Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone is hoping to have naturalized player Justin Brownlee back in action in time for the start of the team’s training camp next week as preparations ramp up for the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.The national team will begin camp on November 17 at the Inspire Sports Academy, aiming to build chemistry and conditioning ahead of the first window of the qualifiers, which begins on November 28.Cone expressed optimism that the team will be complete by then, including Brownlee, who has been “missing in action” recently amid reports of pneumonia, causing him to miss Meralco’s recent East Asia Super League games.Neither Brownlee nor the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has issued an official statement regarding his condition.Despite this, Cone remains focused on ensuring Gilas is fully prepared before facing Guam on November 28 at the Calvo Field House in Guam, followed by a rematch on December 1 at the Blue Eagle Gym in Ateneo.Meanwhile, Kai Sotto will remain sidelined as he continues rehabilitation from an ACL injury earlier this year. His spot in the lineup will be filled by Quentin Milora-Brown, who has been cleared by FIBA to play as a local.“We just want to get going and make sure everyone’s ready,” Cone said, emphasizing the importance of starting camp strong to maintain Gilas’ momentum heading into the qualifiers.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, reaffirmed his full support for the budgets of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Games and Amusements Board (GAB), and the Philippine Racing Commission (PhilRACOM) — emphasizing that sustained investment in sports is key to building a generation of disciplined, healthy, and world-class Filipino athletes.Speaking during a budget hearing, Go highlighted how government backing has already translated into historic success for the Philippines on the global stage.“Since 2019, when I chaired the Committee on Sports, we won our first-ever Olympic gold in Tokyo through Hidilyn Diaz,” Go said. “And just last year, Carlos Yulo captured two more gold medals in Paris. These victories prove that strong government support leads to results.”Go noted that despite these triumphs, sports funding remains minimal — only 0.004% of the national budget in 2024. He stressed the need for consistent increases to sustain the country’s progress in international competitions.“We expect our athletes to perform like world champions, but our support must match that expectation,” Go added. “That’s why we fought to raise PSC’s 2025 budget to ₱1.3 billion.”Investing in Facilities and Regional TrainingThe senator also underscored the importance of upgrading sports infrastructure, including athlete dormitories and training centers at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex and Philsports (ULTRA).He proposed the regionalization of sports training centers so that athletes from provinces no longer have to travel to Manila for proper training.“Let’s bring sports closer to the people,” Go said. “The Philippines is big. We need regional centers to discover and develop talent nationwide.”He also cited the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in New Clark City — co-authored by Sen. Win Gatchalian — as a model that allows student-athletes to train and study simultaneously.Boosting Sports Tourism and Hosting Global EventsGo praised the country’s recent hosting of major international tournaments — including the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship, and the upcoming WTA Women’s Tennis Open — noting their positive economic impact and contribution to national pride.“Hosting world-class events helps promote tourism and shows our capability to the world,” Go said. “We’ve proven that Filipinos can organize events with excellence and passion.”Supporting Athletes and Fighting Game-FixingBeyond funding, Go emphasized the importance of moral and institutional support for athletes, ensuring they can focus solely on competition. He also called on the Games and Amusements Board to intensify its crackdown on illegal gambling and game-fixing, warning that such practices destroy the integrity of sports.

Warren Kiamco is a Filipino professional pool player from Cebu, Philippines. He is known for his performances in the Southeast Asian and Asian Games.Renowned for his exceptional skills in 9-ball, Kiamco has made significant contributions to the sport both in the Philippines and internationally.Kiamco’s playing style is smooth and finesse-based, characterized by precise shot-making and strategic play. His consistent performances in various international tournaments have solidified his reputation as one of the top Filipino cue artists. Despite facing formidable opponents, Kiamco's resilience and skill have earned him respect and admiration in the global pool community.He has secured multiple prestigious titles, including the 2021 Buffalo's Pro Classic Nine-Ball and the 2019 CSI U.S. Open One-Pocket Championship. He also triumphed in the 2015 Southeast Asian Games Nine-Ball Doubles event and the 2013 Texas Open Nine-Ball Championship. Notably, he clinched the 2008 Manny Villar Cup Billiards Tournament, defeating Efren "Bata" Reyes in the finals.

Mario Barrios narrowly retained his WBC welterweight title after a dramatic battle with People's Champ and former eight division titlist Manny Pacquiao which ended in a majority draw at the MGM Grand. Throughout the fight, Pacquiao’s trademark grit and ring savvy kept Barrios guessing, fueling hopes of yet another fairy-tale chapter in the Filipino legend’s storied career.But Barrios surged in the final three rounds—sweeping them on all three judges’ scorecards—to do just enough to hold on to his belt. One judge scored the bout 115-113 for Barrios, while the other two saw it even at 114-114.“I thought I won the fight. It was close. My opponent was very tough, but it was a wonderful fight.” said Pacquiao.For Barrios, sharing the ring with Pacquiao was an honor: “I thought I pulled it out, but I tip my hat to Manny. His stamina, power, and rhythm are still incredible. He’s a tough puzzle to solve.” Barrios said. The result elicited a muted response from the MGM Grand crowd, who had cheered Pacquiao’s attempt at a storybook comeback. Ultimately, Barrios keeps his crown, while Pacquiao once again proves he can compete with the best—even at 46.

Boxing legend Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire is set to make another run at history as he faces Seiya Tsutsumi for the World Boxing Association (WBA) bantamweight championship on December 17 in Tokyo — a bout that could make him the oldest bantamweight world champion in history.The Donaire-Tsutsumi clash will headline a tripleheader event promoted by Teiken Promotions, according to multiple reports.Tsutsumi (12-0-3, 8 KOs), the reigning “champion in recess,” previously captured the WBA title after defeating Takuma Inoue but was sidelined due to injury following a draw with Daigo Higa. Meanwhile, Antonio Vargas — who was elevated to full champion — withdrew from a planned consolidation bout due to personal reasons, opening the door for Donaire’s shot at glory.Donaire (43-8, 28 KOs), now 43 years old, earned his interim champion status after a ninth-round technical decision victory earlier this year, marking a triumphant return following a two-year layoff.A victory in Tokyo would not only unify the title but also cement Donaire’s place in the record books — and in the hearts of Filipino boxing fans worldwide.“Age is just a number when you have the heart for greatness,” said Donaire, who remains one of the most respected names in the sport.

The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) has officially given the green light for Alas Pilipinas players to return to their mother clubs in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).However, the nationals will only be eligible to compete in the Reinforced Conference, scheduled from October to November, and will sit out the league’s short Invitational Conference kicking off this Thursday. The PVL’s long-running All-Filipino Conference is tentatively slated to open in January 2026.

The Philippine National Para Games will formally return at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex from November 11 to 14. Over 900 aspiring para athletes from 72 cities and provinces, as well as from five stand-alone organizations will take centerstage to compete for the top spot.The Games were last held in Malolos, Bulacan, in 2019, before being postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC) and PHILSPADA president Michael Barredo on Tuesday’s forum.The eighth stage, however, will soon unfold with the assistance of the Philippine Sports Commission.“This is also the biggest opportunity for us to select players for the national Para team,” PPC secretary-general Goody Custodio told the media during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Conference Hall of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

The Pilipinas Aguilas had a successful debut game at the Women's Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) after edging the New Zealand Bluefire Valkyries in the end game to get a 66-55 victory on Wednesday, January 29, at the New Era Central Recreation and Fitness Center.Nathalia Prado poured out 18 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Aguilas in the win.Prado was instrumental in the end game as she drew an offensive foul from Valkyries star Snow Peñaranda, who was also called for a technical foul after the infraction, forcing her foul out of the game.In the next play, Prado was found open inside the paint and she made the ensuring basket that finally sealed the triumph for their team, while forcing the Valkyries to split their first two assignments.The Aguilas will be back in action on Sunday, February 2, against the Philippine Navy Sailors at the Mandaluyong City College of Science and Technology Gymnasium.

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.

Reigning national figure skating champion Maxine Bautista delivered a solid performance at the Asian Open Figure Skating Trophy 2025, finishing 11th overall in the senior women’s division as the five-day tournament wrapped up Tuesday night, August 5, at the Mall of Asia Skating Rink.Skating to “Now We Are Free” from Gladiator, the 24-year-old Chicago-based skater earned a total of 105.69 points, improving from her earlier short program.“This is definitely better than (what I did in) the short program,” said Bautista, who now places herself in strong consideration for a spot on Team Philippines for the upcoming Southeast Asian Games.“I’m happy about this. This is definitely an improvement,” she added, visibly pleased with her rebound performance.

Gilas Pilipinas will try to bounce back from its opening loss to Chinese Taipei in the 31st FIBA Asia Cup, currently being held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.The Philippines faces the New Zealand Tall Blacks on Thursday at 11:00 p.m. (Manila time), hoping to move on from a disappointing 95-87 defeat a night earlier.It will be a tough assignment for the world No. 34-ranked squad as it takes on the 22nd-ranked New Zealand in a must-win battle to keep its quarterfinal hopes alive.

Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas, the two bronze medalists in the 2024 Paris Olympics, will be the recipients of special recognition at the 2024 San Miguel Corporation-Philippine Sportswriters Association (SMC-PSA) Awards Night, to be held on January 27 in the grand ballroom at the Manila Hotel.Petecio and Villegas, who accounted for a pair of bronze medals during the Summer Games, will be recognized with the President’s Award by the Philippine Sportswriters Association.Petecio emerged bronze winner in the women’s 57kg division, while Villegas secured the same medal in the 50 kg division.The bronze was the second Olympic medal won by the 32-year-old Petecio, adding to the silver that she bagged in the 2020 edition of the Games in Tokyo. In doing so, she also became the first ever Filipino boxer to clinch back-to-back podium finishes in the quadrennial meet.For the 29-year-old Villegas, it was a proud moment right in her Olympic debut as an underdog out of the compact five-man Philippine boxing team that competed.Aside from the two fearless lady boxers, gymnast Carlos Yulo is going to be feted with the highest honor as 2024 Athlete of the Year, wherein he added to the two glittering gold medals that he won in securing the best ever showing for Team Philippines in a century of participation in the quadrennial Games.According to PSA president Nelson Beltran, these Filipino athletes deserve high accolades for their own bright moments in the Paris Games, providing an extra push to the glorious Philippine performance. 

Vietnamese volleyball star Nguyen Thi Bich Tuyen has been ruled out of the 2025 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand following a recurrence of an abdominal muscle injury.Her absence was confirmed after her name was left off the official Vietnam women’s national team roster for both the training camp and the tournament.Bich Tuyen, known for her explosive scoring and power, had also skipped the 2025 FIVB Women’s World Championship earlier this year, initially citing personal and family reasons as well as issues related to new FIVB eligibility rules. However, reports now reveal that her lingering injury has once again flared up, sidelining her from international competition.The setback is a major blow for Vietnam, which will look to adjust its lineup as it aims to stay competitive in the regional volleyball scene.Meanwhile, team captain Tran Thi Thanh Thuy (4T) and middle blocker Tran Thi Bich Thuy are set to join the national team’s training camp in early December, once they conclude their ongoing stints in Japan’s V.League.Both players are expected to bring veteran leadership and international experience to bolster Vietnam’s campaign in the upcoming 2025 SEA Games in Thailand.

The Philippine Tennis Association (Philta) is hopeful that Alex Eala will represent the country at the Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok this December.“We’re hoping she could play for the Philippines. Let’s all pray she does,” said Philta Executive Director Tonette Mendoza.Mendoza said Eala’s participation will depend on her schedule, as the world No. 65 is working on arrangements but is eager to compete.“She’s just trying to fit it into her schedule, but she seems very excited, so we really hope she can make it,” Mendoza added.If Eala joins, she will be gunning for her first SEA Games gold medal after bagging three bronze medals at the 2021 Hanoi edition.Mendoza also confirmed that the same men’s team will banner the country in the Bangkok Games, while the women’s roster is still being finalized.“Yes, we have the same team in the men’s, but for the women’s we’re still trying to put them together. Preparations for the biennial meet will start by November,” Mendoza said.Members of both squads are also set to compete abroad as part of their training leading to the Games. 

The Petro Gazz Angels are now embracing a new era as interim coach Brian Esquibel steps in following the departure of Japanese head coach Koji Tsuzurabara.Despite the recent coaching change, the defending champions have remained focused and resilient, clinching the No. 4 seed in Pool A. They will now face the fifth-seeded Akari squad from Pool B in the upcoming knockout round.Coach Esquibel commended his players for their unwavering determination and teamwork amid adversity."Para sa mga bata talaga 'to eh. Nakita niyo naman kung papano sila nagtulong-tulong. ‘Yung effort nila kahit mahabang rally, kami ‘yung nakakuha ng puntos dahil hindi sila bumibigay. Nandu'n pa rin ‘yung pusong kampeon ng mga bata," Esquibel said.As they continue their title defense, the Angels are determined to uphold the grit and unity that have defined their campaign. With Esquibel’s steady leadership and the team’s championship spirit, Petro Gazz is poised to overcome challenges and pursue another title run.

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.