The City of Manila will host the third edition of the ASICS Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series this weekend, November 23 to 24, which is expected to draw more than 9,000 runners from 58 countries to Rizal Park.Asia’s first and only Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series is a one-of-a-kind event that takes place in the center of Manila and combines running, live music, and lively community across two days.  Participants will don their running shoes for the marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K distances while taking in Manila's rich cultural heritage with each course accompanied by live music, cheer squads, and an exciting atmosphere.Among the city's most well-known sites that runners will pass by are Chinatown, Manila City Hall, Jones Bridge, Intramuros, Rizal Park, and the National Museum.

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.

PLDT returned to their winning ways after pulling off a 25-20, 25-21, 20-25, 25-22 victory over Cignal in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig on Tuesday, January 28.The High Speed Hitters retaliated fiercely after the HD Spikers won the third set, gaining a 16–6 lead in the fourth set and appearing poised to win the match easily.The Cignal team, led by Vanie Gandler and Ishie Lalongisip’s aggressive performances halfway through the frame, even got within one at 22-21, but Majoy Baron and star spiker Savi Davison’s kills helped the High Speed Hitters regain their rhythm and end the game.Davison put up her usual output with 24 points along with 12 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions as PLDT now holds a 5-3 record. 

The University of the Philippines (UP) capped off the UAAP Season 87 first round with crucial victories in both men’s and women’s volleyball, overcoming Adamson University’s standout performances at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, March 16.

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. 

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.

Manny Pacquiao, the legendary boxing icon, is just weeks away from an extraordinary return to the ring at age 46—captivating fans and analysts alike.As the only eight-division world champion in boxing history, Pacquiao is set to challenge the formidable WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on July 19 at the illustrious MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.After a nearly four-year hiatus following his unanimous decision loss to Yordenis Ugas in 2021, Pacquiao took time to reflect and eventually announced his retirement, earning a well-deserved induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.Now, defying both age and expectations, the Filipino legend is poised to make history once again by reclaiming the welterweight world title—and breaking his own record as the oldest champion in the division. He first achieved that feat in 2019 when he defeated Keith Thurman at age 40.As the fight approaches, undisputed super-middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez has expressed deep respect for Pacquiao.“It’s going to be a great fight. Manny consistently brings everything he has to create an exciting spectacle,” Canelo said in an interview.Despite entering the ring as the underdog—facing Barrios’ speed and size advantage—Pacquiao remains steadfast in his ambition. A victory would not only restore his world title but could also set the stage for a high-stakes showdown with Gervonta "Tank" Davis, one of boxing's most electrifying stars.With stakes this high, the world will undoubtedly be watching as Pacquiao seeks to etch his name even deeper into the annals of boxing history.

San Miguel Beermen dominated Game 4 of their PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup best-of-seven semifinals series against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 107-82, on Wednesday, June 2, at the Mall of Asia Arena.CJ Perez led the charge for the Beermen, who unleashed a 17-0 run in the deciding period to secure the win and tie the series at 2-2. Perez finished with 19 points, five rebounds, seven assists, one steal, and a block in nearly 35 minutes of action.He was followed by Juami Tiongson with 14 points and June Mar Fajardo, who added 12 markers, a game-high 19 boards, three assists, two steals, and a block to help San Miguel take the crucial victory.Three other Beermen scored in double digits, with Jericho Cruz and Rodney Brondial contributing 12 points apiece, while Don Trollano added 11.A crucial battle awaits on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where both teams aim to take a pivotal 3-2 series lead and move closer to the Finals.

The final two quarterfinal spots are on the line today, August 5, as the PVL On Tour returns to the Philsports Arena in Pasig for a pivotal doubleheader.Reigning All-Filipino champions Petro Gazz Angels take on the Akari Chargers at 4 PM, followed by a high-stakes clash between the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles and the Choco Mucho Flying Titans at 6:30 PM.Both Petro Gazz and Akari had inconsistent performances during the eliminations, but each showed flashes of brilliance in their recent outings. The Angels stunned the Flying Titans in four sets last July 29 in Candon, Ilocos Sur, while the Chargers swept the Capital1 Solar Spikers back on July 15 at the Playtime FilOil Centre.

Gilas Pilipinas suffered a tough defeat in their 2025 FIBA Asia Cup opener, falling to Chinese Taipei, 95–87, on Wednesday morning, August 6 (Manila time), at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.The loss leaves the Philippines with a 0–1 record in Group D, matching Iraq, while Chinese Taipei and New Zealand both hold early wins in the group standings.Justin Brownlee led Gilas with 19 points, seven rebounds, and two assists but fouled out midway through the fourth quarter, hampering the team’s comeback hopes. Kevin Quiambao provided a spark off the bench with 17 points (3-of-6 from three), four rebounds, and two assists, while Dwight Ramos and Scottie Thompson chipped in 16 points each.A slow start proved costly for the Nationals, as poor defense and turnovers allowed Chinese Taipei to rack up 27 points in the opening period and forced Gilas to play catch-up throughout.“Obviously, we didn’t play a very good game. We were outcoached, and it was a disappointing one on my part,” said Gilas Coach Tim Cone.Gilas trimmed a 17-point deficit to within two possessions several times in the second half, but Chinese Taipei’s hot shooting—especially from Ying-Chun Chen, who poured in 34 points and six three-pointers—kept the Philippines at bay. Brownlee’s early exit with over four minutes left only added to the team’s woes.The Philippines struggled with fouls, committing 26 and sending Taiwan to the line for 35 free throws (making 27, 77.1%). Despite a 48–24 rebounding edge, Gilas couldn’t capitalize.With a quick turnaround, the team now shifts focus to its next game against New Zealand on Thursday, August 7, at 11:00 p.m.Cone emphasized: “There is only one thing we can do at this point, and that is move on. We’ve got New Zealand coming in two days, so we gotta get ready for them.”The Scores:Chinese Taipei 95 – Chen Y.C. 34, Gilbeck 16, R. Hinton 14, Lin 14, Gadiaga 5, A. Hinton 4, Tseng 4, Ma 3, Hu 1, Liu 0, Gao 0, Chen K.C. 0.Gilas Pilipinas 87 – Brownlee 19, Quiambao 17, Thompson 16, Ramos 16, Edu 8, Oftana 6, Newsome 3, Fajardo 2, Perez 0, Aguilar 0, Tamayo 0.

The Philippine women’s national football team, known as the Filipinas, begins its title defense in the ASEAN MSIG Serenity Cup on Thursday night against Timor-Leste at Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho, Vietnam. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. local time (8:30 p.m. Manila time).The Filipinas are eager to start strong after settling in Vietnam last Sunday. The tournament, formerly known as the AFF Women’s Championship, features a new name but the same high stakes. The Filipinas captured the 2022 title at home, with Sarina Bolden scoring eight goals and leading the squad to a 3–0 victory over Thailand in the final.Despite being heavy favorites against Timor-Leste—who qualified after Singapore’s withdrawal—head coach Mark Torcaso is focused on player development and preparation for the upcoming AFC Women’s Asian Cup.“I’m not too worried about what the opponents are doing. We’re going to focus on our team and give every young girl a chance in this tournament,” said Torcaso.Several key players are unavailable due to the tournament falling outside the FIFA window, including Katrina Guillou, Sara Eggesvik, Meryll Serrano, and Sarina Bolden, who is recovering from injury. However, veterans such as Quinley Quezada, Chandler McDaniel, Olivia McDaniel, Hali Long, and Inna Palacios are set to guide a younger squad.“These veterans are vital—they’ll share their experiences from the AFF, World Cup, and Asian Cup with our younger players,” Torcaso added.New talents, including Jaycee DeFazio, Adelaide Wyrzynski, Azumi Oka, Aaliyah Schinaman, and several youth program standouts, are poised to make their senior debuts.As they open their Serenity Cup campaign, the Filipinas are not just aiming to defend their regional crown, but also to build the future of women’s football in the Philippines.

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.

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.

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.

The UAAP is exploring ways to compress its men’s basketball Season 88 second-round schedule to help Gilas Pilipinas prepare for the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand. League officials are considering options such as quadruple-headers to finish the season by late November, similar to adjustments made in 2019 for the SEA Games."[UAAP Executive Director] Rebo [Saguisag] and I recently met with the SBP executive director [Erika Dy] on ways to maybe finish the UAAP basketball tournament early so that UAAP players can participate in the SEA Games. There will be a decision soon." said the FEU representative to the Board of Managing Directors UAAP vice president Mark Molina said the league is coordinating with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) to support the national team. "We always communicate to the SBP that the UAAP is always willing and ready to help the national team in all levels," Molina said.The compressed schedule would allow select UAAP standouts, including Veejay Pre, to join Gilas preparations ahead of the SEA Games basketball tournament, which tips off December 13. Gilas coach Norman Black is expected to finalize his 12-man roster soon as the Philippines aims to maintain its regional basketball dominance.

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.

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.

A 141-strong Philippine delegation is set to make waves at the Third Asian Youth Games (AYG) in Manama, Bahrain, from October 22 to 31. Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino expressed confidence in the team’s potential, aiming to match or surpass the country’s two-gold, three-silver haul from the 2013 Nanjing edition.“Yes, this team has a strong fighting chance,” said Tolentino.Flag bearers Leo Mhar Lobrido (boxing) and Harlene Serneche (volleyball) lead the charge. Lobrido, 16, from Bago City, is a top medal hopeful after his gold-winning stint at the Greater Area Bay Youth Boxing Challenge in Shenzhen, China. “We’ll train and do our best to get a medal,” he said.Serneche, a National University recruit and high school volleyball standout, echoed the team’s determination: “We have potential and hopefully we’ll be competitive there.”The delegation, headed by Chef de Mission and PNVF President Ramon “Tats” Suzara, will compete in 18 of the 26 sports in Manama. During the send-off, athletes wore uniforms by Avel Bacudio, including tracksters Pi Durden Wangkay and Lorainne Batalla, Muay Thai’s Jan Brix Ramiscal, MMA’s Charlie and Travis Ratcliff, and volleyball’s Rhose Almendralejo.Almendralejo, an 11th grader from Bacolod’s Tay Tung High School, shared her excitement and nerves: “It’s a big pressure for me, but I’ll do my best to help the team.”With youthful energy, talent, and unity, Team Philippines is ready to showcase the next generation of Filipino athletes on the Asian stage.

Paris Olympics bronze medal winner Aira Villegas says she is grateful for achieving a stunning feat in her maiden appearance at the quadrennial event but says she still wants to get a gold medal of her own in the future.Villegas expressed that she had not grasped the reality that she had seized a significant triumph, as her initial goal of claiming a gold was not fulfilled.

The Philippine Squash Academy is set to host two international tournaments later this month, capitalizing on the opportunity to raise its profile and expose its players to world-class action in anticipation of larger competitions. Philippine Squash chairman Robert Bachmann told the Philippine Sportswriter Association (PSA) Forum on Tuesday, October 8, that everything is set for the Philippine Satellite on October 22-25 and the Philippine Challenger Classic on October 27-31.Both competitions will be held at the PSA Academy, which is located inside the Rizal Memorial Complex in Manila.“Our top athletes can improve their world rankings by competing here and for the rest, this is a chance to get some exposure by playing with the best,” Bachmann said.The tournaments, according to Bachmann, will help the Philippine squad get ready for the Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand in 2025, the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan in 2026, and the qualifiers for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.