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 PLDT High Speed Hitters stormed into their first-ever Premier Volleyball League (PVL) finals after rallying from a 1-2 set deficit to dethrone the powerhouse Creamline Cool Smashers in a gripping five-set thriller, 27-25, 22-25, 19-25, 25-16, 15-10, Tuesday night, August 12, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.Creamline appeared poised to extend its reign after taking the second and third sets, seemingly on track for a ninth straight finals appearance. But PLDT turned adversity into fuel as they roared back with a commanding fourth-set win before tearing though the Cool Smashers in the decider — leaving the 10-time league champions stunned and the crowd in disbelief.Savi Davison was the undisputed hero of the night, exploding for 34 points built on 30 attacks, two blocks, and two aces, while adding nine excellent digs and nine excellent receptions. Her brilliance shone brightest in the fifth set, where she delivered eight points, including the first three and the final four — capped by a booming crosscourt kill that sliced through two Creamline defenders to end the two-hour, 12-minute battle.

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!

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.

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.

After scoring back-to-back first-round wins, rising Filipino bantamweight Kenneth Llover showed maturity beyond his years by taking his time — and it paid off.He stopped former two-division world champion Luis Concepcion via eighth-round TKO on Sunday, August 17, at Winford Resort and Casino Manila.The pride of General Trias, Cavite is now one step closer to a world title shot. His strategy took place by means of patience and that is why he obtained victory.Despite scoring early knockdowns in the second and third rounds, the 22-year-old from General Trias, Cavite didn’t rush the finish. Instead, he listened to his corner and stuck to the game plan, ultimately earning a technical knockout in the 8th round over former two-division world champion Luis Concepcion. “Hindi lahat ng laban natatapos agad. Kailangan may diskarte, may tiyaga, ang pinaghahandaan namin ay world championship,” Llover said. Concepcion’s grit and experience weren’t enough to stop Llover, whose patience and power carried him through.“Hindi po [ako na-frustrate] kasi expected ko na po yun sa laban namin ngayon na talagang aabot kami sa mahabang round. Then yun naman yung sinabi sa akin ni Sir Gerry Peñalosa na malakas yan, Mag-ingat ka. Then nung time na knockdown ko siya, di akong nagmadali. Talagang hindi ko siya tinapos kasi once na mamadaling ko yun, pwede akong ako yung madehado, ako yung matsambahan. Kaya, talagang nag-ingat ako na hanggang makuha ko siya sa tamang round na yun yung biniyaya ng Diyos ko kanina.” he added.Up next: a world title eliminator this October against IBF No. 5 contender Landi Ngxeke. The road to a world championship for Llover is on.

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.

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.

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.

San  Miguel Beermen failed to protect home court in the opening game of the East Asia Super League (EASL) Home and Away Season 2 as they succumbed to Suwon KT Sonicboom of the Korean Basketball League, 87-81, on Wednesday night, October 2, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.The 6-foot-9 import of Sonicboom, Rayshaun Hammond dropped 39 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Korean squad in defeating the reigning PBA Commissioner’s Cup champion.Hammonds even scored seven in the 9-0 blast made by Suwon at the tail end of the fourth period to give their team an 87-75 lead.Meanwhile, Beermen import EJ Anosike led the team with 34 markers and seven boards, while PBA reigning MVP June Mar Fajardo produced 19 and 9.At the end of first half, SMB was still leading at 43-39 but the team did not sustain their good start.

The Perpetual Altas asserted their dominance with a 75-65 victory over the Mapua Cardinals in NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball action.Perpetual displayed poise and defensive discipline throughout the game, limiting Mapua’s key scorers and converting crucial baskets in the final stretch to secure the win.Patrick Sleat led the charge for Perpetual, delivering an all-around performance with 12 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks—earning Best Player of the Game honors. His steady play on both ends anchored the Altas as they maintained control from start to finish.The Altas established a slim 38-34 halftime lead and continued their strong play in the second half, capitalizing on Mapua’s turnovers and tightening perimeter defense to keep the Cardinals at bay.With balanced scoring and relentless hustle, Perpetual maintained composure as Mapua attempted several comeback runs late in the game. The Altas’ collective effort proved too much for the Cardinals, who struggled to find rhythm offensively.This victory improves Perpetual’s standing in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament as they fight for a spot in the upper half of the standings. Meanwhile, Mapua looks to regroup and regain momentum in their next outing.

Even without their American import Anna DeBeer, ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles proved their mettle, grinding out a thrilling five-set victory over the Akari Chargers, 24–26, 25–23, 17–25, 26–24, 15–7, in the opening day of the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference on Tuesday night, October 7, at the Ynares Center in Montalban.The Thunderbelles displayed remarkable depth and teamwork, with six players scoring in double digits to overcome a 1–2 deficit and clinch the season’s first five-set classic. Despite the absence of imports on both sides due to pending international clearances, ZUS Coffee maintained its composure and found ways to execute under pressure.Rookie middle blocker AC Miner, who played a pivotal role in the team’s fourth-set turnaround, shared that the group focused on staying grounded and maximizing their chemistry. She said the team had been working hard to build connection with the setters and among the middles, which paid off when it mattered most. Miner admitted it took her some time to find her rhythm, but credited her teammates for keeping the team composed and resilient until they forced a deciding set.

The PBA’s historic 50th season kicked off with major changes, as four teams debuted new head coaches during the 2025 Rookie Draft at the Mall of Asia Music Hall. LA Tenorio (Magnolia), Willy Wilson (Phoenix), Ronald Tubid (Terrafirma), and Dennis “Delta” Pineda (Converge) wasted no time putting their stamp on their squads, selecting from a deep pool of 122 applicants.Tubid and Terrafirma picked Geo Chiu first overall, while Pineda and Converge took Juan Gomez de Liano at No. 2. On the other hand, Tenorio drafted Yukien Andrada (No. 6), and Wilson chose Will Gozum (No. 8) for Phoenix. Terrafirma and Converge each drafted ten players, with Magnolia and Phoenix also bolstering their lineups.“Thankful sa opportunity. Ang daming puwedeng coaches na possible dito, pero tayo ang binigyan ng pagkakataon. So I think there’s a reason why,” Tenorio said. With new leadership and a strong rookie class, the PBA’s golden season promises exciting games and intrigue.

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.

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.

Elite 16 champions Javier and Joaquin Bello are back in the Philippines, aiming for redemption at the Beach Pro Tour Challenge from October 15 to 19 at the Nuvali Sands Court by Ayala Land in Santa Rosa, Laguna.Ranked 19th among 65 men’s pairs from 25 countries, the Bello brothers are determined to improve on last year’s bronze finish, where they fell to Germany’s Paul Henning and Lui Wust in the semifinals but bounced back to claim third place over Austria’s Timo Hammarberg and Philipp Wallar.“The Bello brothers are coming,” announced PNVF President Ramon “Tats” Suzara. “Like all participants, they’re here to provide top-level beach volleyball action.”The English pair faces stiff competition, including host Philippines, which will field three teams led by 2023 SEA Games bronze medalists Ran Abdilla and James Buytrago. Defending champions and world No. 6 Swedish duo Jacob Holting Nilsson and Elmer Andersson are also back to defend their crown.“We thank Ayala and Nuvali for hosting another world-class event,” Suzara added. “The level of competition keeps rising.”In the women’s division, Team USA lines up five pairs, while the Philippines is represented by Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons, Jenny Gaviola and Alexa Polidario, Sunny Villapando and Dij Rodriguez, and Kly Orillaneda with Gen Eslapor. The women’s field features 46 pairs from 15 countries, making this one of the most competitive editions yet.

The University of the East (UE) has appointed Chris Gavina as the new head coach of their men’s basketball squad in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).UE announced the development on Thursday, February 13.Gavina will take over the reins from Jack Santiago, who has been calling the shots for the Red Warriors in the past four seasons.“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Chris Gavina to the Red Warriors family. His leadership, passion, and experience in both local and international basketball will be instrumental in molding our new breed of champions,” UE President Zosimo Battad said at the signing held in UE Manila.UE officials led by Vice Chairman David Chua and Senior Vice President Florence Siy were also present during the signing of the 46-year-old mentor.“I am honored to coach the UE Red Warriors, a program that has produced legends of Philippine basketball. For those who cherish basketball history, I am humbled to step into the role once held by the phenomenal Coach Baby Dalupan, who led this institution to its golden era,” shared Gavina, who edged Gilas Pilipinas Boys head coach Josh Reyes for the role.Gavina’s coaching career in the Philippines began in 2016 when he was given the task of being the lead assistant for the Mahindra Enforcer, which later on became Kia Picanto and is now known as the Terrafirma Dyip.

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.

Filipina tennis star Alex Eala continues her steady climb in the professional ranks, reaching a new career-high of World No. 54 in the latest WTA rankings released on Monday. This achievement surpasses her previous best of No. 56 set in June, marking another milestone in what has been her most impressive season yet.Eala’s rise from No. 58 comes on the heels of a productive Asian swing, where she competed in a trio of WTA events in China. The 20-year-old advanced to the semifinals of the WTA 125 Jingshan Open and the quarterfinals of the WTA 125 Suzhou Open, before bowing out in the Wuhan Open qualifiers, a WTA 1000 tournament. 

Four-time NBA champion Stephen Curry of Golden State Warriors will miss the next two games because of a left ankle injury that he sustained on Sunday night, October 27.Curry was injured in the 7:55 remaining of the fourth quarter of Golden State's 112-104 home loss to the Los Angeles Clippers last Sunday. He underwent an MRI late last night.   He finished with 18 points, six assists and four rebounds, while shooting 6 for 11 from the field with four 3-pointers before being subbed-out.Warriors will be severely handicapped when they host the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday. However, Curry is scheduled to be reevaluated on Friday. Good news for them, the MRI showed no structural damage. The Warriors also confirmed that he (Curry) suffered a peroneal strain in the area where tendons connect the fibula and ankle.