It’s Game Time! One Mega Group’s New Sports Publication Debuts Today

The Game enters the playing field with everything there is to know about sports—from the games to the players, the sports industry, and more.

Whether recreational, competitive, or to stay fit, sports have always been an integral part of Philippine culture. In fact, thanks to pioneers like Manny Pacquiao, Efren “Bata” Reyes, and Hidilyn Diaz who have proudly represented the country on an international playing field, 6 major sports have taken center stage: basketball, boxing, tennis, football, billiards, and volleyball.

Thus catering to the Filipino’s love for sports, many businesses have followed suit with offerings to cater to their needs—from equipment to the proper attire and more. And with the sports industry in full swing, One Mega Group knew that it was high time to champion the true spirit of sports by debuting its sports-dedicated publication: The GAME.

Get Your Head in The GAME

Founded by James Leonard Cruz, The GAME is the third homegrown title to join the elite titles under the One Mega Group. With the aim of serving aspirational sports lifestyle stories that speak to the whole community, The Game plans on covering stories on all there is to know about sports.

When asked about his inspiration behind the brand Cruz shares, “There is no bigger inspiration for 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 deserve more love and we’re here to give that to them.”

“For many years, sports have been at the forefront of Filipino culture, bringing the country honor and its people something to aspire to. With the launching of The GAME, we hope to amplify and elevate the stories of all the people and events that make up the sports community through the lens of the Filipino experience,” says One Mega Group’s CEO, Archie Carrasco.

“I’m very excited to see the sports community have their stories told in a meaningful way, and to receive the love they truly deserve,” he adds.

The GAME Founder and Publisher James Leonard Cruz

From Sports to the People Behind the Scenes

A melting pot of all there is to know about sports, The GAME diversifies its content with not only the latest news and happenings in the industry, but also with stories on historical wins, and iconic narratives that feature various perspectives within the community.

But that’s not all. An ode to the athletes, the players, the teams, and their fighting spirit, The GAME also shines the spotlight on the people behind the sport—those who make each game possible. “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,” shares One MEGA Group’s AVP for Publishing Marga Tupaz.

A brand that’s close to her heart, she adds, “The GAME is a media brand that I believe in and am personally advocating for. There is so much more to sports than just competition. I’m not an athlete, but I am raising athletes. So I know a thing or two about intense training and competitions, dealing with setbacks and heartbreaks, and all the sacrifices athletes have to make for [the] love of the game.”

Designed to be an aspirational sports lifestyle media brand, The GAME aims to champion sports in the Philippines. “The sincere goal and mission of The GAME are to be able to play its part in elevating and upgrading the overall Filipino sports experience through socially responsible content and entertainment,” Cruz explains.

Meet the team behind The GAME

First Cover Issue

Cruz also adds that it is equally important to help the industry advance and grow in whatever capacity the media brand can. “Like any new young brand, we’re very eager to explore and meet with everyone to find out how we can work together as we believe one way or another that our mission ties us together through our mutual passion for sports.”

In line with that, The GAME captures the recent victory of the Philippine Women’s National Football Team (PWNFT) in its inaugural issue. A historical achievement for the country, the Philippine women’s team won the AFF Women’s Championship title in Southeast Asian football this year—a first since its bronze medal finish in 1985.

After further progressing into the semifinals, the team now qualifies for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which similarly, is the national team’s first participation at a FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament in its 42-year history.

By highlighting their groundbreaking win, the team behind The GAME wanted to honor and recognize the talent that Filipinas can offer as they continue to break barriers in the world of sports. “Putting them on the cover sends a clear message that The GAME is a new and fresh take on sports media,” he ends.

Now, let The GAMEs begin!

The GAME’s Editor-in-Chief Amanda Fernandez
The GAME’s Sports Writer Annika Caniza
The GAME’s Multimedia Artist, Ryan Paglinawan

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