Following months of electrifying qualifier rounds in Davao, Manila, and Cebu, it all came to a head as the Queen City of the South hosted the Red Bull Dance Your Style Philippines National Final for the very first time. Last May 24, the country’s fiercest dancers came together for an explosive dance showdown at Ayala Center, Cebu.

Nemesis’ Next Stop: the World Stage

Top dancers from across the country battled for the crown during the National Final in Cebu, electrifying the crowd with a mix of styles, from hip-hop to house, waacking to locking, and even voguing. The energy was unmatched, with each dancer’s fate resting on the crowd’s hands. Ultimately, Sam Rivera, known in battles as ‘Nemesis,’ was crowned the 2025 Red Bull Dance Your Style Philippines National Champion. 

“It was an amazing journey,” said Nemesis of her Red Bull Dance Your Style journey. “This was my third time to join Red Bull Dance Your Style. I’m so happy that I won the championship title in my hometown, Cebu. It’s my pride and honor.”

Nemesis also expressed her excitement at having the National Final in Cebu for the first time. “I was so excited because people (from my hometown) will get to see me dance on the national stage, especially my mother, my family, and my friends.” She explained, “I think that I was more empowered because my family was here with me, and while I was on stage I could see my friends, so that gave me a boost.”

Historic Dance Showdown in Cebu

Nemesis also credited the Cebuano crowd for energizing her throughout the competition. She said, “They carried me through the Final. I’m so grateful to them because the community here is so supportive, not just to me but to all the contenders who danced on stage. And of course, Red Bull, who gave me wings. Thank you for the energy."

With their undeniable stage presence and crowd-commanding charisma, the Cebuana Krump Star stamped her dominance each round and earned not just the trophy but also a spot on the global stage. As the representative of the Philippines at the Red Bull Dance Your Style World Final in Los Angeles, USA, Nemesis now has her sights set on the next battle. They shared their enthusiasm for the World Final, stating, “First of all, it’s going to be in Los Angeles, and it’s going to be my first time travelling outside of Asia.” She also said, “I want to connect with other dancers from around the world, and dance my heart out at the World Final to show them what Filipinos are capable of.” 

Nemesis shared how she plans to prepare for the World Final, saying, “I will do my usual routine. I will train my body, my mind, and my soul.” She also said, ”I think that (has to be) a balance of everything, your faith in God, your physical conditioning, and strong mental conditioning when you perform.” 

On her game plan for the World Final, Nemesis shared, “I’ll just be myself because I think we’re all unique in our own way. I’ll just show them what I can do, how I krump, and how I dance.”

Beyond the intense dance battles, the Red Bull Dance Your Style National Finals in Cebu turned into a full-blown cultural celebration. The event curated an unforgettable experience for attendees.

Aside from world-class streetdancing, guests were treated to the flavors of Cebu’s talent with special performances from Cabuana superstar Karencitta, and local dance crew SZHD. More than a dance competition, the Red Bull Dance Your Style National Finals was a true festival of Cebu’s urban creativity.

The Full Red Bull Dance Your Style Experience

The countdown to the ultimate showdown has begun. Support Nemesis’ journey to the Red Bull Dance Your Style World Final in Los Angeles, USA this October 11. Follow Red Bull PH and Red Bull Dance on social media for the latest updates.

For more information and updates, visit the official Red Bull website and the following social media pages (Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok)

About Red Bull

Red Bull gives wings to people and ideas. As a functional beverage, we give wings to people by vitalizing the body and mind – supporting their dreams and aspirations through their passion for dancing.

Leading developer in VisMin Cebu Landmasters, Inc. (CLI), launches Pristina Town—its most prime township in northern Cebu City. At its core is North Grove, a P5.4 billion garden-themed condo offering high-value living near key infrastructure and lifestyle hubs. These developments reinforce CLI’s leadership in high-growth VisMin markets.

Developed by Cebu Homegrown Developers Inc., the joint venture between CLI and Ixidor Holdings, the 7.2-hectare Pristina Town is a premier township that offers sustainable and quality urban living. 

"Pristina Town is expected to strongly contribute to and benefit from the development of Cebu’s North Growth Center—an emerging hub transforming northern Cebu City into a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive urban and economic center," says CLI chairman and CEO Jose Soberano III. "The township stands out with its abundant green spaces, energy-efficient smart lighting, and innovative water reuse system."

Cebu Homegrown Developers Inc., a joint venture between Cebu Landmasters Inc (CLI) with Ixidor Holdings, unveils Pristina Town, its most prime township in northern Cebu City. Anchoring the township is the P5.4B North Grove, a garden-themed residential condominium and the township's first residential project. Featuring the Lumina and Terra towers with lush, garden-inspired amenities, North Grove is designed for the high-demand mid to upper mid-market—a prime investment blending lifestyle appeal with strong growth potential.

PRISTINA TOWN

Designed for sustainability and livability, Pristina Town houses residential developments that harmoniously blend with commercial, and institutional developments. The master-planned township highlights its eco-features of green spaces, pocket parks, smart programmable street lighting for less energy consumption, and water catchment systems for sustainable irrigation.

Pristina Town is also set to develop designated bike lanes, wide pedestrian walkways, and planting strips to promote walkability and reduce carbon footprint. It will also soon feature a transportation hub, a full underground utility cabling distribution system, and 24/7 security and surveillance systems. These efforts emphasize CLI's dedication to innovative urban development and environmental sustainability.

NORTH GROVE AT PRISTINA TOWN

Catering to mid and upper mid-market segment, North Grove is the first residential project in Pristina Town. It features two residential towers—Lumina and Terra—along with a podium retail space designed to blend with the natural surroundings. 

Pristina Town

Lumina houses 386 units in the form of studio, one-bedroom, and one-bedroom garden units ranging from 24 to 35.14 sqm with full height windows. The tower boasts expansive green space, lower floor density, and top-of-the-line garden amenities like a fitness gym, game room, zen garden, sky garden, lounge, and multi-purpose deck.

Meanwhile, Terra has 643 units, with all studio units ranging between 22.75 and 25.37 sqm. The tower is designed with forest hues and natural scenery, and features special amenities like a fitness gym, pocket gardens, and a multi-purpose deck.

North Grove also features a retail podium with an aggregate of nearly 3,800 sqm in commercial space, including a supermarket area and new retail concepts to enrich residents' lifestyles.

North Grove marks Cebu Homegrown Developers Inc.’s second project following the successful completion of Mandtra Residences, continuing its commitment to delivering sustainable, high-demand homes with strong growth potential.

CEBU LANDMASTERS

Cebu Landmasters is the number one developer in Visayas and Mindanao, as ranked in the 2024 Colliers Philippines Real Estate Market Study. Its projects consistently achieve high sell-out rates—clear proof of strong market demand and buyer trust in the region.

For more information, visit cebulandmasters.com/.

French heritage brand Sledgers made a strong return to Cebu, celebrating the grand reopening of its newly renovated store at Ayala Center Cebu, where media, guests, and aficionados gathered to witness the debut of the Spring/Summer 2025 collection and  the brand’s renewed commitment to craftsmanship, comfort, and the modern gentleman’s wardrobe.

Sledgers Store Ayala Center Cebu

The new store design, reimagined to resemble a European gentleman’s club, welcomed guests into a space that embodies the brand’s ethos — refined, understated, and designed with purpose. Rich textures, tailored finishes, and a contemporary interior palette provided the perfect canvas to reintroduce Sledgers to Cebuano style setters.

Sledgers Store Ayala Center Cebu

The event officially opened with a ceremonial toast and ribbon cutting, graced by executives, media, and VIP guests — including Primer Group of Companies CEO and Co-founder Jimmy Thai, who spoke to the brand’s deep ties to Cebu and its enduring legacy in Philippine retail.

From L-R [Jimmy Thai (Co-founder and CEO of Primer Group of Companies), Susan Thai, Rose Ann Eugenio (Operations Manager - Ayala Center Cebu) and Edward Roxas, Sledgers Regional Brand Manager.

Following the ceremonial toast, guests explored the SS25 collection in a guided walk-through led by Edward Roxas, Regional Brand Manager for Sledgers, who offered insights into the brand’s latest design direction, technical innovations, and the thinking behind its evolving aesthetic.

Sledgers Spring Summer 25 Collection

The Noel Penny Loafer took the spotlight — Sledgers’ flagship model, now updated with a shortened vamp and pre-polished leather that gives it a clean, straight-from-the-box shine. It arrives this season in black and coffee, with a new wine colorway featuring a contrasting black rubber outsole.

Noel II (Wine)

Also on view were two new lace-up models: the Danilo and Pietro derbies. Designed in full and top-grain calf leather, both styles are built for everyday wear but with thoughtful touches — curved piping, sculpted vamps, and sturdy outsoles — that give each pair a polished look without feeling overdesigned. As with all Sledgers footwear, Ortholite insoles come standard, ensuring all-day comfort with every step.

Danilo derbies

A styling showcase led by fellow Sledgers wearers offered guests modern takes on incorporating Sledgers footwear into a range of everyday looks — from boardroom polish to weekend ease — reinforcing the brand’s vision of stylish, all-day wearability.

Albert Slip-on Loafer (Black, Tan, Dark Brown)

Alexis (Black) & Gael (Black Golf) & Tung Thong Sandals (Black, Brown)

Ballou Suede Slip-on Loafer (Camel) & Beauchamp Suede Slip-on (Navy, Wine)

Cache Tassel Loafer (Black & Brown)

Cassel Slim Slip-on Loafer (Black, Coffee) & Par Formal Loafer (Black, Brown)

Chaumont Chukka Boot (Black) & Berthoud Chelsea Boot (Brown)

Dillon Mens (Black), Dustin Mens (Coffee), Dillon Mens (Brown)

Dustin Mens (Black)

Founded in France in 1921 and first introduced to the Philippines in Cebu over 20 years ago, Sledgers remains committed to crafting shoes for the man who moves with intention. 

The new Sledgers store is now open at the Ground Level, Ayala Center Cebu, featuring the full Spring/Summer 2025 line and the brand’s most iconic silhouettes. Visit the store to experience refined French craftsmanship in person, or explore the collection online at www.sledgers.com.ph.

About Sledgers

Founded in France in 1921, Sledgers is a premium men’s footwear brand known for its blend of classic European craftsmanship and modern-day comfort. Acquired by the Primer Group of Companies as part of its growing portfolio of international lifestyle brands, Sledgers continues to uphold its legacy of refined, functional footwear for the modern gentleman. With a design philosophy rooted in understated elegance and practicality, each pair is crafted using genuine full- or top-grain leather, Ortholite insoles, and considered construction details designed for all-day wear.

The 2025 NBA season delivered one of the most exciting and unpredictable finishes in recent memory — and once again, the Play-In Tournament was right at the center of it all. What started out as a temporary fix during unusual times has now become a permanent fixture in the NBA calendar, fundamentally altering the path to the postseason.

The Play-In doesn’t just add drama. It creates opportunity. It offers new lifelines to fringe teams, disrupts the expectations of higher seeds, and throws a wildcard into what used to be a more straightforward playoff picture. This year was no exception.

NBA Play-In 2025

Now that the Play-In Tournament has wrapped up, the conversation shifts from how it works to what it did. Which teams capitalized on the format? Which contenders stumbled? And how has this high-stakes mini-tournament affected the balance of power heading into the 2025 NBA Playoffs?

Experts at 1xBet have crunched the numbers and broken down the biggest storylines emerging from this year’s Play-In. From surprise breakthroughs to postseason shakeups, here are the key insights into how this evolving format continues to change the game — literally and figuratively.

What Is the Play-In? (Just in case)

The format was first introduced in 2020 and became a permanent part of the NBA postseason in 2021. It allows teams ranked 7th through 10th in each conference to fight for the final two playoff spots.

• The 7th and 8th seeds play each other. The winner takes the 7th spot.
• The 9th and 10th seeds also play. The winner then plays the loser of the 7 vs. 8 game for the final 8th spot.

This gives the 7th and 8th seeds two chances to qualify, while the 9th and 10th seeds must win twice in a row.

Play-In 2025 Results: Who Made It Through

Eastern Conference:

• Orlando Magic secured the 7th seed after a solid and disciplined performance. Their strong team play helped them lock in a playoff spot.
• Miami Heat, despite a shaky finish to the regular season, came through in classic Heat fashion  -  beating both the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks to grab the 8th seed. This is becoming their trademark: showing up when it counts.

Western Conference:

• Golden State Warriors proved they still have the fight. Their victory over the Memphis Grizzlies earned them the 7th seed and a place in the postseason.
• Dallas Mavericks, led by Luka Dončić, fought their way through Sacramento and then Memphis to claim the 8th seed — making the Western Conference bracket even more dangerous, despite losing Kyrie Irving to the Lakers in February."

What Did the 2025 Play-In Show Us?

• Motivation until the final game. Teams stay locked in until Game 82, knowing the 10th seed can still mean a chance at the playoffs.
• A second life. Teams like Miami and Dallas proved that a couple of clutch wins can completely change the narrative of a season.
• Tension and drama. Every Play-In game carries playoff-level pressure. It's one shot  -  and everything’s on the line.

Is the Format Fair?

Some argue that a 7th-place team shouldn’t have to risk elimination in a single game, while others feel a 10th seed shouldn’t get a second chance. But one thing is certain: the Play-In keeps things exciting  -  for fans, for teams, and for the league.

What Happens Now?

The playoffs have started, and Play-In teams are already testing the top seeds. If one of them manages to make it to the second round  -  or even further  -  it won’t just be a "feel-good" story. It will be proof that the Play-In isn’t just extra games  -  it’s a real part of the competitive journey.

A format that once looked temporary is now part of the NBA’s identity.

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines' leading carrier, officially launched on March 30 its highly anticipated Clark–El Nido route, further enhancing access to one of the country’s top beach destinations.

Water Cannon Salute

Passengers on the inaugural flight were greeted with giveaways upon arrival at El Nido Airport, where CEB hosted a brief ceremony to celebrate the milestone. The event was attended by ASec Regional Director Robbie Alabado, AiSwift President Fely Salvador, Ayala Land Estates Vice President Cris Zuluaga, El Nido Acting Municapal Administrator Engr Raul Maximo and El Nido Tourism Officer Shirlette Sumayo and CEBGO President and CEO & Cebu Pacific Chief Corporate Affairs Mike Shau.

“For years, El Nido has been a dream destination, yet for many, reaching it has been a challenge. Today, that changes. With this direct flight from Clark International Airport, we are removing barriers, connecting more travelers to this breathtaking paradise, and opening up new opportunities for tourism, business, and local economic growth,” Shau said in his speech during the celebration of the inaugural flight at El Nido Airport.

With the addition of the new route and the integration of AirSWIFT flights into CEB’s network, the airline will now operate the following routes to and from El Nido:

“Cebu Pacific’s strategic expansion at Clark International Airport reinforces Clark's role as a key economic driver. Enhancing connectivity to key domestic and international destinations will not only boost tourism but will also serve as a strong magnet for high-impact investments and employment opportunities for the region. We at the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) are committed to transforming Clark into an ecosystem that fuels the nation’s progress, and this partnership with Cebu Pacific is a significant step in that direction,” said BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang.

Cake Cutting Ceremony: ASec Regional Director Robbie Alabado, AirSwift President Fely Salvador, Ayala Land Estates Vice President Cris Zuluaga, El Nido Acting Municipal Administrator Engr Raul Maximo and El Nido Tourism Officer Shirlette Sumayo and CEBGO President and CEO & Cebu Pacific Chief Corporate Affairs Mike Shau.

As part of its 29^th anniversary festivities, CEB is offering travelers the chance to book flights across its network for as low as PHP 1 one-way base fare (exclusive of fees and surcharges) until March 31, 2025.

Whether it’s diving among Coron’s historic shipwrecks, parasailing in Boracay, lounging on Cebu’s white-sand beaches, or marveling at Bohol’s iconic Chocolate Hills, CEB is opening more opportunities for every Juan to explore the Philippines with its new routes and signature seat sales.

Passengers may use their existing Travel Funds to book flights and avail themselves of other add-ons. CEB also offers other payment options, including credit or debit cards and e-wallets. 

CEB currently flies to 37 domestic and 26 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. 

Book your seats now at www.cebupacificair.com.