De La Salle University began its 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge campaign with a dominant 25-20, 25-23, 25-21 sweep of Arellano University on Sunday, August 10, at the Paco Arena in Manila.The 2023 champions showcased their depth, wrapping up the win in just 83 minutes. Rookie Issa Ousseini and wing spikers Eugene Gloria and MJ Fortuna each scored 14 points, while setter Nathaniel Bangit orchestrated the offense with 20 excellent sets.“At first, I was a bit unsure because during training and practice games, they weren’t too consistent,” said La Salle head coach Jose Roque. “But seeing this first game somehow gave me confidence that we can actually do more. Some of our players haven’t even played yet, so I’m already seeing potential for the UAAP season. I just hope they all step up.”Arellano stayed competitive behind AC Guinto’s 13 markers but couldn’t match La Salle’s strong finish in each set.

The Alas Pilipinas girls’ under-16 squad has soared to world No. 25 in the latest FIVB Girls’ U17 rankings after clinching a berth in next year’s world championship in Santiago, Chile.The young nationals made a remarkable leap of 17 spots, from world No. 42, after finishing fifth in the 2nd Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Asian Women’s U16 Volleyball Championship in Amman, Jordan. Even more impressive, the program began at world No. 57, making their rise one of the most significant in Philippine youth volleyball history.“Awesome leap from 57 to 25! We didn’t realize that our small wins in the Asian Qualifying were that instrumental in raising our country’s standing to a higher rank,” said head coach Edwin Leyva. “It just shows that the level of play here in the Philippines has improved and is slowly catching up with our top Asian counterparts.”Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Ramon “Tats” Suzara hailed the feat as “big,” emphasizing how the federation’s grassroots program, strengthened over the past four years, continues to bear fruit.“We are now reaping the fruits of the grassroots program that the PNVF has started four years ago,” Suzara said.Since its establishment in post-pandemic 2021, the PNVF has steered Philippine volleyball to significant growth: breakthroughs by Alas Pilipinas Men and Women at the Asian and world levels, the country hosting world-level events, and Suzara’s rise to AVC president and FIVB executive vice president.With their new ranking, the U16 team is now the highest-ranked Philippine volleyball squad worldwide, surpassing the Alas Women (46th) and Alas Men (80th).Leyva, however, was quick to remind the team that the journey continues.“Being in the top 25 is already a milestone. Why stop dreaming? Let’s train hard, play harder!” he said. “We have the momentum and we are highly motivated. First, win a set or two, then work up from there. It’s up to us to keep the fire burning.”The Philippine U16 team secured 14 ranking points after a gutsy 25-23, 25-20, 19-25, 25-22 victory over Thailand—clinching the final Asian ticket to the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U17 World Championship.China qualified automatically as defending world champion, while Asian representatives also include newly crowned AVC U16 champion South Korea, silver medalist Chinese Taipei, and fourth-placer Japan. Against all odds, the Philippines now stands proudly among Asia’s elite.The world championship in Santiago is set for August 5 to 16.

The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) reiterates its unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and the proper stewardship of public resources. As a recipient of support from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the PFF strictly observes all government regulations, auditing procedures, and internal controls to ensure that every peso is properly allocated, disbursed, and documented in accordance with law and sound financial standards.All PFF programs and expenditures are subject to rigorous internal and external review, including oversight by the PSC. To further strengthen transparency, PFF also engaged a respected independent auditing firm to verify receipts and disbursements.PFF welcomes fair and factual scrutiny. However, unfounded and malicious accusations circulated online are reckless and irresponsible. Such claims not only tarnish the reputation of the PFF and its officers but also undermine the PSC and the entire football community whose passion and trust sustain the sport’s growth.PFF acknowledges with gratitude the continued financial, logistical, and policy support of the PSC. This partnership underscores a shared goal: to raise the standard of Philippine football and futsal and bring honor to the country.Baseless allegations demean the dedication of athletes, coaches, and staff who work tirelessly to advance the sport. PFF reserves the right to pursue appropriate legal remedies under Philippine law and applicable PFF regulations to protect the integrity of the institution and its stakeholders.Philippine Football Federation (PFF)House of Football, Pasig CityNovember 11, 2025

The Philippine men’s national football team kept its 2027 AFC Asian Cup hopes alive with a 2–0 victory over the Maldives on Tuesday but missed the chance to control its own fate heading into the decisive final match of the qualifying round.Despite goals from Jefferson Tabinas and Sandro Reyes in the first half at the National Football Stadium in Malé, the Azkals could not extend their lead—a missed opportunity that proved costly in the group standings.While the Philippines improved to 13 points, it slipped to second place in Group A, level with Tajikistan but behind on goal difference after the Central Asians routed Timor-Leste, 5–0, in Darwin, Australia.With Tajikistan taking the top spot, the two nations will now face off in March 2026 for the group’s lone ticket to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. The crucial showdown will be held on Tajikistan’s home turf, meaning the Philippines will need nothing less than a win to qualify for only the second time in history, the first being in 2019.Tabinas opened the scoring in the 24th minute, rising for a header off a set piece to record his third goal of the third-round qualifiers and fifth in his international career.Reyes doubled the advantage in the 37th minute, receiving a short cross from Jarvey Gayoso inside the box before executing a cutback and curling the ball into the far corner. It was Reyes’ fifth goal for the national team.Despite controlling much of the match, the Azkals were unable to add more goals—a factor that ultimately kept them from holding the outright lead in the group.Now, all roads lead to March 2026, when the Philippines must deliver its biggest performance yet to return to Asia’s grandest stage.

Canada continues to prove that it belongs among the world’s elite, and this time, it did so at the expense of a regional powerhouse.Two years after their basketball counterparts stunned Team USA in the 2023 FIBA World Cup on Philippine soil, Canada’s men’s volleyball team authored its own giant-slaying moment—sweeping world No. 5 Japan, 25-20, 25-23, 25-22, in Pool G of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship on Monday at the Mall of Asia Arena.The victory not only secured world No. 11 Canada a direct ticket to the Round of 16, but also eliminated one of the tournament’s biggest crowd favorites, leaving Filipino fans shocked at the sight of Japan bowing out early.For Canadian skipper Nicholas Hoag, the triumph was about more than just advancing—it was a statement to the rest of the volleyball world.“We always try to beat them and to beat the best teams in the world. We have the potential to do it, we just need the consistency,” Hoag said. “You saw it today against one of the best teams in the world that we can beat them 3-0 despite Japan playing well. We can do something.”The Canadians were also faced with an atmosphere unlike any other. With Ran Takahashi leading the charge, the majority of the MOA Arena crowd lent their energy to Japan, making every point a battle not just on the court but also in the stands.Yet Hoag said the raucous environment only reinforced their composure.“On the court, it felt very calm. Despite all the noise and obviously everyone cheering for Japan, it’s fun. It’s fun to play in an environment like that but I didn’t feel like we’re stressed or anything,” he said.“We were very calm and collected and we applied the game plan the whole time, so it was great. Despite the young age of all the guys on the team, it proves a lot of maturity.”While Japan heads home disappointed, Canada leaves Pool G emboldened. Their sweep over a top-five team echoes the same underdog spirit their basketball squad displayed two years ago—a reminder that Canadian sports, across disciplines, is fast rising on the world stage.As the tournament continues, Canada’s fearless, composed squad is determined to prove it belongs among the world’s elite.

Jhanlo Mark Sangiao is fired up to return to the ONE Championship stage—especially as Team Lakay’s new generation continues to shine.The 22-year-old standout from Baguio City has been watching closely as his teammates have made waves in recent months.Rising talents like Carlo Bumina-ang, Carlos Alvarez, and Jean Claude Saclag have delivered impressive performances on the ONE Friday Fights platform, bringing fresh energy and momentum to the legendary Team Lakay stable.Now, Sangiao is ready to rejoin the fray—and he knows the stakes are higher than ever.After suffering the first loss of his professional career last year via submission to #4-ranked Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu, Sangiao has had time to reflect and refocus.“Honestly, I felt like in my first few fights I was playing around. I felt like I wasn’t mature enough. I was just going through the motions and merely enjoying the moment. But then I faced Enkh-Orgil, and that fight really reminded me that I can’t just play around,” Sangiao said.Branded as the face of Team Lakay’s next wave of warriors, the second-generation fighter understands that expectations are high—and so is the responsibility.“I wasn’t fully focused in my first few fights. That loss was a wake-up call,” Sangiao admitted.For Jhanlo, talent alone won’t be enough to reach the top. He’s learned that preparation, discipline, and mental sharpness are just as important.“That fight showed me how far I truly am from reaching my goals. I have to add more skills, more techniques, and be more composed. That loss basically made me realize that just when I thought I knew it all, I don’t. There’s a lot to be learned,” Sangiao said.Now, with the spotlight returning to him, he’s determined to rise to the challenge and prove he’s ready to lead the next chapter of Team Lakay’s legacy.

The Philippine National Weightlifting Team, is aiming to win a medal in the 2024 Asian Youth & Junior Weightlifting Championships to be held in Doha, Qatar, which started last Sunday, December 15 and will end on Christmas Day, Wednesday, on the 25th of December.The team is set to compete in the women’s youth division with Althea Bacaro in the -40kgs category where she submitted a total lift of 122 kgs.Joining Bacaro are Princess Jay Ann Diaz (40kgs and total-125kgs), Alexsandra Ann Diaz (45kgs), Jeaneth Hipolito (45kgs), Kim April Inan (-49kgs), Jhodie Peralta and Rosalinda Faustino in the -55kgs.Meanwhile, the men’s youth division is composed of Aldrin Colonia (-49kgs), Eron Borres (-49kgs), Prince Keil Delos Santos (-55kgs) and Jose Masangkay Dayao III (-67kgs). Lifting in the women’s junior category are Angeline Colonia (-45kgs) Rosejean Ramos (-45kgs) and Lovely Inan (-49kgs).Also participating in the men’s junior division are Eron Borres (-55kgs), Prince Keil Delos Santos (-55kgs), Eleaphraime Limmong (-55kgs) and Jose Masangkay Dayao III (-67kgs).Also, PH young Weightlifters will be led by Head of Delegation Monico Puentevella and coaches Patrick Lee, Edmundo S. Cardano, Allen Diaz, Kelly Kae Rojas and Joe Patrick Diaz.The delegation builds on the momentum of the Philippine senior weightlifting team, which recently achieved significant success at the IWF World Championships. Cebuano Fernando Agad clinched a bronze medal in the men’s 55-kilogram Group A division, while Rosegie Ramos earned a bronze in the women’s 49-kilogram category.

Kai Sotto has suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) following an awkward landing during the Koshigaya Alphas’ game against Seahorses Mikawa on Sunday, January 5.Sotto has been relegated to the B.League Injury List, confirming that he will miss the B.League Asia Rising Star Game on January 18.On a social media post, the 7-foot-3 center shared that he considers it the most trying time in his career, but he remains steadfast in his resolve and faith despite the setback.

Akari marred the debut of Thea Gagate and return of Jovelyn Gonzaga to overcome ZUS Coffee’s test, 25-14, 25-21, 19-25, 25-23, in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan on Thursday, November 14.Ivy Lacsina paced the Chargers, which had already defeated Galeries Tower on the first day of the season and had won two in a row for a solid 2-0 start.After gaining a 16-13 advantage in the fourth set, debutante rookie Gagate attempted to keep the Thunderbelles in the match before Gretchel Soltones hammered a down-the-line kill, propelling Akari on a 23-20 lead. Chai Troncoso then came through with a massive serve ace to square the match at 23 apiece.However, Faith Nisperos and Lacsina delivered back-to-back sharp kills, shattering ZUS Coffee’s comeback attempts.“Actually, we’re doing good in the fourth set, and then little by little, we’re showing quite bad attitude. It’s kind of relaxed already. Also, just because we already adjusted our serving, that’s why we were able to make a lot of passes,” said Chargers head coach Taka Minowa.

Every team, every sport, and every coaching staff shares one objective: to attain victory and claim the championship. For the Petro Gazz Angels, this dream became a reality.After a thrilling 2024–25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference Finals, the Angels proved to themselves that the win was theirs. They dethroned the Creamline Cool Smashers with a commanding 25-21, 25-16, 23-25, 25-19 victory in Game 3 on Saturday, April 12.For Petro Gazz Coach Koji Tsuzurabara, the championship was the culmination of a long-held dream.Tsuzurabara never doubted his team. He believed in the players he had—players capable of going all the way.Tsuzurabara was fortunate and thrilled to have a talented team, including standout players like Brooke Van Sickle and MJ Philips, who not only secured the championship but also earned the Conference MVP and Finals MVP awards, respectively.“I trust the player we could win. I’m lucky to have a great team with great players,”  Tsuzurabara said.For now, the Angels are preparing for the upcoming AVC Women's Champions League to be held on April 20 to 27, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig wherein they will face the teams of Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong. For Brooke Van Sickle, the PVL Conference MVP, the upcoming international tournament is especially exciting, as it marks her debut in international competition. She is eager to see how other countries play volleyball and learn from the experience.“This is my first time with international play. So I'm just excited to see good volleyball and just be able to see how other countries play the sport and to learn from them and grow and just to see the intensity. So I'm super stoked,” said Van Sickle.The Petro Gazz Angels, alongside PLDT High Speed Hitters and Creamline Cool Smashers, will represent the Philippines at the AVC Women’s Champions League, fighting not just for victory, but for national pride and honor.

The TNT Tropang Giga kept their title as the PBA Governors' Cup champion when they finally ended the series of the Season 49 edition, conquering Barangay Ginebra, 95-85, on Friday night, November 8, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.It was another sweet victory for TNT as they finished the series once again in six games just like what they did in 2023.Tropang Giga's hardworking reinforcement Rondae Hollis-Jefferson led the squad with 31 big points and defeated Ginebra's resident import Justin Brownlee for the second time around. In fact, Brownlee was 6-0 in the Finals until Hollis-Jefferson came into the picture last year.RHJ also grabbed 16 rebounds and dished off seven assists during the game.

The Philippine handball squads are all gearing up to reach new heights as they compete in the beach and indoor events of the upcoming regional and continental tournaments this year.After their fruitful campaign in the recently concluded Southeast Asian Beach Handball Championships in Suphanburi, Thailand, where they copped the gold and bronze medals last week after beating Vietnam in the men’s final, 2-1, highlighted by a thrilling 9-8 win via a shootout, while the women’s side, bagged the bronze medal.Philippine men’s national beach handball team member Rafael Agtarap is more confident at the country’s delegates to the sport in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games later this year.“Magandang experience sa amin ito, magandang fuel para ma-boost yung preparations namin sa SEA Games,” Agtarap said in the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum.Before that, the Philippine handball squad are also eyed for another task as they vie in the 10th Asian Men’s and Women’s Beach Championship which will be held in Muscat, Oman, slated from May 1 to 10.The tournament, according to national team head coach Gab De Guzman, plays a key role in the preparation of the Filipino handballers as they aim to make an impact in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December.“Siguro we need to practice more and have a training camp, kasi if you really want a shot at a gold medal in the SEA Games, these coming few months talaga is critical. And like what we did on the beach, we believe we can perform at a high level in this coming Southeast Asian Games,” said the handball team coach.Tough tests await the men’s team as Qatar, Iran, Pakistan, and host Oman are taking part in the week-long tilt. The women's crew, meanwhile, braces for powerhouse Vietnam, India, and Hong Kong.The country hasn’t won a gold medal yet in handball in the SEA Games, with the men’s beach team copping the silver in the 2021 edition in Hanoi, Vietnam.The Asian meet also serves as a qualifier for the World Handball Championships slated in Germany in January 2027.

Filipino gymnastics star Carlos Yulo has opted to skip the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December to focus on the 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta, where he is competing only in floor exercise and vault due to a left wrist injury.“I still want the taste of competition,” Yulo said “That is the most important for me right now.”Yulo, a double gold medalist in vault and floor at the Paris 2024 Olympics, officially announced his SEA Games withdrawal through Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) president Cynthia Carrion-Norton. According to Carrion-Norton, Yulo’s decision was motivated by two factors: SEA Games rules now restrict elite gymnasts to only one event, and Yulo’s desire to give other Filipino gymnasts a chance to shine.“It’s a selfless decision because he likes to give others a chance. He’s now focused on winning in the world championships,” Carrion-Norton said. She added that the SEA Games organizers also scrapped the all-around competition, limiting medal opportunities for top gymnasts.Yulo revealed his wrist injury occurred two months ago while working on a difficult new dismount on the parallel bars. “I kind of did it too much,” he admitted.Despite his limited participation in Jakarta, Yulo remains committed to showcasing beautiful, graceful gymnastics. “My goal is to perform beautiful gymnastics, to be really graceful,” he shared.Yulo is joined at the world championships by fellow Filipino gymnasts Miguel Besana and Ivan Cruz, the latter fresh off a gold medal at the Cambodia SEA Games.

PLDT ousted ZUS Coffee to advance to the semifinals with a 25-21, 25-21, 25-19 win in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour quarterfinals on Thursday night, August 7, at the Philsports Arena.Savi Davison led the High Speed Hitters with 28 points built from 25 attacks along with 10 excellent receptions, while Kim Fajardo facilitated the offense with 19 excellent sets. 

The TNT Tropang Giga once again relied on their scoring prowess to secure a narrow 87-85 victory against Barangay Ginebra in Game 2 of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup Finals to get the 2-1 series lead on Wednesday, March 19, at the Philsports Arena.Rey Nambatac played his best game as a pro as he finished with 24 points on 5-of-7 shooting from the three-point area. He also had seven assists and five rebounds.The Letran product also led TNT in their comeback from a nine-point deficit in the first half of play. Then, “Sting-Rey” sank a crucial three-pointer in the closing moments of the game to break the 82-deadlock.Tropang Giga’s import, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson flirted with a triple double, tallying 20 markers, 11 boards and eight dimes, including his last dish to the wide open Glenn Khobuntin, who made his fastbreak layup to get his 10th point and put the game almost out of reach.Calvin Oftana also ended up in double figures, scoring 16 markers, on top of his five rebounds and four assists.

Australia claimed the gold for the third straight time in the FIBA Asia Cup after surviving a nail-biting finish against China, 90-89, on Monday morning, August 18 (PH time), at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.The Boomers, who have been undefeated in the tournament since joining the Asia Cup in 2017, once again proved their resilience on the biggest stage. But before clinching their third consecutive crown, the Australians had to claw back from a double-digit deficit as they trailed by as many as 15 points through the first three quarters.

Alas Pilipinas secured its third consecutive Southeast Asia V.League bronze medal after defeating Indonesia, 25-20, 25-20, 16-25, 25-13, last Sunday, August 4, in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.After dropping their first two matches to eventual champion Thailand and runner-up Vietnam, the Filipinas bounced back with a strong performance against Indonesia to secure another podium finish at the end of the first leg of the tournament.The national team delivered a commanding 18-6 run in the final set to clinch the victory in front of a supportive crowd.

Arellano University displayed resilience after a shaky second set to edge Colegio de San Juan, 25-14, 23-25, 25-22, 26-24, and seize solo fourth place in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Sunday, September 7, at the Paco Arena Events and Sports Center in Manila.Both squads entered the court carrying the fatigue of their five-set battles the day before, but the Lady Chiefs proved steadier. Led by the scoring trio of Laika Tudlasan, Sam Tiratira, and Crisanta Servidad, they notched their second straight win in the eight-team field.Tudlasan spearheaded the charge with 19 points off 18 kills, while Tiratira chipped in 16 markers built on 12 attacks and four blocks. With the victory, Arellano climbed to 3-3, staying in the hunt for a semifinal berth.“We’re happy to beat Letran because they’re a strong NCAA contender. I told my players that it’s in their hands — if they want to extend our season, it depends on how they respond. This win is all because of their effort,” said Lady Chiefs head coach Obet Javier.

The PLDT High Speed Hitters kicked off their 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League campaign after overcoming a shaky start against the Australia’s Queensland Pirates, 25-19, 25-12, 25-12, on Sunday, April 20, at the PhilSports Arena.Savi Davison powered the High Speed Hitters with 14 attack points while also registering eight excellent digs and three excellent receptions, earning the Player of the Match honors.The Pirates dictated the early tempo, going on a 6-1 run in the opening frame. But the tide turned when Wilma Salas’s service ace shifted the momentum and handed PLDT their first lead of the match. Despite the Pirates’ efforts to regain control, the High Speed Hitters responded with urgency. Fiola Ceballos stepped up in the clutch, giving PLDT a 20-16 cushion. Although an out-of-bounds attack momentarily disrupted PLDT’s flow, Kim Kianna Dy’s relentless offense pushed the lead to 23-17. Dy eventually sealed the set with a powerful attack, completing the comeback.