The Philippines blasted Italy-FilCom Basketball Association, 76-49, to stay unbeaten in the Pilipinas Super League (PSL) Global Championship Challenge at the Victoria Sports Club on Wednesday, July 17.The country, represented by Davao-NTB Wolves, scored 30 points of the total 23 turnovers committed by Italy while also showing bench depth where the shock troopers produced a total of 51 points, 43 more than their opponents.The country’s Born 2004 division team also hammered its might where it scored 54 compared to only 14 from the Pinoy players based in Italy.With the win, the Philippines’ under-20 team will move on to the next round unblemished.The Philippines-Cebu, on the other hand, showcased equally impressive brilliance in the Born 2006 division as the homebased team also clinched its three-game sweep.The team, bannered by University of San Jose-Recolletos, outlasted the hapless New Zealand-Fil Nation Select NZ with a 89-35 victory,Four players delivered double figures for the Philippines with Shaun Grava anchoring the pack with 13 points, Jaylord Pepito scored 12, Gab Pasaol contributed 11 markers, while Shinrae Mansave tallied a double-double performance of 10 points and 11 boards.

Alas Pilipinas Men are expected to be at full strength with the anticipated return of star spikers Marck Espejo and Bryan Bagunas just in time for the country's hosting of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship this September.Bagunas, who has been sidelined for nearly a year due to a left knee injury suffered during the 2024 SEA V.League against Indonesia, is steadily progressing in his recovery. Meanwhile, Espejo sustained a left ankle injury during the 2025 AVC Nations Cup loss to Pakistan in June.Both captains are optimistic about their recovery timelines and are aiming to be match-ready by the time the world championship kicks off.“Okay naman po. Every day rehab at naka-recover naman na po,” said Espejo. “Target ko po talaga is maging 100 percent sa darating na World Championship.”Bagunas shared similar confidence. “On track naman yung therapy ko. This week, may hop test na ko so malalaman na kung makakapag-full training na ako with Alas.”Despite their individual recoveries, Espejo acknowledged that the team still has a long way to go before contending with the world’s best.“Honestly speaking po, super layo pa talaga. Pero yun nga, one day at a time, one tournament at a time. Ibibigay namin yung pinaka-maximum potential ng team na hopefully, mailabas namin,” he added.The return of Espejo and Bagunas brings a massive boost to the national team’s morale and competitiveness as the Philippines hosts the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship for the first time, with hopes of making a strong impression on the global stage.

Born in the Philippines and raised in Canada, Jasmin Alcido is a Filipino-Canadian ice hockey player who has earned a coveted spot on the Philippine National Women's Hockey Team. She’s been playing hockey since she was six years old—a sport that has changed her life in many ways. Now, she gives back as she continues to move forward in her journey.Alcido’s goal is to continue playing competitive hockey for as long as she can—an aspiration she strives toward every day. She describes herself as a shifty player with strong ice vision and has been working on her shot, which has seen significant improvement over the past season.She wears jersey #87, symbolizing not only her competitive spirit but also her pride in representing her heritage.Alcido has been playing hockey for over 12 years. Her deep passion for the sport and strong connection to her roots have driven her to represent the Philippines on the international stage.

Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala has etched her name in history, securing a spot in the quarterfinals of the Miami Open.The 19-year-old moved forward after Spain’s Paula Badosa, ranked No. 11 in the world, withdrew due to a lower back injury during their Round of 16 matchup on Monday, March 24 (Tuesday, March 25, Manila time).Eala’s stellar performance throughout the tournament already included massive upsets. She stunned the World No. 5 and reigning Australian Open champion Madison Keys, as well as No. 25 and 2017 French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko, to advance to the fourth round.

When you talk about pioneers and pure scorers in Philippine basketball, one name always comes up—Fortunato "Atoy" Co, also known as "The Fortune Cookie."The nickname, a play on his first name “Fortunato,” was popularized by PBA commentators and fans not just because it sounded catchy—but because he delivered results, night in and night out, like a sweet fortune waiting to happen. When Crispa needed a bucket, Co was the guy who cracked the code.Born on October 15, 1951, in Pasig City, Atoy Co was already making noise before the PBA even existed. But it was in 1975, during the PBA’s inaugural season, that he formally entered the pro scene as part of the Crispa Redmanizers. And he didn’t disappoint. On April 22, in his first-ever pro game, Co dropped 34 points, leading Crispa to its first franchise win after starting 0-3.He would go on to become a vital part of Crispa’s dynasty, playing from 1975 to 1984 and helping steer the team to two Grand Slams. In 1976, he was honored with the All-Filipino Sports Award for Basketball, further cementing his place among the league’s elite.When Crispa disbanded, Co played briefly for Manila Beer (1985) and later joined Great Taste/Presto Ice Cream in 1987 and 1988, before calling it a career.Across 13 PBA seasons, Atoy Co racked up 15 championships, one MVP award (1979), and a scoring title in the same year. He was a 9-time Mythical First Team member, known for his smooth jumpers, crowd-pleasing style, and unshakable confidence on the floor.

The Philippine National Anti-Doping Organization (PHINADO) conducted an Anti-Doping Education Seminar for Filipino athletes set to compete in the upcoming 33rd Southeast Asian Games and the 13th Asian Youth Para Games.The seminar aimed to equip national athletes with essential knowledge on clean sport practices, anti-doping rules, testing procedures, and the importance of upholding integrity in competition.Present during the event were key sports leaders, including Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman John Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC) President Michael Barredo, PSC Commissioner Edward Hayco, and Olympian Akiko Thompson, all emphasizing the importance of education in maintaining a fair and drug-free sporting environment.Philippine Sports Commission chair Patrick Gregorio stressed in his opening remarks the importance of this seminar as their guidance and preparation for the upcoming Olympic and Asian games before the year ends. Gregorio emphasized its strong commitment to fair play and integrity during an anti-doping education session held for national athletes on Friday.“This session is more than just a requirement—it is part of our commitment to fair play, integrity, and excellence,” PSC chair Patrick Gregorio underscores the agency’s core values as Filipino athletes prepare to compete on the regional and international stage.As the country gears up for major sporting events, PSC officials highlighted the importance of upholding clean sport principles, noting that compliance protects both the careers of athletes and the honor of the nation.“This is not just about an athlete. It is about our nation’s integrity and our success,” Gregorio emphasized, calling the anti-doping seminar a crucial step in ensuring that Filipino athletes remain aligned with global standards set by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and PHINADO.Officials reminded athletes that victories achieved through prohibited means hold no value.“Don’t gamble. Don’t take a chance. Winning should be clean, fair, and come from the heart of every Filipino athlete,” Gregorio reiterated.The seminar forms part of the PSC’s continuous effort to strengthen awareness and reinforce a culture of honesty and accountability in Philippine sports.PHINADO’s initiative reinforces the country’s commitment to clean and honest sports, ensuring that every Filipino athlete represents the nation with pride, discipline, and integrity as they take on the international stage.

Barangay Ginebra secured a 73-66 victory over TNT in Game 5 of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup Finals on Sunday night, March 23, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.Scottie Thompson was named Best Player of the Game after delivering an all-around performance with 16 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one block. His relentless hustle on both ends of the floor—something that doesn’t always show up in the stat sheets—was key to Ginebra’s success.Justin Brownlee was also impressive. Despite dealing with a dislocated thumb and scoring only two points in the first half, the Gin Kings' import still managed to finish with 18 markers, 14 boards, five dimes, and one deflection.Japeth Aguilar and Maverick Ahanmisi chipped in 11 points apiece to support Thompson and Brownlee, while Stephen Holt played a tremendous defensive role against Tropang Giga import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. Although Hollis-Jefferson managed to score 19 points, he struggled with efficiency, shooting just 7-of-26 from the field.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has filed Senate Resolution No. 117, commending Filipina tennis star Alex Eala for her maiden Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) title at the Guadalajara 125 Open. Senator Go highlighted Eala’s victory as a testament to discipline, resilience, and excellence—qualities that uplift national pride and inspire young Filipino athletes.Go’s resolution emphasized that Eala’s triumph goes beyond personal achievement, reflecting the capacity of Filipinos to excel globally when given support and opportunity. He anchored the resolution on the Philippine Constitution’s mandate to promote sports, citing Article XIV, Section 19.In his remarks, Go praised Eala’s come-from-behind win over Hungary’s Panna Udvardy, 1-6, 7-5, 6-3, and her consistent display of the “indomitable Filipino competitive spirit.” He said Eala’s feat is both a career milestone and a rallying point for national pride.Go further underscored the need for sustained investment in sports. He spotlighted the National Academy of Sports (NAS), established under Republic Act No. 11470, which he authored and co-sponsored, and pushed for its regional expansion through Senate Bill No. 171. He also filed bills to enhance incentives for para-athletes, institutionalize grassroots and collegiate sports competitions, and improve sports facilities nationwide.Since becoming Senate Committee on Sports chair in 2019, Go has championed Philippine sports, supporting facility improvements and athlete development. He noted this era has seen historic achievements, including the country’s first Olympic gold and twin golds at the 2024 Paris Olympics.By filing the resolution, Go seeks to honor Eala and reaffirm the vital role of sports in national development, situating her triumph within the broader context of Philippine athletic progress.

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.

Lou Marie Reyes Cauyao, is one of the players of the Philippine Women’s Ice Hockey Team which won as Silver Medalist during the 2024 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Women’s Asia and Oceania Cup in In Bishkek, KYRGYZSTAN, from March 24 to 30 2024. This prestigious tournament brought together top women’s teams from across Asia and Oceania, showcasing talent, determination, and the growing strength of women’s ice hockey in the region. Cauyao played a vital role in fortifying the team's defense throughout the tournament, helping to secure the Philippines’ historic run to the podium.Known for her sharp defensive instincts, determination and dedication to the sport, Cauyao exemplifies the spirit of Filipino athletes who continue to break new ground in less traditional sports like ice hockey. Her contribution not only reflects individual excellence but also highlights the rising momentum of women’s ice hockey in the Philippines.

Rain or Shine has issued tender offers to rookies Christian Manaytay, Jun Roque, Mark Denver Omega, Deo Cuajao, and Joshua David, head coach Yeng Guiao confirmed. By extending the offers, the Elasto Painters have retained the signing rights of their five draft picks from the first two rounds of the recent PBA Draft.Rain or Shine, which reached the semifinals in all three conferences of the 49th season, had the most selections in the first two rounds this year, including two first-rounders.Left out of the team’s plans are third-rounder Cole Micek (No. 34 pick), fourth-rounder Kyle Tolentino (No. 45), and fifth-rounder MJ Dela Virgen (No. 55), who all become free agents after not receiving tender offers.Contracts with the five rookies are not yet finalized, as each is still committed to ongoing stints in other leagues. Manaytay, the 10th overall pick, is currently playing with the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards in the MPBL, while Roque, selected 12th, is set to finish his NCAA campaign with Letran. Omega (No. 20) and Cuajao (No. 22) are also suiting up for Letran in the NCAA, while David (No. 24) is with the Abra Weavers in the MPBL. Both leagues are scheduled to conclude their seasons in December.Despite these commitments, all five draftees attended Rain or Shine practices shortly after the draft to integrate with the team.“Hindi naman kami nagmamadali with regards to the rookies,” Guiao said, emphasizing that the Elasto Painters are willing to wait for their full availability.

The Pilipinas Aguilas captured the inaugural Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) championship after dismantling the UST Growling Tigresses in a thrilling do-or-die Game 3 Finals, 54-45, on Wednesday night, April 23, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.Lexi Pana led the charge for the Aguilas in the deciding game, finishing with 13 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and two steals. She was named the first-ever WMPBL Finals MVP.Speaking about their title-clinching performance, Pana said:“I couldn’t have done it without my teammates. Chack (Cabinbin) does a really good job being a point guard—I mean, she’s arguably the best in the Philippines. It’s really nice playing with her, and also just how my teammates focused on defense. We got the stops we needed. So, a lot of credit goes to them, not just to what I can do.”Mar Prado was also instrumental in the victory, contributing 16 markers on 7-of-13 shooting, grabbing 12 boards, while tallying three steals and three blocks. Cheska Apag had her best performance of the series, finishing with 13 points—including three triples—along with four rebounds, five assists, and four steals.

Two of the Philippines’ most prominent athletes in 2025, tennis star Alex Eala and volleyball standout Bryan Bagunas, have been selected as flag bearers for the country in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games this December in Thailand.“Popularity aside, Alex and Bryan have made impacts in the global sports community, and that makes them the best choice to carry the flag in the SEA Games,” said Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino on Tuesday, December 2.Eala capped her 2025 WTA season with a career-high No. 50 world ranking, highlighted by breakthrough wins over top-tier opponents. Bagunas led Alas Pilipinas in a historic run at the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship, including a landmark victory over nine-time African champion Egypt and a tight battle against world No. 15 Iran.The duo will front the Philippines’ 200-strong opening ceremony contingent on December 9 at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok.Eala enters the SEA Games as one of the tournament favorites, standing as the highest-ranked Filipina in history and one of the top-ranked Asians alongside Indonesian contender Janice Tjen. The Philippines aims to reclaim the women’s singles gold for the first time since 1999.Bagunas, meanwhile, continues to anchor Alas Pilipinas’ push to finally break the long-standing men’s volleyball dominance of Indonesia and Thailand. The national team last reached the SEA Games podium in 2019, finishing with a silver.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is moving closer to enforcing a complete ban on transgender women competing in female events, signaling a major shift in Olympic policy.Under the leadership of newly elected IOC president Kirsty Coventry, the organization aims to establish a unified global framework to “protect the integrity of the female category” across all sports. A move that could take effect within the next six to twelve months, in time for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.Previously, individual federations were allowed to set their own inclusion rules, but Coventry is pushing for consistency, citing scientific reviews highlighting the long-term physical advantages of being born male.The potential policy is also expected to align with the stance of the U.S. President Donald Trump, who earlier signed an executive order barring transgender women from competing in female sports.However, the IOC continues to face internal debate over how to handle athletes with differences in sexual development (DSD), those reported female at birth but with male chromosomes and elevated testosterone levels.

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.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee and sponsor of the proposed budget of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), renewed his call for the regionalization of the National Academy of Sports (NAS) during budget deliberations on last Monday, November 24.Go stressed that keeping the NAS concentrated solely in Luzon—specifically in its main campus in New Clark City, Pampanga—limits grassroots development and sidelines promising young athletes from the Visayas and Mindanao.“Nag-file rin po ako ng bill para ma-regionalize ang NAS,” Go said, referring to his recently filed measure aimed at decentralizing the academy in line with the intent of the law that created it.Go noted that while NAS operations are fully funded—citing an additional ₱294 million in the committee report, including budget for a new dormitory—geographical accessibility remains a major barrier for student-athletes outside Luzon.He emphasized that expansion does not require constructing brand-new facilities, pointing out that many local governments already have sports infrastructures capable of hosting NAS satellite campuses.“Sana ay ma-regionalize ito… at malagyan rin po sa Visayas at Mindanao,” he said, adding that several LGUs in Mindanao have already expressed willingness to host equivalent NAS setups.During the hearing, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano underscored the need for continuity in national sports planning and aligning programs with international hosting opportunities. Go agreed, stressing the importance of proactive planning.A long-time advocate for athlete welfare, Go authored and co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11470, which established the NAS and introduced a dual-track system combining secondary education with specialized sports training. The academy provides full scholarships to student-athletes pursuing both academic and athletic excellence.To widen access to this model, Go filed Senate Bill No. 171, or the National Academy of Sports Regional Expansion Act of 2025, which seeks to establish NAS campuses across the country—particularly in the Visayas and Mindanao. These regional campuses would uphold the academic and athletic standards of the main campus while ensuring equitable opportunities for rising sports talents nationwide.

Alec Stockton’s heroics led Converge in climbing back from a 20-point deficit to defeat Magnolia, 93-91, and registered their second win in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup.The spitfire guard finished with 18 points on 7-of-13 shooting from the field, issued 10 assists, and grabbed seven rebounds to be named Player of the Game.In the first half, the Hotshots seemed to control the tempo of the game behind the hot shooting backcourt duo of Jerom Lastimosa and Jerrick Ahanmisi to steer their team to a 53-38 lead.After the break, Magnolia managed to erect a 20-point lead but the FiberXers managed to trim down the lead to eight at the end of the third period.

Zus Coffee secured a quarterfinal spot in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference, while Nxled ended its campaign on a high note with a dominant win, as both teams wrapped up their play-in matches on Thursday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.   

Despite mounting expectations, De La Salle University’s Mike Phillips remains calm and confident as he leads the Green Archers' quest to reclaim the UAAP men’s basketball crown.Standing 6-foot-8, Phillips also finds himself linked to another challenge—potentially suiting up for Gilas Pilipinas in the upcoming 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December.“But I'm really praying, whatever God has planned. If it's God's will for me to hopefully have an opportunity to try out and be a part of the national team, of course,” said Phillips, who previously won gold with Gilas at the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia.While excited by the prospect, Phillips remains focused on his current mission with La Salle, a team eager to bounce back after several runner-up finishes in the off-season and a finals loss last year.“I really love to, I'm gonna give everything I can. But of course, right now, it's really just about staying in the moment, staying in the present moment,” he said.Phillips fondly recalled his Gilas experience, calling it “an amazing feeling” that continues to inspire him.“Because playing for the national team is just something that, I don't know, I can't put into words. It's just such an amazing feeling and I'm still sort of on that high from that SEA Games,” he shared. “I still have my medal, it's right on my cabinet and I still talk to a lot of the guys that I was with in the SEA Games.”Phillips, along with Mason Amos and Jacob Cortez, is expected to anchor La Salle’s campaign in UAAP Season 88, which tips off this Saturday, September 20, against Adamson.

The Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots captured their fourth straight victory in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup after dominating the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 118-99, on Friday, April 26, in Zamboanga.Hometown hero Mark Barroca delivered his best performance of the conference so far, thrilling his fellow Chabacanos with 16 points (7/14 FGs), six rebounds, five assists, and one steal.Peter Alfaro, another proud Zamboanga native, chipped in six markers and two boards while helping orchestrate the Hotshots’ offense.Before tip-off, Barroca—who celebrated his 39th birthday yesterday, his first in Zamboanga in 20 years—expressed gratitude to his kababayans, joined by Alfaro and Phoenix’s RR Garcia in thanking the home crowd.