The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) will make history as they feature the first ever Finals match-up in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.The Pampanga Giant Lanterns that swept the North Division playoff round will face the South Division champions Quezon Huskers that only lost one game in their own playoff bracket.Game 1 of the best-of-five Finals series will begin on December 1 at the Sheikh Rashid Bin Hamdam Indoor in Dubai at 7:00 PM Gulf Standard Time (11:00 PM Philippine Time), while Game 2 will be on December 3, same tip-off time at the same venue.During the playoffs, Pampanga averaged 79.3 points, 55.5 rebounds, 21.8 assists, 7.5 steals, and 4.3 blocks in six games, while Quezon averaged 75.1 markers, 44.1 boards, 20.0 dimes, 7.6 deflections, and 2.9 rejections in seven games.The two teams' numbers were almost identical except that the Giant Lanterns dominated the rebounding department but also turned the ball over a lot times that the Huskers could take advantage of.Pampanga’s prized center Justine Baltazar will once again be the focal point of the Giant Lanterns offense but he will not be alone to carry the load for their squad.

The Blazers know the sting of coming so close. Twice in the past three years, Benilde reached the NCAA finals only to see the title slip away. Now, entering Season 101, their aim is not just to shake off regrets but to end a 25-year championship drought.Central to that hope is MVP Allen Liwag, a force in the frontcourt whose leadership and production must anchor the team. This time, he brings reinforcement: Shawn Umali, SJ Moore, and Raffy Celis have committed themselves to the Blazers’ cause. Umali, a bruising presence from Lyceum, and Moore & Celis, both UAAP veterans, add depth, versatility, and fresh firepower.Alongside them, holdovers Justine Sanchez, Tony Ynot, and Gab Cometa return to lend experience and continuity. The roster is further bolstered by Jhomel Ancheta, Joshua Cajucom, Anton Eusebio, Matthew Oli, Jericho Jalalon, and Ian Torres, as well as contributors Bonn Daja, Irele Galas, Jake Gaspay, Jio Gonzaga and John Morales—all part of the Blazers’ Redemption Lineup.

National fencers continued to assert their dominance by sweeping the gold medals in their respective events at the 2025 Philippine Fencing Association (PFA) 2nd Leg Senior Ranking held at Alabang Town Center in Muntinlupa City.A total of 219 fencers competed in the tournament, which serves as a qualifier for the Philippine team set to compete in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December. 

The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters finally snatched a win in Game 3 of their PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup semi-finals series against the TNT Tropang 5G, 107-86, on Sunday, June 29, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.Anton Asistio scored a personal playoff-high 24 points to lead Rain or Shine in their first win of the best-of-seven affair. He also added six assists and a rebound to his stat line, shooting 7-of-9 from the field, including 4-of-5 from three-point range and 2-of-3 from the four-point arc, in just 28 minutes and 11 seconds off the bench.Caelan Tiongson followed with 16 markers, four boards, one assist, and a rejection, while Keith Datu tallied a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds, along with two assists and one block.Two more Elasto Painters scored in double figures—Leonard Santillan finished with 12 markers on top of eight boards, one assist, and one deflection, while Andrei Caracut added 10 points, four assists, and four steals.

Talks now are underway for the country’s potential hosting of a WTA event, a move that could mark a major milestone for Philippine tennis.The proposed WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open is being targeted for January 26 to February 1 next year, following initial discussions between the Philippine Lawn Tennis Association (Philta), the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), and Navotas Mayor John Rey Tiangco.Also discussed was opening the historic Rizal Memorial Tennis Courts to the public, aiming to expand grassroots access to the sport.“Our partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission paves the way for a new chapter in Philippine tennis,” said Tiangco, who also serves as Philta secretary general. “From pursuing the hosting of the WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open and ITF J30 to opening Rizal Memorial courts to the public and building the Philippine Tennis Center in New Clark City, we are bringing world-class opportunities closer to home. Tennis transforms lives, and with PSC’s support, we are determined to help Filipinos rise and shine on the world stage.”If the plan materializes, fans may even witness Filipina star Alex Eala competing on home soil—a potential highlight as she continues her climb in the global rankings.For PSC Chairman John Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, the initiative goes beyond hosting a single tournament.“This is more than a tournament. This is about giving our athletes the chance to test themselves against the world’s best, inspiring the next generation, and placing the Philippines firmly on the global tennis map. The greatest champions began their journeys on public courts. By opening access and investing in world-class events, we are giving Filipinos the same chance to dream big and achieve greatness.” Gregorio stressed. Beyond the WTA discussions, the Philippines is also set to host the ITF J30 Tournament later this year, featuring promising players aged 13 to 18.With both grassroots development and elite competitions in play, Philippine tennis is gearing up for a future that blends accessibility, international exposure, and the dream of producing more homegrown champions.

The Philippine women’s football national team opened its campaign in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers, blanking Saudi Arabia with a 3-0 score on Sunday, June 29, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.The Filipinas quickly took control of the match with midfielder Jaclyn Sawicki scoring the opening goal in the 16th minute after Meryll Serrano found her inside the box. Serrano remained relentless throughout the match, breaking through Saudi Arabia’s tight defense to double the lead in the 55th minute.Filipino-American rising star Alexa Pino then put the game beyond doubt, slotting in a goal in the 81st minute to secure a dominant win for the Philippines in their tournament opener.

The World Games 2025 in Chengdu is underway, with Filipino athletes leaving it all on the field, striving not just for personal glory but also to bring pride and recognition to the Philippines in theirAs of August 14, Team Philippines has secured a total of three medals—two silvers and one bronze.

Lovely Inan added three more medals to the Philippines’ growing collection following her impressive feat in the women’s 49-kilogram event in the ongoing 2024 International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Junior Championships in Leon, Spain. Inan topped her event with a total lift of 179kg, surpassing Colombia’s Karoll Dahyanne Lopez Alvarez who tallied a lift of 178kg and Spain’s Lucia Gonzalez Borrego with a total lift of 170kg.The young Filipina athlete also seized gold in clean and jerk on a 100kg effort and nabbed a silver medal in snatch with a 79kg lift.Inan’s impressive victories added to the country’s medal collection following two golds and one silver from Angeline Colonia in the women’s 45kg.Meanwhile, Rose Jean Ramos (women’s 49kg Category B) and Eron Borres and Prince Kiel Delos Santos (men’s 55kg) fell short in their respective events. The Philippines still has a chance to claim more medals with Jodie Peralta set to compete in the women’s 55kg event and Albert Ian Delos Santos in the men’s 67kg division.

The Philippine boxing community is grieving the loss of former title challenger and veteran trainer Jonathan Peñalosa, who passed away on Monday, April 28, after a valiant battle with colon cancer. He was 57.Peñalosa was the older brother of two-time world champion Gerry Peñalosa and Dodie Boy Peñalosa Sr. His wake is currently being held at their family home in San Carlos City.Eight-division world champion and former senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, who trained under him for many years, is among those who paid tribute to Peñalosa. Pacquiao shared a heartfelt video on Facebook featuring training sessions with the late coach.“Rest in peace, Coach Jonathan Peñalosa. You weren’t just a coach to me—you were a brother, in and out of the ring. Thank you for your sacrifices and the love you gave me and my family. We will never forget you. Our prayers are with the Peñalosa family. We will forever miss you, Coach,” said Pacquiao.Peñalosa died exactly a week after Pacquiao personally visited him at Bacolod City Riverside Hospital following his surgery.Coach Jonathan had a seven-year pro career from 1985 to 1993, the highlight of which was his fight against WBA flyweight champion Yong Kang Kim of South Korea in 1992, which he unfortunately lost via a sixth-round knockout. His career record stood at 15-4-1 with 7 KOs.Jonathan was one of three boxing children of patriarch Carl Peñalosa, a two-time Philippine super-lightweight champion.Following his boxing career, Coach Jonathan became a fight trainer and eventually joined Pacquiao’s stable of local trainers.He was part of Pacquiao’s team for some of his marquee fights, including those against Tim Bradley, Jeff Horn, Lucas Matthysse, Keith Thurman, among others.It was also Peñalosa who trained Pacquiao for his six-round exhibition fight against South Korean martial artist DK Yoo in 2022.As Pacquiao retired, the elder Peñalosa took Pacman’s fighting son, Eman Bacosa, under his wing.

The PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup quarter final round begins on Wednesday, September 28, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium with interesting pairings of the best-of-five series.

The College of Saint Benilde Lady Blazers capped their V-League campaign with a statement win, pulling off a dramatic reverse sweep over the Arellano University Lady Chiefs, 21-25, 16-25, 25-22, 25-15, 15-4, to secure the bronze medal in the 2025 V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge on Monday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.After a semifinal loss to the FEU Lady Tamaraws ended their title hopes, the Lady Blazers showed remarkable grit and composure, clawing back from a two-set deficit to reclaim a spot on the podium—improving from their fourth-place finish last year.Leading the comeback was Zam Nolasco, who dominated at the net with 18 points built on 12 attacks and six blocks, while Fiona Inocentes powered through with 15 markers (11 attacks, three blocks, and one ace).

Senator Bong Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, Youth, Health, and Development, reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Filipino athletes by highlighting key legislative initiatives.Among his notable efforts is the establishment of the National Academy of Sports (NAS) under Republic Act No. 11470, which he authored and co-sponsored. The NAS offers a dual-track system that integrates academic education with elite sports training for young athletes.Senator Go is also pushing for the passage of the National Academy of Sports Regional Expansion Act (Senate Bill No. 171), which aims to establish regional NAS campuses—particularly in the Visayas and Mindanao—to provide full scholarships and nurture athletic talent across the country.Other key initiatives include:Senate Bill No. 407, amending the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act (RA 10699), to improve support for para-athletes;Senate Bill No. 413, or the Philippine National Games Bill, to institutionalize grassroots sports competitions nationwide;Senate Bill No. 678, or the National Tertiary Games Act, to promote collegiate-level sports development.Since assuming his role in 2019, Senator Go has helped oversee historic achievements in Philippine sports, including the country's first Olympic gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Games and a double-gold performance at Paris 2024.“I encourage everyone, young and old, to get into sports and stay away from drugs to keep us healthy and fit,” Senator Go said.

Alex Eala is set to face a challenging field at the National Bank Open in Montreal, Canada, kicking off this weekend as part of her preparations for another Grand Slam run at the US Open next month.After a brief vacation in the Philippines, Eala will compete in her fourth WTA-1000 level tournament of the year, aiming to match or surpass her previous achievements.The National Bank Open, scheduled for July 26 to August 7, will release its official draw this Friday, July 25.Currently ranked No. 69, Eala could find herself up against familiar elite opponents she’s encountered at the Miami Open, Madrid Open, Italian Open, Eastbourne Open, French Open, and Wimbledon.Headlining the tournament are world No. 2 Coco Gauff, newly crowned Wimbledon champion and world No. 3 Iga Swiatek, and world No. 4 Jessica Pegula.Eala previously partnered with Gauff at the Italian Open and faced Pegula in the Miami Open, where she made her first semifinal appearance at this level.

The TNT Tropang Giga has dominated Game 5 of their best-of-seven series against Barangay Ginebra, 99-72, on Wednesday night, November 6, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.TNT moved closer in clinching the championship as they now lead the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup Finals series, 3-2.Kelly Williams, who started for the first time in the Finals for the Tropang Giga was vital in providing the spark early as he produced the first seven points for the team and ended up with 13 markers and three rebounds.

Philippine billiards legend Efren “Bata” Reyes was honored with a heartfelt tribute at Pacman’s Cue Club in Mandaluyong City as he celebrated his 71st birthday last Tuesday, August 26.Known worldwide as “The Magician,” Reyes was surrounded by friends, fellow legends, and fans who gathered to celebrate the man regarded as the greatest pool player of all time. “It feels like I’m not growing old—like I’m still a kid. This birthday celebration makes me really happy,” Reyes said, beaming with gratitude.Fellow icons Marlon “The Marvelous Captain” Manalo and Francisco “Django” Bustamante were among those who paid tribute.“My wish for Efren is for him to keep playing and stay strong. Don’t stop playing, because if you stop, you might lose your edge,” said Manalo.“This tribute is from me and Senator Manny Pacquiao. Happy Birthday. You know I love you so much. Even as we grow old, we’re still here. I hope you have many more years ahead, ”  Bustamante shared.Reyes delighted the crowd with his signature trick shots, proving that his magic remains. Despite his legendary status, his focus is on the future of Philippine billiards. He expressed his desire to mentor young talents, especially in the provinces, and emphasized the need for more support and sponsorship for rising stars.“We have so many talented players who haven’t emerged yet because they lack sponsors. They need to showcase their skills,” Reyes explained.A longtime advocate for billiards’ inclusion in the Olympics, Reyes hopes the next generation of Filipino cue artists might one day achieve that dream. “I may never see billiards in the Olympics myself, but I want our young players to have that chance,” he added.

Adamson University ended the first round of the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Basketball Tournament, securing a solo third place following a 63-51 win against University of the East on Sunday, October 6, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.The Lady Falcons delivered a stellar performance for their Season 87 campaign, closing out the first round with a 5-2 record. The last time they achieved this much success was when they finished third place after losing against De La Salle University back in Season 75 in 2012.“I’m very happy with how the first round went for us. It’s all about the effort of the players. On our part, we’ll just guide them,” said Lady Falcons head coach Ryan Monteclaro.The third quarter became a challenge for the Lady Falcons as they had to weather UE’s charges. The Lady Warriors kicked off the second half with a 16-6 run fueled with Ivy Yanez’s eight-point surge to cut the deficit to 47-37.However, Adamson was able to quickly regain their composure with nine unanswered points in the final period as their lead ballooned to 56-37 advantage eventually sealing the game to secure their fifth win of the season. Monteclaro fielded all of 16 of his players, with 13 of them getting on the scoresheet.Kim Limbago tallied 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting with three assists, two rebounds, and one steal for the Lady Falcons. Kim Adeshina supplemented seven markers, 11 boards, three blocks, one deflection, and one dime, while Angela Alaba contributed seven points, four rebounds, two assists, and two steals.Yanez led the Lady Warriors with 16 markers, six boards, three dimes, and one block, while Katherine Ruiz and Aliyah Ronquillo supplied 12 and 10 points, respectively, in the losing effort.

The debuts of Alas Pilipinas standouts Thea Gagate and Julia Coronel, as well as the return of Rachel Daquis and Jovelyn Gonzaga, as likely to add to the excitement surrounding the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference, which kicks off on Saturday, November 9, at the Philsports Arena.After being selected first by ZUS Coffee in the league’s historic rookie draft earlier this year, Gagate will finally be able to play as a professional, while Coronel, the third overall pick, will also make her professional debut with Galeries Tower. Due to their national team obligations, Gagate and Coronel missed the league’s first two conferences this season.

William Navarro’s long-awaited overseas stint is finally underway.The versatile 6-foot-6 forward has officially signed with the Busan KCC Egis, the Korean Basketball League (KBL) club announced on Tuesday, sealing a dream move years in the making.

A well-balanced offense pushed the Converge FiberXers to a 127-109 victory over Blackwater Bossing on Sunday, January 19, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, securing sole second place in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup.As the FiberXers edged closer to a playoff incentive with an 8-3 record, 6-foot-9 big man Justine Baltazar delivered an impressive play for the team, recording a new career-high 20 points along with 10 rebounds, two assists, three steals, and two blocks to earn him Best Player of the Game plum.Jordan Heading provided firepower, leading the charge for Converge with 22 markers, from 3 out of 5 shooting, along with five dimes, and three boards.

Creamline maintained their perfect record, securing its fifth win at the expense of Capital1, 25-19, 25-19, 25-18, in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday, January 21, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.The Cool Smashers sustained their title as the lone undefeated team in the conference, improving their record to 5-0 in the standings.The team was dominant from beginning to end, with Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza, and Alyssa Valdez leading the defending Grand Slam champions in the third set with a 7-1 run, giving them a 16-10 advantage. Creamline kept up their momentum as Lorie Bernardo and Galanza completed the match, before Patty Orendain's error sealed the victory.