ABS-CBN officially signed exclusive partnership with meleap on August 15th, 2019.

(From left to right: Head of Finance Operations: Catherine C.Lopez, ATEI head:Cookie Bartolome, ABS-CBN CEO:Carlo Katigbak, meleap CEO: Hiroshi Fukuda, meleap COO: Yukiharu Tomita, meleap Executive Officer: Kent Lim)

Introducing HADO: Immersive AR Tech-Sports

HADO is an immersive and interactive AR sport that combines physical movement with augmented reality technology. Often referred to as a “tech-sport,” HADO transforms real-world spaces into digital battle arenas where players compete using natural body motions.

Players wear lightweight head-mounted displays and arm sensors that allow them to throw virtual energy balls and deploy shields through real physical actions, creating a unique fusion of sports and digital gameplay.

Family-Friendly and Inclusive Experience

ABS-CBN selected HADO for its strong alignment with the company’s family-oriented vision. As a non-contact AR sport with minimal risk of injury and no requirement for special athletic ability, HADO is designed to be enjoyed by a wide range of participants, including friends, teams, and families.

“This technosport combines physical and digital play in a way that anyone can enjoy,” said Cookie Bartolome, Head of ATEI. “HADO Pilipinas will introduce a new form of immersive entertainment that delivers both active fun and interactive sports experiences to Filipino audiences.”

Gameplay and Location-Based Entertainment Potential

Unlike traditional VR or online multiplayer games, HADO allows players to move freely in a shared physical arena, making it well suited for Location-Based Entertainment (LBE) venues such as themed attractions and experiential facilities.

Each match features two teams of up to three players competing in 80-second battles, where strategy, teamwork, and physical movement determine the winner. Spectators can also enjoy watching the fast-paced and strategic gameplay unfold in real time.

Launch Event and Media Engagement

The press conference was attended by celebrities from the popular reality show Pinoy Big Brother Otso, prominent sports reporters, and Japanese YouTuber Fumiya Sankai, who was introduced as an ambassador for HADO Pilipinas. Guests at the event experienced HADO firsthand in a special arena built inside the venue.

(Philippines’ popular YouTuber, Fumiya Sankai)

“I hope that this newly launched Hado Pilipinas will bring new feelings of excitement about the sport to the people.” Bartolome said.

HADO Pilipinas x NCAA

Partnership with NCAA and Tournament Program

In addition, HADO Pilipinas announced a partnership with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to host inter-school tournaments involving ten member teams. The competition will be broadcast as a reality show beginning August 25, with the winning team earning an all-expenses-paid trip to Japan to compete in the HADO WORLD CUP 2019.

Future Expansion and Venue Development

Looking ahead, ABS-CBN plans to establish the HADO Pilipinas Camp, a dedicated training and experience facility within its compound, and is exploring collaborations with shopping malls to create standalone venues. These initiatives aim to bring immersive AR sports experiences closer to families and communities across the country.

Global Vision from meleap

meleap CEO Hiroshi Fukuda commented, “HADO is now available in 26 countries, and the global market for AR sports continues to grow rapidly. Partnering with a major media company like ABS-CBN allows us not only to expand player participation but also to build a fan base through broadcasting and streaming. This is a crucial step toward establishing HADO as a new form of cultural entertainment and professional sport.”

Conclusion: Next-Generation Sports Entertainment

By combining immersive AR technology, interactive gameplay, and fitness-driven active fun, HADO Pilipinas is set to redefine sports entertainment in the Philippines and introduce audiences to the future of tech-powered, location-based experiences.