Fujitsu Selects Cebu for Philippines Expansion

Fujitsu is expanding its Global Delivery Center (GDC) network with a new office in Cebu, which opens officially today. The satellite office is an extension of Fujitsu’s GDC in Manila. From the Manila office, which opened in 1993, Fujitsu delivers extensive services in Remote Infrastructure Management, Service Desk, Application Services and Business Process Outsourcing, primarily to customers in the Asia Pacific region, North America, Europe, the Middle East, India, Africa and Oceania. The teams working in Cebu will initially focus on providing Fujitsu customers with support in business application development.

With the highly skilled Philippines workforce supporting current and future software application, Fujitsu aims to help customers quickly, efficiently and cost-effectively develop, upgrade and maintain their business applications. The high proportion of Japanese speakers in the region was another key factor in Fujitsu’s decision to choose Cebu, and to create 400 new positions there over the next two years.

The new GDC satellite office is based in Cebu Business Park which aims to provide green space as well as business, lifestyle and leisure activities to create an inspiring environment. The city’s high population of well-educated, technically skilled people, who often boast multiple language skills, was a key factor for Fujitsu's decision.

The new center is officially opened today with a ceremony attended by the Undersecretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology of the Philippines (DICT), Monchito Ibrahim; the Head of the Consular Office of Japan in Cebu, Chiharu Tsuruoka; and a Philippine Economic Zone Authority Representative, Raymond Hava. On behalf of Fujitsu, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Delivery, Hidenori Furuta, as well as the Head of Fujitsu’s GDC in the Philippines, Arlene Gregorio, attended.

Arlene Gregorio, Head of Fujitsu’s GDC in the Philippines, said: "Our Global Delivery Centers are strategically located to offer customers access to a consistently high quality service and pool of dynamic and talented employees with high technical and multilingual skills. When expanding our GDC in the Philippines beyond Manila, Cebu was an obvious choice. We are fortunate that many Cebuanos speak Japanese, as well as being great software developers."

The worldwide network of Fujitsu Global Delivery Centers offer 24/7 coverage, 365 days a year, supporting more than 1.2 million end users, on over a million devices, in 40 languages. Fujitsu continues to grow its GDCs and aims to meet demand for skilled, high quality work from customers, across a wide range of industries.

Photo caption: From L-R: Arlene Gregorio, Head of Fujitsu’s Global Delivery Center in the Philippines, Hidenori Furuta, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Delivery, Monchito Ibrahim: Undersecretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology of the Philippines (DICT)

Sprout Solutions Underlines the Benefits of HR and Payroll Automation

Innovation, changing the way HR works
Sprout Solutions underlines the benefits of HR and payroll automation for businesses of all sizes

The recent ‘State of HR in the Philippines’ report published by Sprout Solutions ranked the major pain points Filipino HR (human resource) practitioners face. Garnering the most votes from a thousand participants are recruitment (56.90%), timekeeping (40.30%), and payroll (38.90%). These identified pain points, which can be really tedious and time-consuming, are actual problems for companies operating in the Philippines regardless of its size.

Good news is technology is continuously changing the business landscape. Today, these HR administrative tasks can be automated through cloud-based software solutions that positively impact productivity and efficiency -- generally improving a company’s bottom line.

According to Patrick Gentry, CEO and Co-founder of tech startup Sprout Solutions, companies are now recognizing the value of investing in software tools that streamline HR and payroll processes which ultimately, enhance productivity, develop employee-employer relations and meet the changing demands of today’s workplace.

“HR automation is now a huge deal for organizations as it can bring fundamental changes in the roles HR play for business growth. HR professionals can now spend more time establishing insights that provide added value for their workforce as technology gradually eliminates the administrative aspect of their job,” added Gentry.

With the Philippines having a total of thirty-two pay rates including night shift differential, overtime pay, holiday pay, among others, HR and payroll processing can get really complicated. Unfortunately, many business organizations are still doing these tasks manually making them prone to discrepancies, errors and even delays. Such inaccuracies are known to cause mistakes in the salary being paid, often resulting in an unhappy staff and strained relations between employees and employers. Meanwhile, from an operational cost standpoint, these incongruities can also lead to higher expenses.

Aside from that, a number of reports are also required from HR practitioners and/or payroll masters to comply with government mandatories. Filing of forms and getting updated reports from the agencies that monitor and collect employee income taxes and contributions can also get complicated especially for growing businesses.

Sprout Solutions, a provider of locally developed and global-quality HR and payroll software, addresses these major pain points through paradigm-changing solutions tailor-fitted for local enterprises.

The company offers customized solutions for its clients through its two modules: Sprout HR and Sprout Payroll. These programs are world-class software solutions that enable HR professionals to perform crucial tasks, both in payroll and HR, within a single dashboard.

Having all HR data reside on one integrated platform, Sprout makes it easier to track work in progress, daily attendance, leave requests, among others. Their comprehensive payroll system is also able to cut processing time by ninety percent.

Sprout’s cloud-based software tools enable organizations to efficiently comply with government requirements by making mandatory government forms accessible and downloadable (with encoded information) through the payroll module.

The tech startup is known to be the only solutions provider to truly automate complex payroll and timekeeping processes that exist for BPO companies and other time-sensitive industries in the Philippines. It has already earned the trust of more than 200 clients, composed of small businesses and some well-established industry players with thousands of employees and is the first Filipino company to be accepted by Acceleprise, a Silicon Valley enterprise SaaS accelerator. It has since expanded its operations to help businesses grow through its software solutions that address HR and payroll needs.

To know more about Sprout Solutions and its services, visit their website at https://sprout.ph/.

Jeremy Miado is Not Giving Up on His Title Dreams as He Gears Up for Cage Return

Jeremy “The Jaguar” Miado is part of a deep talent pool of Filipino mixed martial artists with huge potential, and his objective in the constantly-growing sport is to etch his name among the all-time greats.

Miado will take a big step towards fulfilling his dream to become the sport’s household name as he locks horns with undefeated Thai prospect Pongsiri “The Smiling Assassin” Mitsatit on the undercard of ONE: HERO’S DREAM, which takes place at the Thuwunna Indoor Stadium in Yangon, Myanmar on 3 November.

The three-round meeting with Mitsatit is a critical match for Miado as he is looking to get his career back on track after suffering a razor-thin split decision setback to compatriot Robin Catalan in his promotional debut this past April.

“I am happy that ONE Championship has given me the opportunity to showcase my talent on a global scale. My goal is to be a world champion. This is the first step in my road back to the winner’s circle. Soon, people will know who I am,” Miado stated.

“This is my big opportunity to show people my capabilities as a martial artist. I am very proud and blessed that they are giving me this chance again. For now, I will do my best and train hard,” he added.

Although he is still a relative newcomer to the game, Miado is armed with a strong boxing background as he made a name for himself as a boxer in the Bicol Region and garnered an incredible 32-2 amateur record.

Relocating to Manila two years ago, it was no surprise that success has followed him as Miado amassed an impressive mixed martial arts record of 6-0 since making his professional debut in January 2016.

Miado’s success rate has already seen him claim regional titles such as the Blaze FC strawweight championship belt in December 2016.

The 24-year-old Filipino standout currently hones his craft at Underground Battle MMA Gym in Marikina City, where he is mostly training in anticipation of his second promotional bout under the ONE Championship banner.

As Miado seeks to earn his first win in ONE Championship, a tough task is in front of him as Mitsatit will look to build the momentum to produce on what promises to be a sensational mixed martial arts career against the Filipino.

Mitsatit took the world by storm in 2016 after winning his highly-anticipated first ONE Championship appearance when he defeated Myanmar's Ye Thway Ne in dominating fashion.

The 21-year-old native of Chiang Mai, Thailand followed up his impressive first ONE Championship appearance with a first-round stoppage victory over Filipino Wushu champion Rabin “The Rock” Catalan at ONE: WARRIOR KINGDOM last March.

“My opponent is an outstanding striker, but I am focusing on my ground [skills]. I am a striker, but I know what his skills are,” Miado said of his opponent. “I think his game plan will be to use his striking to overwhelm me. I am practicing my defense in the stand-up. But he needs to watch out for my takedown attempts.”

Miado has a burning desire to become a world champion someday and knows that he must pass his test against Mitsatit as another loss could set him back considerably.

“My goal is to become a world champion. I want to be at the top here. Eduard Folayang was my idol when I started in this sport, and now he is the ONE Lightweight World Champion, so it shows I can do it. I will be going for the belt,” he declared.

Miado is confident that he will be able to translate his winning roll in the local Philippine mixed martial arts scene into the ONE Championship cage.

“I want to compete because this is my passion. Manny Pacquiao is a superstar in boxing. Everybody knows him. My plan is to do my best to have a name like his in ONE Championship,” he ended.

​​For more updates on ONE Championship, please visit www.onefc.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @ONEChampionship, and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ONEChampionship.

Duterte on PUV Modernization Program of DOTr

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) welcomes the statement of support of President Rodrigo Duterte on the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program. The President’s support is definitely a boost to the program, which aims to provide our commuters a convenient, safe and environment-friendly mode of transport.

We draw our strength and energy from the President’s constant reminder to always be guided by the public good and give the Filipino people the service they deserve.

We are one with the President in effecting badly needed reforms in the public transportation sector. Rest assured that we will not stop until these reforms are put into effect.

Further, we are happy to note that most, if not all, transport groups and cooperatives, with the exception of PISTON, are supportive of modernizing our public transport system.

Nonetheless, the DOTr remains open to fostering a more productive relationship with various transport groups, and welcomes healthy dialogues to bring the level of discourse to a more sensible discussion.

Moving forward, we would like to appeal for the support of all the stakeholders in this endeavor. The PUV Modernization Program is long overdue and Filipino commuters have suffered enough. Let us make this program happen for them.


With the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), everybody benefits - from drivers, operators and most especially the millions of commuters.

The President’s fervid support of modernization goes back to the attempts of previous administrations to whose attempts to do the same but had been thwarted due to similar ideologically based transport strikes and protests.

However, when public good is at stake, the Duterte administration will not compromise. This is the message of the President’s speech yesterday. It underscores the national leadership’s strong political will and decisive stance to initiate reform in the public transportation sector.

Government is open to more healthy dialogue, discussion and responsible engagements with transport groups that wish to learn and contribute to the development of the PUV Modernization Program.

This is a wide window of opportunity for everyone -- drivers, the operators, the riding public. The public needs to discern that some ideological influences can derail the greater good. Let us move forward towards the comfortable life that PRRD is fighting for.

A Standing Ovation for Asia’s Got Talent Season 2 Premiere

AXN takes top spot as the #1 international channel in the Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore collectively.

It’s a YES! from Asia.

The premiere of AXN’s highly anticipated Asia’s Got Talent Season 2 topped ratings among all regional Pay TV channels in the Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore collectively during the show’s debut on Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 8:30pm.
Billed as the biggest talent competition in the world, Asia’s Got Talent features some of the region’s most breathtaking, jaw-dropping, and mind-blowing performing artists competing for the coveted winning title and a USD100,000 grand prize. The premiere episode was a kaleidoscope of quirky characters and stunning talents, with many acts winning the hearts of judges David Foster, Anggun, and newcomer Jay Park. In a surprise twist, Jay was the first judge to push the Golden Buzzer for the Kyrgyz dance group ADEM whose animated performance racked up 10.2 million views on AXN Asia’s Facebook page in just four days.

In the Philippines, the Asia’s Got Talent premiere improved the timeslot average by seven times and secured AXN at #1 in its timeslot, commanding a 60 per cent share among 21 English General Entertainment channels.

In Malaysia, Asia’s Got Talent took the spotlight as the #1 English program of the day on pay-TV, outperforming the season one premiere rating by 50 per cent. AXN dominated the timeslot with a 49 per cent share across 11 English General Entertainment channels.

In Singapore, Asia’s Got Talent led the ratings chart in its timeslot among all English Pay TV channels, delivering a strong 128 per cent growth versus the timeslot average.

“Asia’s Got Talent is the only show in the world that unites the region in a celebration of vibrant cultural diversity and breathtaking talent that truly shines. We’re proud to provide such an incredible platform on AXN in which to showcase a whole new generation of talent and are thrilled to have the support of our Asian viewers to help launch the next global superstars,” said Virginia Lim, Senior Vice President and Head of Content, Production and Marketing, Sony Pictures Television Networks, Asia.
Each act competing in Asia’s Got Talent will have to receive at least two “Yeses” from the esteemed celebrity judges, comprising 16 time Grammy-winning Canadian musician David Foster, Indonesian rock icon Anggun, and Korean American singer/rapper Jay Park. The three judges must select the most dazzling performances from thousands of hopefuls hailing from 15 territories across Asia. Those who make it to the semi-finals will contend with the ‘fourth judge’, AXN viewers who will ultimately decide the winner of Asia’s Got Talent.

Asia’s Got Talent spans 10 weekly episodes, including five audition episodes, three semi-finals, a finale episode and a results gala. Connect with the judges, hosts, and your favorite contestants through videos and photos on Asia’s Got Talent Facebook, Instagram and YouTube platforms. #AsiasGotTalent

Asia’s Got Talent is the 67th adaptation of the Guinness World Record-breaking hit “Got Talent” format, which was created by Simon Cowell’s Syco Entertainment and is co-produced by FremantleMedia. The “Got Talent” format is officially the most successful reality TV format in history and currently airs in 186 countries.

Asia’s Got Talent is supported by presenting sponsor Traveloka, the leading travel booking app for all flight and hotel needs; and sponsoring partner Great Eastern Life, the market leader in the conventional life insurance business and the largest life insurer in Malaysia by asset size.
In the Philippines, Asia’s Got Talent is brought to you by Cherifer Tangkad Sagad!, KFC Delivery, and Vivo Smart Phone.

Marina Bay Sands, Asia’s leading business, leisure and entertainment destination, is the official venue partner of Asia’s Got Talent.

Asia’s Got Talent Season 2 broadcasts every Thursday at 8:30pm on AXN.

@AsiasGotTalent / #AXNAsia / #AsiasGotTalent / #AsiasGotTalentAuditions
www.AXN-Asia.com/AsiasGotTalent

AXN is available on Cablelink Channel 38, Cignal Channel 121, Destiny Cable Channel 61, Dream Satellite TV Channel 20, G Sat Channel 51, and SKYCable Channel 49. AXN HD is available on SKYCable Channel 247.

NAIA Improves Passenger Satisfaction Ratings

Reforms in the NAIA have finally bore fruits. 

According to a survey released to "The Guide To Sleeping In Airports" travel website released on Sunday, October 15, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is no longer included in the top 20 worst airports in the world, and even in the top 5 worst airports in Asia 2017. 

It can be remembered that on the same survey conducted during the past administration and released in October 2016, NAIA used to be among the world’s worst airports, landing on the 5th place.

Such placement was attributed to the issue of  “laglag-bala”, which was among the main complaints of travelers especially by OFWs, but was addressed during the first 100 days of the Duterte administration.

Meanwhile, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur P. Tugade welcomed this improvement, but said that this is just the beginning. Secretary Tugade reminded that the DOTr must not be complacent as there are many things yet to be done and improved at the NAIA.

"Work, work, work lang. While it is good that we are not listed among the worst, let us work even harder to be included amongst the best," Secretary Tugade said. "We should be careful that we do not backslide. The show must go on -- and better!," he added

For his part, Manila International Airports Authority (MIAA) General Manager Ed Monreal says this result is only as good as the last race. 

"The bigger challenge is to maintain or even surpass our achievement," GM Monreal said.  

It can be remembered that NAIA earned the ‘world’s worst airport’ title from 2011 to 2013. In 2014, it landed in the 4th place. It was not included in the top 10 worst airports in the world in 2015, but landed 8th worst airport in Asia. 

Meanwhile, four Philippine airports again joined the list of the top 25 best airports in Asia for this year, 2017. They are: Iloilo International Airport, Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Clark International Airport, and Davao International Airport. 

Among the reforms implemented in the NAIA during the Duterte Administration were the restriction on general aviation to prioritize commercial flights and reduce flight delays; the imposition of the five-minute rule [where pilots who declare they are ready to take off must depart within the prescribed time or they would be put back at the back of the queue] to reduce flight delays and instill discipline among airlines; the construction of Rapid Exit Taxiways to allow an aircraft to leave the runway at higher speed and increase flight movements; provision of  cleaner toilets additional seats, free Wi-Fi, and Well-Wishers’ Area. Regular taxis were also allowed to queue and pick-up passengers at designated points in NAIA terminals to address shortage of taxi units servicing passengers. 

Further, since the new administration took over, there has been no single incidence of a passenger missing a flight for possessing a bullet. Passengers no longer feel the need to wrap bags and luggages in plastic or masking tapes.

Tees On Trend: The Tee Party Commences with the Annual SM Youth Tee Festival

Childhood symbols become young adult emblems as SM Youth rolls out their yearly-awaited SM Youth Tee Festival T-shirt drop. The Tee has been a classic symbol of youth and self-expression, as generations have taken to the classic style piece and dressed it up and down according to their style. It's not a surprise to find a multitude of Tees in every youth's closet, and the yearly SM Youth Tee Festival allows SM Youth's loyal following to stock up on Tee drops as featured T-shirts can be bought with special discounts.

But first, the collection. SM Youth is out to make Mickey cool again—every kid's favorite mouse bids for teen squad status as Mickey Mouse prints appear in select SM Youth T-shirts. It's a pop art fix waiting to be satisfied: Mickey Mouse cartoons are rendered as T-shirt patterns, some illustrated in his classic red trousers-yellow shoe look, others showing a more minimalist interpretation of the motley mouse in graphic black and white. In a supporting role, other youth prints make the cut as well: cartoon cacti patches and other Instagram emoji fodder play the star in a line of multicolored basic tees. SM Youth Ambassador Kaila Estrada fronts the campaign as she is joined by the winner of the SM Youth Go-See Contest, Erika Kristensen.

Styling a tee can be turned into the easiest fashion hack as the versatile pieces covers all areas of the style spectrum: cuffed ripped jeans, vintage socks and skater sneaks speak of '80s streets, while a monochrome two-piece suit is an ode to the gods of high-low fashion. Any way you want to wear your SM Youth tee, it'll look like it's made just for you.

Shop SM Youth tees at a massive discount with the SM Youth Tee Festival. From September until October 31, slash up to P200 off the total price of three (3) tees. That's an annual treat you wouldn't wanna miss out on. Shop SM Youth T-shirts at all The SM Store branches nationwide. Visit facebook.com/SMYouthLifestyle or on Twitter and Instagram at @SM_Youth for more details on the Tee Festival and other promos.

Bring On The Tees: Bring Out the Excitement in Stocking Up On Shirts at the SM Men Tee Festival

So much talk is given about men in suits, but how about men in shirts? In the realm of menswear, you can't spell "style" without a tee, and SM Men's annual Tee Festival lets avid tee enthusiasts in on the chance to score stylish T-shirts at a great price. After all, what's guy style without a shirt? Today, even basic tees are given a new spin—whether it be in colors, fit or silhouette—fit for any kind of style, so no man can ever give a valid excuse for not stocking up on his new shirt pile.

This year, pieces offered for the SM Men Tee Festival are decidedly intellectual: Ivy League sensibilities matched with unexpectedly stylish basics seen in Palo Alto startup geniuses. Tailored tees, pastel palettes and subtle pattern details all come together for Tee offerings that reminisce proper golf matches and drinks by the country club. Pastel polo shirts, tie-around sweaters and stately stripes are mixed along with generic tees in dark colors and Zuckerberg hoodies in somber shades. As a most-fitting wildcard, woodsmith denim patches are sewn onto basic black shirts, adding a more casual industrial mood to an otherwise academic collection.

Wear each piece modified according to your style: match light-colored shirts to tattered jeans to balance out the prep school vibe, or carry a hip hop beat with hoodies and dark shirts worn with jogger pants and the flashiest high-top sneakers. The great thing about shirts is, you can wear them any way you want.

Until October 31, the SM Men Tee Festival gives you great deals on the most stylish shirts. You can get up to P200 off on the total of three (3) shirts purchased. An annual sale not to be missed, head on to the SM Men section at every branch of The SM Store nationwide.

Visit facebook.com/SMMensfashion or on Twitter and Instagram at @SM_Men for more details on the summer collection and other promos.

Beat Acne with Proactiv

As per consumer perception, it is without any doubt that Proactiv is the trusted and reliable acne product.

I have not heard of any other product with equal popularity and acceptance. Many brands have tried to reach similar  status but have failed. Proactivly has truly put itself above everyone else when it comes to effective acne cure.

Filipinos are very particular about the types of products that they use on their skin. They like to read about various brands and even try different products to find out what works best for their skin type.

Everyone wants to have flawless skin. Yet, it is quite a challenge considering the pollution we encounter almost everyday on the streets, whether in Metro Manila or even at the provinces, where pollution caused by factories, transport  vehicles, smoking are becoming prominent now that almost everyone can now afford to buy vehicles. Our lifestyle is also a struggle because of the proliferation of oily, fatty and other harmful diet that does not contribute to healthy skin. Therefore we are forever haunted by pimples.

Those little bumps can make or break one’s confidence. Teens for instance, prefer to stay home when they have pimple problems because it is easily noticed by their peers.

My teenage daughter is so bewildered by the non-stop presence of pimples in her face. I try to explain to her that almost everyone goes through the same phase on life but pimples really does bring down confidence especially when facing an audience during talks, meeting with people or speaking engagements at school.

America’s #1 acne treatment system has been helping Filipinos with pimple problems regain their confidence. The Proactiv Solution clears problematic spots and prevents acne before it starts for a fresh-looking, blemish-free skin. The solution kit is composed of several products developed by top international dermatologists and covers a 3-Step System the guarantees a clear and healthy skin.

Available at Watsons and SM Department Stores, Proactiv has 30-Day kit (Php 2,495) for first time users who wish to try the product and a 60-Day kit (Php 3,995) for those who have been enjoying Proactiv’s many benefits. Proactiv offers a money-back guarantee.

With Proactiv Solution, more people now have the chance to fight back on acne.

Additional Bouts Announced for One: Legends of the World in Manila

The largest sports media property in Asian history, ONE Championship™ (ONE), has just announced additional bouts for ONE: LEGENDS OF THE WORLD, set for 10 November at the state-of-the-art Mall of Asia Arena in Manila. Fans will be treated to another exciting evening of authentic martial arts action as the best martial arts talent in the world take the ONE Championship cage. In the main event, reigning ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard Folayang will defend his title against ONE Featherweight World Champion Martin Nguyen. In the co-main event, ONE Flyweight World Champion Adriano Moraes will take on rising star Danny Kingad of Team Lakay.

Ticket information for ONE: LEGENDS OF THE WORLD is available at www.onefc.com.

Eduard “Landslide” Folayang, of the legendary Team Lakay in Baguio City, is one of the Philippines’ most experienced martial artists. After nearly a decade of competing in various promotions, the multiple-time SEA Games Wushu gold medallist has amassed an impressive 18-5 professional record. The 33-year-old veteran is currently riding a four-bout winning streak against high-profile opponents, including an emphatic technical knockout victory over Japanese legend Shinya Aoki to capture the ONE Lightweight World Championship in 2016. Showcasing a highly-improved wrestling and grappling arsenal, Folayang then defeated top challenger Ev Ting in his first title defense last April. Now set to return to the ONE Championship cage in Manila, Folayang will face ONE Featherweight World Champion Martin Nguyen in a cross-divisional showdown.

28-year-old Martin “The Situ-Asian” Nguyen of Sydney, Australia, is a highly-skilled finisher and one of the most talented featherweights in martial arts. In his most recent bout, Nguyen stepped into the ONE Championship cage last August, scoring the biggest victory of his career when he stopped former undefeated featherweight champion Marat “Cobra” Gafurov in Kuala Lumpur to capture the ONE Featherweight World Championship. Sporting a 9-1 professional record, Nguyen’s all-around skill set allows him to compete at the highest level of competition. In a much-anticipated battle between division champions, Nguyen is set to challenge the Philippines’ Eduard Folayang for the ONE Lightweight World Championship, and attempt to become the first double-division World Champion in ONE history.

28-year-old Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes of Brazil is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt with well-rounded striking and grappling skills. He is the undisputed ONE Flyweight World Champion, and one of the most highly-skilled and dominant world champions in martial arts. Rarely opposed in the ONE Championship cage, Moraes thoroughly defeated former champion Kairat Akhmetov in an epic rematch last August, snapping the Kazakhstani’s perfect 23-bout win streak and reclaiming his belt. He is now set to defend his title against rising star Danny Kingad.

An unbeaten flyweight from Team Lakay, Danny “The King” Kingad is a regional wushu champion and martial artist with a perfect professional record of 5-0. A true warrior from the mountains of the Philippines and one of the top prospects to come out of Baguio City, Kingad is a tremendous striker who possesses well-rounded grappling skills. In his most recent bout, Kingad turned in a complete performance, putting his wide range of techniques on full display in a unanimous decision victory over Malaysia’s Muhammad Aiman. The impressive victory earned Kingad a shot at the ONE Flyweight World Championship, as he next meets defending champion Adriano Moraes.

Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon of the famed Team Lakay in Baguio City, Philippines, is one of the country’s most talented martial artists. With a professional record of 16-5, the Filipino champion and former world title challenger is known as a fierce competitor with the ability to finish opponents in a variety of methods. The 29-year old wushu stalwart owns seven huge knockouts on his resume, and is one of the most feared strikers in ONE Championship’s deep bantamweight division. In his last bout, Belingon stopped a top contender in Reece McLaren of Australia with a volley of devastating strikes. He now takes on another tough task ahead in Kevin Chung.

Kevin “Old Boy” Chung is a 24-year-old South Korean martial artist who was born and raised in the United States. He began his amatuer career in his adoptive hometown of Centreville, Virginia, in 2010, and has since impressed with his spectacular performances inside the cage. Chung turned professional in 2015, and currently holds a perfect professional record of 4-0, with two of his four career wins having come by way of spectacular stoppage. Chung prides himself on being an exciting competitor, willing to please the crowd by constantly seeking the highlight-reel finish. He is set to face feared striker Kevin Belingon next.

34-year-old Alex “Little Rock” Silva of Sao Paulo, Brazil, is a second-degree Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and world champion with a professional record of 5-1. Silva is riding high on a four-bout winning streak, rapidly climbing ONE Championship’s stacked flyweight ranks. He is a technical grappling specialist with a penchant for securing highlight-reel submission finishes. With steadily increasing confidence, Silva’s last four victories have ended in spectacular fashion. In his next outing, Silva takes on Japanese warrior Hayato Suzuki.

31-year-old Hayato Suzuki of Saitama, Japan, is a veteran martial artist with an unblemished professional record of 17-0 with two draws. Spending the majority of his career competing in his native Japan, Suzuki is known as a highly-skilled competitor with the ability to finish his foes with heavy knockout power and technical grappling skills. Out of 17 wins, Suzuki has finished 12 of his opponents, including seven by submission and five by knockout. In his most recent bout, Suzuki submitted former world title challenger Joshua Pacio in the first round. He is now set to face fellow grappler, Alex Silva.

Top Filipino women’s martial arts contender Gina “Conviction” Iniong of Baguio City, Philippines, is a six-time national wushu champion and member of the renowned Team Lakay. She owns a professional martial arts record of 5-2, with three of her five victories coming by thrilling finish, including two highlight-reel submissions and one knockout. In her last bout, Iniong impressed in her ONE Championship debut, defeating tough competitor Natalie Gonzales Hills by unanimous decision.

Female martial artist Priscilla Hertati Lumban Gaol of Jakarta, Indonesia, is an Indonesian national wushu champion who has trained in various striking disciplines such as kickboxing and wushu. The 29-year-old made her ONE Championship debut against Singapore’s Tiffany Teo at ONE: THRONE OF TIGERS last February, joining a growing list of elite female martial artists in Asia. Gaol will look to emerge triumphant in her next appearance inside the ONE Championship cage, when she takes on the Philippines’ Gina Iniong.

31-year-old Anatpong Bunrad of Thailand is one of the most talented strikers in the promotion’s deep flyweight division. He utilizes lightning quick and powerful strikes to subdue his opponents with sheer aggression, but also possesses the ability to finish on the ground with solid submission skills. In his most recent bout, Bunrad dropped a close split decision to Filipino rival Geje Eustaquio. Bunrad is looking for redemption inside the ONE Championship cage, as he takes on the highly-regarded Reece McLaren.

26-year-old Reece “Lightning” McLaren is a Filipino-Australian martial artist from Toowoomba, Australia, who sports a professional record of 9-5. He made his ONE Championship debut in 2015 with a spectacular submission victory over top bantamweight contender Mark Striegl, and then followed up that win with a unanimous decision victory over highly-regarded talent Muin Gafurov. In December of 2016, McLaren challenged Bibiano Fernandes for the ONE Bantamweight World Championship, falling just short of victory by way of split decision. Next for McLaren is a move to the flyweight division, as he faces top divisional talent Anatpong Bunrad.

21-year-old Joshua Pacio of Baguio City is a top martial arts talent with a professional record of 9-2. He is one of the Philippines’ most talented strawweights and a member of the famed Team Lakay. A rising star in Asian martial arts, Pacio is a wushu practitioner with a solid grappling repertoire. All but one of his career victories have come by spectacular finish, which includes five wins by submission and three by devastating knockout. A former ONE Strawweight World Championship Title Challenger, Pacio is looking to bring himself back to title contention with a victory. A tough task is ahead of Pacio, however, as he is slated to lock horns with countryman Roy Doliguez.

35-year-old Roy “The Dominator” Doliguez is considered one of the top strawweights in ONE Championship. Doliguez, a former professional boxing champion with more than 40 pro bouts, made his ONE Championship debut in 2015, vying for the inaugural ONE Strawweight World Championship against former champion Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke. In his most recent bout, Doliguez scored the biggest win of his career, stopping Brazilian stalwart Yago Bryan via third-round knockout. His next bout will be against fellow Filipino warrior Joshua Pacio.

Kicking off an exciting card at ONE: LEGENDS OF THE WORLD, Chinese featherweight Xie Chao will take on Malaysia’s Kelvin Ong. Xie was victorious in his most recent contest, submitting Marc Marcellinus with a first-round kimura in his promotional debut at ONE CHAMPIONSHIP: SHANGHAI. Ong, who trains alongside Ann “Athena” Osman and AJ “Pyro” Lias Mansor at Borneo Tribal Squad, will try his best to derail Xie’s winning ways in one of the evening’s preliminary bouts.

Also featured in the prelims is a classic clash of grappler versus striker, as China’s national wrestling champion Peng Xue Wen takes on three-time national Kun Khmer champion Phat Soda of Cambodia in a three-round strawweight bout.

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