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
International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) President Morinari Watanabe led the Press Conference and Media Welcome Reception on Tuesday, formally ushering in the country’s hosting of the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships at Newport World Resorts in Pasay City.
The event gathered local and international media as Watanabe highlighted the Philippines’ growing presence in the global gymnastics community and expressed confidence in the successful staging of the prestigious competition.
Set to officially open on Thursday, November 20, the Junior World Championships will feature the world’s top young gymnasts, all eager to showcase their skill, talent, and potential on the international stage.
With more than 75 countries participating, the Philippines is poised to play a central role as the tournament unfolds in Manila for the very first time.
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 the 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, when 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 the Taoyuan Pilots (2-1) and the 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.
Quarter scores: 25-24, 48-38, 65-52, and 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.
