MSI and Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP eSport Join Forces In Endless Quest for Ultimate Performance & Precise Control

MSI and Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP eSport Join Forces In Endless Quest for Ultimate Performance & Precise Control

Monday, September 20, 2021

 

MSI announced the partnership with Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP eSport Team! MSI’s innovative products with high performance in the eSport industry are unanimously endorsed by gamers, which makes MSI become a world leading gaming brand; Yamaha motorcycles’ high speed and extreme performance on the race track inspire people, which creates a position for Yamaha, the most valuable motorcycle brand in the world. On the basis of similar core values and principles within their own fields, MSI and Yamaha decided to establish this partnership.

MSI sponsored the eSport team a full range of high-end gaming products and accessories to provide their eSport riders with tougher and suitable equipment for their daily training, and then sought more opportunities for cooperation and brand exposure in various activities and race tracks.

“MSI and Yamaha’s common pursuit of performance, speed, and experience derives from passion and craftsmanship, which creates a driving force to lead the eSports riders to victory between the virtual and real world. The partnership between MSI and Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP eSport Team is an unprecedented occasion, and it’s also the best chance to boost brand awareness to a new level following our brand recognized by gamers in the eSports industry,” said Sam Chern, MSI Marketing Vice President.

William Favero, Marketing & Communications Manager at Yamaha Motor Racing & Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP, says, "We are thrilled to be in a partnership with MSI Gaming, a world-leading gaming brand who's passion for high-tech innovation in developing top-level gaming hardware has been in evidence for over more than three decades.” 

“Though MotoGP eSport is still relatively new, Yamaha Motor Racing is playing a leading role. We were the first team to sign a dedicated eSports rider and are the most active MotoGP team when it comes to MotoGP eSport. However, even the most skilled gamers will be hindered by lacking technology, so the importance of good hardware was underlined even further,” he said.

“MSI’s desktops and laptops are the perfect gear to provide our riders the best chance to fight for the MotoGP eSport title honours in the Global Series and Rising Star Championship respectively," Favero said.

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DITO supports first-ever ESKYUSI Mobile Legends Tournament

DITO supports first-ever ESKYUSI Mobile Legends Tournament

Friday, September 17, 2021

The country’s newest telco player, DITO Telecommunity, is the official telco partner of the first-ever E-SPORTS KYUSI (ESKYUSI) Mobile Legends Tournament. Organized by the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation of Quezon City and Grey Black Visual Synthesis (GBVS), the tournament aims to discover local gaming talents with prizes worth up to Php 500,000. 

“The SK Federation of Quezon City recognizes that gaming has become a passion for many of today’s youth. We hope to inspire young Filipinos by providing a formal venue where they can pursue and excel in their interests and be rewarded for it,” said SK Federation Chairperson Councilor Noe Dela Fuente. 

“DITO has always been about serving different Filipino telecommunities, whatever their interests may be. We know gaming has become a major interest among the young, and we’re happy to be a partner of SK Federation of QC and Grey Visual Synthesis in the first ever ESKYUSI Mobile Legends Tournament,” said DITO’s Brand and Marketing Director Jasper Evangelista. “We look forward to seeing Quezon City become a leading gaming hub in the country. In line with our core mission, DITO also commits to providing high-speed data for gamers all over the Philippines.” 

The Quezon City-wide event, composed of over 200 teams from 142 barangays, commenced last August 1, with the grand finals slated for October 24. 

To check the complete schedule and watch the livestream of the competitions, visit the GBVS page. Get the latest news about the tournament at the DITO Telecommunity Facebook page.

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Young gamers lead Smart barangay grassroots esports league

Young gamers lead Smart barangay grassroots esports league

Thursday, September 16, 2021

PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has recently teamed up with the Local Youth Development Office of Pasig City (LYDO) to launch the first leg of the Barangay Grassroots Esports League (BGEL). Together with Omega Academy, BGEL wants to enable local government units, particularly youth organizations, to connect with their constituents through esports. 

For 21-year-old Tatin Manalo, participating in Pasig’s BGEL was an experience to remember. 

“We competed against great players during the league, but we received so much support from our barangay, especially from the Sangguniang Kabataan of Santolan. Because of that, we have no other objective than to win this battle and make our barangay proud,” Manalo said. 

There were 28 teams who competed in the tournament for the P48,000 prize pool. All teams were recommended by the Sangguniang Kabataan in Pasig City. Manalo’s team, Santolan’s Pride, bested other teams in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) competition of BGEL. 

“To be honest, it was no longer about the cash prize or even the fame. My teammates and I have been playing online games for a long time, and I think this [league] is the perfect platform to promote esports, to show that this is more than just a pastime or entertainment for us, but an actual sport that requires proper training, teamwork, intelligence, and most of all, heart,” the team captain said. 

Aside from MLBB, the young gamers are also anticipating the Call of Duty Mobile (CODM) tournament on September 24 to 26, 2021. BGEL is also supported by the Pasig Youth Development Council with the guidance of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Esports Organization (PESO). On the other hand, Omega Academy is the developmental department of Smart Omega which aims to find and develop young talents in the Filipino esports industry. 

“The Barangay Grassroots Esports League is our way to help our partners in LGUs empower the youth with competitive activities amid the pandemic. As they stay safe at home, one of the best ways for them to stay active is through esports,” said Jude Turcuato, First Vice President and Head of Sports at PLDT and Smart. 

Country’s biggest esports supporter 

Smart has proven its strong commitment and support to the Philippine esports community by partnering with game creators and esports tournament organizers here and abroad, delighting subscribers with exclusive offers, and actively playing a role in PESO, the official National Sports Association that governs and develops esports for the over 43 million gamers in the country. 

Smart also provides Filipino gamers with the best mobile gaming experience on 5G devices with its continuous network improvement. Smart was recently cited as the fastest 5G network in the Philippines by Ookla®, the global leader in internet testing and analysis. 

Smart has also reasserted its dominance as the Philippines' fastest mobile network for the fourth year in a row, according to Ookla, covering the first half of 2021. 

Smart also scored a rare sweep in the April 2021 Philippines Mobile Network Experience Awards by independent analytics firm Opensignal, beating the competition across all metrics in three essential aspects of service. 

When asked how important a reliable internet connection is to a gamer, Manalo said, “It’s as basic as this: a basketball tournament without a ring. It’s hard to imagine, right? It’s the same with playing ML with a bad connection. It’s important to have fast connection and strong internet signal to have smooth and limitless moves while playing the game.” 

For more information, visit www.smart.com.ph.

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MSI Gaming Arena to hold its first-ever University Championship in the Philippines

MSI Gaming Arena to hold its first-ever University Championship in the Philippines

Monday, September 06, 2021

MSI, a world leader in gaming, content creation, and AIoT solutions is bringing its gaming arena closer to students in the Philippines with its first-ever University Championship. Filipino esports fans, gamers, and enthusiasts will be able to witness the intense battles between collegiate teams in Riot Game’s popular first-person shooter, VALORANT. The tournament will run from October 30 to December 4, but registration will start as early as October 7. 

The MSI Gaming Arena (MGA) University Championship have spanned to the countries of Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, and now the Philippines. The tournament aims to recognize the emergence of esports in the country and promote the importance of camaraderie among universities even without face-to-face engagements, moreover in this time of pandemic. 

“MSI together with AcadArena, ESL Gaming, The Gaming Company, One Up esports, Riot Games, and VNG are proud to bring the heat and thrill of gaming experience among universities in the Philippines.” said Jessica Chen, MSI Philippines General Manager. The program will adhere as closely to local school schedules as possible. “We highly encourage the students to join the fun and the spirit of competition, hoping this could relieve a bit of their stress from the ongoing pandemic and online classes.” she added. 

Bringing MSI’s Gaming Arena University Championship to the local scene, the event will be powered by the Philippines’ very own Globe Telecom. This partnership is also made possible with AcadArena, the leading organization for Campus Gaming and Esports Education in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Through these collaborations, audience and players alike will have a seamless and thrilling experience. 

Each country’s Championship will be independent to best serve the player base. Here are the Philippines’ championship dates to ponder on: 

• October 7 - 27 – Registration 
• October 30 - Qualifier #1 
• November 6 - Qualifier #2 
• November 13 - Qualifier #3 
• November 20 - Qualifier #4 
• November 27 - Quarter Finals 
• December 3 – Semis 
• December 4 – Finals 

This isn’t just an everyday rank game on VALORANT, as MSI brings to the table a prize pool of PHP200,000 for the emerging winners of the first-ever Philippine University Championship along with other special prizes. 

Get to know more about the tournament and gather your team now. Visit https://www.msi.com/Landing/MGAUniversityChampionship , and register soon as MGA awaits you.

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Eight teams battle it out in realme Mobile Legends Cup playoffs with up to P500k worth of prizes

Eight teams battle it out in realme Mobile Legends Cup playoffs with up to P500k worth of prizes

Monday, July 19, 2021

realme, the number one smartphone brand in the Philippines, is set to kick off the playoffs round of the multi-awarded realme Mobile Legends Cup (RMC) this July 15. 

Powered by the realme 8 5G, the fourth installment of the tournament was launched in June 17 with the first round of eliminations where hundreds of local Mobile Legends teams battled it out to qualify for the upcoming playoffs round. 

The annual realme Mobile Legends Cup was borne out of realme’s mission to enable and empower Filipino gamers since its establishment in 2018. It has since bagged multiple recognitions, including 5 awards during the 18th Quill Awards earlier this year. 

During the playoffs, eight top teams will battle against each other for top prizes and the recognition of being the best Mobile Legends team in the Philippines. The matches are as follows:

· Raven Claw Esports vs. Amihan Esports

· JNA Esports vs. SINAG PILIPINAS

· Sunsparks vs. K10

· ALPHA Esports Pro vs. AUG3 ESPORTS

The realme Squad can tune in to the brand’s Facebook page every Thursday at 7pm starting July 15 until August 5 to witness the battle unfold. It is supported by a star-studded lineup of shoutcasters, which includes Sh1nboo, Manjean, Wolf, Butters, Rockhart, Rob Luna, Yuuko, and Pacchi.

realme Mobile Legends Cup Season 4 is co-presented by official telco partner DITO Telecommunications, official courier partner J&T Express, official digital payments partner PayMaya, official gaming fuel partner Mountain Dew, official gaming gear partner Logitech, official chair partner Secret Lab, and official talent partner Rumble Royale.

For the latest in exciting Mobile Legends and esports action, tune in to the realme Philippines Facebook page every Thursday at https://www.facebook.com/realmePhilippines.

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RSG to spearhead innovation in engaging Esports fans in the Philippines

RSG to spearhead innovation in engaging Esports fans in the Philippines

Friday, July 16, 2021

RSG, the premier Singapore-based Southeast Asian professional esports organization, shared today its expansion plans into the Philippines esports scene, the latest of its overseas markets. Early-stage initiatives unveiled include developing professional esports teams and talent, which will support RSG’s strategy to grow the local esports talent pool and raise the bar in engaging the gaming community and improving fan experiences. 

Immediate plans include training and development of the first RSG PH professional esports team, which makes its debut in the upcoming official national-level tournament, Mobile Legends Professional League Philippines Season 8. As part of its fan-first philosophy, RSG will also be developing engagement initiatives to create deeper, more meaningful connections with their fans and the local Filipino community. 

The organization will explore plans to expand its competitive capabilities to include other game titles across console, PC and mobile platforms, support local content creators and talent, and explore long-term collaborations to raise mass awareness and interest on esports. 

Founded in 2017, RSG operates across Southeast Asia to engage the gaming audience through esports teams and content creators. The company’s premier esports teams specialise in leading game titles such as Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty and Warcraft, and have participated in over 200 tournaments collectively. Building on its presence in Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Philippines, RSG will continue its growth strategy through regional expansion efforts into key Southeast Asian markets. The esports organisation also plans to compete in more games and reach 150 million gaming audience in Southeast Asia by the end of 2021.

Said Founder and CEO of RSG, Jayf Soh, “With the second largest population in Southeast Asia, Philippines has a highly enthusiastic esports community that has grown rapidly in recent years. As the esports scene gathers momentum in the region, RSG is proud to be one of the first few regional esports organizations to expand our presence and support the development of the local esports industry. We hope to bring to the fans here our experience in developing esports champions, drive innovation in the way we create and engage fans, and last but not least, the trademark RSG spirit of relentlessly pursuing excellence. We will be working together with stakeholders and fans to educate the masses about esports, and contribute to a more robust ecosystem as we aspire to be the leading esports organization here.” 

The Philippines games market is one of the leading ones in Southeast Asia, growing at a rapid pace. According to market research firm Newzoo, 43 million gamers spent US$572 million on games in 2019, making the country the world’s 25th biggest market by games revenues. In the Digital 2021 report on the Philippines by Dataportal, which reports data and insights on various topics, the number of internet users in the Philippines increased by 4.2 million (6.1%) between 2020 and 2021, to 73.91 million. Of which 72.1% of internet users aged 16 to 64 use game apps each month. MLBB was the top-ranking mobile game by monthly active users in 2020. 

RSG PH’s MLBB Team to compete with the nation’s best esports teams 

Over a media session today, RSG introduced its first local MLBB professional team. The team of experienced and up-and-coming players will participate in Mobile Legends Professional League Philippines Season 8, with an exclusive slot under the franchise-based league. With this move, RSG PH signaled its commitment to provide more sustainable career paths for players and widen support for players and staff alike as it works towards the goal of raising standards for the industry. MPL Philippines Season 7 had notched over 33 million total watch hours with 1.4 million peak live viewers, featuring one of the country’s most popular games. 

Team Captain Kenneth Jiane “Kenji” Villa leads the team who will train under the guidance of Coach Brian “Panda” Lim, who led the Philippines to a Gold Medal win at the 30th SEA Games. Players include Elyson Edouard “GHOST Wrecker” Caranza, one of the country’s most popular streamers - known for his massive social media fan base (with 7.7 million followers) and a big heart for philanthropy. 

The team line-up will also comprise of: 

● Arvie “Aqua” Calderon 

● Dexter “Exort” Martinez 

● Earvin John “Heath” Esperanza 

● Eman “Emann” Sangco 

● Joshwell Christian “Iy4knu” Manaog 

● Jonard Cedrix “Demonkite” Caranto 

● Nathanael “Nathzz” Estrologo 

RSG PH is helmed by Country Manager, Richardson “RJ” Jacinto, a veteran with more than 10 years of industry experience in esports. Highly attuned to the needs of the Filipino esports community, he took up key positions in various esports organizations and related companies prior to joining RSG. He will be tapping on his expertise in business development, marketing, and project management to focus on development and nurturing of young local talent, and develop initiatives to help grow the local esports industry. 

About RSG 

RSG is a leading organization headquartered in Singapore that seeks to become a dominant influence in APAC through gaming and esports, fueled by the relentless pursuit of excellence. 

Since its inception, RSG has competed in over 200 tournaments and won Singapore’s first Silver Medal for esports at the 2019 SEA Games. The organization has also fielded championship-winning teams across key markets in Southeast Asia, with its top-performing team reaching over 970,000 peak concurrent viewers. 

RSG is committed towards challenging the narrative for gaming and esports. Find out more at www.rsg.gg.

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Cong TV introduced as PlayMaya ambassador as PayMaya launches new all-in-one gaming experience

Cong TV introduced as PlayMaya ambassador as PayMaya launches new all-in-one gaming experience

Monday, May 17, 2021

Digital financial services leader PayMaya continues to empower the digital life of Filipinos as it launches PlayMaya, its newest trailblazing in-app service that will bring everyone's gaming experience to the next level through cashless convenience and exciting rewards.

PlayMaya opens up a whole new world of gaming to millions of avid gamers nationwide. Customers get exclusive access to exciting deals and cashback rewards for in-game purchases and soon, to over 290 digital gaming products, free mini games to play, and curated content from their favorite gaming personalities, all within the PayMaya app.

By simply tapping the new 'Play' button on the PayMaya app home screen, users can easily access these exciting new features and rewards that offer something for all types of players, whether they are into casual games, mobile or console games, and even eSports games.

In line with the launch of PlayMaya, PayMaya also kicked off the PlayMaya Tournament, which will see mobile gamers from all around the country battle it out to come out on top in some of the most popular mobile games today such as Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Call of Duty Mobile, and PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG) Mobile.

“PayMaya has always enabled the digital lifestyle of Filipinos through our fintech innovations. Earlier this year, we elevated the shopping experience of our customers with the PayMaya Mall. Now, millions of PayMaya users can gain instant access to an awesome, all-in-one gaming experience–filled with exclusive rewards, engaging games, and exciting content–just by pressing 'Play' on their PayMaya app," said Heidi Garayblas, Head of Growth Marketing Partnerships for PayMaya Philippines. 

Among the first PayMaya users to experience a more awesome gameplay with PlayMaya is popular streamer and content creator, Cong TV, who was introduced as the official PlayMaya ambassador. Cong TV has been using PayMaya to enjoy cashless convenience in his gaming purchases for years, aside from the usual services it offers such as paying bills and shopping online. With the newly-launched PlayMaya service, Cong TV is able to enjoy leveled-up perks and rewards for his gaming needs, no matter what type of game he plays.

Level up your game with an action-packed tournament

To kick off the launch of PlayMaya with a bang, PayMaya is introducing the PlayMaya Tournament – the nationwidest e-sports tournament in the country today.

By tapping on the extensive on-ground network of Smart Padala by PayMaya with over 39,000 partner agents present in 92% of all cities and municipalities, the PlayMaya tournament is bringing the best gaming experience powered by cashless payments closer to Filipino gamers even in the farthest reaches of the country. 

Teams from all over the Philippines will be battling it out in three of the most popular e-sports games in the country: Mobile Legends, Call of Duty Mobile, and PUBG Mobile, to win the coveted prize pool of P2 million per leg. In addition to this, PayMaya is also giving away over P4 million worth of prizes to the participants. These include gadgets and cash prizes from partners, realme and Smart, which brings the PlayMaya Tournament's prize pool to over P10 million!

Interested players can sign up for their preferred game starting on May 14 by pressing the Play button on the PayMaya app, or by registering through Smart Padala agents across the country. 

To sign up using the PayMaya app, users can follow these simple steps:

1. Open the PayMaya app
2. Tap the Play tile
3. Tap the banner for the PlayMaya tournament registration and tap register via PayMaya app
4. Fill out the form with the requested details
5. After form is submitted, wait for a tournament representative to get in touch for updates and next steps

Players can also sign up through the Smart Padala agent in their neighborhood by following the instructions below:

1. At the Smart Padala agent, scan the QR code on the poster for the PlayMaya tournament
2. Tap register via Smart Padala Store
3. Fill out the form with the requested details
4. After form is submitted, wait for a tournament representative to get in touch for updates and next steps

Gear up for PlayMaya-exclusive deals

While serious gamers are gearing up to take home amazing prizes at the PlayMaya tournament, casual gamers can still enjoy exciting rewards by simply pressing Play on PayMaya. 

As an introductory offer, PayMaya is rewarding users with exclusive gaming deals. From May 14-16, PayMaya users who will buy gaming pins can enjoy a 50% cashback for each transaction (terms and conditions apply). 

In support of PlayMaya, top brands including realme and Smart are also offering great deals from May 14 to June 4: 

Customers will get a chance to win awesome devices from realme including a Narzo 30A smartphone, gaming kits, and Buds Q2 when they purchase MLBB or PUBG top-ups in the PayMaya app. 

Smart is raffling off 30 diamonds to 100 winners who will buy the GIGA GAMES 99 load package in the PayMaya app for their gaming needs. 

You too can enjoy an awesome gameplay with the help of PayMaya! Just download the PayMaya app at https://official.paymaya.com/CAK1/425eb133 and register an account to find out what it’s like to go cashless with the fastest, safest, and most rewarding way to pay for anything online and in stores! Remember, for all your gaming needs, don’t pay cash. PayMaya!

PayMaya is the only end-to-end digital payments ecosystem enabler in the Philippines with platforms and services that cut across consumers, merchants, communities, and government. Through its enterprise business, it is the largest digital payments processor for key industries in the country including "everyday" merchants such as the largest retail, food, gas, and eCommerce merchants, as well as government agencies and units.

PayMaya provides more than 35 million Filipinos with access to financial services through its consumer platforms. Customers can conveniently pay, add money, cash out or remit through its over 250,000 digital touchpoints nationwide. Its Smart Padala by PayMaya network of over 39,000 partner agent touchpoints nationwide serves as last-mile digital financial hubs in communities, providing the unbanked and underserved with access to digital services. To know more about PayMaya's products and services, visit www.PayMaya.com or follow @PayMayaOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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PESO gets POC nod, now the official National Sports Association for esports in the Philippines

PESO gets POC nod, now the official National Sports Association for esports in the Philippines

Thursday, September 03, 2020

POC Board of Directors and General Body approve powerhouse esports organization’s NSA application

The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) has accredited the Philippine Esports Organization (PESO) as an associate member, making it the official Nationals Sports Association (NSA) for esports in the Philippines.

In a landmark decision by the POC, the mother organization of all NSAs, PESO’s recognition as an associate member makes it the official governing body for Philippine esports. Among its tasks would include organizing events, promulgation of rules of the sport, promotion and growth of the sport via grassroots programs and other activities, and the recruitment of National players and coaches.

Aside from having fulfilled all the requirements of the POC for applicant NSAs, PESO’s approval was built on its long-standing experience in esports, having conducted National Qualifiers to the World Championships since 2012. PESO also has WADA approved Anti-Doping protocols, as mandated by the International Esports Federation (IESF). PESO has been a member in good standing under the IESF since 2012.

The IESF is the only esports organization in the world that fulfills all criteria set by the Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF). Founded in 2008, IESF is the oldest and largest esports organization in the world, counting 75 members from all continents. The IESF has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Asian Esports Federation (AESF), World Esports Consortium (WESCO), and the International University Sports Federation (FISU). Of IESF’s 75 members, 36 are already accepted by their respective National Olympic Committees.

“I entrust PESO on their endeavors of uplifting the Philippines through Esports globally,” said POC Chairman Stephen Hontiveros in a statement. “And I congratulate them on being an associate member of the Philippine Olympic Committee!”

Brian Lim, PESO President, said: “We are grateful to the POC in their recognition of PESO and Esports. This would help us bring in more support to our fellow Filipinos who are competing globally and bringing glory to the Philippines.”

Jane Jimenez Basas, SVP and Head of Consumer Wireless Business at Smart, had this to say about PESO’s accreditation by the POC: “We thank the POC for recognizing PESO as an Associate Member. Our goal is to continue leading the way to bring glory to Philippine esports. After supporting Team Sibol in the 2019 SEA Games, Smart reaffirms its commitment to the esports industry by looking for the next members of Team Sibol who will represent the Philippines in the IESF World Championships. “

PESO’s first major event for 2020 is the Philippine Qualifiers for the IESF World Championships to be held in Israel this December. The search for the newest members of Team Sibol starts this September 2020. Details on the Philippine Qualifiers for the 12th IESF World Championship will be announced through the PESO Facebook Page. TV5 and Cignal, who have been strong advocates of esports on Philippine airwaves, will air the Philippines Qualifiers on One Sports and One Sports Plus. Smart Communications is a proud sponsor of Team Sibol, the Philippine National Esports Team.

For more info on the Philippine Esports Organization (PESO), visit the following links:

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/philesports/

Website (under construction): https://www.esports.com.ph

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