The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is set to deliver a more dynamic and inclusive grassroots sports program with the upcoming Batang Pinoy 2025, scheduled to take place from October 25 to 30 in General Santos City.This year’s edition of Batang Pinoy aims to further encourage Filipino youth to engage in sports, develop their athletic potential, and embrace the values of discipline, sportsmanship, and teamwork.According to PSC Chairman Richard Bachmann, the 2025 Batang Pinoy will showcase competitions in 27 sports disciplines, including Aquatics (Swimming), Archery, Arnis, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball (3×3), Boxing, Chess, Cycling, Dancesport, Futsal, Gymnastics, Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Kickboxing, Karate, Muay Thai, Pencak Silat, Soft Tennis, Tennis, Sepak Takraw, Table Tennis, Weightlifting, Wrestling and Wushu. Chairman Bachmann also emphasized that this year’s event will be grander and more organized, with modern equipment and facilities, and better logistics and accommodations for all participating athletes.“Our main objective for this year’s Batang Pinoy is to provide the delegates an excellent experience as if they are already competing in a global level of competition they usually see in televisions and social media,” Bachman said. In addition to upgrading the overall competition experience, the PSC is committed to expanding participation from regions across the country, ensuring that young athletes from various provinces have the opportunity to compete and grow.“Batang Pinoy is not just about discovering future champions,  It’s also about instilling values that shape character—discipline, hard work, and sportsmanship.” Bachman added.

In the world of collegiate volleyball, some stars shine quietly, only to blaze brightly when the time is right. Jhasmin Gayle Pascual, born on August 3, 1999, is one such star—a powerful opposite hitter whose journey with the Benilde Lady Blazers became a story of resilience, dominance, and triumph.When Pascual first stepped onto the court for the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde in NCAA Season 95, expectations were high. She was poised to make her mark—but fate had other plans. The season, like many sports events in 2020, came to an abrupt halt as the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe. For Pascual and her teammates, it was a moment of heartbreak and uncertainty, a pause in what could have been a breakout year.But champions are not only defined by trophies—they are also shaped by how they bounce back.Two years later, the NCAA returned with renewed vigor in Season 97. The Lady Blazers came back with something to prove, and Pascual emerged as one of their most vital weapons. With her powerful spikes and unshakable composure, she led the team to their second NCAA title—their first since Season 90. Her performance earned her the Finals Most Valuable Player award, a fitting recognition for someone who had waited years for her moment.

In the ever-evolving world of volleyball, where new stars rise and seasoned veterans step aside, there are some names that never quite fade from the spotlight. Jovelyn Gonzaga, affectionately known as the “Bionic Illonga,” is one of those rare few whose story continues to unfold-gracefully, powerfully, and with relentless purpose.Before she became one of Philippine volleyball’s most revered figures, Gonzaga was simply a determined student-athlete from Central Philippine University, where she captained the school's volleyball team with quiet strength and visible heart. It was there that the seeds of leadership, grit, and excellence were planted—traits that would soon carry her to the national stage.In 2013, Gonzaga caught the nation’s attention when she was named Most Valuable Player of the Shakey’s V-League Season 10 Open Conference. She later called it a “pleasant surprise”—but for those who had seen her rise, it was anything but. Her ascent continued in 2014 when she joined the FEU Lady Tamaraws as a guest player, proving that her skills could shine in any lineup, at any level.The years that followed would be a golden stretch for Gonzaga. In the 12th Season of the Shakey’s V-League, she was nearly unstoppable—earning a string of accolades that included:Best Opposite Spiker – Open ConferenceBest Opposite Spiker – Collegiate ConferenceMost Valuable Player & Best Opposite Spiker – Reinforced Open Conference

The Masters Pinoy Pilipinas Basketball has officially arrived at Taoyuan International Airport in Taiwan to compete in the World Masters Games 2025, which runs from May 17 to May 31.The team is accompanied by its full coaching staff, including Head Coach Arlene Rodriguez, along with a roster of notable Filipino basketball legends such as Roger Yap, Gilbert Malabanan, Marlon Basco, Paul Reguera, Oliver Agapito, Guinness Nabung, Arvin Aguila, Edwin Manabat, Ricky Ricafuente, Estong Ballesteros, Romel David, Rendel Dela Rea, Milo Bonifacio, and Justice Jose Midas Marquez.Veteran coach Rodriguez shared how the Masters Pinoy Pilipinas 45UP were formed and began in October of last year in collaboration with Team Manager Architect Rey Punongbayan, and assistant coaches Dann Michael Ceneba and Albert Valbuena. The team officially began their practice and training in mid-December and continued into January 2025.“The Masters Pinoy, we started last October. But we started practice the second week of December, then we had a conversation. Then we decided to start it again this January,” said Coach Rodriguez.The team’s primary goal is to proudly represent the Philippines in this prestigious international event. Coach Rodriguez expressed confidence in their preparation and emphasized their commitment to bringing pride and honor to the country.Coach Rodriguez is confident that they have prepared adequately for the said tournament and that they will try to bring honor to the country.“We’ve trained hard, and we’re ready. We’re here not just to compete, but to showcase Filipino talent and spirit,” he added.

Jhanlo Mark Sangiao is fired up to return to the ONE Championship stage—especially as Team Lakay’s new generation continues to shine.The 22-year-old standout from Baguio City has been watching closely as his teammates have made waves in recent months.Rising talents like Carlo Bumina-ang, Carlos Alvarez, and Jean Claude Saclag have delivered impressive performances on the ONE Friday Fights platform, bringing fresh energy and momentum to the legendary Team Lakay stable.Now, Sangiao is ready to rejoin the fray—and he knows the stakes are higher than ever.After suffering the first loss of his professional career last year via submission to #4-ranked Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu, Sangiao has had time to reflect and refocus.“Honestly, I felt like in my first few fights I was playing around. I felt like I wasn’t mature enough. I was just going through the motions and merely enjoying the moment. But then I faced Enkh-Orgil, and that fight really reminded me that I can’t just play around,” Sangiao said.Branded as the face of Team Lakay’s next wave of warriors, the second-generation fighter understands that expectations are high—and so is the responsibility.“I wasn’t fully focused in my first few fights. That loss was a wake-up call,” Sangiao admitted.For Jhanlo, talent alone won’t be enough to reach the top. He’s learned that preparation, discipline, and mental sharpness are just as important.“That fight showed me how far I truly am from reaching my goals. I have to add more skills, more techniques, and be more composed. That loss basically made me realize that just when I thought I knew it all, I don’t. There’s a lot to be learned,” Sangiao said.Now, with the spotlight returning to him, he’s determined to rise to the challenge and prove he’s ready to lead the next chapter of Team Lakay’s legacy.

Ramil Gallego is one of the Philippines' most respected professional pool players, known for his skill, composure, and international presence—particularly in Asia.A seasoned competitor, Gallego has represented the Philippines in numerous tournaments abroad, with a strong focus on the Japanese billiards circuit. Filipino fans began to recognize him more widely during his appearances in the Motolite International Tournament (won by Francisco Bustamante) and the Rising Stars Tournament (won by Edgar Acaba).Over the years, Gallego has proudly carried the Philippine flag in competitions overseas, with Japan being one of his most frequent battlegrounds. He is fluent in Japanese and often serves as a translator for fellow Pinoy players during events.One of his most memorable career moments came on July 28, 2008, when the then 41-year-old Gallego delivered a stunning performance at the Manny Villar Cup Bulacan leg, held at the Event Center of SM City Marilao. He edged out Francisco Bustamante in the semifinals, 10–9, and went on to defeat Carlo Biado, 11–7, in the finals to secure the championship.

The East Asia Super League (EASL) has officially confirmed its 12th team for the 2025–26 season—Japan’s 2025 Emperor’s Cup champion. This move marks a historic moment for Japanese basketball, as it will be the first time three B.LEAGUE clubs participate in a single EASL campaign.This special inclusion also honors the 100th anniversary of the Emperor’s Cup, adding both prestige and competitive depth to the EASL lineup.Since the league's inaugural 2023–24 season, B.LEAGUE teams have proven dominant, boasting a combined 23–7 record and clinching back-to-back championships. This expansion not only highlights Japan’s growing influence in Asian basketball but also strengthens the EASL’s commitment to showcasing the region’s top talent.Henry Kerins, CEO of East Asia Super League, said the growth of Japanese basketball is truly remarkable, and the EASL will continue to elevate its standing in order to deliver even more competitive and thrilling action for fans.

Warren Kiamco is a Filipino professional pool player from Cebu, Philippines. He is known for his performances in the Southeast Asian and Asian Games.Renowned for his exceptional skills in 9-ball, Kiamco has made significant contributions to the sport both in the Philippines and internationally.Kiamco’s playing style is smooth and finesse-based, characterized by precise shot-making and strategic play. His consistent performances in various international tournaments have solidified his reputation as one of the top Filipino cue artists. Despite facing formidable opponents, Kiamco's resilience and skill have earned him respect and admiration in the global pool community.He has secured multiple prestigious titles, including the 2021 Buffalo's Pro Classic Nine-Ball and the 2019 CSI U.S. Open One-Pocket Championship. He also triumphed in the 2015 Southeast Asian Games Nine-Ball Doubles event and the 2013 Texas Open Nine-Ball Championship. Notably, he clinched the 2008 Manny Villar Cup Billiards Tournament, defeating Efren "Bata" Reyes in the finals.

Jose Parica is a legendary Filipino professional pool player from Manila, widely known by his nicknames “Amang” (meaning Father) and “The Giant Killer.” He is a Hall of Famer in the Philippines and internationally.Parica is best known for spearheading the “Filipino invasion” of the American pool scene in the late 1970s, particularly in Nine-ball.In his quest to secure better opportunities and recognition for Filipino billiard players, Jose Parica took a pioneering step by founding the Philippine Pocket Billiards Association in 1976, where he also served as its first president. This marked a crucial moment in the formal organization of the sport in the Philippines.That same year, Parica began making waves internationally. He was invited to compete in the prestigious All Japan Championship, where he impressively finished second in the Rotation division, falling just short to Japanese cue artist Tetsuro Kakuto.In 1978, Parica broke new ground as the first professional Filipino billiards player to compete in the United States, participating in the World Straight Pool Championship and finishing 11th — a strong showing for a debut on the world stage.By 1979, Parica returned to the Philippines and asserted his dominance at home, capturing national titles in 3-Cushion, Rotation, and Snooker — a rare and remarkable triple crown that showcased his versatility and skill across multiple billiards disciplines.In 1985, Jose Parica was joined by fellow Filipino legend Efren “Bata” Reyes in the United States, marking the beginning of what would later be known as the iconic "Filipino Invasion" — a period that reshaped the global pool scene through the dominance of Filipino cue artists.But even before that, Parica had already etched his name into history. In 1982, he won the Playboy All-Around Classic, becoming the first male Asian player to win a professional pool event in the United States — a groundbreaking achievement for Asian representation in the sport. His success continued to build.In 1986, Parica claimed titles at both the Clyde Childress Memorial 9-Ball Open and the Classic Cup V, further proving his consistency and elite level of play.With a career tally of over 100 international tournament victories — spanning the United States, the Philippines, and Japan — Parica’s résumé stands as one of the most decorated in billiards history.

Chezka Centeno started playing billiards at the age of five, and her potential was discovered at eight when she competed in local tournaments in her family's hometown.At age 11, she began participating in the Philippine National Games. A year later, she was invited to the Kremlin Cup in Russia, where she finished in the top 32.In 2014, Centeno competed in the Asian Junior Championship and won first place in the girls' singles category.The following year, she claimed the gold medal in the nine-ball women's singles at the 2015 Southeast Asian Games, defeating fellow Filipina Rubilen Amit in the final.

The controversial result of the super-featherweight title clash between Filipino boxing star Charly Suarez and Mexican champion Emanuel Navarrete on May 11, 2025, is set to be overturned following a thorough review by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC).The CSAC is expected to change the official outcome of the fight to a no-contest — a decision that could pave the way for a high-stakes rematch.Navarrete originally retained his WBO super-featherweight title via an eighth-round technical decision. The bout was halted due to a cut above Navarrete’s left eyebrow, which referee Edward Collantes ruled was caused by an unintentional headbutt. This led to the judges' scorecards being used, resulting in a win for Navarrete.However, after conducting an extensive post-fight review, the CSAC determined that the cut was actually caused by a legal punch from Suarez in Round 6 — not a clash of heads, as initially ruled. Video replays supported this finding, contradicting the original call.Had this been correctly identified during the bout, Suarez would have won the title by technical knockout (TKO), as the injury would have forced a stoppage.While replay official Jack Reiss maintained there was "no conclusive evidence" to reverse the referee’s decision at the time, the CSAC’s subsequent investigation provided clarity. As a result, the fight’s outcome is now poised to be amended to a no-contest.The WBO is expected to mandate a rematch — a move welcomed by both camps. In fact, Top Rank Vice President of Operations Carl Moretti voiced his support for a rematch immediately following the fight.If the ruling is officially changed to a no-contest, it would not only revive Charly Suarez’s shot at the world title but also set the stage for what could become one of the most compelling rivalries in boxing this year.

Alex Pagulayan began his billiards journey in 2002 when he made a stunning run to the finals of the US Open Nine-ball Championship, only to fall short against Ralf Souquet, 11–13. Three years later, he returned to the same stage with renewed fire and captured the title, defeating fellow Filipino Jose Parica, 11–6.Though raised in Canada, Pagulayan represented the Philippines in the mid-2000s and again in 2012. In recent years, however, he has returned to carrying the Canadian flag in international tournaments.His biggest career breakthrough came in 2004 when he won the World Pool Championship in Taipei. After his victory, he paid a courtesy call to the Philippine president, accompanied by his close family friend Andrew Lee, who recalled the moment with a hint of surprise. “We didn’t know what was inside the envelope,” Lee said, referring to a modest incentive from the government for winning the world title.Later that year, Pagulayan helped the Filipino team secure the Snooker gold medal at the 2005 Southeast Asian Games in Manila, alongside Joven Alba and Leonardo Andam. After a 3–2 win over Thailand at the Makati Coliseum, he emerged as a triple gold medalist — a testament to his skill and his dedication to the flag he once proudly bore.

Francisco “Django” Bustamante is now in his twilight years and ready to pass the torch to the country’s rising billiards talents, including Rubilen Amit and Chezka Centeno, with whom he shared the pool table in a friendly doubles match.Although he never completed his studies, his dedication, determination, and passion for the sport he loved brought him to the pinnacle of success. He helped his family earn a living to survive. His father made a living by building toilets and planting rice, and Bustamante also worked alongside him. He spent time in his sister's pool hall, racking and spotting balls on the tables, and practiced alone after the hall had closed.As one of the pioneers who helped elevate billiards to one of the most beloved sports in the Philippines, Bustamante has encouraged aspiring players to persevere, train diligently, and avoid vices that could derail their potential.“Many young people are playing now, especially in Cebu, where I think there are more young players than anywhere else. But they should finish their studies first before focusing on billiards. If they truly want to excel, they need to be disciplined, practice tirelessly, and stay away from drugs,” Bustamante said.He may no longer be at the peak of his playing days, but his legacy remains unparalleled. His passion for the sport is still strong, now channeled into mentoring the next generation of Filipino billiards stars.He has not lost his magic, effortlessly showcasing the trick shots that once made him a global icon of the sport—especially last February, when he continued to cement his status as one of the greatest players in billiards history.

Zoren James Aranas, a native of Cavite, Philippines, is a Filipino professional pool player known by his nickname "Dodong Diamond."He made his debut on the Action Pool Tour (APT) in 2017, going undefeated through a strong field of 48 entrants. He began his six-match run to the winner’s circle with an opening-round shutout and capped it off with victories over the APT's top-ranked player, Shaun Wilkie, in the hot seat match, and Reymart Lim in the finals. The event was hosted by Q Master Billiards in Virginia Beach, VA.In 2018, Aranas secured his first international title after defeating Chris Melling twice at the first Annual Asian Culture Day, held at the Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. This event marked the opening of the Efren Reyes retirement tour. In 2019, Aranas claimed the ten-ball title at the Super Billiards Expo Diamond Open, defeating Oscar Dominguez 13–10 in the final.In 2022, he reached the finals of the APP Asian 9-Ball Open in Singapore but fell short against Taiwan's Ko Pin-yi, 11–13.On February 3, Aranas was detained and deported back to the Philippines. He was held in a room alongside several athletes and artists from outside the United States who were on tourist visas, most of whom were from Europe.

Johann Gonzales Chua was born and raised in Bacolod, in the central Philippines, on May 31, 1992. He began playing pool at the age of nine, often accompanied to the local pool hall by his father, who gave him the nickname “Bubwit” or “little mouse,” because he was too small to be seen behind the pool table.At 13, Chua quit school to pursue his passion for billiards and turned professional at 19. He is also known by the nickname “Bad Koi.” A 2023 World Cup of Pool champion alongside James Aranas, Chua is a two-time All Japan Championship winner, having claimed the title in 2015 and 2017.Chua placed ninth overall in the 2011 BSCP National Open Pool Championships. That same year, he finished 17th at the Manny Pacquiao International Ten-ball Championship held in General Santos. In November 2012, he achieved his first major international breakthrough, placing third at the Japan Open.In 2013, he placed 17th at the China Open and returned to third place at the Japan Open. The following year, he reached the top 16 in the China Open before falling to Taiwan’s Chang Jung-Lin. At the 2014 WPA World Nine-ball Championship days later, he made it to the quarterfinals for the first time but lost to fellow Filipino Elmer Haya. In September 2014, he placed seventh in the Manny Pacquiao Cup.Chua made his Southeast Asian (SEA) Games debut in 2017, capturing a bronze medal in Malaysia after losing to Vietnam’s Duong Quoc Hoang in the semifinals.He remained active in international competition. In September 2017, he and partner Warren Kiamco brought home a bronze medal at the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. Before the year ended, Chua clinched his second All Japan Championship title, dominating Jundel Mazon, 11–2, in the final. He is currently ranked 13th in the world by the World Pool-Billiard Association.

Lee Vann Corteza is a Filipino professional pool player. Nicknamed "The Slayer," he began playing pool in 1993. He is the oldest of five brothers, and his parents named him after American actor Lee Van Cleef.Corteza first took up pool at the age of thirteen, after a friend brought him to a pool parlor. He was subsequently blacklisted from the establishment after accidentally damaging a table.He has won four gold medals and one silver medal at the Southeast Asian Games and was the winner of the 2004 WPA Asian Nine-ball Tour tournament in the Philippines, defeating fellow countryman Francisco "Django" Bustamante, 13–11, in the final.On March 31, 2007, Corteza won the Philippine National Championship by defeating Marlon Manalo with a score of 13–11.In 2009, Corteza finished as runner-up in the WPA World Ten-ball Championship, losing to Mika Immonen of Finland, 11–6, in Quezon City, Philippines.In 2010, Corteza beat Taiwanese player Lo Li-Wen, 13–12, in the final to win the U.S. Open Ten-ball Championship in Las Vegas. He avenged an earlier loss to Lo, who had sent him to the one-loss side with a 9–6 victory. Corteza then defeated Shane Van Boening, 9–8, to earn another shot at Lo and ultimately captured the title along with $20,000 in prize money.

Carlo "THE BLACK TIGER" Biado is a Filipino professional pool player. His highest-profile wins include the World Nine-ball Championship and the World Ten-ball Championship in 2017 and 2024.He started playing pool at age 13 and worked as a caddie at the Villamor Air Base golf course while still a student.Biado became a professional pool player in 2004 but failed to win any major world title in his first ten years.In 2015, he reached the final of the WPA World Ten-ball Championship, defeating David Alcaide and Nikos Ekonomopoulos in the knockout rounds.In 2017, Biado defeated Jayson Shaw of the UK, 11–7, to win the men's 9-ball event at the World Games. In 2019, he also reached the final of the WPA Players Championship, narrowly losing to Kevin Cheng, 12–11.In 2021, Biado defeated Aloysius Yapp, 13–8, to win the U.S. Open Pool Championship. With the win, he joined Alex Pagulayan and Efren Reyes as one of the few Filipino players to have won the prestigious tournament.He went on to defeat fellow Filipino cue artist Johann Chua, 9–3, to win the men's Ten-ball singles gold medal at the 31st Southeast Asian Games held at the Ha Dong Gymnasium in Vietnam.In 2022, the trio of Johann Chua, Carlo Biado, and Rubilen Amit triumphed in the WPA World Teams Championship, sweeping Great Britain—composed of Jayson Shaw, Kelly Fisher, and Darren Appleton—3–0 in the final held in Klagenfurt, Austria.With the win, they delivered the Philippines its first world team ten-ball title after runner-up finishes in 2010 and 2014, the last time the tournament was held before being revived in 2022.

Rubilen "Bingkay" Amit began playing billiards during her teens, but her first sport was basketball until she turned 12. At that age, her classmates started to focus on other activities, so her father took the opportunity to introduce her to billiards.At first, she enjoyed playing with her cousins. But her father, Bobby, saw her potential and would incentivize her with prizes, such as shirts and pants, for winning each competition, until she often tagged along with her father at the Super Bowl in Makati.She stopped competing for a while to obtain a college degree in accountancy at the University of Santo Tomas. Eventually, she returned to 9-ball and won 10 gold medals in the Southeast Asian Games.With her family’s encouragement, she was able to hone her keen eye and sensibilities. At the same time, she maintained composure under pressure, allowing her strategies to dismantle those of her opponents.

The Philippine boxing community is grieving the loss of former title challenger and veteran trainer Jonathan Peñalosa, who passed away on Monday, April 28, after a valiant battle with colon cancer. He was 57.Peñalosa was the older brother of two-time world champion Gerry Peñalosa and Dodie Boy Peñalosa Sr. His wake is currently being held at their family home in San Carlos City.Eight-division world champion and former senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, who trained under him for many years, is among those who paid tribute to Peñalosa. Pacquiao shared a heartfelt video on Facebook featuring training sessions with the late coach.“Rest in peace, Coach Jonathan Peñalosa. You weren’t just a coach to me—you were a brother, in and out of the ring. Thank you for your sacrifices and the love you gave me and my family. We will never forget you. Our prayers are with the Peñalosa family. We will forever miss you, Coach,” said Pacquiao.Peñalosa died exactly a week after Pacquiao personally visited him at Bacolod City Riverside Hospital following his surgery.Coach Jonathan had a seven-year pro career from 1985 to 1993, the highlight of which was his fight against WBA flyweight champion Yong Kang Kim of South Korea in 1992, which he unfortunately lost via a sixth-round knockout. His career record stood at 15-4-1 with 7 KOs.Jonathan was one of three boxing children of patriarch Carl Peñalosa, a two-time Philippine super-lightweight champion.Following his boxing career, Coach Jonathan became a fight trainer and eventually joined Pacquiao’s stable of local trainers.He was part of Pacquiao’s team for some of his marquee fights, including those against Tim Bradley, Jeff Horn, Lucas Matthysse, Keith Thurman, among others.It was also Peñalosa who trained Pacquiao for his six-round exhibition fight against South Korean martial artist DK Yoo in 2022.As Pacquiao retired, the elder Peñalosa took Pacman’s fighting son, Eman Bacosa, under his wing.

Efren “Bata” Reyes is a legendary figure, known as “The Magician” in the world of pool or billiards. He is a Filipino professional pool player who has won many world championships in two different pool disciplines.He was a four-time World Eight-Ball Champion, the 1999 WPA World Nine-Ball Championship winner, a three-time U.S. Open winner, a two-time World Pool League Champion, a four-time All Japan Championship winner, a seven-time Asian Nine-Ball Tour Champion, and a thirteen-time Derby City Classic winner.Reyes is also a four-time World Eight-Ball Champion, the 1999 WPA World Nine-Ball Championship winner, a three-time U.S. Open winner, a two-time World Pool League Champion, a four-time All Japan Championship winner, a seven-time Asian Nine-Ball Tour Champion, and a thirteen-time Derby City Classic winner.In 2006 and 2009, Reyes represented the country with his partner Francisco Bustamante at the World Cup of Pool and won the event.