Gymnasts and siblings Karl and Elaiza Yulo were among those who were recognized in the recently concluded 4th Siklab Youth Sports Awards held last Thursday, December 5 in Taguig City.Gymnast Karl Eldrew was among the Youth Heroes awardees, while Elaiza received the Super Kids award.Eldrew recently won four gold medals in the 3rd JRC Artistic Gymnastics Stars Championships in Bangkok, Thailand, while Elaiza has also been making her own name in gymnastics and now a recipient of the Milo Emerging Athlete Award and Most Bemedalled Women's Artistic Gymnastics Athlete in Palarong Pambansa. Eldrew and Elaiza will also be mentored by their brother Carlos Yulo's former coach, Munehiro Kugimiya.

TNT Tropang Giga was unable to hold on to the tight defense of Northport Batang Pier, which won its fourth straight game, 100-95, on Sunday night at the Ynares Center, Antipolo City.However, TNT managed to cut the lead to 97-95 with 1:43 left on the game clock when Rondae Hollis-Jefferson made a free throw, but Joshua Munzon successfully converted his three-point shot to keep the Batang Pier from losing the lead.“I just take that shcot with confidence. The play wasn't even for me but [my teammates] found me. I was open and I was happy that I made that shot. I was confident in myself. Every time I shoot the ball, I think it's going in," said Munzon.Northport Batang Pier assistant coach Renzy Bajar said the key to their win was their strong defense against TNT.The Batang Pier also took advantage of the suspension of big man Poy Erram, who was penalized for hitting Glenn Yang in TNT’s conference-opening loss to Hong Kong Eastern this weekend. 

The San Miguel Beermen couldn't stop the fiery Robert Bolick before the end of the final period as NLEX defeated SMB, 104-99, in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup on Sunday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.The NLEX shooting guard was unstoppable and scored 20 of his game-high 39 points in the final quarter and added nine assists, helping the Road Warriors erase a 19-point deficit and secure their third straight win. They improved to 3-1 in the conference, while dropping San Miguel to 1-1 as the Beermen failed to build on a slim win against Phoenix in their first assignment.The Road Warriors trailed by 19, 46-65, in the third quarter after an and-one play by Quincy Miller.However, NLEX dropped a 23-8 bomb to put themselves back into the game, 69-73, after a layup by Bolick, with less than two minutes to go in the third.The former point guard of San Beda Red Lion's performance left NLEX head coach Jong Uichico impressed with the skill and dedication he displayed in the game.

Pinoy young golfer Javier “Javie” Bonnevie Bautista secured his 1st Runner-Up position in the Boys 10-12 category at the prestigious Malaysia International Junior Open 2024 after competing against a field of 52 talented young golfers around the globe.The Grade 7 student displayed exceptional talent and composure, finishing second with a total score of 2-under-par, just two shots behind the champion Ryusei Kuroiwa of Japan.The 12-year-old student from Ateneo de Manila University who entered the tournament as one of the most closely watched young talents, did not disappoint. Over two days of intense competition, he consistently delivered top-notch performances with identical scores of 1-under par 71, finishing with a commendable total of 2-under par. However, a fierce challenge from a talented Vietnamese Nguyen Quoc Bao Huy momentarily pushed Bautista out of the top three, setting the stage for a dramatic comeback.After faltering slightly with a missed birdie putt on the 14th hole, Bautista found himself at a crucial juncture. The tension was palpable as he trailed, with the podium spots seemingly slipping from his grasp. However, demonstrating exceptional composure and strategic thinking, he and his Caddy, Vincent Osmeña, made a pivotal decision on the 15th hole that would ultimately change the course of the tournament for him.Opting to play the 15th hole longer to set up a comfortable 100-yard approach to the green, Bautista executed his shots flawlessly, converting a critical 4-foot putt for birdie, subsequently bringing him back to even par. Buoyed by this success and the resurgence of excitement among his supporters, he carried the momentum into the 16th hole. Despite challenging wind conditions, a last-minute club change from an 8-iron to a 7-iron resulted in another 7-foot birdie putt, firmly positioning him for a remarkable comeback.With the pressure at its peak, Bautista coolly managed to par the last two holes, securing his 1st Runner Up position through a countback victory, narrowly missing the first place by only two shots. His remarkable 34 on the back nine was a testament to his resilience and capacity to perform under intense pressure.Bautista's second-place finish is more than a personal triumph—it’s a testament to his potential and a promising sign for the future of junior golf. His clutch performance at the Malaysia International Junior Open has firmly established him as a rising star on the junior golf circuit, with a bright future ahead in the sport. 

The Philippine weightlifting team is set to begin its campaign at the 2024 International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Championships in Bahrain this weekend.The pride of Cebu City, Fernando Agad Jr. will see action in the men’s 55 kg class at 1 AM on Saturday, December 7 (Philippine time), followed by two-time Asian Junior Championships gold medalist Rosegie Ramos in the women’s 49 kg division.This will serve as Ramos’ first international competition after she failed to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics due to a tie-breaking tenth with the Dominican Republic in the IWF World Rankings, where only the top 10 advanced.Dave Pacaldo, meanwhile, will see action on Sunday, December 8, in the men’s 67 kg division.On the other hand, two-time Olympian Elreen Ando will take her leap in the women’s 64 kg on Wednesday, December 11, together with 2019 SEA Games gold medalist Kristel Macrohon in women’s 71 kg and John Dexter Tabique in the men’s 89 kg competition.

Young athletes from the province of Laguna showcased their strong skills in sports in the  recently-concluded 2024 Batang Pinoy National Championships held in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan from November 23 to 28.With a lean delegation composed of 176 athletes and 31 coaches coming from different cities and municipalities of Laguna in 13 sports disciplines, the province bagged a total of 74 medals, in which 25 of them are gold, 25 silver and 24 bronze in the annual grassroots competition spearheaded by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).This year’s Laguna delegation performed better than last year, who bagged a total of 67 medals (20 golds, 20 silvers and 27 bronzes) in the 2023 edition of Batang Pinoy Nationals.Meanwhile, the Laguna Muay Thai Team, headed by Coach Preciosa Ocaya-Delarmino, garnered a total of 29 medals composed of 13 golds, 7 silvers and 9 Bronzes. On the other hand, the Laguna Chess Team won 16 medals, while Pencak Silat captured 12, and Santa Rosa Wrestling team bagged 12. Arnis, Athletics, Badminton, Cycling, Karatedo, Swimming, Taekwondo also seized medals for Laguna. National Chess Master Mark Gabriel Usman won a total of 9 medals for Laguna during his stint at the Batang Pinoy this year. Bagging the Overall Championship were the 771-man delegation from Pasig City which dethroned the 4-peat Batang Pinoy Overall Champion, Baguio City, with 105 golds, 64 silvers and 116 bronzes.

A year to remember in Philippine sports annals will be celebrated by the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) in grand fashion as it holds its annual Awards Night on January 27, 2025 at the historic Manila Hotel. The country’s oldest media organization headed by its president Nelson Beltran, sports editor of The Philippine Star, is set to honor the best and brightest personalities and entities who made the country proud in the year that’s about to end. In a memorable 2024 campaign, the Philippines elevated its standards by gaining a first ever double gold medal in the Olympics courtesy of dynamic gymnast Carlos Yulo during the 33rd edition of the Games in Paris, France. The feat came four years after lady weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz gave the country a breakthrough Olympic gold in Tokyo, and transpired during the same period when the Filipinos commemorate their 100 years of participation in the quadrennial showcase. The Paris stint also saw Philippine boxing rising to the occasion again by winning a pair of bronze medals through the robust fists of Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas. Yulo and the rest of the Filipino Olympians including the country’s representatives to the Paralympic Games, will be at the forefront of the traditional festivities where the awarding of the Athlete of the Year serves as its highlight. Another special part of the program is the induction of another Filipino great to the PSA Hall of Fame. The late track and field legend Lydia De Vega was the last celebrated athlete to be recognized with the honor. In celebration of the country’s centennial participation in the Summer Games, past Filipino Olympians will likewise have their own moments during the awards ceremony. The customary awards like the Executive of the Year, National Sports Association (NSA) of the Year, President’s Award, and top performers such as Mr. Basketball, Ms. Volleyball, among others, are also going to be handed out. To be recognized too, are major awardees in different sports, the usual citations to different sports figures and individuals, and the regular Tony Siddayao Awards and MILO Awards for junior athletes. Not to be forgotten with a prayer and minute of silence are the personalities who passed away in the year 2024.

If Justin Brownlee were to ask, Kai Sotto has the capacity and potential to play in the National Basketball Association (NBA).This was what Brownlee said after Gilas Pilipinas’ successful matches against New Zealand and Hong Kong last Thursday and Sunday night at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.According to the three-time PBA best import, Sotto's performance level in their past games proved that he is capable of competing in the type and class of play in the NBA.Apart from that, Kai also has a big advantage in having a 7-foot-3 height, and besides this, he has the strong physique and skills of an NBA player.“Man, I've been saying, I feel like he's good enough to play in the NBA. Yeah, in my honest opinion. Of course, he's got the height, he's got the size and the skill. But he's been through so much,”  Brownlee said. The six-time champion also said that Kai Sotto has great potential to be included in the NBA because of the qualities he has seen since he recently played with him. He also said that Kai will go far if he can play in the oldest professional basketball league in the world.“For me, it's just great to see, you know, a young player like him with so much potential and just to see him start fulfilling his potential. He's got a long way to go. You know, he's only in his early 20s. So, I'm happy for his progression and I'm excited to see what the future holds for him,” Brownlee added. It can be recalled that Sotto recorded 12 points, 15 rebounds, two blocks and two assists in Gilas Pilipinas' previous match against Hong Kong, while last Thursday in their match against New Zealand, Sotto recorded 19 markers, 10 boards and seven dimes.The wins of Gilas in window 2 gave them a solid hold of the lead in Group B with 4-0 win-loss record.After sweeping the second window of the qualifiers, Gilas is now qualified for the FIBA ​​Asia Cup to be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in August next year.Meanwhile, Gilas will next face Chinese Taipei in the third window of the FIBA ​​Asia Cup Qualifiers on February 20 and Gilas against New Zealand again on February 23.

A discus thrower from Masbate bagged her first gold medal in the 2024 Batang Pinoy National Championships that started in Puerto Princesa on Sunday, November 24.Courtney Jewel Trangia registered a heave of 38.30-meters in the girls' division at the Ramon V. Mitra Jr. Sports Complex to secure her third consecutive title in the tournament organized by the Philippine Sports Commission.The said competition in the girls’ discus throw event proved her continuing dominant streak after winning the same event at the Philippine Athletics Championships in Pasig last April. Despite bagging the gold medal, Trangia said she was not satisfied with her performance as she was aiming to throw over 40 meters. Also, this is her last Batang Pinoy and she’s happy that she set a new record in this national sporting event. “I’m overjoyed to win the first gold medal in this year’s Batang Pinoy National Championship,” said Trangia, a Grade 11 student from the Masbate Sports Academy (MSA).“This is my last Batang Pinoy, so I am sad and happy that I will leave this new record here,” Trangia added.  

The Gilas Pilipinas defeated New Zealand for the first-time ever, 93-89, to open the Window 2 of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifier 2025 in Mall of Asia Arena Thursday night, November 21. With the victory, Gilas has finally broken a four-game losing streak in its head-to-head against the World No. 22 squad.Gilas had a sluggish start, going down 0-8 in the opening minutes. However, they slowly climbed out of the hole and took the lead, 20-18, following a Calvin Oftana trey. Until in the remaining minutes in fourth quarter, the host got the play it needed as Chris Newsome drained an open three-pointer with 1:09 left, allowing the Philippines to extend its lead to seven.Kai Sotto finished with 19 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists as Justin Brownlee paced the Filipinos with 26 points, while three other Gilas players scored in double digits: Scottie Thompson (12 points), Newsome, and Dwight Ramos (11 points each). 

Ramon “Tats” Suzara was chosen as the new executive vice president (EVP) of the sport’s world governing body, the International Volleyball Federation or FIVB.He was unanimously elected president during the 39th FIVB World Congress in Porto, Portugal last week.The other EVPs are Bouchra Hajij (Morocco), Marco Tullio Teixeira (Brazil), Mark Eckert (Canada), Dula Mester (Serbia), Hugh Graham (Cook Islands), Daniel Molaodi (Botswana), Mireya Luis Hernandez (Cuba) and Hila Asanuma (Palau).Suzara also said that through his election as EVP, it will give the Philippine Volleyball benefits and will give great opportunities ahead. “It’s a great distinction and honor to be named as executive vice president of the FIVB because it will give Philippine volleyball great opportunities ahead. Not only will our national teams benefit, but the entire Philippine volleyball," Suzara said. "We are very thankful to the FIVB, former president Dr. Ary Graça, and new president Fabio Azevedo for trusting me as new FIVB executive vice president," he added. Suzara will serve as EVP for four years as he also carries out his responsibilities as Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) head and president of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF). He was joined in the congress by PNVF vice president Ricky Palou, secretary-general Donaldo “Don” Caringal, and director Tonyboy Liao in Porto.Suzara presented to more than 200 members of the FIVB a comprehensive preview to the Philippines' first-time and solo hosting of the FIVB Men's World Championship from September 12 to 28 next year. 

Gin Kings longtime import Justin Brownlee will lead Gilas Pilipinas in its homecourt campaign against visiting squad New Zealand in the second window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 qualifiers tonight, Thursday, November 21 at the Mall of Asia Arena. Gilas head coach Tim Cone described Brownlee as “highly motivated” following a loss in the recently concluded PBA Governors’ Cup Finals against TNT in game six.“Talking to him after the Finals, he is highly-motivated. When you see Justin highly-motivated, we’ve seen him highly-motivated in the past and what he could do. I don’t think anybody has anything to fear about Justin. He is ready. He is ready to go. I think he is going to put up some real nice performances for the country coming up.  I think you are going to see a really motivated Justin coming into this New Zealand (game),” Cone said.Cone also stated that Brownlee’s struggle in the PBA Governors’ Cup was a tough one although he is healthy and only needed a rest. “He struggled, we all struggled in the series. People started thinking that he was having injuries or not. It was just a tough, long playoff going through Meralco and San Miguel. And then having to go against Talk ‘N Text and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. It was a tough road,” said Cone.Despite Brownlee being motivated, Cone warned that being motivated is only half the battle as Gilas is in for a tough outing in the window especially against New Zealand, which is ranked No. 22 in the world and No. 3 in the FIBA Asia zone.“I think Justin is going to be ready to play. That doesn’t mean he puts up big numbers. That means he is going to be locked in to what we do, get his teammates involved, and play the game the right way, which he does 99 percent of the time,” Cone added..

The PLDT High Speed ​​Hitters finally grabbed their second straight win against the Galeries Tower Highrisers, 27-25, 25-22, 25-23, in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference held on Tuesday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.PLDT defeated the Galeries in three straight sets where the Filipino-Canadian spiker Savi Davison led the game and exploded 28 points, five of which she fired in the High Speed Hitters’ 10-2 finishing kick in the third set to snatch the victory, followed by former De La Salle Lady Spiker Erika Santos with 14 points.During her first game a week ago, she finished with a team-high 19 points, along with nine excellent receptions in PLDT’s four-set win over Nxled.“I think in my second game, I was a little bit more comfortable with how I moved around. I felt that I almost regained the trust of my teammates after coming back after missing the last conference. That felt really good, and I just feel better all around. I’m kind of just getting back to the groove of things. I honestly had no idea that I had that many points, but I’m just glad how it all transpired,” said Davison in an interview.

The green light has been given to the seven-foot-three Kai Sotto to see action for Gilas Pilipinas this coming window of the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers on November 21 and 24. The development was confirmed by Gilas Pilipinas team manager Richard Del Rosario. He said that Sotto has finally been cleared to play after going through concussion protocols. However, Del Rosario added that AJ Edu still remains doubtful as he continues to undergo strength training and treatment for the right knee that he hurt recently in the Nagasaki Velca’s 71-68 defeat to the Akita Northern Happinets.  “Kai is good to go, but AJ is still undergoing strength training and treatment,” said Del Rosario.Sotto’s presence in the team is a big boost together with the 8th-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo as the Tall Blacks are coming in with a seven-footer and a couple of 6-foot-10 bigs.

Gilas Pilipinas' training camp is underway today in preparation for the FIBA ​​Asia Cup Qualifiers to be held on November 21 and 24 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.The Gilas Pilipinas training camp is being held at the Inspire Sports Academy in the National University Compound in Brgy. Turbina, Calamba City, Laguna, where the Gilas players will temporarily stay in their training camp.Due to the limited time of their training, they will not be making their practice public as they usually do because they no longer have enough time to practice. During Gilas' training camp in Laguna, they might possibly invite a team from the PBA so they can play before their match next week.Meanwhile, Gilas Pilipinas is cautious when it comes to Kai Sotto who is currently under the concussion protocol strictly implemented by the Japan B. League, this is following the match of the Koshigaya Alphas against the Nagoya Fighting Eagles.

After a successful debut in the ONE Championship Muay Thai circuit last November 8 against Japan’s Fuu, Islay Erika Bomogao is ready to go again. “I wish to compete here again. I promise I will continue to train. I will wait for more opportunities,”  she said. She described her transition in One Championship as a little bit weird and awkward, especially because it was the first time she wore four-ounce gloves for Muay Thai. “It’s weird. Coming from an amateur background since I was 16, I was competing with headgear and competing with 10-ounce gloves. I had a body vest on when I was a junior fighter. When I put on four-ounce gloves for the first time, it was awkward. I was excited, but there was definitely unease at first. I was thinking, ‘[The gloves] are so small, and of course it would be nice if I landed a punch using these gloves, but what if I’m the one on the receiving end?’,” Bomogao stated.“But as time passed, I felt like I was able to adjust, and [when] I got hit, I realized it doesn’t hurt that much.”

The San Miguel Beermen received their second straight loss, 101-85, in a fight-marred East Asia Super League (EASL) game against Taoyuan Pauian Pilots at the PhilSports Arena last night.Taoyuan exploded for a 32-13 bomb in the second quarter of the game to create an early separation, then fended off every uprising that the Beermen mounted.Early in the fourth quarter, Jericho Cruz hardly hacked Pilot’s import Alec Brown’s arm that the latter did not appreciate. Brown then swung an elbow intended for Cruz but missed the target.Quincy Miller shoved Brown to the SMB bench before Cruz, slapped the face of the Taoyuan reinforcement.The Pilots were well ahead at 86-68 with 6:32 left in the final period when the incident happened.

The two teams representing the Philippines are aiming for the fifth consecutive crown in the Mobile Legends M6 World Championships to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from November 28 to December 15.Fnatic Onic PH led by coach Tony Senedrin and Aurora MLBB led by coach Aniel ‘Master the Basics’ Jiandani are the two Philippine teams that will compete in the MLBB M6 World Championship.

The Gilas Pilipinas has released its list of 15 players who will compete in the 2025 FIBA ​​Asia Cup Qualifiers on November 21 and 25 to be held at the Mall of Asia Arena.Among of those were: June Mar Fajardo, Ange Kouame, Jamie Malonzo, Chris Newsome, Japeth Aguilar, Mason Amos, Justin Brownlee, Aj Edu, Calvin Oftana, CJ Perez, Kevin Quiambao, Dwight Ramos, Kai Sotto, Carl Tamayo and Scottie Thompson.Ange Kouame has been included in Gilas Pilipinas after the Samahan ng Basketbol ng Pilipinas confirmed it.According to SBP executive director Erika Dy, Kouame will also participate in the Gilas camp at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba City Laguna starting November 15.Dy also said that having multiple naturalized players in the first pool submitted to FIBA is allowed, until the eve of the game where a technical meeting will be held to finalize the roster.“The night before [a game], there’s a technical meeting. You have to have only one naturalized [player],” Dy said.

Para swimmer Christian Benedict Paulino won the first gold medal in the ongoing 8th Philippine National Para Games being held at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.Paulino, who represented Quezon City LGU, won the men's 400m freestyle S6-S7 in six minutes and 55.61 seconds, beating Zach Lucas Osioma of Cadiz City, who clocked 8:27.50.According to Paulino, this is his first win in the Para Games so he is happy to have won the gold medal and said that it is also his dream to participate in the Paralympics."This is my first time winning in the National Para Games. I am happy because I want to pursue my dream of participating in the Paralympics," Paulino said in Filipino.Paulino added that he also wants to achieve what his idol, Para swimmer Ernie Gawilan has accomplished."I also want to achieve what my brother Ernie accomplished. He is my idol," Paulino added. Meanwhile, other gold medalists on the first day of the Para Games were Justine Oliveros of Laguna for the men's 400m freestyle S8, S9, S10 and Tokyo Paralympian Gary Bejino for the men's 50m butterfly S6 and S7.