On our third day in Hong Kong, we made our way to Ocean Park—and wow, what a shift from yesterday’s rain-soaked adventure at Disneyland. The skies were clear, the sun was up and shining brightly, and the summer heat was in full swing. It was August, after all, and Hong Kong doesn’t hold back.

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For the star athletes playing at the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship, a life of competition means immense sacrifice – especially when it comes to family life. The way to provide for their families is often through the rigorous and intense sports schedules far away from the ones they love most.

What gives them the strength to play at the highest level? More often than not, it's that same love that awaits them off the court. Their home – not a physical place, but a feeling – is wherever their family is.

Here, we list down some of these men’s volleyball idols wearing their hero hat both on and off the court. We also pay tribute to their partners, children, and more supporters cheering them on from the sidelines.

Benjamin Toniutti (France)

As the 10-year veteran setter and captain of the French national team, as well as a professional player in the PlusLiga league in Poland, Toniutti is the quiet orchestrator of one of the world's best squads. He's also the proud father of three daughters with his wife, Emilie.

For Toniutti, finding balance between a high-stakes career and his family is paramount. His unwavering focus on the court is often fueled by the knowledge that he's playing for more than just a medal – he’s playing to make his family proud. Every set is a testament to the support system that gives him the strength to lead on the world stage.

“My wife and three children are in France on a daily basis, so I spend more time alone between training and matches,” Toniutti said in an interview with PLS earlier this year, speaking on the decision to keep his family in France.

“(My eldest daughter) has close friends in France and also plays volleyball, so we wanted to provide her with more stability and joy in her social life. As soon as there are some breaks in school, my family visits me in Poland, so we see each other quite often, on average once every six weeks. When my family comes to visit me, we spend as much time as possible with each other.”

Photo courtesy: Benjamin Toniutti’s Instagram

Nicknamed "Magic" for his explosive and unpredictable style (as well as after his namesake, NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson), the French outside hitter, Turkish league pro player, and two-time Olympic champ is a force to be reckoned with. But beyond the court, N’Gapeth is a dedicated father to his two sons, Mathys and Dany.

Last year, following the French national team’s gold in Paris, N’Gapeth signed with local club Stade Poitevin Poitiers – a move that gave him some much-needed quality time with his brood.

“(Playing for Poitiers) gave me the opportunity to be home for four months with my family, something I hadn’t done for a long time, so it gave me a lot of strength to come back and say I’m able to go until (the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics),” he said in a recent interview.

N’Gapeth's journey highlights the profound sacrifices athletes make to be away from their loved ones while competing. He has spoken about his close bond with his boys, showing that love and connection remains a powerful motivator, propelling him to new heights in his career.

Photo courtesy: Earvin N’Gapheth’s Instagram

Team USA’s captain and Olympic bronze medalist Christenson has a deeply personal way of keeping his family close and loving, even when he's thousands of miles away. His wife Brooke and their three children – Ezekiel, Quinn, and Finley – doodle heartfelt messages of support on his volleyball shoes before every tournament, he told a local publication recently as he was in the thick of the FIVB Men’s World Championship in Manila.

For Christenson, 32, those colorful scribbles are a reminder that home is always with him. They represent his core purpose: the people who matter most. "It’s a piece of family and home that I have with me when I’m on the court," the star setter said, showing that even in the toughest moments, he is never alone.

Photo courtesy: Micah Christenson’s Instagram

The Cuban-Polish outside hitter who’s part of the highly acclaimed “Generation of Miracle” in Cuban volleyball is also a well-known family man, as evidenced by his many social media posts featuring his wife and three children.

In fact, Leon, 32, has even gone on to declare that his children are his greatest achievements. “No other achievement can compare to (the birth of his child),” he said in an Instagram post when he welcomed his first daughter back in 2017.

One of his biggest life decisions, however, was to secure a Polish citizenship not only to get better treatment as an athlete outside of Cuba, but also to honor and be closer to his journalist-wife Małgorzata. The two connected back in 2011 in a heartwarming love story that sprouted from their work.

“(One of the reasons I left Cuba is) the fact that my wife – my girlfriend at that time – is Polish and I couldn’t see her outside of Cuba,” he said in a 2020 interview with Olympics.com. “I love everything about (Poland). My life here is nice, I've never had any kind of problems.”

Photo courtesy: Wilfredo Leon’s Instagram

Alas Pilipinas’ power hitter is a true testament to finding strength from home. Bagunas, who plays internationally in Taiwan, married his long-time partner Nicole Tracy Tan last year. The couple welcomed their first child last May.

“A single moment that changed my life forever,” Bagunas wrote on Instagram, honoring his wife. “You are beyond amazing. Watching you bring our son into this world was the strongest and most beautiful thing I’ve ever witnessed. (I’m so proud of you), and so thankful I get to walk this new journey with you.”

Bryan's story is particularly inspiring as he navigates a career that often takes him away from the Philippines. His family is his main inspiration and motivation, proving that no matter the distance, the connection remains strong, serving as a powerful reminder of what he is playing for.

Photo courtesy: Bryan Bagunas’ Instagram

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If you're planning a trip to Lantau Island, the Ngong Ping Cable Car is a great way to reach Ngong Ping Village while enjoying beautiful views along the way. There are three cabin types to choose from—Standard, Crystal, and Crystal Plus—each offering a different kind of experience.

Last August 26, 2024, my family and I spent part of our Day 3 in Bohol exploring the lovely Bohol Bee Farm. And though we only had a few hours to explore, the experience was rich, flavorful, and inspiring.

Book shopping just got a thrilling upgrade! National Book Store is turning every visit into an adventure with The National Hunt—a nationwide treasure hunt where prizes are hidden inside books and on shelves, waiting for sharp-eyed readers to discover.

Cebu Pacific Air, the Philippines’ leading carrier, has partnered with De La Salle University (DLSU) - Manila to mentor future aviation engineers through its Design Engineering Program.

The five-year collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), will give select DLSU engineering students the opportunity to work closely with CEB’s technical experts in designing and developing projects for real airline operations. These will include smart systems for aircraft maintenance and sustainable mobility solutions for the carrier’s facilities.

The outputs of these projects will also serve as their thesis or capstone requirements. “This partnership invests in more than projects—it invests in people. By guiding young engineers to innovate with purpose, we are building the future of Philippine aviation together,” said Shevantha Weerasekera, CEB Vice President for Engineering and Fleet Management.​

Twenty-five DLSU engineering students have been chosen for the program’s pilot run this year. This marks CEB’s first formal partnership with a university to embed practical airline industry experience into higher education. The airline said it plans to expand the program to more schools in the coming years as part of its long-term investment in Philippine aviation.

The initiative also reflects CEB’s broader push to develop homegrown talent. In May 2025, the airline launched its OFW Balikbayan Program, which encourages engineers working overseas to return and share their expertise with the local sector.

For more information on CEB’s career opportunities, visit https://bit.ly/BeAMomentMaker

My best friends and I went to Enchanted Kingdom last July. It was part of our itinerary when we visited Manila for a barkada trip. For the past few days, it had been drizzling due to a typhoon, but we still decided to go around 2 PM when the rain had eased up. This blog is more of my review of the rides and attractions we experienced in Enchanted Kingdom. But let me give you more details about its location and ticket prices.

Enchanted Kingdom is conveniently located in Santa Rosa, Laguna, just a short drive from Metro Manila. To get there by public transportation, you can take a bus bound for Santa Rosa from various points in Metro Manila, such as Cubao or Buendia. Once you arrive at the Santa Rosa bus terminal, you can hop on a jeepney or tricycle that will take you straight to the park. If you’re driving, simply follow the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and take the Santa Rosa exit; the park is well-signposted and easy to find.

As of 2025, the entrance ticket prices for Enchanted Kingdom are as follows:

Regular Admission: ₱1,200

Children (below 48 inches): ₱600

Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities: ₱1,000 (valid ID required)

Here are the attractions and rides I experienced with friends:

Fun Factor: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The bump cars were a blast! With a wide space to maneuver and enough time to enjoy the ride, it was the perfect way to kick off my day at the park. Bumping into friends added a competitive edge to this classic ride!

Fun Factor: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The EKstreme Tower was so crazy! You go up this 40-meter tower, and then— I just heard a click, and then I dropped without warning! I felt my butt lift off the seat for about three seconds before I hit the seat again. This ride is the highest one next to the Ferris wheel, and it’s a must-try for anyone who loves thrills. You definitely don’t want to miss it!

Fun Factor: ⭐⭐⭐

For a more relaxed experience, the Wheel of Fate was perfect. It offered stunning views of the entire park, making it a great choice for sightseeing. While it was quick, it provided just enough thrill to keep it interesting.

Fun Factor: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

WILD!!!! The Air Racer had me spinning around in circles, and at one point, I wished I could stop! After circling around what felt like ten times, I thought my blood pressure might have shot up. It’s exhilarating, but be prepared for some serious dizziness!

Fun Factor: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This was my favorite ride! Initially, I thought it would be scary, but it turned out to be so much fun. It felt like swinging high up in the air, and I couldn’t resist raising my hands while at the top. The thrill of going up was exhilarating!

Fun Factor: ⭐⭐⭐

The Rialto offered a fantastic 4D movie experience. With 3D glasses on, I enjoyed a quick film while my chair moved, complete with water spray effects and other surprises. It was a fun break from the more intense rides!

Fun Factor: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Super fun! Just a heads-up, you should definitely wear a raincoat and waterproof shoes for this ride. The more passengers, the merrier, and watch out for those surprise bumps! My body felt the impact, but it was all part of the fun!

Fun Factor: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This ride quickly became one of my favorites too! It reminded me of the Air Racer but with a twist. You feel like a spinning top, experiencing a thrilling mix of a roller coaster and a merry-go-round—on steroids!

Fun Factor: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Jungle Log Jam features two exhilarating drops that you won’t want to miss! Whether you choose to keep your eyes open or not, the thrill of plunging down the river is unforgettable. Just remember to wear a raincoat and waterproof shoes, and keep your mouth closed to avoid drinking the water!

We also caught the Kingsmen Show, a trio of male singers who perform two shows a day. We assumed it's like a typical theater performance, but we were pleasantly surprised to be serenaded by three talented men with amazing voices.

There were other rides, but we were all wet from the Rapids, and it was already time for the fireworks show. Some rides were closed, especially the Space Shuttle, which I was looking forward to. Not sure when this will open again.

Overall, my day at Enchanted Kingdom was filled with laughter, thrills, and unforgettable memories. Each ride offered a unique experience, making it a perfect destination for anyone looking to have a great time. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just looking for a fun day out, Enchanted Kingdom has something for everyone!

Grab your friends and family and head over to Enchanted Kingdom for a magical adventure!

foodpanda today announced the launch of ‘PRO Weeks,’ a limited-time savings event from September 1 to 15, offering exclusive deals and up to 50% off for its pandapro subscribers. The two-week campaign provides members with significant discounts and free delivery on food, groceries, and shop items from popular partners.

"Our goal with pandapro is to make ordering online more affordable and convenient for our customers," said Pat Jacinto, Growth and Marketing Director of foodpanda Philippines. "PRO Weeks is our way of providing even greater value on the meals and essentials people already love, reinforcing why a pandapro membership is the smartest way to save."

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foodpanda's PRO Weeks campaign is designed to reward existing members and encourage new users to join and unlock instant access to discounts and year-round perks.

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