Arena Fitness Dojo and Wushu Arena Philippines Recognized by Mandaluyong LGU Following UN ECOSOC Feature and Hong Kong Championship VictoryArena Fitness Dojo and Wushu Arena Philippines continue to earn both national and international recognition as they bridge grassroots martial arts development with global advocacy initiatives.Following their outstanding performance at the 21st Hong Kong International Wushu Championships last March 2026, the Philippine delegation was formally received during a courtesy call with the Mandaluyong Sports Development Office and the Mandaluyong City Public Information Office — a meaningful recognition of the team’s achievements and contributions to inclusive sports development.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━International Success: Hong Kong Wushu Championships 2026The team delivered an exceptional showing on the international stage, bringing home:24 Gold Medals3 Silver Medals3 Bronze MedalsThe achievement reflects the growing strength of Philippine Wushu and the success of a training system that welcomes athletes from all walks of life — including beginners, working adults, youth competitors, and non-traditional martial arts entrants.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━Global Platform: UN ECOSOC Youth Forum 2026Beyond competition, Arena Fitness Dojo has also gained recognition for its advocacy in inclusive martial arts and movement education.Head Coach Arra Jeuneze Corpuz was featured as a speaker during a virtual side event of the United Nations ECOSOC Youth Forum 2026, organized by the Martial Arts Coalition for Sustainable Development (MCS).In her presentation titled “Movement Is for Every Body,” Corpuz introduced a community-based framework challenging traditional barriers in fitness and sports participation.Her message emphasized that:• Movement should be accessible regardless of age or ability• Inclusion is not charity, but a practical and necessary system• Martial arts can directly contribute to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-BeingThe presentation showcased real-world applications of this philosophy through programs serving senior citizens, neurodivergent students, beginners, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━MCS Certification: Philippines on the Global MapArena Fitness Dojo is now officially recognized as a member of the Martial Arts Coalition for Sustainable Development, becoming the first and only Philippine organization included in this global network.This certification connects the dojo to an international community of organizations using martial arts to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in health, education, inclusion, and community development.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━Local Recognition: Mandaluyong LGU Courtesy CallThe courtesy call with the Mandaluyong LGU highlights the growing importance of community-based sports initiatives and inclusive athlete development programs.It underscores the value of:• Grassroots sports development• Youth and athlete empowerment• Inclusive martial arts systems aligned with both national and global prioritiesThis milestone demonstrates how local initiatives can evolve from community training halls into platforms for international competition and global policy conversations.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━A Model for Inclusive Martial Arts in the PhilippinesArena Fitness Dojo and Wushu Arena Philippines continue to develop a martial arts system where training is not limited to elite athletes, but made accessible to:• Beginners starting later in life• Working professionals with limited schedules• Senior citizens seeking mobility and wellness• Neurodivergent individuals and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)Their approach positions martial arts not only as a competitive sport, but also as a tool for lifelong movement, inclusion, and sustainable community development.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━From Grassroots to GlobalFrom winning medals in Hong Kong…to speaking at the United Nations…to being recognized by local government—Arena Fitness Dojo and Wushu Arena Philippines continue to demonstrate how a community-based initiative can grow into a platform for national representation and global impact.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━About Arena Fitness Dojo & Wushu Arena PhilippinesArena Fitness Dojo is a Philippine-based martial arts organization offering training in Wushu, Aikido, Taichi, and movement education. It is home to Wushu Arena Philippines and Arena Aikido Club, led by Coach Arra Jeuneze Corpuz.The organization advocates for the principle: “Movement Is for Every Body” — promoting accessible, inclusive, and sustainable martial arts training aligned with global development goals.

The De La Salle Green Archers have tapped the services of Fil-Am big man Dominic Sarmiento as its newest center.The ex-Irvine Valley College freshman was announced to be heading to Taft after a US-based Filipino basketball org, Tumakbo United, posted about Sarmiento’s next big move.A report from Tiebreaker Times showed that the 6-foot-8 center played in the States as part of the Orange Empire Conference of the California Community College Athletic Association. Sarmiento played 15 games for the Irvine Valley Lasers in the league’s 2023-2024 season, averaging 1 point and 1 rebound in five minutes of playing time. However, it will take some time before the Archers will tap its newest big man, as Sarmiento will need to fulfill a one-year residency period before he becomes eligible to play starting UAAP Season 88.Sarmiento joins a star-studded transfer class to DLSU, which also includes Mason Amos, Luis Pablo, and Kean Baclaan. (PB)

Another tour of duty is set for the 36-year-old Allen Durham as he is tapped by the Meralco Bolts to be their reinforcement in the season-opening Governor’s Cup.Durham, the three-time best import of the said conference led the Bolts in 3 finals appearances (2016, 2017, 2019) only to succumb to eventual champions, Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel led by resident import Justin Brownlee.Meralco finally won a championship last season by winning the Philippine Cup and the team now has experience on how to close out a championship series, which Durham also gained in his Japan B. League stint. The experience makes Durham and the Bolts a better opportunity to sett;e some unfinished business.Meralco is slotted with TNT, Magnolia, Northport, Terrafirma, and Converge in the Governors’ Cup.

In the recently concluded PBA Season 49 Rookie Draft, Northport head coach Bonnie Tan drafted another controversial player just like he did last year.The Batang Pier added Gerry Mahinay to their roster whom they picked at number 46 overall during the fifth round. Mahinay still has an issue with the Games and Amusements Board (GAB). He was suspended indefinitely by GAB for his “deplorable act” after undercutting Joey Barcuma during their game in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.Despite his act, Mahinay still took shot at the pro league and luckily for him, Coach Bonnie has a “tan” (ton) of second chances in him.It was proven last season when the team drafted John Amores, who gained infamy for his rampage during his time with Jose Rizal University (JRU) in the NCAA. He was taken by NorthPort 51st overall and also in the 5th round.Amores worked his way to be part of the lineup and he averaged 3.3 points, 1.5 rebound, 7.8 minutes in 19 games of play for the Batang Pier. Just like Amores, Tan clarified that Mahinay will have to work hard in order for him to secure a contract with them or in any other team that wants to give him a new lifeline while proving that he has really reformed himself for GAB to rescind his ban.

In a heartfelt send-off, the senate committee on sports, Senator Bong Go, reminded the country’s national athletes of the immense pride and hope they bring as they head into international competitions.“Always remember, you carry not just your name, but the spirit of every Filipino,” Go said. “When you win, the whole nation wins with you. No matter the result, you already carry the pride and admiration of the Filipino people.”Reassuring the athletes of his unwavering support, the official added, “My office is always open for you. If you need anything—whether a solution or a problem—just come to my office.”As the delegation prepared to embark on their journey, he encouraged them to fight with determination and honor the country. “Fight with all your heart. Bring home the bacon. The honor you bring to the country—you will carry it for the rest of your life. It is engraved in the history of the Philippines.”He closed by urging the team to give their best, stay united, and make every Filipino proud: “Show the world how strong and united Filipinos can be.”

The Philippines will field its largest-ever delegation for the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, sending 1,600 athletes, coaches, and officials to compete in 50 sports at the biennial meet during the 33rd 2025 send-off at Rizal Memorial Coliseum held last November 28.Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio said the decision to send a record-sized team was rooted in prioritizing exposure and athlete development over immediate results“When you send a delegation, they learn. When you send a big delegation, they gain confidence and experience,” Gregorio said. “We want our athletes’ mindset and skills to toughen up so they can compete at the Asian Games and the Olympics.”The 2025 SEA Games will feature 574 medal events, three demonstration sports—air sports, flying disc, and tug of war—and MMA as a value-added sport.Gregorio emphasized that investing in athletes’ experience now lays the groundwork for future success. “We’re giving our athletes the exposure they need to compete better in the future,” he said.The Philippines will target podium finishes in medal-rich sports including basketball, esports, boxing, weightlifting, jiu-jitsu, and athletics when the SEA Games open on December 9.

Two of the Philippines’ most prominent athletes in 2025, tennis star Alex Eala and volleyball standout Bryan Bagunas, have been selected as flag bearers for the country in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games this December in Thailand.“Popularity aside, Alex and Bryan have made impacts in the global sports community, and that makes them the best choice to carry the flag in the SEA Games,” said Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino on Tuesday, December 2.Eala capped her 2025 WTA season with a career-high No. 50 world ranking, highlighted by breakthrough wins over top-tier opponents. Bagunas led Alas Pilipinas in a historic run at the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship, including a landmark victory over nine-time African champion Egypt and a tight battle against world No. 15 Iran.The duo will front the Philippines’ 200-strong opening ceremony contingent on December 9 at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok.Eala enters the SEA Games as one of the tournament favorites, standing as the highest-ranked Filipina in history and one of the top-ranked Asians alongside Indonesian contender Janice Tjen. The Philippines aims to reclaim the women’s singles gold for the first time since 1999.Bagunas, meanwhile, continues to anchor Alas Pilipinas’ push to finally break the long-standing men’s volleyball dominance of Indonesia and Thailand. The national team last reached the SEA Games podium in 2019, finishing with a silver.

Cambodia has withdrawn from eight sports in the upcoming Southeast Asian Games in Thailand due to security concerns amid ongoing border tensions, an Olympic official confirmed last November 27. The decision comes after intermittent military clashes between Cambodia and Thailand throughout the year, including a deadly July outbreak that left over 40 people dead. Despite a US-brokered truce, diplomatic strains remain.The National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) informed the Southeast Asian Games Federation that it would skip events such as football, petanque, wrestling, judo, and karate, citing “significant security concerns” for its athletes and officials.NOCC secretary-general Vath Chamroeun emphasized that the move was strictly about safety, reducing the delegation from 333 to 150 athletes competing in 13 sports. The pullout is aimed at making monitoring easier amid heightened tensions over overlapping claims to ancient temples along the Cambodia-Thailand border.

The Philippine women’s softball team—the Blu Girls—are eyeing nothing less than gold as they prepare to defend their title at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games this December in Thailand.After softball’s two-edition absence from the SEA Games, head coach Ana Santiago said the team’s hunger for victory remains undiminished. “Nothing less than gold ang goal natin,” Santiago declared, recalling the Blu Girls’ last gold win at home in 2019.A dominant force since 1979, the Blu Girls have collected 11 SEA Games golds and are returning as favorites. Team captain Charlotte Sales and power hitter Roma Cruz, both SEA Games debutantes, expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness, especially after a productive training camp in Taiwan.“Malaking bagay ‘yung training camp namin. Nakatulong sa teamwork, communication, and ‘yung samahan,” Sales shared.Cruz, who smashed five homers at the Asian Cup in China last July, is determined to prove herself on the SEA Games stage. “Gusto ko ipakita na kaya ko makipagsabayan,” she said.While the Blu Girls topped Indonesia for gold in 2019, Santiago sees Singapore as this year’s biggest threat, citing their extensive preparations in Australia, Japan, and Taiwan.The Philippines opens against Singapore on December 15, then faces Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia before the gold medal game on December 20.Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines president John Henry Lhuillier’s marching order is clear: go for double gold in both women’s and men’s softball. “That’s the goal,”  Santiago affirmed.

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is pushing a landmark plan to open government-run golf courses to children aged 15 and below—completely free of charge.Initiated by PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio, the proposal would give youth access to select courses, including Camp John Hay in Baguio and Intramuros Golf Club in Manila, starting at noon daily, seven days a week. The plan, now with the Office of the President, awaits approval as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. consults with golf industry stakeholders.While some military-run courses may resist concerns about income and congestion, Gregorio believes the long-term benefits for grassroots golf outweigh the drawbacks. “If we want golf to grow, we have to let more Filipino kids touch a golf club—not just the ones who can afford it,” he said.With golf’s high costs limiting access, the PSC hopes the initiative will spark broader participation, open doors to scholarships, and develop future champions from all backgrounds.

Petro Gazz Angels star Brooke Van Sickle capped a sensational 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference campaign by claiming her third Most Valuable Player award at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday night, November 30. Less than an hour after steering the Angels past ZUS Coffee in the finals, Van Sickle received the league’s top individual honor, solidifying her status as one of the league’s all-time greats.Already a back-to-back MVP in the last two All-Filipino Conferences, Van Sickle joins Creamline icons Alyssa Valdez and Tots Carlos as the only three-time winners in league history. She also earned her second Best Outside Spiker award, finishing second among local scorers and 10th overall with 160 points. Van Sickle ranked ninth in spiking at 35.48% and eighth in digs with 3.23 per set, proving her dominance on both ends of the court.For ZUS Coffee, Anna DeBeer was recognized as Best Foreign Guest Player after a standout performance that helped the Thunderbelles reach their first-ever PVL Finals. The former University of Louisville standout tallied 210 points on 197 attacks, added eight blocks and five aces, and ranked third in both spiking (39.40%) and receiving (45.68%).Other notable awardees included Savi Davison of PLDT, who claimed Best Outside Spiker honors. Davison led all local scorers with 178 points, ranked second in blocking at 0.71 per set, and placed sixth in spiking at 36.86%.Trisha Tubu of Farm Fresh earned Best Opposite Spiker, finishing as the league’s top spiker at 39.53% and 13th overall in scoring with 116 points.At the net, Maddie Madayag of Choco Mucho was recognized as Best Middle Blocker, leading the league with 29 blocks, including a single-game pro record-tying 10 denials against ZUS Coffee. Pangs Panaga of Creamline also took home a Best Middle Blocker award, tallying 20 kill blocks for her ninth career recognition.Cloanne Mondoñedo of ZUS Coffee claimed Best Setter, topping the league with 6.24 excellent sets per set. Meanwhile, Thang Ponce of Choco Mucho continued her defensive mastery as Best Libero, earning her fifth career award while leading the league in receiving at 55.42% and finishing third in digs with 4.46 per set.Rounding out the awardees was AC Miner of ZUS Coffee, who was named Rookie of the Conference. Miner ranked eighth in blocking at 0.55 per set and finished second among all rookies in scoring with 82 points.The 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference highlighted both individual brilliance and team excellence, with Van Sickle’s historic third MVP award and Petro Gazz’s third conference crown cementing their dominance in Philippine volleyball. Meanwhile, the emergence of rising stars such as AC Miner and Trisha Tubu signals a bright future for the league.

A defining chapter in franchise history was written on Thursday night as ZUS Coffee secured its first-ever Finals appearance, sweeping the veteran PLDT High Speed Hitters, 25-22, 28-26, 25-22, in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.What was once a team buried at the bottom of the standings has now transformed into one of the league’s most compelling contenders, fueled by a performance truly worthy of the postseason stage.Leading the charge was American import Anna DeBeer, who delivered a masterclass performance that defined the Thunderbelles’ rise. DeBeer exploded for 30 points built on 29 blistering attacks and an ace, while showcasing complete versatility on the floor with 9 excellent digs and 8 excellent receptions. From power to poise, the ZUS Coffee star controlled the match on both ends, refusing to let PLDT find rhythm in crucial moments.ZUS Coffee’s stunning sweep was not just a victory, it was a statement. A team once viewed as rebuilding has now announced itself as a force ready for the league’s biggest stage. Their ascent from cellar-dwellers to title contenders reflects a culture shift built on resilience, chemistry, and unwavering belief.With the win, the Thunderbelles march into a gold medal showdown against the Petro Gazz Angels, scheduled for Sunday, November 30, at the historic Smart Araneta Coliseum. The clash promises to be a battle of momentum versus legacy, ZUS Coffee making its first leap to greatness, and Petro Gazz returning to reclaim the crown.Meanwhile, the PLDT High Speed Hitters, who fought through a grueling campaign only to fall short of the finals, will face the Akari Chargers in the bronze medal match, aiming to secure a podium finish and end their season on a high note.As the PVL Finals await, ZUS Coffee stands on the brink of completing one of the most remarkable turnarounds in league history, and they’re not done yet.

General Trias City, which built the first track and field oval in Cavite province, acknowledged that the facility—now more than 20 years old—has become worn and outdated. Portions of the oval remain under development, prompting organizers to caution athletes about potential injury risks. For this year’s meet, the city prioritized football, archery, and the 100-meter sprint.According to General Trias City Mayor Luis “Jon-Jon” Ferrer, with support from the provincial government, the city pledged to undertake a full modernization of its athletic facilities.“Next year, we promise to make our track and field oval world-class for the youth,” said Ferrer, adding that plans are underway to build a competition-standard swimming pool so student-athletes will no longer need to rent outside venues.Throughout the event, officials emphasized that all these efforts—including infrastructure upgrades and sports programming—are anchored on one priority: the youth.“This is what we offer our young people,” the official declared. “Long live our youth. Long live education.”With renewed confidence, upgraded facilities in the pipeline, and a motivated delegation, General Trias aims to make a resounding mark in its return to the regional sports stage.The city officials and student-athletes of General Trias rallied behind the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship as they geared up for the upcoming regional meet, affirming their commitment to hard work, perseverance, and dedication.“We believe that through sports, we demonstrate unity and sportsmanship,” said Ferrer during the opening program. “Every point, every score, every round is a product of hard work and determination.”Mayor Ferrer added that the Division of General Trias is poised for a strong comeback at the regional meet, calling it “a sign from the Lord that we will rise again.”The official reminded athletes that regardless of who emerges victorious in the division competition, all those representing General Trias at the regional level must honor their role by taking care of their uniforms, equipment, and gear—and by giving their absolute best. “No one gets hurt, no one gives up. This is our home sports park,” he stressed.

The Philippine women’s futsal team wrapped up its historic run at the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup with a hard-fought 5–1 match against quarterfinal-bound Argentina on Thursday night at the PhilSports Arena.Argentina came out strong with five quick goals in the opening seven minutes, but the Filipina5 showed tremendous heart—tightening their defense and refusing to concede again for the rest of the match.Isabella Bandoja delivered the highlight of the night for the home crowd, scoring on a counterattack to avoid a shutout and electrify the 2,811 fans in attendance.Despite finishing the tournament with three losses, Coach Rafa Merino’s squad earned praise for their grit, improvement, and refusal to back down on the world stage.“It’s the World Cup, they're playing in their home country so that’s more than enough motivation for the players,” Philippine coach Rafa Merino said in Spanish.Kayla Santiago, who came in as goalkeeper after the early setback, also stepped up with several crucial saves that helped stabilize the defense.Argentina topped Group A with a perfect 9 points, while the Filipina5 capped their maiden World Cup appearance with pride and valuable experience to build on for the future.World No. 6 Argentina clinched the first seat in Group A with six points after wins over Morocco (6-0) and Poland (3-2) ahead of its final group assignment against the home side.The 63rd-ranked Filipina5 are heavy underdogs, but that won’t stop them from fighting tooth and nail and aiming to upset the South American powers in front of their home crowd.With nothing to lose and everything to gain, the Filipina5 look to end their historic FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup debut with pride, heart, and the relentless drive that has defined their journey so far.“We have to try to give the best of ourselves, keep with our identity, keep with who we are,” said Merino. “There's nothing extraordinary that we can do but we play the best way we can.”

Newly elected Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Tonyboy Liao vowed to steer the organization toward greater progress after securing a sweeping victory in the federation elections held last Friday night in Taguig.“Our hope is to continue making Philippine volleyball better,” said Liao, who, along with his 13-member board, won decisively in the polls participated in by 47 voting members, including outgoing president Ramon Suzara. Philippine Olympic Committee secretary-general Atty. Wharton Chan served as observer.Among those elected to key posts were Dr. Arnel Hajan as chairman, Yul Benosa as vice president, Ottie Camangian as secretary-general, Ricky Palou as treasurer, and Roger Banzuela as auditor. Completing the board are Michael Vargas, Sherwin Maganda, Danilo Cong-O, Edward Lee, Charo Soriano, Fr. Vic Calvo, OP, and Ma. Soccorro Calleja.SEA Games Preparation Tops Early AgendaLiao’s first order of business is preparing the national teams for next month’s Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, where Alas Pilipinas aims to contend for medals in men’s and women’s indoor volleyball as well as beach volleyball.Push for Transparency, Organizational OverhaulRunning on a platform of transparency and good governance, Liao’s new leadership has requested the courtesy resignations of all holdover staff from Suzara’s administration. The move, he explained, is meant to address significant redundancies that have affected efficiency and strained the federation’s limited resources.“We noticed a lot of redundant work—one task being done by two people,” Liao said. “If a job is redundant, I’m sorry, but we have to take you off. We need to keep only what the organization truly needs.”He added that overstaffing leads to unnecessary expenses, especially for a federation that relies heavily on commercial sponsorships. “PNVF is not rich. If we keep spending on redundant positions, that’s money we could use for operations and tournaments.”Audit of P2-Billion World Championship Hosting Funds LoomsA major task ahead for Liao’s administration, particularly for treasurer Ricky Palou, is opening the federation’s financial books to trace how the P2 billion allocated for hosting the recent FIVB Men’s World Championship was used. The inquiry forms part of the new board’s pledge to ensure transparency and accountability in the federation’s operations.For now, Liao said his immediate focus is to “put the association in good order” by reviewing and reorganizing the structure that has been in place for the past five years.With a renewed mandate, a strong leadership lineup, and a clear call for reform, Liao’s administration signals a fresh chapter for Philippine volleyball—one driven by accountability, efficiency, and a commitment to elevating the sport on the international stage.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee and sponsor of the proposed budget of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), renewed his call for the regionalization of the National Academy of Sports (NAS) during budget deliberations on last Monday, November 24.Go stressed that keeping the NAS concentrated solely in Luzon—specifically in its main campus in New Clark City, Pampanga—limits grassroots development and sidelines promising young athletes from the Visayas and Mindanao.“Nag-file rin po ako ng bill para ma-regionalize ang NAS,” Go said, referring to his recently filed measure aimed at decentralizing the academy in line with the intent of the law that created it.Go noted that while NAS operations are fully funded—citing an additional ₱294 million in the committee report, including budget for a new dormitory—geographical accessibility remains a major barrier for student-athletes outside Luzon.He emphasized that expansion does not require constructing brand-new facilities, pointing out that many local governments already have sports infrastructures capable of hosting NAS satellite campuses.“Sana ay ma-regionalize ito… at malagyan rin po sa Visayas at Mindanao,” he said, adding that several LGUs in Mindanao have already expressed willingness to host equivalent NAS setups.During the hearing, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano underscored the need for continuity in national sports planning and aligning programs with international hosting opportunities. Go agreed, stressing the importance of proactive planning.A long-time advocate for athlete welfare, Go authored and co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11470, which established the NAS and introduced a dual-track system combining secondary education with specialized sports training. The academy provides full scholarships to student-athletes pursuing both academic and athletic excellence.To widen access to this model, Go filed Senate Bill No. 171, or the National Academy of Sports Regional Expansion Act of 2025, which seeks to establish NAS campuses across the country—particularly in the Visayas and Mindanao. These regional campuses would uphold the academic and athletic standards of the main campus while ensuring equitable opportunities for rising sports talents nationwide.

Host Philippines looks to close its FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup campaign on a strong note as it faces powerhouse Argentina tonight at the PhilSports Arena.Already out of quarterfinal contention after losses to Poland (0–6) and Morocco (2–3), the determined Filipina5 aim to deliver a spirited performance in their final Group A assignment against the unbeaten South Americans.“It’s the World Cup. They’re playing in their home country, so that’s more than enough motivation for the players,” said Philippine coach Rafa Merino.The Philippines nearly pulled off a breakthrough win on Monday when Inday Tolentin and Cathrine Graversen scored early against Morocco. But the African champions rallied with three unanswered goals to steal the match and force a tie with Poland at three points apiece—setting up a do-or-die clash between the two for the group’s last knockout berth.World No. 6 Argentina has already secured its place in the quarterfinals with wins over Morocco (6–0) and Poland (3–2).Ranked 63rd in the world, the Filipina5 enter as clear underdogs, but Merino believes his squad is far from done. “We have to give the best of ourselves, keep our identity, and keep who we are. There’s nothing extraordinary that we can do—just play the best way we can.”Backed by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Football Federation, the home side hopes to reward its supporters with a gutsy, memorable performance as it wraps up its historic World Cup debut.

The Philippine National Anti-Doping Organization (PHINADO) conducted an Anti-Doping Education Seminar for Filipino athletes set to compete in the upcoming 33rd Southeast Asian Games and the 13th Asian Youth Para Games.The seminar aimed to equip national athletes with essential knowledge on clean sport practices, anti-doping rules, testing procedures, and the importance of upholding integrity in competition.Present during the event were key sports leaders, including Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman John Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC) President Michael Barredo, PSC Commissioner Edward Hayco, and Olympian Akiko Thompson, all emphasizing the importance of education in maintaining a fair and drug-free sporting environment.Philippine Sports Commission chair Patrick Gregorio stressed in his opening remarks the importance of this seminar as their guidance and preparation for the upcoming Olympic and Asian games before the year ends. Gregorio emphasized its strong commitment to fair play and integrity during an anti-doping education session held for national athletes on Friday.“This session is more than just a requirement—it is part of our commitment to fair play, integrity, and excellence,” PSC chair Patrick Gregorio underscores the agency’s core values as Filipino athletes prepare to compete on the regional and international stage.As the country gears up for major sporting events, PSC officials highlighted the importance of upholding clean sport principles, noting that compliance protects both the careers of athletes and the honor of the nation.“This is not just about an athlete. It is about our nation’s integrity and our success,” Gregorio emphasized, calling the anti-doping seminar a crucial step in ensuring that Filipino athletes remain aligned with global standards set by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and PHINADO.Officials reminded athletes that victories achieved through prohibited means hold no value.“Don’t gamble. Don’t take a chance. Winning should be clean, fair, and come from the heart of every Filipino athlete,” Gregorio reiterated.The seminar forms part of the PSC’s continuous effort to strengthen awareness and reinforce a culture of honesty and accountability in Philippine sports.PHINADO’s initiative reinforces the country’s commitment to clean and honest sports, ensuring that every Filipino athlete represents the nation with pride, discipline, and integrity as they take on the international stage.

South Korean Olympic champion coach Ryu Su Jeng, renowned for steering Korea to multiple Olympic gold medals, is being hailed as “a gift to Philippine archery” as she begins her second week working with the national team.Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick Gregorio endorsed Ryu during her early days training Filipino archers, calling her arrival a major turning point for the country’s archery program.Ryu’s résumé includes leading South Korea to two gold medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics and three more at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Now, she is helping Team Philippines prepare for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, with long-term plans for the 2026 Asian Games, 2027 World Youth Archery Championships, and potentially the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.Despite offers from China and Mexico, Ryu chose the Philippines, believing the country has world-class talent. “In the SEA Games, we can win medals. Also in the Asian Games, even the gold. And in the Olympics, we can get to the quarterfinals and then, in the future, a medal,” Ryu said.Her arrival stems from close coordination between the PSC and World Archery Philippines (WAP) president Bing Reaport, who praised Ryu for building a firm foundation for long-term development.“We are very upbeat. The vision is to uplift archery in the country—new learnings, coaching skills, technical skills. What coach Ryu is doing right now is building the framework,” Reaport said. “The morale is really high. She already has a game plan for the SEA Games. Very strategic ang plans and she is happy with the progress.”Discussions are underway for a 24-month contract that may also bring in another Korean coach. Gregorio stressed that investing in excellence is necessary: “If we want to be the best, get the best. Coach Ryu is a gift to archery in the Philippines.”Filipino archers have been training seven days a week under Ryu’s demanding regimen. “In the first week of training, pinahirapan niya ang mga archers natin,” Reaport joked. “But they’re learning. Even the simple things help—the logic, discipline, focus, desire.”Gregorio described this as the start of a new era: “This is the start of rebuilding archery in the Philippines—from grassroots to the elite level. A new beginning has begun, and exciting times are ahead.”

Larga Pilipinas is officially set to roll out this weekend as the country’s premier cycling race series flags off in Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, and Pangasinan on November 29 and 30.More than 3,000 cyclists are expected to compete in both road bike and mountain bike events across seven major categories: Pro Elite, MTB Men’s Open, Road Bike Boys 18U, Road Bike Boys 23U, Road Bike Men’s 23U, MTB Amateur Boys 18U, and the demanding Fix Gear division, where riders compete on brakeless bikes in the ultimate test of control and endurance.Larga Pilipinas president and race director Gary Role revealed during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum that organizers expect additional last-minute registrants. The event, originally scheduled for August, was postponed due to typhoons and impassable routes.The Pro Elite division has drawn 105 riders, while the MTB Men’s Open has the highest turnout with 845 participants, highlighting the nationwide excitement for the revived event.Operations and creative head Snow Badua announced an exciting addition this year—the Titan Ultra 1-on-1 Challenge, a head-to-head battle between rising star Junjun Cabadido and continental rider Marc Ryan Lago to push local cycling performance.“As part of Larga Pilipinas’ innovation and niche to be the trail blazer in Philippine cycling, we’re coming up with this one-on-one race. Paghaharapin natin sila in our bid na gawing continuous yung Titan Ultra Challenge natin. It’s an event within an event ng Larga Pilipinas.” Badua said. Stage 1 will run through the Nampicuan-to-Nampicuan course, while Stage 2 covers Nampicuan, Nueva Ecija, to the Sitio Baag Highlands in San Jose, Tarlac.Winners in all categories will receive cash prizes, medals, and trophies, with ₱20,000 going to the Titan Ultra 1-on-1 champion.