FIBA: The downfall of Gilas Pilipinas in the third window

As the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee continues its investigation into alleged multi-billion-peso “ghost” flood control projects in Bulacan, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) district engineer Henry Alcantara has emerged as a central figure in the controversy. 

Alcantara, known for his regular presence in the VIP section at PBA games—especially when Ginebra or Gilas Pilipinas play—reportedly bought VIP tickets in bulk, often reserving prime seats beside the Ginebra bench for family and friends.

Alcantara’s connection to high-profile sporting events has drawn further public attention as the Senate probe unfolds.

“Si Sir Henry, regular ‘yan sa PBA games lalo na kapag playoffs ng Ginebra. Gusto pa niya mismo sa tabi ng Ginebra bench. Kadalasan nga napagkakamalang team official ng Ginebra yan,” said one insider.

FRIEND TO PLAYERS

Being a courtside regular allowed Alcantara to develop close ties with some league officials and players.

“Mabait ‘yan. Alam ko nga maraming tinutulungang players sa liga. Alam ko siya rin ang ninong ng mga players lalo na kapag may guesting at appearances sa Bulacan,” another source revealed.

“Nilalapitan at inaakap ng mga player sa courtside ‘yan tuwing may games. Madalas pa nga kinukuhang ninong ng mga players sa anak nila,” the source added.

A PRICEY HABIT

Another observer noted how Alcantara spared no expense for big games. 

During Game 7 of the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals between Ginebra and TNT last March 28, he reportedly purchased six VIP tickets for his family. Each ticket cost around ₱5,000.

“Hindi biro ang ticket sa VIP ha. Ang mahal nun saka usually pag ganun, ubos agad. Tapos Game 7 pa. Yan yung mga seats na usually bakante lang sa eliminations — pero katabi ng coaching staff at management ng team,” the source pointed out.

Even at Gilas Pilipinas’ send-off game against the Macau Black Bears last July 28, Alcantara was spotted courtside with his family and friends, watching as the national team rallied from a 21-point deficit to win, 103-98.

FAMILY OFF-LIMITS

As Alcantara’s name continues to circulate in connection with the flood control scandal, one PBA official appealed to the public to keep his children out of the online backlash.

Several political blogs and pages have circulated photos of Alcantara and his kids — including one son who plays varsity basketball.

“Wala namang kinalalaman yung mga bata kaya sana, yung mga sports fans na kasama sa nagagalit sa nangyari, sana hindi idamay,” the PBA official urged.

The Filipino people have witnessed the remarkable journey of tennis star Alex Eala, whose resilience and determination have shone through despite facing numerous challenges on the tennis court.

While her previous matches, particularly in the past year, were difficult, one thing became abundantly clear: Eala is not one to give up. Her unwavering spirit and passion for the sport, especially her dream of securing a championship, continue to fuel her pursuit of greatness.

At the young age of 13, Eala set off for Mallorca, Spain to join a training camp at the famous Rafael Nadal Tennis Academy.

This is where Eala's talent was shaped, where she won several junior division titles, including Grand Slam victories, with her most notable achievement being her triumph in the girls' singles at the US Open in 2022. She also captured the girls' doubles title at the Australian Open in 2020 and the French Open in 2021, further establishing her as a force to be reckoned with in the tennis world.

Eala proved to herself and the Filipino people that one day she will also get the championship she had always dreamed of.

And she was not wrong, Eala made a statement at the prestigious Miami Open held in Miami, Florida. She knocked out world-class tennis players, including a memorable victory over reigning Australian Open champion Madison Keys of the United States and World No. 2 Iga Świątek.

These wins solidified her status as a rising star on the global tennis stage and demonstrated her ability to compete with the very best.

Amidst her growing success, Eala hopes that it will greatly help tennis expand further in the Philippines and the entire Southeast Asian and Asian regions. Her victories have opened doors for tennis in regions that are traditionally less represented in the sport, and she hopes to continue paving the way for aspiring athletes in the region.

As of April 7, 2025, Eala has risen to 73rd place in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings, a significant achievement for the 19-year-old athlete.

Because of this, Eala’s chances of having a direct entry into the four major tennis tournaments around the world that are mainly attended by tennis legends have increased.

This includes the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open.

The young Filipina’s breakthrough in Miami and her continued success on the international stage have made her one of the most promising young talents in the sport today.

Her hard work, discipline, and passion for tennis have earned her the respect of the global tennis community and many young people in the Philippines want to emulate her and follow in her footsteps, especially in achieving dreams and ambitions in life.

The Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) Unity Games is more than a multi-sport event—it’s a celebration of faith, fellowship, and brotherhood that stretches far beyond the playing field.

Launched by the INC’s Church administration through the leadership of Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, it aims to strengthens the Christian Family Organization inside the Church and to unite it's members from various congregations, districts, and regions, the Games have grown into a global showcase, featuring basketball, volleyball, football, badminton, track and field, and more. 

Athletes of all ages display their skills and competitive spirit, but the true foundation is faith.

Unlike typical tournaments, the Unity Games of the Iglesia ni Cristo focuses on discipline, unity, that promotes Christian values. 

Every effort on the court or track is viewed as service to God and a reflection of their doctrine and Church’s teachings.

The Games are inclusive, welcoming men, women, children, youth, and adults. 

Families and church communities cheer on their teams, creating an atmosphere that blends competition with the warmth of fellowship.

Held both nationwide and internationally, the Unity Games symbolize INC’s global reach and its commitment to nurturing both the physical and spiritual well-being of its members.

Ultimately, the greatest victory is not in medals, but in the strengthened bonds among brethren, healthy lifestyles, and the living proof that with one faith and one God, true unity is achieved.

The PBA 2025 Rookie Draft is set for September 7, with the application deadline on Friday, August 29, before the close of office hours. Among those who have already submitted their names are three prospects projected to be top picks: Jason Brickman, Juan Gomez de Liaño, and Will Gozum.

There’s a significant development in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) as the Board of Governors has approved a new rule that imposes a three-year ban on players who refuse to sign or re-sign with their mother teams and instead choose to play in other leagues, whether local or international.