Latest news with #Pinoy


GMA Network
2 days ago
- Sport
- GMA Network
This Filipino skills trainer helped Kevin Quiambao land a spot in a private scrimmage in US
What started only as a personal trip to the United States for Patrick Tancioco turned into a chance to help rising basketball star Kevin Quiambao chase his NBA dream. Quiambao was in the US in July, with training sessions in Sacramento, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas. Last week, he was also part of a private scrimmage hosted by Excel Sports Management, which was attended by scouts and front office personnel of several NBA teams. READ MORE | Kevin Quiambao talks about his NBA dream and recent US training Tancioco, who founded Better Basketball and trains top collegiate and professional players, traveled to the US to meet up with his mentor, NBA skills coach Drew Hanlen, and help run sessions with NBA players at the NBA Pro Day in Las Vegas. Upon learning that Quiambao was in the same country, Tancioco decided to lend the Pinoy baller a hand and connected him with Tim Edwards of Excel, leading to Quiambao's participation in the workout. "'Yun talaga ang pinunta ko dito, hindi si KQ. Na-tiyempo lang na nandito siya at kailangan niya ng tulong pero ako ang purpose ko dito ay i-meet si Drew Hanlen, 'yung mentor ko," Tancioco told GMA News Online in an interview last week. "So meron akong friend na agent, five years ko na siyang kaibigan, si Tim Edwards. Nag-fall through 'yung ibang plano ni KQ dito so minessage ko si Tim." [That's what I came here for, not KQ. It just so happened that he was here and he needed some help but my purpose was to meet my mentor Drew Hanlen… I have a friend who's also an agent, he's been my friend for five years, Tim Edwards. KQ's other plans fell through so I messaged Tim.] Quiambao is no stranger to Edwards. Tancioco shared that five years ago, he sent Edwards video featuring then-rising stars Carl Tamayo and Aldous Torculas—back when they were still playing for NU Nazareth School and UP Integrated School, respectively. The goal was to ask if either had the potential to make it to US NCAA Division I. "But surprisingly ang napansin niya doon sa video ay si Kevin Quiambao. Nu'ng pinaalala ko kay Tim, sabi niya sakto kasi 'yung agency niya, which is Excel Agency, merong private runs,' Tancioco shared. [Surprisingly, Kevin Quiambao was the one he noticed. When I reminded Tim, he said, it was fortunate because his agency, Excel Agency, was doing private runs.] The 24-year-old Quiambao, for his part, spoke about the work he's put in while he was in the US. "Tutuloy-tuloy lang. Siyempre for the love of the game, and then para sa country natin kasi I'm trying to aim na maging first Filipino full-blooded na makapasok sa NBA," Quiambao told GMA Integrated News' Martin Javier. "Nothing is impossible naman." [I just keep going. Of course, for the love of the game and for the country also because I'm trying to aim to become the first Filipino full-blooded player to make it to the NBA... Nothing is impossible.] —with reporting from Martin Javier/JMB, GMA Integrated News


GMA Network
5 days ago
- Health
- GMA Network
Bringing back Pinoy smiles, one at a time
Filipinos are naturally happy people, with the characteristic Pinoy smile embodying this cheerful personality. That is why it is important for us to have a confident smile. Although smiling is instinctive for Filipinos, many forget the impact of this seemingly ordinary expression on our daily lives. More than just brightening up one's day, did you know that smiling also triggers special benefits that you and the people around you enjoy? The smile's special power Smiling helps improve overall wellbeing. When smiling, the body releases dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin—hormones that help relieve stress. These happy hormones help decrease heart rate and blood pressure, so you feel more relaxed. With your happiness level up, you also feel more optimistic. Optimism, which is linked to smiling, is associated with longer lifespans. A study found that people with higher levels of optimism have reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, and other ailments like cancer. So, smile more for a healthier you. Smiling is also a way to connect. An article by Yale Scientific asserts that the main purpose of smiling is 'to form, sustain, and repair interpersonal relationships.' This non-verbal cue helps us form relationships with those around us. Whether to build new friendships or to establish a professional rapport, remember to put on a smile. A confident smile conveys a sense of trust, helping you leave a lasting impression. Now that's the power of a smile! Bringing back the Filipinos' confident smile Can you imagine losing your precious smile? Unfortunately, this is a challenge faced by many Filipinos—87.4% of which are suffering from tooth decay or dental cavities. A recent study commissioned by Polident, a leader in denture care, also found that 83% of Filipinos who need dentures cannot afford them; 18% of Filipinos do not have access to a dentist; and 72% of employers indicated that missing teeth affect their hiring choices, which sadly puts individuals with dental problems at a disadvantage. With the Oplan Balik Ngiti campaign, Polident Philippines sought to address this dental health gap through free dental consultations and denture education. This is made possible through its partnership with the Philippine Dental Association (PDA), the Philippine Association of Registered Dental Technologists (PARDTI) and trade partners from various drugstore retailers. During its conduct in Taguig last April, the program served over two thousand Filipinos. Participants were guided through a comprehensive dental care hub and underwent a thorough oral examination by volunteer dentists from the PDA. Experts also conducted demonstrations about proper denture care techniques, as well as adhesive application and cleaning routines for long-term denture health. Determined to serve more Filipinos and bring back lost smiles one at a time, Polident Philippines is looking to expand its mission to reach more communities nationwide. Polident is also actively looking for partners in creating pathways to economic opportunities for its program participants. This way, Oplan Balik Ngiti not only addresses the dental care aspect, but also the socioeconomic challenges faced by affected communities. For more information about Oplan Balik Ngiti and other Polident Philippines initiatives, please visit


GMA Network
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Alden Richards and family get some downtime in London
Alden Richards and his family finally got some much-needed downtime during their trip to London! In Aubrey Carampel's report in "24 Oras" Thursday, the Asia's Multimedia Star said that he has not gone on vacation after his grandfather passed last year. "Last December was a very hard season for us because of my grandfather's passing, so we didn't really have that much time to really spend time together and magkaroon ng downtime," he said. Alden was in the United Kingdom this month for the annual London Barrio Fiesta 2025, which he graced with fellow Sparkle stars Julie Anne San Jose and Rayver Cruz. While in the U.K., Alden, his father, and siblings made sure to make the most out of their trip, as they visited various tourist sites. "Happy ako kasi sobrang nag-enjoy, most especially 'yung sumunod sa kin, si Riza, sobrang na-enjoy niya 'yung London, even 'yung youngest namin si Angel," he shared. Alden has now returned to work after arriving in the Philippines, including taping for "Stars on the Floor," which he hosts. Per Alden, they are happy thus far with the positive feedback the Kapuso reality dance competition has received. "We're very happy. Happy kami I mean with the performance of the show, of course mga Pinoy mahilig sumayaw and what more, it's just so very rewarding for us to get such feedback from the viewers." He is also gearing up for the GMA Gala 2025 on August 2, which is expected to be a big event as GMA Network marked its 75th anniversary this year. "I've [become a] part of the GMA family during its 60th year, so I'm very proud and happy. For 15 years, I've been a solid Kapuso ever since day one. Diamond anniversary ng network, talagang dapat we have to be present and we have to prepare for it," he said. —CDC, GMA Integrated News


What's On
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- What's On
Dubai's getting a new music institute this October - What's On
Dubai's music scene is about to hit a higher note. Opening this October in Dubai Knowledge Park, the brand-new Digital Renaissance Music Institute promises to be a game-changer for the region's next generation of producers, DJs, vocalists, and sonic innovators. Positioned as more than just a music school, the Institute is designed as a fully equipped professional studio space where learning happens through doing. Whether you're into hip-hop, EDM, jazz, or sonic storytelling, students will get hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment, guided by a diverse roster of mentors and working artists. At its core, the school reflects Dubai's multicultural pulse – Arab, Desi, Pinoy, African, and Western influences all come together in a creative melting pot where music is not just sound but an expression of identity. Co-founder Dmitry Panov sums it up: 'We're not building a conservatory — we're igniting a movement that champions creative risk, communal growth, and the freedom to show up authentically.' Students can expect: Access to professional-grade studios with both one-on-one and group mentoring sessions. Opportunities to release original music on streaming platforms and perform live across Dubai's buzzing nightlife scene. Workshops ranging from songwriting labs to DJ masterclasses. The faculty already includes regional talents like Arabic hip-hop artist Tayeb Santo and DJ/producer Cyrill Reaidy, with more big names to be announced by August. Guest artists from the Middle East and beyond will also drop in for pop-up residencies and collaborations. With its intimate, modular space designed more like a creative hub than a classroom, the Institute aims to place Dubai at the heart of a global cultural movement where subcultures from the Global South are shaping the next wave of pop. Applications for the October 2025 cohort are now open, with early interview access for those who apply before August 31. Ready to create the soundtrack of the future? Get on the list via


Filipino Times
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Filipino Times
Sharlene San Pedro speaks out as BINI faces online criticism over snack tasting video
Actress Sharlene San Pedro has stepped up to defend P-pop girl group BINI amid a growing online backlash following their recent appearance on a foreign food vlog. The group was featured on the YouTube channel People vs. Food on July 8, where the eight members tasted and rated various Filipino snacks, including kwek-kwek, hopia, isaw, balut, and betamax. While the vlog aimed to showcase Filipino delicacies, some viewers took issue with the girls' reactions, especially toward betamax and accused them of showing 'disgust.' San Pedro, who is a close friend of BINI member Gwen, urged netizens to withhold judgment until they have watched the full video. She criticized how spliced clips fueled negativity online. 'Tsaka hello, 'di talaga lahat ng Pinoy ay trip ang lahat ng Filipino food. Panay ride niyo sa hate train kasi relevant 'yung subject,' San Pedro pointed out. At this time, BINI has not responded publicly to the controversy.