AKARI LIGHTS UP UAAP SEASON 86 WITH OFFICIAL PARTNERSHIP
Akari, the Philippines' leading lighting and technology company, is showing no signs of slowing down in its efforts to support Philippine sports. This year, the brand takes another major step forward as it inked an official partnership deal with the eight schools of the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) for Season 86 — further cementing its position as one of the most committed corporate partners in Filipino collegiate athletics.
"I'm delighted to see the partnership with Akari as a significant development for our league. Akari's commitment to Philippine sports, as evidenced by their support for various teams and programs, is truly commendable," said UAAP Season 86 President Rod Roque.
Partnering with Akari is a natural fit, according to Roque, with the UAAP and the company sharing a deeply aligned common goal.
"Akari's involvement aligns perfectly with our mission to promote excellence, discipline, and teamwork among student-athletes. By supporting the UAAP, Akari is investing in the future of Philippine sports, nurturing young talents, and inspiring the next generation of athletes."
Throughout UAAP Season 86, Akari will produce official UAAP merchandise featuring the colors and logos of all participating schools — offering an exciting selection for students, alumni, and parents to choose from.
"The UAAP-Akari partnership aims to serve the UAAP ecosystem with practical, reliable, and affordable products that extend the UAAP experience beyond the confines of the courts and game venues," said Licensing Committee Chairman Edwin Reyes.
Akari UAAP fan merchandise will include sought-after items such as 8-inch rechargeable elliptical fans, touch control tri-color and dimmable desk lamps, touch night light USB adaptors, rechargeable handy fans, extension cords, and 10,000mAh power banks — all soon available for passionate UAAP fans nationwide.
"These items, now considered essentials, allow UAAP fans to support their teams anytime and anywhere — whether it's charging their phones, staying cool during outdoor events, or adding illumination to our games," said UAAP Executive Director Rebo Saguisag.
For Saguisag, this collaboration goes far beyond merchandising and brand promotion — it is also 'built on a deep connection' with the people behind Akari, headed by CEO Christopher Tiu.
"We've engaged with the key figures at Akari, and our mutual dedication to helping develop the grassroots sports program in the Philippines while still producing high-quality consumer electronics and lighting products is palpable. We believe that this synergy between the UAAP and Akari will propel us towards our shared goals — giving an avenue for the next generation of Filipino athletes. We are excited for what is in store this Season with the help of Akari."
Starting November, these Akari UAAP products will be available at game venues, UAAP campuses, Landmark Makati and Trinoma, Natasha, MSE, Ace Hardware, Handyman, and True Value branches nationwide. Fans can also purchase these products online through Akari's official webstore, Nxled's webstore, Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.
With UAAP Season 86 officially underway, Akari looks forward to fueling the future of Philippine collegiate sports together with the UAAP. For more information, follow Akari Sports and Akari Lighting on our official website and all social media pages.
A New Era for Filipino Sports: Akari Helps Build the Home of the UAAP
The future is here! After more than two years of nationwide lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Akari Lighting’s Project Department held its highly anticipated annual product introduction seminar 2022 on October 5. Attendees included developers, contractors, architects, and business owners who have partnered with Akari Lighting for many years. The event doubles as a feedback mechanism for items used across different projects, as well as a training seminar for relevant partners on item installation, termination, and industry best practices.
The event kicked off with a short introduction by the Project Department’s Head, Ms. Catherine Tiu-Tan, covering the history of the company, the purpose of the event, and key highlights to look forward to in the seminar. Shortly after, the team presented both Akari and NXLED products — including lighting fixtures, wiring devices, and Comelit intercom units — giving attendees a comprehensive overview of the latest innovations available in the market.
Building a Legacy of Excellence
2020 data from S&P Global show significant growth opportunities in the Philippine telco industry, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3% projected through the 2020s. Statista also estimates 84.67 million smartphone users in the Philippines in 2022, translating to approximately 75.3% mobile penetration rate. Capitalizing on this digital momentum, Akari Lighting, via the NXLED smart lighting brand, launched its latest smart home lighting product line — now available across more than 200 retail stores nationwide, online sales channels, and key accounts.
The smart lighting category addresses new consumer demands, capitalizing on individuality, customization, and tech-savvy home solutions — all without compromising quality. Products under the smart lighting category include power adapters, smart flood lights, LED strip lights, and smart ceiling lamps. These smart lighting fixtures and wiring devices are powered by either the Tuya app, Google Assistant, or Amazon Alexa using WiFi technology — accessible on both iOS and Android devices. As a new generation of consumers purchases lighting products for the first time, Akari Lighting remains committed to being the brand of choice for Filipino consumers.
“We’ve successfully increased the seating capacity in the upper-ground or general admission area, raising it from nearly 7,000 to more than 8,000 seats,” Tan revealed.
He added that the project team is also carefully studying proposals to introduce standing room areas, prioritizing both safety and accessibility for fans.
“Safety remains a top priority. Should standing zones be added, there will be protective barriers in place, along with clear emergency discharge routes to ensure everyone’s well-being,” Tan explained.
In his speech, Tan expressed gratitude to the UAAP for entrusting Athletica Asia Land Corporation with such a meaningful endeavor.
“Today, as we break ground, we’re not just laying the foundation of a structure — we’re building a legacy. This will be a space that inspires future generations and unites people through the power of sports,” he said.
