FIG President Watanabe leads press conference ahead of JWC kickoff

The Philippine men’s national football team kept its 2027 AFC Asian Cup hopes alive with a 2–0 victory over the Maldives on Tuesday, but missed the chance to control its own fate heading into the decisive final match of the qualifying round.

Despite goals from Jefferson Tabinas and Sandro Reyes in the first half at the National Football Stadium in Malé, the Azkals could not extend their lead — a missed opportunity that proved costly in the group standings.

While the Philippines improved to 13 points, it slipped to second place in Group A, level with Tajikistan but behind on goal difference after the Central Asians routed Timor-Leste, 5–0, in Darwin, Australia.

With Tajikistan taking top spot, the two nations will now face off in March 2026 for the group’s lone ticket to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. The crucial showdown will be held on Tajikistan’s home turf, meaning the Philippines will need nothing less than a win to qualify for only the second time in history, the first being in 2019.

Tabinas opened the scoring in the 24th minute, rising for a header off a set piece to record his third goal of the third-round qualifiers and fifth in his international career.

Reyes doubled the advantage in the 37th minute, receiving a short cross from Jarvey Gayoso inside the box before executing a cutback and curling the ball into the far corner. It was Reyes’ fifth goal for the national team.

Despite controlling much of the match, the Azkals were unable to add more goals — a factor that ultimately kept them from holding the outright lead in the group.

Now, all roads lead to March 2026, where the Philippines must deliver its biggest performance yet to return to Asia’s grandest stage.

The Meralco Bolts are on a roll in the EASL Home and Away Season 3, notching their second straight win with a 92-74 victory over the debuting Macau Black Bears at the newly-refurbished Cebu Coliseum last Saturday night.

Imports Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Ismael Romero spearheaded the second quarter breakaway for the Bolts, before the rest of the team joined in to secure the 18-point winning margin. Romero delivered a massive double-double with 25 points and 28 rebounds, while Hollis-Jefferson finished with a game-high 34 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists, thrilling the Cebuano crowd with three thunderous dunks.

It was Meralco’s second straight home win in a week, evening their Group B record at 2-2 behind Taoyuan Pilots (2-1) and Ryukyu Golden Kings (1-1). The Bolts had earlier defeated the Pilots, 82-72, at the Capital Arena in Ilagan, Isabela.

Chris Banchero led the locals with 12 points, three rebounds, and three assists, while Asian import Sina Vahedi added 10 points, three rebounds, and four assists.

For Macau, Damian Chongqui had 25 points, with Omari Peek-Green and Jalon Demarco Miller adding 14 apiece in the Black Bears’ season debut.

Proceeds from the EASL game will be donated to Typhoon Tino victims in Cebu, with Meralco also raising P500,000 for the cause.

EASL senior vice president Dominic Tang announced the league’s relief commitment, underscoring basketball’s power to unite and uplift communities in times of need.

The scores

Meralco (92) - Hollis-Jefferson 34, Romero, 25, Banchero 12, Vahedi 10, Newsome 7, Quinto 2, Hodge 2, Caram 0, Kouame 0.

Macau (74) - Chongqui 25, Peek-Green 14, Miller 14, Ye 13, Shackelford 8, Guo 0, Liu 0, Cao 0, Lao 0.

Quarterscores: 25-24; 48-38; 65-52; 92-74.

The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) reiterates its unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and the proper stewardship of public resources. As a recipient of support from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the PFF strictly observes all government regulations, auditing procedures, and internal controls to ensure that every peso is properly allocated, disbursed, and documented in accordance with law and sound financial standards.

All PFF programs and expenditures are subject to rigorous internal and external review, including oversight by the PSC. To further strengthen transparency, PFF also engaged a respected independent auditing firm to verify receipts and disbursements.

PFF welcomes fair and factual scrutiny. However, unfounded and malicious accusations circulated online are reckless and irresponsible. Such claims not only tarnish the reputation of the PFF and its officers but also undermine the PSC and the entire football community whose passion and trust sustain the sport’s growth.

PFF acknowledges with gratitude the continued financial, logistical, and policy support of the PSC. This partnership underscores a shared goal: to raise the standard of Philippine football and futsal and bring honor to the country.

Baseless allegations demean the dedication of athletes, coaches, and staff who work tirelessly to advance the sport. PFF reserves the right to pursue appropriate legal remedies under Philippine law and applicable PFF regulations to protect the integrity of the institution and its stakeholders.

Philippine Football Federation (PFF)

House of Football, Pasig City

November 11, 2025

Spike and Serve Philippines Inc. celebrated another milestone with its heartfelt Beneficiary Dinner, an evening that brought together supporters, partners, and beneficiaries to share stories of impact, gratitude, and hope.

Spike and Serve Founder and Director Nicole Tiamzon described this year’s edition as the organization’s “most meaningful” yet.

“This is our first time holding an event where so many beneficiaries shared their testimonies—some even performed. It was important for our guests to see and hear the impact of Spike and Serve firsthand,” she said.

Among those who joined to share their support and experiences were Petro Gazz Angels team manager Cha Cruz-Behag, Nxled Chameleons’ Dzi Gervacio, and Galeries Tower Highriser's Ivy Perez, partners and ambassadors of SSPI, who highlighted how the organization empowers communities and inspires change.

The evening also featured inspiring stories from beneficiaries, including Coach Pedro Aquino Jr. of Volleybukids, who shared his humble beginnings teaching children in Sitio Paliparan, Morong, Bataan. He recounted using makeshift equipment such as rubber balls, basketballs, fishnets as nets, and even a used duyan (cradle) to introduce volleyball to the community. 

Coach Aquino’s dedication has produced remarkable results, including John Cris A. Galicia, now a standout player for the NCAA Men’s Volleyball Team of Mapua University.

Although the program ran longer than usual, the extended time allowed guests to fully appreciate the depth of the organization’s work and the lives touched by its initiatives.

“Mas meaningful talaga ngayon. Mas narinig natin yung tunay na epekto ni Spike and Serve sa mga communities,” Coach added.

When asked what she hopes guests take away, her message was clear and heartfelt.

“I want them to feel that everything they donate, everything they give—it all goes to the right place. Hindi madali magbigay ng suporta, kaya gusto namin maramdaman nila na may pinupuntahan talaga.”

She also expressed gratitude to the community that has supported Spike and Serve since its founding in 2017: “We are very thankful to all supporters and donors who have been with us since day one.”

Those interested in donating or getting involved can connect with the organization:

• Facebook: Spike and Serve Philippines Incorporated
• Instagram: @spikeandserveph

“You can message us if you want to support a specific community, our operations, or any of our initiatives. We also share volunteer links for those who want to help us on the ground,” Coach said.

Coach closed the evening with an inspiring message:
“Sa lahat ng beneficiaries, patuloy lang kayo—wag kayong hihinto mangarap. Hindi kami magsasawang tumulong sa inyo. And to all supporters, thank you so much. Everything you give reaches our beneficiaries and creates a ripple effect for the next generation.”

Spike and Serve’s Beneficiary Dinner was more than an event—it was a celebration of hope, community, and a shared mission to help others rise.

The Alas Pilipinas girls’ under-16 squad has soared to world No. 25 in the latest FIVB Girls’ U17 rankings after clinching a berth in next year’s world championship in Santiago, Chile.

The young nationals made a remarkable leap of 17 spots, from world No. 42, after finishing fifth in the 2nd Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Asian Women’s U16 Volleyball Championship in Amman, Jordan. Even more impressive, the program began at world No. 57, making their rise one of the most significant in Philippine youth volleyball history.

“Awesome leap from 57 to 25! We didn’t realize that our small wins in the Asian Qualifying were that instrumental in raising our country’s standing to a higher rank,” said head coach Edwin Leyva. “It just shows that the level of play here in the Philippines has improved and is slowly catching up with our top Asian counterparts.”

Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Ramon “Tats” Suzara hailed the feat as “big,” emphasizing how the federation’s grassroots program, strengthened over the past four years, continues to bear fruit.

“We are now reaping the fruits of the grassroots program that the PNVF has started four years ago,” Suzara said.

Since its establishment in post-pandemic 2021, the PNVF has steered Philippine volleyball to significant growth: breakthroughs by Alas Pilipinas Men and Women at the Asian and world levels, the country hosting world-level events, and Suzara’s rise to AVC president and FIVB executive vice president.

With their new ranking, the U16 team is now the highest-ranked Philippine volleyball squad worldwide, surpassing the Alas Women (46th) and Alas Men (80th).

Leyva, however, was quick to remind the team that the journey continues.

“Being in the top 25 is already a milestone. Why stop dreaming? Let’s train hard, play harder!” he said. “We have the momentum and we are highly motivated. First, win a set or two, then work up from there. It’s up to us to keep the fire burning.”

The Philippine U16 team secured 14 ranking points after a gutsy 25-23, 25-20, 19-25, 25-22 victory over Thailand—clinching the final Asian ticket to the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U17 World Championship.

China qualified automatically as defending world champion, while Asian representatives also include newly crowned AVC U16 champion South Korea, silver medalist Chinese Taipei, and fourth-placer Japan. Against all odds, the Philippines now stands proudly among Asia’s elite.

The world championship in Santiago is set for August 5 to 16.