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How Mercedes Aims to Revolutionize EV Fast-Charging

Is Mercedes-Benz equipped with the perfect formula for the rapid charging experience you desire? Additionally, consider Hyundai’s EV facility along with Rivian’s approach.

Despite a year filled with various uncertainties, the U.S. electric vehicle industry continues to grow.
continues to grow rapidly
But what’s hindering that expansion isn’t primarily the vehicles; it’s the process of charging them.

A substantial part of the electrical realm revolves around infrastructure, ensuring that consumers have
good home charging options
for managing road trips and exploring lesser-known routes with reliable DC fast charging. The former typically works smoothly and excellently; the latter
can really be hit or miss
.

Enter Mercedes-Benz, which is taking some of the boldest steps among traditional automakers to ensure that DC public fast charging doesn’t just magically get better on its own. On this week’s episode of the

Plugged-In Podcast

, my co-host Tim Levin and I are excited to have a conversation with Andrew Cornelia, who is the CEO of
Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging
.

We have discussed this aspect of Mercedes frequently before. They are striving to create an extensive system of reliable, top-notch public charging stations throughout the United States. These will include facilities such as restrooms, snack options, and powerful 400-kilowatt chargers that function flawlessly each time.

Cornelia has deep knowledge in this area since he spent nearly half a decade working with Tesla’s charging infrastructure. His aim is to make sure everyone can have access to a top-notch charging experience soon. Similarly, Mercedes’ quick-charging station network is accessible to all electric vehicles, regardless of the brand. However, Mercedes vehicle owners receive exclusive benefits and priority service.

Tune in to hear Cornelia’s ideas about how to make charging better, plus what he really thinks of BYD’s new five-minute fast-charging breakthrough.

Additionally, in today’s podcast episode, we discuss
Rivian’s newly launched Micro-Mobility Brand
I’ll share my thoughts on
Hyundai’s bold new facility in Savannah, Georgia
That’s where the American-built Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 9 reside. And of course, we can’t ignore tariffs; after all, this is the Plugged-In Podcast.

Our podcast can be found on
InsideEVs YouTube
Channel later today, along with all prominent audio platforms:
Apple Podcasts
,
Spotify
, and
iHeart Radio
New episodes become available every Friday.

If you haven’t done so yet, kindly subscribe and drop us a review. Thank you for listening!

Contact the author:
patrick.george@insideevs.com

Previously On The Pod

  • We’re Addressing Your Electric Vehicle Queries on Our Podcast
  • BYD’s Game-Changing 5-Minute Electric Vehicle Fast Charge, Decoded
  • Is Toyota Now Genuine About Electric Vehicles?
  • Tesla Sales Continue to Plunge in Europe. What’s Next?
  • How to Rescue Electric Vehicles from Political Influence
  • The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Has Improved Significantly
  • Will Hybrids Be the Next Big Thing in Electric Vehicles?
Explore the Airport That Connects Three Countries in One Trip

Explore the Airport That Connects Three Countries in One Trip


  • The Basel Mulhouse Freiburg Airport caters to three distinct European nations.

  • EXPLORE FURTHER: Picturesque private island in Panama priced lower than a home in London

Maybe Europe’s quirkiest and most intriguing destination for aviation enthusiasts, this airport stands alone as the sole spot on the planet where landing in three different nations happens all at once.

Each exit leads to a completely different nation, making this airport a must-see destination for avid aviation enthusiasts.

Situated in the northeastern part of France in the Alsace region, the Basel Mulhouse Freiburg Airport caters to the neighboring cities of Basel in Switzerland and Mulhouse.
France
and Freiburg,
Germany
.

Located at the heart of the ‘trinational Eurodistrict’, where the borders of three nations converge into a single region, the airport operates under dual customs jurisdictions, being divided between French and Swiss customs boundaries.

Managed jointly by France and Switzerland, this distinctive airport has a governing board comprising eight representatives from each country, along with two advisors from Germany.

Referred to as an ‘icon of global collaboration,’ which turned ‘incredibly crucial’ after the
Second World War
There is even a border crossing inside the terminal that enables passengers to easily access both France and Switzerland without going through immigration checks.

Serving more than 9 million passengers annually, this recognizable airport allows travelers to easily access nearby cities such as Basel, which is just five miles away in Switzerland, while Mulhouse in France lies approximately 15.5 miles to the south.



The city of Freiburg in Germany lies approximately 43 miles north of the international airport, while various Swiss cities such as Zurich and Geneva are also easily accessible.

French law enforcement personnel may conduct arbitrary safety inspections within the airport’s Swiss portion and are tasked with overseeing the overall security of the facility.

For discerning shoppers, there’s no certainty about which type of currency will be accepted; some stores or cafés might take Swiss Francs, whereas others may accept Euros.

Established in 1946, the airport operates under a 1949 international agreement and acts as a crucial hub for EasyJet Switzerland.

Running over 25 airlines, travelers have access to more than 100 destinations spanning 30 distinct countries. Meanwhile,UK visitors can directly reach this border-crossing location via flights from London, Manchester, Bristol, and Dublin.

Referred to as the ‘oddest airport globally’, this ‘entry point to the tri-national area’ stands out for its distinctive features.
TikTok travel curator AllyJape
In a widely viewed clip that has attracted over 7,000 viewers.

Addressing his over 78,000 followers about this distinctive travel center, he remarks, “This is the sole airport where you can simultaneously reach three separate nations. It stands as the one and only airport globally operated jointly by two distinct countries.”

This implies that as soon as you get here, you have the option to leave via either the French side or the Swiss side of the same building.

‘This is just crazy.’

Enthusiastic TikTok viewers flocked to the comment section to share their awe over the distinctive travel center, with one user remarking: “I wish I could land at this airport someday,” while another succinctly noted: “This right here is what you call an actual international airport.”

Read more

Sunflower Spectacle: Third Parade Honors UP Women Athletes

We are the ones demonstrating to the world what women can achieve. We are the ones showing that power isn’t determined by one’s gender.

A powerful declaration made by Achrissa Maw from the University of the Philippines (UP) women’s basketball team during the Third Sunflower Run-Walk-Parade event held on March 22, 2025, at the UP Diliman campus academic oval.

“Recognition of Women, Hope for Youth” is the theme of the event during Women’s Month, which also honored UP women athletes.


READ:


The ‘aswangs’ in Duterte’s drug war


‘Kisapmata’: Story of Domestic Abuse, Incest, and the Fight for Liberation


#HerStory: Women Transforming Society

The member institutions of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) go head-to-head in 20 different sporting events. These competitions include both Men’s and Women’s categories across most sports; however, exceptions apply to certain games. Baseball involves only male athletes, whereas softball is exclusively played by female participants.

From 1938 onwards, the University of the Philippines’ female squads emerged as champions across various sports: they won 21 titles in swimming, 12 in judo, 9 in badminton, 8 in volleyball, 7 in basketball, 6 in table tennis, 5 in fencing, 3 each in softball and chess, 2 in taekwondo gyeorugi, along with one title each in football and taekwondo poomsae.

Softball competition takes place exclusively in the women’s division, which began in 1953. The University of the Philippines claimed the title four times: during Season 58 (1995–96), Season 59 (1996–97), Season 64 (2001–02), and Season 70 (2007–08).

In women’s basketball, the University of the Philippines (UP) clinched the championship title seven times: during Season 39 ([1976–77]), Season 40 (1977–78), Season 41 (1978–79), Season 43 (1980–81), Season 44 (1981–82), Season 45 (1982–83), and Season 46 (1983–84). For men’s basketball, UP secured their championship victories in 1939, 1986, 2022, and 2024.

In women’s swimming, UP claimed the championship 21 times: during Season 2 (1939–40), Season 3 (1940–41), Season 10 (1947–48), Season 27 (1964–65), Season 28 (1965–66), Season 29 (1966–67), Season 51 (1988–89), Season 54 (1991–92), Season 56 (1993–94), Season 57 (1994–95), Season 58 (1995–96), Season 60 (1997–98), Season 61 (1998–99), Season 62 (1999–00), Season 72 (2009–10), Season 73 (2010–11), Season 74 (2011–12), Season 75 (2012–13), Season 76 (2013–14), Season 79 (2016–17), and Season 86 (2023–24).

In women’s volleyball, UP claimed the championship title eight times: during Season 1 (1938–39), Season 10 (1947–48), Season 12 (1949–50), Season 14 (1951–52), Season 25 (1962–63), Season 40 (1977–78), Season 42 (1979–80), and Season 45 (1982–83).

During the inaugural season of 1938-39, female teams made their debut in volleyball, whereas male squads took to the court for the first time eight seasons later in 1946-47. The University of the Philippines emerged as victors in that initial campaign.

In basketball, female teams made their debut during Season 13 (1950-51), with University of the Philippines securing their initial victory in Season 39 (1976–77).

The UP women athletes achieved a series of wins in badminton over six seasons from 1995 to 2000, in swimming across five seasons from 2009 to 2013, in fencing during five seasons spanning 2000 to 2004, in basketball throughout four seasons between 1980 and 1983, in judo through two separate periods each covering four seasons: first from 1999 to 2002 and then from 2006 to 2009, and also in table tennis consistently over four seasons ranging from 1997 to 2000.

In Season 87, hosted by UP, the ladies’ squad has secured first place in badminton, second place in swimming, and third place in track and field so far.

The United Nations officially acknowledged International Women’s Day in 1977, which is observed annually on March 8. This day celebrates the accomplishments of women across all boundaries, including nationalities, ethnic backgrounds, languages, cultures, economics, and politics.

In March, it was proclaimed as Women’s Month following President Cory Aquino signing Proclamation Number 288 on March 17, 1988. This proclamation highlighted the significant contributions of Filipino women in various fields such as society, culture, economy, and politics over our nation’s history.

We aren’t merely typical athletes; we serve as role models and leaders,” Maw stated. “We motivate the next cohort of young women to pursue their aspirations, stand firm without backing down, and recognize their true value.

The parade participants consist of female University of the Philippines athletes from sports such as basketball, chess, fencing, judo, softball, swimming, table tennis, and track and field. Additionally, groups like the Filipiniana dancers, street dance ensemble, and varsity pep drummers will also join in.

Sunflower serves as an emblem of female empowerment during the suffrage movement.

Women in Kansas adorned themselves with sunflower pins when advocating for their voting rights back in 1867. Despite the failure of the Kansas referendum, the color yellow stayed symbolic within the suffragette movement throughout the 20th century.

Sunflowers have also turned into the emblem of the final milestones in college life.

Sunflowers represent dedication and commitment as residents cleared all academic hurdles with sleepless and turbulent days and nights.

Just like how a single sunflower within the schoolyard requires ample sunlight to thrive, each student should view every encounter at the university as essential for their personal development.

The event was spearheaded by several female-led organizations from the University of the Philippines (UP), including UP Delta Lambda Sigma Sorority, UP Portia Sorority, UP Women in Law, Women Lawyers Circle, along with UP Concert Chorus and their corresponding alumni associations such as IBP Quezon City, UP Law Class of 1985, Kontra GaPi, Maritime Law Association of the Philippines, and Celebrity Club.

We aren’t merely engaged in a game; we’re transforming the rules of engagement. We’re altering how stories get told and making an impact on society at large,” declared Maw. “We won’t remain unheard, pushed aside, or dismissed. Instead, we’ll keep expanding limits, shattering stereotypes, and etching ourselves into historical memory.

(Pey ups serves as the moniker for the University of the Philippines. Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho leads the Seafarers’ Division at the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan Law Offices. For feedback, send an email.)
info@sapalovelez.com
, or call 0917-502-5808 or 0908-866-5786.)

BI: foreigners fooled into bypassing rules by faking philippine citizenship


MANILA, Philippines —

On Thursday, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) disclosed that they have discovered a plan where foreigners adopt false Filipino personas to set up enterprises and potentially hire unauthorized employees in Mindanao.

Following this, the BI arrested five Chinese citizens during two distinct operations: one involved an illegal immigrant “running” a hardware shop listed under what appears to be a non-existent Filipino resident in Davao del Sur; another operation targeted four people who were employed unlawfully at a chemical facility located in North Cotabato. The said factory was supposedly owned by a Filipino individual but is believed to actually belong to a Chinese national residing in Manila.

Labeling the scheme as a “troubling development,” Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado cautioned that fake documents might also be used for spying purposes.

“These papers and altered identification records might be employed by outsiders who have [sinister] motives and could potentially be misused by undercover agents infiltrating our community by posing as locals,” he stated.


READ:
Adiong: Those issuing counterfeit Philippine birth certificates are linked to an extensive network.


READ:
Government blocks 1,600 birth certificates wrongly acquired by non-citizens.

Nonexistent owner

On March 20, the Bureau of Immigration, working alongside the Philippine Army and local police forces, apprehended Bangdie Pan, who goes by the alias Ditdit, a 50-year-old Chinese citizen, in Digos City, located in Davao del Sur.

Pan was arrested due to violations of Philippine immigration regulations during an operation backed by the Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion, the 1002nd Brigade, the 10th Infantry Division, the Philippine National Police, and governmental intelligence agents in Region 11.

Based on the BI statement, the foreign national was actively running a hardware store that is officially registered under a purported Filipino citizen, whose identity is currently being looked into.

” Records showed that Pan had a work visa issued for a firm based in Pasig City, yet she was discovered performing duties outside her authorized scope in Davao del Sur,” the agency stated.

Staff members at the hardware store allegedly confessed that the claimed Filipino proprietor does not actually exist and that the establishment’s licenses were acquired through fraudulent papers.

After four days, agents from BI Intelligence, working alongside several governmental organizations, apprehended four Chinese citizens at a chemical production facility in M’lang, located in North Cotabato.

The people identified were Zhongyi Tang, aged 62; Tianbei Wu, 51 years old; Dezhen Liu, also 62, and Wang Lianxu, who is 53.

The BI mentioned that they acquired birth certificates and paperwork indicating that Liu had falsely presented himself as a Filipino.

The agency’s probe also revealed that the firm was registered under a Filipina, however, workers at the plant stated they hadn’t laid eyes on her ever since the business started operations.

The BI stated, “Employees at the plant acknowledged that the actual owner is a Chinese national residing in Manila.”

The five individuals from China are now facing charges related to deportation.

Widespread problem

Viado has pushed for more stringent rules governing the issuance of Filipino identity papers and documentation to curb potential misuse by undocumented individuals, an issue that came to light last year amid Senate investigations into the recently prohibited Philippine offshore gambling enterprises (POGOs).

In July 2024, the NBI office in Davao disclosed the discovery of nearly 200 forged birth certificates that were provided to Chinese citizens by the civil registry of Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur during the years 2018 and 2019.

NBI Director Jaime Santiago subsequently revealed that as many as 1,200 Chinese citizens were issued birth certificates by the Santa Cruz local civil registry from 2016 onwards. This number is six times greater than what the agency initially reported.

It is alleged that these counterfeit papers allowed individuals from abroad to partake in actions reserved solely for Filipino citizens, such as buying property, establishing enterprises, and even seeking elected positions, similar to what was seen with former mayor Alice Guo of Bamban, Tarlac, who is suspected to be a Chinese national and has been arrested due to her involvement in unlawful Pogo ventures.

Suspected spies

Previously, the government had shown worry over the accounts regarding the existence of Chinese spies within the nation.

In January, the NBI apprehended five alleged Chinese spies accused of keeping an eye on the operations of the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Navy in Palawan, particularly focusing on the supply efforts for forces stationed in the West Philippine Sea.

In the subsequent month, the NBI apprehended two additional Chinese nationals alongside three Filipinos on charges of espionage.

The NBI stated that its cybercrime division along with a specialized task force was notified regarding unusual cars equipped with devices for intercepting messages. These vehicles have been spotted near the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police headquarters, as well as around Malacañang and various governmental buildings within Metro Manila.

Archdiocese Debunks Miracle, Cites Microbes Responsible for Host Marks

MORRIS, Indiana—Laboratory tests revealed no extraordinary findings regarding the red markings discovered on a Communion wafer at a Catholic church in Indiana.

The finding at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Morris was significant enough to warrant an official examination, according to the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.

However, a biochemistry analysis showed merely “fungi and three distinct bacterial species, all typically present on human hands,” the archdiocese stated on Monday, also mentioning that no traces of blood were detected.

According to Catholic beliefs, wine and a small piece of bread represent the body and blood of Jesus Christ. Usually, these elements are sanctified by a priest during the Eucharist ceremony.

The bun, marked with red spots, had tumbled out of a Missal set at St. Anthony Church.

“The Catholic Church has numerous well-recorded miracles and appearances throughout its history, and every one of these has undergone rigorous and meticulous examination,” the archdiocese stated.

Small-town excitement

Prior to the examination, several members of St. Anthony Church were enthusiastic about potential discoveries.

“We have this tiny town where you could be driving through and might miss it just by blinking,” said Shari Strassell, a church member, to WKRC-TV.

It holds immense value, it truly does, and I believe there’s something extraordinary about our church up here.

Ogie Goes Head-to-Head with Johaira in Epic Showdown on “It’s Showtime”

Tune into your beloved TV shows on Kapamilya Channel via SKY, Cablelink, G Sat, and most cable providers associated with PCTA across the country.

Full episodes of shows can be watched on demand online.

iWantTFC


.

Simply download the app on

Google Play

or

App Store

, or visit

iWantTFC.com.

Audiences can likewise keep up with the series on Kapamilya Online Live through the SANGGRALOKAEntertainment page.

YouTube channel

and

Facebook page.

These programs can also be watched on A2Z Channel 11, which broadcasts via analog signal in Metro Manila as well as portions of Cavite, Laguna, Quezon, Rizal, Bataan, Batangas, Bulacan, and Pampanga. Additionally, they are accessible through various cable and satellite television distributors across the country.

Lawmaker Accuses Hospitals of Failing to Honor New PhilHealth Benefits


MANILA, Philippines — Representative Wilbert Lee of the Agri party-list said

has highlighted issues with the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), following grievances from several patients regarding its purported inability to enforce the Outpatient Emergency Care Benefit (OECB) program, long after it was supposed to take effect.

“We aim to avoid misinformation, particularly concerning healthcare services. It’s crucial we don’t offer misleading promises regarding benefits to our countrymen who have for too long been denied the care they truly merit—particularly since PhilHealth possesses billions in resources meant to serve them,” stated Agri Rep. Wilbert Lee.

Lee penned a letter directed at PhilHealth President and CEO Dr. Edwin Mercado aiming to get clarity on the matter.

In his letter dated March 23, the party-list representative referred to the billing statements of two patients from two different hospitals. Both showed that PhilHealth did not cover any costs related to the emergency room services, indicating that the OECB package was neither respected nor enforced.

“It is unfortunate and intolerable that even after the formal declaration from PhilHealth, this ‘outpatient emergency care service’ remains non-functional and inaccessible to PhilHealth members at numerous—if not all—hospitals nationwide,” Lee stated.

In a communication with SANGGRALOKA on Thursday, PhilHealth affirmed that all members have access to the OECB package at all Level 1 through Level 3 certified hospitals beginning February 14th.


READ:
Philhealth Removes 45-Day Benefit Limit Rule to Enhance Member Care


READ:
Legislator pushes for an additional 30% boost in PhilHealth benefits

No separate accreditation

“It also states in PhilHealth Advisory No. 2025-0009… that a distinct accreditation is unnecessary for providing the OECB package since the capacity of healthcare facilities for this benefit was evaluated during their grant of PhilHealth accreditation,” it mentioned.

By February 28, there were 1,816 hospitals and infirmaries across the country that PhilHealth had accredited. These facilities include both government-owned and privately-run institutions.

Philhealth instructed individuals to inform them about certified hospitals failing to offer the OECB package at hotline number (02) 8662-2588; alternative contact numbers include 0998-8572957, 0968-8654670, 0917-1275987, or 0917-1109812.

The OECB bundle encompasses all outpatient services and supplies offered at the emergency department (ED) and associated units within PhilHealth-approved healthcare institutions, covering care administered prior to arriving at or during transit to a medical facility.

The coverage includes patients who did not need to be admitted to the hospital, were released within 24 hours of arriving at the emergency department (ED), or passed away while in the ED.

Included in the OECB bundle of cases are symptoms such as vertigo, loose stools, continuous retching, high blood pressure, non-impact-related hemorrhaging, convulsions, intense head pain, and incidents of sexual violence.

Gospel Reflections: March 28 Edition

Here’s the daily gospel reading for today, March 28, 2025, being observed as the Friday within the third week of Lent.


READ MORE:


Daily Gospel, March 26


Daily Gospel, March 25


The Sacred Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ as Recorded by Saint Luke

11, 14-23.


Jesus expelled a silent demon from a person, and once the demon left, the previously mute individual started speaking, leaving everyone astonished.

A few of them remarked, “Through the authority of Beelzebul, the ruler of devils, he expels evil spirits.”

Other people, wanting to put him to the test, requested he show them a sign from the heavens.

However, he understood what they were thinking and told them, “Any kingdom that turns against itself will become ruined, and every home within it will collapse.”

If Satan is at odds with himself, how can his kingdom endure? After all, you claim that I cast out demons through Beelzebul.

If I cast out demons through Beelzebul, then how do your followers explain driving out such spirits? They themselves will pass judgment on you.

However, if it is through the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has arrived among you.

If a well-armed man stands guard over his palace, his belongings will be secure.

Yet, when someone even more powerful challenges and defeats him, they seize the protection he depended on and share out his possessions.

Anyone who is not on my side stands against me, and anyone who doesn’t join with me actually helps in spreading opposition.


Source:
Dailygospel.org

Miranda Shines Bright: Rising Star Emerges From Top-Notch Setters Shadow

It makes sense why Karyll Miranda has spent much of her first year with Far Eastern mostly as a reserve player. She backs up Tin Ubaldo, who is among the nation’s leading amateur setters.

The Lady Tamaraws currently stand at second place in the elimination round of the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament, largely due to Ubaldo orchestrating the plays effectively. However, praise must also be shared with Miranda, who stepped up admirably when Far Eastern University’s primary setter struggled during their match on Wednesday.

In terms of skills, Miranda has nothing to be concerned about, and she can gain valuable knowledge from Lady Tamaraws’ coach, Tina Salak, one of the nation’s most distinguished setters of all time, who provided the newcomer with an opportunity during the match against University of the East.

After securing a 25-20, 25-20, 25-23 triumph against the Lady Red Warriors, Salak stated, “In every match, I inform my players that they have a chance to compete.” In this game, Miranda delivered 17 outstanding sets, guiding the Tamaraws to their sixth success out of nine matches.

“It’s their choice whether they’ll deliver or not,” stated Salak, who naturally places greater emphasis on her setters.

Taking wheel

It doesn’t imply that Miranda can unwind just because she’s the secondary setter,” Salak stated about her newcomer. “She still holds an important position since my setters carry significant responsibilities. Naturally, I push both of them quite hard.

With the break she got, Miranda has just assured Salak that she could one day be trusted to run the Morayta squad’s offense.

Out of 49 tries, Ubaldo managed only five outstanding sets before handing over the reins to Miranda, who effectively steered the Far Eastern attack.

“The chance is huge since I rarely get to play,” stated the rookie setter. “I’m excited about our potential to improve in upcoming matches.”

“I’m excited to learn more from both of them since Coach Tina mentioned that we have the opportunity to lead the team. As long as there’s still time, Tin (Ubaldo) and I assist each other with whatever we need to accomplish,” she stated.

Far Eastern anticipates continued improvement as they have five more matches ahead before reaching the Final Four stage. Securing a 1-2 standing could provide them with the benefit of advancing with just one victory.

However, the defending champions from National University await them next, and Far Eastern must remain highly cautious when facing the sharp-minded Lady Bulldogs, who will enter the match eager after suffering their initial defeat of the season.

This will be high-pressure competition, with a fierce battle since the Tamaraws are determined to stay at number two at minimum.

“Playing under pressure is inevitable since it will constantly be present,” Miranda stated. “The choice is yours to figure out how to conquer it.”

TNT vs. Ginebra Clash in Game 7: A Perfect Finale to the Classic Series

As Rondae Hollis-Jefferson steps into unfamiliar ground in his PBA career for the first time, he believes that there’s no need for anything extraordinary from him to help TNT secure their third title since he joined two years back.

I have never experienced a Game 7 before,” stated the former NBA player. “However, ultimately, it boils down to basketball. For both teams, it’s make-or-break; they either come out victorious or call it quits. The key is to leave nothing on the court or not step onto it at all.

The key game for the Commissioner’s Cup Finals begins at 7:30 p.m. at what is anticipated to be a full house at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Many fans are eager to witness an exciting conclusion to a series that could potentially go down as one of the most thrilling championship matchups in league history.

Barangay Ginebra’s coach Tim Cone has experienced numerous wins and losses throughout his career, with moments being referred to as the “best two words in sports.” However, for this legendary coach aiming to secure his 26th championship title, each Game 7 remains equally challenging.

Cone stated, “They will never be just another game. They are challenging opponents.”

The victor will have the privilege of lifting the midseason conference trophy and will also gain boasting rights in a rivalry that has intensified with their three encounters in the Finals since Hollis-Jefferson went up against the Justin Brownlee-led Ginebra squad during the 2023 Governors’ Cup.

The TNT team clinched victory in six games during that series, and they repeated this feat in the opening game of the Governors’ Cup against Ginebra yet again. The Tropang Giga secured their position thanks to Hollis-Jefferson’s versatile performance, continued strong plays from Rey Nambatac, and Poy Erram’s remarkable poise, which prevented the Gin Kings from seizing their initial opportunity for triumph with an 87-83 win just two evenings prior.

The battle cry

I believe I’m prepared,” Hollis-Jefferson stated. “My approach is to come in and pour everything into it, as usual, battling hard to contribute to our victory. That’s how I plan to enter: doing whatever it takes.

These could very well be the anticipated rallying calls from the remaining members of Tropang Giga. With Nambatac gunning for an outstanding finale after a stellar showing in the finals, and Erram looking to make a constructive impact while steering clear of past incidents where his outbursts marred games two and five.

How Calvin Oftana and RR Pogoy fare on both offense and defense might also play a key role following the up-and-down outcomes since the Finals started two weeks back. Additionally, for TNT as a team, improving their performance in the final quarter, similar to what they achieved in Game 6, will be essential.

Cone has an overall record of 6-4 in Game 7s of the Finals when coaching Alaska, B-Meg/San Mig Coffee, and Ginebra. Additionally, he holds a 1-1 record in decisive Game 5s of the Finals and secured victory in a crucial Game 3 during the 2003 Invitational while leading Alaska.

Brownlee aims to conclude a finals series that nearly concluded prematurely due to his dislocated right thumb suffered during game three. A win here would establish him as the most successful foreign player ever with seven victories under his belt.

He nearly succeeded in Game 6, but Ginebra came up short.

Brownlee understands the sensation of being part of a Game 7 match, such as when Ginebra defeated Meralco with an audience of 54,000 at the Philippine Arena during the 2017 Governors’ Cup. He aims to recreate this experience for the Gin Kings and their dedicated fan base.

Scottie Thompson witnessed his streak of solid performances come to an end during Game 6 and aims to make amends. The form that Japeth Aguilar, Stephen Holt, Maverick Ahanmisi, Troy Rosario, or RJ Abarrientos exhibit might as well sway the result.

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