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.

The Capital1 Solar Spikers won their first game of the 2024–25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference after prevailing over the Nxled Chameleons in four sets, 21-25, 25-21, 25-15, 25-18, on Saturday, November 30, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.The Solar Spikers ended a three-game losing streak and improved their record to 1-3 after rallying from an eight-point deficit in the second set.With a 13–20 deficit, Capital1 was on the verge of losing the second set after losing the first frame. However, the arrival of May Macatuno, replacing Iris Tolenada off the bench sparked a change in momentum.

The Premier Volleyball League (PVL) is heading into a thrilling August stretch, with the 2025 Invitational Conference officially set to unfold from August 19 to 31.According to the league’s official website, the midseason meet will serve as a 12-day mini-tournament featuring six teams, kicking off just two days after the conclusion of the PVL On Tour.The field will include the Top 4 semifinalists from the ongoing PVL On Tour, alongside two guest teams whose identities have yet to be announced. Buzz continues to build around a possible entry by Alas Pilipinas, the women’s national team, though league and federation officials have yet to confirm their participation.All preliminary matches are scheduled to be played at Philsports Arena, the league’s main venue, before shifting to the Smart Araneta Coliseum for the final three playdates.

Akari wasted no time in claiming a podium finish, sweeping the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in straight sets, 25-15, 26-24, 26-24, to capture the bronze medal in the 2024–25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference Finals.The Chargers quickly established dominance, capitalizing on Choco Mucho’s early unforced errors to build momentum. A blistering 7-0 run in the second set showcased Akari’s composure and control, as they kept the pressure on the Flying Titans.With their firepower on full display, Akari surged to an 18-12 lead. However, a screening violation gave Choco Mucho a much-needed break, halting Akari’s run and shifting the tide. 

Team Philippines celebrated a golden double in Muay at the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Manama, Bahrain, as young standouts Lyre Anie Ngina and Zeth Gabriel Bueno captured top honors in their respective Wai Kru divisions on Sunday, October 26.Ngina opened the country’s campaign with a commanding performance in the Girls’ Wai Kru 14–15 division, delivering a near-flawless routine that showcased grace, precision, and discipline. The 14-year-old Filipina impressed the judges with a 9.00 score, edging Malaysia’s Auryelle Xzandra Bobby (8.80) and Thailand’s Kittima Yotsombat (8.60) to secure the gold at the Exhibition World Grand Hall.Following her lead, Bueno extended the nation’s success by ruling the Boys’ Wai Kru 14–15 category, producing an outstanding performance that earned a remarkable 9.17 points—surpassing Thailand’s Daonuea Phuangmali (9.00) to clinch the top spot.Their victories highlighted the Philippines’ growing strength in Muay, a traditional martial art rooted in culture and discipline. Both Ngina and Bueno’s golden finishes not only brought pride to the nation but also underscored the promise of the country’s next generation of martial artists on the Asian stage.Their golden triumph further boosted the Philippines’ medal haul, bringing the nation’s tally to six golds, five silvers, and six bronze, solidifying its position among the top contenders in the overall standings.

In a dramatic and unforgettable finish, Carlo Baltonado delivered a golden moment for the Philippines at the 47th Southeast Asian Shooting Association (SEASA) Championship held in Photharam, Thailand.Baltonado showcased nerves of steel in a tense 25-target shoot-off, narrowly edging his opponent by just one clay to secure the individual gold medal. His victory not only highlighted his remarkable precision and composure under pressure but also marked a proud milestone for Philippine shooting sports on the regional stage.Teaming up with Cong. Richard Gomez, Jakey Ancheta, and Jed Rivilla, Baltonado also helped steer the Philippine Sporting Clays Team to a silver medal finish in the team category — a testament to the squad’s growing presence and consistency in international competition.Guiding the team throughout the tournament was Olympic Skeet Bronze Medalist Anthony Terras, whose leadership and technical expertise played a key role in refining the group’s performance. Under his mentorship, the national team continues to build on its momentum and reaffirm its standing among Southeast Asia’s best.The triumph in Thailand stands as another shining chapter in the Philippines’ shooting history — a victory defined by precision, discipline, and heart.

Filipino cue artist Johann Chua was crowned king of the Hanoi Open Pool Championship 2024 after defeating Chinese Taipei's Ko Pin Yi, 13-7, in the race-to-13 finals last Sunday. It was Chua's first 9-ball world title at the Hanoi Indoor Game Gymnasium in Vietnam.Before entering the finals, Chua first defeated his compatriot Carlo Biado, 11-5 in the semifinals. At the beginning of the match between Chua and Ko, the two players were still going toe-to-toe because their easy shots in the 3-ball and 7-ball were still missing.Yi was the first to win the first rack but Chua didn't give in despite of nervy start, who didn't get a chance so he immediately took four wins in a row until he claimed the crown.His Chinese Taipei bet committed a foul on the 2-ball on rack 16 which gave the opening for Chua to once again regain the table to restore his lead.This is where Chua gained momentum and was careful with his turns and also took advantage of the opportunity to get the 19th rack, until the 20th rack, and his turns became more smooth and here he claimed the expected title after falling short in the World Pool Championship semifinals and in the Europe Open finals.Chua, a 32-year-old cue master, emotionally receives the prize of his labor amounting to $30,000 cash prize and he wants to show the Vietnamese and Filipino fans the skill and the talent of Pinoys in the field of billiards. “Sa Vietnam last night, ang dami ng tao but iba pa rin yung mag-perform ka sa sarili mong bansa and my family and friends talaga. Yun yung mga bagay na sobrang excited ako ngayon and hindi ko maantay na makapag-perform ako bukas (Reyes Cup),” said Chua.

The Philippine women’s national football team saw a promising lead slip away as Uzbekistan rallied late to force a 2-2 draw in their international friendly on Wednesday night at Rizal Memorial Stadium.After a ten-day training camp in Manila, the Filipinas looked sharp early, with Chandler McDaniel scoring just two minutes into the match off a brilliant setup by Meryll Serrano. Serrano later doubled the advantage in the 56th minute to give the hosts a 2-0 cushion.However, Uzbekistan’s Diyorakhon Khabibullaeva stole the spotlight, pulling one back with a long-range free kick in the 67th minute before capitalizing on a defensive miscue to equalize in the 81st.The result was a tough pill to swallow for the world No. 39 Filipinas, who are using the friendly as part of their preparations for the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in December.

Veteran spikers Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo will headline Alas Pilipinas Men as the team makes its first-ever appearance at the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025. “Ito, big tournament talaga. Lahat naman po kami talaga ready. Pero siyempre as a team, malayo pa. Malayo pa yung kailangan gawin. Pero malayo na rin ang in-improve ng team since nagsama-sama kami before training camp sa Europe,” said Espejo. The duo will lead a roster featuring Leo Ordiales, Michaelo Buddin, Jade Disquitado, Louie Ramirez, setter Owa Retamar, and backup Eco Adajar.The middle blockers are Kim Malabunga, Peng Taguibolos, and Lloyd Josafat, with defensive duties handled by Josh Ybañez, Jack Kalingking, and Vince Lorenzo. “It’s a big challenge for us middle blockers because we have to protect the team through our blocking,” said Malabunga. “That’s why we need to apply everything coach Angiolino [Frigoni] is teaching us so we can help the team. So far, our training has been really good. Our transitions are improving,” he added. Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni will steer the squad, who prepared with a European training camp.“Coach Angiolino [Frigoni] always reminds us that it doesn’t have to be a complete block. What matters is at least getting a touch on the ball, slowing it down — that’s the goal. That will help our team,” echoed Josafat.“I know it’s going to be difficult for me because of the height disparity. Our opponents will be much taller for sure. But if we can’t score on the attack or get a clean block, we’ll find other ways to contribute to the team,” Taguibolos said.And if the middle blockers form the wall at the net, the liberos are the shield on the floor — the last line of defense, keeping rallies alive with every dig and reception.Jack Kalingking and Vince Lorenzo, along with Josh Ybañez, take on the responsibility of keeping rallies alive, knowing their steadiness could make all the difference in the nation’s World Championship debut.“I’ll just apply what we learned in Europe, what our coaches taught us, and of course, it feels great that if I manage to dig or receive the ball, it’s already a big accomplishment. It means I’ve done my role,” Lorenzo said.Veteran Kalingking, who was also part of the national team that claimed silver in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, serves as an anchor not only on the floor but also in the minds of his younger teammates.“The most important thing is probably guiding them the right way — showing the right character, how to help the team, and of course, building their confidence so they can show they’re not afraid on the court,” he said.Meanwhile, with the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship looming from September 12-28 Alas Pilipinas’ defenders are preparing for the toughest challenge of their careers. Knowing that every dig, reception, and block could be decisive against taller, more experienced opponents, Alas Pilipinas’ backline is sharpening its discipline and resilience ahead of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship. The Philippines opens its campaign against Tunisia this Friday, September 12 at the Mall of Asia Arena, determined to hold their own against the world’s best.

The Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) has named Filipino gymnast Carlos Yulo as the 2024 Athlete of the Year in recognition of his gold medal achievement at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.Yulo’s achievement of becoming the first Filipino athlete to win two gold medals at the Olympics was a fitting tribute to the nation’s 100 years of Summer Games participation.The 24-year-old Yulo led the Philippines by ruling the floor exercise and vault apparatus events in gymnastics, setting a record the country has never previously achieved in the history of the quadrennial showcase. He became the second athlete to win the Olympic gold medal, following in the footsteps of weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, who ended the country’s search for the elusive gold during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.Yulo’s noteworthy achievement for the country made him the obvious pick for Athlete of the Year honors when the PSA hosts its Awards Night on January 27 at the Manila Hotel.

Barangay Ginebra took another win at the expense of the Meralco Bolts, 100-92, in the Game 1 of their PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals bout last night, February 5, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.It was the fifth straight win of the Gin Kings this season against Meralco, whom they swept in their semifinals match-up last Governors’ Cup, 3-0, and defeated in the elimination round of this season’s Comm’s Cup.Scottie Thompson had an all-around game to lead the way for Ginebra, tallying 23 points, seven rebounds, six assists, seven steals, and a block.Justin Brownlee also chipped in 23 markers, while Japeth Aguilar and RJ Abarrientos added 19 and 14, respectively.

Akari began their title hunt after defeating Galeries Tower in four sets, 28-30, 25-15, 25-16, 25-23, making a victorious start in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Saturday, November 9, at the Philsports Arena.Among the fueled Chargers, veteran hitter Eli Soyud tallied a game-high 21 points built on six blocks, including the game-winning hits in the fourth set that sealed the victory for the Akari team.Returning player Faith Nisperos, Reinforced Conference Best Outside Spiker Grethcel Soltones, and Ivy Lacsina all scored 16 markers apiece.

Karl Eldrew Yulo did not stop on the medal hunt after winning eight gold medals in the recently concluded 2024 Chiu Wai Chung Cup in Hong Kong.Yulo dominated the eight individual and team events. He first won the individual all-around before successively winning all six apparatuses: floor exercise, vault, parallel bars, horizontal bar, pommel horse, and still rings, which the junior men’s artistic gymnastics team relied on to lead the team event.Yulo's victory was part of the 14 gold, six silver, and five bronze medals that the Philippines will bring home from tournaments hosted by the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines in 2024.Yulo is currently being trained by Japanese gymnast coach Munehiro Kugemiya, who was the former coach of his older brother, Carlos Edriel "Caloy" Yulo, who won two gold medals in the Paris Olympics last August.Aside from Eldrew Yulo, the senior men's artistic gymnastics team also won the gold medal in the team event.Miguel Besana won three gold medals in the seniors individual all-around, floor exercise, and pommel horse, while Justine Ace De Leon led the way in the still rings and parallel bars mints.Besana also won three silver medals in the rings, parallel bars, and vault, and a bronze in the horizontal bar. De Leon also came home with a bronze in the vault.Among the other medalists are Hilarion Palles III for pommel horse bronze and parallel bars bronze, John Matthew Vergara for horizontal bar silver and parallel bars bronze, Jhon Romeo Santillan for floor exercise silver, and Jan Gwynn Timbang for pommel horse silver.

Former champions Carlo Biado and Johann Chua kicked off their title bids in strong fashion at the 2025 World Pool Championships in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.Chua delivered a commanding start at the World Pool Championship, blanking hometown favorite Mohamed Al-Balkhi, 9-0, to advance to the second round.Fresh off his Knight Shot Open triumph in Dubai, Chua’s impressive win set the tone for the Philippine contingent’s dominant campaign, with 16 out of 18 Filipino players moving on to the next stage. Chua is set to face Oliver Szolnoki next.Filipino cue artist Carlo Biado, on the other hand, defeated Jan Van Lierop of the Netherlands, 9-5, while last year’s semifinalist Chua blanked local hopeful Mohammed Al-Balkhi, 9-0.Meanwhile, fourteen other Filipino cue artists remain in contention after the opening round.Advancing to the next stage were Roland Garcia, who routed Dutch star Niels Feijen, 9-4; Marvin Asis, who edged Spain’s David Alcaide, 9-8; Michael Feliciano, who cruised past Poland’s Konrad Juszczyszyn, 9-3; Bernie Regalario, who dominated Kuwait’s Abdullah Alenzi, 9-2; and Patrick Gonzales, who beat Czechia’s Roman Hybler, 9-3.James Aranas, the 2023 World Cup Pool co-champion, overcame Egypt’s Wesam Hamamm, 9-4, while Lee Vann Corteza, a multi-SEA Games gold medalist, outlasted Al Waleed Al-Mudayan of Saudi Arabia, 9-7.

After years of steady growth and clutch performances, LJay Gonzales has officially declared for the PBA Season 50 Rookie Draft, marking the next step in a career built on leadership, consistency, and grit.A product of Far Eastern University, Gonzales rose to prominence as the Tamaraws’ reliable floor general, guiding the team through pressure-packed UAAP battles with his composure and playmaking. His collegiate career peaked with a Mythical Five selection in UAAP Season 86, solidifying his status as one of the league’s top guards.Standing out for more than just his passing, Gonzales displayed a well-rounded game in his final year with FEU, averaging 14.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.0 steals per contest—numbers that highlight his ability to impact both ends of the floor. Known for his quickness, defensive instincts, and timely shot-making, he built a reputation as a closer capable of delivering in crunch time.

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.

Gymnasts and siblings Karl and Elaiza Yulo were among those who were recognized in the recently concluded 4th Siklab Youth Sports Awards held last Thursday, December 5 in Taguig City.Gymnast Karl Eldrew was among the Youth Heroes awardees, while Elaiza received the Super Kids award.Eldrew recently won four gold medals in the 3rd JRC Artistic Gymnastics Stars Championships in Bangkok, Thailand, while Elaiza has also been making her own name in gymnastics and now a recipient of the Milo Emerging Athlete Award and Most Bemedalled Women's Artistic Gymnastics Athlete in Palarong Pambansa. Eldrew and Elaiza will also be mentored by their brother Carlos Yulo's former coach, Munehiro Kugimiya.

If Justin Brownlee were to ask, Kai Sotto has the capacity and potential to play in the National Basketball Association (NBA).This was what Brownlee said after Gilas Pilipinas’ successful matches against New Zealand and Hong Kong last Thursday and Sunday night at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.According to the three-time PBA best import, Sotto's performance level in their past games proved that he is capable of competing in the type and class of play in the NBA.Apart from that, Kai also has a big advantage in having a 7-foot-3 height, and besides this, he has the strong physique and skills of an NBA player.“Man, I've been saying, I feel like he's good enough to play in the NBA. Yeah, in my honest opinion. Of course, he's got the height, he's got the size and the skill. But he's been through so much,”  Brownlee said. The six-time champion also said that Kai Sotto has great potential to be included in the NBA because of the qualities he has seen since he recently played with him. He also said that Kai will go far if he can play in the oldest professional basketball league in the world.“For me, it's just great to see, you know, a young player like him with so much potential and just to see him start fulfilling his potential. He's got a long way to go. You know, he's only in his early 20s. So, I'm happy for his progression and I'm excited to see what the future holds for him,” Brownlee added. It can be recalled that Sotto recorded 12 points, 15 rebounds, two blocks and two assists in Gilas Pilipinas' previous match against Hong Kong, while last Thursday in their match against New Zealand, Sotto recorded 19 markers, 10 boards and seven dimes.The wins of Gilas in window 2 gave them a solid hold of the lead in Group B with 4-0 win-loss record.After sweeping the second window of the qualifiers, Gilas is now qualified for the FIBA ​​Asia Cup to be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in August next year.Meanwhile, Gilas will next face Chinese Taipei in the third window of the FIBA ​​Asia Cup Qualifiers on February 20 and Gilas against New Zealand again on February 23.

The Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots survived the grit of the Terrafirma Dyip to carve out an 89-84 victory in their battle last night, January 10, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.Magnolia improved their record to 3-5 and still held on to their chance of making it to the playoffs of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup.The win also gave the Hotshots their 20th straight triumph against the Terrafirma, which fell down to 0-9 in the conference and officially put them out of contention in the next round.

World No. 1 Poland bounced back from a semifinal heartbreak to end their campaign on a winning note, capturing the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship bronze medal on Sunday, September 28, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.The Poles clinched their first-ever bronze medal finish in a hard-fought four-set clash against dark-horse Czechia, 25-18, 23-25, 25-22, 25-21, in front of a 6,535 electrifying crowd.