Filipina cue artist Chezka Centeno proved once again that champions are defined not by how they start, but by how they finish.The 24-year-old Centeno pulled off a sensational comeback run from the losers’ bracket to capture her second WPA World Women’s 10-Ball Championship title, showcasing her trademark poise and fighting spirit on the global stage.After suffering an early setback in the double-elimination rounds, Centeno refused to back down. She went on a scorching run — defeating several top-seeded contenders, including defending champion Chou Chieh-Yu, to earn a spot in the finals.In the championship match, Centeno displayed world-class composure and precision, sealing the victory that crowned her once again as the best 10-ball player in the world.Her triumph marks another milestone for Philippine billiards, adding to the country’s storied legacy of cue sports dominance led by legends like Efren “Bata” Reyes and Rubilen Amit.Centeno’s second world title solidifies her place among the sport’s elite — and serves as an inspiration to a new generation of Filipino athletes proving that resilience, determination, and heart can turn any setback into glory.

The Choco Mucho Flying Titans overcame a first-set loss by overcoming PLDT, 21-25, 25-22, 25-18, 25-18, in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Thursday, January 23.The Flying Titans, who were tied at 17 points apiece in the fourth quarter, went on a 7-0 run led by Sisi Rondina and Cherry Nunag’s five points apiece.Erika Santos' crosscourt hit halted the High Speed Hitters' bleeding, but it was too late as Rondina's down-the-line kill, which Kath Arado was unable to block, sealed the win for Choco Mucho.As a result, the Flying Titans moved up to 5-3 for fourth place alone after defeating Farm Fresh, ZUS Coffee, and PLDT despite missing the services of Kat Tolentino, who had surgery due to a ruptured appendix."Firstly, of course, we dedicate our victory to Kat, she is recovering now. I hope she recovers quickly and we can be together again," said Flying Titans head coach Dante Alinsunurin.

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.

Para swimmer Christian Benedict Paulino won the first gold medal in the ongoing 8th Philippine National Para Games being held at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.Paulino, who represented Quezon City LGU, won the men's 400m freestyle S6-S7 in six minutes and 55.61 seconds, beating Zach Lucas Osioma of Cadiz City, who clocked 8:27.50.According to Paulino, this is his first win in the Para Games so he is happy to have won the gold medal and said that it is also his dream to participate in the Paralympics."This is my first time winning in the National Para Games. I am happy because I want to pursue my dream of participating in the Paralympics," Paulino said in Filipino.Paulino added that he also wants to achieve what his idol, Para swimmer Ernie Gawilan has accomplished."I also want to achieve what my brother Ernie accomplished. He is my idol," Paulino added. Meanwhile, other gold medalists on the first day of the Para Games were Justine Oliveros of Laguna for the men's 400m freestyle S8, S9, S10 and Tokyo Paralympian Gary Bejino for the men's 50m butterfly S6 and S7.

The stage is set for a wide-open race as the maiden Pilipinas United 3x3 League (PUL) tips off this weekend at Ayala Malls Manila Bay.Twelve men’s teams and eight women’s squads will battle for supremacy in this new halfcourt basketball showcase.“Passion fuels every drive, every shot, every hustle, while purpose brings us together to push Philippine basketball to greater heights,” said PUL commissioner Eric Altamirano.Local men’s teams include David Licauco’s Taho Story A, powerhouse Half Court Group (Hoopjeep), Sidney Onwubere’s YouGuard, and David Carlos’ Activate Sports, along with AMG Physical Therapy Clinic, Smile 360 Dental Clinic, Solaris, and Taho Story B. They will take on an international field featuring Ninja Airs and SBB from Japan, Dame Dolla from Vietnam, and Kuala Lumpur from Malaysia.The men’s champion will earn a USD 5,000 prize and a ticket to the FIBA 3x3 Kaohsiung Challenger in October, while the top local team secures a spot in the FIBA 3x3 Manila Challenger in September.In the women’s division, two-time UAAP MVP Kacey dela Rosa leads Gilas Pilipinas Women U23, joined by Uratex Dream and Pilipinas Aguilas.International contenders include Japan’s Maurice Lacroix, Malaysia’s Harimau Black and Yellow, Vietnam’s Hanoi 3x3 By Amigos, and Singapore’s Jumpshot—all vying for the USD 3,000 cash prize.Fans can catch the action live on PusoP.com and on Solar Sports via Digital Free TV Channel 21 in Mega Manila, Cablelink Channel 58, Sky Cable Channel 70 in NCR, and over 200 Pay TV operators nationwide.

Gilas Pilipinas' training camp is underway today in preparation for the FIBA ​​Asia Cup Qualifiers to be held on November 21 and 24 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.The Gilas Pilipinas training camp is being held at the Inspire Sports Academy in the National University Compound in Brgy. Turbina, Calamba City, Laguna, where the Gilas players will temporarily stay in their training camp.Due to the limited time of their training, they will not be making their practice public as they usually do because they no longer have enough time to practice. During Gilas' training camp in Laguna, they might possibly invite a team from the PBA so they can play before their match next week.Meanwhile, Gilas Pilipinas is cautious when it comes to Kai Sotto who is currently under the concussion protocol strictly implemented by the Japan B. League, this is following the match of the Koshigaya Alphas against the Nagoya Fighting Eagles.

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz made a powerful statement by advancing to the Wimbledon semifinals for the third consecutive year, delivering a commanding straight-sets victory over Britain’s Cameron Norrie.Alcaraz, the towering Spanish world No. 2, showcased his highest level of play in the tournament thus far, needing a mere 99 minutes to overwhelm Norrie with a score of 6-2, 6-3, 6-3, setting the stage for an eagerly anticipated semifinal clash against American fifth seed Taylor Fritz."To be able to play another semifinal here at Wimbledon is super special," Alcaraz said.After a series of uneven performances that saw him drop four sets on his way to the quarterfinals, Alcaraz has rediscovered his dominant form, unleashing an impressive 39 winners against the beleaguered British No. 61 on the iconic Center Court.At just 21 years old, the Spaniard is riding a remarkable career-best 23-match winning streak, a run that began after his defeat to Holger Rune in the Barcelona final last April. This remarkable winning streak includes triumphs at prestigious tournaments such as the French Open, Rome Masters, and Monte Carlo.Having dethroned Novak Djokovic in the last two Wimbledon finals, Alcaraz boasts an impressive 34-3 record on grass at the Tour level. His only loss at the All England Club came in the 2022 fourth round against Jannik Sinner, underscoring his elite status on this formidable surface."It's going to be great. I'm really happy with the way I played against a really difficult player," Alcaraz added.

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 highly anticipated six-stage Larga Pilipinas Cycling Marathon has been officially postponed due to persistent inclement weather in recent weeks.“It’s quite unfortunate because the teams prepared hard for this. But as we speak, there are areas in Northern Luzon, especially in the Cordilleras, that are currently isolated because of the heavy rains,” said Larga Pilipinas operations chief Snow Badua yesterday, July 30, during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum.Originally set to start on August 2, the event will now kick off on November 29, as Badua confirmed. “Palipasin na muna natin ang typhoon season. Let’s give the LGUs all the time to focus on the situation and huwag na tayo madagdag sa isipin nila.”“Heavily battered ang Northern Luzon, that’s why, in close coordination with the different LGUs (local government units), we needed to reset, also upon the advice of PhilCycling president Abraham Tolentino,” he explained.“We cannot, in good conscience, move forward knowing these hazards put our participants and the teams at real risk. Their safety is, and always will be, our top priority,” he added.Despite the delay, excitement remains high for the marathon, which is expected to feature 10 competitive teams, including several international riders. The event is poised to be one of the country’s largest and most competitive cycling races this year.Organizers stressed that the postponement was made with participant safety as the top priority, ensuring optimal racing conditions for all teams.

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has officially announced that Bacolod City will host the 2026 Batang Pinoy, marking the return of the national youth games to the Visayas after more than a decade.The announcement was made during the closing ceremony of the 2025 Batang Pinoy in General Santos City, where PSC Chairman Pato Gregorio confirmed Bacolod’s hosting. This will be Bacolod’s fourth time to stage the event, following previous editions in 1999, 2001, and 2014.During the turnover rites, GenSan Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao passed the Batang Pinoy banner to Atty. Jose Marty Go, who represented Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya.“It is just fitting for Bacolod to host the Batang Pinoy after several years, being among the pioneers of this grassroots sports program,” said Gregorio.Nearly 20,000 young athletes participated in 27 sporting events in the 2025 edition held from October 25 to 31 in General Santos City.Gregorio highlighted the importance of Batang Pinoy as a cornerstone of grassroots sports development, noting that several of the country’s top athletes — including Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz and world champion gymnast Carlos Yulo — once competed in the tournament.The upcoming Bacolod hosting in 2026 signifies another milestone for the PSC’s efforts to develop and discover young Filipino athletes from all over the country.

The Philippines prepared 5 boxing athletes who are well-trained and equipped for what could become a historic run in the 2024 Paris Olympics.Among them are veterans and newbies with one core mission: bring home coveted Olympic medals.The Philippines are no stranger to Boxing in the Olympic Games. In 1996, They are of follows: Eumir Felix MarcialHe represents the Philippines and won a silver medal during the 2019 World Championships.Marcial managed to join and be qualified for the middleweight event for 2020 Tokyo Olympics which in the later postponed to 2021 due to the outbreak of Covid 19 Pandemic.After advancing to the semifinals against boxer Oleksandr Khyzhniak of Ukraine, Marcial brought the first bronze medal since 1992He was also the first Filipino boxer to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics.Marcial thanked his fans for believing in his abilities and hoping to continue in support in his endeavor towards the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. He has a total of boxing fights, in which 5 of these are Wins. 3 of those wins were by knockout, while Marcial continues to have a spotless record with no losses. Aira Villegas,Aira’s boxing career started in Tacloban City, where she learned to be tough and studied and learned boxing as her self defense.At the age of 15 years old she kept on focusing on practice and after joining  the Boxam Elite tournament in Spain, She won her first Gold Medal.  She is being chosen for the Olympic ticket in 1st World Qualification Tournament.However, it was her brother who encouraged her to pursue a boxing career in order for her to join in the Olympic Games.And through this sport, they were able to manage and help their family to provide for their daily needs.Her years of training paid off as during her stint during the In 2019 Southeast Asian Games, she won a bronze medal.She also competed at the 2022 Asian Games which was held in Hangzhou, China, where she lost the fight with her Mongolian opponent last year. From the gyms in Tacloban, Aira will now take her talents to the 2024 Paris Olympics, representing the country in the women’s flyweight 50-kg competition. Nesthy Petecio, Just like Aira, Nesthy was taught boxing as a means of self-defense.At the young age of 11, Petecio had a big break in her boxing career by. Joining boxing match during the celebration of Araw ng Dabaw in 2002, a match that she eventually won.In 2007, she competed in the Smart National Youth and Women’s Open Boxing Championship held in Cagayan De Oro City where she won a gold medal and earned the opportunity to be a part of the country’s national boxing team.Petecio started to compete and represented the country in several international competitions, some of which was the 2014 AIBA Women’s World Championship where she obtained a silver medal.2011 & 2013 Southeast Asian Games where she won both silver medals, the 2012 Asian Championship where she won a bronze medal, and a gold medal win in the 2015 Indonesia President’s Cup.In 2020, Nesthy qualified for the 2020 Summer Olympics due to her high competitive rankings. Her first fight was a victory against Marcelat Sakobi Matshu of the Democratic Republic of Congo but, after facing her amateur rival Sena Irie in the final, Petecio lost by unanimous decision and won the silver medal, the first Olympic boxing medal won by a Filipino boxer in 25 years.Petecio is aiming for a her-story-making moment by trying to snag one more medal for a back-to-back medal performance in the Olympics. The hope that many for Nesthy have, is that this time, her silver turns to gold. Carlo PaalamCarlo joined the National Team in2013 and started competing internationally in 2016 where he earned both bronze medals during the AIBA youth Asian Championship and Asian Games in 2018.Later, he made a debut at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics after being qualified through the IOC-BTF. Paalam won a silver medal during his bout in the Men’s Flyweight division against Galal Yafai of Great Britain.This time, Carlo’s hopes for an Olympic gold may not just be saying goodbye.This, after Paalam qualified for the Summer Games after winning over Indian Sachin Siwach in the men’s 57kg division semifinals during the 2024 Boxing 2nd World Qualification Tournament in Bangkok, Thailand which was held on June 1. Hergie BacyadanBefore coming into the world of boxing, Hergie was a former martial artist and a wushu and vovinam practitioner.Bacyadan joined the Philippine national wushu team in 2016. In 2017, she took part in the Inaugural Sanda Asian Cup and World Wushu Championship which was held in Foshan China and Russia where she earned both silver medals in a 65k-kilogram division.During her Boxing career, it was marked when she participated in the 2019 ASBC Asian Grand Slam Boxing Championships held in Xiamen China.Bacyadan qualified for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris after winning her quota bout during the 2024 World Olympic Qualification Tournament against Maryelis Yriza of Venezuela - a win, which can see Hergie transcend the boundaries of what an athlete can do and achieve.  The Philippines has seen its own level of success in boxing - one that it has achieved throughout the years. Only time can tell if the country’s Olympic successes in the sport can once again awaken the country’s successes in the sport.

In celebration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s 68th birthday, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) donated 2,000 sports balls to the Office of the President to boost grassroots sports development in public schools. The donation consists of 1,000 volleyballs from the FIVB and PNVF, 500 basketballs from the SBP, and 500 footballs from the PFF.The initiative aligns with Marcos’ call for a national sports development program, as announced in his recent State of the Nation Address. “Bubuo tayo ng bagong pambansang programa para sa sports development. Uumpisahan natin ito sa paaralan pa lamang,” Marcos said in his SONA.In partnership with the Department of Education, the PSC will help revive sports clubs and competitions in public schools to nurture young athletic talent.The First Family attended the FIVB Men’s World Championship 2025 opening at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, last Friday where President Marcos delivered the ceremonial serve. PSC Chairman Pato Gregorio hailed the milestone as a sign of a promising future for Philippine sports and youth development.“We are standing at the threshold of a great new era and the dawn of a truly exciting legacy. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!” said Gregorio.

Bella Belen made her long-awaited Premier Volleyball League debut one to remember, showcasing the poise, power, and all-around game that justified her status as the top overall pick of the 2025 PVL Draft.Though her performance was nothing short of exceptional, Belen’s efforts couldn’t quite push Capital1 Solar Spikers past the seasoned Choco Mucho Flying Titans, who escaped with a tight 33–31, 26–24, 25–23 victory on Tuesday night at the Ynares Center in Montalban.The 23-year-old outside hitter carried a heavy load on both ends of the court, finishing with 20 points, 18 excellent digs, and 12 solid receptions — numbers that underscored her trademark versatility and two-way impact. It was a professional debut that reflected the same determination and discipline that made her a collegiate star at National University, but now against tougher, faster opposition.After the match, Belen expressed mixed emotions, grateful for finally making her pro debut but disappointed that her team fell just short. She shared that she focused more on contributing to the team rather than chasing individual numbers, emphasizing the need to perform well and help Capital1 grow with every game.

Fighting for the first time since his loss to Richardson Hitchins for the IBF super lightweight title last December, Paro forced Jonathan Navarro to retire on his stool after five rounds in their main event bout on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at the Convention Centre in Cairns, Queensland.The Australian southpaw delivered a devastating overhand left to Navarro (18-2, 9 KOs) with just 45 seconds left in the fifth round. Although Navarro quickly got back on his feet, he became an easy target for Paro’s left hand throughout the remainder of the round.Paro, now with a record of 26-1, 16 KOs, stunned Navarro again in the final 10 seconds of the round. As Navarro returned to his corner, it was clear he was defeated, prompting his trainer to stop the fight during the one-minute break between rounds five and six, granting Paro a victory by TKO in his comeback.Throughout the first four rounds, Paro established dominance with his southpaw jab and effective body shots. He controlled the pace of the match, while Navarro hesitated to engage directly, opting instead to focus on counter-punching.In rounds three and four, Paro began to string his punches together more effectively. As he closed the distance, Navarro showed some willingness to trade, but Paro’s offensive variety consistently gave him the upper hand during exchanges.Now, Paro also has unfinished business. He suffered a controversial split-decision loss to Richardson Hitchins in December — the only blemish on his professional record.“I want to win a world title. I want another belt. I want to avenge my loss. Life has given me the opportunity to move forward and show how much of a champion I am in adversity. I’m ready to prove the critics wrong,” Paro said.

The Philippine men’s curling team took a huge step toward making history after going undefeated in a pre-Olympic qualification event held at Curl Aberdeen in Scotland over the weekend, putting them on the brink of qualifying for the 2026 Milan–Cortina d’Ampezzo Winter Olympics.The team, composed of Marc Pfister, Christian Haller, Enrico Pfister, Brayden Carpenter, and alternate Alan Frei, clinched an automatic berth to the Olympic Qualification 2025 tournament set from December 6 to 19 in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada.The top two teams from that event will secure tickets to the Winter Olympics scheduled for February 4 to 22, 2026. 

Captain Shaina Nitura simply refused to lose. Dropping a massive 30-point bomb on Far Eastern University (FEU), along with 12 digs and 18 receptions, the Adamson Lady Falcons took flight toward history after a gutsy 25-18, 26-24, 23-25, 25-23 victory in Game 1 of the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge Finals on Monday at the FilOil Centre in San Juan.This wasn’t just another win—it was a statement. The Lady Falcons clawed back from a deep second-set hole, showing the kind of composure and fight that define champions in the making. One more victory, and Adamson will clinch its first-ever V-League crown, breaking a six-year title drought in a Sports Vision-backed tournament since their 2019 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Collegiate Conference triumph.When the fourth set got tense, Frances Mordi delivered in crunch time, dropping four huge points to keep FEU at bay. And when it mattered most, Nitura ended it with a thunderous kill that silenced the Lady Tamaraws’ late rally after two hours of high-octane volleyball.

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.

EJ Obiena returned to competition with a bronze medal at the World Athletics Continental Tour in China, clearing 5.65 meters to finish third. Chinese vaulter Tao Zhong and American Cole Walsh both cleared 5.75m, with Zhong taking gold on countback.The podium finish gives Obiena a timely boost as he heads into a busy September, highlighted by the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo from September 13–21. Obiena, the Philippine and Asian record holder at 6.00m, will also headline the Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge in Makati on September 20–21. The event boasts a strong international field, including several top-25 vaulters.Riding the momentum from China, Obiena aims for another landmark performance on the world stage and a memorable homecoming in Manila.

“They call us the Mighty Beermen, but they are the Kings.”A statement from San Miguel Beermen assistant coach Peter Martin that resonated truth and lament as Justin Brownlee once again essayed another one for the books with his 5-of-6 four-pointer that propelled Barangay Ginebra to secure an impressive 122-105 victory in the best-of-seven series opener of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup on Wednesday, October 9.In a special interview conducted by Scoreline.ph, the Beermen were able to share their sentiments regarding game play assessments and essential adjustments they have to produce in order to deliver a comeback blow against Ginebra’s offensive strategy.Despite June Mar Fajardo and import EJ Anosike fueling the Beermen’s offensive pace, forward Jeron Teng expressed that Ginebra did a pretty good job at scouting them and learning their strategy.“They really had a great game plan against us. They were able to contain our big man, June, and our import (EJ),” Teng said. “We missed a lot of three-point shots, so we just have to regroup and make those shots in Game 2.”Additionally, Teng stated that they need to improve their defense since it is currently lacking, particularly on the perimeter, which is one of Ginebra’s core abilities.

Creamline begins its title defense in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference without long-time playmaker Jia de Guzman, who has been ruled out just days before the opener. “Management has decided Jia is sitting this one out. So, she's not playing this conference," team captain Alyssa Valdez confirmed during Thursday’s press launch in Pasig.While no official reason was given, de Guzman is expected to focus on her leadership duties with Alas Pilipinas as they prepare for the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December. De Guzman will also dedicate the PVL Reinforced Conference to ball training and more intense strength and conditioning, aligning her "return to court" timeline with the Creamline Cool Smashers."Given her competition schedule the past few years, this is to help preserve the longevity of her playing career and avoid injury," the team said.The plan is for de Guzman to return to action for Creamline in the next conference, allowing her time to reintegrate after two seasons away. "With the goal of returning to action for Creamline in the next conference, everyone agreed that this period will also give her time to reintegrate herself back into the Creamline system after being gone for two seasons."Coach Sherwin Meneses noted the eight-time PVL Best Setter may wear the Creamline jersey again next year. "Si Jia talaga, talagang tested na sa mga games, so 'yung panghihinayang laging nandiyan 'yan. Big factor talaga kung makalaro si Jia, pero siguro 'di pa ngayon, siguro next year," Meneses said.The Cool Smashers, defending champions of the Reinforced Conference, are seeking redemption after missing the finals in the past two PVL tournaments and settling for bronze medals.The veteran setter last played for the Cool Smashers two years ago and is set to return in the 2026 All-Filipino Conference.