The Philippine Dragon Boat Team bagged the overall championship in the recently concluded 2024 ICF Dragon Boat World Championships held in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan from October 27 to Sunday, November 3.In front of a lively hometown crowd, the Filipino paddlers added two gold, five silver and two bronze medals for an impressive 11-20-16 overall tally.The Southeast Asian powerhouse Thailand took runner-up honors with eight golds, while the I.N.A (Individual Neutral Athlete) squad was third with a haul of six golds, three silvers and three bronzes in the meet supported by the Philippine Sports Commission and Tingog party-list.The hosts won a hotly-contested masters mixed 20-seater standard boat 500-meter race in two minutes and 6.34 seconds, nosing out Singapore (2:06.73) while Germany was not too far behind in third (2:07.98) in the competition organized by the Philippine Canoe Kayak Dragon Boat Federation.The Filipinos were also runaway winners in the 40+ 20-seater women’s 2,000-meter standard boat event (10:42.31) over runner-up Canada (10:48.64) and took silvers in the 20-seater mixed standard boat 500-meter  (1:58.13), 40+ 10-seater mixed 500-meter (2:19.45), 20-seater open (9:23.16) and 40+ 20-seater open 5,000-meter (9:34.47) races. But the 20-seater mixed standard 500-meters was the most thrilling as the hosts virtually led from start to finish until they were beaten in the last 10 meters by the late-charging Ukrainians, who snatched the gold in 1:57.51.   They also bagged the last bronze of the day in the 40+ 10-seater open 500-meter (2:15.93) event in the four-day tournament also supported by the Puerto Princesa City governmentAccording to Philippine Canoe Kayak Dragon Boat Federation or PCKDF president Leonora "Lenlen" Escollante, they are happy with the country's achievement and they were not disappointed in their hope that it will lead the international competition.Escollante also appreciates the warm support of the local government of Puerto Princesa in holding this type of international sporting events, as well as the hospitality of Filipinos to foreign visitors participating in the competition.

A 14-strong Philippine delegation is set to compete at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Canfranc, Spain, from September 23 to 28.Led by veteran captain Arnie Macarenas, the team will see action in long trail, short trail, U23, and U20 events. The squad departs for Spain on September 10 for training and acclimatization.Philippine Trail Running Association (Philtra) Vice President and Secretary-General Tin Ferrera said expectations are measured, as nearly half the team will make their international debut. “Based on training, we expect Top 20 to Top 30 finishes,” Ferrera said. Macarenas, a silver medalist at the Asia Pacific Trail Running Championships, will lead the long trail team with Larry Apolinario, Joebert Elmaguin, Elizabeth Dangadang, and Angelie Cabalo. The short trail team features Randolf Gonzales, Romnick Tongkaling, John Ray Onifa, Joy Beltran, and Noime Fernandez.In the youth divisions, Ken Olver Libo-on and Evan Dian Sitoy will compete in the mountain classic-junior (U20), while Samuel Manuel and Charlotte Muyco represent the Philippines in the mountain classic-senior (U23).Joy Beltran and Charlotte Muyco, both set for their first international competition, shared their excitement and determination ahead of the event.“I’m excited to go there because after four months of training, we know we are ready to compete,” said Beltran.“I feel nervous, but I know I can do it,” added Muyco.Muyco also hopes to inspire young athletes to try trail running, a sport she believes offers a unique experience compared to others.“I will really do my best to reach the podium and become an inspiration, especially for our youth (U23). We should encourage kids to start young and explore the outdoors, especially the mountains. Trail running is amazing and truly different from other sports—that’s why we love it.”The delegation also includes officials and support staff, with the team set to test themselves against powerhouse squads from 75 countries— including the US, France, Italy, Germany, and host Spain. Top Asian rivals include China, Japan, South Korea, and Nepal.Following a 12th-place finish last year in Austria, the Philippine team is eager to build on that performance at this year’s global showcase.

Bulgaria delivered the shock of the tournament, pulling off a stunning reverse sweep of world No. 4 USA, 21-25, 19-25, 25-17, 25-22, 15-13, to storm into the semifinals of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship before a roaring crowd of 10,474 at the Mall of Asia Arena.Ranked only No. 11 in the world, the Bulgarians looked doomed after dropping the first two sets but clawed back with grit and composure, capped by middle blocker Iliya Petkov’s clutch hit that sealed their first Final Four berth in nearly two decades.Rising star Aleksandar “Alex” Nikolov powered the comeback, erupting for 29 points on 26 attacks, two aces, and a block, including seven in the tense decider. He was ably supported by Asparuh Asparuhov (12 points) and Petkov (10 points), while 18-year-old playmaker Simeon “Moni” Nikolov orchestrated the offense with 48 sets.“First of all, we had a little bit of luck; nobody’s going to deny that. But I think the main thing was not giving up,” said Moni Nikolov. “This was looking like the absolute worst game of my career. Then, thanks to my incredible teammates, they pulled me out of the mud.”The Bulgarians forced a fifth set after Asparuhov capped a 3-0 rally to close the fourth, then leaned on balanced scoring to withstand a late American surge. Using Alex Nikolov as a decoy, Bulgaria set up Petkov for the match-winner that left the USA stunned.For the Americans, Ethan Champlin had 17 points, Jordan Ewert 15, and Merrick McHenry 12, while captain Micah Christenson tallied 55 excellent sets. But the Americans bowed out in the quarterfinals for the second straight World Championship after finishing sixth in 2022.Bulgaria, bronze medalists in 2006, will next face world No. 17 Czechia in the semifinals, while Poland and Italy contest the other Final Four pairing in what is now guaranteed to be an all-European finale.

Many were surprised when Manny Pacquiao officially announced his return from retirement to challenge World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight champion Mario Barrios.This bout will be Pacquiao's first in four years, and at 46 years old, he faces a significant challenge: Barrios, who is 16 years younger and stands six inches taller than the 5-foot-6 Filipino legend.However, "Sugar" Shane Mosley—a fellow boxing great and former opponent who recently joined Pacquiao's training camp in Los Angeles—believes Pacquiao can emerge victorious at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, July 19. Mosley, who lost to Pacquiao by unanimous decision in 2011 while defending his WBO welterweight title, noted that Pacquiao is in great shape both physically and mentally.

Out of 18 Filipino cue artists who began their campaigns at the 2025 World Pool Championship, only seven remain in the hunt for the title as the tournament heads into the Round of 16.Veterans Roland Garcia and AJ Manas made early exits, falling in the Round of 64.Advancing further were Marvin Asis, Michael Feliciano, and Johann Chua, but all three were stopped in the Round of 32—each falling to a red-hot Anton Raga, who has quietly emerged as one of the most dangerous players in the draw.The Round of 16, scheduled for tonight, July 25, will showcase two all-Filipino showdowns:Bernie Regalario vs. Patric GonzalesCarlo Biado vs. Jeffrey IgnacioThese matchups ensure that at least two Filipino players will move on to the quarterfinals, continuing the Philippines’ proud tradition of excellence in world-class pool competition.With Anton Raga, Regalario, Gonzales, Biado, and Ignacio still in the mix, Filipino fans have every reason to be hopeful for another deep run—and possibly another world title.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick Gregorio said his perspective on sports development shifted after witnessing the overwhelming turnout in emerging sports during the recent Batang Pinoy games. Events like archery, futsal, taekwondo, and swimming drew hundreds—if not thousands—of young athletes, surpassing participation numbers in traditional crowd favorites such as basketball and volleyball.“To be honest, nagulat ako sa dami ng participants,” Gregorio said. “Take futsal, for example—there were hundreds of players from nearly every LGU. We also had 500 to 600 in archery, and it helped that we brought in Korean coach Ryu Ju-seng, known for developing Olympic medalists, for our national team.”With the surge of interest, Gregorio believes the PSC should champion emerging sports such as netball, floorball, and handball, but he is particularly excited about futsal—especially as the Philippines is currently hosting the first-ever FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup.Gregorio revealed that with the newly-refurbished PhilSports Arena serving as the World Cup venue, the PSC is considering transforming it into a dedicated futsal arena.“A lot of our arenas default to basketball after events of other sports,” he said. “But we already have more than enough basketball venues like MOA Arena, Ynares, Araneta, FilOil, and the upcoming UAAP Akari arena. Maybe it’s time we dedicate an arena for futsal. If we do, we could excite FIFA into helping us craft a seven-year development plan for football.”He cited the PSC’s successful seven-year roadmap with the FIVB, which led to the Philippines hosting the Men’s Volleyball World Championship this year and the Women’s World Championship in 2029. Gregorio believes a similar long-term partnership with the Philippines Football Federation (PFF) and FIFA is well within reach.Beyond athlete development, Gregorio stressed that hosting world-level sports events should be viewed as an investment—not a cost.“I’m betting on sports and tourism,” said Gregorio, "Sports can help the economy if we attach it to tourism. It’s a powerful way to promote our country.”In January, the Philippines will stage its first-ever WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open, which will feature tennis star Alex Eala. The PSC is currently refurbishing the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center to host the event, but Gregorio foresees that the growing interest in tennis will soon require a larger venue.“In two years, we’ll likely need a bigger venue if we want to host a WTA 250,” he added.With rising participation, world-class hosting opportunities, and a renewed vision, Gregorio believes the Philippines is entering a pivotal moment in its sports development journey.

Barangay Ginebra took another win at the expense of the Meralco Bolts, 100-92, in the Game 1 of their PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals bout last night, February 5, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.It was the fifth straight win of the Gin Kings this season against Meralco, whom they swept in their semifinals match-up last Governors’ Cup, 3-0, and defeated in the elimination round of this season’s Comm’s Cup.Scottie Thompson had an all-around game to lead the way for Ginebra, tallying 23 points, seven rebounds, six assists, seven steals, and a block.Justin Brownlee also chipped in 23 markers, while Japeth Aguilar and RJ Abarrientos added 19 and 14, respectively.

Converge FiberXers opened the Philippine Basketball Association Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup curtain with a victory against the Terrafirma Dyip, 116-87, on Wednesday, November 27, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.The much awaited debut of former top overall pick of the special Gilas draft Jordan Heading has come to fruition already.Heading scored his first basket in the PBA off a tip-in in the 2:52 mark of the first period. He finished with eight points on 3-of-5 shooting from the field, four rebounds, and six assists against three turnovers in almost 24 minutes of play.The stats might not be as high as expected of the Filipino-Australian sweet shooting guard but enough to get the nod of Converge head coach Franco Atienza.

Stallion Laguna FC Women are poised to make history as they represent the Philippines in their maiden appearance in the AFC Women’s Champions League this month.Drawn into Group A for the preliminary stage, Stallion will take on Khovd Western (Mongolia) on August 25, Strykers FC (Guam) on August 28, and ISPE WFC (Myanmar) on August 31 at Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon, but only the group winner advances to the main group stage in November 2025.This continental breakthrough is a milestone for Stallion Laguna’s women’s program, which has built momentum at home and is now set to test its mettle on Asia’s biggest stage.“We arrived here early to acclimatize, know the culture, enjoy the food, and the hospitality of Myanmar,” said head coach Ernie Nierras.“Winning is a habit, and our girls have been working hard. Make no mistake, we came to win,” Assistant coach Clint McDaniel added.Team captain Chandler McDaniel echoed the team’s excitement: “We’re super excited to be here. There’s a great vibe in the team, and we want to show what Stallion and the Philippines can do at this level.”Stallion Laguna boasts a mix of veterans and rising stars, including Chandler and her sister, national team goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel, plus Kaya Hawkinson, Isabella Pasion, Charisa Lemoran, and Yanzie Yalong.With their historic debut, Stallion Laguna aims to carry the Philippine flag with pride and show that Filipino women’s football belongs on Asia’s grandest stage.

The dream of achieving a rare Grand Slam lives on for the TNT Tropang 5G as they defeated the San Miguel Beermen in Game 5 of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals, 86-78, on Wednesday night, July 23, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.TNT came out strong from the get-go, building a 27-20 lead in the opening quarter, led by Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, who exploded for 14 points in the first period. He finished with 18 points, five rebounds, one assist, three steals, and a game-high five blocks.

The East Asia Super League (EASL) and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) are set to launch Future Champions Philippines this September, a program aimed at young basketball enthusiasts across the country.Under the EASL Future Champions Philippines program, the initiative promotes high-quality basketball training and elite-level competition, offering young players meaningful community engagement and opportunities for success not only in national competitions but also on the international stage.This marks a significant step by SBP in focusing on youth development in Philippine basketball.The EASL Future Champions initiative consists of two main components:1. Grassroots ProgramThis will focus on talent development camps and community outreach, strengthening the foundation of basketball starting at the youngest levels.2. Elite ProgramLaunching in March 2026, this will become the premier youth performance program across Asia. Selected athletes will receive world-class coaching, international exposure, and continuous career development support.The goal of both programs is to provide a structured pathway for young Asian players to find basketball opportunities both within and beyond the ASEAN region.Through this initiative, SBP aligns itself with the EASL’s mission—a mission that is also recognized and supported by FIBA at all levels of basketball, from grassroots development to the national team.According to Henry Kerins, CEO of EASL, SBP is fully committed to developing young talent and providing them with leadership experiences that foster both personal growth and basketball skills.“SBP brings the leadership, experience, and infrastructure to make EASL Future Champions the premium youth development program in the Philippines,” said Kerins.He added that EASL leadership is proud of SBP’s initiative and willingness to collaborate for the benefit of Filipino youth.“We’re proud to be working alongside them to build something that can create real impact,” Kerins added.Meanwhile, SBP President Al Panlilio emphasized that EASL’s vision for Filipino youth aligns closely with SBP’s goals for nurturing the next generation of basketball players.“EASL’s vision matches our commitment to the next generation. We’re excited to help shape the future of grassroots basketball together,” said Panlilio.Currently, the Philippines is the first country in the region to be part of the EASL Future Champions initiative. Macau and Hong Kong are set to follow, as EASL continues its efforts to raise the level of youth basketball across Asia.

The Philippines’ boxing campaign at the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Manama, Bahrain, came to a close after Leo Mhar Lobrido settled for a bronze medal in the Boys’ 46-kg division.Lobrido, the country’s last remaining boxer in contention, bowed to Uzbekistan’s Abdugani Yorkinjonov in the semifinals. The Uzbek fighter capitalized on his height and reach advantage, edging out Lobrido with a 3-2 decision in the opening round before pulling away in the second with sharp, accurate combinations.Yorkinjonov’s dominance secured him a finals berth against Kazakhstan’s Arman Myrsabit, who earlier swept Tajikistan’s Damir Nazarov, 5-0.Despite the loss, the 17-year-old from Bago City, Negros Occidental, earned the Philippines’ best boxing result of the Games with his bronze finish, showcasing resilience and promise against Asia’s rising talents.Meanwhile, other Filipino boxers were unable to reach the medal rounds. James Justin Zampatti fell to Uzbekistan’s Diyorbek Murodilloev via referee-stopped contest in the Boys’ 75-kg quarterfinals, while Shairylle Porres exited after losing to Chinese Taipei’s Fang-yu Chen in the Girls’ 46-kg category.Jefferson Amaya (50kg), John Michael Estorba (54kg), and Ermallie Caballero (50kg) were earlier eliminated during the preliminaries.

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.

Carl Jammes "Wonder Boy" Martin posted a fifth-round knockout against his Mexican opponent Juan Tostado in their super-bantamweight contest on Saturday night (Sunday in Manila) in Tijuana, Mexico.The referee called a mercy halt to the bout after Martin dropped Tostado with a barrage of head shots.The native from Ifugao made sure his lofty world rating was going to stay, and the impressive victory could elevate him to top contender from No. 2 in the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and in the top five from No. 7 in the International Boxing Federation (IBF).Tostado managed to get up, but the third man on the ring was wise enough to stop the carnage, allowing the Filipino southpaw to raise his record to 24-0 with 19 knockouts.The victory of “Wonder “Boy” over Tostado was Martin’s second fight outside the Philippines after relocating from his homebase in Lagawe, Ifugao.Meanwhile, Tostado already has a boxing record of 27-15-1 win-loss-draw with 10 of his wins being knockouts.Last September, Martin also knocked out Mexican boxer Anthony Jimenez Salas in Sinaloa.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go emphasized the importance of grassroots sports development, youth participation, and cultural pride during the Philippine Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (PEKAF) Mindanao Qualifying Tournament held at the University of Mindanao in Davao City on November 22. As Chairperson of the Senate Committees on Sports and Youth, Go underscored the role of athletic events in cultivating values, discipline, and opportunities for young athletes.Go advised participants to “get into sports and stay away from illegal drugs to keep us healthy and fit,” reflecting his advocacy for sports as a pillar of nation-building.He highlighted the National Academy of Sports (NAS), established through Republic Act No. 11470, as a dual-track system for quality education and athletic training. Go is pushing for Senate Bill No. 171 to expand NAS campuses nationwide, ensuring accessibility and balanced development of talent across all regions.Go also filed SBN 413 (Philippine National Games bill) to institutionalize a unified nationwide grassroots competition and SBN 678 (National Tertiary Games Act) to formalize a collegiate multi-sport tournament—creating a clear pipeline from school leagues to national competition.Go recognized Senate Majority Leader Migz Zubiri, PEKAF President, and local leadership for nurturing sports communities. The tournament gathered 500 Arnisadors from Mindanao, celebrating a discipline rooted in Filipino heritage.Go’s Malasakit Team distributed tokens, and he reminded all, “Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong o karangalan na pwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa at sa bansa ay gawin na natin ngayon dahil hindi na tayo babalik sa mundong ito.”Go concluded, “Patuloy na magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat, kabilang na sa ating mga atleta, dahil bisyo ko na ang magserbisyo at ako po ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo po ‘yan sa Diyos.”

Meralco Bolts secured their second home win in the East Asia Super League (EASL) Season 2 on Wednesday night, November 13, when they narrowly defeated the Busan KCC Egis, 81-80, at the Philsports Arena.Akil Mitchell, who replaced the recently retired Allen Durham as one of Meralco's reinforcements in the tournament, led the Bolts to victory with his 33 points punctuated by his split free throws in the final 6.4 seconds that eventually sealed the game. He also grabbed 22 rebounds in their come from behind victory.Mitchell, who will also play for Meralco as their Commissioner's Cup import, boosted the team to a 2-1 win-loss record.The other reinforcement of the Bolts, DJ Kennedy added 14, to go along eight boards, five assists, and two steals for the squad, while team captain Chris Newsome scored eight before fouling out in the crucial minutes of the fourth quarter.

The Pampanga Giant Lanterns made history by being the first-ever back-to-back champions of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League or MPBL after sweeping the Quezon Huskers, 65-61, on Saturday, December 7, at the Bren Z. Guiao Sports Center in San Fernando, Pampanga.Justine Baltazar, who also made history by becoming the league’s first back-to-back MVP, led the charge with his monster double-double performance of 19 points and 19 rebounds, to go along with two assists and a block.Archie Concepcion also scored 19 points and grabbed five boards to support Baltazar, while Encho Serrano who’s back from a one-game suspension, supplemented 15 markers, six boards, three assists and one steal to complete sweep of the best-of-five series.

The University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigresses opened the inaugural Women's Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) with a dominating 82-67 victory against the Discovery Perlas on Sunday, January 19, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Sampaloc, Manila.Freshman Karylle Sierba led UST with 14 points on 6-for-12 shooting from the field, while Nigerian center Oma Onianwa was named Best Player of the Game as she produced 13 markers and nine rebounds.On the other hand, former national team star and now Discovery assistant coach Allana Lim delivered 17 points and issued nine assists to pace the team.Lady Tigresses Nicole Danganan made history as the first-ever player to score a point in WMPBL history when she converted one of her two free throw attempts.

PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial announced that the league and its 12 member ballclubs will extend assistance to victims of the recent calamities in Cebu and Masbate.The decision was reached during the PBA Board of Governors meeting, with Marcial confirming that aid will be given not just to Cebu, which suffered a magnitude 6.9 earthquake last September 30, but also to Masbate, placed under a state of calamity after Severe Tropical Storm Opong caused widespread damage.Marcial said the relief drive will mirror previous efforts, with contributions coming from both the PBA office and all 12 teams. “Hindi na nalalayo dun galing sa PBA mismo, galing sa iba’t ibang teams, sa 12 teams ‘yung itutulong natin sa kababayan natin na nasalanta,” he explained.The PBA has a long history of mobilizing aid in times of crisis. In October 2024, the league raised nearly ₱2 million in relief funds for victims of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

The world’s top young gymnasts will gather in Manila from November 20 to 24 for the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships, to be held at the Manila Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City.More than 75 countries will take part in the prestigious global event, showcasing the next generation of gymnastics stars competing for world titles and glory.This marks the first time the Philippines is hosting the Junior World Championships—a milestone moment for the country’s gymnastics community. The event highlights not only the athletes’ talent, passion, and discipline, but also the growing presence of gymnastics in the Philippines and across Asia.The competition is expected to deliver world-class performances as rising stars strive to make their mark on the international stage and inspire future generations of gymnasts.