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.

Former PBA star Ronald “The Saint” Tubid notched his first win as head coach of the Terrafirma Dyip in the ongoing PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup, marking a promising debut for his coaching career.Tubid, celebrated for his energy and leadership on the court, guided the Dyip to a hard-fought victory—their first with him at the helm. The team displayed renewed confidence and chemistry, reflecting Tubid’s emphasis on discipline, teamwork, and player development.“This win means a lot—not just for me, but for the whole team,” Tubid shared after the game. “It’s all about building trust, working hard, and believing that we can compete with anyone.”'Yung team na ito fast-tracked, eh. 'Yung preparation namin, like, almost a month lang. So tinitiyaga namin. Kung saan kami strong doon lang kami. Saka ipinapaalala lang namin sa mga bata na as long as we compete may chance na manalo talaga.""Yung mga bata are so excited. They know na kaya nila. Sabi naming mga coaches... although we are undersized, as long as we compete may tsansa tayong manalo," said Tubid, adding the team continuous to be a work in progress."Siguro balik kami sa video, correct naming lahat. We all know this is a very young team, us coaches also," admitted the former nine-time champion player.The victory gives Terrafirma a morale boost and sets a positive tone as they aim for a playoff push this season. Tubid, a two-time PBA champion and former Gilas Pilipinas standout, took over earlier this year and is determined to lead the Dyip to greater heights.With their first win secured, Terrafirma looks to keep the momentum rolling as their PBA Season 50 journey continues.

Rain or Shine Coach Yeng Guiao expressed confidence in the team's future, despite the disappointment of another semifinal exit.“We couldn't close it out, we couldn't make the big plays when we needed them most.But we still look at it as a positive development for the team. I think it adds to the experience and knowledge of our young players.”He firmly believes that rather than a sweeping overhaul, the current roster simply requires targeted enhancements, particularly with the anticipated return of key players Beau Belga, Luis Villegas, and Felix Pangilinan-Lemetti from injury.

Alas Pilipinas Men are ready to make history as the Philippines hosts the FIVB Men’s World Championship for the first time. The national volleyball team, led by star spiker Marck Espejo, expressed excitement at the recent Media Day held at the National Museum of Natural History in Manila.“It’s an honor to be part of this historic event. We’re excited to play and show the level and brand of Philippine volleyball in the world stage,” Espejo said.The team’s preparations included a European training camp and a home tune-up against Portugal. “Sa matagal naming pagsasama sa Europe, nakila po namin lalo ang isa’t isa. Ready na po kami maglaro para sa bayan. Pangakong gagawin po namin ‘yung best namin hindi lang basta makadikit o makakuha ng set pero para manalo ng games.” Espejo addedOrganizers expect over 10,000 fans to fill the Mall of Asia Arena for the September 12 opener, where the Philippines will face Tunisia. K-pop group BoyNextDoor will also perform during the opening festivities.With preparations complete and national pride on the line, Alas Pilipinas Men are fired up to compete on volleyball’s biggest stage.This also highlights their excitement, recent training, and the significance of the upcoming tournament.PNVF President, Ramon “Tats” Suzara also leads heads the world championship’s Local Organizing Committee co-chaired by Presidential son William Vincent “Vinny” Araneta Marcos, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, explaining Alas’ first pre-event for the world stage was a visit at the National Museum. Alas, led by team captain Bryan Bagunas and veteran ace Marck Espejo, roamed around the museum for over an hour to take a trip down memory lane in 12 permanent galleries that exhibit the rich biological and geological diversity of the Philippines.“We are days away from history. Let’s make this happen and show the world that the Filipinos are one of the best fans in the world,” Suzara said.

Fresh off her historic WTA victory in Guadalajara, Alex Eala is set to headline the São Paulo Open in Brazil. The No. 3 seed, now ranked 61st in the world, opens against French qualifier Yasmine Mansouri. A win will pit her against either Argentina’s Julia Riera or Russia’s Vitalia Diatchenko in the next round.Eala made history last week by becoming the first Filipina to win a WTA title, defeating Hungary’s Panna Udvardy in a thrilling final. Her recent success follows a strong US Open run and has boosted her prize money earnings to over P15 million this season.With momentum on her side, Eala is eyeing back-to-back titles as she continues her impressive rise on the tour.Meanwhile, the retired former No. 1 Spanish player Rafael Nadal, lauded Eala’s achievement for clinching her first-ever WTA title.“Congrats @AlexEala05 for your first WTA (trophy). I am happy and proud of what you are achieving for yourself and for the Philippines,” wrote Nadal on X (formerly Twitter).It can be recalled that the Filipina ace started her journey at the Rafa Nadal Academy, where she is an alumnae. She has also been continuously training at the academy in her pro career.

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.

As the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup semi-finals open on Wednesday, June 25, the grand slam-seeking TNT Tropang 5G and the "gate-crashing" Rain or Shine Elasto Painters will begin their best-of-seven clash at 5:00 PM at the Mall of Asia Arena.It will be a battle between two teams with contrasting styles. TNT prefers to limit opponents to under 100 points per game, while Rain or Shine thrives on a fast-paced game and aims to put up big numbers whenever possible.Both teams posted identical 8-5 records after the elimination and quarterfinal rounds. They also overcame twice-to-beat disadvantages to secure their spots in the Final Four.

Former IBF super flyweight world champion Jerwin Ancajas remains focused and in top shape as he anticipates a potential slot on the highly anticipated Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios card on July 19 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. While no opponent has been officially announced, Ancajas is training as if the call could come at any moment.“Wala pang binigay na kalaban,” admitted the 33-year-old Ancajas, who has been quietly preparing in Los Angeles alongside fellow Filipino fighters Mark Magsayo and Eumir Marcial—both confirmed to appear on the undercard.Ancajas also shared that, if given the green light, he expects to fight at a catchweight of 123 or 124 pounds—just under the featherweight limit of 126.In January of this year, Ancajas captured the vacant Philippine super bantamweight crown via a second-round stoppage of Richie Mepranum in Iligan. That victory marked his second consecutive win since falling to Japan’s Takuma Inoue via ninth-round TKO in a WBA bantamweight title fight in Tokyo last year. Ancajas reigned for nearly six years as IBF champion in the 115-pound division.Meanwhile, two fellow Filipino fighters are already set to light up the Pacquiao-Barrios undercard. Mark Magsayo (29) will take on Jorge Mata Cuellar of Mexico in a 10-round showdown for the vacant WBC Continental Americas super featherweight title. Magsayo is currently ranked No. 2 by the WBC in the super featherweight division, positioning him just a step away from a possible title shot against reigning champion O’Shaquie Foster.Eumir Marcial (29), returning from Olympic duties, will square off with Alexis Gaytan of Texas in an eight-round middleweight bout. Marcial boasts an unblemished 5-0 pro record with 3 knockouts and is looking to build momentum as he refocuses on his professional boxing career.Cuellar, who’s making his U.S. debut, holds a solid record of 21-2-2 with 13 KOs, including five straight wins. Gaytan, a seasoned veteran, brings a 17-10 record with 6 KOs, having won six of his last seven bouts.With Ancajas staying sharp and ready, the possibility of three Filipino warriors sharing the ring on one of the year’s most anticipated fight cards is closer than ever.

ZUS Coffee kept their momentum alive, logging its second victory against winless Galeries Tower, 25-22, 25-16, 25-19, in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig on Thursday, November 28.The Thunderbelles achieved their first-ever sweep since entering the league in the 2024 season with this victory.ZUS Coffee, once a consistent bottom-dweller, is currently tied for fourth position alongside Petro Gazz, Akari, Chery Tiggo, and Choco Mucho, all of whom have identical 2-1 records.

Filipino tennis ace Alex Eala has arrived in New York, ready to make her mark in the US Open main draw as she continues her transition from junior standout to full-time professional.Eala announced her arrival with an Instagram post from Manhattan, simply captioned: “New York, New York.” The 19-year-old secured her main-draw slot through a steady climb in the WTA rankings, highlighted by strong showings earlier this year, including an impressive run at the Miami Open.A recent shoulder injury forced Eala to withdraw from both the Cincinnati and Monterrey Opens, causing her to slip to World No. 70. Now, she’s aiming to bounce back and regain momentum in the season’s final Grand Slam.This US Open campaign marks another pivotal chapter in Eala’s budding career—as the former US Open girls’ doubles champion seeks to make her presence felt among the sport’s elite. With Filipino fans rallying behind her, she’s hoping for a breakthrough performance.The US Open kicks off on August 26, with Eala entering as an unseeded player likely to face a tough opening challenge. Still, her track record suggests she’s ready to spring a surprise on tennis’s grandest stage.

Melvin Jerusalem successfully defended his World Boxing Council (WBC) minimumweight belt after a convincing unanimous decision win over Yudai Shigeoka in their rematch on March 30, 2025, at the Aichi Sky Expo in Tokoname, Aichi, Japan. And like their first match, the Filipino boxer was able to take his opponent apart piece by piece right from the get-go with smooth precision.The Pinoy boxer kept on coming with volume punches, connecting on combinations that left his opponent with a bloody nose. He then kept the pressure on until the last round of their fight, not slowing down as Shigeoka continuously struggled to connect with his punches.Unlike the first match, there were no knockdowns this time around, but the dominance was still shown by the Filipino 31-year-old fighter and champion.Judge Joseph Gwilt scored it 118-110, judge Thawut Pheumsamran had it closer at 116-112 and judge Chris Tellez saw it at 119-109. This is the second time that Jerusalem successfully defended his belt and further improved his record to 24-3 with 12 knockouts, while Shigeoka dropped to 9-2 with five knockouts. Last year, Jerusalem also won the title against Shigeoka also in Japan via split decision.Now that Jerusalem won the fight against his Japanese foe, he dreams of a rematch with unified 105-pound titlist Oscar Collazo of Puerto Rico.It has been almost two years since the 31-year-old Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon native was stripped of the World Boxing Organization (WBO) title in a crushing seventh-round technical knockout loss to Collazo last May 27, 2023. 

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.”

The World Games 2025 in Chengdu is underway, with Filipino athletes leaving it all on the field, striving not just for personal glory but also to bring pride and recognition to the Philippines in theirAs of August 14, Team Philippines has secured a total of three medals—two silvers and one bronze.

ZUS Coffee delivered a clutch performance in the decisive fifth set, showing composure, resilience, and timely execution to edge out Cignal in a thrilling five-set battle, 19-25, 25-23, 25-20, 23-25, 15-12, in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference Play-In Tournament at the Philsports Arena in Pasig on Tuesday, March 11.“We’re very happy, but there’s a bit of frustration since we could have closed it out in the fourth set. Still, we held on in the fifth, so we’re happy,” said Thunderbelles head coach Jerry Yee.  Cignal made a late push in the deciding frame, cutting ZUS Coffee’s lead to 13-12 after a block from Jackie Acuña on Jovelyn Gonzaga and an attack error by Michelle Gamit.However, former HD Spiker Chai Troncoso rose to the occasion, delivering two consecutive clutch hits to seal the victory. She finished with 21 points, including 15 attacks, four aces, and two blocks, while also recording 17 excellent receptions.  ZUS Coffee seemed poised to close out the match in four sets, holding a dominant 12-3 lead early and an 18-11 advantage midway. But Cignal mounted a strong comeback, led by Vanie Gandler and Ishie Lalongisip, forcing a deciding set.

Pinoy young golfer Javier “Javie” Bonnevie Bautista secured his 1st Runner-Up position in the Boys 10-12 category at the prestigious Malaysia International Junior Open 2024 after competing against a field of 52 talented young golfers around the globe.The Grade 7 student displayed exceptional talent and composure, finishing second with a total score of 2-under-par, just two shots behind the champion Ryusei Kuroiwa of Japan.The 12-year-old student from Ateneo de Manila University who entered the tournament as one of the most closely watched young talents, did not disappoint. Over two days of intense competition, he consistently delivered top-notch performances with identical scores of 1-under par 71, finishing with a commendable total of 2-under par. However, a fierce challenge from a talented Vietnamese Nguyen Quoc Bao Huy momentarily pushed Bautista out of the top three, setting the stage for a dramatic comeback.After faltering slightly with a missed birdie putt on the 14th hole, Bautista found himself at a crucial juncture. The tension was palpable as he trailed, with the podium spots seemingly slipping from his grasp. However, demonstrating exceptional composure and strategic thinking, he and his Caddy, Vincent Osmeña, made a pivotal decision on the 15th hole that would ultimately change the course of the tournament for him.Opting to play the 15th hole longer to set up a comfortable 100-yard approach to the green, Bautista executed his shots flawlessly, converting a critical 4-foot putt for birdie, subsequently bringing him back to even par. Buoyed by this success and the resurgence of excitement among his supporters, he carried the momentum into the 16th hole. Despite challenging wind conditions, a last-minute club change from an 8-iron to a 7-iron resulted in another 7-foot birdie putt, firmly positioning him for a remarkable comeback.With the pressure at its peak, Bautista coolly managed to par the last two holes, securing his 1st Runner Up position through a countback victory, narrowly missing the first place by only two shots. His remarkable 34 on the back nine was a testament to his resilience and capacity to perform under intense pressure.Bautista's second-place finish is more than a personal triumph—it’s a testament to his potential and a promising sign for the future of junior golf. His clutch performance at the Malaysia International Junior Open has firmly established him as a rising star on the junior golf circuit, with a bright future ahead in the sport. 

Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala achieved the biggest milestone of her career, shocking World No. 5 and reigning Australian Open champion Madison Keys with a commanding 6-4, 6-2 victory in the Round 32 of the WTA 1000 Miami Open on Monday, March 24 (Manila time).With this historic win, the 19-year-old became the first Filipina in the Open Era to defeat a top-10 player, earning a spot in the Final 16 of a WTA event for the first time."I'm so blank," an emotional Eala said after the match, as Filipino fans in the crowd cheered and waved flags. "I'm thinking of my parents. ‘Mom and Dad, I got it!’ My God."  Keys, a seasoned Grand Slam contender, started strong and controlled the early exchanges, winning four of the first seven games. However, Eala turned the tide with a crucial break in the ninth game to claim the first set, 6-4.Riding the momentum, the young Filipina dominated the second set, breaking Keys twice—first at 3-2, then again at 5-2—before sealing the match in just 1 hour and 27 minutes.

The stage is set for the Philippine Amateur Open Golf Championship 2025 as the country’s top amateur golfers gear up to battle on the storied fairways of Apo Golf & Country Club in Davao City from August 27 to 31.Organized by the National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP) and part of the PLDT Group National Amateur Golf Tour, the prestigious event is recognized by the World Amateur Golf Ranking—giving Filipino players a chance to earn valuable points and elevate their international standing.The action begins with an official practice round on August 26, followed by two days of stroke-play qualifiers on August 27 and 28.Only the sharpest contenders will advance to the high-stakes match-play rounds from August 29 to 31, where the country’s next amateur champions will be crowned.Competitors will be divided into two divisions based on the July 15 WHS Handicap Index:Men’s Division: Handicap Index 8.0 and belowLadies’ Division: Handicap Index 12.0 and belowKnown for its demanding layout and rich history, Apo Golf is expected to test every facet of the competitors’ games.For the country’s elite amateurs, the stakes are high—national bragging rights, ranking points, and a potential springboard to the international golf stage. The quest for amateur glory begins in Davao!

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.

National University reclaimed the top spot in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament with a gritty 82–78 win over De La Salle University at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.The Bulldogs unleashed a decisive 27–17 fourth-quarter run to seize control, then held off a late surge by the Green Archers, who lost star forward Mason Amos to a suspected knee injury down the stretch.With this victory, NU improved to 5–1—already matching last season’s win total—and broke its tie with the UST Growling Tigers (4–1). The Bulldogs have now won two in a row since their loss to defending champion UP.It’s a remarkable turnaround for NU, which struggled last year after import Mo Diassana’s early injury. Now, with Omar John anchoring the paint, the Bulldogs have emerged as one of the league’s most balanced and resilient squads."Nung mga preseason games, talagang iniisip ko kung paano tatagos sa depensa ng La Salle," said Palacielo, who scored 10 of his total production in the pivotal last period. "Kanina, tinignan ko lang talaga kung ano yung bibigay nila sa akin tiyaka ko tintry atakihhin."In the second game, defending champion University of the Philippines eked out a 69–66 win over Far Eastern University, notching a fourth straight victory after a rocky 0–2 start. Harold Alarcon led UP with 15 points, with Gani Stevens (14) and Reyland Torres (12) chipping in.UP now looks ahead to a marquee clash with the La Salle Green Archers on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.The Scores:NU 82 -- Figueroa 18, Palacielo 16, Francisco 13, Santiago 12, Jumamoy 8, Parks 6, Garcia 4, John 3, Manansala 2, Enriquez 0, Padrones 0, Dela Cruz 0, Navarro 0, Reyes 0.La Salle 78 -- Phillips 15, Cortez 15, Baclaan 11, Pablo 8, Amos 7, Gollena 6, Macalalag 5, Abadam 4, Daep 3, Dungo 2, Nwankwo 2, Melencio 0, Marasigan 0.Quarterscores: 21-23, 40-40, 55-61, 82-78.

The Creamline Cool Smashers will be without veteran Risa Sato in the upcoming 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference.The Cool Smashers announced the development on Friday, November 8, specifying the Filipino-Japanese middle blocker asked for an early release from her contract which was set to expire at the end of the year.“Creamline would like to inform our fans that Risa Sato has requested to be released from her contract, which is set to expire at the end of December 2024. This request for early termination though will still be subject to the conditions outlined in her existing contract,” the Cool Smashers’ statement read.