Alas Pilipinas stars Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons booked a breakthough win on Friday, October 17, in the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour 2025 Nuvali Challenge in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.The Filipina duo swept the Slovenian pair, 21-19, 21-9, whom they also defeated in the Futures in Budapest only last month. 

AC Miner led the charge as the Zus Coffee Thunderbelles extended their winning streak with a commanding sweep of the Galeries Tower Highrisers, 25-22, 25-16, 25-16, in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference on Tuesday, October 14, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.Miner earned Player of the Game honors after posting 10 points built on 7 attacks, 2 aces, and 1 block, showcasing her all-around efficiency and composure at the net. Her presence on both offense and defense set the tone early, helping ZUS Coffee establish control and maintain momentum throughout the match.With the victory, ZUS Coffee improved to 2-0 in Pool B, solidifying its early position as one of the top contenders in the conference. Miner’s steady leadership and consistent play continue to be key factors in the Thunderbelles’ unbeaten start.ZUS Coffee will next face the Creamline Cool Smashers on Thursday, October 23, at the FilOil EcoOil Arena.

Justine Jazareno stood tall as the defensive anchor for the Akari Chargers, steering her team to a five-set victory over the Chery Tiggo Crossovers, 25-11, 22-25, 29-27, 17-25, 15-7, in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference on Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.Jazareno, known for her steady hands and exceptional court coverage, was named Player of the Game after registering 27 excellent digs and 9 excellent receptions, setting the tone for Akari’s strong defensive stand. Her consistent presence at the backline allowed the Chargers to maintain control in crucial moments, especially during the tight third and fifth sets.The Chargers displayed resilience after dropping the fourth frame, tightening their floor defense and minimizing errors to dominate the decider. Jazareno’s leadership and composure played a crucial role in keeping her teammates calm and focused amid the pressure.With this win, Akari not only opened its 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference campaign on a high note but also showcased the importance of solid defense, a department masterfully led by Jazareno, who continues to prove why she’s among the league’s premier liberos.

A 141-strong Philippine delegation is set to make waves at the Third Asian Youth Games (AYG) in Manama, Bahrain, from October 22 to 31. Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino expressed confidence in the team’s potential, aiming to match or surpass the country’s two-gold, three-silver haul from the 2013 Nanjing edition.“Yes, this team has a strong fighting chance,” said Tolentino.Flag bearers Leo Mhar Lobrido (boxing) and Harlene Serneche (volleyball) lead the charge. Lobrido, 16, from Bago City, is a top medal hopeful after his gold-winning stint at the Greater Area Bay Youth Boxing Challenge in Shenzhen, China. “We’ll train and do our best to get a medal,” he said.Serneche, a National University recruit and high school volleyball standout, echoed the team’s determination: “We have potential and hopefully we’ll be competitive there.”The delegation, headed by Chef de Mission and PNVF President Ramon “Tats” Suzara, will compete in 18 of the 26 sports in Manama. During the send-off, athletes wore uniforms by Avel Bacudio, including tracksters Pi Durden Wangkay and Lorainne Batalla, Muay Thai’s Jan Brix Ramiscal, MMA’s Charlie and Travis Ratcliff, and volleyball’s Rhose Almendralejo.Almendralejo, an 11th grader from Bacolod’s Tay Tung High School, shared her excitement and nerves: “It’s a big pressure for me, but I’ll do my best to help the team.”With youthful energy, talent, and unity, Team Philippines is ready to showcase the next generation of Filipino athletes on the Asian stage.

Three Filipino women’s pairs and two men’s tandems are set to compete for main draw berths in the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Challenge 2025 qualifiers on Wednesday at the Nuvali Sands Court in Santa Rosa, Laguna.Ronniel Rosales and Rancel Varga, along with Edwin Tolentino and Larry John Francisco, open the men’s campaign at 9 a.m. against international opponents. Meanwhile, top Filipino duo James Buytrago and Ran Abdilla earned an automatic slot in the main draw as seeded entries. 

Former PBA star Ronald “The Saint” Tubid notched his first win as head coach of the Terrafirma Dyip in the ongoing PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup, marking a promising debut for his coaching career.Tubid, celebrated for his energy and leadership on the court, guided the Dyip to a hard-fought victory—their first with him at the helm. The team displayed renewed confidence and chemistry, reflecting Tubid’s emphasis on discipline, teamwork, and player development.“This win means a lot—not just for me, but for the whole team,” Tubid shared after the game. “It’s all about building trust, working hard, and believing that we can compete with anyone.”'Yung team na ito fast-tracked, eh. 'Yung preparation namin, like, almost a month lang. So tinitiyaga namin. Kung saan kami strong doon lang kami. Saka ipinapaalala lang namin sa mga bata na as long as we compete may chance na manalo talaga.""Yung mga bata are so excited. They know na kaya nila. Sabi naming mga coaches... although we are undersized, as long as we compete may tsansa tayong manalo," said Tubid, adding the team continuous to be a work in progress."Siguro balik kami sa video, correct naming lahat. We all know this is a very young team, us coaches also," admitted the former nine-time champion player.The victory gives Terrafirma a morale boost and sets a positive tone as they aim for a playoff push this season. Tubid, a two-time PBA champion and former Gilas Pilipinas standout, took over earlier this year and is determined to lead the Dyip to greater heights.With their first win secured, Terrafirma looks to keep the momentum rolling as their PBA Season 50 journey continues.

Alex Eala is set for her next test at the Japan Women’s Open, opening her campaign today, October 14, against Czech player Tereza Valentova. The 19-year-old Filipina tennis star continues to climb the international rankings, now at a career-high No. 54, and is eager for another breakthrough to bring pride to the Philippines.The Japan Open boasts a stacked field, headlined by top seed and world No. 16 Naomi Osaka, world No. 17 Linda Noskova, No. 21 Elise Mertens, No. 27 Leylah Fernandez, No. 41 Marie Bouzkova, No. 49 Olga Danilovic, No. 42 Ann Li, and No. 40 Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.Eala will look to build on her momentum as she takes on the world’s best on the Japanese hard courts. In the meantime, Eala has been enjoying her time in Japan with her parents and coach, making the most of the experience both on and off the court.

Despite missing their import Anyse Smith, the Choco Mucho Flying Titans showed remarkable poise and resilience to outlast the Cignal HD Spikers in four sets, 23-25, 25-19, 25-16, 27-25, in their 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference debut on Monday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.Relying solely on their all-Filipino lineup, the Flying Titans leaned on captain Des Cheng’s leadership and the dominant presence of Maddie Madayag and Isa Molde to secure their first victory in Pool A of the tournament organized by Sports Vision.Madayag delivered a commanding performance, leading all scorers with 18 points on 11 attacks, six blocks, and a decisive ace that sealed the match. Molde complemented her with 17 points and 13 excellent digs, while Cheng and Kat Tolentino added 14 and 10 markers, respectively.“I just did my job and focused on what I needed to do,” said Madayag. “We struggled a bit with ball control at first, but we managed to fix it until the end. Credit really goes to teamwork.”

Elite 16 champions Javier and Joaquin Bello are back in the Philippines, aiming for redemption at the Beach Pro Tour Challenge from October 15 to 19 at the Nuvali Sands Court by Ayala Land in Santa Rosa, Laguna.Ranked 19th among 65 men’s pairs from 25 countries, the Bello brothers are determined to improve on last year’s bronze finish, where they fell to Germany’s Paul Henning and Lui Wust in the semifinals but bounced back to claim third place over Austria’s Timo Hammarberg and Philipp Wallar.“The Bello brothers are coming,” announced PNVF President Ramon “Tats” Suzara. “Like all participants, they’re here to provide top-level beach volleyball action.”The English pair faces stiff competition, including host Philippines, which will field three teams led by 2023 SEA Games bronze medalists Ran Abdilla and James Buytrago. Defending champions and world No. 6 Swedish duo Jacob Holting Nilsson and Elmer Andersson are also back to defend their crown.“We thank Ayala and Nuvali for hosting another world-class event,” Suzara added. “The level of competition keeps rising.”In the women’s division, Team USA lines up five pairs, while the Philippines is represented by Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons, Jenny Gaviola and Alexa Polidario, Sunny Villapando and Dij Rodriguez, and Kly Orillaneda with Gen Eslapor. The women’s field features 46 pairs from 15 countries, making this one of the most competitive editions yet.

National University reclaimed the top spot in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament with a gritty 82–78 win over De La Salle University at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.The Bulldogs unleashed a decisive 27–17 fourth-quarter run to seize control, then held off a late surge by the Green Archers, who lost star forward Mason Amos to a suspected knee injury down the stretch.With this victory, NU improved to 5–1—already matching last season’s win total—and broke its tie with the UST Growling Tigers (4–1). The Bulldogs have now won two in a row since their loss to defending champion UP.It’s a remarkable turnaround for NU, which struggled last year after import Mo Diassana’s early injury. Now, with Omar John anchoring the paint, the Bulldogs have emerged as one of the league’s most balanced and resilient squads."Nung mga preseason games, talagang iniisip ko kung paano tatagos sa depensa ng La Salle," said Palacielo, who scored 10 of his total production in the pivotal last period. "Kanina, tinignan ko lang talaga kung ano yung bibigay nila sa akin tiyaka ko tintry atakihhin."In the second game, defending champion University of the Philippines eked out a 69–66 win over Far Eastern University, notching a fourth straight victory after a rocky 0–2 start. Harold Alarcon led UP with 15 points, with Gani Stevens (14) and Reyland Torres (12) chipping in.UP now looks ahead to a marquee clash with the La Salle Green Archers on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.The Scores:NU 82 -- Figueroa 18, Palacielo 16, Francisco 13, Santiago 12, Jumamoy 8, Parks 6, Garcia 4, John 3, Manansala 2, Enriquez 0, Padrones 0, Dela Cruz 0, Navarro 0, Reyes 0.La Salle 78 -- Phillips 15, Cortez 15, Baclaan 11, Pablo 8, Amos 7, Gollena 6, Macalalag 5, Abadam 4, Daep 3, Dungo 2, Nwankwo 2, Melencio 0, Marasigan 0.Quarterscores: 21-23, 40-40, 55-61, 82-78.

Filipina cue artist Chezka Centeno proved once again that champions are defined not by how they start, but by how they finish.The 24-year-old Centeno pulled off a sensational comeback run from the losers’ bracket to capture her second WPA World Women’s 10-Ball Championship title, showcasing her trademark poise and fighting spirit on the global stage.After suffering an early setback in the double-elimination rounds, Centeno refused to back down. She went on a scorching run — defeating several top-seeded contenders, including defending champion Chou Chieh-Yu, to earn a spot in the finals.In the championship match, Centeno displayed world-class composure and precision, sealing the victory that crowned her once again as the best 10-ball player in the world.Her triumph marks another milestone for Philippine billiards, adding to the country’s storied legacy of cue sports dominance led by legends like Efren “Bata” Reyes and Rubilen Amit.Centeno’s second world title solidifies her place among the sport’s elite — and serves as an inspiration to a new generation of Filipino athletes proving that resilience, determination, and heart can turn any setback into glory.

The Philippine men’s curling team took a huge step toward making history after going undefeated in a pre-Olympic qualification event held at Curl Aberdeen in Scotland over the weekend, putting them on the brink of qualifying for the 2026 Milan–Cortina d’Ampezzo Winter Olympics.The team, composed of Marc Pfister, Christian Haller, Enrico Pfister, Brayden Carpenter, and alternate Alan Frei, clinched an automatic berth to the Olympic Qualification 2025 tournament set from December 6 to 19 in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada.The top two teams from that event will secure tickets to the Winter Olympics scheduled for February 4 to 22, 2026. 

Returning to his old home at the Blue Eagle Gym, Forthsky Padrigao made sure his emotions wouldn’t get in the way of business. The University of Santo Tomas guard showed poise and maturity in leading the Growling Tigers to a hard-earned 98–89 triple-overtime win over the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Tournament.Facing his former school for the first time since transferring, Padrigao approached the game with calm determination. “I just needed to do my job and role with the team. Nothing personal for me. I treated this game as a regular game. I didn’t do anything special coming into the game,” said the UST guard, who previously played two seasons with Ateneo and captured a UAAP title in Season 85.Despite the emotional backdrop, Padrigao was met with respect rather than hostility. “I wasn’t expecting any boos. I have good friends here in Ateneo. They watched, they even asked for tickets from me,” he shared.

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is ramping up its advocacy for youth empowerment through sports, as Chairman Patrick Gregorio is appointed Philippine National Network (PNN) Convenor for the Southeast Asia Sports and Youth Crime Prevention (SEA-SYCP) initiative.The appointment by SEA-SYCP leaders James Mapstone and Vongthep Arthakaivalvatee recognizes the PSC’s key role in advancing sports-driven youth programs across the regionMr. Edward Hayco will support Gregorio as Vice-Convenor, ensuring the roll-out of effective, sustainable programs under the SEA-SYCP umbrella.In a recent meeting with the PSC, SEA-SYCP, and partner government and private agencies, it was agreed that the Philippines will lead program planning and resource mobilization. The national steering group will align its efforts with the ASEAN Work Plan, focusing on youth development, community engagement, and crime prevention through sports.This partnership underscores sports as a powerful tool for social change—promoting discipline, teamwork, and positive youth engagement throughout Southeast Asia.

When the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters tip off their 2025 PBA Philippine Cup campaign at the Ynares Center in Montalban, it will mark the beginning of the end for one of Philippine basketball’s most admired careers. Gabe Norwood, the heart and soul of Rain or Shine for 17 years, announced this conference will be his final run in the league—a farewell to an era defined by loyalty, leadership, and longevity.Here are five moments that shaped Norwood’s storied career:1. 2012 Governors’ Cup ChampionshipNorwood helped deliver Rain or Shine’s breakthrough PBA title, stepping up in a tense Game 7 win over B-Meg. With Paul Lee sidelined by injury, Norwood’s leadership and grit were crucial in etching the Elasto Painters’ names in league history.2. The Dunk Heard Around the World – 2014 FIBA World CupIn Seville, Spain, Norwood soared for a thunderous poster dunk over NBA veteran Luis Scola—an iconic highlight that went viral and was nominated as one of FIBA’s “Dunks of the Decade.” It captured the world’s respect for Philippine basketball.3. 2016 Commissioner’s Cup ChampionshipRain or Shine’s resilience under Norwood’s steady presence culminated in their second franchise title, overcoming adversity and four different imports to outlast Alaska in the finals.4. The 29-Point OutburstIn a do-or-die game for a semifinal slot, Norwood delivered a career-high 29 points, showcasing his ability to rise to the challenge when it mattered most—even in defeat.5. A Career of Unwavering LoyaltySeventeen years with Rain or Shine puts Norwood among the league’s most loyal players, joining the likes of Mark Caguioa and Alvin Patrimonio. Across 674 games, his stats—7.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.5 blocks—tell only part of the story. His defensive prowess, quiet leadership, and professionalism define his true legacy.As Gabe Norwood enters his farewell season, he leaves behind more than numbers and highlights—he leaves a blueprint of class, character, and what it truly means to be “All Heart.” For his team and the fans, Norwood’s final chapter is a celebration of a career built on commitment and integrity.“The journey has been nothing short of incredi­ble, I poured everything I have everything into this game and in return, it has given me more than I could ever ask for. That’s why today, I wan­na share with you all, that this upcoming Philippine Cup will be my last. One last conference, one last run, one last flight,” Norwood said. 

Defending champion National University (NU) displayed its trademark dominance once again, defeating Adamson University, 69–51, for its second consecutive victory in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Basketball Tournament on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.Coming off a commanding 95–58 rout of the UP Fighting Maroons last weekend, the Lady Bulldogs carried that same momentum into this matchup, seizing control early and never looking back.The duo of Karl Ann Pingol and Tin Cayabyab set the tone for NU’s offensive rhythm, combining for efficient scoring that helped the team establish a 43–23 halftime advantage. The Lady Falcons, despite showing spurts of fight, struggled to recover from the early onslaught. 

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, reaffirmed his full support for the budgets of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Games and Amusements Board (GAB), and the Philippine Racing Commission (PhilRACOM) — emphasizing that sustained investment in sports is key to building a generation of disciplined, healthy, and world-class Filipino athletes.Speaking during a budget hearing, Go highlighted how government backing has already translated into historic success for the Philippines on the global stage.“Since 2019, when I chaired the Committee on Sports, we won our first-ever Olympic gold in Tokyo through Hidilyn Diaz,” Go said. “And just last year, Carlos Yulo captured two more gold medals in Paris. These victories prove that strong government support leads to results.”Go noted that despite these triumphs, sports funding remains minimal — only 0.004% of the national budget in 2024. He stressed the need for consistent increases to sustain the country’s progress in international competitions.“We expect our athletes to perform like world champions, but our support must match that expectation,” Go added. “That’s why we fought to raise PSC’s 2025 budget to ₱1.3 billion.”Investing in Facilities and Regional TrainingThe senator also underscored the importance of upgrading sports infrastructure, including athlete dormitories and training centers at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex and Philsports (ULTRA).He proposed the regionalization of sports training centers so that athletes from provinces no longer have to travel to Manila for proper training.“Let’s bring sports closer to the people,” Go said. “The Philippines is big. We need regional centers to discover and develop talent nationwide.”He also cited the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in New Clark City — co-authored by Sen. Win Gatchalian — as a model that allows student-athletes to train and study simultaneously.Boosting Sports Tourism and Hosting Global EventsGo praised the country’s recent hosting of major international tournaments — including the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship, and the upcoming WTA Women’s Tennis Open — noting their positive economic impact and contribution to national pride.“Hosting world-class events helps promote tourism and shows our capability to the world,” Go said. “We’ve proven that Filipinos can organize events with excellence and passion.”Supporting Athletes and Fighting Game-FixingBeyond funding, Go emphasized the importance of moral and institutional support for athletes, ensuring they can focus solely on competition. He also called on the Games and Amusements Board to intensify its crackdown on illegal gambling and game-fixing, warning that such practices destroy the integrity of sports.

The Philippines is gearing up for two monumental years in martial arts as it prepares to host back-to-back international wushu tournaments—the World Wushu Championships in 2027 and the Asian Wushu Championships in 2028.The announcement was made by Wushu Federation of the Philippines (WFP) officials led by President Freddie Jalasco and Secretary-General Julian Camacho during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum. Joining them was Carlos Baylon Jr., World Wushu Championships silver medalist and World Games bronze medalist.According to Camacho, the Wushu Federation of Asia proposed that the Philippines host both the world and continental events consecutively—a rare honor and a practical decision for efficiency and impact.“Since we’re already hosting the 2027 World Championships, they suggested we also stage the 2028 Asian Championships,” Camacho shared. “It’s back-to-back, and since we’ll already have the equipment like the taolu carpet, sanda ring, and scoring machines, it’s efficient to use them again within a short span.”A World-Stage OpportunityJalasco revealed that the federation is eyeing a ₱500-million budget to successfully mount the World Championships, which is expected to draw around 80 countries and over 2,000 athletes competing in both taolu (forms) and sanda (sparring) disciplines.The SMX Convention Center at the Mall of Asia Complex is being considered as the main venue. Preparations are set to begin early next year, with Jalasco emphasizing the magnitude of the event.Originally, the Philippines was slated to host the World Championships in 2029, with Macau set for 2027. But in a friendly exchange, Camacho and Macau officials agreed to swap hosting duties, fast-tracking the country’s turn on the global stage.Baylon Ready to Deliver for the Home CrowdFor Carlos Baylon Jr., the opportunity to compete in front of Filipino fans is both an honor and a challenge. “We’ll do our best in training to win gold,” said Baylon, who competes in the men’s sanda 56kg division. “There’s pressure because we’re the hosts, but we’ll show other countries that we’re strong.”The dual hosting underscores the Philippines’ growing stature in the global wushu community—a testament to the sport’s steady development in the country and the federation’s commitment to excellence.As Camacho and Jalasco look to elevate Philippine wushu to new heights, 2027 and 2028 promise to be landmark years—not only for the sport but for the nation’s continuing legacy in international martial arts.

Bella Belen made her long-awaited Premier Volleyball League debut one to remember, showcasing the poise, power, and all-around game that justified her status as the top overall pick of the 2025 PVL Draft.Though her performance was nothing short of exceptional, Belen’s efforts couldn’t quite push Capital1 Solar Spikers past the seasoned Choco Mucho Flying Titans, who escaped with a tight 33–31, 26–24, 25–23 victory on Tuesday night at the Ynares Center in Montalban.The 23-year-old outside hitter carried a heavy load on both ends of the court, finishing with 20 points, 18 excellent digs, and 12 solid receptions — numbers that underscored her trademark versatility and two-way impact. It was a professional debut that reflected the same determination and discipline that made her a collegiate star at National University, but now against tougher, faster opposition.After the match, Belen expressed mixed emotions, grateful for finally making her pro debut but disappointed that her team fell just short. She shared that she focused more on contributing to the team rather than chasing individual numbers, emphasizing the need to perform well and help Capital1 grow with every game.

The Perpetual Altas asserted their dominance with a 75-65 victory over the Mapua Cardinals in NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball action.Perpetual displayed poise and defensive discipline throughout the game, limiting Mapua’s key scorers and converting crucial baskets in the final stretch to secure the win.Patrick Sleat led the charge for Perpetual, delivering an all-around performance with 12 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks—earning Best Player of the Game honors. His steady play on both ends anchored the Altas as they maintained control from start to finish.The Altas established a slim 38-34 halftime lead and continued their strong play in the second half, capitalizing on Mapua’s turnovers and tightening perimeter defense to keep the Cardinals at bay.With balanced scoring and relentless hustle, Perpetual maintained composure as Mapua attempted several comeback runs late in the game. The Altas’ collective effort proved too much for the Cardinals, who struggled to find rhythm offensively.This victory improves Perpetual’s standing in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament as they fight for a spot in the upper half of the standings. Meanwhile, Mapua looks to regroup and regain momentum in their next outing.