Stephanie Bustrillo transitioned from a standout player at the University of the Philippines to a promising rookie with Akari in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference. Drafted as the sixth overall pick in the inaugural PVL Rookie Draft, Bustrillo wasted no time making an impact in her professional debut.Known for her scoring ability and unshakable determination, Bustrillo was determined to bring more than just volleyball skills to Akari’s lineup. Drawing from her experiences at UP, she was ready to apply the lessons learned both on and off the court.Joining a revamped Akari roster with players like Ivy Lacsina, Kamille Cal, and Dani Ravena, Bustrillo embraced the challenge of filling the void left by Faith Nisperos and Fifi Sharma, who were away with Alas Pilipinas.

The Premier Volleyball League’s highly-anticipated 2024-25 All-Filipino Conference will begin today, November 9, at the Philsports Arena which will run for six-long months.The Akari Charges and Galeries Tower Highrisers will play for the opening game to kick off the new season at 4:00 pm. Both clubs are looking to improve after having contrasting performances in the previous Reinforced Conference.Akari surprised the league by making it to the Finals but losing the title to Creamline, while Galeries Tower finished winless at the bottom of the 12-team field.The Chargers, led by Ced Domingo, Fifi Sharma, Faith Nisperos, and Ivy Lacsina, will aim to maintain their positive attitude from that historic run in the championship round and establish themselves as serious contenders for the title.The Highrisers, on the other hand, will attempt to overcome a somber past and get into the spotlight, with setter Julia Coronel of Alas Pilipinas making her debut and spikers Roma Joy Doromal, Jewel Encarnacion, and Alyssa Eroa contributing firepower. Choco Mucho and Petro Gazz will face off in the main event at 6:30 pm with the goal of trying to get their quest for the first All-Filipino title off to a victorious start.It will be a different world now for the Flying Titans after the departure of Maddie Madayag, who brought her act to the Japan SV. League.However, Choco Mucho remains committed to its championship dreams, with Sisi Rondina, Dindin Manabat, Isa Molde, Cherry Nunag, and the returning Kat Tolentino leading the way.Meanwhile, the Angels have kept their roster intact, with players like Myla Pablo, Djanel Cheng, Remy Palma, MJ Phillips, and Brooke Van Sickle always ready to fight. 

The United States men’s hockey team made history last Sunday May 25, capturing gold at the 2025 IIHF World Championship—their first title in 92 years. In a dramatic overtime finish, Tage Thompson of the Buffalo Sabres scored the winning goal just 2:02 into the extra period, leading the U.S. to a 1-0 victory over Switzerland at the Avicii Arena in Stockholm, Sweden.Goaltender Jeremy Swayman (Boston Bruins) was a cornerstone of the win, turning aside all 25 shots he faced to record a shutout and secure a long-awaited title for Team USA.“This tournament and this group rejuvenated me as an individual, I found my game again. I was happy again. This is a turning point for me. To be part of the group that finally did it—it’s surreal.” said Swayman. The victory marked the first gold medal for Team USA at the World Championship since 1933, snapping one of international hockey’s longest-running title droughts. The Americans had reached the semifinals 12 times in recent years without advancing to the final—until now.In their semifinals, the U.S. stunned host nation Sweden with a commanding 6-2 win, setting the stage for their golden moment.“It’s a crazy stat, reflecting on the 92-year wait. “Everyone in that room took it to heart. Whether you were playing top minutes or cheering from the bench, every guy committed. That’s why we won.”  said Thompson.Since 2000, the U.S. has managed just five bronze medals in the tournament (2004, 2013, 2015, 2018, and 2021). This gold represents more than just a win—it’s a statement of intent as the team eyes even greater success.“We were embarrassed that we hadn’t won this tournament. Now we don’t have that weight on our back. This is the start of something.” said head coach Ryan Warsofsky (San Jose Sharks).The redemption arc comes just months after Team USA fell short in the 4 Nations Face-Off, losing to Canada in overtime. This time, they completed the mission.“That’s hockey, man, Biggest stages, biggest moments. We weren’t nervous. We knew it was our time. Mission accomplished, baby.” Swayman added.With the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics on the horizon—and NHL participation returning—this World Championship performance could reshape Team USA’s Olympic roster. Only two players from the 4 Nations team returned for this tournament: Swayman and Zach Werenski (Columbus Blue Jackets).The current group, including Thompson (6G, 3A), Clayton Keller (3G, 7A), Frank Nazar (6G, 6A), and Logan Cooley (4G, 8A), all made strong cases for inclusion on the Olympic squad.“USA Hockey is here to stay, This is just the first step.” Swayman declared. 

A young Japanese boxing prospect, Jin Sasaki, is now facing a serious recovery battle after suffering a devastating fifth-round knockout in his WBO welterweight title bout against American Brian Norman Jr. last Thursday, June 19, in Tokyo.Sasaki was caught by a powerful left hook from Norman Jr. The punch knocked the young Japanese fighter unconscious instantly, with the back of his head slamming into the canvas.Medical staff responded immediately, and although Sasaki showed no visible physical injuries, neurological concerns took center stage.On Sunday, June 22, new details emerged regarding the extent of Sasaki’s injuries, including confirmed reports of memory loss surrounding the fight and the weeks leading up to it.According to Issei Nakaya, president of Sasaki’s training gym, the young fighter is suffering from apparent retrograde amnesia. Nakaya revealed that Sasaki may have lost memory not only of the bout itself but also of the crucial period leading up to the event.Nakaya emphasized that Sasaki’s condition is being closely monitored, highlighting the team’s cautious and responsible approach to the situation.“We will be monitoring him, and he will return to the hospital tomorrow for another check-up,” Nakaya said in an interview.This troubling development comes just weeks after another serious incident involving a Japanese boxer, where Ginjiro Shigeoka was forced to retire from his bout against the Philippines’ Pedro Taduran in Osaka due to a brain injury—underscoring a difficult month for Japanese boxing and the dangers inherent in the sport.As Sasaki continues his recovery, the focus has shifted from his title aspirations to his long-term health and well-being. The boxing world now watches with concern, hoping for a full recovery for the talented young fighter.

When the game was on the line, Anton Asistio stepped up and delivered.The sharpshooting guard calmly sank four crucial free throws in the dying seconds to power Rain or Shine Elasto Painters past Titan Ultra, 112-111, in a heart-stopping PBA Philippine Cup clash on Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.Down 108-111 with just over two seconds left, Asistio drew a foul from beyond the arc and coolly converted all his free throws to complete Rain or Shine’s dramatic comeback and secure their second straight win, improving to 3-1 in the standings.Head coach Yeng Guiao lauded Asistio’s composure and quick thinking in executing the play perfectly under pressure.“We designed that last play for Anton, but we did not really anticipate that it was going to be a four-point shot,” said Guiao. “We knew they were going to foul, so we told him—when you feel the foul coming, put up the shot. That’s exactly what he did.”The clutch moment capped off a strong all-around team performance. Adrian Nocum led the E-Painters with 24 points before fouling out, while Santi Santillan poured in 21 points—including 13 in the fourth quarter—to spearhead the rally. Jhonard Clarito added 19 markers, eight of which came in the final frame.Despite a big night from Calvin Abueva, who finished with 31 points and 18 rebounds, Titan Ultra fell short and dropped to 1-4. Aljun Melecio chipped in 21, while Joshua Munzon came close to a triple-double with 15 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists.Titan looked in full control after building an 85-66 lead in the third quarter behind a barrage of three-pointers, but Rain or Shine’s relentless fightback flipped the script.“I’m really happy with the endgame, but for the first three quarters, I wasn’t that happy,” Guiao admitted. “The important thing is, we found ways to win.”With momentum on their side and confidence growing, Rain or Shine continues to show the grit and chemistry that define a true contender in this year’s Philippine Cup.

Filipina wushu standout Agatha Wong captured bronze in the women’s taijijian at the 17th World Wushu Championships in Brasilia, Brazil, after delivering a strong performance that earned her 9.703 points. Wong, one of the country’s most decorated wushu athletes, placed behind Japan’s Shino Saito, who took home the gold, and Singapore’s Zeanne Law, who captured silver. The medal also marks a significant comeback for the five-time Southeast Asian Games champion who was eager to bounce back following her earlier setback at the Chengdu World Games.Meanwhile, the Philippines also celebrated other medalists: Carlos Baylon Jr. (silver, men’s sanda 56kg) and bronze medalists Russel Diaz (men’s sanda 52kg), Gideon Fred Padua (men’s sanda 60kg), Xander Alipio (men’s sanda 65kg), Jenifer Kilapio (women’s sanda 52kg), and Krisna Malecdan (women’s sanda 56kg).

Kevin Quiambao’s 36-point outing guided the Goyang Sono SkyGunners to an 86-82 victory against the Wonju DB Promy in the Korean Basketball League 2025 season on Sunday, February 2, at the Goyang Gymnasium.In his first victory as a professional, Quiambao unlocked a new career-high in rebounds, pulling down 12 boards on top of his 12-of-26 shooting from the field, including 6-of-14 from beyond the arc.The two-time UAAP MVP from De La Salle University also contributed three assists and two steals to help the SkyGunners end its four-game losing streak to improve their record to 11-24 for the season, but remain at the bottom of the 10-team league.

The ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles carved history in Davao, clinching their first-ever franchise championship after outlasting the powerhouse De La Salle University Lady Spikers, 25-17, 25-19, 23-25, 25-23, in the finals of the 2025 Davao Invitational Volleyball Tournament on Sunday, September 7, at the University of Southeastern Philippines Gymnasium and Cultural Center.Led by Guimaras native Jovelyn Gonzaga, the Thunderbelles capped an unbeaten four-game campaign, dropping just one set throughout the week-long tilt. Gonzaga, who made her much-anticipated return after sitting out the PVL Invitational, shone brightest as she claimed both the Most Valuable Player and Best Opposite Hitter awards.ZUS Coffee’s depth also came to the fore as team captain Cloanne Mondoñedo earned the Best Setter citation, Chinnie Arroyo was named Best Outside Hitter, and promising rookie Mycah Go took home the Best Server award.

Undisputed ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion Joshua Pacio is set to make history as he moves up a division to challenge Yuya “Little Piranha” Wakamatsu for the ONE Flyweight MMA World Title. Should Pacio succeed, he will become the first Filipino to claim world titles in two weight classes.This highly anticipated champion vs. champion showdown takes place at ONE 173: Superbon vs. Noiri on November 16 at Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.Pacio, fresh off his emphatic victory over Jarred Brooks to end their rivalry, knows the challenge ahead is formidable.“Yuya is not the king of the flyweight division for nothing. He’s earned his spot at the top with his power and speed. I respect what he brings to the table,” said Pacio. “I know I’m facing a tough challenge, but I’m ready to give my best and represent the Philippines with pride.”Wakamatsu rides a four-fight win streak, highlighted by a first-round knockout of former champion Adriano Moraes to seize the flyweight crown at ONE 172 last March. The Japanese champion has also claimed notable wins over Filipino contenders Danny Kingad and Geje Eustaquio.Despite Wakamatsu’s momentum, Pacio is confident he can make his country proud. “I expect a fast-paced, strategic bout. We’re both intelligent fighters who know how to adapt, so I believe this will be an exciting, high-level match. I’m looking forward to the challenge and putting on a great show for the fans,” he said.Wakamatsu, for his part, respects Pacio’s skills but feels ready for the challenge ahead.“Joshua Pacio is a world champion and a dangerous, well-rounded fighter. But if I stick to my game plan, I’m confident I’ll come out on top. We’re both fast and tactical, so it’s going to be a fight fans will remember,” said Wakamatsu.With both champions promising an explosive, high-level contest, fans can expect fireworks when Pacio and Wakamatsu collide in Tokyo.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee and sponsor of the proposed budget of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), renewed his call for the regionalization of the National Academy of Sports (NAS) during budget deliberations on last Monday, November 24.Go stressed that keeping the NAS concentrated solely in Luzon—specifically in its main campus in New Clark City, Pampanga—limits grassroots development and sidelines promising young athletes from the Visayas and Mindanao.“Nag-file rin po ako ng bill para ma-regionalize ang NAS,” Go said, referring to his recently filed measure aimed at decentralizing the academy in line with the intent of the law that created it.Go noted that while NAS operations are fully funded—citing an additional ₱294 million in the committee report, including budget for a new dormitory—geographical accessibility remains a major barrier for student-athletes outside Luzon.He emphasized that expansion does not require constructing brand-new facilities, pointing out that many local governments already have sports infrastructures capable of hosting NAS satellite campuses.“Sana ay ma-regionalize ito… at malagyan rin po sa Visayas at Mindanao,” he said, adding that several LGUs in Mindanao have already expressed willingness to host equivalent NAS setups.During the hearing, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano underscored the need for continuity in national sports planning and aligning programs with international hosting opportunities. Go agreed, stressing the importance of proactive planning.A long-time advocate for athlete welfare, Go authored and co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11470, which established the NAS and introduced a dual-track system combining secondary education with specialized sports training. The academy provides full scholarships to student-athletes pursuing both academic and athletic excellence.To widen access to this model, Go filed Senate Bill No. 171, or the National Academy of Sports Regional Expansion Act of 2025, which seeks to establish NAS campuses across the country—particularly in the Visayas and Mindanao. These regional campuses would uphold the academic and athletic standards of the main campus while ensuring equitable opportunities for rising sports talents nationwide.

EJ Laure has signed with Nxled for the ongoing 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference. The Chameleons on Monday afternoon, November 25, welcomed the decorated outside spiker.“We’re so thrilled to have you on board and can’t wait to see you light up this fresh start! We’re rooting for you on your return to the PVL court, EJ!” Nxled shared in a Facebook post.

The Philippines made a strong statement in their opening match at the U23 ASEAN Championship Mandiri Cup, defeating Malaysia 2-0 on Wednesday, July 16, at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia.Otu Banatao starred for the U23 squad, netting both goals and securing the team's first win over Malaysia since the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, as well as their first tournament victory since a 2-1 triumph over Brunei in 2022.Banatao opened the scoring in the ninth minute, finishing off a well-placed pass from Javier Mariona, before doubling the lead in the 40th minute to complete his brace.Solid defensive work from goalkeeper Nic Guimaraes and defenders Joshua Merino, Noah Leddel, Ziggy Taningco, and Kamil Amirul helped the Philippines preserve the clean sheet.Next, the Philippines will take on defending champions Vietnam on Friday, July 18.Head coach Garrath McPherson credited his staff for the team's preparation, saying: “I would like to thank our assistant coach Popoy Clarino and our goalkeeper coach Joan Lleida, who held a training camp a week prior. Every little thing helps. With a short journey, you need to prioritize what you want to know and understand. We focused on key areas, kept things simple, and let the players take it from there.”

Terrafirma staged an unlikely victory over league-leader TNT, 117-108, as they concluded their PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup campaign on Wednesday, January 22, at the Ynares Center.Rookie Mark Nonoy showcased his finest PBA performance to date, posting a season-high 33 points, allowing the Dyip to close their campaign on a high note despite dropping their first 11 games."I just trusted them," said Terrafirma head coach Raymond Tiongco. “We know their strength. We made our shots earlier so we also played well, from the outside to the inside. We got the TNT off-guard. We made our shots, especially Nonoy when we ran."Nonoy was all smiles as he was able to share the floor with one of his childhood heroes. Motivated by his encounter with Jayson Castro, the left-handed guard finished with four assists, four rebounds, and a 10-of-13 shooting percentage."I was inspired by Kuya Jayson because it was our first time playing against each other. Since my childhood, I've been watching him," said Nonoy, who went 5-of-6 from three. “He is one of the PBA players I’m inspired by. I was confident because I wanted to challenge him,” he added.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is exploring the possibility of forming a Gilas Pilipinas lineup that blends PBA pros and top collegiate talent for the upcoming 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, slated from December 9 to 20.With the PBA’s 50th season Philippine Cup deep in the elimination round by then, the PBA Board of Governors has approved the release of only a limited number of players for the SEA Games campaign.Veteran coach and Meralco consultant Norman Black is being tapped to lead the squad, pending a formal confirmation from the SBP. Black, who last coached a gold-winning SEA Games in 2011, confirmed his willingness to take on the task.

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.”

The Phoenix Fuel Masters crashed Terrafirma Dyip in their matchup last night, January 7, 2025, at the Philsports Arena in the continuation of the PBA Season Commissioner's Cup, 122-108.Donovan Smith led the team where he recorded 37 points, seven rebounds, three assists and five blocks.Smith says that they come into work every day with the same attitude regardless of whether they have won five straight or lost. What matters is that they just keep that positive mindset within the guys to make sure that they have the same goal, and they all worked together to win this game.

Next on our Profiles Series is the 1978 PBA Most Valuable Player, Robert Jaworski Sr.Known as the “Living Legend” of Philippine basketball, Jaworski earned this iconic nickname thanks to his enduring popularity, unmatched legacy, and profound impact on Philippine sports. His influence spans generations, resonating not only with those who witnessed his prime but also with younger fans who grew up hearing his name.In 1975, the University of the East standout entered the PBA in its inaugural season, suiting up for Toyota—a team he had already played for since 1973.His most significant season with the franchise came in 1978, when he bagged his lone MVP award after averaging nearly a triple-double: 20 points, 12 assists, and close to 9 rebounds per game.

Norman Black is set to coach the Gilas Pilipinas Men’s team in the upcoming 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand, scheduled from December 9 to 20.Current Gilas head coach Tim Cone earlier announced that he would not be able to call the shots for the SEA Games due to a scheduling conflict with the 2025–26 PBA Philippine Cup, which will be in full swing during the tournament. Cone will instead focus on steering the national team in the opening window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers from November 24 to December 2.With Cone stepping aside, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) tapped Black to take over. The 66-year-old veteran coach currently serves as the federation’s head of player identification and development and also works as a consultant for the San Beda Red Lions in the NCAA.

Former world champion Keith Thurman has significant credibility when discussing Manny Pacquiao and Mario Barrios, especially since he has faced both fighters. With their matchup just two weeks away in Las Vegas, Thurman’s insights hold weight.The 36-year-old boxer had different experiences against the two: he lost to Pacquiao by decision in 2019 but secured a victory over Barrios on the scorecards three years later. Now, as Barrios prepares to defend his World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight title against Pacquiao at the MGM Grand on July 19, Thurman’s perspective is drawing attention.Thurman shared his thoughts during a recent interview with Fighthype.com. He expressed confidence in the 46-year-old Pacquiao's ability to compete against the younger Barrios.“It’s hard to know, with the age of Pacquiao, what we’re gonna get from him,” said Thurman.“But I’ll tell you this, depending on his conditioning, depending on how much he can pop in on that in-step that he brought to me, that notorious fast in-step — if he can pop that and if he can get in, I know he can hurt Mario Barrios,” he added.However, Thurman pointed out a crucial aspect of Barrios’ fighting style that could give him an advantage over the legendary Filipino boxer: his jab. This fundamental punch has historically been a weak point for the aggressive Pacquiao.“That’s the big thing in Pacquiao’s favor; Barrios was hurt against [Abel] Ramos, and that’s the thing — the defense of Barrios is still suspect. He’s not hard to find. But one thing I took away, even though I beat him, is that he has a really good jab,” Thurman continued.At six feet tall, Barrios benefits from both youth and size compared to the smaller Pacquiao, who has been less active in the ring recently. As a result, oddsmakers have made the Mexican-American the favored contender. According to Thurman, Barrios possesses the necessary skills to fulfill his role as the favored fighter heading into the bout.“He (Barrios) used that jab when he beat [Yordenis] Ugas, and Ugas beat Pacquiao because he stayed long. So I think if Barrios works that jab of his, makes the old man use his legs and work really hard to get inside, I think he can pull it off,” Thurman finished.

Cathrine Almazan has officially taken her talents to the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), suiting up for the Akari Chargers during the 2024 Reinforced Conference. Making her professional debut on July 18 against the Capital1 Solar Spikers, the 25-year-old outside hitter is one of the league’s intriguing new faces to watch.Before stepping onto the pro stage, Almazan made waves as a standout scorer for Emilio Aguinaldo College in the NCAA women's volleyball tournament. Known for her explosive attacks and relentless energy, she carried the Lady Generals through several memorable runs during her collegiate career.