With two major tournaments fast approaching, the Gilas Pilipinas Women’s team found itself in uncertainty as three veteran players are still committed to their duties with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP.)With Janine Pontejos and Chack Cabinbin serving in the Philippine Army, while Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) MVP Afril Bernardino in the Philippine Navy, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is now working to obtain the necessary AFP clearances for the trio to compete in the Jones Cup and FIBA Women’s Asia Cup in July.The SBP insists it is closely monitoring the situation, but uncertainty lingers as the clearance process for the players remains stalled.Still, Gilas Pilipinas Women’s head coach Pat Aquino says the team is ready to adapt to whatever happens, noting that for now, they are maintaining the status quo with Pontejos, Cabinbin, and Bernardino.

Filipina tennis star Alex Eala is headed to the main draw of the 2025 Lexus Nottingham Open after pulling off a hard-earned 6-3, 6-7(4-7), 6-3 victory over Romania’s Anca Todoni in England.The 20-year-old looked poised for a straight-sets win after taking a 4-2 lead in the second set, but Todoni fought back, forcing a tiebreak and eventually pushing the match into a deciding third set.Undeterred, the WTA World No. 77 regrouped and surged to a 4-1 run in the final set to seal the win after just over two hours of intense play.Todoni’s powerful serve—highlighted by 12 aces—kept Eala on her toes throughout the match, but the Filipina’s composure and grit ultimately made the difference.With the victory, Eala advanced to the Round of 32 of the WTA event, where she will face sixth seed Magda Linette of Poland. Linette, 33, currently ranked World No. 31, automatically qualified for the main draw, presenting a tough challenge for the young Filipina.Eala earned her main draw slot by surviving two three-set qualifying matches—first outlasting France’s Varvara Gracheva, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, before overcoming Todoni.This latest triumph serves as a moment of redemption following her quarterfinal exit at the Ilkley Open last week. It also caps off a solid stretch of grass-court play as she builds toward her highly anticipated Wimbledon debut, scheduled from June 30 to July 11 in London.Fresh off her appearance at the French Open, Wimbledon marks Eala’s second consecutive Grand Slam entry this year. Her recent rise into the WTA Top 100 has opened the door to automatic berths in all four Grand Slam tournaments—a major milestone for the 20-year-old trailblazer in Philippine tennis history.

Filipina tennis star Alex Eala continued to showcase her impressive run at the Ilkley WTA 125 tournament in Great Britain, powering into the quarterfinals with a commanding 6-1, 6-2 victory over Switzerland’s Valentina Ryser.Currently ranked world No. 77, Eala displayed her growing confidence and adaptability on grass courts, particularly in the opening set where she landed an impressive 78% of her first serves.After splitting the first two games, she quickly seized control with a string of aggressive baseline winners and forced errors from Ryser. Though the Swiss player had multiple breakpoint opportunities late in the set, Eala held her ground and closed it out convincingly, 6-1.The second set began with both players trading service breaks, leveling the score at 2-2. Ryser looked set to hold serve in the fifth game at 40-30, but an untimely unforced error gave Eala the opening she needed. The 19-year-old capitalized, stepping up her offensive play to break serve and take a 3-2 lead.From there, Eala dominated from the baseline, pushing ahead 4-2 with deep, penetrating groundstrokes that kept Ryser on the defensive. Despite Ryser’s attempts to mount a comeback, Eala remained composed and in control, ultimately closing out the match in just over an hour.This decisive victory propels Eala into the quarterfinals, where she will aim to continue her strong form and build momentum ahead of the upcoming grass-court season.Eala will next face no.8 seed Rebecca Marino of Canada.

Before she became a volleyball icon, a cover girl, and a fitness entrepreneur, Rachel Anne Daquis was just a young girl in Rizal with a dream and a pair of knee pads. Her journey from schoolyard rallies to the national spotlight is not just a story of athletic triumph—it’s a testament to heart, hustle, and reinvention.Born on December 13, 1987, Daquis first discovered her passion for volleyball during her high school years at Juan Sumulong Memorial Junior College. It was not long before her natural talent and towering presence led her to Far Eastern University (FEU), where she took up Business Management—a course that would later complement her entrepreneurial pursuits.During her time at FEU, she quickly rose through the ranks to become team captain of the FEU Lady Tamaraws, earning the moniker “Queen Tamaraw”—a title that symbolized both her athletic dominance and her influence within the squad. In 2008, she led FEU to a UAAP championship, marking a career-defining moment in her collegiate journey.Daquis’ leadership extended beyond college. In 2014, she was named team captain of PLDT HOME TVolution, proudly representing the Philippines at the Asian Women’s Club Volleyball Championship. That same year, she also joined the Ateneo Lady Eagles as a guest player in the 10th season of the Shakey’s V-League, helping the team secure a runner-up finish.Her stint with the Philippine Army Lady Troopers was equally decorated as she captured titles and awards, including the SOS Clear Skin In & Out Of The Court Award, and spearheaded a championship run in the 11th season of Shakey’s V-League.Her career in the Philippine Super Liga (PSL) only strengthened her legacy. Representing TMS-Philippine Army in 2013, she was honored as the PSL Face of the League, highlighting her dual impact as a top-tier athlete and as a public figure.In 2015, she demonstrated her versatility once again, teaming up with fellow volleyball stars Cha Cruz, Michele Gumabao, and Gretchen Ho to capture the Nestea Beach Volleyball title in Boracay.

Jodi Catherine Dino, who was born on the 11th day of January 2002, is a forward on the Philippine National Women’s Ice Hockey Team who brings a valuable blend of agility, speed, and offensive intuition to the ice.In 2024, Dino was part of the Philippine Women's Ice Hockey Team that competed in the International Ice Hockey Federation Asia and Oceania Championship, where they defeated Kyrgyzstan and clinched the championship.Whether she’s weaving through defenders or setting up critical plays, Dino consistently provides the team with reliable forward momentum and sharp execution in the offensive zone.Her skating finesse and quick transitions make her a constant threat on fast breaks, while her ability to read the game allows her to find opportunities to support her teammates and capitalize on scoring chances.

Illeana Venice Jimenez is a prominent member of the Philippine women's national ice hockey team, widely recognized for her skillful play and contributions as a forward. Born on September 15, 2004, she currently plays for the Mustangs Hockey Club and has become a standout representative of the Philippines on the international stage.One of her most notable appearances came during the 2024 IIHF Women's Asia and Oceania Cup held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. She played a crucial role in the Philippines' campaign, helping lead the team to a strong 4–1 tournament record and a well-earned silver medal finish.During the 2024 IIHF Women’s Asia and Oceania Cup, Jimenez tallied two goals and two assists, showcasing her offensive capabilities and consistency under pressure.Her performance in the Asia and Oceania Cup not only elevated her status as an elite athlete but also underscored the growing presence of women’s ice hockey in the Philippines.

Alyssa Candace Sanchez is one of the standout figures on the Philippine women's national ice hockey team, serving as a dependable forward and proudly wearing jersey number 95.Born on November 21, 1991, the 4'11", 132-lb right-handed shooter has been instrumental in advancing the team’s performance and visibility on the international stage.Sanchez recently showcased her talents at the 2024 IIHF Women’s Asia and Oceania Championship, where she recorded one goal and one assist across four games. With a +1 plus-minus rating and three shots on goal, she demonstrated her ability to contribute effectively on both ends of the ice. Her playmaking instincts and tireless work ethic have earned her recognition as a reliable and impactful presence on the national team.At the club level, she represents the Eagles, one of the top-tier ice hockey clubs in the country. Her active role in both national and club competitions highlights the growing footprint of women’s ice hockey in the Philippines—a remarkable achievement given the country’s tropical climate.Her passion, skill, and perseverance not only uplift the national team's efforts but also serve as an inspiration to a new generation of Filipina athletes. Through her dedication, Alyssa Candace Sanchez is helping shape a stronger and more competitive presence for the Philippines on the global ice hockey stage.

The Philippine Women’s Ice Hockey Team continues to dominate the ice at the IIHF Women’s Asia Cup 2025 in the United Arab Emirates, racking up three impressive wins in the tournament so far.In their third game last night, June 3, the Filipinas delivered a commanding 8–1 victory over Malaysia.Bianca Cuevas (#10) was named Player of the Game for her exceptional leadership and standout performance against the Malaysian squad.In Game 2, the team skated past the UAE with a strong 6–1 win. Rosalyn Lim (#39) earned Player of the Game honors for her solid contributions and presence on the ice.Meanwhile, Team Philippines opened their campaign with an emphatic 15–0 shutout against Kyrgyzstan. Jasmine Alcido (#87) shone brightly, taking Player of the Game honors with an incredible performance.With these powerful wins, the Filipinas are proving to be a force to be reckoned with in this year’s tournament. Stay tuned as they continue their quest for glory at the IIHF Women’s Asia Cup 2025.In tonight's game, the Filipinas will look to notch their fourth straight victory as they face off against India.

As the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) continues its aggressive push towards becoming a fully professional and sustainable league, officials are now setting their sights on launching an official player trade system-potentially in place before the 2025-26 season.Following the successful debut of its first-ever rookie draft in 2024, the PVL is taking the next major step in solidifying its infrastructure. PVL competition director Sherwin Malonzo revealed the development during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum on Tuesday, June 3, at the Rizal Memorial Complex in Manila.“Rookies cannot be traded, but we’ve already floated the idea of trading to teams,” Malonzo said in Filipino.“Rookies need to stay for one season before being eligible for trade. Rookie draft rights also cannot be traded.”The trade policy, while still under discussion, is already being shaped with clear-cut rules aimed at maintaining parity across all franchises—starting with a firm ban on rookie trades and draft pick swaps.To further avoid potential abuse of the system, especially echoing the controversial “conduit” trades that have plagued Philippine basketball, the PVL is also ruling out transactions between sister teams. This move affects prominent franchise pairs such as:Creamline Cool Smashers and Choco Mucho Flying Titans (both under Rebisco),PLDT High Speed Hitters and Cignal HD Spikers (owned by Manny V. Pangilinan),Akari Chargers and Nxled Chameleons (linked through appliance business affiliations),Farm Fresh Foxies and ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles (both under Strong Group Athletics).

Long before she took the helm as captain of ZUS Coffee and earned the prestigious titles of NCAA Season 99 Best Setter and Most Valuable Player, Cloanne Mondoñedo never imagined her path would unfold the way it did. Her story wasn’t shaped by certainty, but by detours, doubt, and the quiet power of unexpected opportunities. Growing up in Oriental Mindoro, Mondoñedo explored almost every sport she could find. She initially dabbled in athletics, then shifted to table tennis—her father’s sport—and even gave football a try, but it wasn’t until a school intramural event that her curiosity for sports transformed into a true passion.She recalled stepping onto the volleyball court for the first time, completely unsure of herself, until a teacher recognized a spark in her and told her she had potential—worlds that would quietly shape her future.Encouraged by her mother, a former volleyball player, Mondoñedo began competing in local leagues, though her progress remained gradual.As she advanced to larger meets and provincial competitions, the harsh reality of high-level play set in. There were moments she didn’t even get the chance to step on the court—a humbling experience that left her on the bench, reflecting in silence and building quiet determination.Rather than giving up, she trained harder, secured better gear, and poured herself into a sport that had yet to fully welcome her. Her perseverance finally bore fruit when she earned a spot in the prestigious Palarong Pambansa—where her evolving talent caught the eye of a coach who would soon redefine her path.

Inspired by the 1990s film "Mighty Ducks", Ice hockey's history in the Philippines began in the early 2000s. What started as casual skating sessions quickly evolved into organized play, with a passionate local community driving the sport forward.But because the Philippines is a tropical country with no winter season, ice hockey and some other winter sports are played on artificial ice rinks. This kind of sport may not be the first sport that comes to mind in a tropical country like the Philippines, but its unlikely rise has been nothing short of remarkable. In February 2015, the governing body of ice hockey in the country, the Federation of Ice Hockey League (FIHL), was formed. The FIHL was admitted as an associate member of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) on 20 May 2016 and they secured Philippine Olympic Committee membership by July 2016. During this year, there were already 211 registered players from five clubs in the country, and the popularity of this sport suddenly increased. A IIHF sanctioned league, the Philippine Hockey League was organized in 2018 fulfilling a prerequisite for the Philippine men's national team participation in the Ice Hockey World Championships. Prior to 2008 and before the formation of the FIHL, club selection teams competed in regional competitions as unofficial national teams. The main league in the country is the Philippine Hockey League which follows IIHF regulations.  A recreational ice hockey league, the Manila Ice Hockey League, is also held.After the formation of the FIHL, national ice hockey teams were officially organized. The men's national team made their official debut at the 2017 Asian Winter Games while the women's team made theirs at the 2017 IIHF Women's Challenge Cup of Asia. The team lost 10–5 in their first official match against Kyrgyzstan. The Philippines secured their first official win as a FIHL member by defeating Qatar with a score of 14–2, followed by an 8–3 triumph over Kuwait, which competed as the Independent Olympic Athletes. The team placed third in their division after a 9–2 win over Macau in the play-off for third place. The Philippines participated at an ice hockey tournament event of the 2017 Southeast Asian Games whose mentor, Czech head coach Daniel Brodan started their Southeast Asian Games campaign with a 12–0 victory over Indonesia. This was followed by their game against Singapore which ended with a 7–2 triumph.This was then followed by their game against Malaysia which saw the ejection of the Philippine captain, Steven Füglister from the game in the first period. He was given a game misconduct penalty for hitting a Malaysian player in the head while pursuing the puck although the skipper said the infraction was an unintentional accident. The match ended with a 7–7 tie after regulation time after an extra five-minute-period which led to a shootout. The Philippines outscored Malaysia to register a win.The Malaysian organizers decided to suspend Fuglister for the final match against Thailand. Despite playing without their captain, the Philippines wrapped up their campaign, undefeated with a 5–4 win over Thailand and clinched the first ever ice hockey gold medal in the history of the regional tournament. In April 3 to 8 2018, The Philippines hosted the Top Division of the IIHF Challenge Cup of Asia, the national team’s first IIHF-sanctioned tournament, at the SM Mall of Asia Ice Skating Rink in Pasay, Metro Manila. The team was mentored by American head coach, Jonathan De Castro. The national team settled for bronze after tying in points with champions Mongolia and runners-up Thailand.The national team improved its best finish in the tournament in the following edition of the tournament in 2019 hosted in Malaysia. They lost to Mongolia in the final, settling for second place. The Philippines failed to defend their Southeast Asian Games title at home in the 2019 edition of the regional games, settling only for a bronze medal finish.The country actually qualified for the 2020 edition of the world event, but the tournament got cancelled due to the pandemic. The team faced similar problems in 2022, rendering them unable to participate.In 2023, the Philippine ice hockey team decimated its competition to capture the gold in the 2023 IIHF World Championship Division IV in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.Sweeping the competition mostly by decisive margins, the wins included a 14-0 beatdown of Indonesia, another 14-0 victory against Kuwait, and a slim 7-6 victory against the host country that took overtime. The title run also propelled the Filipinos to Division III B, where they joined other Asian countries like Singapore, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, and Hong Kong, as well as other European squads like Bosnia and Herzegovina.When not in competition, the players continue to hone their craft under the tutelage of their Finnish coach Juhani Ijäs, and the leadership of captain Manvil Billones, the leading scorer of the Division IV tournament.With the partnership of Philippine Skating Union (PSU) and its energetic head Nikki Cheng, the team practices in several skating rinks across Metro Manila situated inside big malls.One of the focuses now of Hockey Philippines is its grassroots program. According to former Philippine Hockey team Captain Steven Fuglister, Kids can come and get gear for free and they can go to a six-week program, which is conducted every Sunday. “That is where kids can come, you get gear, there’s gear that is provided to you for free. And you can go to I think like a six-week program, also every Sunday. And just have fun, ’cause I think at that level, how you can get the kids in, it’s like having fun and a good time. And I think so far, it’s been pretty well organized.”  said Fuglister.

Rhianne Hailie Jade Alix is already turning heads as a forward for the Philippine National Women’s Ice Hockey Team at the age of 16. She is known for her speed, agility, and smart puck control, Alix brings youthful energy and a fresh edge to the team’s offensive lineup.She is also a product of the Philippines’ growing grassroots ice hockey movement, Alix exemplifies the sport’s expanding reach among the youth. Her journey began in mall skating rinks, where curiosity quickly turned into passion—and then into national-level performance. Despite her age, she has earned the respect of her teammates and coaches with her relentless work ethic, sharp instincts, and playmaking ability.

The Philippine Basketball Association officially approved on Monday, June 2, the one-on-one trade between guards Jordan Heading and Mikey Williams.With the trade finalized, Heading will now be wearing the TNT Tropang 5G jersey, while Williams is set to don the Converge FiberXers colors.

Born in the Philippines and raised in Canada, Jasmin Alcido is a Filipino-Canadian ice hockey player who has earned a coveted spot on the Philippine National Women's Hockey Team. She’s been playing hockey since she was six years old—a sport that has changed her life in many ways. Now, she gives back as she continues to move forward in her journey.Alcido’s goal is to continue playing competitive hockey for as long as she can—an aspiration she strives toward every day. She describes herself as a shifty player with strong ice vision and has been working on her shot, which has seen significant improvement over the past season.She wears jersey #87, symbolizing not only her competitive spirit but also her pride in representing her heritage.Alcido has been playing hockey for over 12 years. Her deep passion for the sport and strong connection to her roots have driven her to represent the Philippines on the international stage.

After 25 years of waiting, the Indiana Pacers have returned to the NBA Finals stage.The Pacers did it on Sunday, May 6 (Philippine time), when they defeated the New York Knicks in Game 6 of their Eastern Conference Finals series, 125-108, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

Bringing poise, experience, and rock-solid consistency to the backline, Gabrielle Formoso-Laysico has a vital presence on the ice. As a defender, her game is built on smart positioning, strong communication, and an unwavering commitment to protecting her zone.She brings a wealth of experience and composure to the defensive unit. Known for her smart positioning, strong reads, and calm under pressure, she plays a key role in anchoring the back end and mentoring and elevating her younger teammates.With her international experience under the IIHF banner, Gabrielle’s leadership and poise continue to be vital assets — making her not just a defender, but a cornerstone of the team's defensive identity.Whether it’s breaking up plays, blocking shots, or guiding younger teammates, her impact goes far beyond the stat sheet. Her presence brings much-needed stability and leadership to the defensive lineup — a true asset in high-pressure international competition under the IIHF banner.With her combination of skill and composure, she stands as a key pillar in the team’s pursuit of excellence., She’s not just holding the line — she’s defining it.

On the first official game day of the Palarong Pambansa 2025, before many delegations could even settle in, CALABARZON already had something to celebrate — its first gold medal, delivered by none other than 12-year-old Sam C. Garcia.She is a Grade 6 student-athlete from Eulogio G. Cerrado Elementary School in the province of Batangas. Sam launched a personal best of 33.96 meters in the Discus Throw, securing the region’s first golden moment of the competition.But this wasn’t her first time in the spotlight.Last year’s Palarong Pambansa, Sam debuted at the Palaro and clinched bronze medals in both discus and javelin, and became the CALABARZON’s first medalist that year. From a 28-meter throw in 2024 to nearly 34 meters this year, her growth is no accident — it’s the product of discipline, hard work, and unshakeable focus.“Nag-improve ako sa technique ko this year. Ginamit ko ‘yung 360-degree spin para mas malayo ang bitaw,” Garcia shared, her voice modest but proud.Once a track-and-field runner, Sam’s journey as a thrower began in Grade 4, when Coach Michelle Hernandez noticed her natural strength and saw potential beyond the lanes.“Dati akong tumatakbo, pero sabi ni Coach, malakas daw ang braso ko. Sinubukan ko ‘yung discus at nagustuhan ko,” she recalled.Despite lacking formal training facilities, She turned a vacant lot outside her school into her training ground. Every day, she commits to two hours of practice — including stretching, jogging, footwork, and throwing drills. For her, even a 10-minute warm-up matters.And before every competition? She prays.“Lagi akong nagdarasal bago maglaro. Para mawala ‘yung kaba at maging focused ako,” she added.Sam has done it again, snagging her second medal in shot put with immense pride, she didn't just win – she absolutely smashed the record with an incredible throw of 12.48 meters proving that even in shot put, Batangas always goes for gold. Even as the only athlete from her school to qualify for Palaro, she carries her banner high — with quiet strength, resilience, and a fierce competitive spirit.Off the field, Sam is equally dynamic, enjoying volleyball and basketball, proving her passion for sports goes beyond the throwing circle.Garcia is more than CALABARZON’s two time gold medalist of 2025 Palarong Pambansa — she’s a symbol of perseverance, grit, and limitless potential. Her story is not only about a golden throw but about what it takes to rise from the ground up — quite literally.From a barren lot to the national spotlight, CALABARZON’s golden journey began with the powerful spin of a young girl who dared to throw beyond limits.

Nicknamed as the "Batang Mamaw" and often compared to NBA’s Ja Morant for his explosiveness and flair on the court, Andre Jamgellad Ugaddan is one of the most electrifying young basketball players emerging from the Philippine youth circuit today especially in the region of Calabarzon.At just 17 years old, Andre’s résumé is already filled with standout performances and accolades across national youth tournaments which includes the following: Palarong Pambansa, MBTC (Metro Basketball Tournament Circuit), Junior MPBL Multiple MVP Awards, Multiple Championships, Best Player Honors, Champion – Dunk Contest. He’s not just performing—he’s dominating.As Ugaddan continues to make waves in youth basketball circles, his name is increasingly mentioned among the next generation of future collegiate and professional stars in the Philippines. With each game, he proves that he's not just playing for today—he’s building a legacy for tomorrow.Ugaddan’s game is marked by powerful drives, highlight dunks, and an impressive shooting touch that makes him a constant threat on the floor. Whether leading fast breaks or draining shots from deep, he brings intensity, energy, and entertainment every time he steps on the hardwood.With standout performances across major youth tournaments and a growing list of accolades, Andre Ugaddan is a name to watch in the next generation of Philippine basketball. He’s not just making noise—he’s making history.

Kenji “Chog Chog” Moral, who was 16 years of age and a native from Bacolor, Pampanga has already made a name for himself in the world of Philippine youth basketball. Kenji is currently a student-athlete at St. Augustine School. His roots in local basketball and rapid development have led to an impressive journey through various elite youth leagues and tournaments.Standing at 6'1" and playing the point guard position, he's known for his court vision, leadership, and clutch performances—traits that have made him a standout across multiple leagues and tournaments.From local tournaments to national leagues, Kenji has continually proven himself as a clutch player and team leader, collecting multiple MVP honors and championship titles. His performances not only highlight his talent but also reflect his dedication to developing as a top-tier athlete.