Pinoy Pride at Stake! KDM and VF Advance to CrossFire: Legends Championship Semi-Finals in Manila

The heat is on as the CrossFire: Legends Championship (CFLC) 2025-2026 enters its final, heart-pounding stretch right here in our home turf. 

After months of intense, high-stakes competition, two of our very own Philippine teams, KDM and VF (Vanguard Familia), have officially secured their spots in the Semi-Finals this February 7, 2026.

The road to the championship title is now a regional battle for supremacy, as our local heroes prepare to face off against Vietnam’s top-tier teams, EVO and HF (HeartFire).

Only four teams remain, each now just one series away from the Grand Finals. This sets the stage for a highly anticipated regional clash between two of Southeast Asia’s strongest competitive markets. 

The road to the CFLC Grand Finals culminates in Manila this February. As CrossFire: Legends cements its status as an international esports powerhouse, the on-site battleground of matches will be broadcasted live. Surpassing 12 million unique viewers globally, the world’s eyes turn to Southeast Asia.

On February 8, the inaugural regional champion will be crowned, claiming the lion's share of a $45,000 final prize pool. The Semi Finals represent the final test of grit and strategy for the remaining teams in their quest for regional immortality.

The inaugural championship has narrowed to a regional powerhouse showdown between the Philippines and Vietnam, proving that the standard of Southeast Asian play has reached a fever pitch.

While the team play has been elite, individuals like Woopie (KDM) have stolen the spotlight, setting a blistering 30-elimination benchmark that serves as a warning to the rest of the field. 

This weekend, the "standard" goes out the window as the pressure of the Grand Finals takes over. With no second chances left, we are about to find out who has the grit to become an eternal part of esports history.

The stage is set for a decisive weekend as anticipation builds toward the final battles that will determine who makes history as the inaugural champion.

Fans across Southeast Asia and beyond are invited to witness the tournament’s final weekend and support their favorite teams as they battle for regional supremacy. Tune in on February 7 for the Semi Finals and don’t miss the Grand Finals on February 8, where a new champion will be crowned.

For the latest updates and match information, follow CrossFire: Legends Esports on Facebook (cflesportsglobal), TikTok (@cflesports), Instagram (@cflesportsglb), and YouTube (cflesports).

About CrossFire: Legends

Crossfire: Legends is the official mobile adaptation of Crossfire, the globally recognized, highly beloved first-person shooter (FPS) game by South Korean video game company Smilegate. Developed by TiMi Studio Group and published by Level Infinite, the game brings the original PC version's core mechanics, competitive intensity, and tactical gameplay to mobile, fully reimagined for on-the-go experiences. Crossfire: Legends offers fast-paced multiplayer modes such as Search & Destroy and Team Deathmatch, with compact map designs and quick respawn mechanics prioritizing high-stakes, skill-based combat. Built on the Unity engine, Crossfire: Legends features optimized performance across various mobile devices and supports extensive customization, including control layouts, aim sensitivity, and gyroscope calibration.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

Join PetroSync API Training to Minimize Risk and Ensure Compliance

 Join PetroSync API Training to ensure compliance, reduce operational risk, boost team productivity, and stay ahead of competitors in regulated industries.

In today’s industrial landscape, compliance is no longer just a regulatory requirement—it is a competitive advantage. As a business leader, you already know how thin the line is between operational excellence and costly failure. One overlooked inspection, one unqualified decision, or one delayed response can be enough for clients to quietly move their trust—and contracts—to your competitors.

The question is not whether risk exists, but how prepared your organization is to manage it.

When One Compliance Failure Is All It Takes to Lose Market Trust

Imagine this scenario. Your operation runs smoothly, deadlines are met, and clients appear satisfied. Then a single compliance issue surfaces—an inspection gap, a documentation error, or a non-conformity with API standards. Suddenly, your client starts asking uncomfortable questions.

In regulated industries such as oil and gas, trust is fragile. Clients expect you to operate not only efficiently, but also safely and in full compliance with international standards. When that expectation is broken, competitors who already invest in certified professionals are ready to step in.

This is why industry leaders prioritize formal certifications such as API 570 Training, which equips piping inspectors with the skills to identify risks early and ensure system integrity. Well-trained teams reduce inspection errors, improve reporting accuracy, and strengthen your company’s credibility in the eyes of regulators and stakeholders. Learn more about the program here: 👉 API 570 Training

How Competitors Are Quietly Moving Faster With Smarter, AI-Driven Operations

While compliance is critical, speed and efficiency increasingly define market leadership. Many companies are now combining skilled human expertise with AI-powered tools—such as internal chatbot AI systems—to support decision-making and daily operations.

According to multiple industry studies, AI chatbots can increase team productivity by up to 30–40% by reducing repetitive tasks, accelerating access to technical information, and supporting faster troubleshooting. For your engineers and inspectors, this means less time searching for standards and more time focusing on high-value work.

Operational efficiency also improves significantly. AI-assisted workflows help standardize procedures, reduce human error, and shorten response times during inspections and maintenance planning. Over time, these improvements translate into measurable cost savings—lower downtime, fewer reworks, and reduced operational risk.

However, technology alone is not enough. AI tools are only effective when used by professionals who fully understand API codes and inspection principles. That is where certified training becomes the foundation that technology builds upon.

The Hidden Cost of Untrained Teams: Delays, Rework, and Rising Operational Risk

Many organizations underestimate the true cost of undertrained teams. The impact is not always immediate, but it accumulates quietly—missed corrosion indicators, incorrect assessment of pressure vessels, or delayed maintenance decisions.

For example, without proper knowledge of API pressure vessel standards, teams may take overly conservative actions that increase downtime, or worse, overlook critical defects that lead to safety incidents. This is why API 510 Training remains essential for companies operating pressure vessels in high-risk environments.

Professionals who complete this training are better equipped to:

• Reduce unplanned shutdowns through accurate inspection planning
• Improve asset reliability and lifecycle management
• Support faster, data-driven decisions that align with regulatory expectations

You can explore the course details here: 👉 API 510 Training

The same principle applies to specialized areas such as refractory systems and storage tanks. Lack of expertise in these areas often leads to premature failures and costly repairs.

API 936 Training helps engineers and inspectors ensure refractory materials are designed, installed, and inspected correctly, minimizing heat loss and structural degradation. 👉 API 936 Training

API 653 Training enables tank inspectors to maintain storage integrity, prevent leaks, and avoid regulatory penalties that can severely damage your reputation. 👉 API 653 Training

Why Industry Leaders Invest Early in API Training to Stay Ahead

Successful companies do not wait for incidents to justify training. They invest early—before problems arise—because they understand that prevention is always cheaper than correction.

By enrolling your team in PetroSync API Training programs, you are not just ticking a compliance box. You are strengthening your organization’s ability to:

• Increase team productivity through structured knowledge and standardized practices
• Improve operational efficiency by reducing delays, rework, and uncertainty
• Achieve long-term cost savings by minimizing failures, downtime, and compliance penalties

When combined with modern tools such as AI chatbots, certified professionals become even more effective. They know what questions to ask, how to validate AI-generated insights, and how to make decisions that protect both safety and profitability.

In a market where competitors are constantly improving, standing still is not a neutral choice—it is a risk. By investing in API training today, you send a clear signal to clients, regulators, and partners: your business is committed to excellence, compliance, and long-term sustainability.

And in an industry where trust defines success, that commitment makes all the difference.

About PetroSync Global Internasional

PetroSync was established in Singapore in 2010 and began its expansion into Indonesia in 2013. To this day, PetroSync has become a leading oil and gas training provider, with a participant passing rate as high as 90%.

 

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

Xpress Super App Leads Electric Moto-Taxi Shift with Backing from Aboitiz Power Group and Longtime Partner Cebuana Lhuillier

 

 Manila, Philippines — Xpress Super App is asserting a leadership role in the country’s shift toward cleaner mobility by operationalizing a scalable electric moto-taxi model using VOLTAI electric motorcycles under the Aboitiz Power Group, integrated directly into its high-frequency ride-hailing ecosystem.

While electric mobility has gained global momentum, large-scale adoption in emerging markets has often been constrained by fragmented execution. Xpress’ strategy addresses this gap by focusing on deployment at volume, targeting two-wheel transport—one of the most widely used and economically critical mobility segments in the Philippines.

“The challenge today is no longer whether electric vehicles work, but how quickly they can be deployed where they matter most,” Xpress shared. “Two-wheel ride-hailing offers the fastest path to scale, efficiency, and everyday relevance.”

Platform-led execution over pilot programs

As an active mobility platform, Xpress anchors its electric rollout on operational fundamentals rather than isolated trials. The platform brings together:

Consistent, high-frequency ride demand suited for electric two-wheel use

Integrated operations aligned with real passenger and driver behavior

Repeatable deployment discipline that allows expansion across cities

VOLTAI electric motorcycles are engineered for Philippine road conditions and continuous daily use, enabling Xpress to introduce EVs without compromising service reliability or rider comfort.

Institutional confidence strengthens long-term direction

The initiative is reinforced by the continued backing of Cebuana Lhuillier, a longtime partner of Xpress that has supported the platform’s growth and sustainability direction over time. This alignment reflects shared confidence in Xpress’ ability to scale cleaner mobility solutions responsibly and commercially.

Rather than positioning sustainability as a short-term initiative, Xpress and its institutional partners are advancing electric mobility as a long-horizon strategy—one that improves everyday transport while contributing to broader environmental goals.

A scalable blueprint for Philippine mobility

By embedding electric two-wheel vehicles directly into an operating ride-hailing platform, Xpress is positioning electric moto-taxis as a commercially viable and repeatable model, particularly suited for dense urban centers and tourism-driven markets.

The collaboration signals a broader shift in Philippine mobility: clean transport adoption is now being driven by platform execution, institutional backing, and real-world economics, with Xpress at the center of that transition.

About Xpress Super App

Xpress Super App is a Philippines-based mobility and lifestyle platform designed for high-density cities and tourism-driven markets across Southeast Asia. The platform integrates ride-hailing, digital payments, and on-ground services into a single, scalable ecosystem built for everyday use. Purpose-built for local operating conditions, Xpress focuses on high-frequency transport—particularly two-wheel mobility—while accelerating the shift toward cleaner and more efficient electric vehicle solutions. By aligning platform demand with financial and mobility partners, Xpress treats sustainability as a commercial advantage, not a compromise. With a growing presence across key Philippine cities and island destinations, Xpress is building a modern mobility network that prioritizes accessibility, reliability, and real-world performance.

 

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

Join PetroSync API Training and Become a Certified Industry Expert

 

Join PetroSync API Training to boost team productivity, improve operational efficiency, and stay ahead of competitors with certified industry expertise.

In today’s industrial landscape, competition no longer comes only from price or scale. It comes from speed, precision, and certified expertise. While many business leaders believe experience alone is enough, reality often proves otherwise. The companies that move faster are the ones whose teams are trained, certified, and aligned with global standards.

If your competitors are already investing in API-certified professionals, the real question is not whether you should act—but how long you can afford to wait.

When Your Competitors Move Faster, Certification Is No Longer Optional

You may not see it immediately, but the gap starts small. A competitor closes inspections faster. Their shutdown planning runs smoother. Their audits raise fewer questions. Over time, these small wins compound into stronger client trust and larger contracts.

Behind the scenes, many of these advantages come from teams trained under recognized standards such as API codes. When your engineers understand inspection requirements deeply and apply them correctly, decision-making becomes faster and more confident. Productivity increases because teams no longer debate interpretations—they execute with clarity.

This is why many industry leaders prioritize structured programs like API 570 Training and API 510 Training to keep their operations aligned with international expectations.

How Outdated Technical Decisions Quietly Drain Your Operational Budget

Operational inefficiency rarely announces itself. It appears as repeated inspections, unnecessary repairs, conservative shutdown decisions, or extended downtime “just to be safe.” Each decision seems reasonable—until you calculate the cumulative cost.

Certified teams reduce these hidden expenses. With proper API knowledge, inspections become more targeted, maintenance planning more accurate, and asset life predictions more reliable. Many organizations report significant cost savings by avoiding over-maintenance and minimizing unplanned outages.

At the same time, forward-looking companies are integrating AI-powered chatbots into their workflows—supporting inspection data access, documentation retrieval, and internal knowledge sharing. When combined with certified human expertise, chatbot AI helps teams work faster, improves collaboration, and boosts operational efficiency without adding headcount.

The Hidden Risk of Uncertified Teams in High-Stakes Industrial Operations

Beyond cost and efficiency lies a bigger concern: risk. In high-pressure environments—tanks, piping systems, refractory linings—small technical errors can escalate into safety incidents, compliance failures, or reputational damage.

Uncertified teams may rely on assumptions rather than standards. During audits or incident investigations, this gap becomes painfully visible. Certification sends a clear signal to regulators, partners, and clients that your organization takes integrity and safety seriously.

Programs such as API 936 Training and API 653 Training equip professionals with the competence to manage these critical assets responsibly—reducing risk while strengthening business credibility.

Why Industry Leaders Invest Early in API-Certified Expertise

Successful business leaders share one mindset: they invest before problems appear. They understand that certification is not a cost center, but a strategic asset. Certified professionals deliver higher productivity, support smarter decision-making, and protect margins through efficient, compliant operations.

By partnering with PetroSync, you are not simply sending your team to training—you are building a future-ready organization. One that combines globally recognized standards, practical expertise, and modern tools such as AI-driven support systems.

In a market where competitors are constantly improving, standing still is the biggest risk of all. The choice is clear: lead with certified expertise, or follow those who do.

About PetroSync Global Internasional

PetroSync was established in Singapore in 2010 and began its expansion into Indonesia in 2013. To this day, PetroSync has become a leading oil and gas training provider, with a participant passing rate as high as 90%.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

Praxismed Advances Access to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Depression and Mental Health Care Through Philippine Psychiatric Association Engagement

 

Manila, Philippines – Praxismed Technologies Inc., a Philippine-based distributor of advanced medical equipment, announced its participation in the 52nd Annual Convention of the Philippine Psychiatric Association (PPA), marking the company’s formal engagement with the country’s leading professional organization for psychiatry. Through this milestone, Praxismed reinforced its commitment to advancing mental health care by supporting wider access to Neurosoft's Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)—a non-invasive, evidence-based treatment option for depression.

Held from January 20 to 23, 2026, at Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, the PPA Annual Convention brought together psychiatrists, mental health professionals, and key stakeholders under the theme “Empowering, Uniting and Healing: Our Collective Journey Towards National Well-Being.” Praxismed’s participation highlighted the role of innovation and collaboration in addressing the country’s growing mental health needs.

TMS is a US FDA-cleared, non-invasive brain stimulation therapy for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), including patients who have not achieved adequate response to antidepressant medications. By delivering targeted magnetic stimulation to specific brain regions involved in mood regulation, TMS offers a non-pharmacologic option that may be used as an alternative or adjunct to existing treatment approaches, as determined by the attending clinician.

Interest in TMS has continued to grow globally following research developments from Stanford University, particularly studies on accelerated TMS approaches such as the SAINT (Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy) protocol. While conducted under controlled research settings, the encouraging outcomes reported in these studies have drawn significant attention from medical experts and researchers worldwide, highlighting the evolving potential of neuromodulation in psychiatric care.

Through its partnerships with international technology providers, Praxismed has helped make FDA-cleared Neurosoft's TMS systems available in several major hospitals and institutions in the Philippines, including the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) and Rizal Medical Center (RMC). With TMS now accessible locally, Filipino patients have additional, evidence-based options for managing depression—expanding care pathways beyond medication alone.

“Joining the Philippine Psychiatric Association allows us to engage more closely with the psychiatric community in advancing patient-centered mental health solutions,” said Charmaine Lou German, President and Chief Executive Officer of Praxismed Technologies Inc. “By helping make FDA-cleared TMS available in major hospitals, we support clinicians in offering scientifically validated, non-invasive treatment options to patients who may not have benefited from conventional therapies.”

During the convention, Praxismed engaged psychiatrists and mental health professionals in discussions on the responsible integration of neuromodulation technologies into clinical practice, emphasizing evidence-based use, appropriate patient selection, and alignment with existing standards of care.

Praxismed’s participation in the PPA Convention underscores its broader mission of elevating healthcare standards through innovation, education, and long-term partnerships—guided by its core philosophy, Driven by Knowledge, Defined by Service. As awareness and acceptance of modern mental health treatments continue to grow, the company remains committed to working alongside clinicians and institutions to help ensure that effective, evidence-based care is within reach for Filipinos.

About Praxismed Technologies, Inc.

Praxismed Technologies Inc. is a Philippine-based medical equipment distributor officially incorporated in 2017, backed by decades of combined expertise in healthcare and the medical technology industry. The company specializes in the distribution of advanced neurodiagnostic and neurorehabilitation equipment, sleep medicine solutions, and related consumables for hospitals, clinics, and medical institutions nationwide. Founded by seasoned healthcare professionals, Praxismed is committed to bringing global innovations in neurology, psychiatry, pulmonology, ENT, and physical rehabilitation to the Philippine healthcare sector. Through partnerships with trusted international manufacturers, the company delivers cutting-edge technologies that support improved diagnostic accuracy, treatment outcomes, and patient care. Praxismed’s solutions serve a wide range of clinical specialties, including electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography and nerve conduction studies (EMG/NCV), polysomnography (PSG) for sleep diagnostics, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for mental health care, intraoperative monitoring (IOM) systems for surgical safety, videonystagmography (VNG) for vestibular testing, and rehabilitation and balance assessment systems for neuro-rehabilitation.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

Join PetroSync ASME Training to Master Engineering Compliance

 

Master ASME compliance with PetroSync training. Improve productivity, boost operational efficiency, and stay ahead of competitors through certified engineering standards.
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In today’s competitive industrial landscape, compliance is no longer just a technical requirement—it is a business strategy. Many business leaders only realize this after facing project delays, failed audits, or even losing contracts to competitors who operate faster and more efficiently.

If you are leading an engineering-driven business, you may have invested heavily in systems, technology, and skilled manpower. Yet issues such as rework, unclear code interpretation, and operational inefficiencies still surface. Meanwhile, competitors with similar resources seem to execute projects smoothly and on schedule.

The difference often comes down to one critical factor: mastery of ASME engineering compliance.

When Compliance Gaps Start Costing You Projects
At first, the warning signs are subtle. A delayed inspection approval. A comment from a third-party auditor. A minor redesign request. Over time, these “small issues” compound into missed deadlines, budget overruns, and weakened client trust.

From a business perspective, compliance gaps directly reduce productivity. Industry observations show that engineering teams without structured standards training can lose 15–20% of productive time due to rework and repeated clarifications. That lost time is an opportunity your competitors are already using to strengthen their market position.

As a business leader, your responsibility goes beyond project delivery—you are safeguarding efficiency, credibility, and long-term profitability.

How Competitors Move Faster by Mastering ASME Standards
Your competitors are not necessarily bigger or better funded. In many cases, they are simply better prepared.

Organizations that invest in formal ASME training empower their teams to make faster, more confident decisions. Engineers who understand code requirements thoroughly do not hesitate or rely on assumptions. They execute correctly the first time.

This is why programs such as ASME Section I Training and ASME Section VIII Training are no longer optional technical courses, but strategic business investments.

Companies that standardize ASME knowledge across their teams typically experience:

Up to 25% improvement in team productivity

Faster regulatory and inspection approvals

More efficient collaboration between engineering, operations, and contractors

In today’s market, speed and accuracy are not luxuries—they are competitive necessities.

The Hidden Risk of Relying on Experience Without Certification
Experience is valuable. However, experience without alignment to the latest standards can quietly expose your business to serious risks.

ASME codes evolve. Interpretations change. Repair methodologies improve. Teams that rely solely on “how it has always been done” may unknowingly apply outdated practices—only discovering the issue during audits or equipment failures.

This risk is especially significant in repair and piping systems. Without up-to-date knowledge, businesses may face increased lifecycle costs and safety exposure. Programs such as ASME PCC-2 Training and ASME B31.3 Training help teams translate complex code requirements into practical, field-ready decisions.

From a financial standpoint, non-compliance can increase operational costs by 10–30% annually, driven by rework, penalties, unplanned shutdowns, and premature equipment failure.

At the same time, many companies are adopting AI-powered chatbots to support engineering and operations teams. When implemented effectively, chatbot AI can:

Improve information access speed by up to 40%

Reduce engineering clarification time

Support consistent decision-making across teams

However, AI tools only add value when the underlying technical understanding is correct. Training ensures your team asks the right questions and interprets AI-driven insights responsibly.

Turning Compliance into a Competitive Advantage
High-performing organizations do not see compliance as a burden. They treat it as leverage.

By joining PetroSync ASME Training, you equip your teams with clarity, confidence, and standardized decision-making. Engineers collaborate more effectively, operations become more predictable, and leadership gains better visibility into risk before it escalates.

The business impact is clear:

Higher operational efficiency

Reduced rework and maintenance costs

Stronger positioning against competitors in tenders and audits

In an era where digital tools and AI accelerate productivity, training remains the foundation. Technology amplifies performance—but only when guided by professionals who truly understand the standards behind safety and reliability.

Your competitors are already moving forward. The question is whether you will allow compliance to remain a vulnerability—or turn it into your next competitive advantage.

Join PetroSync ASME Training and ensure your business stays compliant, efficient, and ahead of the market.

About PetroSync Global Internasional

PetroSync was established in Singapore in 2010 and began its expansion into Indonesia in 2013. To this day, PetroSync has become a leading oil and gas training provider, with a participant passing rate as high as 90%.

 

This press release has also been published in VRITIMES

Umasenso Launches Growth Operating System for Philippine Service Businesses

  

Umasenso has launched a Growth Operating System designed for Philippine service businesses. Founded by Richard Noromor, Umasenso brings together marketing, sales, and retention into one integrated platform. The system helps businesses get found online, capture every inquiry, and drive repeat customers through automation. Built from over ten years of digital marketing experience through Emerge, Umasenso addresses common growth problems such as missed leads, slow responses, and disconnected tools. The platform is designed for clinics and appointment driven businesses seeking predictable, system based growth.

Umasenso has officially launched a Growth Operating System designed to help Philippine service businesses simplify how they attract customers, capture inquiries, and drive repeat business within one integrated system.

Built specifically for appointment driven businesses such as clinics, wellness centers, and professional services, Umasenso brings together marketing, sales, and retention into a single platform. Unlike traditional CRMs that focus only on storing data, Umasenso focuses on helping businesses turn inquiries into bookings and bookings into long term customers.

Many Philippine service businesses continue to rely on disconnected tools such as social media inboxes, spreadsheets, and manual follow ups to manage growth. This often leads to missed leads, delayed responses, and lost revenue. Umasenso was created to address these gaps by automating the full customer journey from first inquiry to repeat visit.

“After more than a decade of working closely with service businesses through Emerge, we kept seeing the same pattern,” said Mr. Richard Noromor, Founder of Umasenso. “Businesses were able to generate interest, but growth would break down after the inquiry stage. Umasenso was built to solve that exact problem by giving owners a system that works even when they are busy.”

Umasenso is structured around three proven systems:

Marketing, which helps businesses get found online through optimized funnels and targeted visibility

Sell, which captures every inquiry using online bookings, instant responses, and automated follow ups

Grow, which drives repeat business through reminders, reactivation flows, loyalty journeys, and personalization

The platform integrates key components including CRM and pipelines, online appointment systems, reporting and insights, workflow automation, retention tools, and a built in website and funnel builder.

By consolidating these capabilities into one Growth Operating System, Umasenso aims to help Philippine service businesses reduce manual work, gain clearer performance visibility, and build more predictable growth.

Umasenso is now available to service businesses across the Philippines.

About EmergeLocal, Inc. / Emerge

Umasenso is a Growth Operating System built for Philippine service businesses. It combines marketing, sales, and retention into one automated platform designed to help businesses grow with clarity and control. Umasenso was developed based on real operational challenges observed over more than ten years of digital marketing work through Emerge.

Contact

Carissa Coles - Noromor

09499939045

info@umasenso.com