Barangay Ginebra finished the elimination round of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup with a thrilling victory against Meralco, 91-87, on Chinese New Year at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.The Gin Kings closed the preliminaries with an 8-4 win-loss record, tying the Converge FiberXers, while the Bolts dropped to 7-4.The game results paved the way for the NorthPort Batang Pier to earn a twice-to-beat advantage going into the quarters and they also got the No. 1 seed for the first time in franchise history.It was a close battle between the two rivals in the end after Meralco climbed back from a 17-point deficit despite playing All-Filipino as their import Akil Mitchell did not play due to back spasms. The loss halted the three-game win streak of the Bolts.

Creamline bounced back from a failed third-set rally against sibling rival Choco Mucho, 25-22, 25-20, 30-32, 25-20, in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Tuesday, December 3.The Cool Smashers, who were on the verge of winning the tournament with their third consecutive sweep, faltered in a thrilling third set before rallying in the fourth to force a tie with Cignal at the top of the rankings, both with identical 3-0 records."But of course, the Choco [Mucho] really, really won't lose easily. We know they will come back to the game so I just told the players that we should just enjoy ourselves, perform well so we can get the win," said Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses."Let's not be pressured. It's just that, the [players] responded, because there are many [game] rallies, so it's really not just a battle, it's really endurance. So, it's good that we got the win," he added.

The City of Manila will host the third edition of the ASICS Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series this weekend, November 23 to 24, which is expected to draw more than 9,000 runners from 58 countries to Rizal Park.Asia’s first and only Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series is a one-of-a-kind event that takes place in the center of Manila and combines running, live music, and lively community across two days.  Participants will don their running shoes for the marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K distances while taking in Manila's rich cultural heritage with each course accompanied by live music, cheer squads, and an exciting atmosphere.Among the city's most well-known sites that runners will pass by are Chinatown, Manila City Hall, Jones Bridge, Intramuros, Rizal Park, and the National Museum.

Undefeated Filipino lightweight MMA fighter Ian Paul “Choco” Lora (3-0) will make his international debut at BRAVE CF 98 in Zhengzhou, China, on September 19. The 20-year-old from Daraga, Albay, faces India’s Owais Yaqoob (3-1) in a three-round undercard bout.Lora, representing Lion’s Den MMA Academy, has impressed on the local MMA scene with one knockout and one submission win. He drew attention with a nine-second KO in May and now aims to make an impact on the global stage. Yaqoob enters with a three-fight win streak, also making his BRAVE CF debut.Lora is the second Filipino signed to BRAVE CF this year, following Drex Zamboanga. The event is headlined by a featherweight interim title bout between Ukraine’s Omar Solomanov and Kazakhstan’s Rauan Bekbolat.

Another tour of duty is set for the 36-year-old Allen Durham as he is tapped by the Meralco Bolts to be their reinforcement in the season-opening Governor’s Cup.Durham, the three-time best import of the said conference led the Bolts in 3 finals appearances (2016, 2017, 2019) only to succumb to eventual champions, Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel led by resident import Justin Brownlee.Meralco finally won a championship last season by winning the Philippine Cup and the team now has experience on how to close out a championship series, which Durham also gained in his Japan B. League stint. The experience makes Durham and the Bolts a better opportunity to sett;e some unfinished business.Meralco is slotted with TNT, Magnolia, Northport, Terrafirma, and Converge in the Governors’ Cup.

Nxled scored its first-ever breakthrough win in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) against the gutsy Galeries Tower, 25-20, 19-25, 25-14, 25-23, on Saturday, February 8, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.The Chameleons snapped a 15-game losing streak since the Reinforced Conference in addition to entering the win column for the first time under Italian coach Ettore Guidetti.EJ Laure was instrumental in ceasing the Chameleon’s drought, posting a game-high 19 points built on 14 attacks and five blocks, while also supplementing nine excellent digs and eight excellent receptions to earn Player of the Game honors. Although the win was a big step forward, coach Guidetti stressed that the club is still committed to making constant progress.

The University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers just made one of the biggest offseason moves in UAAP Men’s Basketball by securing the commitment of Collins Akowe, one of the most dominant big men in the UAAP high school ranks.The 6-foot-10 Nigerian standout from National University-Nazareth School (NU-NS) officially joins UST after weeks of negotiation with head coach Pido Jarencio and team managers Waiyip Chong and Eric Ang.Akowe will be eligible to play for the Tigers starting UAAP Season 88 and has a full five-year window to compete in the league.He made headlines in UAAP Season 87, powering the NU Bullpups with averages of 20.9 points, 19.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.9 blocks per game.

For Steven Füglister, ice hockey isn’t just a sport, It’s a lifelong passion that began on the frozen rinks of Zurich, Switzerland, and now thrives thousands of miles away in the tropics of the Philippines.Born on January 25, 1986, Füglister grew up surrounded by the sport. “In the neighborhood I grew up in, all the kids played hockey,” he recalled. “So I naturally wanted to join. All my friends played, and the love just evolved from there.”That childhood fascination became a lifelong commitment. Today, Füglister proudly serves as center and captain of the Philippine National Ice Hockey Team, a squad that continues to defy expectations in a country more associated with beaches than blades.Representing the Philippines on the international stage, he says, is an experience that never loses its meaning. “It’s always a big honor,” he shared, reflecting the pride he feels wearing the national colors on his jersey.This year’s roster features many new faces, but that doesn’t faze Füglister, who’s long been a steadying force for the team. “We have a lot of newcomers who joined the men’s national team, so we’re trying to gel, include everyone, and form a new team, basically,” he said. That sense of unity is what fuels their drive, especially with competitions like the Southeast Asian Games in sight.Fuglister’s personal goal remains simple yet powerful: “Become better every day and, as a team, be successful at the SEA Games.”“Off the rink, life is just as busy. I have three kids, so they keep me busy,” he said with a smile. “I’m trying to get my twin boys excited for hockey and maybe they’ll one day share the same passion for the game. When I’m not at the rink, I love spending time with my wife, travel and focusing on business. “While ice hockey may still be growing in popularity in the Philippines, Füglister believes it’s only a matter of exposure before Filipinos embrace the sport’s intensity. “It’s something not really ordinary here,” he admitted. “But once you come to the rink and watch the game, it’s really exciting—the speed, the grit, and the action.”And for those curious to give the sport a shot, his advice is straightforward: “Go to the SM Skating Rinks, try public skating, and maybe at one point, try hockey.”From Swiss beginnings to Southeast Asian glory, Steven Füglister embodies the spirit of passion, perseverance, and pride. Under his leadership, the Philippine ice hockey team continues to prove that even in a tropical country, champions can be forged on ice.

Hundreds of imports have donned the colors of the second-oldest professional basketball league in the world. Still, one player has made a significant mark that stretches beyond just being a team’s reinforcement.Justin Brownlee already established his legacy in the league, capturing the hearts of Filipino basketball enthusiasts with his versatility as a scorer and delivering standout performances every time he suited up for the Philippines.  Brownlee’s countless accolades and years of brilliance have solidified his name in the game. The Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player has displayed no signs of slowing down his gears as he is just one title away from becoming the winningest import in the league. Brownlee is expected to essay another blood-pumping performance as he and the Gin Kings seek to subdue the defending champions of last year’s conference with flying colors.His age was also never a hindrance to keeping his engines running and expanding his plum collection.

The Cignal HD Spikers swept the Akari Chargers in their match-up, 25-17, 25-15, 25-21, to secure the No. 3 seed in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday, February 18, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.Cignal finished the game in just one hour and 26 minutes.Vanie Gandler unleashed 15 points, including 14 deadly attacks to lead the team to their third straight victory, while Roselyn Doria-Aquino delivered 12 crucial points, including three kill blocks, that earned her Best Player of the Game honors.Rookie sensation Ishie Lalongisip continued her stellar play, chipping in 10 markers, while Jacqueline Acuña provided eight markers to complete a well-balanced assault. The win not only extended the HD Spikers winning streak but also etched their status as one of the team's to beat going into the knockout phase.

The University of the Philippines (UP) and National University (NU) had contrasting fates in the UAAP Season 87 volleyball tournament on Wednesday, March 26, with the Fighting Maroons securing a massive upset in the women’s division while the Bulldogs regained their winning form in the men’s competition.  

After an impressive showing against Gilas Pilipinas, the Macau Black Bears are aiming to join the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) as a guest team.Fresh from their competitive Gilas send-off game, the Black Bears have formally expressed interest in participating as a guest squad for one or two conferences in the PBA’s upcoming 50th season. In a letter to PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial, Black Bears president of basketball operations Lukas Peng emphasized their commitment to building a highly competitive, professionally managed team that will proudly represent Macau and its vibrant Filipino community, while expanding the PBA’s reach in Greater China and the broader Asia-Pacific region.Commissioner Marcial responded positively, confirming that discussions will soon begin to explore the partnership. He also met with Black Bears general manager Kevin Connelly, who is responsible for team operations and is the brother of NBA Minnesota Timberwolves president Tim Connelly.As part of their proposal, Peng requested special consideration for player eligibility, asking the PBA to allow players from China, Macau, Hong Kong, and Taiwan to register as locals under a "Greater China Rule." He also cited precedent from the Bay Area Dragons, who fielded players of documented Chinese heritage as locals, and inquired about the eligibility of Filipino and EASL-registered players to play as locals for the Black Bears.While no formal agreement has been reached yet, the potential entry of the Macau Black Bears—a familiar name in the ASEAN Basketball League—could be a major step in the PBA’s push for greater international relevance. If approved, the Black Bears would follow the path of the Bay Area Dragons, who became the PBA’s first foreign guest team in nearly two decades and reached the 2022–23 Commissioner’s Cup finals.

For Manvil “Manny” Billones, ice hockey isn’t just a sport. It’s a rush, a rhythm, and a reflection of pure adrenaline. Born on November 1, 1993, Billones has carved his path from the rinks of the United States to representing the Philippines in the international arena.“I played a lot of sports, but hockey was the one that really caught my eye,” he shared. “I like the speed and how fast you can go on the ice, the flow of the game. There’s not that much stoppage. You just go out there, and how intense it is, you can hit, score, and it’s just a fun time.”Billones, who studied at West Chester University in the U.S., found hockey a sport that matched his competitive fire. Now a forward for the Philippine Men’s National Ice Hockey Team, he carries with him both skill and pride every time he dons the national jersey.“It’s an honor, really—and just pride,” he said when asked what it means to represent the country.The team, a mix of veterans and new faces, continues to evolve each season. “There’s a lot of new players, veterans and new guys. It’s a different dynamic,” he explained. “But we’re going to blend better, practice more, and it’s going to be a great time together.”As one of the team’s experienced players, Billones sets his sights on progress. “Our goal is to get promoted every year, to reach a higher level every time,” he said. “We don’t want to stay on the same level. We just want to improve every time and try to get medals in any tournament we play.”Off the ice, Billones is as laid-back as he is competitive. “I like to golf,” he admitted with a grin. “But other than hockey, I like to sleep a lot.”When asked what he wants Filipinos to appreciate about ice hockey, Billones encourages fans to look beyond the usual courts and fields. “It’s not just the main sports like basketball or volleyball,” he said. “You should go out and watch a new sport. Seeing the speed, how fun it is, and the intensity, it’s just a good time.”And for young Filipinos curious to give hockey a shot? Billones keeps it simple: “Just come to MOA and try it out. Even if it’s just public skating, you never know, you might fall in love with it like us.”From the ice rinks of West Chester to the cold confines of the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Manny Billones continues to embody the grit and passion of Filipino athletes proving that no climate can cool the fire of national pride.

The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters finally broke their two-game skid, securing a crucial 103-98 victory in Game 3 of their PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup Semi-Finals series against the TNT Tropang Giga on Sunday night, March 2, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.Import Deon Thompson led the charge for Rain or Shine, delivering a double-double performance with 19 points, 15 rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block in over 44 minutes of action. His dominance in the paint and relentless effort on both ends of the floor helped RoS stay competitive throughout the game.Caelan Tiongson also played a vital role in the win, contributing 18 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, while Adrian Nocum, who started once again, showcased another impressive outing with 16 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.Supporting the trio was Anton Asistio, who chipped in 12 points, including two clutch three-pointers, while Gian Mamuyac added nine points and was perfect from the free-throw line, sinking all four of his attempts.

Alex Eala’s US Open campaign ended in the second round with a 4-6, 4-6 defeat to Spain’s Cristina Bucsa on Thursday morning (Manila time) at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York.Despite strong support from Filipino fans on Court 7, the 20-year-old Filipina couldn’t build on her dramatic first-round win over world No. 14 Clara Tauson. Eala, ranked No. 75, led 4-3 in the opening set but lost momentum after a crucial forehand error, allowing the 95th-ranked Bucsa to take control and save three break points to secure the set.The second set slipped away after a 2-2 tie, as Eala’s unforced errors and a double fault proved costly. The result evened their head-to-head at 1-1, with Eala’s lone win over Bucsa coming in 2021.Despite the loss, Eala’s round-of-64 finish marks her best Grand Slam result to date, improving on earlier exits at Roland Garros and Wimbledon.Her breakthrough run to the US Open main draw came after a strong showing at the Miami Open, which propelled her into the WTA Top 100.Next up, Eala is slated to compete as the third seed at the WTA 250 São Paulo Open in Brazil, starting on September 8.

Danielle Lourdes Imperial is a prominent figure in Philippine women's ice hockey, known for her leadership and significant contributions to the national team. As the captain of the Philippine Eagles, she has been instrumental in elevating the sport's profile in the country.Danielle Lourdes Imperial is a standout member of the Philippines’ women’s national ice hockey team, widely recognized for her impactful play and clutch performances on the international stage.One of her most notable contributions came during the 2019 IIHF Women’s Challenge Cup of Asia, where she played a pivotal role in helping the team capture the gold medal. In the final match against the United Arab Emirates, Imperial scored a crucial goal that doubled the Philippines' lead to 2-0 — a decisive moment in the tightly contested game.Although the UAE managed to score late, narrowing the gap, the Philippines held on for a 2-1 victory. Imperial’s goal proved vital in securing the win and underscored her ability to perform under pressure on the biggest stage.

Filipino warriors stood tall in an electrifying night of boxing at the Thrilla in Manila II card, as Marlon Tapales, Melvin Jerusalem, Eumir Marcial, and Carl Jammes Martin each delivered spectacular victories before a roaring home crowd at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.Tapales Ends Venezuelan’s Dream Run Venezuela’s Fernando Toro came charging for glory against former world champion Marlon “The Nightmare” Tapales, but the Filipino veteran unleashed his fury to score a sixth-round stoppage in their super bantamweight clash. Tapales improved to 25-4 (22 KOs).Jerusalem Retains WBC Crown Reigning WBC minimumweight champion Melvin Jerusalem successfully defended his title for the third time, outpointing South Africa’s Siyakholwa Kuse via unanimous decision. Scores read 115-113, 116-112, 116-112 — all for the Filipino, who now boasts a 25-3 (12 KOs) record.Marcial Survives Two Knockdowns, Captures WBC International Title Olympic bronze medalist Eumir Marcial proved his heart and grit, surviving two knockdowns to defeat Venezuela’s Eddy Colmenares via majority decision in their WBC International middleweight title bout. Scores were 94-94, 95-93, 95-93, with Marcial improving to 7-0.Martin Stays Unbeaten with Comeback Win Unbeaten prospect Carl Jammes Martin showed championship resilience, recovering from a third-round knockdown to dominate Thailand’s Aran Dipaen and score a unanimous decision victory, capturing the WBO International super bantamweight title and keeping his 27-0 (24 KOs) record intact.From Tapales’ vintage power to Marcial’s iron will, the Thrilla in Manila II proved that Filipino boxing remains alive, dangerous, and ready to conquer the world once again.

De La Salle University capped a flawless elimination round run in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge after outlasting University of Santo Tomas in a gripping five-set showdown, 23-25, 25-21, 25-23, 24-26, 15-12, on Monday, September 29, at the FilOil Centre in San Juan.Fueled by a balanced attack, the Green Spikers leaned on Issa Ousseini’s all-around brilliance, finishing with 20 points built on 13 attacks and seven blocks. Rui Ventura came off the bench to spark La Salle with 18 points, including the decisive hit that gave them breathing room in the fifth set. Eugene Gloria also played a stellar two-way game, chipping in 17 attacks, 16 excellent receptions, and a backrow kill that sealed the sweep.

Haydee Ong has accepted a new role as commissioner of the newly-formed Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL).The University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigresses’ seasoned mentor who ended the National University Lady Bulldogs’ reign as UAAP Women’s Basketball champions will take part in orchestrating plans to take the women’s basketball to the next level.The inaugural WMPBL will kick off on January 19, 2025, with the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan serving as its home. Among the foremost plans of the newly-appointed commissioner for the first season of the league is to feature eight to ten teams consisting of four UAAP squads and the remaining teams will be coming from LGU-based groups.