The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) will make history as they feature the first ever Finals match-up in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.The Pampanga Giant Lanterns that swept the North Division playoff round will face the South Division champions Quezon Huskers that only lost one game in their own playoff bracket.Game 1 of the best-of-five Finals series will begin on December 1 at the Sheikh Rashid Bin Hamdam Indoor in Dubai at 7:00 PM Gulf Standard Time (11:00 PM Philippine Time), while Game 2 will be on December 3, same tip-off time at the same venue.During the playoffs, Pampanga averaged 79.3 points, 55.5 rebounds, 21.8 assists, 7.5 steals, and 4.3 blocks in six games, while Quezon averaged 75.1 markers, 44.1 boards, 20.0 dimes, 7.6 deflections, and 2.9 rejections in seven games.The two teams' numbers were almost identical except that the Giant Lanterns dominated the rebounding department but also turned the ball over a lot times that the Huskers could take advantage of.Pampanga’s prized center Justine Baltazar will once again be the focal point of the Giant Lanterns offense but he will not be alone to carry the load for their squad.

The City of Manila will host the third edition of the ASICS Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series this weekend, November 23 to 24, which is expected to draw more than 9,000 runners from 58 countries to Rizal Park.Asia’s first and only Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series is a one-of-a-kind event that takes place in the center of Manila and combines running, live music, and lively community across two days.  Participants will don their running shoes for the marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K distances while taking in Manila's rich cultural heritage with each course accompanied by live music, cheer squads, and an exciting atmosphere.Among the city's most well-known sites that runners will pass by are Chinatown, Manila City Hall, Jones Bridge, Intramuros, Rizal Park, and the National Museum.

Veteran setter Alohi Robins-Hardy has joined the coaching staff of the University of the Philippines women’s volleyball team for the UAAP Season 87, which will begin in February 2025.The UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development on Wednesday, November 21, announced the new role of Robins-Hardy as one of the assistant coaches for the Fighting Maroons.The 28-year-old Filipina-American has been assigned to supervise the growth of promising playmaker Heart Magsombol as UP seeks to strengthen its foundation under first-year head coach Benson Bocboc.

Buding Duremdes is set to don a new shade of red with Cignal for the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference.The Cignal HD Spikers announced the development on Wednesday, November 20, on a social media post.“A NEW SHADE OF RED. We’re excited to welcome the awesome energy of Buding Duremdes to the Cignal HD Spikers in this 2024-25 PVL Season!,” the post read.

The Samahahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) appointed veteran point guard Lewis Alfred Tenorio as the new head coach of Gilas Pilipinas Youth.Tenorio has taken over the reins from Josh Reyes, who stepped down from his post last September after having dismal performances in FIBA Tournaments.

In a momentous turning point, ZUS Coffee claimed its first Premier Volleyball League (PVL) win after a four-set victory, 19-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-15, over Nxled in the All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday, November 19, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.The Thunderbelles at long last broke through after enduring a winless reputation since its debut in the league, ending its 20-game losing streak."We're only starting. Even at our first conference, we had a few months to train. Even though it's All-Filipino, somehow the veterans are like late additions," said ZUS Coffee head coach Jerry Yee.

Chezka Centeno surrendered her World 10-Ball women’s title in the semifinals of the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) World 10-Ball Women’s Championships in San Juan, Puerto Rico.Centeno fell 0-2 behind familiar South Korean opponent Seo Seoa on Saturday, November 16, in the round of four, triumphed in the third frame but was outplayed again 1-4 in the succeeding match.Seo then lost 1-4, 4-3, 3-4, 4-3, 4-0 to eventual champion Kristina Tkach of Russia, ultimately settling for second place.

Social media icon Jake Paul etched another milestone in his professional boxing career when he defeated Boxing Hall of Famer “Iron” Mike Tyson in a unanimous victory at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas.The youthfulness of the 27-year-old Paul overcame the iconic boxer to get his 11th win in 12 fights, while the 58-year-old Tyson record went to 50 wins and 7 losses.It was also the first time that “Iron Mike” returned to the ring since 2005.Tyson tried to bring back his old form but Paul always had an answer to continuously dominate the match.Using his speed, Paul surprised the boxing legend and rocked him in the 3rd round, and he continued his pace until the 8th and final round.In the final 10 seconds of the game, Paul gave a vow to Tyson to give honor to the Hall of Famer.Paul landed 78 punches of the 278 he had thrown, while Tyson only landed 18 of 98. After the match, Paul said that it’s an honor that he fought his idol in the ring.

Creamline opened its Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference title bid with a stunning 25-19, 25-22, 25-16 victory over Petro Gazz on Saturday, November 16, at the Ynares Center Antipolo.Due to a persistent knee injury, Alyssa Valdez was unable to participate in Creamline's historic Grand Slam in the Reinforced and Invitational Conferences. However, she made a remarkable comeback, scoring two of her four points to help the team overcome an 11–13 deficit in the third set.

Cignal launched its ambitious campaign by putting its whole force on Farm Fresh and crushing them with a swift victory of 25-15, 25-18, 25-21 in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference at the Ynares Center Antipolo on Saturday, November 16.The HD Spikers were led by team captain Ces Molina and Jovelyn Fernandez, who took Chin Basas' starting opposite spiker position.Molina scored a game-high 14 points, including 11 attacks and three serve aces. Meanwhile, Fernandez performed admirably in her new role, scoring 11 markers — 10 of which came from attacks. Cignal played a nearly flawless game, committing only 11 errors, while Farm Fresh battled with 21 unforced blunders.

Akari marred the debut of Thea Gagate and return of Jovelyn Gonzaga to overcome ZUS Coffee’s test, 25-14, 25-21, 19-25, 25-23, in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan on Thursday, November 14.Ivy Lacsina paced the Chargers, which had already defeated Galeries Tower on the first day of the season and had won two in a row for a solid 2-0 start.After gaining a 16-13 advantage in the fourth set, debutante rookie Gagate attempted to keep the Thunderbelles in the match before Gretchel Soltones hammered a down-the-line kill, propelling Akari on a 23-20 lead. Chai Troncoso then came through with a massive serve ace to square the match at 23 apiece.However, Faith Nisperos and Lacsina delivered back-to-back sharp kills, shattering ZUS Coffee’s comeback attempts.“Actually, we’re doing good in the fourth set, and then little by little, we’re showing quite bad attitude. It’s kind of relaxed already. Also, just because we already adjusted our serving, that’s why we were able to make a lot of passes,” said Chargers head coach Taka Minowa.

Kat Tolentino’s strong net defense streered Choco Mucho to a 27-29, 25-20, 25-19, 17-25, 15-12 win over Galeries Tower in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan on Thursday, November 14.Tolentino posted a game-high 27 points anchored on 20 kills and seven denials to deliver the Flying Titans’ first win, earning her the Player of the Game honors. According to Choco Mucho coach Dante Alinsunurin, Tolentino has consistently been one of their dependable players, which is why he has been relying on the star opposite spiker, who is recovering her best form despite her auditory condition.“Whenever Kat is in the lineup, I have complete trust in her. I was really saddened when she got sick, but I told her this is the time for her to come back and fully recover,” said Alinsunurin about Tolentino, who eluded multiple games in the first conference and played minimally in the Reinforced Conference due to health concerns.“It feels tiring but I’m okay. It’s nice to be back with the team and help them,” said Tolentino, who also submitted 10 digs.“I think we just have to stick to the system and trust each other. Prove that we’re a fighting team, that we’re fighting up to the last point. So that’s what happened,” she added.

Quincy Miller has the possibility of playing in the PBA once again, as he is considered by the San Miguel Beermen to be their import in the upcoming Season 49 Commissioner's Cup.Miller is currently playing for SMB as one of the two reinforcements in the East Asia Super League (EASL) Home and Away Season 2.San Miguel deputy Peter Martin said that they are considering bringing in the 31-year-old in the mid-season conference to help them defend their title, but there's no assurance yet."Maybe, maybe not," said Martin of Miller's status.In their EASL loss to the Taoyuan Pilots last Wednesday, November 13, at the Philsports Arena, Miller showed brilliance by delivering 32 points on 3-of-5 shooting from beyond the arc.The numbers he provided were far from the first time he suited up for the Beermen when they lost against Suwon KT Sonicboom in the opener of the regional tournament a month ago.Miller only chipped in eight markers on 2-of-12 shooting from the field during the loss.And his redeeming performance last Wednesday caught the attention of the San Miguel coaching staff.

Meralco Bolts secured their second home win in the East Asia Super League (EASL) Season 2 on Wednesday night, November 13, when they narrowly defeated the Busan KCC Egis, 81-80, at the Philsports Arena.Akil Mitchell, who replaced the recently retired Allen Durham as one of Meralco's reinforcements in the tournament, led the Bolts to victory with his 33 points punctuated by his split free throws in the final 6.4 seconds that eventually sealed the game. He also grabbed 22 rebounds in their come from behind victory.Mitchell, who will also play for Meralco as their Commissioner's Cup import, boosted the team to a 2-1 win-loss record.The other reinforcement of the Bolts, DJ Kennedy added 14, to go along eight boards, five assists, and two steals for the squad, while team captain Chris Newsome scored eight before fouling out in the crucial minutes of the fourth quarter.

Carl Hilario emerged as the most decorated para swimmer after winning all three of his events on the second day of the Para Swimming competition in the 8th Philippine National Para Games on Tuesday, November 12, at the Teofilo Yldefonso Swimming Pool in Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.The 18-year-old PNPG rookie from Aklan gained his first gold medal in the men’s 100 meter freestyle S14 on Monday, November 11, finishing with 1:04.55.He went on to win two gold medals the following day in the men’s 200-meter freestyle S14 with a record of 2:31.80 and the men’s 100-meter butterfly S14 with 1:21.31.

Seasoned players Mike Phillips of De La Salle University Green Archers and Camille Clarin of National University Bulldogs both delivered outstanding performances for their teams in the final stretch of eliminations in the UAAP Season 87 basketball tournaments.As both teams continued to compete for their respective titles, Phillips and Clarin contributed crucial assistance for their respective teams, which resulted in them being awarded as the Collegiate Press Corps (CPC) UAAP Players of the Week award for the period of November 3–10.After a fiercely contested poll, Phillips defeated Mo Konateh of FEU, AJ Fransman of Adamson, and Nic Cabañero of UST to win the weekly prize.With an average of 15.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 3.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks during DLSU's 2-0 week, the 6-foot-8 forward was the most popular pick among reporters in the men's tournament.In a hard-fought 58-53 victory over FEU, Phillips filled the void left by reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao on a rare off night. He finished with 17 points, 15 rebounds, two assists, five steals, and two blocks.“I’m just so happy with my role that coach [Topex Robinson] gave me," said Phillips, who scored 11 of his 17 points in the final quarter against the Tamaraws."I just try to be one of the leaders on the defense and the energy, and a lot of times I still struggle with my offensive end, and sometimes too much energy, and it’s not channeled the right way, but that’s why I trust in my teammates,” he added.

The third and final leg of the Go For Gold Criterium Race Series 3, which took place in General Santos City last month, was warmly welcomed and garnered positive comments. The successful one-day bikeathon event served as more than just a way to discover new cycling talents, but also intended to revive the vibrant local bike culture in the country. Go for Gold founder Jeremy Go believes that there is a surprising amount of talent among Filipino riders, they just need more time for practice and experience. “The goal of the race really is to provide an avenue for cyclists, for Filipino cyclists, and at the same time, to scout talent for our cycling team,” Go told Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Cignal ended what could have been a potentially lengthy game into a 25-16, 25-23, 26-24 victory over D’Navigators Iloilo in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference preliminaries at the Ynares Sports Arena on Sunday, November 10.After falling behind 22-24 in the third set, the HD Spikers showed grace under pressure as they delivered four consecutive points to secure a straight-set win, improving their record to 4-1.Cignal coach Dexter Clamor decided to use his second six as the D’Navigators pushed Cignal into tight battles, going ahead 22-19 in the third frame. An off-the-block hit courtesy of Steven St. Maria steered the team to a set point, 24-22, paving the way for a possible fourth set. However, the HD Spikers’ second unit took advantage of the D’Navigators’ mistakes and indecisiveness during the crucial moment. c came through to end the game, sealing the HD Spikers’ victory in the tournament. 

Petro Gazz soared past Choco Mucho, 25-20, 26-28, 25-21, 25-16, capping the first day of the Premier Volleyball League’s All-Filipino Conference on Saturday, November 9, at Philsports Arena in Pasig.Brooke Van Sickle powered the Angels, erupting 34 points anchored on 28 attacks, four aces, and two kill blocks, while also putting up 14 excellent digs. 

Akari began their title hunt after defeating Galeries Tower in four sets, 28-30, 25-15, 25-16, 25-23, making a victorious start in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Saturday, November 9, at the Philsports Arena.Among the fueled Chargers, veteran hitter Eli Soyud tallied a game-high 21 points built on six blocks, including the game-winning hits in the fourth set that sealed the victory for the Akari team.Returning player Faith Nisperos, Reinforced Conference Best Outside Spiker Grethcel Soltones, and Ivy Lacsina all scored 16 markers apiece.