Filipina cue artist Chezka Centeno proved once again that champions are defined not by how they start, but by how they finish.The 24-year-old Centeno pulled off a sensational comeback run from the losers’ bracket to capture her second WPA World Women’s 10-Ball Championship title, showcasing her trademark poise and fighting spirit on the global stage.After suffering an early setback in the double-elimination rounds, Centeno refused to back down. She went on a scorching run — defeating several top-seeded contenders, including defending champion Chou Chieh-Yu, to earn a spot in the finals.In the championship match, Centeno displayed world-class composure and precision, sealing the victory that crowned her once again as the best 10-ball player in the world.Her triumph marks another milestone for Philippine billiards, adding to the country’s storied legacy of cue sports dominance led by legends like Efren “Bata” Reyes and Rubilen Amit.Centeno’s second world title solidifies her place among the sport’s elite — and serves as an inspiration to a new generation of Filipino athletes proving that resilience, determination, and heart can turn any setback into glory.

Elite 16 champions Javier and Joaquin Bello are back in the Philippines, aiming for redemption at the Beach Pro Tour Challenge from October 15 to 19 at the Nuvali Sands Court by Ayala Land in Santa Rosa, Laguna.Ranked 19th among 65 men’s pairs from 25 countries, the Bello brothers are determined to improve on last year’s bronze finish, where they fell to Germany’s Paul Henning and Lui Wust in the semifinals but bounced back to claim third place over Austria’s Timo Hammarberg and Philipp Wallar.“The Bello brothers are coming,” announced PNVF President Ramon “Tats” Suzara. “Like all participants, they’re here to provide top-level beach volleyball action.”The English pair faces stiff competition, including host Philippines, which will field three teams led by 2023 SEA Games bronze medalists Ran Abdilla and James Buytrago. Defending champions and world No. 6 Swedish duo Jacob Holting Nilsson and Elmer Andersson are also back to defend their crown.“We thank Ayala and Nuvali for hosting another world-class event,” Suzara added. “The level of competition keeps rising.”In the women’s division, Team USA lines up five pairs, while the Philippines is represented by Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons, Jenny Gaviola and Alexa Polidario, Sunny Villapando and Dij Rodriguez, and Kly Orillaneda with Gen Eslapor. The women’s field features 46 pairs from 15 countries, making this one of the most competitive editions yet.

Filipina jiujitsu stars Kimberly Anne Custodio and Annie Ramirez showcased their dominance on the global stage after ruling their respective divisions at the 2025 IJJF World Jiujitsu Championships held in Bangkok, Thailand.Custodio captured her third world title with a flawless performance in the adult female -45kg division. She outclassed Jou-an Chen of Chinese Taipei, 4–0, in the quarterfinals, edged Thi Hue Phung of Vietnam, 2–0, in the semifinals, and capped her campaign by submitting Aysha Alshamsi of the UAE via armbar in the gold medal bout.Phung and the UAE’s Balqees Abdulkareem Abdoh Abdulla shared the bronze, while Custodio’s teammate Daniella Palanca finished fifth in the same weight class.Meanwhile, veteran standout Annie Ramirez finally achieved a long-awaited milestone. Her first-ever World Championships gold medal after topping the adult female -57kg division.Ramirez submitted Rachel Glover of Canada in the Round of 16, edged Jeong Hyeon Seon of South Korea in the quarterfinals, and outlasted Lina Grosset of France in the semifinals before sealing the title with a 2–0 win over Astrid Scholin of Sweden in the final.The triumph marked a strong comeback for Ramirez, who rebounded from a non-podium finish at the World Games in Chengdu, China, last August. Grosset and Jeong both claimed bronze medals in her division, while fellow Filipino Estancia Jan Mendoza placed 17th overall.Custodio and Ramirez’s golden performances reaffirm the Philippines’ growing prominence in international jiujitsu competition.

In a dramatic and unforgettable finish, Carlo Baltonado delivered a golden moment for the Philippines at the 47th Southeast Asian Shooting Association (SEASA) Championship held in Photharam, Thailand.Baltonado showcased nerves of steel in a tense 25-target shoot-off, narrowly edging his opponent by just one clay to secure the individual gold medal. His victory not only highlighted his remarkable precision and composure under pressure but also marked a proud milestone for Philippine shooting sports on the regional stage.Teaming up with Cong. Richard Gomez, Jakey Ancheta, and Jed Rivilla, Baltonado also helped steer the Philippine Sporting Clays Team to a silver medal finish in the team category — a testament to the squad’s growing presence and consistency in international competition.Guiding the team throughout the tournament was Olympic Skeet Bronze Medalist Anthony Terras, whose leadership and technical expertise played a key role in refining the group’s performance. Under his mentorship, the national team continues to build on its momentum and reaffirm its standing among Southeast Asia’s best.The triumph in Thailand stands as another shining chapter in the Philippines’ shooting history — a victory defined by precision, discipline, and heart.

Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons came agonizingly close to extending their breakthrough campaign at the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Challenge, but their Cinderella bid ended in heartbreak after a hard-fought 18-21, 24-22, 15-12 defeat to Switzerland’s Annique Niederhauser and Menia Bentele on Friday night at the Nuvali Sands Court by Ayala Land in Santa Rosa, Laguna.The Alas Pilipinas aces looked on the verge of a stunning advance to the Round of 16, and possibly a deeper run, after forcing a thrilling extended second set. The Filipinas capitalized on the Swiss pair’s string of errors, seizing momentum and igniting hopes of a major upset in front of a roaring home crowd.

Alas Pilipinas stars Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons booked a breakthough win on Friday, October 17, in the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour 2025 Nuvali Challenge in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.The Filipina duo swept the Slovenian pair, 21-19, 21-9, whom they also defeated in the Futures in Budapest only last month. 

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is ramping up its advocacy for youth empowerment through sports, as Chairman Patrick Gregorio is appointed Philippine National Network (PNN) Convenor for the Southeast Asia Sports and Youth Crime Prevention (SEA-SYCP) initiative.The appointment by SEA-SYCP leaders James Mapstone and Vongthep Arthakaivalvatee recognizes the PSC’s key role in advancing sports-driven youth programs across the regionMr. Edward Hayco will support Gregorio as Vice-Convenor, ensuring the roll-out of effective, sustainable programs under the SEA-SYCP umbrella.In a recent meeting with the PSC, SEA-SYCP, and partner government and private agencies, it was agreed that the Philippines will lead program planning and resource mobilization. The national steering group will align its efforts with the ASEAN Work Plan, focusing on youth development, community engagement, and crime prevention through sports.This partnership underscores sports as a powerful tool for social change—promoting discipline, teamwork, and positive youth engagement throughout Southeast Asia.

When the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters tip off their 2025 PBA Philippine Cup campaign at the Ynares Center in Montalban, it will mark the beginning of the end for one of Philippine basketball’s most admired careers. Gabe Norwood, the heart and soul of Rain or Shine for 17 years, announced this conference will be his final run in the league—a farewell to an era defined by loyalty, leadership, and longevity.Here are five moments that shaped Norwood’s storied career:1. 2012 Governors’ Cup ChampionshipNorwood helped deliver Rain or Shine’s breakthrough PBA title, stepping up in a tense Game 7 win over B-Meg. With Paul Lee sidelined by injury, Norwood’s leadership and grit were crucial in etching the Elasto Painters’ names in league history.2. The Dunk Heard Around the World – 2014 FIBA World CupIn Seville, Spain, Norwood soared for a thunderous poster dunk over NBA veteran Luis Scola—an iconic highlight that went viral and was nominated as one of FIBA’s “Dunks of the Decade.” It captured the world’s respect for Philippine basketball.3. 2016 Commissioner’s Cup ChampionshipRain or Shine’s resilience under Norwood’s steady presence culminated in their second franchise title, overcoming adversity and four different imports to outlast Alaska in the finals.4. The 29-Point OutburstIn a do-or-die game for a semifinal slot, Norwood delivered a career-high 29 points, showcasing his ability to rise to the challenge when it mattered most—even in defeat.5. A Career of Unwavering LoyaltySeventeen years with Rain or Shine puts Norwood among the league’s most loyal players, joining the likes of Mark Caguioa and Alvin Patrimonio. Across 674 games, his stats—7.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.5 blocks—tell only part of the story. His defensive prowess, quiet leadership, and professionalism define his true legacy.As Gabe Norwood enters his farewell season, he leaves behind more than numbers and highlights—he leaves a blueprint of class, character, and what it truly means to be “All Heart.” For his team and the fans, Norwood’s final chapter is a celebration of a career built on commitment and integrity.“The journey has been nothing short of incredi­ble, I poured everything I have everything into this game and in return, it has given me more than I could ever ask for. That’s why today, I wan­na share with you all, that this upcoming Philippine Cup will be my last. One last conference, one last run, one last flight,” Norwood said. 

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, reaffirmed his full support for the budgets of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Games and Amusements Board (GAB), and the Philippine Racing Commission (PhilRACOM) — emphasizing that sustained investment in sports is key to building a generation of disciplined, healthy, and world-class Filipino athletes.Speaking during a budget hearing, Go highlighted how government backing has already translated into historic success for the Philippines on the global stage.“Since 2019, when I chaired the Committee on Sports, we won our first-ever Olympic gold in Tokyo through Hidilyn Diaz,” Go said. “And just last year, Carlos Yulo captured two more gold medals in Paris. These victories prove that strong government support leads to results.”Go noted that despite these triumphs, sports funding remains minimal — only 0.004% of the national budget in 2024. He stressed the need for consistent increases to sustain the country’s progress in international competitions.“We expect our athletes to perform like world champions, but our support must match that expectation,” Go added. “That’s why we fought to raise PSC’s 2025 budget to ₱1.3 billion.”Investing in Facilities and Regional TrainingThe senator also underscored the importance of upgrading sports infrastructure, including athlete dormitories and training centers at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex and Philsports (ULTRA).He proposed the regionalization of sports training centers so that athletes from provinces no longer have to travel to Manila for proper training.“Let’s bring sports closer to the people,” Go said. “The Philippines is big. We need regional centers to discover and develop talent nationwide.”He also cited the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in New Clark City — co-authored by Sen. Win Gatchalian — as a model that allows student-athletes to train and study simultaneously.Boosting Sports Tourism and Hosting Global EventsGo praised the country’s recent hosting of major international tournaments — including the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship, and the upcoming WTA Women’s Tennis Open — noting their positive economic impact and contribution to national pride.“Hosting world-class events helps promote tourism and shows our capability to the world,” Go said. “We’ve proven that Filipinos can organize events with excellence and passion.”Supporting Athletes and Fighting Game-FixingBeyond funding, Go emphasized the importance of moral and institutional support for athletes, ensuring they can focus solely on competition. He also called on the Games and Amusements Board to intensify its crackdown on illegal gambling and game-fixing, warning that such practices destroy the integrity of sports.

Defending champion National University (NU) displayed its trademark dominance once again, defeating Adamson University, 69–51, for its second consecutive victory in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Basketball Tournament on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.Coming off a commanding 95–58 rout of the UP Fighting Maroons last weekend, the Lady Bulldogs carried that same momentum into this matchup, seizing control early and never looking back.The duo of Karl Ann Pingol and Tin Cayabyab set the tone for NU’s offensive rhythm, combining for efficient scoring that helped the team establish a 43–23 halftime advantage. The Lady Falcons, despite showing spurts of fight, struggled to recover from the early onslaught. 

Former PBA star Ronald “The Saint” Tubid notched his first win as head coach of the Terrafirma Dyip in the ongoing PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup, marking a promising debut for his coaching career.Tubid, celebrated for his energy and leadership on the court, guided the Dyip to a hard-fought victory—their first with him at the helm. The team displayed renewed confidence and chemistry, reflecting Tubid’s emphasis on discipline, teamwork, and player development.“This win means a lot—not just for me, but for the whole team,” Tubid shared after the game. “It’s all about building trust, working hard, and believing that we can compete with anyone.”'Yung team na ito fast-tracked, eh. 'Yung preparation namin, like, almost a month lang. So tinitiyaga namin. Kung saan kami strong doon lang kami. Saka ipinapaalala lang namin sa mga bata na as long as we compete may chance na manalo talaga.""Yung mga bata are so excited. They know na kaya nila. Sabi naming mga coaches... although we are undersized, as long as we compete may tsansa tayong manalo," said Tubid, adding the team continuous to be a work in progress."Siguro balik kami sa video, correct naming lahat. We all know this is a very young team, us coaches also," admitted the former nine-time champion player.The victory gives Terrafirma a morale boost and sets a positive tone as they aim for a playoff push this season. Tubid, a two-time PBA champion and former Gilas Pilipinas standout, took over earlier this year and is determined to lead the Dyip to greater heights.With their first win secured, Terrafirma looks to keep the momentum rolling as their PBA Season 50 journey continues.

Captain Shaina Nitura simply refused to lose. Dropping a massive 30-point bomb on Far Eastern University (FEU), along with 12 digs and 18 receptions, the Adamson Lady Falcons took flight toward history after a gutsy 25-18, 26-24, 23-25, 25-23 victory in Game 1 of the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge Finals on Monday at the FilOil Centre in San Juan.This wasn’t just another win—it was a statement. The Lady Falcons clawed back from a deep second-set hole, showing the kind of composure and fight that define champions in the making. One more victory, and Adamson will clinch its first-ever V-League crown, breaking a six-year title drought in a Sports Vision-backed tournament since their 2019 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Collegiate Conference triumph.When the fourth set got tense, Frances Mordi delivered in crunch time, dropping four huge points to keep FEU at bay. And when it mattered most, Nitura ended it with a thunderous kill that silenced the Lady Tamaraws’ late rally after two hours of high-octane volleyball.

The De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Spikers are not just one win away from the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge title—they’re sending a loud, clear message: revenge is coming.Game 1 against the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws was more than a win; it was a statement. La Salle dismantled the defending champions 25-18, 25-22, 25-23, showing poise, power, and a killer instinct that last year’s heartbreak could never erase.Down 20-21 in the third set, most teams would crumble, but not La Salle.Coach Jose Roque’s daring gamble—bringing in NJ Bangit and MJ Fortuna—flipped the momentum instantly. Two perfect attacks later, and the match was theirs, finished off by Emman Hernandez’s clinical final blow. FEU's title defense appeared shaky in just one hour and 27 minutes.Eugene Gloria and Rui Ventura excelled, delivering timely kills and solid defense, but La Salle's mental edge truly shined. They came ready physically, mentally, emotionally—even spiritually, as Roque proudly put it—and it showed. While FEU showed moments of brilliance, exemplified by Dryx Saavedra's 15 points, La Salle's depth and composure proved insurmountable.Game 2 in Dasmariñas will be the real test, but make no mistake: La Salle isn’t just aiming to win—they’re reclaiming what’s theirs. FEU might fight back, but the Green Spikers have momentum, strategy, and swagger on their side. Redemption isn’t a question anymore; it’s inevitable.

Even without their American import Anna DeBeer, ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles proved their mettle, grinding out a thrilling five-set victory over the Akari Chargers, 24–26, 25–23, 17–25, 26–24, 15–7, in the opening day of the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference on Tuesday night, October 7, at the Ynares Center in Montalban.The Thunderbelles displayed remarkable depth and teamwork, with six players scoring in double digits to overcome a 1–2 deficit and clinch the season’s first five-set classic. Despite the absence of imports on both sides due to pending international clearances, ZUS Coffee maintained its composure and found ways to execute under pressure.Rookie middle blocker AC Miner, who played a pivotal role in the team’s fourth-set turnaround, shared that the group focused on staying grounded and maximizing their chemistry. She said the team had been working hard to build connection with the setters and among the middles, which paid off when it mattered most. Miner admitted it took her some time to find her rhythm, but credited her teammates for keeping the team composed and resilient until they forced a deciding set.

Bella Belen made her long-awaited Premier Volleyball League debut one to remember, showcasing the poise, power, and all-around game that justified her status as the top overall pick of the 2025 PVL Draft.Though her performance was nothing short of exceptional, Belen’s efforts couldn’t quite push Capital1 Solar Spikers past the seasoned Choco Mucho Flying Titans, who escaped with a tight 33–31, 26–24, 25–23 victory on Tuesday night at the Ynares Center in Montalban.The 23-year-old outside hitter carried a heavy load on both ends of the court, finishing with 20 points, 18 excellent digs, and 12 solid receptions — numbers that underscored her trademark versatility and two-way impact. It was a professional debut that reflected the same determination and discipline that made her a collegiate star at National University, but now against tougher, faster opposition.After the match, Belen expressed mixed emotions, grateful for finally making her pro debut but disappointed that her team fell just short. She shared that she focused more on contributing to the team rather than chasing individual numbers, emphasizing the need to perform well and help Capital1 grow with every game.

Rookie forward Sonny Estil had an impressive first outing in the PBA, showing poise and energy for Barangay Ginebra San Miguel during the highly anticipated Manila Clasico against Magnolia last Sunday.The 11th overall pick finished with nine points and seven rebounds in 17 minutes and 41 seconds, providing a spark in Ginebra’s 80–73 loss to open the 50th Season Philippine Cup.Estil admitted that he felt the pressure of playing his first PBA game but fought to overcome it, saying the experience reminded him of his childhood days playing basketball. Having been accustomed to performing before large crowds, he still recognized that competing in the PBA felt different, given the level of talent and intensity.

Foreign reinforcements in the Premier Volleyball League are officially cleared for action after all International Transfer Certificates (ITCs) were signed and activated, paving the way for imports to suit up in the 2025 Reinforced Conference.The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) completed the endorsement process for all foreign and Filipino-American players by 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, ensuring that every team can now field its full lineup for the remainder of the tournament.

The Philippines is gearing up for two monumental years in martial arts as it prepares to host back-to-back international wushu tournaments—the World Wushu Championships in 2027 and the Asian Wushu Championships in 2028.The announcement was made by Wushu Federation of the Philippines (WFP) officials led by President Freddie Jalasco and Secretary-General Julian Camacho during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum. Joining them was Carlos Baylon Jr., World Wushu Championships silver medalist and World Games bronze medalist.According to Camacho, the Wushu Federation of Asia proposed that the Philippines host both the world and continental events consecutively—a rare honor and a practical decision for efficiency and impact.“Since we’re already hosting the 2027 World Championships, they suggested we also stage the 2028 Asian Championships,” Camacho shared. “It’s back-to-back, and since we’ll already have the equipment like the taolu carpet, sanda ring, and scoring machines, it’s efficient to use them again within a short span.”A World-Stage OpportunityJalasco revealed that the federation is eyeing a ₱500-million budget to successfully mount the World Championships, which is expected to draw around 80 countries and over 2,000 athletes competing in both taolu (forms) and sanda (sparring) disciplines.The SMX Convention Center at the Mall of Asia Complex is being considered as the main venue. Preparations are set to begin early next year, with Jalasco emphasizing the magnitude of the event.Originally, the Philippines was slated to host the World Championships in 2029, with Macau set for 2027. But in a friendly exchange, Camacho and Macau officials agreed to swap hosting duties, fast-tracking the country’s turn on the global stage.Baylon Ready to Deliver for the Home CrowdFor Carlos Baylon Jr., the opportunity to compete in front of Filipino fans is both an honor and a challenge. “We’ll do our best in training to win gold,” said Baylon, who competes in the men’s sanda 56kg division. “There’s pressure because we’re the hosts, but we’ll show other countries that we’re strong.”The dual hosting underscores the Philippines’ growing stature in the global wushu community—a testament to the sport’s steady development in the country and the federation’s commitment to excellence.As Camacho and Jalasco look to elevate Philippine wushu to new heights, 2027 and 2028 promise to be landmark years—not only for the sport but for the nation’s continuing legacy in international martial arts.

The Perpetual Altas asserted their dominance with a 75-65 victory over the Mapua Cardinals in NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball action.Perpetual displayed poise and defensive discipline throughout the game, limiting Mapua’s key scorers and converting crucial baskets in the final stretch to secure the win.Patrick Sleat led the charge for Perpetual, delivering an all-around performance with 12 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks—earning Best Player of the Game honors. His steady play on both ends anchored the Altas as they maintained control from start to finish.The Altas established a slim 38-34 halftime lead and continued their strong play in the second half, capitalizing on Mapua’s turnovers and tightening perimeter defense to keep the Cardinals at bay.With balanced scoring and relentless hustle, Perpetual maintained composure as Mapua attempted several comeback runs late in the game. The Altas’ collective effort proved too much for the Cardinals, who struggled to find rhythm offensively.This victory improves Perpetual’s standing in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament as they fight for a spot in the upper half of the standings. Meanwhile, Mapua looks to regroup and regain momentum in their next outing.

As a child, June Mar Fajardo stood out not for his talent but for his towering height — something he once despised. Teased and bullied for being “too tall,” the young Fajardo wished he could blend in. Little did he know the very trait he once hated would transform his life and propel him to the summit of Philippine basketball history.Fast forward to today, Fajardo stands alone as the greatest of all time, owning an unprecedented nine PBA Most Valuable Player awards, cementing his status as the league’s most dominant force.“Sinong magaakala na isang bata na hindi man lang mahilig mag-basketball, pero nandito at mananalo ng nine MVPs. Kahit ako mismo, hindi ko in-expect na aabot ako sa ganito,” Fajardo said at the PBA Season 49 Leo Awards at Novotel Manila, as fellow players and legends applauded his feat.He reflected on how his once-hated height turned out to be his greatest blessing.“Dati sobrang hate ko yung height ko kasi ako yung pinakamatangkad, lagi akong binu-bully. Pero na-realize ko yun pala yung ultimate gift na binigay ni God sa akin. Yun pala yung magbabago ng buhay ko, buhay ng family ko, at buhay ng mga tao sa paligid ko.”From an indifferent kid who only picked up basketball for a scholarship, Fajardo became the most decorated and dominant player the league has ever seen. His journey includes six straight MVPs, a career-threatening shin injury, and a triumphant return to bag three more MVPs — capped by his best statistical season in years: 19.2 points, 15.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game.He admitted that when he broke his tibia, doubts crept in.“Kahit ako, nagcross din sa isip ko na baka nga hindi na makakabalik. Pero ginawa ko yung therapy ko religiously. Kasi kung mag give up ako, by default talo na ako. So binigyan ko ng chance yung sarili ko, baka makabalik ako — at yun nga ang nangyari,” the 6-foot-10 gentle giant said.“Credit din talaga sa sarili ko. Kasi di ako nag give up. Kung nag give up ako sana wala na ako ngayon. Thankful ako kay God.”From a bullied boy who once resented his height to a nine-time MVP redefining greatness, June Mar Fajardo has not only changed his own life but has also inspired a generation to see challenges as gifts — and to never give up on themselves.