The NLEX Road Warriors capped their preseason with a championship run, capturing the 40th Kadayawan Invitational crown after defeating the Blackwater Bossing, 101-84, on Sunday night, August 26, at the University of Southern Philippines in Davao City.After trailing by as much as 11 early in the game, NLEX turned things around with a blistering 34-12 surge in the second quarter, sparked by Robert Bolick, Dominic Fajardo, Tony Semerad, and Xyrus Torres, to grab a 52-36 lead at halftime.

Joshua Yerro, the 6’1” versatile forward and former Adamson University captain, has officially declared for the 2025 PBA Rookie Draft, bringing a wealth of experience and proven clutch ability to the professional ranks.Yerro’s basketball journey began in grassroots competitions with the UV Baby Lancers (CESAFI Juniors) before he made his mark with Team Cebu (NBTC).Transitioning to the UAAP, he became a key contributor for the Adamson Soaring Falcons, earning the captaincy and showcasing leadership on and off the floor. One of his most memorable collegiate moments came last year when he executed a buzzer-eating alley-oop against the National University, a play that highlighted his timing, composure, and ability to perform under pressure.

Just weeks after being appointed as head coach of the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots, LA Tenorio is already making bold moves — the latest being the blockbuster Javi Gomez de Liano–Jerrick Ahanmisi trade.In the deal approved by the PBA, Gomez de Liano will now don the Magnolia jersey after previous stints with Terrafirma, the Korean Basketball League, and the Strong Group Athletics in the Jones Cup. Meanwhile, the sweet-shooting Ahanmisi will suit up for the Dyip. The trade also includes Magnolia’s second-round pick, which now belongs to Terrafirma.With the transaction complete, one question lingers: Who really won the trade?On paper and in the eyes of many analysts and fans, Magnolia appears to have the edge. Gomez de Liano offers a more complete package: size, versatility, and a well-rounded skill set.That said, Ahanmisi’s scoring potential should not be underestimated. He has the ability to heat up and take over a game when given the opportunity, a weapon that was not fully maximized under his former coach. With Terrafirma, he could rediscover that spark and become a major offensive threat.

Filipina triathlete Kira Ellis delivered a golden performance in her international return, ruling the junior women’s division of the 2025 Europe Triathlon Junior Cup over the weekend.The 20-year-old national team standout clocked 1:05:07 in the sprint-distance race, which featured a 750-meter swim, a 22-kilometer four-lap bike course, and a 5.1-kilometer two-lap run. Ellis powered through the opening swim leg in 12:09, sustained her pace with a 34:27 bike ride, and sealed her victory with a 17:41 run, plus two transition times of 27 seconds each.Belgium’s Luca Vanderbruggen trailed by just 10 seconds at 1:05:17 for silver, while Germany’s Sarah Walter settled for bronze at 1:05:22.

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) has formally asked the UAAP to allow college players to enter the upcoming PBA Rookie Draft without losing their eligibility for the UAAP basketball season.PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed the request, which comes with the Rookie Draft scheduled for September 7—just 12 days before UAAP Season 88 tips off at UST on September 19.Marcial assured that drafted players would still be able to complete their UAAP commitments before reporting to their PBA teams.“We believe this is a win-win for both leagues. Players will be motivated to give their best in the UAAP, knowing their college exposure will help launch their pro careers,” Marcial said.The PBA’s 50th season opens on October 5 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with the Philippine Cup as the season-opener.Marcial added that the league and its teams are prepared to assist student-athletes as they transition to the pros while fulfilling their collegiate duties.“We’re open to extending support to UAAP draftees so they can compete at the highest level in the UAAP,” he added.If approved, the proposal would allow top collegiate stars to explore professional opportunities without sacrificing their final UAAP campaigns—creating a smoother bridge between the country’s premier collegiate and professional basketball leagues.

The NLEX Road Warriors and Blackwater Bossing opened their campaigns in the 2025 Kadayawan Invitational Tournament with victories on Thursday, August 21, at the USEP Gym in Davao City.In the first game, Sedrick Barefield powered Blackwater to a 94-81 triumph over the Phoenix Fuel Masters.The 2024 second overall draft pick finished with 28 points built on six three-pointers, including three straight that stretched their 72-66 lead to a commanding 81-68 advantage.Aside from Barefield, Jed Mendoza made an impressive debut with the Bossing, scoring 16 markers, while Troy Mallillin added 17 points and six rebounds.On the other side, Jason Perkins and Kai Ballungay led Phoenix with 12 points apiece in the Fuel Masters’ first game under new head coach Willie Wilson, who took over from Jamike Jarin after he was elevated to team consultant.

Filipino tennis ace Alex Eala has arrived in New York, ready to make her mark in the US Open main draw as she continues her transition from junior standout to full-time professional.Eala announced her arrival with an Instagram post from Manhattan, simply captioned: “New York, New York.” The 19-year-old secured her main-draw slot through a steady climb in the WTA rankings, highlighted by strong showings earlier this year, including an impressive run at the Miami Open.A recent shoulder injury forced Eala to withdraw from both the Cincinnati and Monterrey Opens, causing her to slip to World No. 70. Now, she’s aiming to bounce back and regain momentum in the season’s final Grand Slam.This US Open campaign marks another pivotal chapter in Eala’s budding career—as the former US Open girls’ doubles champion seeks to make her presence felt among the sport’s elite. With Filipino fans rallying behind her, she’s hoping for a breakthrough performance.The US Open kicks off on August 26, with Eala entering as an unseeded player likely to face a tough opening challenge. Still, her track record suggests she’s ready to spring a surprise on tennis’s grandest stage.

Rookie wing spiker Alleiah Malaluan wasted no time making her presence felt in her Premier Volleyball League (PVL) debut, powering PLDT to a commanding 25-16, 25-14, 25-20 over Chery Tiggo in the 2025 PVL Invitational on Thursday, August 21, at the Philsports Arena.The De La Salle University standout fired 11 points built on 10 attacks and one ace, while also anchoring PLDT’s defense with 13 excellent digs and nine excellent receptions.Fresh from her stint with Alas Pilipinas, Malaluan expressed her gratitude for finally joining her mother club.“I’m really grateful for this opportunity because I’ve been with the team for a few months already, and this experience has been a stepping stone for me to build a connection with them. Of course, I need to develop that chemistry with everyone,” Malaluan said after the match.

A mini volleyball tournament featuring four local teams will highlight the “Set Na Natin ‘To” Trophy and Mascot Tour this Saturday, August 24, at the newly-opened SM City Laoag.Competing at Dap Ayan Park are Block Builders, Laoag MVT, PSQ, and NWU, in what organizers say will be both a celebration of the sort and a showcase of Ilocos Norte’s grassroots talent.

The stage is set for the Philippine Amateur Open Golf Championship 2025 as the country’s top amateur golfers gear up to battle on the storied fairways of Apo Golf & Country Club in Davao City from August 27 to 31.Organized by the National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP) and part of the PLDT Group National Amateur Golf Tour, the prestigious event is recognized by the World Amateur Golf Ranking—giving Filipino players a chance to earn valuable points and elevate their international standing.The action begins with an official practice round on August 26, followed by two days of stroke-play qualifiers on August 27 and 28.Only the sharpest contenders will advance to the high-stakes match-play rounds from August 29 to 31, where the country’s next amateur champions will be crowned.Competitors will be divided into two divisions based on the July 15 WHS Handicap Index:Men’s Division: Handicap Index 8.0 and belowLadies’ Division: Handicap Index 12.0 and belowKnown for its demanding layout and rich history, Apo Golf is expected to test every facet of the competitors’ games.For the country’s elite amateurs, the stakes are high—national bragging rights, ranking points, and a potential springboard to the international golf stage. The quest for amateur glory begins in Davao!

The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) has officially given the green light for Alas Pilipinas players to return to their mother clubs in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).However, the nationals will only be eligible to compete in the Reinforced Conference, scheduled from October to November, and will sit out the league’s short Invitational Conference kicking off this Thursday. The PVL’s long-running All-Filipino Conference is tentatively slated to open in January 2026.

Filipina golfers Bianca Pagdanganan and Dottie Ardina turned in strong performances at the Standard Portland Classic, finishing tied for 35th and 38th, respectively, on Sunday, August 17.Pagdanganan endured a roller-coaster final round with a one-under 71, highlighted by an eagle, three birdies, two bogeys, and a double bogey. She closed at eight-under 280—her fourth made cut of the season.Ardina saved her best for last, firing a flawless, bogey-free 67 to finish one shot behind Pagdanganan at seven-under 281. The performance also marked her first made cut of the 2025 season.Despite their solid efforts, both Filipinas finished well behind Japanese rookie Akie Iwai, who dominated with a 24-under 264 total. Iwai capped her week with a sizzling eight-under 64 to win by four shots over American Gurleen Kaur (268).For Pagdanganan and Ardina, the Portland Classic served as a promising step forward as they continued to chase higher finishes and greater consistency on the LPGA Tour.

The stage is set for a wide-open race as the maiden Pilipinas United 3x3 League (PUL) tips off this weekend at Ayala Malls Manila Bay.Twelve men’s teams and eight women’s squads will battle for supremacy in this new halfcourt basketball showcase.“Passion fuels every drive, every shot, every hustle, while purpose brings us together to push Philippine basketball to greater heights,” said PUL commissioner Eric Altamirano.Local men’s teams include David Licauco’s Taho Story A, powerhouse Half Court Group (Hoopjeep), Sidney Onwubere’s YouGuard, and David Carlos’ Activate Sports, along with AMG Physical Therapy Clinic, Smile 360 Dental Clinic, Solaris, and Taho Story B. They will take on an international field featuring Ninja Airs and SBB from Japan, Dame Dolla from Vietnam, and Kuala Lumpur from Malaysia.The men’s champion will earn a USD 5,000 prize and a ticket to the FIBA 3x3 Kaohsiung Challenger in October, while the top local team secures a spot in the FIBA 3x3 Manila Challenger in September.In the women’s division, two-time UAAP MVP Kacey dela Rosa leads Gilas Pilipinas Women U23, joined by Uratex Dream and Pilipinas Aguilas.International contenders include Japan’s Maurice Lacroix, Malaysia’s Harimau Black and Yellow, Vietnam’s Hanoi 3x3 By Amigos, and Singapore’s Jumpshot—all vying for the USD 3,000 cash prize.Fans can catch the action live on PusoP.com and on Solar Sports via Digital Free TV Channel 21 in Mega Manila, Cablelink Channel 58, Sky Cable Channel 70 in NCR, and over 200 Pay TV operators nationwide.

A major transition is underway for Gilas Pilipinas as veteran big man Japeth Aguilar nears the end of his storied international career, making way for the arrival of Quentin Millora-Brown.Head coach Tim Cone confirmed that Millora-Brown—a 6-foot-10 former US NCAA Division I player with a brief stint at the University of the Philippines—has been officially cleared by FIBA to represent the Philippines as a local, after a successful appeal by his legal team. This means he joins Gilas without affecting the naturalized player quota, fulfilling his long-held dream of donning the national colors.Millora-Brown’s addition bolsters an emerging frontline that now includes AJ Edu (6’10”) and Kai Sotto (7'3”), alongside veteran June Mar Fajardo (6'10”). Cone expressed excitement about the future, envisioning a formidable trio of Millora-Brown, Sotto, and Edu anchoring Gilas for years to come.Japeth Aguilar, 38, has answered the call for the national team since 2009 and was coaxed out of retirement for the latest campaign after Kai Sotto’s injury.“Japeth is a warrior. He’s stepped up for the country time and time again,” Cone said, expressing admiration for the veteran’s dedication.With Millora-Brown’s skillset and basketball IQ, Cone believes he will seamlessly fit into Gilas’ triangle offense, the same system Cone runs at Barangay Ginebra. “He’ll fit well within our triangle system and will enjoy playing that role,” Cone noted.As Aguilar’s era winds down, Gilas Pilipinas enters a new chapter—led by a young, athletic frontcourt trio ready to carry the nation’s basketball hopes onto the international stage.

The East Asia Super League (EASL) returns on October 8, 2025, with the season tip-off taking place in two venues—one in Taipei and the other in Tokyo.At the Taipei Heping Basketball Gymnasium, fans will be treated to a doubleheader. The first matchup features the B.LEAGUE champions Utsunomiya Brex against the P. LEAGUE+ runners-up Taipei Fubon Braves.Utsunomiya will be spearheaded by veteran star Makoto Hiejima, while the Braves will rely on the leadership of Chinese Taipei legend Lin Chih-Chieh.

After scoring back-to-back first-round wins, rising Filipino bantamweight Kenneth Llover showed maturity beyond his years by taking his time — and it paid off.He stopped former two-division world champion Luis Concepcion via eighth-round TKO on Sunday, August 17, at Winford Resort and Casino Manila.The pride of General Trias, Cavite is now one step closer to a world title shot. His strategy took place by means of patience and that is why he obtained victory.Despite scoring early knockdowns in the second and third rounds, the 22-year-old from General Trias, Cavite didn’t rush the finish. Instead, he listened to his corner and stuck to the game plan, ultimately earning a technical knockout in the 8th round over former two-division world champion Luis Concepcion. “Hindi lahat ng laban natatapos agad. Kailangan may diskarte, may tiyaga, ang pinaghahandaan namin ay world championship,” Llover said. Concepcion’s grit and experience weren’t enough to stop Llover, whose patience and power carried him through.“Hindi po [ako na-frustrate] kasi expected ko na po yun sa laban namin ngayon na talagang aabot kami sa mahabang round. Then yun naman yung sinabi sa akin ni Sir Gerry Peñalosa na malakas yan, Mag-ingat ka. Then nung time na knockdown ko siya, di akong nagmadali. Talagang hindi ko siya tinapos kasi once na mamadaling ko yun, pwede akong ako yung madehado, ako yung matsambahan. Kaya, talagang nag-ingat ako na hanggang makuha ko siya sa tamang round na yun yung biniyaya ng Diyos ko kanina.” he added.Up next: a world title eliminator this October against IBF No. 5 contender Landi Ngxeke. The road to a world championship for Llover is on.

Australia claimed the gold for the third straight time in the FIBA Asia Cup after surviving a nail-biting finish against China, 90-89, on Monday morning, August 18 (PH time), at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.The Boomers, who have been undefeated in the tournament since joining the Asia Cup in 2017, once again proved their resilience on the biggest stage. But before clinching their third consecutive crown, the Australians had to claw back from a double-digit deficit as they trailed by as many as 15 points through the first three quarters.

The PLDT High Speed Hitters etched their name in Premier Volleyball League (PVL) history after outlasting Chery Tiggo in a thrilling five-set, 25-17, 25-17, 19-25, 24-26, 15-8, to capture the 2025 PVL On Tour title on Sunday, August 17, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.Guided by head coach Rald Ricafort, PLDT completed a flawless run throughout the tournament—sweeping the group stage with a 5-0 slate before dispatching ZUS Coffee and Creamline in the knockout rounds. The breakthrough marked the High Speed Hitters’ first-ever appearance and victory in a PVL championship stage.

The Philippines is set to welcome the world’s top junior gymnasts for the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships, taking place from November 20 to 24 at the Manila Marriott Hotel in Pasay City.Organized by the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) and sanctioned by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) and Asian Gymnastics Union, the event will feature male athletes aged 16–18 and female athletes aged 14–16 from around the globe.GAP President Cynthia Carrion announced that nearly 1,000 athletes from 79 countries have registered—far surpassing the previous edition’s turnout of 283 gymnasts from 64 nations in Antalya, Turkey. Even more entries are expected as the event draws near.Carrion described the championship as a “breeding ground for future stars,” highlighting the global appeal of gymnastics and the inspiration of champions like Simone Biles and Carlos Yulo, who claimed two golds for the Philippines at the Paris Olympics last year.“The Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships will be a showcase of young talent never seen anywhere before,” Carrion said at the official launch at Newport World Resorts Mall on Thursday.The event’s slogan, “Leap High, Flip Strong!”, was also unveiled, promising an exciting blend of athletic excellence, Filipino hospitality, and festive spirit.PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio, FIG MAG Technical Committee President Andrew Tombs, WAG Technical Committee President Donatella Sacchi, and FIG officials Stepane Detraz and Celine Cachemaille attended the launch and inspected the venue.The Manila Marriott Grand Ballroom, which hosted the 2015 Asian Olympic Qualifying Tournament, will once again serve as the competition venue.With strong global interest, the Philippines is poised to deliver a world-class event spotlighting the next generation of gymnastics stars.

Japanese mixed martial artist Ayaka Miura is determined to make history when she challenges Filipina champion Denice Zamboanga for the ONE Atomweight MMA World Title at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on November 16 at Ariake Arena in Tokyo.Fighting on home soil, Miura—known as “Zombie”—expressed her excitement and sense of purpose. “I’m truly happy to fight for a world title here in Japan, where I was born and raised. I believe there’s meaning behind being given this opportunity. I will become the first Japanese woman to win a ONE Championship belt, and I’ll do it right here in Japan,” she said.Riding a five-match winning streak, with four first-round submissions, Miura is eager to seize this moment. “I wasn’t able to get the strawweight title before, but this time, I’ll get what I left behind. I’ll prove the strength of Japanese fighters by winning the belt on home soil.”Miura acknowledged the challenge Zamboanga presents. “At first, I thought she was mainly a grappler, but her striking has really improved. Now I see her as a complete all-rounder, physically very strong. I believe Zamboanga will come in with a solid ground defense strategy and try to turn it into a striking battle. Whether it’s on the feet or on the ground—even if the fight gets messy—I’ll do whatever it takes to win.”Zamboanga, on a four-fight winning streak herself, will look to defend her title as the card kicks off a night featuring four championship bouts. Also on the card, Filipino Joshua Pacio aims for the flyweight MMA world title against Japan’s Yuya Wakamatsu, while Oumar Kane meets Anatoly Malykhin for the heavyweight crown and Superbon faces Masaaki Noiri to unify the featherweight kickboxing championship.