The NLEX Road Warriors kept their hopes of making the playoffs alive after defeating the Phoenix Fuel Masters last night, January 19, at the Ynares Center, Antipolo City, 108-94.Their previous match against TNT Tropang Giga served as inspiration for the Road Warriors to regain their victory in the ongoing PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup.NLEX head coach Jong Uichico also couldn’t help but be happy and praise his local players for their contributions to achieving their victory.“Everybody had their mindset to contribute in today’s game. Alam nila gaano ka-importante yung laro ngayon. Everybody had the mindset and the will na maka-contribute maski papaano sa larong ito. Then malaking bagay [sila]. Tony was great, he was able to come back and was a big help to us. Kay Herndon naman, nabigyan ko ng minuto. Kaya nanalo, maganda yung contribution ng lahat. Hindi naman namin kontrolado yung result, pero yung tsansa manalo today, binigyan nila yung sarili nila ng tsansa,” said coach Uichico. Uichico was also satisfied with Jonnel Policarpio's performance, which helped Robert Bolick win the match. According to the former La Salle Green Archer, he just did his best and gave his all in the opportunity given by his coach.“Binigay ko lang yung best ko sa opportunities na binigay sa akin ni coach. Hindi ko lang sinayang. Talagang sinunod ko lang yung game plan namin nila coach kanina,” said  the former La Salle Green Archer player. Robert Bollick led NLEX in the win with 26 points, nine rebounds and one steal, while Jonnel Policarpio had 17 points, nine rebounds and one steal. Tony Semerad had 15 points, while Rob Herndon scored 11 points.NLEX must overcome the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and Hong Kong Eastern, and they now have the cards to make the most of the remaining opportunities they need to make sure of a place in the playoffs.The Scores:NLEX 108 – Bolick 26, Watkins 22, Policarpio 17, Herndon 15, Semerad 11, Torres 9, Ramirez 5, Nieto 3, Mocon 0.PHOENIX 94 – Smith 36, Rivero 13, Muyang 8, Perkins 8, Tio 7, Tuffin 6, Jazul 5, Alejandro 3, Ballungay 2, Manganti 1, Salado 0, Ular 0, Verano 0, Camacho 0.Quarter Scores: 25-17, 45-48, 86-73, 108-94.

Terrafirma Dyip prioritized size in the PBA Season 50 Rookie Draft, selecting 6-foot-9 center Geo Chiu as the No. 1 overall pick. Chiu joins a list of former top picks for Dyip, though many before him have moved on from the team. Whether he can break the trend and become the franchise anchor remains to be seen.The 24-year-old rookie said this after he unsurprisingly emerged the first overall pick of the PBA Rookie Draft held on Sunday. “In going pro, you’re up against veterans, seasoned veterans. There is a lot to learn with my new team right now,” said Chiu.Chiu’s college and pro track record shows he has something to prove, having never averaged double-digit points. But he still could not suit up immediately for Terrafirma as he is yet to finish his stint with the Abra Weavers in another league—and it will last until December, depending on their campaign.Chiu also said that he'd still be with his MPBL team."Opo, yes. Mga December po siguro. I think... if ever we reach the finals, then baka mga December po siya," he added. Still, head coach Ronald Tubid is expected to give him every opportunity to develop as the Dyip rebuilds with a roster that includes nine more rookies.Veteran departures have forced a reset, with only a handful of holdovers left. NorthPort Batang Pier also loaded up in the draft, selecting 11 players and making key offseason trades. Of 122 applicants, 78 were drafted, but only about 20 rookies are expected to stick with final lineups.All eyes are now on Chiu as he aims to carve out a lasting role and help turn Terrafirma’s fortunes around.

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.

Even as the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters continue to pile up victories in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup, injuries remain an unwelcome part of their journey.Already missing key players Caelan Tiongson and Stanley Pringle, the Elasto Painters suffered another setback after big man Keith Datu went down with an apparent knee injury during their 91-80 win over the Phoenix Fuel Masters on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.Datu, who had been dealing with knee issues prior to the game, slipped and fell hard midway through the third quarter. He was helped to the bench and did not return, finishing with nine points, four rebounds, and three assists in what was his most active showing of the conference so far.Coach Yeng Guiao expressed concern over Datu’s condition, saying that the team will still wait for results from medical tests to determine the severity of the injury.“I don’t know exactly what his status is or how serious the injury might be,” Guiao said. “He’s already been having issues with his knees before, which is why we’ve been focusing on strengthening his lower body. And now this happened.”The absence of Datu leaves Rain or Shine thin in the middle, with Caelan Tiongson still nursing an injury and veteran Beau Belga playing limited minutes as he recovers from vertigo earlier this year.Despite the setbacks, the Elasto Painters extended their winning run to four games, improving to a 5-1 record to seize solo first place in the standings. Guiao acknowledged that managing player health while maintaining competitiveness will be a tough balancing act heading into the next stretch of the eliminations.“It’s tough because we’re managing Beau’s minutes, and now Keith’s dealing with an injury. Then there’s Caelan who’s also hurt. We might end up playing all guards at this rate,” Guiao joked, though his concern was evident.Rain or Shine now shifts focus to its next assignment against the NLEX Road Warriors on Saturday, hoping for a positive update on Datu’s condition before they face tougher opponents in the coming weeks.

Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala has etched her name in history, securing a spot in the quarterfinals of the Miami Open.The 19-year-old moved forward after Spain’s Paula Badosa, ranked No. 11 in the world, withdrew due to a lower back injury during their Round of 16 matchup on Monday, March 24 (Tuesday, March 25, Manila time).Eala’s stellar performance throughout the tournament already included massive upsets. She stunned the World No. 5 and reigning Australian Open champion Madison Keys, as well as No. 25 and 2017 French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko, to advance to the fourth round.

Gilas Pilipinas officially earned a spot in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup quarterfinals after escaping host country Saudi Arabia in overtime, 95-88, at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah on Monday, August 11 (Tuesday, August 12, Manila Time).Justin Brownlee produced another miracle as he drained the contested triple to force OT and finished with 29 points, five assists, and four rebounds for Gilas, setting up a date with two-time defending champion Australia on Wednesday, August 13. With 3.7 seconds remaining, Brownlee tied the score to 79-all before Kevin Quiambao sank a pair of triples in the extra frame to complete a 17-point performance, including three dimes, and three deflections. 

The University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers just made one of the biggest offseason moves in UAAP Men’s Basketball by securing the commitment of Collins Akowe, one of the most dominant big men in the UAAP high school ranks.The 6-foot-10 Nigerian standout from National University-Nazareth School (NU-NS) officially joins UST after weeks of negotiation with head coach Pido Jarencio and team managers Waiyip Chong and Eric Ang.Akowe will be eligible to play for the Tigers starting UAAP Season 88 and has a full five-year window to compete in the league.He made headlines in UAAP Season 87, powering the NU Bullpups with averages of 20.9 points, 19.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.9 blocks per game.

Gilas Pilipinas suffered a tough defeat in their 2025 FIBA Asia Cup opener, falling to Chinese Taipei, 95–87, on Wednesday morning, August 6 (Manila time), at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.The loss leaves the Philippines with a 0–1 record in Group D, matching Iraq, while Chinese Taipei and New Zealand both hold early wins in the group standings.Justin Brownlee led Gilas with 19 points, seven rebounds, and two assists but fouled out midway through the fourth quarter, hampering the team’s comeback hopes. Kevin Quiambao provided a spark off the bench with 17 points (3-of-6 from three), four rebounds, and two assists, while Dwight Ramos and Scottie Thompson chipped in 16 points each.A slow start proved costly for the Nationals, as poor defense and turnovers allowed Chinese Taipei to rack up 27 points in the opening period and forced Gilas to play catch-up throughout.“Obviously, we didn’t play a very good game. We were outcoached, and it was a disappointing one on my part,” said Gilas Coach Tim Cone.Gilas trimmed a 17-point deficit to within two possessions several times in the second half, but Chinese Taipei’s hot shooting—especially from Ying-Chun Chen, who poured in 34 points and six three-pointers—kept the Philippines at bay. Brownlee’s early exit with over four minutes left only added to the team’s woes.The Philippines struggled with fouls, committing 26 and sending Taiwan to the line for 35 free throws (making 27, 77.1%). Despite a 48–24 rebounding edge, Gilas couldn’t capitalize.With a quick turnaround, the team now shifts focus to its next game against New Zealand on Thursday, August 7, at 11:00 p.m.Cone emphasized: “There is only one thing we can do at this point, and that is move on. We’ve got New Zealand coming in two days, so we gotta get ready for them.”The Scores:Chinese Taipei 95 – Chen Y.C. 34, Gilbeck 16, R. Hinton 14, Lin 14, Gadiaga 5, A. Hinton 4, Tseng 4, Ma 3, Hu 1, Liu 0, Gao 0, Chen K.C. 0.Gilas Pilipinas 87 – Brownlee 19, Quiambao 17, Thompson 16, Ramos 16, Edu 8, Oftana 6, Newsome 3, Fajardo 2, Perez 0, Aguilar 0, Tamayo 0.

A mini volleyball tournament featuring four local teams will highlight the “Set Na Natin ‘To” Trophy and Mascot Tour this Saturday, August 24, at the newly-opened SM City Laoag.Competing at Dap Ayan Park are Block Builders, Laoag MVT, PSQ, and NWU, in what organizers say will be both a celebration of the sort and a showcase of Ilocos Norte’s grassroots talent.

Vince Paras delivered an electrifying performance, decisively knocking out Sarawut Thawornkham in the fourth round to capture the prestigious IBF Pan Pacific Super Flyweight title.This highly anticipated crossroads battle between two former world title challengers saw Paras dominate with remarkable strength and skill.With a blistering body shot followed by a flurry of powerful head punches, he finished the fight in truly dramatic fashion.Promoted by Sanman Boxing, this victory marks a pivotal milestone in Paras’s burgeoning career.“I want to fight the world champions at super flyweight. I feel comfortable at this weight and am ready for the top,” Paras said in an interview.Meanwhile, in the undercard bouts, Ramil Macado secured a unanimous 10-round decision over Adrian Dulayba, showcasing the fierce competition among rising prospects.Pete Apolinar followed with a stunning 7th-round knockout of Pablito Canada. Japanese fighter Kiyota Narukami also impressed with a powerful 3rd-round KO against Dennis Gaviola, while Cholo Alvarez earned a convincing 6th-round decision over Joshua Padual.Michael Bantayan capped off the night with a knockout victory in the opening bout against Nilo Entero, setting a thrilling tone for the entire event.

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 Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) is going all out in its preparations for the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships, set for November 20–24 at the Manila Marriott Grand Ballroom.The prestigious global event will gather a record-breaking number of nations and athletes, further highlighting the Philippines’ growing prominence in the gymnastics world—especially after Carlos Yulo’s historic double gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.According to GAP, delegates will begin arriving by November 14, with some already expressing interest in staying longer to explore the country. Adding star power to the festivities, actor and GAP board member Derek Ramsay will host the opening ceremony.“We are going all out in our effort to host this huge international sporting competition featuring the world’s top junior gymnasts,” said GAP President Cynthia Carrion. “It will be a showcase of skills and talent amid a lively, festive, and warm atmosphere that only Filipinos are known for.”Carrion added that the Philippines’ track record in staging world-class sporting events convinced the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG), led by President Morinari Watanabe, to entrust the hosting to Manila—following the federation’s Congress in Doha in 2024.With passion, hospitality, and world-class preparation, the Philippines is ready to make history once again on the global gymnastics stage.

The TNT Tropang Giga escaped the fiery Meralco Bolts for a third win in a nail-biting 101-99 victory in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Philsports Arena on Tuesday, January 7.Despite their valiant attempt to rally from a deficit of up to 23 points, the Bolts were unable to answer on the final possession, and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson made the game-winning free throws with 10 seconds remaining on the clock.RHJ’s timely heroics allowed TNT to maintain its third consecutive victory. He finished with an all-around performance of 24 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, two steals, and two blocks, while Calvin Oftana spearheaded the locals with 24 markers, as well as four boards.

Adamson University stamped its dominance in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge, locking in the top semifinal seed with a convincing sweep of Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 25-18, 25-17, 25-16, on Wednesday at the Paco Arena in Manila.The Lady Falcons kept their spotless slate intact at 6-0, riding on a balanced effort from rookie sensation Abby Segui, who fired 12 points, and star hitter Shaina Nitura, who added 10 points and anchored their floor defense. Frances Mordi also provided steady scoring with 12 markers in the win.Adamson showed little mercy in the third set, quickly racing to a 14-3 advantage before sealing the match with Red Bascon’s emphatic block. Earlier, Segui and Lhouriz Tuddao combined for crucial points in the second frame to help the Falcons gain full control.

The first time Olympian Filipina fencer Samantha Kyle Catantan shared her advice on how to achieve our dreams and pursue our passion.

The green light has been given to the seven-foot-three Kai Sotto to see action for Gilas Pilipinas this coming window of the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers on November 21 and 24. The development was confirmed by Gilas Pilipinas team manager Richard Del Rosario. He said that Sotto has finally been cleared to play after going through concussion protocols. However, Del Rosario added that AJ Edu still remains doubtful as he continues to undergo strength training and treatment for the right knee that he hurt recently in the Nagasaki Velca’s 71-68 defeat to the Akita Northern Happinets.  “Kai is good to go, but AJ is still undergoing strength training and treatment,” said Del Rosario.Sotto’s presence in the team is a big boost together with the 8th-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo as the Tall Blacks are coming in with a seven-footer and a couple of 6-foot-10 bigs.

The Choco Mucho Flying Titans overcame a first-set loss by overcoming PLDT, 21-25, 25-22, 25-18, 25-18, in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Thursday, January 23.The Flying Titans, who were tied at 17 points apiece in the fourth quarter, went on a 7-0 run led by Sisi Rondina and Cherry Nunag’s five points apiece.Erika Santos' crosscourt hit halted the High Speed Hitters' bleeding, but it was too late as Rondina's down-the-line kill, which Kath Arado was unable to block, sealed the win for Choco Mucho.As a result, the Flying Titans moved up to 5-3 for fourth place alone after defeating Farm Fresh, ZUS Coffee, and PLDT despite missing the services of Kat Tolentino, who had surgery due to a ruptured appendix."Firstly, of course, we dedicate our victory to Kat, she is recovering now. I hope she recovers quickly and we can be together again," said Flying Titans head coach Dante Alinsunurin.

The PLDT High Speed Hitters hiked its win streak to six, breaking into the top three of the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference with a masterful 25-20, 25-17, 25-19 victory over Farm Fresh at the Philsports Arena on Tuesday, February 4.Savi Davison was relentless, posting a match-high 26 points loaded with 23 kills to carry the High Speed Hitters past the Foxies to a 6-3 record.The Filipino-Canadian spiker also registered three blocks along with six excellent receptions. While Davison spearheaded PLDT’s offense, young setter Angge Alcantara orchestrated the plays and served as the catalyst with 12 excellent sets and four markers to earn Player of the Game honors.Despite the impressive outing, the High Speed Hitters should not lower their guards as head coach Rald Ricafort stressed the value of maintaining consistency as they move into the tournament's pivotal stage.

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 NLEX Road Warriors capped their preseason with a championship run, capturing the 40th Kadayawan Invitational crown after defeating the Blackwater Bossing, 101-84, on Sunday night, August 26, at the University of Southern Philippines in Davao City.After trailing by as much as 11 early in the game, NLEX turned things around with a blistering 34-12 surge in the second quarter, sparked by Robert Bolick, Dominic Fajardo, Tony Semerad, and Xyrus Torres, to grab a 52-36 lead at halftime.