Long before she took the helm as captain of ZUS Coffee and earned the prestigious titles of NCAA Season 99 Best Setter and Most Valuable Player, Cloanne Mondoñedo never imagined her path would unfold the way it did. Her story wasn’t shaped by certainty, but by detours, doubt, and the quiet power of unexpected opportunities. Growing up in Oriental Mindoro, Mondoñedo explored almost every sport she could find. She initially dabbled in athletics, then shifted to table tennis—her father’s sport—and even gave football a try, but it wasn’t until a school intramural event that her curiosity for sports transformed into a true passion.She recalled stepping onto the volleyball court for the first time, completely unsure of herself, until a teacher recognized a spark in her and told her she had potential—worlds that would quietly shape her future.Encouraged by her mother, a former volleyball player, Mondoñedo began competing in local leagues, though her progress remained gradual.As she advanced to larger meets and provincial competitions, the harsh reality of high-level play set in. There were moments she didn’t even get the chance to step on the court—a humbling experience that left her on the bench, reflecting in silence and building quiet determination.Rather than giving up, she trained harder, secured better gear, and poured herself into a sport that had yet to fully welcome her. Her perseverance finally bore fruit when she earned a spot in the prestigious Palarong Pambansa—where her evolving talent caught the eye of a coach who would soon redefine her path.

The three Filipino fighters on the undercard of Manny Pacquiao’s upcoming comeback in Las Vegas are gaining valuable insights from the former eight-division world champion.Eumir Marcial, Jerwin Ancajas, and Mark Magsayo have been training with Pacquiao during morning runs—absorbing not only his advice but also his winning mindset.Marcial, the Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist, is set to face American Alexis Gaytan in an eight-round bout on July 19.Recently, while observing Pacquiao at the Wild Card Boxing Club, Marcial received tips on delivering powerful left-handed punches and left the gym with newfound knowledge. “I never imagined I would fight on the same night as my idol,” said Marcial, who boasts a 5-0-0 record with three knockouts.Since arriving in Los Angeles over a month ago, Pacquiao has focused on training for Mario Barrios and has welcomed the young fighters into his routine—whether running at Griffith Park or working out in the gym.Gaytan presents a challenge for Marcial as he looks to rebound from an early exit in the Paris Olympics. The American holds a 17-10-0 record. Ancajas and Magsayo are also making the most of training alongside Pacquiao, further sharpening their preparations.For Sean Gibbons, the collaboration between Pacquiao and the younger Filipino fighters is a rare opportunity to blend youthful energy with generational wisdom.“There’s a unique blend of youthful energy and the experience that Manny Pacquiao brings. He’s not just preparing for his own comeback—he’s helping guide the next generation of Filipino champions,” Gibbons shared.As Pacquiao gears up to potentially become the oldest welterweight champion in history, the spotlight is also shining on the Filipino trio poised to make waves on his undercard—learning from the best in their pursuit to become the next.

On Friday, March 28, 2025, Islay Erika Bomogao is set to make her return at ONE Friday Fights 102 in Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, Bangkok, Thailand.The pride of Baguio City will once again put her undefeated record on the line against Spain’s Nerea Rubio in 103-pound Muay Thai action.Bomogao has endeared herself to fans abroad, particularly the Thai crowd at Lumpinee, after showcasing her carefree “Pinoy style” Muay Thai.She dazzled in her two matches last year, defeating Ran Longshu and Fuu in convincing fashion to make a strong impression in the promotion.In her social media post, Bomogao called for support for her fight along with her fellow Filipino fighters who will also compete on Friday.“Please support me and my team, including my fellow Filipinos Jean Claude Saclag and Marwin Quirante, who will be opening the show,” said Bomogao in her post.The main event features a 130-pound Muay Thai bout between Rambong Sor Therapat and his Thai compatriot Pompet Panthonggym, with major implications. Rambong is riding a seven-fight winning streak ahead of this clash, while Pompet, having lost back-to-back fights, has nothing to lose and everything to gain.Additionally, Scotland’s Rudy Da Silva, Japan’s Takuma Ota, and Russia’s Torepchi Dongak all return to action.Meanwhile, multiple SEA Games kickboxing gold medalist Jean Claude “The Dynamite” Saclag of Team Lakay makes his MMA return alongside his Filipino compatriot, rising MMA star Marwin "Green Goblin" Quirante, who will also showcase his skills at ONE Friday Fights 102."Green Goblin" secured two first-round finishes in ONE Friday Fights, while Saclag earned two TKO wins over Lee Jun Young and Fajar. He looks to follow in the footsteps of Carlo Bumina-ang as a winner.

The 2025 IRONMAN-branded race season in the Philippines is set to kick off on March 2 with the IRONMAN 70.3 returning to Puerto Princesa, Palawan.The event promises a thrilling triathlon experience for athletes and fans alike, with around 64 countries taking part in the meet. New race categories will be added as part of the demand of athletes participating in the event including a sprint distance option along the iconic IRONMAN 70.3 distance race.The shorter sprint category consists of a 750-meter swim, 20-kilometer bike ride, and 5-kilometer run, providing athletes with a more manageable yet still challenging course. This addition aims to entice local athletes and make the event more accessible for a wider range of participants.

To volleyball fans across the Philippines, the name “Cherry Bomb” ignites instant recognition and admiration. It is not just a nickname—it is a brand of power, resilience, and fire on the court.The woman behind it is none other than Cherry Ann “Sisi” Rondina, the small but mighty spiker from Compostela, Cebu.Born on September 4, 1996, Rondina has built a remarkable career in both indoor and beach volleyball, marked by sheer determination and an unmatched work ethic. Now 28, she stands as one of the country’s most accomplished volleyball players, with her journey inspiring a new generation of athletes.Rondina’s sporting journey began not with volleyball, but with track and field, sprinting barefoot across the beach near her home. Her first real connection with volleyball came in third grade during a simple game with her mother. Coincidentally, a tryout was held the following day, and Rondina, driven by curiosity and natural athleticism, decided to attend.From there, her path was set. She joined her high school’s varsity volleyball team and soon represented Central Visayas in multiple editions of the Palarong Pambansa, where she first gained national attention. In 2013, she earned the Palarong Pambansa Best Attacker individual award—an early sign of the powerhouse she would become.

As we continue our Player Profile series highlighting the icons of Philippine basketball, we now shine the spotlight on one of the league’s most underrated yet highly decorated players—Alfredo “Freddie” Hubalde, the 1977 PBA Most Valuable Player. Known as a silent operator, Hubalde built a legacy not through fanfare but through consistent excellence, smart plays, and championship-caliber performance across 16 seasons in the PBA.

Joshua Yerro, the 6’1” versatile forward and former Adamson University captain, has officially declared for the 2025 PBA Rookie Draft, bringing a wealth of experience and proven clutch ability to the professional ranks.Yerro’s basketball journey began in grassroots competitions with the UV Baby Lancers (CESAFI Juniors) before he made his mark with Team Cebu (NBTC).Transitioning to the UAAP, he became a key contributor for the Adamson Soaring Falcons, earning the captaincy and showcasing leadership on and off the floor. One of his most memorable collegiate moments came last year when he executed a buzzer-eating alley-oop against the National University, a play that highlighted his timing, composure, and ability to perform under pressure.

That’s what former PBA player and current Lyceum Pirates head coach Gilbert Malabanan emphasized in an exclusive interview with Scoreline.ph. Malabanan is set to join the Masters Pinoy Pilipinas Basketball team, competing in the World Masters 45+ category from May 17-30, 2025 in Taiwan.Malabanan shared that commitment is the biggest challenge he and his teammates face as they juggle work, basketball, and other responsibilities. However, as a professional, he has learned to manage his time effectively, driven by his dedication to the game—especially when representing the country.“First of all, the most challenging part is commitment. Of course, all of us have jobs. But when it comes to commitment, how do you manage it? Especially with our practices,” Coach Gilbert said.“We want to be complete during training because this is our preparation for the Masters tournament in May,” he added.

It’s a bold move, but one with vision: the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers are placing their chips on youth and promise as they aim to rewrite their narrative in NCAA Season 101. After a disappointing 4–14 finish in Season 100 (10th place), JRU is undergoing a rebuild, one that hinges not on veterans past their primes, but on raw talent, energy, and a new coaching direction.While most of the roster is fresh, the Bombers retain some anchors: Shawn Argente, Vince Sarmiento, Justin Lozano, and returning floor general Nani Epondulan, himself now installed as head coach. Epondulan is no stranger to JRU lore: a former MVP in NCAA history, he returns with the ambition of ending the program’s Final Four drought and reviving its identity. Joining them are new faces such as Sanlea Peñaverde, a standout from the San Sebastian Staglets who made waves in the juniors division, and Sean Salvador, a seasoned transfer from Mapúa. Also in the mix is Paul Enal, fresh off a Defensive Player of the Year distinction in the JRU juniors league. Rounding out their young core are John Canoza, Franzen Casinillo, Benedict Catapang, Gyllie Esguerra, Jay Garupil, Harry Herrera, Ivan Panapanaan, and Rasa Soleimani.The gamble is clear: let these young pieces grow under pressure, accelerate their development, and perhaps surprise a field that may be overlooking JRU’s potential. If the chemistry clicks, the Heavy Bombers could awaken as one of the season’s dark horses.

The Gilas Pilipinas has released its list of 15 players who will compete in the 2025 FIBA ​​Asia Cup Qualifiers on November 21 and 25 to be held at the Mall of Asia Arena.Among of those were: June Mar Fajardo, Ange Kouame, Jamie Malonzo, Chris Newsome, Japeth Aguilar, Mason Amos, Justin Brownlee, Aj Edu, Calvin Oftana, CJ Perez, Kevin Quiambao, Dwight Ramos, Kai Sotto, Carl Tamayo and Scottie Thompson.Ange Kouame has been included in Gilas Pilipinas after the Samahan ng Basketbol ng Pilipinas confirmed it.According to SBP executive director Erika Dy, Kouame will also participate in the Gilas camp at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba City Laguna starting November 15.Dy also said that having multiple naturalized players in the first pool submitted to FIBA is allowed, until the eve of the game where a technical meeting will be held to finalize the roster.“The night before [a game], there’s a technical meeting. You have to have only one naturalized [player],” Dy said.

Carlo "THE BLACK TIGER" Biado is a Filipino professional pool player. His highest-profile wins include the World Nine-ball Championship and the World Ten-ball Championship in 2017 and 2024.He started playing pool at age 13 and worked as a caddie at the Villamor Air Base golf course while still a student.Biado became a professional pool player in 2004 but failed to win any major world title in his first ten years.In 2015, he reached the final of the WPA World Ten-ball Championship, defeating David Alcaide and Nikos Ekonomopoulos in the knockout rounds.In 2017, Biado defeated Jayson Shaw of the UK, 11–7, to win the men's 9-ball event at the World Games. In 2019, he also reached the final of the WPA Players Championship, narrowly losing to Kevin Cheng, 12–11.In 2021, Biado defeated Aloysius Yapp, 13–8, to win the U.S. Open Pool Championship. With the win, he joined Alex Pagulayan and Efren Reyes as one of the few Filipino players to have won the prestigious tournament.He went on to defeat fellow Filipino cue artist Johann Chua, 9–3, to win the men's Ten-ball singles gold medal at the 31st Southeast Asian Games held at the Ha Dong Gymnasium in Vietnam.In 2022, the trio of Johann Chua, Carlo Biado, and Rubilen Amit triumphed in the WPA World Teams Championship, sweeping Great Britain—composed of Jayson Shaw, Kelly Fisher, and Darren Appleton—3–0 in the final held in Klagenfurt, Austria.With the win, they delivered the Philippines its first world team ten-ball title after runner-up finishes in 2010 and 2014, the last time the tournament was held before being revived in 2022.

The Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates are once again setting sail for another NCAA campaign, ready to prove that their semifinal run last season was no fluke. With a mix of proven veterans, emerging talents, and an MVP-caliber leader, the Pirates enter Season 101 eager to reassert themselves among the league’s contenders.The Pirates won’t have the services of three familiar faces this year. JM Bravo has turned his attention to the professional ranks, Greg Cunanan has closed the book on his collegiate career, and Mclaude Guadaña is sidelined due to injury. These absences create notable gaps on both ends of the floor, particularly in experience and stability.Yet the Pirates are no strangers to transition. In fact, they see this as an opportunity for other names to step into the spotlight.The heart of Lyceum’s attack is still Ato Barba—and he enters the season with even more motivation. After going undrafted in the PBA Season 50 Rookie Draft, Barba has chosen to use the setback as fuel rather than frustration. At 25, the 6-foot-2 guard remains determined to pursue his basketball dream, and his final year with LPU is the perfect stage to remind everyone what he can do.Barba has already proven he belongs among the NCAA’s elite. He finished second in scoring last season with 17.6 points per game, powering the Pirates to their third straight Final Four appearance. His stellar play earned him a spot in the Mythical Five, where he shared the honor with MVP Allen Liwag, Tony Ynot of Benilde, Clint Escamis of Mapúa, and Tristan Felebrico of San Sebastian.His rise, however, didn’t just start in the seniors’ division. Back in Season 95, Barba was named NCAA Juniors MVP while leading the Junior Pirates, cementing his reputation as one of the league’s brightest prospects even before making the jump to college.

Jamie Malonzo made a triumphant return as Barangay Ginebra eked out an 86-63 win over the Blackwater Bossing in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday night, January 12, at the Ynares Center Antipolo.The Gin Kings missed the services of the 6-foot-7 athletic wingman due to a calf injury that had sidelined him for nine months. Malonzo registered eight points on top of three rebounds and a steal that saw the return of the crowd darling back to the win column, sitting at 6-3 in the team standings, tied with Converge and guest team, Hong Kong Eastern. Ginebra head coach Tim Cone admitted that they are still gradually reintroducing Malonzo into their lineup, with limited to just 10 minutes of action off the bench.

In a sea of rising stars in Philippine volleyball, one name continues to shine brighter with each spike and block—Thea Gagate. Born on July 26, 2000, the towering middle blocker from De La Salle University (DLSU) has carved her own path from a promising rookie to a key figure in both the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) and the Philippine national team.Gagate’s first taste of collegiate volleyball came in 2020, wearing the green and white jersey of the DLSU Lady Spikers. It was a dream come true, but the dream was short-lived. The UAAP Season 82 was abruptly canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, putting a halt to her much-anticipated debut season.But even when the world paused, Thea didn’t stop. She trained, stayed ready, and waited for her moment.In 2022, the UAAP roared back to life. Thea, now no longer a rookie but still with much to prove, stepped onto the court with focus and fire. Her performance in Season 84 spoke volumes.She helped lead the Lady Spikers to a runner-up finish, losing only to the dominant National University (NU) lady Bulldogs in the Finals. Despite the loss, Thea’s impact didn’t go unnoticed—she was named the 1st Best Middle Blocker, a testament to her defensive prowess and court awareness.It wasn’t just a personal victory. It was a statement: Thea Gagate had arrived.

Imports are essential for the league as they bring dynamics to each team that they play for and local players will have a glimpse on how to play with international players. In the Governors’ Cup, the usual third conference of the league that allows each team to get one reinforcement, will be the first conference to be held by the PBA this year.This year, the conference will have a 6’6” height limit for imports - a little difference from the 6’5” limit from last year.They will also bring excitement to the fans as some of the imports are former NBA players whom they can only watch from television before but now they can have a chance to watch them live in the basketball venues.