baton, digital graffiti, holograms, interactive videos, interactive touch walls, dynamic thoughts and laser mapping are all here to help deliver the perfect message, Miranda concluded.

SEA Games 2019 Recognized as Best Ever, Receives SPIA Asia 2019 Excellence Award

MANILA – No amount of rain was going to stop these honors from being handed out. With Typhoon Tisoy raging outside, SPIA Asia – Asia’s Sports Industry Awards & Conference, held its fifth edition at the Grand Hyatt Manila in Bonifacio Global City Philippines on December 2 and 3, 2019. After two days of panels, case studies, and interviews on the business of sports, the business of football in Asia, sports and new technology, sports and tourism, and integrity and inclusion, the SPIA Asia Awards were also handed out, recognizing and celebrating sporting excellence of the industry,

For hosting the 30th edition of the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) was awarded a special Excellence Award by SPIA. PHISGOC Chairman and Philippine House of Representatives Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano received the honor from SPIA Chief Executive Officer Eric Gottschalk.

Football legend Ronaldo Nazario de Lima, more popularly known simply as Ronaldo, was awarded the Sport and Beyond Award, an honor celebrating both his career as a legendary footballer as well as his accomplishments beyond the football pitch. The three-time FIFA Footballer of the Year, two-time winner of the Ballon d’Or, and three-time winner of the FIFA World Cup was a goal-scoring machine for Brazil on the international stage and for club teams like FC Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid CF, A.C. Milan, and Corinthians. Following his retirement from competition, “El Fenomeno” became the majority owner of Real Valladolid in 2018 and hopes to bring the club to new heights.

The Best Asian Sports Team honor was handed to the Japanese Rugby Team who shocked the world at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, where they served as hosts. After winning the Pacific Nations Cup earlier in the year, Japan was grouped with Russia, Ireland, Samoa, and Scotland. The Brave Blossoms’ 28-21 win over Scotland made them the first Asian team to top their group at the Rugby World Cup and the first Asian team to make it to the knockout stage.

Tennis superstar Naomi Osaka was named Best Asian Sportswoman of the Year. After being named WTA Newcomer of the Year in 2016, Osaka famously defeated Serena Williams in the final of the 2018 US Open to become the first Japanese Grand Slam singles champion. She followed that up by defeating Petra Kvitova to win the 2019 Australian Open and became the first Asian player to be ranked first in the world in singles. Only 22-years-old, many believe that the best is yet to come for Osaka.

As if he doesn’t have enough accolades already, the only eight-division boxing champion in history, Sen. Manny Pacquiao, was awarded the Best Asian Sportsman of the Year. Pacquiao started the year by retaining the WBA (Regular) welterweight title via a 12-round unanimous decision over Adrien Broner at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Seven months later at the same venue, “the Pac-Man” won the WBA (Super) welterweight championship via a 12-round split decision over Keith Thurman.

Other notable winners at the SPIA Awards included The Chongqing Major as Best eSports Event of the Year in Asia, Shopee and Cristiano Ronaldo from SportQuake as Best Brand Activation of the Year, Atrium Sports – Kilsyth Basketball Connected Stadium from Atrium Sports with the Best Use of Technology in Sports, the Rugby World Cup in Japan from World Rugby/Rugby World Cup Limited won both Best International Sporting Event of the Year and Best Sports Digital Platform of the Year, while the WTA Finals 2018 from Lagardere Sports of Singapore was named Best Integrated Marketing Campaign of the Year.

The Best Mass Participation Event in the Philippines was given to the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority for the National Milo Marathon while Honda Philippines won Best Sponsorship of Sport, Team, Individual, Venue, or Event in the Philippines for the Honda Philippines Nationwide Tour. Meanwhile, the Football 7s Youth Program was awarded Best Youth Sports Development Program in the Philippines.

Football playing brothers Phil and James Younghusband were also recognized during the awards gala as Phil, who recently retired from his international football career, had a statue of himself auctioned off for charity. Another Philippine sports personality that was recognized was gymnast Carlos Yulo who won gold at the SEA Games for the All-Around and Floor Exercise as well as silvers in the Pommel Horse and Still Rings.

Aside from Ronaldo, also present at the two-day conference and awards night was track and field icon Dr. Edwin Moses, chairman of the education committee of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). The American is a sporting legend in the 400m hurdles, having won gold medals at both the 1976 Montreal Olympics and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Yet on top of his many accolades, Moses has arguably accomplished even more after his track and field career as he has served as chairman of the Laureus World Sports Academy in 2000 which seeks to promote and increase participation in sport at every level, and also to promote the use of sport as a tool for social change around the world. Moses joined Ronaldo onstage for the “Icon 2 Icon” talk as they discussed their lives both during and after their athletic careers ended.

The SPIA Asia conference saw over 600 delegates and over 60 speakers, with over 450 submissions in 25 categories nominated for awards.

For more information about the conference program, visit www.spiaasia.com.

DTI Sets Up Facility for SEA Games in Support of PH Hosting

In a bid to make available options for Halal food and souvenirs for athletes, guests, and visitors of the 2019 South East Asian Games (30th SEA Games), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), represented by the Export Marketing Bureau (EMB), Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion (BDTP), and Regional Operations Group (ROG), has installed a temporary facility at the East Commercial Center, New Clark City, Tarlac in collaboration with Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) and Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (PHILEXPORT).

“This is an independent facility close to the main venue to make available food (including Halal and Muslim-friendly) and non-food products (souvenirs - Likha ng Central Luzon, Go Lokal, Bangon Marawi) in time for the 30th SEA Games. We are here to provide support and this is our way of contributing to the needs of this occasion,” DTI - Trade Promotions Group (TPG) Undersecretary Abdulgani M. Macatoman said.

This DTI initiative aims to collaborate with the private sector to make available Halal, Muslim-friendly concessionaires, and other Philippine products for the opening of the 30th SEA Games.

Featured concessionaires include La Rose Noire (Aqua Panem), Bricks and Copper, Asian Food Cuisine, Rajput Halal Pak Cuisine, Ate A Halal Food Services, and Hen Lin.

Halal Products/Retailers include Magic Melt, Greenlife Coconut Products Philippines, Inc., Batangas Egg Producers Cooperative, Mira’s Turmeric Products, and Axiom Natur Trading Corp.

The SEA Games venue in New Clark City (NCC), Capas, Tarlac is host to Aquatics (water polo, diving) and Athletics (marathon, heptathlon, decathlon, etc.) sports activities considered as significant sources of medals for the Philippines and the Athletes Village. Competition activities started last 26 November and will run up to 10 December 2019 in NCC.

Mastercard Rallies Filipinos to Support the 2019 Southeast Asian Games

MANILA, PHILPPINES – November 21, 2019 – Mastercard today solidified its commitment to ‘Win As One’ at the upcoming 2019 Southeast Asian Games through an event at the Glorietta Activity Center that unveiled the various ways it makes the Games a priceless experience for Filipinos.

Mastercard is committed to creating a priceless SEA Games experience for all Filipinos. Mastercard is powering the official 2019 SEA Games mobile app, which has a payment functionality embedded, and has also released a limited-edition commemorative 2019 SEA Games Mastercard prepaid card through its partner Philippine National Bank. Another initiative to make the games a priceless experience is the Mastercard augmented reality filter on Facebook which allows Filipinos to show support by posting selfies embellished with fun backgrounds, stickers, and music. As the official payment partner of the SEA Games, Mastercard cardholders will also enjoy exclusive 10% discount on ticket purchase with a minimum spend of Php 1,000 at any SM Tickets outlet or online via smtickets.com, and through the 2019 SEA Games mobile app.

To get more Filipinos to participate, Mastercard Philippines Country Manager Rowell Del Fierro, together with distinguished guests, proudly unveiled the Mastercard Jeepney, designed by local artist Lou Pineda-Arada. The jeepney is a well-loved Philippine cultural icon and Mastercard is leveraging it as a symbol of unity - a figurative ride towards the country’s victory. The Mastercard Jeepney also features a volleyball and basketball motion-sensing game, which the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroon’s star player Kobe Paras got to play in front of the crowd.

“In the spirit of supporting the government and ensuring Philippines is a successful host of the 2019 SEA Games, Mastercard has created multiple interactive initiatives encouraging Filipinos to actively participate in the event,” said Rowell Del Fierro, Country Manager of Mastercard Philippines.

With a little over a week left until the opening ceremony, Mastercard and Philippines Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) are asking Filipinos to Start Something Priceless at the 2019 SEA Games.

The Mastercard Jeepney will be stationed at the Glorietta Activity Center until November 29.

About Mastercard

Mastercard (NYSE: MA), www.mastercard.com, is a technology company in the global payments industry. Our global payments processing network connects consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. Mastercard products and solutions make everyday commerce activities – such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances – easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone. Follow us on Twitter @MastercardAP, join the discussion on the Beyond the Transaction Blog and subscribe for the latest news on the Engagement Bureau.

MG MOTOR SIGNS AS OFFICIAL MOBILITY PARTNER OF THE 30TH SOUTH EAST ASIAN GAMES

MANILA, Philippines – November 18, 2019 – Morris Garages—better known today as MG—the much-loved British heritage car brand, has signed an agreement with the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) and Mediapro Asia to be the Official Mobility Partner of the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and the 10th ASEAN Para Games.

As part of the sponsorship 80 MG vehicles will feature with the 30th SEA Games logo, and these will be used to ferry athletes and teams to and from games. These special-edition MG 30th SEA Games edition vehicles will be seen in various parts of the country during the much-awaited, multi-sport biennial event. With this partnership, MG supports all the athletes participating in the 30th SEA Games on their path to greatness as we all #DriveToWin.

MG has almost a century of motoring heritage behind it and is truly the fastest growing global brand with headquarters in both hemispheres of the globe. Specifically, in Southeast Asia, it is present in The Philippines and in Thailand, and will also be available very soon in Indonesia. Today, the MG brand is teeming with youthful energy, and its dynamism as an automotive innovator pushes the envelope of excellence. In this partnership with the 30th SEA Games, MG identifies with and celebrates the pursuit of excellence. The same values that drive MG forward: discipline, honesty, innovation, hard work, character, and fun are mirrored in each and every SEA Games athlete. In this respect, MG emulates and reflects the greatness present in every SEA Games athlete.

MG Philippines President & CEO Atty. Alberto B. Arcilla, says: “To be part of the 30th Southeast Asian games—an edition that features so many milestones and firsts—is a distinct honor for us at MG Philippines. As the Official Mobility Partner of the 30th SEA Games, we are grateful to provide meaningful assistance to all local and international athletes and teams by equipping them with safe, comfortable, and stylish rides for the duration of the games. It is our privilege to be of service to all athletes as they battle it out for their respective countries, and it invigorates us to see so many energetic talents sharing in the spirit of competition and camaraderie. Through this partnership, we uphold the long sporting heritage of MG and enliven the competitive spirit that fuels MG to excel.”

Lars Heidenreich, Managing Director of Mediapro Asia, shares: “We are thrilled to have another partner on board through us. With MG, we hope this sponsorship turns the Philippines into a stronghold for the brand.”

The Philippine SEA Games Organizational Committee (PHISGOC) Foundation, Inc. is likewise delighted to have MG on board, as a transportation and mobility partner who can surely accommodate the needs of all the athletes and participants of the 30th SEA Games.

PHISGOC Senior Managing Director Jojit Alcazar, says: “We thank MG for the opportunity to partner with a brand with such a rich motoring heritage. We are likewise very thankful to MG for providing everyone in the SEA Games with the ability and the means to move around all our many game venues all over the country.”

About Mediapro Asia

Mediapro Asia, with its headquarters in Singapore, supports the Mediapro Group as the official TV- and media rights representatives of LaLiga, who also market the Ladies European Tour, the Asian Volleyball Championships, the Kooyong Classics Tennis event and ManCity TV across Asia/Pacific. In addition to being a sports media agency, the Asia office doubles as a marketing partner, providing clients with consulting services and offering end-to-end solutions to promote their brands using sporting personalities, sports events and creating sporting assets. Mediapro inventory includes LED advertising as well as virtual boards (digital board replacements) within LaLiga matches and sponsorship deals for the 30th Southeast Asian Games. The Mastercard SEA Games partnership follows the recent announcement of a Platinum partnership with Skyworth and a number of other successful collaborations such as Liverpool’s Sadio Mane with Tourism Indonesia and the Luis Suarez campaign with Tourism Malaysia.

About PHISGOC

The Philippine South East Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC), chaired by House Speaker Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, is the official organizer of the 30th SEA Games hosted by the Philippines this year.

Experienced and eminent personnel from the Philippine Olympic Committee, the Philippine Sports Commission, and various professionals from the marketing and advertising sectors, among others, comprise PHISGOC; all acting as a collective to make the 2019 SEA Games the best and most viewed in the history of the South East Asian Games.

About MG

MG released its first automobile in 1924, solidifying its position as a genuine heritage brand in the automobile industry. Today, MG is the embodiment of a truly global brand.

With the financial and technical backing of SAIC Motor, a top-ranked Fortune 500 company—and China’s largest auto manufacturer and exporter—and utilizing its newly inaugurated Advanced London Design Studio in Central London, MG is well-primed to take the international stage. MG is currently experiencing a renaissance as it aggressively enters new markets with an array of distinctive and well-appointed models. TCCCI’s representation of the MG brand in the Philippines marks an exciting chapter in what is already a very colorful brand story for MG.

MG Philippines – The Covenant Car Company, Inc. is the exclusive importer and distributor of MG automobiles and parts in the Philippines. MG Philippines is located at the Ground Floor, ALCO Building, 391 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, 1209 Makati City. MG Philippines currently has eleven (11) dealerships namely MG BF Parañaque, MG EDSA Centris, MG Batangas, MG Carmona, MG Dasmariñas, MG Lipa, MG Sta. Rosa, MG Cebu Mandaue, MG Davao, MG Cabanatuan (sales office), and MG Iloilo (sales office.) The launch of seven (7) more MG dealerships are slated to happen before the end of 2019 including MG Alabang, MG Commonwealth, MG Quezon Avenue, MG Pampanga, MG Cabanatuan, MG Iloilo, and MG Tacloban.

For more information, you may visit www.mgmotor.com.ph. You may also call MG Philippines’ 24/7 hotline at (02) 5328-4664.

A Front-Row Seat to the SEA Games with SKYWORTH

There's something about sport that brings people together, and leading global television brand SKYWORTH is gearing up to bring the very best moments of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) straight to the living rooms of Filipinos. A pioneer in big-screen Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT), SKYWORTH was recently named the Official Television Partner of the 30th SEA Games in Manila.

Filipinos are naturally passionate about sports, something that the TV brand knows all too well. “Just like Filipinos, sport has always been embedded in SKYWORTH's DNA. And we are committed to giving Filipinos the best viewing experiences of the 2019 SEA Games. Through immersive viewing experiences, we want to create opportunities for Filipinos to come together and celebrate their love of sports," Mr. Benjamin Yuoankee said.
Elevating sports entertainment.

With exciting new breakthroughs in AIoT and cutting edge-technology, SKYWORTH is committed to elevating sports entertainment. From AI to Infinity Screen Borderless Design, the TV company is redefining the viewing experience.

SKYWORTH’s AIoT ecosystem allows fans to indulge with a genuine Smart TV viewing experience where they can easily obtain sports and SEA Games-related programs through the voice search function. With Dolby Audio, SKYWORTH’s latest proprietary picture technology – Chameleon Extreme™ and Trochilus Extreme™ – and Swaiot™, viewers are assured of unparalleled visual and audio quality. And with SKYWORTH’s Infinity Screen Borderless Design, sports fans can enjoy a fully immersive viewing experience.
All these features can be found on the TV manufacturer's flagship model, the XA9000. With more than 8 million pixels, the ULTRA HD OLED TV will ensure viewers enjoy every highlight in full detail–as if they were actually there.

From virtually there to actually there
As the Official Television Partner of the 30th SEA Games in Manila, SKYWORTH is giving Filipinos the opportunity to level up their experience of the biennial multi-sport event.

Via a lucky draw on October 28, 2019, the company is giving SKYWORTH TV owners the chance to take home an 55XA9000, so they can enjoy a fully immersive SEA Games experience from the comforts of their own homes. But for those that want the realest experience, the TV brand is also giving select winners tickets to the 2019 SEA Games, so they can cheer and support the games live.

Additionally, SKYWORTH will be running a “Big TV Nationwide Promo” from October 1 to December 31, 2019, where the company will mark down its 55” and 65” 4K AI TVs across all stores nationwide.
“We're very excited for the SEA Games 2019 and look forward to watching all the best athletes from Southeast Asia. This promises to be the biggest and most viewed SEA Games yet, and we hope to give Filipinos the very best in sports entertainment, whether that's from home, or at the actual games," added Mr. Benjamin Yuoankee.

To learn more about SKYWORTH's promos and products, go to the official SKYWORTH Philippines website at http://www.skyworth.ph/.