Training in sweltering 100-degree heat is about more than just building physical endurance; it’s driven by purpose, passion, and a desire to leave a meaningful legacy.When the sun blazes overhead and every part of you screams to give up, that’s when your true motivation is put to the ultimate test. So the real question is: Are you staying motivated?For Jared “The Monkey God” Brooks, training isn’t only about personal ambition—it’s about the next generation. The 17- and 18-year-olds who carry the same dreams he once held.Brooks has the privilege of shaping their journeys, guiding them, and standing beside them as they strive for greatness. That’s what God desires, and that’s where true fulfillment lies.This journey is not without its challenges. Fatigue, injury, and family pressures weigh heavily. But he made a steadfast commitment: he will stay the course.Nothing and no one will deter him. And that same energy? He shares it generously with anyone prepared to walk this path with the same intensity.Because this isn’t just training. It’s a calling. A long-term commitment.

Former IBF super flyweight world champion Jerwin Ancajas remains focused and in top shape as he anticipates a potential slot on the highly anticipated Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios card on July 19 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. While no opponent has been officially announced, Ancajas is training as if the call could come at any moment.“Wala pang binigay na kalaban,” admitted the 33-year-old Ancajas, who has been quietly preparing in Los Angeles alongside fellow Filipino fighters Mark Magsayo and Eumir Marcial—both confirmed to appear on the undercard.Ancajas also shared that, if given the green light, he expects to fight at a catchweight of 123 or 124 pounds—just under the featherweight limit of 126.In January of this year, Ancajas captured the vacant Philippine super bantamweight crown via a second-round stoppage of Richie Mepranum in Iligan. That victory marked his second consecutive win since falling to Japan’s Takuma Inoue via ninth-round TKO in a WBA bantamweight title fight in Tokyo last year. Ancajas reigned for nearly six years as IBF champion in the 115-pound division.Meanwhile, two fellow Filipino fighters are already set to light up the Pacquiao-Barrios undercard. Mark Magsayo (29) will take on Jorge Mata Cuellar of Mexico in a 10-round showdown for the vacant WBC Continental Americas super featherweight title. Magsayo is currently ranked No. 2 by the WBC in the super featherweight division, positioning him just a step away from a possible title shot against reigning champion O’Shaquie Foster.Eumir Marcial (29), returning from Olympic duties, will square off with Alexis Gaytan of Texas in an eight-round middleweight bout. Marcial boasts an unblemished 5-0 pro record with 3 knockouts and is looking to build momentum as he refocuses on his professional boxing career.Cuellar, who’s making his U.S. debut, holds a solid record of 21-2-2 with 13 KOs, including five straight wins. Gaytan, a seasoned veteran, brings a 17-10 record with 6 KOs, having won six of his last seven bouts.With Ancajas staying sharp and ready, the possibility of three Filipino warriors sharing the ring on one of the year’s most anticipated fight cards is closer than ever.

Filipino-American standouts Brooke Van Sickle, MJ Phillips, and Tia Andaya are gearing up for their potential national team debut in the upcoming VTV Cup in Vietnam.This year marks the third consecutive appearance of a Philippine team in the VTV Cup.Alas Women head coach Jorge Souza de Brito expressed that the trio were not able to suit up for the AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup due to pending eligibility requirements under the Philippine Federation.Fortunately, their documentation is reportedly nearing its completion.De Brito also confirmed last week that Van Sickle had already joined the national team’s training alongside Phillips, Andaya, Maddie Madayag, and Alleiah Malaluan. 

The three Filipino fighters on the undercard of Manny Pacquiao’s upcoming comeback in Las Vegas are gaining valuable insights from the former eight-division world champion.Eumir Marcial, Jerwin Ancajas, and Mark Magsayo have been training with Pacquiao during morning runs—absorbing not only his advice but also his winning mindset.Marcial, the Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist, is set to face American Alexis Gaytan in an eight-round bout on July 19.Recently, while observing Pacquiao at the Wild Card Boxing Club, Marcial received tips on delivering powerful left-handed punches and left the gym with newfound knowledge. “I never imagined I would fight on the same night as my idol,” said Marcial, who boasts a 5-0-0 record with three knockouts.Since arriving in Los Angeles over a month ago, Pacquiao has focused on training for Mario Barrios and has welcomed the young fighters into his routine—whether running at Griffith Park or working out in the gym.Gaytan presents a challenge for Marcial as he looks to rebound from an early exit in the Paris Olympics. The American holds a 17-10-0 record. Ancajas and Magsayo are also making the most of training alongside Pacquiao, further sharpening their preparations.For Sean Gibbons, the collaboration between Pacquiao and the younger Filipino fighters is a rare opportunity to blend youthful energy with generational wisdom.“There’s a unique blend of youthful energy and the experience that Manny Pacquiao brings. He’s not just preparing for his own comeback—he’s helping guide the next generation of Filipino champions,” Gibbons shared.As Pacquiao gears up to potentially become the oldest welterweight champion in history, the spotlight is also shining on the Filipino trio poised to make waves on his undercard—learning from the best in their pursuit to become the next.

Despite a blazing start, Filipino tennis ace Alex Eala saw her campaign at the WTA 250 Nottingham Open come to an early end after a 4-6, 3-6 first-round defeat to Poland’s Magda Linette on Tuesday night, June 17.The 20-year-old raced to a 3-0 lead in just seven minutes, but veteran campaigner Linette, ranked No. 31, found her rhythm by the fourth game. The Polish star turned the tide, leveling the match at 3-3 before surging ahead 5-3 and eventually taking the first set.Eala attempted to fight back in the second set, which featured tighter exchanges, with the score knotted at 2-all. However, her opponent’s experience and composure took over once again, as she pulled away to secure the win in one hour and 38 minutes.Meanwhile, Linette advances to the Round of 16, where she awaits the winner between Great Britain’s Mingge Xu and American Katie Volynets.Despite the loss, Eala’s appearance in Nottingham marked her third consecutive grass-court tournament in a matter of two weeks. She previously suffered a first-round exit at the Birmingham Classic and reached the quarterfinals at the Ilkley Open.Eala made it to the Nottingham main draw after winning two matches in the qualifying rounds. She is expected to continue her grass-court campaign in preparation for her debut at the 2025 Wimbledon Championships later this month.

Unbeaten WBC top-ranked junior featherweight contender David Picasso of Mexico has officially joined forces with esteemed advisor Sean Gibbons of Knuckleheads Boxing, who also serves as COO of Manny Pacquiao’s Promotions.In a bold statement, Gibbons voiced his enthusiasm about the potential of both Picasso—set to compete on the undercard of Pacquiao’s highly anticipated return against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on July 19—and the undisputed 122-lb champion Naoya Inoue.Gibbons emphasized that victories from both fighters could pave the way for a monumental showdown between Inoue and Picasso this December in Saudi Arabia.In addition to guiding Picasso, Gibbons also represents former champions Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz and Mark Magsayo, who are featured on the Pacquiao card. He has also successfully propelled numerous fighters to world titles and defenses, including IBF 130-lb champion Eduardo “Sugar” Nunez, IBF junior bantamweight champion Willibaldo Garcia, IBF minimumweight champion Pedro Taduran, and newly crowned WBC interim flyweight champion Francisco Rodriguez.“I am genuinely thrilled to work with David Picasso. It’s a blessing to collaborate with some of the most significant names in Mexican boxing, and David is on the verge of fighting for Inoue’s belts. I am deeply committed to helping him realize his aspirations,” Gibbons stated.He also expressed gratitude to Al Haymon of Premier Boxing Champions for securing Picasso—whose impressive record stands at 31-0-1 (17 KOs)—a spot on the July 19 card following the withdrawal of another opponent.Gibbons’ remarkable history of guiding a wide array of Mexican fighters to championship glory fuels his confidence in Picasso’s future.“Inoue has only two elite challengers left in his division: Akhmadaliev and Picasso,” Gibbons noted.

The University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers just made one of the biggest offseason moves in UAAP Men’s Basketball by securing the commitment of Collins Akowe, one of the most dominant big men in the UAAP high school ranks.The 6-foot-10 Nigerian standout from National University-Nazareth School (NU-NS) officially joins UST after weeks of negotiation with head coach Pido Jarencio and team managers Waiyip Chong and Eric Ang.Akowe will be eligible to play for the Tigers starting UAAP Season 88 and has a full five-year window to compete in the league.He made headlines in UAAP Season 87, powering the NU Bullpups with averages of 20.9 points, 19.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.9 blocks per game.

Just weeks after his decisive win against Mexico’s Francisco Portillo on May 31, undefeated Filipino boxer Carl Jammes Martin made sure to attend worship services of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ)—a commitment he never fails to keep, no matter the circumstance.In his Facebook post, Martin said: “Wherever we go, we will find a chapel and we will fulfill our duty to the Father.”Martin joined the worship service of the local congregation in Los Angeles, California, showing his continued devotion and gratitude to the Lord God following his latest victory in the ring.For the 25-year-old rising star, putting trust in the Lord God is essential—especially as he pursues continued success in his boxing career.He demonstrates this by always attending worship services, staying united with the Church Administration, and submitting to its guidance—a trait he shares with many Filipino athletes who attribute their success to their faith.He is one of many Filipino boxers who exhibit this same devotion—never forgetting to give respect and gratitude to the true giver of victories, especially to His chosen ones, in every fight inside the ring.Martin currently holds a clean record of 26-0 (Win-Loss) with 20 knockouts and remains active in the junior featherweight division after his win over Portillo.

Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala continues to make waves on the international stage, reaching a new career milestone by advancing to the semifinals of the WTA 250 Eastbourne Open after a dominant straight-sets win over Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska on Thursday, June 27 (Philippine time).The 20-year-old Eala displayed grit and maturity well beyond her years as she outclassed the World No. 42 Yastremska, 6-1, 6-2, in a clinical performance that underscored her growing confidence on grass courts. The victory came just a day after she pulled off one of the biggest wins of her young career by stunning World No. 20 and former Grand Slam champion Jelena Ostapenko.Even with strong winds sweeping through the Eastbourne courts, Eala remained unfazed. She showcased a well-rounded game anchored by deep, consistent returns and tactical precision that kept her Ukrainian opponent off-balance throughout the match. With a decisive 57-37 advantage in total points won, Eala’s control over the match was evident from start to finish.

The Alas Pilipinas Men suffered their second straight loss in the AVC Men’s Volleyball Nations Cup 2025 after bowing to Chinese Taipei, 19-25, 25-23, 28-30, 20-25, on Wednesday, June 18, in Manama, Bahrain.The loss has relegated the team to the classification phase of the tournament where they will face the defeated teams in other pools to determine their final standing. Team captain Marck Espejo led the Alas Men with a game-high 26 points from 22 attacks and four blocks after a brief knee injury scare during the fourth set. Earlier in the tournament opener against Pakistan—a match the Nationals fell short—Espejo sustained an ankle injury but was later medically cleared to continue playing.Leo Ordiales backstopped Espejo’s effort with 15 markers. 

Fresh off from their dominant three-day Alas Pilipinas Invitationals, Alas Men absorbed a four-set loss, 25-18, 25-12, 18-25, 25-22, to World No. 49 Pakistan in their game opener of the AVC Men’s Volleyball Nations Cup 2025, Tuesday night, June 17, in Manama, Bahrain.Following a rough start in the first two sets, Alas Men bounced back in the third set with Leo Ordiales igniting a crucial rally pouring 10 of his game-high 22 points to keep the match alive.Down 19-22 in the fourth set, Ordiales teamed up with his fellow National University stars Buds Buddin and Peng Taguibolos to trim the deficit to one, 21-22.

In a Finals series that reached its pinnacle, a new team emerged as champions — OKC defeated the Indiana Pacers in Game 7, 103-91, at the Paycom Center on Monday, June 23 (Philippine time).

The Oklahoma City Thunder started and finished strong to secure a 120-109 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 of their best-of-seven finals series on Tuesday, June 17 (PH time).

Another Filipino boxing star is set to shine on the global stage, as former world champion Mark "Magnifico" Magsayo returns to action on the Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios fight card next month at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.Magsayo will take on Mexican fighter Jorge Mata Cuellar in a 10-round bout for the vacant WBC Continental Americas Super Featherweight Title, under the banner of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC).It was earlier announced that former Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Eumir Marcial will also fight on the Pacquiao-Barrios undercard, squaring off against American Alexis Gaytan in an eight-round non-title middleweight bout. The inclusion of Magsayo was later confirmed by MP Promotions, further strengthening the Filipino presence at this high-profile event."It’s a great opportunity to fight for the second time as part of the undercard for my childhood hero, Manny Pacquiao—who is the main reason I started boxing. Just like the first time I fought on his card when I was in the featherweight division, this is another stepping stone toward my second-division world title bid at super featherweight. I'm grateful for the opportunity from big brother Manny," Magsayo said.This won’t be the first time Magsayo shares the stage with Pacquiao. He previously appeared as an undercard fighter during Pacquiao’s final U.S. bout against Yordenis Ugas in 2021, where he delivered a dramatic 10th-round knockout of Mexican Julio Ceja.That performance catapulted Magsayo into a world title opportunity, which he seized by defeating Gary Russell Jr. on January 22, 2022, in Atlantic City to become the WBC Featherweight World Champion.Now riding a three-fight win streak, Magsayo looks to continue his resurgence. His most recent victory came on December 14, 2024, when he scored a dominant second-round knockout over Ecuadorian Bryan Mercado in Long Beach, California. Magsayo currently holds an impressive record of 27 wins, 2 losses, with 18 knockouts.Standing in his way is the hungry and talented 24-year-old Cuellar, who brings a solid 21-2-2 record with 13 KOs. With both fighters eyeing a shot at greater glory, fans can expect fireworks when they step into the ring.Meanwhile, MP Promotions President Sean Gibbons thanked Manny Pacquiao for putting Magsayo on this historic card, where the boxing icon attempts to become the oldest welterweight champion in history. Gibbons expressed confidence in Magsayo's chances against Cuellar and hopes he will emerge as the next contender for a WBC world title."I want to thank Manny [Pacquiao] and Al Haymon for putting Mark on this historic night of boxing, when Pacquiao attempts to become the oldest welterweight champion. A win over Jorge Mata will put Mark next in line for a WBC world title shot," Gibbons said.

Jia De Guzman is making her Premier Volleyball League (PVL) return with the Creamline Cool Smashers, but her heart and full attention remain with Alas Pilipinas as they gear up for a busy international calendar.Speaking during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum, the veteran setter made it clear that her main focus is on the national team’s ongoing campaign.“Of course, I’m going back to Creamline, but I went to a team that also knows that I have responsibilities also for the flag,” said De Guzman. “This is national team season, and Rebisco management made it clear that they’re fully supportive while we serve the country.”

Many were surprised when Manny Pacquiao officially announced his return from retirement to challenge World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight champion Mario Barrios.This bout will be Pacquiao's first in four years, and at 46 years old, he faces a significant challenge: Barrios, who is 16 years younger and stands six inches taller than the 5-foot-6 Filipino legend.However, "Sugar" Shane Mosley—a fellow boxing great and former opponent who recently joined Pacquiao's training camp in Los Angeles—believes Pacquiao can emerge victorious at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, July 19. Mosley, who lost to Pacquiao by unanimous decision in 2011 while defending his WBO welterweight title, noted that Pacquiao is in great shape both physically and mentally.

The East Asia Super League (EASL) and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) are set to launch Future Champions Philippines this September, a program aimed at young basketball enthusiasts across the country.Under the EASL Future Champions Philippines program, the initiative promotes high-quality basketball training and elite-level competition, offering young players meaningful community engagement and opportunities for success not only in national competitions but also on the international stage.This marks a significant step by SBP in focusing on youth development in Philippine basketball.The EASL Future Champions initiative consists of two main components:1. Grassroots ProgramThis will focus on talent development camps and community outreach, strengthening the foundation of basketball starting at the youngest levels.2. Elite ProgramLaunching in March 2026, this will become the premier youth performance program across Asia. Selected athletes will receive world-class coaching, international exposure, and continuous career development support.The goal of both programs is to provide a structured pathway for young Asian players to find basketball opportunities both within and beyond the ASEAN region.Through this initiative, SBP aligns itself with the EASL’s mission—a mission that is also recognized and supported by FIBA at all levels of basketball, from grassroots development to the national team.According to Henry Kerins, CEO of EASL, SBP is fully committed to developing young talent and providing them with leadership experiences that foster both personal growth and basketball skills.“SBP brings the leadership, experience, and infrastructure to make EASL Future Champions the premium youth development program in the Philippines,” said Kerins.He added that EASL leadership is proud of SBP’s initiative and willingness to collaborate for the benefit of Filipino youth.“We’re proud to be working alongside them to build something that can create real impact,” Kerins added.Meanwhile, SBP President Al Panlilio emphasized that EASL’s vision for Filipino youth aligns closely with SBP’s goals for nurturing the next generation of basketball players.“EASL’s vision matches our commitment to the next generation. We’re excited to help shape the future of grassroots basketball together,” said Panlilio.Currently, the Philippines is the first country in the region to be part of the EASL Future Champions initiative. Macau and Hong Kong are set to follow, as EASL continues its efforts to raise the level of youth basketball across Asia.

With two major tournaments fast approaching, the Gilas Pilipinas Women’s team found itself in uncertainty as three veteran players are still committed to their duties with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP.)With Janine Pontejos and Chack Cabinbin serving in the Philippine Army, while Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) MVP Afril Bernardino in the Philippine Navy, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is now working to obtain the necessary AFP clearances for the trio to compete in the Jones Cup and FIBA Women’s Asia Cup in July.The SBP insists it is closely monitoring the situation, but uncertainty lingers as the clearance process for the players remains stalled.Still, Gilas Pilipinas Women’s head coach Pat Aquino says the team is ready to adapt to whatever happens, noting that for now, they are maintaining the status quo with Pontejos, Cabinbin, and Bernardino.

Before she became a volleyball icon, a cover girl, and a fitness entrepreneur, Rachel Anne Daquis was just a young girl in Rizal with a dream and a pair of knee pads. Her journey from schoolyard rallies to the national spotlight is not just a story of athletic triumph—it’s a testament to heart, hustle, and reinvention.Born on December 13, 1987, Daquis first discovered her passion for volleyball during her high school years at Juan Sumulong Memorial Junior College. It was not long before her natural talent and towering presence led her to Far Eastern University (FEU), where she took up Business Management—a course that would later complement her entrepreneurial pursuits.During her time at FEU, she quickly rose through the ranks to become team captain of the FEU Lady Tamaraws, earning the moniker “Queen Tamaraw”—a title that symbolized both her athletic dominance and her influence within the squad. In 2008, she led FEU to a UAAP championship, marking a career-defining moment in her collegiate journey.Daquis’ leadership extended beyond college. In 2014, she was named team captain of PLDT HOME TVolution, proudly representing the Philippines at the Asian Women’s Club Volleyball Championship. That same year, she also joined the Ateneo Lady Eagles as a guest player in the 10th season of the Shakey’s V-League, helping the team secure a runner-up finish.Her stint with the Philippine Army Lady Troopers was equally decorated as she captured titles and awards, including the SOS Clear Skin In & Out Of The Court Award, and spearheaded a championship run in the 11th season of Shakey’s V-League.Her career in the Philippine Super Liga (PSL) only strengthened her legacy. Representing TMS-Philippine Army in 2013, she was honored as the PSL Face of the League, highlighting her dual impact as a top-tier athlete and as a public figure.In 2015, she demonstrated her versatility once again, teaming up with fellow volleyball stars Cha Cruz, Michele Gumabao, and Gretchen Ho to capture the Nestea Beach Volleyball title in Boracay.

Filipina tennis star Alex Eala continued to showcase her impressive run at the Ilkley WTA 125 tournament in Great Britain, powering into the quarterfinals with a commanding 6-1, 6-2 victory over Switzerland’s Valentina Ryser.Currently ranked world No. 77, Eala displayed her growing confidence and adaptability on grass courts, particularly in the opening set where she landed an impressive 78% of her first serves.After splitting the first two games, she quickly seized control with a string of aggressive baseline winners and forced errors from Ryser. Though the Swiss player had multiple breakpoint opportunities late in the set, Eala held her ground and closed it out convincingly, 6-1.The second set began with both players trading service breaks, leveling the score at 2-2. Ryser looked set to hold serve in the fifth game at 40-30, but an untimely unforced error gave Eala the opening she needed. The 19-year-old capitalized, stepping up her offensive play to break serve and take a 3-2 lead.From there, Eala dominated from the baseline, pushing ahead 4-2 with deep, penetrating groundstrokes that kept Ryser on the defensive. Despite Ryser’s attempts to mount a comeback, Eala remained composed and in control, ultimately closing out the match in just over an hour.This decisive victory propels Eala into the quarterfinals, where she will aim to continue her strong form and build momentum ahead of the upcoming grass-court season.Eala will next face no.8 seed Rebecca Marino of Canada.