Marck Espejo’s journey from a young Marikina native to one of the Philippines’ most decorated volleyball icons is nothing short of inspiring. His name now echoes across Asian courts as a symbol of excellence and perseverance.Born on March 1, 1997, Espejo discovered his love for volleyball at a young age. His dream began taking shape during his time at Santa Elena High School. Espejo quickly rose through the ranks, securing Best Attacker awards at prestigious tournaments like the 2012 Palarong Pambasa, 2011 Milo Little Olympics, and the 2012 and NCR Volleyball Regional Meet. His exceptional performance quickly put him on the national radar. Ateneo de Manila University saw the potential in the young spiker and brought him in to join the Blue Eagles’ men’s volleyball team. In his UAAP debut during Season 76, Espejo made an immediate impact by claiming both the Rookie of the Year and the Season MVP honors—an extraordinary achievement for a first-year player.That was only the beginning.Espejo spearheaded Ateneo’s championship dynasty from Season 77 to 79, claiming three straight UAAP titles and dominating the individual awards list with multiple Best Attacker, Best Server, Best Scorer, and MVP honors. He closed out his collegiate career with a historic 55-point explosion against FEU in the Season 80 semifinals, cementing his legacy with one of the most remarkable performances in UAAP history.

The Alas Pilipinas Men suffered their second straight loss in the AVC Men’s Volleyball Nations Cup 2025 after bowing to Chinese Taipei, 19-25, 25-23, 28-30, 20-25, on Wednesday, June 18, in Manama, Bahrain.The loss has relegated the team to the classification phase of the tournament where they will face the defeated teams in other pools to determine their final standing. Team captain Marck Espejo led the Alas Men with a game-high 26 points from 22 attacks and four blocks after a brief knee injury scare during the fourth set. Earlier in the tournament opener against Pakistan—a match the Nationals fell short—Espejo sustained an ankle injury but was later medically cleared to continue playing.Leo Ordiales backstopped Espejo’s effort with 15 markers. 

The TNT Tropang 5G kept their Grand Slam bid alive after surviving the grit and grind of the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots, 89-88, on Wednesday, June 18, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.RR Pogoy came alive in the pivotal moments, finishing with 30 points to lead TNT to a crucial victory and force a knockout game on Saturday, June 21."Mindset ko lang eh ayaw ko magpatalo, ayaw ko mag-bakasyon," said Pogoy, who helped erase a 13-point Magnolia lead.Supporting Pogoy in the must-win game were Calvin Oftana and Jordan Heading, who chipped in 21 and 10 points, respectively.Veteran Kelly Williams and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser also came up big, scoring 12 and 10 points. They drained back-to-back triples in the dying minutes to help seal the win.

Five years ago, Mario Barrios would have been the perfect matchup for eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao. At 6’0 tall and not the most agile, Barrios embodies the type of fighter that Pacquiao excelled against in his prime—tall, flat-footed, and susceptible to quick movements and speed.Pacquiao is also the first boxer in history to win major world titles in four of the original eight weight classes of boxing: flyweight, featherweight, lightweight, and welterweight.Throughout his storied career, the 5-foot-5 Filipino superstar consistently took down larger opponents like Oscar De La Hoya and Antonio Margarito, utilizing his signature speed and footwork to deliver quick combinations before slipping away from their reach.However, that was a different time.Now, at 46 years old, Pacquiao hasn’t been in the ring professionally for four years. His last fight—a unanimous decision defeat against Yordenis Ugas in 2021—revealed signs of wear and tear, even against an opponent who seemed like a good fit stylistically.This reality is what casts Pacquiao as an underdog ahead of his much-anticipated comeback against Barrios on July 19 (July 20 in Manila) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Nevertheless, he shouldn't be underestimated.Justine Fortune, Pacquiao's long-time strength and conditioning coach, believes Pacquiao still has a spark. Fortune expressed high praise for Pacquiao’s recent training sessions in Los Angeles. “Look, on the mitts and bags, they don’t hit back, but he’s looking as sharp as he did six or seven years ago. He hasn’t lost a step,” said Fortune.He also noted that Barrios, while talented, isn’t the hardest target to hit. “Barrios takes a lot of punches, and Pacquiao is definitely the last person you want hitting you like that. Once you take those shots, you can start swelling up, and if he clips you, it could lead to cuts.”And when asked for his prediction? Fortune was straightforward: “I see a stoppage. This fight won’t go the distance.”

Despite a blazing start, Filipino tennis ace Alex Eala saw her campaign at the WTA 250 Nottingham Open come to an early end after a 4-6, 3-6 first-round defeat to Poland’s Magda Linette on Tuesday night, June 17.The 20-year-old raced to a 3-0 lead in just seven minutes, but veteran campaigner Linette, ranked No. 31, found her rhythm by the fourth game. The Polish star turned the tide, leveling the match at 3-3 before surging ahead 5-3 and eventually taking the first set.Eala attempted to fight back in the second set, which featured tighter exchanges, with the score knotted at 2-all. However, her opponent’s experience and composure took over once again, as she pulled away to secure the win in one hour and 38 minutes.Meanwhile, Linette advances to the Round of 16, where she awaits the winner between Great Britain’s Mingge Xu and American Katie Volynets.Despite the loss, Eala’s appearance in Nottingham marked her third consecutive grass-court tournament in a matter of two weeks. She previously suffered a first-round exit at the Birmingham Classic and reached the quarterfinals at the Ilkley Open.Eala made it to the Nottingham main draw after winning two matches in the qualifying rounds. She is expected to continue her grass-court campaign in preparation for her debut at the 2025 Wimbledon Championships later this month.

Fresh off from their dominant three-day Alas Pilipinas Invitationals, Alas Men absorbed a four-set loss, 25-18, 25-12, 18-25, 25-22, to World No. 49 Pakistan in their game opener of the AVC Men’s Volleyball Nations Cup 2025, Tuesday night, June 17, in Manama, Bahrain.Following a rough start in the first two sets, Alas Men bounced back in the third set with Leo Ordiales igniting a crucial rally pouring 10 of his game-high 22 points to keep the match alive.Down 19-22 in the fourth set, Ordiales teamed up with his fellow National University stars Buds Buddin and Peng Taguibolos to trim the deficit to one, 21-22.

Jia De Guzman is making her Premier Volleyball League (PVL) return with the Creamline Cool Smashers, but her heart and full attention remain with Alas Pilipinas as they gear up for a busy international calendar.Speaking during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum, the veteran setter made it clear that her main focus is on the national team’s ongoing campaign.“Of course, I’m going back to Creamline, but I went to a team that also knows that I have responsibilities also for the flag,” said De Guzman. “This is national team season, and Rebisco management made it clear that they’re fully supportive while we serve the country.”

The Oklahoma City Thunder started and finished strong to secure a 120-109 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 of their best-of-seven finals series on Tuesday, June 17 (PH time).

Another Filipino boxing star is set to shine on the global stage, as former world champion Mark "Magnifico" Magsayo returns to action on the Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios fight card next month at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.Magsayo will take on Mexican fighter Jorge Mata Cuellar in a 10-round bout for the vacant WBC Continental Americas Super Featherweight Title, under the banner of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC).It was earlier announced that former Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Eumir Marcial will also fight on the Pacquiao-Barrios undercard, squaring off against American Alexis Gaytan in an eight-round non-title middleweight bout. The inclusion of Magsayo was later confirmed by MP Promotions, further strengthening the Filipino presence at this high-profile event."It’s a great opportunity to fight for the second time as part of the undercard for my childhood hero, Manny Pacquiao—who is the main reason I started boxing. Just like the first time I fought on his card when I was in the featherweight division, this is another stepping stone toward my second-division world title bid at super featherweight. I'm grateful for the opportunity from big brother Manny," Magsayo said.This won’t be the first time Magsayo shares the stage with Pacquiao. He previously appeared as an undercard fighter during Pacquiao’s final U.S. bout against Yordenis Ugas in 2021, where he delivered a dramatic 10th-round knockout of Mexican Julio Ceja.That performance catapulted Magsayo into a world title opportunity, which he seized by defeating Gary Russell Jr. on January 22, 2022, in Atlantic City to become the WBC Featherweight World Champion.Now riding a three-fight win streak, Magsayo looks to continue his resurgence. His most recent victory came on December 14, 2024, when he scored a dominant second-round knockout over Ecuadorian Bryan Mercado in Long Beach, California. Magsayo currently holds an impressive record of 27 wins, 2 losses, with 18 knockouts.Standing in his way is the hungry and talented 24-year-old Cuellar, who brings a solid 21-2-2 record with 13 KOs. With both fighters eyeing a shot at greater glory, fans can expect fireworks when they step into the ring.Meanwhile, MP Promotions President Sean Gibbons thanked Manny Pacquiao for putting Magsayo on this historic card, where the boxing icon attempts to become the oldest welterweight champion in history. Gibbons expressed confidence in Magsayo's chances against Cuellar and hopes he will emerge as the next contender for a WBC world title."I want to thank Manny [Pacquiao] and Al Haymon for putting Mark on this historic night of boxing, when Pacquiao attempts to become the oldest welterweight champion. A win over Jorge Mata will put Mark next in line for a WBC world title shot," Gibbons said.

The East Asia Super League (EASL) and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) are set to launch Future Champions Philippines this September, a program aimed at young basketball enthusiasts across the country.Under the EASL Future Champions Philippines program, the initiative promotes high-quality basketball training and elite-level competition, offering young players meaningful community engagement and opportunities for success not only in national competitions but also on the international stage.This marks a significant step by SBP in focusing on youth development in Philippine basketball.The EASL Future Champions initiative consists of two main components:1. Grassroots ProgramThis will focus on talent development camps and community outreach, strengthening the foundation of basketball starting at the youngest levels.2. Elite ProgramLaunching in March 2026, this will become the premier youth performance program across Asia. Selected athletes will receive world-class coaching, international exposure, and continuous career development support.The goal of both programs is to provide a structured pathway for young Asian players to find basketball opportunities both within and beyond the ASEAN region.Through this initiative, SBP aligns itself with the EASL’s mission—a mission that is also recognized and supported by FIBA at all levels of basketball, from grassroots development to the national team.According to Henry Kerins, CEO of EASL, SBP is fully committed to developing young talent and providing them with leadership experiences that foster both personal growth and basketball skills.“SBP brings the leadership, experience, and infrastructure to make EASL Future Champions the premium youth development program in the Philippines,” said Kerins.He added that EASL leadership is proud of SBP’s initiative and willingness to collaborate for the benefit of Filipino youth.“We’re proud to be working alongside them to build something that can create real impact,” Kerins added.Meanwhile, SBP President Al Panlilio emphasized that EASL’s vision for Filipino youth aligns closely with SBP’s goals for nurturing the next generation of basketball players.“EASL’s vision matches our commitment to the next generation. We’re excited to help shape the future of grassroots basketball together,” said Panlilio.Currently, the Philippines is the first country in the region to be part of the EASL Future Champions initiative. Macau and Hong Kong are set to follow, as EASL continues its efforts to raise the level of youth basketball across Asia.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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