Barangay Ginebra bounced back in Game 2 of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup Finals, finishing with a hard-fought 71-70 victory over TNT Tropang Giga on Sunday, March 16, at the Mall of Asia Arena and now tying the series 1-1.Justin Brownlee carried the offensive load for Ginebra, finishing with 35 points and 11 rebounds in another stellar performance. Scottie Thompson added 16 markers, 12 boards, and a game-high seven dimes while coming up with a crucial defensive stop in the crucial moments of the game.Japeth Aguilar contributed eight points and eight rebounds, while Stephen Holt made his presence felt on both ends, especially on guarding TNT’s import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson all night.Holt held his ground and teamed up with Thompson for the game-sealing defensive stand. He also added seven points, four rebounds, and two steals.Rondae Hollis-Jefferson led the charge for TNT, posting 25 points, 15 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and two blocks. Despite his dominant play, he was neutralized in the final two possessions, allowing Ginebra to escape with the win.Rey Nambatac and RR Pogoy were the only other Tropang Giga players to score in double figures. Nambatac chipped in 14 points, three rebounds, and five assists, while Pogoy provided 11 points, including a clutch three-pointer at the 3:40 mark that gave TNT its first lead of the game.Ginebra controlled most of the contest, but Pogoy’s late triple with 3:40 left in the game, briefly put TNT ahead, setting up a tense finish. However, Brownlee and the Gin Kings responded with timely buckets and defensive stops, holding on to win in front of over 12,000 fans.A key factor in Ginebra’s victory was their perimeter defense. After allowing TNT to shoot 14-of-37 from deep in Game 1, the Gin Kings tightened up in Game 2, limiting Tropang Giga to just 6-of-31 from beyond the arc.With the series now tied, both teams will look to make adjustments to get one game ahead as they battle in the pivotal Game 3.

Talks now are underway for the country’s potential hosting of a WTA event, a move that could mark a major milestone for Philippine tennis.The proposed WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open is being targeted for January 26 to February 1 next year, following initial discussions between the Philippine Lawn Tennis Association (Philta), the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), and Navotas Mayor John Rey Tiangco.Also discussed was opening the historic Rizal Memorial Tennis Courts to the public, aiming to expand grassroots access to the sport.“Our partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission paves the way for a new chapter in Philippine tennis,” said Tiangco, who also serves as Philta secretary general. “From pursuing the hosting of the WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open and ITF J30 to opening Rizal Memorial courts to the public and building the Philippine Tennis Center in New Clark City, we are bringing world-class opportunities closer to home. Tennis transforms lives, and with PSC’s support, we are determined to help Filipinos rise and shine on the world stage.”If the plan materializes, fans may even witness Filipina star Alex Eala competing on home soil—a potential highlight as she continues her climb in the global rankings.For PSC Chairman John Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, the initiative goes beyond hosting a single tournament.“This is more than a tournament. This is about giving our athletes the chance to test themselves against the world’s best, inspiring the next generation, and placing the Philippines firmly on the global tennis map. The greatest champions began their journeys on public courts. By opening access and investing in world-class events, we are giving Filipinos the same chance to dream big and achieve greatness.” Gregorio stressed. Beyond the WTA discussions, the Philippines is also set to host the ITF J30 Tournament later this year, featuring promising players aged 13 to 18.With both grassroots development and elite competitions in play, Philippine tennis is gearing up for a future that blends accessibility, international exposure, and the dream of producing more homegrown champions.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has officially approved the establishment of the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee (NST-IAC) through Administrative Order No. 38, marking a major step toward strengthening the Philippines’ position as a regional hub for sports tourism.The NST-IAC is tasked to harmonize, coordinate, and promote government efforts that integrate sports and tourism—transforming athletic excellence into a driver of youth empowerment, tourism growth, and regional development.Under the directive, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Pato Gregorio will head the committee, with the Department of Tourism (DOT) serving as vice-chair. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) are designated as members.“Sports can enable the youth, enable regional development, enable tourism, and enable new industries,” said Gregorio, underscoring the committee’s vision.President Marcos, a known sports advocate, recognizes that hosting international sporting events and developing local talent not only elevates Filipino athletes but also boosts tourism and global recognition for the country.With the creation of the NST-IAC, the Philippines is poised to merge sports and tourism into a powerful engine for national progress—showcasing Filipino talent, passion, and hospitality to the world.

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.

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.

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.

Three Filipino women’s pairs and two men’s tandems are set to compete for main draw berths in the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Challenge 2025 qualifiers on Wednesday at the Nuvali Sands Court in Santa Rosa, Laguna.Ronniel Rosales and Rancel Varga, along with Edwin Tolentino and Larry John Francisco, open the men’s campaign at 9 a.m. against international opponents. Meanwhile, top Filipino duo James Buytrago and Ran Abdilla earned an automatic slot in the main draw as seeded entries. 

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.

Despite a stellar debut from Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, the Meralco Bolts faltered late and suffered an 81–72 road loss to the Ryukyu Golden Kings in their East Asia Super League opener on Wednesday, October 22, in Okinawa, Japan.The former NBA standout and three-time PBA Best Import powered the Bolts with 25 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks, showing flashes of brilliance even without key teammates Justin Brownlee and Sina Vahedi.Hollis-Jefferson found solid support from Ismael Romero, who posted a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds, while Chris Newsome and CJ Cansino added 12 and 11 points, respectively.Meralco mounted a late rally, cutting the deficit to two, 72–74, on a Newsome three-pointer, but Ryukyu answered with a decisive 7-0 closing run behind Ryo Sadohara and Ryuichi Kishimoto. Sadohara drilled a clutch triple to seal the win, while Kishimoto led the Golden Kings with 22 points, 8 assists, and 4 steals.The Bolts missed the dynamic presence of Brownlee, who starred for Gilas Pilipinas in the 2023 Asian Games, and Vahedi, an All-Tournament Team member from the FIBA Asia Cup.Now 0–1 in Group B, Meralco aims to regroup as it heads to Taiwan to face Taoyuan on November 2, determined to translate Hollis-Jefferson’s strong performance into their first EASL victory.

The FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025 will begin on September 12 with the opening match between the host nation, the Philippines, and Tunisia at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.The 64th-ranked Philippine men’s volleyball team will play world No. 24 Tunisia, an 11-time African champion, to round out the largest edition of the global tournament.After its tournament debut, Alas will take a four-day break before starting its home campaign against the current African champion and world No. 20 Egypt.The host team will play Iran, the second-highest ranked Asian team, on September 18 to wrap up pool play in what may be a make-or-break matchup for a berth in the Round of 16.The remaining eight-pool, 32-team field will be divided across the Pasay City site  and the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.Pools D featuring USA, E piloted by Slovenia, and H starring Brazil will play at the MOA Arena with Alas and Pool A.Meanwhile, Pool B with top-ranked Poland, C with second-seeded France, F with powerhouse Italy and G with fan-favorite Japan will stage pool play at the Big Dome.The knockout stage will take place in Pasay over eight days, from September 20 to September 28.

Vietnamese volleyball star Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen has been ruled out of the 2025 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand following a recurrence of an abdominal muscle injury.Her absence was confirmed after her name was left off the official Vietnam women’s national team roster for both the training camp and the tournament.Bich Tuyen, known for her explosive scoring and power, had also skipped the 2025 FIVB Women’s World Championship earlier this year, initially citing personal and family reasons as well as issues related to new FIVB eligibility rules. However, reports now reveal that her lingering injury has once again flared up, sidelining her from international competition.The setback is a major blow for Vietnam, which will look to adjust its lineup as it aims to stay competitive in the regional volleyball scene.Meanwhile, team captain Tran Thi Thanh Thuy (4T) and middle blocker Tran Thi Bich Thuy are set to join the national team’s training camp in early December, once they conclude their ongoing stints in Japan’s V.League.Both players are expected to bring veteran leadership and international experience to bolster Vietnam’s campaign in the upcoming 2025 SEA Games in Thailand.

Philippine tennis star Alex Eala will kick off her preparations for the 2026 season by competing in the 2025 MGM Macau Tennis Masters, an invitational tournament slated for December 27–28 at the Macao Forum.The 20-year-old, who finished inside the WTA Top 50 this year, will join fellow WTA star Mirra Andreeva in the two-day event, which also features team captains and Grand Slam champions Li Na and Conchita Martinez. Eala and Andreeva are the only WTA players in the lineup, with one more participant yet to be announced.Eala’s appearance in Macau follows her participation with the Philippine team at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand earlier in December. She is currently enjoying a short break in the Philippines before diving into her offseason training and competitive schedule.The invitational will also showcase top ATP players, including home favorite Shang Juncheng, ATP World No. 10 Jack Draper, and Jakub Mensik, making the event a high-profile curtain-raiser ahead of the next tennis season.For Eala, the Macau Tennis Masters represents an early test against top international competition and a chance to build momentum heading into a critical 2026 campaign.

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 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.

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.

Shaina Nitura unleashed a record game debut to lead Adamson to a thrilling reverse sweep over Ateneo de Manila University, 21-25, 20-25, 25-12, 25-15, 15-12, in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Sunday, February 16, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.The homegrown Adamson product reset the UAAP scoring record for a rookie in her debut game as she unloaded 33 points anchored on 28 attacks, four blocks, and one ace, while also grabbing five digs and seven receptions. Despite Nitura surpassing the record previously set by University of Santo Tomas’s Angge Poyos, who fired 31 markers last season, she downplayed the achievement. 

Phoenix Fuel Masters tapped the services of the dead-shot wingman from the Dominican Republic Brandone Francis to be their replacement import in the ongoing PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup.Francis will begin his PBA journey when Phoenix faces the George King and the Blackwater Bossing on September 3 in the first game of the doubleheader at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.The longtime import for Prawira Harum Bandung in the Indonesia Basketball League or IBL who helped the team win a title last year, will replace Jayveous McKinnis as the Fuel Masters reinforcement.Supposedly, Le’Bryan Nash will be the one to replace McKinnis but he was ruled ineligible as he went over the 6-foot-6 height limit. He was measured 6’6” ⅜ by the league.Francis in town was listed 6-foot-4 in the IBL, the reason why Phoenix team is confident that he will make the cut even though he will just be measured at the PBA office a few hours before their 5:00 pm game.The new import might be familiar with some of the PBA’s current young guns as the now 29-year-old Dominican guard played against Gilas Pilipinas in the 2021 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament held in Serbia.Now, the Dominican Republic men’s team stalwart is joining a Fuel Masters side hoping to get its first win of the conference as it is currently 0-3 in Group B.

Alas Pilipinas Men are ready to make history as the Philippines hosts the FIVB Men’s World Championship for the first time. The national volleyball team, led by star spiker Marck Espejo, expressed excitement at the recent Media Day held at the National Museum of Natural History in Manila.“It’s an honor to be part of this historic event. We’re excited to play and show the level and brand of Philippine volleyball in the world stage,” Espejo said.The team’s preparations included a European training camp and a home tune-up against Portugal. “Sa matagal naming pagsasama sa Europe, nakila po namin lalo ang isa’t isa. Ready na po kami maglaro para sa bayan. Pangakong gagawin po namin ‘yung best namin hindi lang basta makadikit o makakuha ng set pero para manalo ng games.” Espejo addedOrganizers expect over 10,000 fans to fill the Mall of Asia Arena for the September 12 opener, where the Philippines will face Tunisia. K-pop group BoyNextDoor will also perform during the opening festivities.With preparations complete and national pride on the line, Alas Pilipinas Men are fired up to compete on volleyball’s biggest stage.This also highlights their excitement, recent training, and the significance of the upcoming tournament.PNVF President, Ramon “Tats” Suzara also leads heads the world championship’s Local Organizing Committee co-chaired by Presidential son William Vincent “Vinny” Araneta Marcos, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, explaining Alas’ first pre-event for the world stage was a visit at the National Museum. Alas, led by team captain Bryan Bagunas and veteran ace Marck Espejo, roamed around the museum for over an hour to take a trip down memory lane in 12 permanent galleries that exhibit the rich biological and geological diversity of the Philippines.“We are days away from history. Let’s make this happen and show the world that the Filipinos are one of the best fans in the world,” Suzara said.

Converge gained a head start in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup quarterfinals showdown after earning a 130-118 victory over Rain or Shine on Wednesday, February 5, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.Justin Arana delivered an outstanding performance after recovering from a knee injury that saw the FiberXers overcome a 17-point deficit to win the first game of the best-of-three quarterfinals. He finished with 22 points and eight rebounds off the bench.Import Cheick Diallo led the charge, firing 35 markers on top of 17 boards and three rejections in the win which saw him and the FiberXers take advantage of the early withdrawal of Rain or Shine counterpart Deon Thomspon in the third frame due to six fouls.

Gilas Pilipinas’ naturalized star Justin Brownlee will be sidelined from the team’s upcoming basketball games as he recovers from pneumonia, team officials confirmed.Brownlee, a key contributor in recent international campaigns, is currently undergoing medical treatment and observation. According to the Gilas medical team, his health remains the top priority, and he will return to action only once fully cleared by doctors.Meralco Bolts head coach Luigi Trillo noted, “We’re waiting for Justin, he is our naturalized (player) so he’s an option to play. He would be a big help if he was here.”The development comes as Gilas prepares for the next phase of training and competitions, with head coach Tim Cone emphasizing that Brownlee’s recovery takes precedence over the schedule.“Justin’s health is our main concern. We want him to get back to 100% before stepping on the court again,” said Cone.