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.

Despite missing out on the Paris Olympics in 2024, Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo remains undeterred. The country’s first Olympic gold medalist is now focused on the 33rd Southeast Asian Games this December in Thailand, where she will compete in the women’s 58-kilogram division.“I’m preparing for the SEA Games. Maglalaro po ako ngayong December. Again, depende sa Philippine delegation, pero maglalaro po ako,” Diaz-Naranjo shared, her determination unwavering.For the Filipina weightlifting icon, representing the nation remains central to her career. “Bumabalik ako parati sa why. It’s always to represent my country and doing my best for the Philippines in weightlifting and also to inspire young Filipinos,” she said.Diaz-Naranjo already boasts two SEA Games gold medals in the 55kg category and two silvers in the 58kg class, but she knows each competition demands renewed commitment.Balancing Acts: Training, Coaching, and Inspiring the YouthWhile preparing for the SEA Games, Diaz-Naranjo juggles multiple roles: mentoring young lifters for Batang Pinoy, giving motivational talks, and pushing grassroots development in weightlifting.“Yes, [I’m] very busy. Pero ayun nga, kung may tinatarget ka, you prioritize training kahit saan ka man. Kaya tinatanong ko talaga sa hotel kung may gym ba sila. Baka pwede akong mag-training doon,” she explained.She often trains before or after coaching sessions to maintain her own focus. “Hindi ko sinasabayan na training and coaching… minsan nag-training ako before or after nila para makapag-focus ako,” she added.Building Back Discipline and FocusWith less than three months before the SEA Games, Diaz-Naranjo admitted she’s still finding her rhythm. “How prepared? Sorry to say, nasa 70 pa lang. So, restart ako. Nag-training ako, pero iba yung talagang from mag-start ako sa anong ginawa ko nung sa Olympics,” she shared.Her preparation is both physical and mental, with renewed emphasis on mindset and weekly mental training. She’s also prioritizing injury prevention and diet as she balances her demanding schedule with consistent workouts.

Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala is back in action and making headlines once again — this time not just for her powerful play, but also for achieving a new career milestone. Fresh off her historic run at the Miami Open, the 19-year-old continues to climb the WTA rankings and now enters the clay court season with momentum on her side.As of April 14, Eala has officially reached a career-high world ranking of No. 72, gaining three spots since her sensational semi final-finish in Miami. Starting that tournament as World No. 140, she shocked the tennis world by taking down some of the biggest names in the game — including Madison Keys, Jelena Ostapenko, and top seed Iga Swiatek — before narrowly falling to Jessica Pegula in a gritty three-set match.Now, after a short break from competition, Eala returns to the court at the Oeiras Ladies Open in Portugal, her first appearance on clay this season. Notably, she enters the tournament as the No. 1 seed — a first for the young star in any WTA-level event.

The highly anticipated six-stage Larga Pilipinas Cycling Marathon has been officially postponed due to persistent inclement weather in recent weeks.“It’s quite unfortunate because the teams prepared hard for this. But as we speak, there are areas in Northern Luzon, especially in the Cordilleras, that are currently isolated because of the heavy rains,” said Larga Pilipinas operations chief Snow Badua yesterday, July 30, during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum.Originally set to start on August 2, the event will now kick off on November 29, as Badua confirmed. “Palipasin na muna natin ang typhoon season. Let’s give the LGUs all the time to focus on the situation and huwag na tayo madagdag sa isipin nila.”“Heavily battered ang Northern Luzon, that’s why, in close coordination with the different LGUs (local government units), we needed to reset, also upon the advice of PhilCycling president Abraham Tolentino,” he explained.“We cannot, in good conscience, move forward knowing these hazards put our participants and the teams at real risk. Their safety is, and always will be, our top priority,” he added.Despite the delay, excitement remains high for the marathon, which is expected to feature 10 competitive teams, including several international riders. The event is poised to be one of the country’s largest and most competitive cycling races this year.Organizers stressed that the postponement was made with participant safety as the top priority, ensuring optimal racing conditions for all teams.

Melvin Jerusalem successfully defended his World Boxing Council (WBC) minimumweight belt after a convincing unanimous decision win over Yudai Shigeoka in their rematch on March 30, 2025, at the Aichi Sky Expo in Tokoname, Aichi, Japan. And like their first match, the Filipino boxer was able to take his opponent apart piece by piece right from the get-go with smooth precision.The Pinoy boxer kept on coming with volume punches, connecting on combinations that left his opponent with a bloody nose. He then kept the pressure on until the last round of their fight, not slowing down as Shigeoka continuously struggled to connect with his punches.Unlike the first match, there were no knockdowns this time around, but the dominance was still shown by the Filipino 31-year-old fighter and champion.Judge Joseph Gwilt scored it 118-110, judge Thawut Pheumsamran had it closer at 116-112 and judge Chris Tellez saw it at 119-109. This is the second time that Jerusalem successfully defended his belt and further improved his record to 24-3 with 12 knockouts, while Shigeoka dropped to 9-2 with five knockouts. Last year, Jerusalem also won the title against Shigeoka also in Japan via split decision.Now that Jerusalem won the fight against his Japanese foe, he dreams of a rematch with unified 105-pound titlist Oscar Collazo of Puerto Rico.It has been almost two years since the 31-year-old Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon native was stripped of the World Boxing Organization (WBO) title in a crushing seventh-round technical knockout loss to Collazo last May 27, 2023. 

The Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshot won their past four games to survive elimination and entered the playoffs for the 19th straight conference already.Magnolia was on the brink of being ousted in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup when their record went down to 3-6, but they peaked at the right time and clinched a quarterfinals berth after dismantling the NLEX Road Warriors in their do-or-die game.Now, the Hotshots are facing another tough challenge as they have a twice-to-win disadvantage against the league-leading NorthPort Batang Pier, who defeated them, 103-107, during their lone game in the preliminaries.But Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero likes their chances against NP as they are now parading a healthy line-up."We're the underdog in this series. We're down in this series 0-1. So it's another do-or-die situation for us," said Victolero. "But I like our chances.""We're playing well on both ends of the floor. And pinaka-gusto ko lang is we're all healthy. I think this is the only second or third game (against NLEX) where we are fully healthy, lahat ng mga players," the Hotshots coach added."Hopefully we can battle with the No. 1 team and give them a good fight," he ended.

Filipina MMA champion Denice “The Menace” Zamboanga has withdrawn from her scheduled ONE Women’s Atomweight World Championship defense at ONE 173 on November 16 due to “medical reasons.”Zamboanga was set to defend her title against Japan’s Ayaka Miura at Ariake Arena in Tokyo. "With a heavy heart, I need to share some difficult news… I was truly excited to defend my belt at ONE 173 against Ayaka. I know how strong and talented she is, and I was looking forward to testing myself against such a worthy challenger. This was a fight I have been preparing for and one I deeply wanted to give to the fans," she said.Her withdrawal leaves former strawweight champion Joshua “The Passion” Pacio as the sole Filipino representative on the card.Zamboanga apologized to Ayaka and her sponsors in the same post, but vowed to return stronger, underscoring her love for the sport."This sport means everything to me, and I promise I am fully committed to coming back stronger. My passion for fighting has not changed, and I will continue to work hard so that I can once again represent ONE at the highest level when I return."Pacio, 28, will move up in weight for a high-stakes challenge against local favorite Yuya Wakamatsu for the ONE Flyweight MMA World Championship.Zamboanga’s absence marks a temporary setback after her recent title win and shifts the spotlight to Pacio’s quest to reclaim world title glory in Tokyo.

The Philippines is set to become the epicenter of world volleyball as the FIVB Men’s World Championship unfolds from September 12 to 28 at the Mall of Asia Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum.“Elite at its highest level,” said Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon Suzara, as he welcomed the arrival of powerhouse teams.Headlining the tournament are World No. 1 Poland, reigning world champion Italy, Olympic gold medalist France, and perennial powerhouse Brazil.Poland, led by VNL MVP middle blocker Jakub Kochanowski and star spiker Wilfredo Leon, reclaimed the FIVB’s top ranking after sweeping Italy in last month’s VNL Finals. France, two-time Olympic gold medalists, are favored with Paris Games MVP Earvin Ngapeth at the helm, aiming for redemption after a quarterfinal exit in 2022.Defending world champion Italy will count on Simone Giannelli (VNL Best Setter) and rising star Alessandro Michieletto (Best Outside Spiker), while Brazil’s stacked lineup—featuring Alan Souza, Ricardo Lucarelli, Mathias Bispo dos Santos, and veteran setter Bruno Fernando—looks to improve on their previous bronze finish.With 32 nations vying for glory, Manila is primed for world-class action and historic volleyball showdowns as the sport’s elite chase the ultimate crown.

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.

Seasoned players Mike Phillips of De La Salle University Green Archers and Camille Clarin of National University Bulldogs both delivered outstanding performances for their teams in the final stretch of eliminations in the UAAP Season 87 basketball tournaments.As both teams continued to compete for their respective titles, Phillips and Clarin contributed crucial assistance for their respective teams, which resulted in them being awarded as the Collegiate Press Corps (CPC) UAAP Players of the Week award for the period of November 3–10.After a fiercely contested poll, Phillips defeated Mo Konateh of FEU, AJ Fransman of Adamson, and Nic Cabañero of UST to win the weekly prize.With an average of 15.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 3.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks during DLSU's 2-0 week, the 6-foot-8 forward was the most popular pick among reporters in the men's tournament.In a hard-fought 58-53 victory over FEU, Phillips filled the void left by reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao on a rare off night. He finished with 17 points, 15 rebounds, two assists, five steals, and two blocks.“I’m just so happy with my role that coach [Topex Robinson] gave me," said Phillips, who scored 11 of his 17 points in the final quarter against the Tamaraws."I just try to be one of the leaders on the defense and the energy, and a lot of times I still struggle with my offensive end, and sometimes too much energy, and it’s not channeled the right way, but that’s why I trust in my teammates,” he added.

Kevin Quiambao has returned to the Gilas Pilipinas lineup after spending a month in the United States pursuing his NBA aspirations. The former UAAP MVP was back at national team practice at The Upper Deck in Pasig City this Monday, July 21, as Gilas ramps up preparations for the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup.Quiambao trained in Sacramento, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas throughout July. Although he didn’t secure a spot in the NBA Summer League, he participated in a private scrimmage organized by Excel Sports Management, attended by NBA scouts and executives.Now in peak condition, Quiambao wasted no time rejoining Gilas as the squad continues its buildup for the continental tournament in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from August 5-17.Joining Quiambao in the latest practice were Justin Brownlee, Dwight Ramos, Carl Tamayo, AJ Edu, Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar, Troy Rosario, RJ Abarrientos, Chris Newsome, and Jamie Malonzo.June Mar Fajardo, CJ Perez, and Calvin Oftana are expected to return to training after the PBA Philippine Cup Finals, where San Miguel currently holds a 3-1 lead over TNT.

Despite acknowledging the pressure, rising Filipino gymnast Karl Eldrew Yulo is confident he can deliver a strong performance in front of a hometown crowd when the 3rd Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships unfold from November 20 to 24 at the Manila Marriott Hotel Grand Ballroom in Pasay City.“I hope I can make a good performance because I want to be one of the best junior gymnasts in the world,” said the 17-year-old Yulo. “This is my major international competition this year, and, with the help of God, I want to show the world my best,” he added.Yulo recently trained in Nagoya, Japan under the guidance of esteemed coach Munehiro Kugimiya, as part of his final preparations for the prestigious tournament. Alongside him during his media appearance was Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) President Cynthia Carrion, who emphasized support over pressure.“I won’t be putting any pressure on Eldrew, so I would be happy if he wins a silver at the world juniors,” said Carrion.The Philippines earned the hosting rights for the Junior World Championships after a successful bid during the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) Congress last year in Doha, Qatar. Carrion credited FIG President Morinari Watanabe for championing the country’s bid, especially following Carlos Yulo’s Olympic triumph in Paris.Nearly 80 countries and 600 athletes are expected to compete in the five-day event, which marks a milestone for Philippine gymnastics.  Joining Yulo as the country’s female representative is US-based Elisabeth Antone, who earned a bronze medal at the Asian Junior Championships last June in South Korea. Due to the Philippines not participating in the previous edition in Antalya, Turkey, only one male and one female gymnast can compete under the FIG rules for this edition.Carrion remains hopeful that both gymnasts will rise to the occasion, bolstered by the energy of the Filipino crowd.“You know how inspiring our Filipino fans are, so we expect them to root for both Yulo and Antone during the world juniors,” she added.For Karl Eldrew, this competition carries extra meaning, as it will be his final outing in the junior division before moving up to the senior ranks next year.“This is going to be my first and last time competing in the world juniors and in the Philippines. Next year I will be competing as a senior, so may konting pressure,” said Yulo.Carrion emphasized the long-term goal of preparing Yulo for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, with plans for continued training under coach Kugimiya in Japan.“I believe that he can be our best now at the world juniors, although other countries will also be putting their best foot forward,” she added.Carrion summed it up best: “It would be fantastic for us Filipinos if Karl can pull this off. It would be nice for the Philippines to see a world champion crowned on our home soil.”

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.

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.

Petro Gazz soared past Choco Mucho, 25-20, 26-28, 25-21, 25-16, capping the first day of the Premier Volleyball League’s All-Filipino Conference on Saturday, November 9, at Philsports Arena in Pasig.Brooke Van Sickle powered the Angels, erupting 34 points anchored on 28 attacks, four aces, and two kill blocks, while also putting up 14 excellent digs. 

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. 

International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) President Morinari Watanabe led the Press Conference and Media Welcome Reception on Tuesday, formally ushering in the country’s hosting of the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships at Newport World Resorts in Pasay City.The event gathered local and international media as Watanabe highlighted the Philippines’ growing presence in the global gymnastics community and expressed confidence in the successful staging of the prestigious competition.Set to officially open on Thursday, November 20, the Junior World Championships will feature the world’s top young gymnasts, all eager to showcase their skill, talent, and potential on the international stage.With more than 75 countries participating, the Philippines is poised to play a central role as the tournament unfolds in Manila for the very first time.

The Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots survived the grit of the Terrafirma Dyip to carve out an 89-84 victory in their battle last night, January 10, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.Magnolia improved their record to 3-5 and still held on to their chance of making it to the playoffs of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup.The win also gave the Hotshots their 20th straight triumph against the Terrafirma, which fell down to 0-9 in the conference and officially put them out of contention in the next round.

Fresh off their historic Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Championship win, the Petro Gazz Angels were brought back down to earth in their first match on the continental stage, falling in four sets to Chinese Taipei’s Kaohsiung Taipower, 15-25, 16-25, 25-19, 20-25, at the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League on Monday afternoon, April 21, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.Despite the momentum of a landmark local title just over a week ago, the Angels couldn’t find their rhythm against the well-drilled and youthful Taipower squad. The nine-time Top Volleyball League champions leaned on the consistency of 21-year-old outside hitter Hsu Wan-Yun and 23-year-old wing spiker Tsai Yu-Chun to maintain their unbeaten record (2-0) and clinch the top spot in Pool B.

Defensive specialist Justine Jazareno emerged as the Philippines’ lone awardee in the second leg of the SEA V.League, earning Best Libero honor Sunday night, August 10, — her first international award.Jazareno anchored Alas Pilipinas’ streak of having at least one individual honoree alive for five straight legs of the tournament. She joined Vietnam’s Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen (MVP and Best Opposite Spiker), Vi Thi Nhu Quynh (Best Outside Spiker), Tran Thi Bich Thuy (Best Middle Blocker), and Thailand’s Pornpun Guedpard (Best Setter), Chatchu-on Moksri (Best Outside Spiker), and Thanapan Wimonrat (Best Middle Blocker) in the list of top performers.