Libero Josh Ybañez refuses to guarantee results but promises heart as Alas Pilipinas prepares to battle Egypt at the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship this afternoon at MOA Arena.  The 22-year-old defensive stalwart admires Egypt’s composure and discipline, calling their recent win over Iran a standard to aspire to.“They played really well, very organized and disciplined,” Ybañez said in Filipino, describing Egypt’s win. “What really stood out to me was their composure under pressure and how consistent they were with their execution. It was a big learning experience for us, because that’s the kind of standard we want to reach, too.”Last Friday, the Philippines, coming off a spirited late rally against Tunisia in its World Championship debut, looks to build on lessons learned as it faces the world No. 18 squad. “We learned a lot from our first game, especially on the defensive side. It gave us more confidence that we can keep up. For the second game, we’ll bring that same energy and hopefully, we can apply the coaches’ adjustments even better.” Ybanez said. Ybañez, a two-time UAAP MVP now anchoring the national team’s defense, believes composure and grit will be key. Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni will again rely on Bryan Bagunas, Marck Espejo, and Owa Retamar to lead the charge.“Our mindset is simple: fight with all our heart and give everything we’ve got. What we can promise is that we’ll do everything to prove we’re worthy to carry the Philippine flag and represent the country on this stage.” Ybañez added,

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.

De La Salle University and University of Santo Tomas kept their winning streaks intact in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge, dispatching their opponents in contrasting styles Tuesday, August 12, at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center.The Green Spikers fended off a late scare to sweep National University, 21-17, 21-15, 33-31, for their second straight win. La Salle nearly let a 22-18 lead slip in the third set, but Cameroonian middle blocker Issa Ousseini delivered a crucial service ace to reach match point. Ousseini posted nine points from four attacks, four blocks, and an ace, including two excellent  digs. Eugene Gloria and MJ Fortuna also tallied nine markers apiece, while timely contributions from bench players Rui Ventura and Yoyong Mendoza helped seal the win.Coach Jose Roque said he challenged his team to show growth from their opening match. “I only told the team one thing before the game — to see if we can perform better than in our first match, so we have a gauge if we’re improving or not. No pressure because this is just pre-competition. Winning is just a reward; what matters is moving well and showing something on the court,” Roque explained.Mac Bandiola led NU with 14 points, all from attacks, while Jan Abanilla chipped in seven.

University of Santo Tomas–Gameville standout Josh Ybañez continues to prove why he’s one of the brightest young stars in Philippine volleyball. The versatile open spiker was named the Spikers’ Turf Press Corps Player of the Week for the period of November 5 to 7, after leading the Golden Spikers to a gutsy five-set victory over Alpha Insurance Protectors.Ybañez delivered a brilliant all-around performance in UST-Gameville’s thrilling 26-24, 25-22, 35-37, 19-25, 22-20 win last Friday, November 7, tallying 20 points on 18 attacks, one block, and one ace, along with an impressive 30 excellent receptions. His composure and consistency were key in helping the collegiate squad hold its ground against veteran opposition in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference.The Alas Pilipinas standout has been a driving force behind UST-Gameville’s strong campaign, guiding the Golden Spikers to a 3-1 win-loss record despite joining the tournament as a late replacement. His leadership and relentless energy on both offense and defense have made him the heart of the young team’s surprising success.Ybañez was a unanimous choice for the weekly citation, edging out his UST-Gameville teammates Al-Bukharie Sali and Edriel Alabar, along with other top performers such as Cignal’s Jay Rack Dela Noche, Criss Cross’ Jude Garcia and Noel Kampton, and Savouge’s Sherwin Caritativo.The award marks another milestone for the 21-year-old rising star, who continues to impress fans and analysts alike with his maturity, work ethic, and all-around play. As UST-Gameville gears up to face defending champion Cignal HD Spikers in their next match, Ybañez remains focused on leading by example.From collegiate standout to national team mainstay, Josh Ybañez’s latest recognition reaffirms his growing status as one of the future pillars of Philippine men’s volleyball.

Ateneo de Manila University claimed its first victory in the UAAP Season 87 women's volleyball tournament by sweeping the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 25-18, 25-22, 25-18, in their Battle of Katipunan matchup at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday.The Blue Eagles took a commanding 18-9 lead in the third set before UP managed to score three consecutive points to stop the run. However, Sobe Buena sparked a late rally, helping Ateneo push the score to 23-17. An AC Miner block then set up the match point, and although Niña Ytang managed to save one match point, Buena sealed the victory for Ateneo.Buena, who had been limited in Ateneo’s first two losses due to injury recovery, made a strong return just when her team needed her most, leading with 17 points from 15-of-27 attacking efficiency. Team captain Lyann de Guzman also played a key role, scoring 14 markers with 12 attacks and two aces, while experienced blocker AC Miner added 12 points, including seven attacks, four blocks, and one ace.

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. 

Italy’s Manuel Alfieri and Alex Ranghieri, along with Australia’s Stefanie Fejes and Jasmine Fleming, grabbed bronze medals at the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Challenge, held Sunday at Nuvali Sands Court in Santa Rosa, Laguna.World No. 48 Alfieri and Ranghieri rallied to beat Austria’s No. 28 tandem Christoph Dressler and Philip Waller, 17–21, 21–18, 15–12, to secure third place in the men’s division. The Italian duo tallied 41 points, with Alfieri firing 19 kills.On the women’s side, Fejes and Fleming (No. 58) came from behind to edge Czechia’s No. 45 pair Kylie Neuschaeferova and Martina Maixnerova, 13–21, 21–15, 15–13. Fejes led the Aussies with 19 kills in their 40-point effort.Earlier, British crowd favorites Joaquin and Javier Bello advanced to the men’s final after outlasting the Italians, 11–21, 21–19, 15–11, while Spain’s Alejandro Huerta and Adrian Gavira edged Austria’s Dressler and Waller, 22–20, 18–21, 16–14, in the semifinals.In the women’s semis, Finland’s Anniina Parkkinen and Valma Prihti relied on strong blocking to defeat the Czech duo, 21–19, 18–21, 15–10, setting up a title clash with Lithuania’s Ieva Dumbauskaite and Gerda Grudzinskaite, who swept Fejes and Fleming, 21–18, 21–18.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) elected its new president last Thursday, March 20, naming Kirsty Coventry as the first woman and first African to hold the position.Before becoming an IOC member, Coventry was a standout athlete for Zimbabwe, winning seven of the country’s eight Olympic medals. At 41, she also became the youngest person to assume the most powerful position in sports governance.The first round of voting did not proceed without issues, as numerous voters reported problems with the technological voting systems.However, the voting was quickly closed after the first round, with a winner already securing the absolute majority (50% + one vote) required.After a 30-minute break, Coventry was announced as Thomas Bach’s successor and the 10th president of the IOC. Of the 97 votes cast, Coventry received 49, while second-place candidate Juan Antonio Samaranch secured 28.“This is an extraordinary moment. As a nine-year-old girl, I never thought I would be standing up here one day, getting to give back to this incredible movement of ours,” Coventry said.She was initially expected to face a tight contest against IOC veteran Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. and World Athletics president Sebastian Coe for the top job.Coventry emphasized her commitment to addressing inequality in sports, stating, “This also means strengthening women’s sports by protecting female athletes and promoting equal opportunities for women at all levels of our movement.”“This is not just a huge honor; it’s also a reminder of my commitment to every single one of you. I will lead this organization with immense pride and uphold its core values. I promise to make you all very, very proud and confident in the decision you’ve made today. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Now, we have work to do—together. This race was an incredible challenge, and it made us better and stronger,” Coventry added.Meanwhile, her first major event to oversee will be the Milan-Cortina Winter Games next year in Italy, with the Opening Ceremony less than 11 months away. She will officially take up the role on June 24, following the conclusion of Thomas Bach’s 12-year tenure.

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.

Christian Bernardo and Alvin Morada won the gold medal in the men’s doubles competition at the Bahrain International Series 2 in Diamond Jubilee Hall in Manama, Bahrain.The Smash Pilipinas - Philippine badminton duo defeated Vimalraj Annadurai and Mauryan Kathiravan of India, 21-14, 21-15, in the finals.

Filipina tennis star Alex Eala bowed out of the Canadian Open after a hard-fought three-set defeat to Czechia’s Marketa Vondrousova, 6-3, 1-6, 2-6, in Montreal early Monday morning (Manila time).Eala, ranked World No. 69, looked sharp early, taking the opening set after breaking a 3-all deadlock and winning three straight games. However, playing with her left shoulder taped, she couldn’t sustain her momentum against the former Wimbledon champion.Vondrousova, currently World No. 65, seized control in the second set. After splitting the first two games, she swept the next five to level the match, 6-1.The Czech star carried her dominance into the decider, racing to a 2-0 lead. Eala managed to hold serve to cut the gap to 2-1, but Vondrousova’s steadiness and experience proved too much as she clinched four of the last five games to close out the match.While Eala produced more winners (30 to Vondrousova’s 27), her 29 unforced errors proved costly compared to the Czech’s 16. Vondrousova also fired seven aces, while Eala had none.“I expected [Eala] to play a great match and she had some good results before, so I expected that. It was a tough one and I’m very happy to beat her,” said Vondrousova, an Olympic silver medalist. “She’s very aggressive. My serve was better in the second and third sets, so I’m happy to fight back in this match.”Vondrousova advances to face Marta Kostyuk in the second round. Eala, meanwhile, will shift her focus to the Cincinnati Open next month.

Alas Pilipinas is setting its sights on the top prize in beach volleyball at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games this December in Thailand.“Gold is what we’re aiming for in Thailand,” said Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Ramon “Tats” Suzara during the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Challenge at Nuvali Sands Court in Santa Rosa, Laguna. “We’ve had plenty of SEA Games bronze medals, and while we know it won’t be easy, we believe it’s possible. I’m hopeful our athletes can turn their Nuvali experience into a gold-medal run in Thailand.”Thailand and Indonesia have historically dominated SEA Games beach volleyball, while the Philippines has earned six bronze medals—three each in the men’s and women’s divisions—since 2003.PNVF head coach Joao “Kioday” Luciano Simao Barbosa confirmed the SEA Games lineups: Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons, and Dij Rodriguez and Sunny Villapando for the women; and James Buytrago and Ran Abdilla, and Ronniel Rosales and Rancel Vergara for the men.Each country can field two pairs per division. The 33rd SEA Games opens December 9, with beach volleyball running from December 12 to 19 at Bangkok’s Huamark Sports Complex.“We’re working very hard to fight for the gold,” said Kioday. “All teams are strong, but with a few more months of preparation, we’ll take it step by step—and reach for that gold.”

As a child, June Mar Fajardo stood out not for his talent but for his towering height — something he once despised. Teased and bullied for being “too tall,” the young Fajardo wished he could blend in. Little did he know the very trait he once hated would transform his life and propel him to the summit of Philippine basketball history.Fast forward to today, Fajardo stands alone as the greatest of all time, owning an unprecedented nine PBA Most Valuable Player awards, cementing his status as the league’s most dominant force.“Sinong magaakala na isang bata na hindi man lang mahilig mag-basketball, pero nandito at mananalo ng nine MVPs. Kahit ako mismo, hindi ko in-expect na aabot ako sa ganito,” Fajardo said at the PBA Season 49 Leo Awards at Novotel Manila, as fellow players and legends applauded his feat.He reflected on how his once-hated height turned out to be his greatest blessing.“Dati sobrang hate ko yung height ko kasi ako yung pinakamatangkad, lagi akong binu-bully. Pero na-realize ko yun pala yung ultimate gift na binigay ni God sa akin. Yun pala yung magbabago ng buhay ko, buhay ng family ko, at buhay ng mga tao sa paligid ko.”From an indifferent kid who only picked up basketball for a scholarship, Fajardo became the most decorated and dominant player the league has ever seen. His journey includes six straight MVPs, a career-threatening shin injury, and a triumphant return to bag three more MVPs — capped by his best statistical season in years: 19.2 points, 15.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game.He admitted that when he broke his tibia, doubts crept in.“Kahit ako, nagcross din sa isip ko na baka nga hindi na makakabalik. Pero ginawa ko yung therapy ko religiously. Kasi kung mag give up ako, by default talo na ako. So binigyan ko ng chance yung sarili ko, baka makabalik ako — at yun nga ang nangyari,” the 6-foot-10 gentle giant said.“Credit din talaga sa sarili ko. Kasi di ako nag give up. Kung nag give up ako sana wala na ako ngayon. Thankful ako kay God.”From a bullied boy who once resented his height to a nine-time MVP redefining greatness, June Mar Fajardo has not only changed his own life but has also inspired a generation to see challenges as gifts — and to never give up on themselves.

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.

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.

Olympian weightlifter Vanessa Sarno will be sidelined indefinitely after accepting a two-year ban from the International Testing Agency (ITA) for an alleged anti-doping rule violation, combined with personal circumstances including her pregnancy.Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas (SWP) president Monico Puentevella confirmed that the 20-year-old Asian champion and SEA Games gold medalist is currently on leave from the national team. “She got pregnant,” Puentevella shared, adding that Sarno has been away from the squad for months.According to the ITA, Sarno’s suspension began on August 4, 2025, and runs until August 3, 2027, following three whereabouts failures in a 12-month period. She did not contest the sanction.Puentevella emphasized that Sarno’s absence is primarily due to her failure to report and her personal situation, declining further comment on the doping issue.“She’s out for failure to report,” Puentevella added.Sarno, long regarded as the heir apparent to Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz, was expected to spearhead the Philippines’ weightlifting campaign in upcoming international events. With her absence, the country faces a significant gap in its medal hopes.Puentevella declined to comment further on the doping issue but reiterated that Sarno’s absence from the national team was primarily due to failure to report and her personal situation.Sarno, widely seen as the heir apparent to Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz, was expected to lead the country’s weightlifting campaign in upcoming international tournaments. With her sidelined, Philippine weightlifting faces a significant gap in its medal hopes.

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. 

Kaila Napolis made history for the Philippines at the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China, seizing a hard-earned silver in the Jiu Jitsu Newaza -52kg division. Napolis thrilled fans with an electrifying run, defeating Israel’s Pnina Aronov in the semifinals. She showcased exceptional skill and heart throughout the tournament, ultimately finishing second after a hard-fought gripping final against South Korea’s Eon Ju Im.“I am a little disappointed I did not get the crucial point. But I am still grateful I was able to represent the country here,” Napolis said.Despite the defeat, Napolis gave the country reason to celebrate by clinching the Philippine team’s first medal in Chengdu after three days of competition.With this achievement, Kaila joins an elite group of Filipino athletes — Marlon Manalo, Arriane Cerdena, Jorge Fernandez, Arnold Baradi, and Mike Ventossa — who have earned silver medals on the prestigious global stage of the World Games.Her achievement raises hopes for more medals from the Philippine contingent, which is led by chef-de-mission Stephen Arapoc, and sets a positive tone for upcoming competitions. With Napolis’ silver, the team is motivated to push harder for further success in the competition.

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.

As the reigning NCAA champions, the Mapúa Cardinals step into Season 101 with a target firmly on their backs. Every opponent will be eager to knock them off the throne, making each game a battle of pride and precision. Their opening assignment against the Lyceum Pirates is already being billed as a statement game, a chance for Mapúa to show that last season’s breakthrough was no fluke. With the new group-stage format limiting room for error, the Cardinals know they cannot afford early slipups if they want to stay in control of their title defense.One of Mapúa’s biggest strengths is the championship confidence they now carry. The team has already proven it can thrive under the brightest lights, and that winning culture should give them an edge in close contests. Clint Escamis, who delayed his professional dreams to lead the Cardinals one last time, provides the leadership and stability that every championship-caliber squad needs. Alongside him, veterans like JC Recto, Yam Concepcion, and Cyrus Cuenco give the team balance and continuity, while new additions like Cyril Gonzales, Cyrus Nitura, and Icee Callangan bring fresh talent into the rotation.