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The GAME celebrates launch with their entire squad #WithFlyingColors

Sports go far deeper than the scores on the boards and the players in the competitions. They encompass an entire lifestyle among athletes, coaches, fans, teams, and federations, among many others. There are so many different cogs that collectively run the sports that we love. Those are the stories that One MEGA Group’s newest media brand, The GAME, wants to tell.

The GAME is One MEGA Group’s very first sports title that debuted last Wednesday, August 24. And to mark the brand’s launch, the team toasted along with different stakeholders in our local sports industry—the very ones whom the brand hopes to celebrate.

The GAME's team toasting the brand's launch
The GAME’s team toasting the brand’s launch
The whole team in attendance

The GAME’s guests came dressed in their best take on formal athleisure. And they did not disappoint. 

Everyone, from athletes to team owners, showed up in their best outfits and to top it all off, in their best kicks too. Swipe through to see our guests flexing their favorite sneakers.

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But apart from just the outfits, we were even more excited to see representatives from different sports in the country. For basketball, PBA players Hubert Cani, Jeff Javinollar, and Prince Rivero. Former player Jeffrey Cariaso and sportscaster Erika Padilla Cariaso graced us with their presence as well.

The GAME launch event
From left to right: PBA players Prince Rivero, Hubert Cani, and Jeff Javinollar
Erika Padilla Cariaso and Jeffrey Cariaso
Erika Padilla Cariaso and Jeffrey Cariaso

The Philippine football community was in attendance as well, with Erick Gottschalk (owner of United City Football Club), PFL Commissioner Coco Torre, and PFF Media Officer Icko De Guzman.

From left to right: Erick Gottschalk, The GAME EIC Amanda Fernandez, Coco Torre, and Icko De Guzman.
From left to right: Erick Gottschalk, The GAME EIC Amanda Fernandez, Coco Torre, and Icko De Guzman.

Apart from those directly involved with the teams, games, and athletes, we can’t go without mentioning the players behind the scenes. The GAME’s launch event was supported by Sofitel, Converge, Optimal Athletics, Inc., and Str8 Fragrances. With their common passion to uplift the sports community, the up-and-coming media brand was able to bring its vision to life.

Vani Altomonte from Str8 Fragrances
Vani Altomonte from Str8 Fragrances
Poy Abanilla from Converge
Poy Abanilla from Converge
Raf Gastador and Kevin Olayvar from Optimal Athletics, Inc.
Raf Gastador and Kevin Olayvar from Optimal Athletics, Inc.
Ivy Quindoza, Eric Norbert, and Bettina Arguelles from Sofitel
Ivy Quindoza, Eric Norbert, and Bettina Arguelles from Sofitel

The GAME hopes to give everyone in the sports industry a voice. And having these representatives at the launch, hearing their stories, and understanding their passions, the team got a glimpse into what’s ahead for their own version of storytelling.

Setting the tone

The GAME is not your typical sports publication as it will bring focus to the lifestyle of sports, apart from just bringing you the latest news and updates on athletes and games. True to its branding, Sofitel’s Snaps Sports Bar was the perfect venue to celebrate the brand’s launch.

Sports fans know the joy that comes with watching games at viewing parties. It’s part of the lifestyle. And with Snaps’ gastro-pub feel, The GAME’s launch was reminiscent of that with the great selection of bar food and drinks thanks to Chef Bettina Arguelles.

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photo 2022 08 26 16.41.33
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A toast to The GAME

After guests settled down, had a few drinks, and started eating, the main event of the evening kicked off. After months of preparation, the team behind The GAME was excited to share with everyone in the room what the brand is all about.

Event host Mikee Reyes
Event host Mikee Reyes
One MEGA Group AVP for Publishing Marga Tupaz
One MEGA Group AVP for Publishing Marga Tupaz

The host event, Mikee Reyes, first called on One MEGA Group’s AVP for Publishing, Marga Tupaz. “Behind every athlete is a family, teammates, coaches, supporters, league and tournament organizers, a medical team, a community and so on. Sports are often nostalgic for viewers as well. However, not all sport storytelling is created equal. The Game is here not just to tell stories. They will educate, entertain, and inspire through driving brand affinity,” Tupaz shared.

The GAME's Editor-in-Chief Amanda Fernandez
The GAME’s Editor-in-Chief Amanda Fernandez

The brand’s editor-in-chief, Amanda Fernandez, also gave us more insight into The GAME’s unique storytelling. “Athletes are but one component of a well-oiled machine that operates to change, inspire, and elevate communities. And we must celebrate all the pieces that come together to make historical moments be remembered one story at a time,” she explained.

The GAME aims to fill the gaps I believe our sports community craves for in terms of storytelling and I could not be more excited to be part of a team that wants to not only tell stories, but show love to every piece that builds on and is responsible for that great moment.” 

The GAME's Founding Publisher James Cruz
The GAME’s Founding Publisher James Cruz

And finally, the brand’s founding publisher, James Cruz, concluded by sharing his inspiration for starting The GAME in the first place. “There is no bigger inspiration of founding The Game than being able to show love to the entire sports community. We believe that the individuals and groups that make up the entire sports ecosystem deserves more love and we’re here to give that to them,” he expressed.

With a team shairng their vision and a common passion to uplift and elevate the sports in the country, The GAME’s goal is very clear. They are here to move the industry forward.

As a brand new media brand, the road ahead will be long. But just like any sports team, with all the key players, the passion, and the hard work, they are here to #LetTheGameBegin #WithFlyingColors.