The countdown to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games is on! Organizers officially unveiled the full competition schedule, setting the stage for a spectacular edition of the Games that promises to be both historic and inclusive.The Opening Ceremony will take place on July 14, 2028, with the Closing Ceremony scheduled for July 30, marking 17 action-packed days of elite competition across 49 venues. A record 11,200 athletes will compete in 51 sports, making LA28 the biggest Olympic Games in history.One of the most exciting highlights? The women’s 100-meter dash will headline Day 1, signaling a bold step toward celebrating women’s excellence in sports. “We want to start the Games with a bang—showcasing the fastest women in the world,” said Shana Ferguson, LA28 chief of sport.For the first time ever, the Olympics will feature an equal or greater number of women’s teams compared to men’s, with 50.5% of athletes being women—a groundbreaking milestone for gender equality on the world stage.In another first, athletics will span the entire Games, integrating tradition with innovation. Meanwhile, fans can look forward to the highly anticipated “Super Saturday” on July 29, which will feature 26 finals across 23 sports, including basketball, beach volleyball, boxing, golf, football, tennis, and more—promising one of the most thrilling single days in Olympic history.The LA28 Games also mark the return of baseball and softball, the long-awaited comeback of cricket after over a century, and the Olympic debuts of flag football and squash—further expanding the Olympic spirit to new audiences around the globe.As the world prepares for this monumental celebration of athleticism and unity, LA28 stands as a beacon of innovation, diversity, and inclusion—a testament to how the Olympic movement continues to evolve with the times.

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.

The Philippines marks its historic Olympic return to Paris, 100 years since the country debuted in the world’s biggest sporting event in the French capital.With the Filipino contingent edging closer to showcase the fruit of their labor and bring home glorious laurels on the nation’s centennial anniversary, one sport that has been in a deep slumber in over three decades finally punctuated its return because of one Filipina athlete.Samantha Catantan ended a long drought for Philippine fencing with her entry to the Paris Olympics 2024.Catantan demonstrated resilience during the daunting challenge of the Asia-Oceania Zonal Olympic Fencing Qualifier that sealed her pathway to Paris, a feat that would make her the first fencer from the Philippines to compete after 32 years.No Filipino fencer has ever reached the Olympics since the 1992 edition.Percival Alger and Walter Torres were the first and last Filipino fencers to do it when they donned the national colors in the 1988 and 1992 Summer Games, respectively.

The PLDT High Speed Hitters showcased grit and determination but ultimately fell short against Thailand’s Nakhon Ratchasima Volleyball Club in a thrilling five-set match, 24-26, 20-25, 25-20, 25-20, 9-15, in the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League on Tuesday, April 22, at the Philsports Arena.After falling behind two sets to none, the High Speed Hitters mounted an impressive comeback, winning the third and fourth sets behind the efforts of Savi Davison and Cuban import Wilma Salas. Davison spearheaded the third-set resurgence, while Salas provided crucial support in the fourth to force a deciding set.PLDT appeared poised for a breakthrough in the fifth set, pulling even at 8-all. However, a center line fault swung the momentum back to the Thai side, sparking a decisive 7-1 run from Nakhon Ratchasima that sealed the match. The rally was capped by a service ace, ending PLDT’s spirited challenge.

A year to remember in Philippine sports annals will be celebrated by the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) in grand fashion as it holds its annual Awards Night on January 27, 2025 at the historic Manila Hotel. The country’s oldest media organization headed by its president Nelson Beltran, sports editor of The Philippine Star, is set to honor the best and brightest personalities and entities who made the country proud in the year that’s about to end. In a memorable 2024 campaign, the Philippines elevated its standards by gaining a first ever double gold medal in the Olympics courtesy of dynamic gymnast Carlos Yulo during the 33rd edition of the Games in Paris, France. The feat came four years after lady weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz gave the country a breakthrough Olympic gold in Tokyo, and transpired during the same period when the Filipinos commemorate their 100 years of participation in the quadrennial showcase. The Paris stint also saw Philippine boxing rising to the occasion again by winning a pair of bronze medals through the robust fists of Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas. Yulo and the rest of the Filipino Olympians including the country’s representatives to the Paralympic Games, will be at the forefront of the traditional festivities where the awarding of the Athlete of the Year serves as its highlight. Another special part of the program is the induction of another Filipino great to the PSA Hall of Fame. The late track and field legend Lydia De Vega was the last celebrated athlete to be recognized with the honor. In celebration of the country’s centennial participation in the Summer Games, past Filipino Olympians will likewise have their own moments during the awards ceremony. The customary awards like the Executive of the Year, National Sports Association (NSA) of the Year, President’s Award, and top performers such as Mr. Basketball, Ms. Volleyball, among others, are also going to be handed out. To be recognized too, are major awardees in different sports, the usual citations to different sports figures and individuals, and the regular Tony Siddayao Awards and MILO Awards for junior athletes. Not to be forgotten with a prayer and minute of silence are the personalities who passed away in the year 2024.

After four seasons with PLDT in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), Erika Santos has officially moved on from the team.The 25-year-old outside hitter took to Instagram on Monday night, April 28, to share a heartfelt message, thanking the High Speed Hitters for their unwavering support and the memorable journey she experienced with the squad.“After three unforgettable years representing PLDT, the time has come for me to turn the page and embrace a new chapter. I’ve been honored to compete alongside incredible teammates and guided by dedicated coaches,” said Santos.“To my teammates, coaches, and management who became family — pushing me to improve, sharing laughter, and never letting me settle for less than my potential. And to the PLDT fans, your encouragement after a loss lifted our spirits, and your celebrations after a win became memories we’ll cherish forever. I am profoundly grateful for each of you,” she added.

Gilas Pilipinas’ naturalized star Justin Brownlee will be sidelined from the team’s upcoming basketball games as he recovers from pneumonia, team officials confirmed.Brownlee, a key contributor in recent international campaigns, is currently undergoing medical treatment and observation. According to the Gilas medical team, his health remains the top priority, and he will return to action only once fully cleared by doctors.Meralco Bolts head coach Luigi Trillo noted, “We’re waiting for Justin, he is our naturalized (player) so he’s an option to play. He would be a big help if he was here.”The development comes as Gilas prepares for the next phase of training and competitions, with head coach Tim Cone emphasizing that Brownlee’s recovery takes precedence over the schedule.“Justin’s health is our main concern. We want him to get back to 100% before stepping on the court again,” said Cone.

The NLEX Road Warriors and Blackwater Bossing opened their campaigns in the 2025 Kadayawan Invitational Tournament with victories on Thursday, August 21, at the USEP Gym in Davao City.In the first game, Sedrick Barefield powered Blackwater to a 94-81 triumph over the Phoenix Fuel Masters.The 2024 second overall draft pick finished with 28 points built on six three-pointers, including three straight that stretched their 72-66 lead to a commanding 81-68 advantage.Aside from Barefield, Jed Mendoza made an impressive debut with the Bossing, scoring 16 markers, while Troy Mallillin added 17 points and six rebounds.On the other side, Jason Perkins and Kai Ballungay led Phoenix with 12 points apiece in the Fuel Masters’ first game under new head coach Willie Wilson, who took over from Jamike Jarin after he was elevated to team consultant.

Five years ago, Mario Barrios would have been the perfect matchup for eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao. At 6’0 tall and not the most agile, Barrios embodies the type of fighter that Pacquiao excelled against in his prime—tall, flat-footed, and susceptible to quick movements and speed.Pacquiao is also the first boxer in history to win major world titles in four of the original eight weight classes of boxing: flyweight, featherweight, lightweight, and welterweight.Throughout his storied career, the 5-foot-5 Filipino superstar consistently took down larger opponents like Oscar De La Hoya and Antonio Margarito, utilizing his signature speed and footwork to deliver quick combinations before slipping away from their reach.However, that was a different time.Now, at 46 years old, Pacquiao hasn’t been in the ring professionally for four years. His last fight—a unanimous decision defeat against Yordenis Ugas in 2021—revealed signs of wear and tear, even against an opponent who seemed like a good fit stylistically.This reality is what casts Pacquiao as an underdog ahead of his much-anticipated comeback against Barrios on July 19 (July 20 in Manila) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Nevertheless, he shouldn't be underestimated.Justine Fortune, Pacquiao's long-time strength and conditioning coach, believes Pacquiao still has a spark. Fortune expressed high praise for Pacquiao’s recent training sessions in Los Angeles. “Look, on the mitts and bags, they don’t hit back, but he’s looking as sharp as he did six or seven years ago. He hasn’t lost a step,” said Fortune.He also noted that Barrios, while talented, isn’t the hardest target to hit. “Barrios takes a lot of punches, and Pacquiao is definitely the last person you want hitting you like that. Once you take those shots, you can start swelling up, and if he clips you, it could lead to cuts.”And when asked for his prediction? Fortune was straightforward: “I see a stoppage. This fight won’t go the distance.”

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.

Eumir Marcial made a triumphant return to the professional ranks, delivering a statement win on the undercard of the Manny Pacquiao–Mario Barrios bout at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas.Marcial, now 6-0 with four knockouts, remained undefeated after stopping American Bernard Joseph in the third round of their 163-pound catchweight contest.After a cautious start, the Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist found his rhythm, punishing Joseph with powerful body shots. Marcial floored his opponent with a hook in the second round, then sealed the win in the third by sending Joseph to the canvas once more with a thunderous left. The referee waved off the fight at 1:55 of the round when Joseph failed to beat the count.With this impressive victory, Marcial inches closer to a world title shot, further cementing his reputation as one of the Philippines’ most promising boxing talents.

With a return to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in their sights, the Philippine Women’s National Football Team is gearing up for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup next year.Head coach Mark Torcaso expressed confidence in the Filipinas’ readiness following Tuesday night’s tournament draw, which placed the team in Group A alongside host Australia, South Korea, and Iran.The Asian Cup serves as the main qualifier for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, offering six direct berths. To qualify outright, teams must finish in the top two of their group or be among the two best third-placed teams across all three groups.“We’re really excited by the draw, and I know our players are up for the challenge,” Torcaso said. “Every team that has qualified deserves to be here. Every match will be difficult, and we’ll need to stay focused and determined to achieve our goal.”The Filipinas will open their Asian Cup campaign against world No. 15 Australia on March 1, followed by matches against No. 21 South Korea on March 5 and No. 68 Iran on March 8.With memories of their 2023 Women’s World Cup qualification still fresh, Torcaso remains optimistic: “We’re excited for the opportunity—playing against the host in front of a big crowd, and facing South Korea and Iran in the group.”

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. 

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.

PLDT ousted ZUS Coffee to advance to the semifinals with a 25-21, 25-21, 25-19 win in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour quarterfinals on Thursday night, August 7, at the Philsports Arena.Savi Davison led the High Speed Hitters with 28 points built from 25 attacks along with 10 excellent receptions, while Kim Fajardo facilitated the offense with 19 excellent sets. 

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.

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.

Ateneo de Manila University regained momentum in its semifinal push, sweeping winless Arellano University, 26-24, 25-18, 25-22, in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Sunday afternoon, September 7, at the Paco Arena Events and Sports Center in Manila.Shaking off the sting of a narrow loss to archrival La Salle the day before, the Blue Eagles leaned on the leadership of team captain Jian Salarzon and the consistency of Amil Pacinio to keep their campaign alive.

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.

The Philippines is gearing up for two monumental years in martial arts as it prepares to host back-to-back international wushu tournaments—the World Wushu Championships in 2027 and the Asian Wushu Championships in 2028.The announcement was made by Wushu Federation of the Philippines (WFP) officials led by President Freddie Jalasco and Secretary-General Julian Camacho during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum. Joining them was Carlos Baylon Jr., World Wushu Championships silver medalist and World Games bronze medalist.According to Camacho, the Wushu Federation of Asia proposed that the Philippines host both the world and continental events consecutively—a rare honor and a practical decision for efficiency and impact.“Since we’re already hosting the 2027 World Championships, they suggested we also stage the 2028 Asian Championships,” Camacho shared. “It’s back-to-back, and since we’ll already have the equipment like the taolu carpet, sanda ring, and scoring machines, it’s efficient to use them again within a short span.”A World-Stage OpportunityJalasco revealed that the federation is eyeing a ₱500-million budget to successfully mount the World Championships, which is expected to draw around 80 countries and over 2,000 athletes competing in both taolu (forms) and sanda (sparring) disciplines.The SMX Convention Center at the Mall of Asia Complex is being considered as the main venue. Preparations are set to begin early next year, with Jalasco emphasizing the magnitude of the event.Originally, the Philippines was slated to host the World Championships in 2029, with Macau set for 2027. But in a friendly exchange, Camacho and Macau officials agreed to swap hosting duties, fast-tracking the country’s turn on the global stage.Baylon Ready to Deliver for the Home CrowdFor Carlos Baylon Jr., the opportunity to compete in front of Filipino fans is both an honor and a challenge. “We’ll do our best in training to win gold,” said Baylon, who competes in the men’s sanda 56kg division. “There’s pressure because we’re the hosts, but we’ll show other countries that we’re strong.”The dual hosting underscores the Philippines’ growing stature in the global wushu community—a testament to the sport’s steady development in the country and the federation’s commitment to excellence.As Camacho and Jalasco look to elevate Philippine wushu to new heights, 2027 and 2028 promise to be landmark years—not only for the sport but for the nation’s continuing legacy in international martial arts.