The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
By Isabella Cuartero
“Sometimes life surprises you with blessings you never saw coming.”
Such is the luck that quietly found its way to code name Mahan, a housewife from Davao, who went home with the P100-million grand prize after correctly calling and predicting every NBA Playoffs series winner.
ArenaPlus honored the winners of its 2026 NBA Playoffs MVP: Battle for the Most Valuable Predictor campaign on Friday, Nov. 6 in Parañaque City, awarding prizes from the ₱100-million MVP Bracket and ₱50-million Shared Prize Pool.
The free-to-play contest invited Filipino basketball fans to predict the outcomes of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, covering every round from the opening series to the NBA Finals. Each participant was given two entries to complete their postseason brackets.
Eleven other participants each won ₱3.125 million from the ₱50-million Shared Prize Pool. All winners correctly predicted 14 of the 15 NBA Playoffs series winners, with prizes distributed in accordance with the promotional mechanics approved by PAGCOR.
Meanwhile, one of the Shared Prize Pool winners had previously appeared on All in sa Arena, ArenaPlus’ original show on Facebook and YouTube, following the New York Knicks’ 94-90 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 14.
ArenaPlus, the Philippines’ No. 1 PAGCOR-licensed online sportsbook, awarded him an additional ₱1.875 million in recognition of being the only projected winner to attend the live All in sa Arena episode and fulfill the event’s requirements. This brought his total winnings to ₱5 million.
“The NBA Playoffs always bring out the passion and basketball knowledge of Filipino fans, and this campaign gave them an opportunity to put both to the test,” said ArenaPlus Head Ethan William, professionally known as Layson.
“We understand the responsibility that comes with a campaign of this scale, and we want participants to have an experience that lives up to the competition and the commitment they bring to it,” Layson added.
Also present at the awarding ceremony were DigiPlus Vice President and Head of Investor Relations, Corporate Communications, and Sustainability Celeste Jovenir, and ArenaPlus Head of Brand and VIP Operations Center Hannah Bagui, along with members of the media.
Launched in March, the promotion was one of ArenaPlus’ biggest campaigns to date, featuring a ₱100-million MVP Bracket and a ₱50-million Shared Prize Pool.
As the NBA’s Official Betting Partner in the Philippines, ArenaPlus continues to create experiences that bring fans closer to the sports they love, both in-app and in person.
“For ArenaPlus, initiatives like this go beyond the excitement of competition. They are about bringing fans closer to the sports they love, creating shared experiences, and finding new ways to make digital entertainment more engaging and rewarding,” Jovenir said. “With the new NBA season now underway, a fresh chapter of exciting matchups, compelling storylines, and new predictions awaits.”
About DigiPlus
DigiPlus Interactive Corp. pioneered digital entertainment in the Philippines. It introduced the leading platforms BingoPlus and ArenaPlus, widely known for their engaging interactive gaming and sports entertainment experiences. DigiPlus also operates GameZone, with more to come. For more information, visit www.digiplus.com.ph.
About ArenaPlus
ArenaPlus is the #1 PAGCOR-licensed online sportsbook in the Philippines, providing a secure and engaging sports betting and streaming experience. Launched in 2023, ArenaPlus features a wide range of local and international sports and continues to expand its presence through key partnerships across major leagues, including the NBA, PBA, and PVL.
ArenaPlus is committed to strengthening the sports community by supporting local athletes, highlighting their dedication and the hard work behind their journeys, and inspiring community pride.