Pilipinas Aguilas, WMPBL inaugural season champions
Scoreline.ph photos
Pilipinas Aguilas make history with inaugural WMPBL title
The Pilipinas Aguilas captured the inaugural Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) championship after dismantling the UST Growling Tigresses in a thrilling do-or-die Game 3 Finals, 54-45, on Wednesday night, April 23, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
Lexi Pana led the charge for the Aguilas in the deciding game, finishing with 13 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and two steals. She was named the first-ever WMPBL Finals MVP.
Speaking about their title-clinching performance, Pana said:
“I couldn’t have done it without my teammates. Chack (Cabinbin) does a really good job being a point guard—I mean, she’s arguably the best in the Philippines. It’s really nice playing with her, and also just how my teammates focused on defense. We got the stops we needed. So, a lot of credit goes to them, not just to what I can do.”
Mar Prado was also instrumental in the victory, contributing 16 markers on 7-of-13 shooting, grabbing 12 boards, while tallying three steals and three blocks. Cheska Apag had her best performance of the series, finishing with 13 points—including three triples—along with four rebounds, five assists, and four steals.
“I couldn’t have done it without my teammates. Chack (Cabinbin) does a really good job being a point guard—I mean, she’s arguably the best in the Philippines. It’s really nice playing with her, and also just how my teammates focused on defense. We got the stops we needed. So, a lot of credit goes to them, not just to what I can do.”
On the UST side, star Kent Pastrana struggled, scoring just eight points along with five rebounds and three assists. Agatha Bron, Rachelle Ambos, and Karylle Sierba also scored eight apiece, while Oma Onianwa added six markers and a game-high 17 boards.
The Aguilas had a rough start, managing only a free throw and a field goal in the first quarter, trailing 3-14 at the end of the opening period.
However, they found their rhythm in the second quarter and entered halftime with a slim 28-26 lead.
The Tigresses rallied in the third quarter to tie the game at 41-all heading into the final period.
In the fourth, both teams fought tooth and nail, but the Aguilas proved too much for the Tigresses, closing the game with a 13-4 run to secure the championship.
Pilipinas Aguilas head coach Paolo Layug praised his team’s composure despite a shaky start.
“The character of the team showed—they stayed composed. We started to make a run in the second quarter and got contributions from everyone. Melody (Cac) gave us a boost, Cheska (Apag) played great, Kem (Adeshina) gave us good minutes, Novi came in and contributed—it was really a team effort.”
Layug also credited his mentor, Coach Eric Altamirano, for his influence on the team's success.
“Coach E is my mentor. This is our second championship together—we won one in NU before. He’s a father figure, a guiding light in my life. I really appreciate all the help and advice he’s given me, on and off the court.”
Altamirano also expressed his pride in the team's accomplishment.
“I’m very happy for the girls. They really worked hard for this championship. We’ve accomplished things in the men’s division, but there’s a challenge now in women’s basketball—and we really wanted to help. The warm reception from the people is a good sign for the future of women’s basketball.”
“We’re blessed to be the first to win this WMPBL title. This team was assembled on short notice, but the chemistry was there. They showed composure tonight. UST is a very good team with experience, but you have to give it to the Aguilas. They fought hard and bounced back after the loss last Sunday.”
Commissioner's Message
WMPBL Commissioner Haydee Ong also expressed her pride in the league’s inaugural season.
“I’m very happy and honored that we’re finishing the first season of the WMPBL on a positive note. This has a great impact on women’s basketball in the Philippines.”
“We’re breaking barriers and empowering women. Even our officiating ensures equality—two male and two female referees. We also encourage each team to have women coaches.”
She also announced a major development for the league.
“This morning, we went to GAB (Games and Amusement Board) to formally declare that the WMPBL will launch its pro league this coming June.”
In closing, Commissioner Ong thanked those behind the WMPBL’s success:
“Thank you to Sen. Manny Pacquiao for his efforts in developing women’s basketball in the Philippines. We have a long journey ahead, and we thank all our sponsors and team owners for helping the WMPBL continue its mission.”
The Scores:
Pilipinas Aguilas 54 – Prado 16, Apag 13, Pana 13, Cac 5, Adeshina 4, Guytingco 2, Cabinbin 1, Etang 0, Limbago 0, Omopia 0.
UST 45 – Ambos 8, Bron 8, Pastrana 8, Sierba 8, Onianwa 6, Soriano 3, Danganan 2, Maglupay 2, Pescador 0, Reliquette 0, Tacatac 0.
Quarter Scores: 3-14, 28-26, 41-41, 54-45.
News
The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is pushing a landmark plan to open government-run golf courses to children aged 15 and below—completely free of charge.
Initiated by PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio, the proposal would give youth access to select courses, including Camp John Hay in Baguio and Intramuros Golf Club in Manila, starting at noon daily, seven days a week.
The plan, now with the Office of the President, awaits approval as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. consults with golf industry stakeholders.
While some military-run courses may resist concerns about income and congestion, Gregorio believes the long-term benefits for grassroots golf outweigh the drawbacks. “If we want golf to grow, we have to let more Filipino kids touch a golf club—not just the ones who can afford it,” he said.
With golf’s high costs limiting access, the PSC hopes the initiative will spark broader participation, open doors to scholarships, and develop future champions from all backgrounds.
The Philippine women’s softball team—the Blu Girls—are eyeing nothing less than gold as they prepare to defend their title at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games this December in Thailand.
After softball’s two-edition absence from the SEA Games, head coach Ana Santiago said the team’s hunger for victory remains undiminished. “Nothing less than gold ang goal natin,” Santiago declared, recalling the Blu Girls’ last gold win at home in 2019.
A dominant force since 1979, the Blu Girls have collected 11 SEA Games golds and are returning as favorites. Team captain Charlotte Sales and power hitter Roma Cruz, both SEA Games debutantes, expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness, especially after a productive training camp in Taiwan.
“Malaking bagay ‘yung training camp namin. Nakatulong sa teamwork, communication, and ‘yung samahan,” Sales shared.
Cruz, who smashed five homers at the Asian Cup in China last July, is determined to prove herself on the SEA Games stage. “Gusto ko ipakita na kaya ko makipagsabayan,” she said.
While the Blu Girls topped Indonesia for gold in 2019, Santiago sees Singapore as this year’s biggest threat, citing their extensive preparations in Australia, Japan, and Taiwan.
The Philippines opens against Singapore on December 15, then faces Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia before the gold medal game on December 20.
Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines president John Henry Lhuillier’s marching order is clear: go for double gold in both women’s and men’s softball. “That’s the goal,” Santiago affirmed.
Cambodia has withdrawn from eight sports in the upcoming Southeast Asian Games in Thailand due to security concerns amid ongoing border tensions, an Olympic official confirmed last November 27.
The decision comes after intermittent military clashes between Cambodia and Thailand throughout the year, including a deadly July outbreak that left over 40 people dead.
Despite a US-brokered truce, diplomatic strains remain.
The National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) informed the Southeast Asian Games Federation that it would skip events such as football, petanque, wrestling, judo, and karate, citing “significant security concerns” for its athletes and officials.
NOCC secretary-general Vath Chamroeun emphasized that the move was strictly about safety, reducing the delegation from 333 to 150 athletes competing in 13 sports.
The pullout is aimed at making monitoring easier amid heightened tensions over overlapping claims to ancient temples along the Cambodia-Thailand border.
The Philippines will field its largest-ever delegation for the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, sending 1,600 athletes, coaches, and officials to compete in 50 sports at the biennial meet during the 33rd 2025 send-off at Rizal Memorial Coliseum held last November 28.
Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio said the decision to send a record-sized team was rooted in prioritizing exposure and athlete development over immediate results
“When you send a delegation, they learn. When you send a big delegation, they gain confidence and experience,” Gregorio said. “We want our athletes’ mindset and skills to toughen up so they can compete at the Asian Games and the Olympics.”
The 2025 SEA Games will feature 574 medal events, three demonstration sports—air sports, flying disc, and tug of war—and MMA as a value-added sport.
Gregorio emphasized that investing in athletes’ experience now lays the groundwork for future success. “We’re giving our athletes the exposure they need to compete better in the future,” he said.
The Philippines will target podium finishes in medal-rich sports including basketball, esports, boxing, weightlifting, jiu-jitsu, and athletics when the SEA Games open on December 9.
In a heartfelt send-off, the senate committee on sports, Senator Bong Go, reminded the country’s national athletes of the immense pride and hope they bring as they head into international competitions.
“Always remember, you carry not just your name, but the spirit of every Filipino,” Go said. “When you win, the whole nation wins with you. No matter the result, you already carry the pride and admiration of the Filipino people.”
Reassuring the athletes of his unwavering support, the official added, “My office is always open for you. If you need anything—whether a solution or a problem—just come to my office.”
As the delegation prepared to embark on their journey, he encouraged them to fight with determination and honor the country. “Fight with all your heart. Bring home the bacon. The honor you bring to the country—you will carry it for the rest of your life. It is engraved in the history of the Philippines.”
He closed by urging the team to give their best, stay united, and make every Filipino proud: “Show the world how strong and united Filipinos can be.”
