De La Salle University began its 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge campaign with a dominant 25-20, 25-23, 25-21 sweep of Arellano University on Sunday, August 10, at the Paco Arena in Manila.The 2023 champions showcased their depth, wrapping up the win in just 83 minutes. Rookie Issa Ousseini and wing spikers Eugene Gloria and MJ Fortuna each scored 14 points, while setter Nathaniel Bangit orchestrated the offense with 20 excellent sets.“At first, I was a bit unsure because during training and practice games, they weren’t too consistent,” said La Salle head coach Jose Roque. “But seeing this first game somehow gave me confidence that we can actually do more. Some of our players haven’t even played yet, so I’m already seeing potential for the UAAP season. I just hope they all step up.”Arellano stayed competitive behind AC Guinto’s 13 markers but couldn’t match La Salle’s strong finish in each set.

Kaila Napolis made history for the Philippines at the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China, seizing a hard-earned silver in the Jiu Jitsu Newaza -52kg division. Napolis thrilled fans with an electrifying run, defeating Israel’s Pnina Aronov in the semifinals. She showcased exceptional skill and heart throughout the tournament, ultimately finishing second after a hard-fought gripping final against South Korea’s Eon Ju Im.“I am a little disappointed I did not get the crucial point. But I am still grateful I was able to represent the country here,” Napolis said.Despite the defeat, Napolis gave the country reason to celebrate by clinching the Philippine team’s first medal in Chengdu after three days of competition.With this achievement, Kaila joins an elite group of Filipino athletes — Marlon Manalo, Arriane Cerdena, Jorge Fernandez, Arnold Baradi, and Mike Ventossa — who have earned silver medals on the prestigious global stage of the World Games.Her achievement raises hopes for more medals from the Philippine contingent, which is led by chef-de-mission Stephen Arapoc, and sets a positive tone for upcoming competitions. With Napolis’ silver, the team is motivated to push harder for further success in the competition.

Undisputed ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua Pacio is set to make history as he moves up a division to challenge Yuya “Little Piranha” Wakamatsu for the ONE Flyweight MMA World Title. Should Pacio succeed, he will become the first Filipino to claim world titles in two weight classes.This highly anticipated champion vs. champion showdown takes place at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on November 16 at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.Pacio, fresh off his emphatic victory over Jarred Brooks to end their rivalry, knows the challenge ahead is formidable.“Yuya is not the king of the flyweight division for nothing. He’s earned his spot at the top with his power and speed. I respect what he brings to the table,” said Pacio. “I know I’m facing a tough challenge, but I’m ready to give my best and represent the Philippines with pride.”Wakamatsu rides a four-fight win streak, highlighted by a first-round knockout of former champion Adriano Moraes to seize the flyweight crown at ONE 172 last March. The Japanese champion has also claimed notable wins over Filipino contenders Danny Kingad and Geje Eustaquio.Despite Wakamatsu’s momentum, Pacio is confident he can make his country proud. “I expect a fast-paced, strategic bout. We’re both intelligent fighters who know how to adapt, so I believe this will be an exciting, high-level match. I’m looking forward to the challenge and putting on a great show for the fans,” he said.Wakamatsu, for his part, respects Pacio’s skills but feels ready for the challenge ahead.“Joshua Pacio is a world champion and a dangerous, well-rounded fighter. But if I stick to my game plan, I’m confident I’ll come out on top. We’re both fast and tactical, so it’s going to be a fight fans will remember,” said Wakamatsu.With both champions promising an explosive, high-level contest, fans can expect fireworks when Pacio and Wakamatsu collide in Tokyo.

Defensive specialist Justine Jazareno emerged as the Philippines’ lone awardee in the second leg of the SEA V.League, earning Best Libero honor Sunday night, August 10, — her first international award.Jazareno anchored Alas Pilipinas’ streak of having at least one individual honoree alive for five straight legs of the tournament. She joined Vietnam’s Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen (MVP and Best Opposite Spiker), Vi Thi Nhu Quynh (Best Outside Spiker), Tran Thi Bich Thuy (Best Middle Blocker), and Thailand’s Pornpun Guedpard (Best Setter), Chatchu-on Moksri (Best Outside Spiker), and Thanapan Wimonrat (Best Middle Blocker) in the list of top performers.

Gilas Pilipinas put up a valiant fight but ultimately fell to New Zealand, 94-86, early Friday morning (Manila time) at the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.Justin Brownlee led the charge with 37 points, but a missed free throw in the final minute and a late-game surge by the Tall Blacks dashed the Nationals’ hopes of a comeback. Gilas erased an 18-point deficit and closed the gap to three, 85-82, with under four minutes remaining, but crucial turnovers and clutch plays by Taylor Britt sealed the win for New Zealand.Dwight Ramos contributed 19 points, while June Mar Fajardo chipped in 11 points and four rebounds. Jordan Ngatai paced New Zealand with 22 points—19 coming in a hot-shooting first half.Despite back-to-back losses, Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone remains optimistic as the team faces a do-or-die game in the 31st FIBA Asia Cup.After suffering their second straight defeat—this time to New Zealand—Cone acknowledged the tough situation the team is in, one few could have predicted. Gilas must now win against Iraq on Saturday to keep their quarterfinal hopes alive, as both teams are winless so far. Iraq also dropped their second game to Chinese Taipei, 87-60.“We’re disappointed, but the tournament is not over for us. We have a big game against Iraq coming up and we’ll see if we can get into the next round,” Cone said. A loss to Iraq would mean an early exit for world No. 34 Gilas Pilipinas, but Cone remains confident. “We just need to keep battling, keep our heads up, and move forward. We can’t dwell on these last two losses—there’s still more to do, and we’ll be ready for our next game,” he stressed.Gilas drops to 0-2 in group play but still has a chance to keep its quarterfinal hopes alive with a must-win game against Iraq on Saturday at 4 p.m. (Manila time).

The Philippines’ title defense in the ASEAN MSIG Serenity Cup suffered a setback on Sunday night, August 10, with a 1-0 defeat to Australia U23 at Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho, Vietnam.Australia’s Alana Jancevski scored the lone goal in first-half stoppage time, taking advantage of a defensive lapse by Azumi Oka to slot a left-footed shot past Filipinas goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel.Both teams now have three points in Group B. The Filipinas previously overwhelmed Timor-Leste, 7-0, in their opener, while Australia kept their semifinal hopes alive with their first win of the tournament.The Philippines will next face unbeaten Myanmar on Wednesday, August 13, at Lach Tray Stadium in Haiphong, needing a positive result to secure a semifinal berth. Australia U23 will play winless Timor-Leste on the same night.The Filipinas’ best opportunity came in the 53rd minute, when Hali Long’s header from a Chandler McDaniel corner was denied by Australian keeper Chloe Bell Lincoln.The result also provided a measure of revenge for Australia, who lost 1-0 to the Philippines in the 2022 edition of the tournament, previously known as the AFF Women’s Championship.

Far Eastern University and Adamson University opened their 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge campaigns in style.The Lady Tamaraws, determined to move on from last season’s runner-up finish, cruised to a straight-sets win over Mapua University, 25-15, 25-22, 25-21, Sunday, August 10, at the Paco Arena in Manila.FEU stayed composed throughout, with Congolese opposite Faida Bakanke taking charge in the third set. Locked at 15-all, she fired three consecutive aces to give the Lady Tamaraws breathing room, finishing with 12 points built on six attacks, three blocks, and three aces, including four digs.Mitzi Panangin added 10 markers in the win. Senior setter and captain Tin Ubaldo steered FEU’s 6-2 closing run, capped by Gerzel Petallo’s down-the-line hit.“Our goal this time wasn’t to get back at anyone, but to really improve from last time,” Ubaldo said in Filipino. “We didn’t focus solely on winning, but on the process of how we can win. For me, joining this tournament isn’t about redemption.”Mapua’s Alyanna Ong and Zyra Morales had eight points each, but no Lady Cardinal hit double figures.

Cignal knocked Akari out in the quarterfinals with a 25-20, 25-11, 28-16 win, booking a semifinals slot in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour on Thursday, August 7, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.Erika Santos spearheaded the triumph, tallying 24 points built from 22 attacks, including the game-winning spike.Santos ignited the second set, erupting 11 markers, to power the HD Spikers to an 18-7 cushion. Her scoring spree paved the way for a dominant 14-point win that put Cignal on the brink of a sweep.The young opposite spiker also sealed the match with a game-winning spike that clipped Akari’s line. This came after the Chargers twice reached set point at 24-23 and 25-24, only for Chenie Tagaod to commit back-to-back attack errors. Grethcel Soltones momentarily pulled Akari level in the third at 26-all, but Tin Tiamzon’s clutch hit put Cignal at match point, 27-26.

Reigning world pool champion Carlo Biado, along with Johann Chua and Bernie Regalario, advanced to the Last 64 knockout stage of the 2025 Florida Open Pool Championship at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando on Wednesday, August 6.Biado continued his dominant run with a 9–4 victory over fellow Filipino Roland Garcia. Chua and Regalario both pulled off nail-biting wins—Chua edged Norway’s Emil Gangflot, and Regalario outlasted Canada’s John Morra, each prevailing with a 9–8 scoreline.Eight more Filipinos remain in contention for spots in the next stage, including Lee Vann Corteza and Marvin Asis, who are facing Finland’s Arseni Sevastyanov and Scotland’s Jayson Shaw, respectively, as of press time.Garcia, meanwhile, was relegated to the loser’s bracket, joining Jefrey Roda, Patric Gonzales, and Michael Baoanan, who also dropped their third-round matches. Roda suffered a close 9–8 loss to Greece’s Dimitris Loukatos; Gonzales fell to Vietnam’s Duong Quoc Hoang, 9–3; and Baoanan bowed to Japan’s Naoyuki Oi, 9–5.Harry Vergara, Roberto Gomez, and Miguel Salvilla are also battling to stay alive in the loser’s bracket after earlier setbacks.The tournament began with a 256-player field and continues to intensify as the competition narrows.

William Navarro’s long-awaited overseas stint is finally underway.The versatile 6-foot-6 forward has officially signed with the Busan KCC Egis, the Korean Basketball League (KBL) club announced on Tuesday, sealing a dream move years in the making.

Team Philippines enters the 2025 Chengdu World Games with high hopes and a fighting spirit, as the prestigious international multi-sport event officially opens today in China.A delegation of over 100 Filipino athletes, coaches, and officials arrived earlier this week, ready to compete in sports where the country has previously excelled—including wushu, dancesport, billiards, archery, and modern pentathlon.Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino expressed confidence in the team’s medal prospects, citing their extensive preparation and strong international track records.“We’re not just here to participate—we’re here to compete and win. Many of our athletes are world-class and have proven themselves on the biggest stages,” Tolentino said.Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio will be among the spectators, joined by top Chinese officials and World Games President José Perurena López.The men’s floorball team opens the country’s campaign, facing Latvia at 9 a.m. at the Xindu Xiangcheng Sports Centre. The 14-man squad, ranked No. 12 in the world and coached by Noel Mendoza, arrived in Chengdu last Sunday and has been preparing for their match against the No. 4-ranked Latvians.“We feel great and confident. The team is ready,” said Philippine Floorball Association President Marco Ortiz.Wushu artist Agatha Wong also expressed her excitement about competing in the World Games."I am excited because it is my first time in an opening ceremony. I just want to enjoy and live in the moment," Wong said.Among the key players is forward Melvin Mendoza, a silver medalist at the 2023 Southeast Asian Games and a veteran of three World Championship appearances.

Fishing enthusiasts from across the country and abroad are set to gather in Subic Bay for the first-ever Subic Bay Shore Fishing Tournament, happening from August 8 to 10 at the San Bernardino Fishing Site. Organized by Fish’n Town in collaboration with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), the pioneering event marks a significant milestone in the region’s push to promote sustainable fishing practices while celebrating its rich marine biodiversity.“This tournament is part of our larger mission to stimulate sustainable tourism and position SBMA as a prime destination for sport fishing in the North,” said SBMA Chairman Eduardo Aliño. He added that the initiative is a step toward transforming the area into the fishing capital of the Northern Philippines, while boosting ecotourism and marine conservation.

Senator Bong Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, Youth, Health, and Development, reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Filipino athletes by highlighting key legislative initiatives.Among his notable efforts is the establishment of the National Academy of Sports (NAS) under Republic Act No. 11470, which he authored and co-sponsored. The NAS offers a dual-track system that integrates academic education with elite sports training for young athletes.Senator Go is also pushing for the passage of the National Academy of Sports Regional Expansion Act (Senate Bill No. 171), which aims to establish regional NAS campuses—particularly in the Visayas and Mindanao—to provide full scholarships and nurture athletic talent across the country.Other key initiatives include:Senate Bill No. 407, amending the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act (RA 10699), to improve support for para-athletes;Senate Bill No. 413, or the Philippine National Games Bill, to institutionalize grassroots sports competitions nationwide;Senate Bill No. 678, or the National Tertiary Games Act, to promote collegiate-level sports development.Since assuming his role in 2019, Senator Go has helped oversee historic achievements in Philippine sports, including the country's first Olympic gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Games and a double-gold performance at Paris 2024.“I encourage everyone, young and old, to get into sports and stay away from drugs to keep us healthy and fit,” Senator Go said.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, welcomed the Masters Pinoy Pilipinas 45-Up Basketball Team to the Senate last Monday, August 4, following their gold medal victory at the 2025 World Masters Games in Taiwan.Known for his unwavering support for Filipino athletes, Senator Go personally congratulated the team for bringing pride and honor to the country.He recognized team officials—Team Manager Reynaldo Punongbayan, Assistant Manager Dick Victor Carmona, Head Coach Arlene Rodriguez, and Assistant Coaches Dann Michael Caneba, Albert Valbuena, and Diego Padua—as well as the players, including Justice Midas Marquez, Gilbert Malabanan, Roger Yap, Estong Ballesteros, Oliver Agapito, Rendell dela Rea, Romel David, Guiness Nabung, Milo Bonifacio, Edwin Manabat, Ricky Ricafuente, Arvin Aguila, Paul Reguera, and Marlon Basco.The senator’s interaction with the athletes was warm and sincere, as he shared anecdotes and checked on their well-being.“Congratulations to our Pilipinas 45-Up Basketball Team for winning the 2025 World Masters Games in Taiwan. Victories like this bring national pride that money can’t buy. You carry the honor of our country—thank you for your dedication,” Go said.

The final two quarterfinal spots are on the line today, August 5, as the PVL On Tour returns to the Philsports Arena in Pasig for a pivotal doubleheader.Reigning All-Filipino champions Petro Gazz Angels take on the Akari Chargers at 4 PM, followed by a high-stakes clash between the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles and the Choco Mucho Flying Titans at 6:30 PM.Both Petro Gazz and Akari had inconsistent performances during the eliminations, but each showed flashes of brilliance in their recent outings. The Angels stunned the Flying Titans in four sets last July 29 in Candon, Ilocos Sur, while the Chargers swept the Capital1 Solar Spikers back on July 15 at the Playtime FilOil Centre.

The Premier Volleyball League (PVL) is heading into a thrilling August stretch, with the 2025 Invitational Conference officially set to unfold from August 19 to 31.According to the league’s official website, the midseason meet will serve as a 12-day mini-tournament featuring six teams, kicking off just two days after the conclusion of the PVL On Tour.The field will include the Top 4 semifinalists from the ongoing PVL On Tour, alongside two guest teams whose identities have yet to be announced. Buzz continues to build around a possible entry by Alas Pilipinas, the women’s national team, though league and federation officials have yet to confirm their participation.All preliminary matches are scheduled to be played at Philsports Arena, the league’s main venue, before shifting to the Smart Araneta Coliseum for the final three playdates.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the creation of an Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) to oversee preparations for the Philippines’ historic hosting of the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup (FFWWC) 2025, which will take place from November 21 to December 7 in Pasig City and Negros Occidental.Under Administrative Order No. 35, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on July 30, the IATF will serve as the central coordinating body for all government efforts related to the planning and execution of the global tournament.“The hosting of the FFWWC 2025 aims to advance the development of futsal in the country, inspire greater sports engagement among Filipinos, elevate the Philippines’ standing in the international sports arena, and generate economic and tourism opportunities through a globally recognized event.”Led by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the task force will work with national agencies, local government units, and private stakeholders to ensure the successful staging of the event, which will feature the world’s top 16 women’s futsal teams.According to the order, hosting the FFWWC 2025 aims to promote futsal development in the country, inspire greater sports engagement among Filipinos, elevate the Philippines’ international sports profile, and boost economic and tourism opportunities.The IATF is responsible for developing and implementing detailed plans and programs—including equipment procurement and logistics—and may form an executive committee for operational oversight.The PSC is also authorized to form an executive committee to oversee and guide the task force’s operations.All government agencies, state universities and colleges, government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs), and other instrumentalities are directed to fully support the IATF, while local government units and the private sector are encouraged to contribute as the country gears up for its first-ever FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup—a historic milestone for Philippine sports.

Aspiring to play in Asia’s first-ever pay-for-play league? Now’s your chance! The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) has officially opened applications for the 2025 Rookie Draft, ahead of its milestone 50th season tipping off on October 5, 2025.Application forms are now available at the PBA office, and hopefuls have three weeks—from August 4 to 29—to submit their requirements and earn the right to be part of the draft proceedings on September 7.

The Meralco Bolts will serve as the sole Philippine representative in the upcoming 2025-26 East Asia Super League (EASL) season, as confirmed by league officials on Thursday, July 31.With the PBA’s 50th season packed with games, the league opted to field only one team instead of the usual two. PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial explained the decision, citing scheduling difficultIes.

After an impressive showing against Gilas Pilipinas, the Macau Black Bears are aiming to join the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) as a guest team.Fresh from their competitive Gilas send-off game, the Black Bears have formally expressed interest in participating as a guest squad for one or two conferences in the PBA’s upcoming 50th season. In a letter to PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial, Black Bears president of basketball operations Lukas Peng emphasized their commitment to building a highly competitive, professionally managed team that will proudly represent Macau and its vibrant Filipino community, while expanding the PBA’s reach in Greater China and the broader Asia-Pacific region.Commissioner Marcial responded positively, confirming that discussions will soon begin to explore the partnership. He also met with Black Bears general manager Kevin Connelly, who is responsible for team operations and is the brother of NBA Minnesota Timberwolves president Tim Connelly.As part of their proposal, Peng requested special consideration for player eligibility, asking the PBA to allow players from China, Macau, Hong Kong, and Taiwan to register as locals under a "Greater China Rule." He also cited precedent from the Bay Area Dragons, who fielded players of documented Chinese heritage as locals, and inquired about the eligibility of Filipino and EASL-registered players to play as locals for the Black Bears.While no formal agreement has been reached yet, the potential entry of the Macau Black Bears—a familiar name in the ASEAN Basketball League—could be a major step in the PBA’s push for greater international relevance. If approved, the Black Bears would follow the path of the Bay Area Dragons, who became the PBA’s first foreign guest team in nearly two decades and reached the 2022–23 Commissioner’s Cup finals.