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.

The Creamline Cool Smashers sustained its pristine record in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference by showcasing great resolve in a 25-12, 25-21, 25-19 victory over the Nxled Chameleons on Tuesday, January 28, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.A day after receiving a special citation at the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Awards Night, Creamline did not hesitate to get the job done and show the league who they are.Bernadeth Pons led the charge for the Cool Smashers with 13 points along with 12 excellent digs, while Tots Carlos added 10 markers behind Kyle Negrito’s 15 excellent sets.Creamline’s win streak extends to 16 games and they will try to beat their previous record of 19 games that was ended by the Chery Tiggo Crossovers in the second round of the Reinforced Conference last year. Meneses rotated all of his 14 players in the game, giving each player a chance to play and score at least one point.

The Alas Pilipinas Boys made quick work of Hong Kong-China, 25-18, 28-26, 25-13, in the 9th-12th classification round of the 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Boys’ U18 Volleyball Championship on Friday night at the Wuyuan River Gymnasium in Haikou, China.The Philippines will face Indonesia today in the battle for ninth place. A victory would give Alas Pilipinas its highest finish in the tournament since making its debut in 1997.After taking the opening set, 25-18, the Filipinos faced a tougher challenge in the second frame as Hong Kong-China battled back and forced a 26-all deadlock.Elijah Guzman stepped up in crunch time, hammering down back-to-back kills to give the Philippines a commanding two-set advantage.Alas then dominated the third set, with Al-Raquib Dais and Terrence Marticion attacking from all angles to power the team to a convincing 25-13 victory.Dais, who erupted for a tournament-high 25 points in the team’s win over Australia, once again led the scoring with 15 points built on 12 attacks and three blocks. Marticion chipped in 14 points, while Guzman added six markers, including the two crucial points that sealed the second set.Lik Chun Lau paced Hong Kong-China with 16 points.Meanwhile, Japan and Iran will clash for the championship on Saturday, while Chinese Taipei and host China will battle for the bronze medal.

A resounding recommendation from Kiefer Ravena undeniably fuelled the NLEX Road Warriors with American DeQuan Jones joining the team in the remainder of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup.Prior to replacing Myke Henry and donning the shades of blue, orange, and white for his first ever PBA stint, Jones played alongside Ravena, who was a former Road Warriors, for the B. League team Shiga last season.In spite of having no experience playing for Filipino teams, Jones had a minimal to none adjustment period as he insinuated that it is fun to play in the country that really loves and respects the game of basketball.

Ramon “Tats” Suzara was chosen as the new executive vice president (EVP) of the sport’s world governing body, the International Volleyball Federation or FIVB.He was unanimously elected president during the 39th FIVB World Congress in Porto, Portugal last week.The other EVPs are Bouchra Hajij (Morocco), Marco Tullio Teixeira (Brazil), Mark Eckert (Canada), Dula Mester (Serbia), Hugh Graham (Cook Islands), Daniel Molaodi (Botswana), Mireya Luis Hernandez (Cuba) and Hila Asanuma (Palau).Suzara also said that through his election as EVP, it will give the Philippine Volleyball benefits and will give great opportunities ahead. “It’s a great distinction and honor to be named as executive vice president of the FIVB because it will give Philippine volleyball great opportunities ahead. Not only will our national teams benefit, but the entire Philippine volleyball," Suzara said. "We are very thankful to the FIVB, former president Dr. Ary Graça, and new president Fabio Azevedo for trusting me as new FIVB executive vice president," he added. Suzara will serve as EVP for four years as he also carries out his responsibilities as Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) head and president of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF). He was joined in the congress by PNVF vice president Ricky Palou, secretary-general Donaldo “Don” Caringal, and director Tonyboy Liao in Porto.Suzara presented to more than 200 members of the FIVB a comprehensive preview to the Philippines' first-time and solo hosting of the FIVB Men's World Championship from September 12 to 28 next year. 

From supposed token participants to giant slayers, Alas Pilipinas delivered a performance that forever etched their place in the country’s sporting history.On a magical Tuesday night, the 82nd-ranked Nationals shocked the volleyball world, stunning African champions and world No. 21 Egypt with a 29-27, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21 victory at the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.What was once thought impossible—winning even a set against the world’s top teams—turned into a breakthrough triumph that shook Pool A standings and gave the Filipinos (1-1) a fighting chance to reach the Round of 16.“This is history, and I am so proud to be part of it,” said Bryan Bagunas, who spearheaded the attack with 25 points on 23 kills. “We came into this game with a ‘nothing to lose’ mentality, but we showed what we are made of. It’s just a proud moment for us and the country.”Bagunas found support from Marck Espejo and Leo Ordiales, who atoned for his tough debut against Tunisia with 21 points in the bounce-back win. Espejo capped his 13-point performance with the game-winning block that sealed the victory.“It was all instinct on my part,” Espejo said in Filipino. “After we won the first set, I felt that it was already an achievement. But we knew we could still do better.”For Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni, the victory was more than just a number in the standings.“I am very happy—not because we won, but because we were able to show that we can play well on this stage. They gave us an opportunity to win the match and we took it,” he said.The win sets up a pivotal clash with world No. 16 Iran on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena. Iran, Asia’s top-ranked squad, is coming off a rebound victory over Tunisia but had previously lost to Egypt—making the duel against the Philippines even more intriguing.From doubted hosts to history-makers, Alas Pilipinas has proven it belongs among the world’s best—and now, the dream of advancing is suddenly within reach.

Leo Ordiales’ night of redemption came just when Alas Pilipinas needed it most.After a rocky FIVB Men’s World Championship debut where he managed only two points against Tunisia, the 22-year-old opposite spiker faced his share of criticism. He admitted the frustration was difficult to shake off, but he vowed to bounce back stronger.On Tuesday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Ordiales fulfilled that promise in the biggest way possible, by helping the Philippine carve out a historic first-ever Worlds victory.Ordiales erupted for 21 points built on 19 attacks and three aces as Alas Pilipinas stunned World No. 21 Egypt in four sets, 29-27, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21.He provided the firepower alongside Bryan Bagunas, who topscored with 25 points, and proved he could be a reliable weapon on the international stage.

The Petro Gazz has further cemented its position as one of the powerhouses in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) after taking down the ZUS Thunderbelles in four sets, 25-20, 24-26, 28-26, 25-22, in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) at the Philsports Arena in Pasig on Tuesday, February 4.Petro Gazz, who were tied at 16-all in the fourth round, took advantage of ZUS Coffee's costly mistakes to pull away by as much as four points.Jovelyn Gonzaga and Kate Santiago made an effort to keep the Thunderbelles afloat, but Myla Pablo and Brooke Van Sickle's combined effort proved to be too strong, as the Angels scored their final four points to win.Reigning conference MVP Van Sickle erupted 27 points built on 25 attacks and two aces, on top of 15 excellent digs and five receptions to fuel Petro Gazz’s sixth consecutive win for 7-1, taking the top spot in the team standings. 

Creamline Cool Smashers and Cignal HD Spikers are set to lock horns for the grand slam at the 2024 season of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Thursday, September 12.The finals-bound Cool Smashers decisively crushed Farm Fresh Foxies’ podium hopes with a straight-set victory, 25-15, 25-13, 25-19, in the final Invitational Conference preliminary game.Creamline secured the finals berth with Jema Galanza’s triumphant return to the lineup after her duties with Alas Pilipinas. Galanza posted a game-high 13 points anchored on 11 attacks and two blocks, booting out Farm Fresh for a podium finish.

Nxled scored its first-ever breakthrough win in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) against the gutsy Galeries Tower, 25-20, 19-25, 25-14, 25-23, on Saturday, February 8, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.The Chameleons snapped a 15-game losing streak since the Reinforced Conference in addition to entering the win column for the first time under Italian coach Ettore Guidetti.EJ Laure was instrumental in ceasing the Chameleon’s drought, posting a game-high 19 points built on 14 attacks and five blocks, while also supplementing nine excellent digs and eight excellent receptions to earn Player of the Game honors. Although the win was a big step forward, coach Guidetti stressed that the club is still committed to making constant progress.

Meralco Bolt’s 85-76 victory over the Taoyuan Pilots in the East Asia Super League (EASL) might be overturned after the Taiwanese squad formally filed a protest, claiming the Bolts fielded four imports simultaneously—a violation of FIBA’s two-import rule for the regional league.The Bolts had Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Ismael Romero, Ange Kouame, and Sina Vahedi on the floor together during one stretch of the second quarter, according to Pilots coach Lurgi Caminos.Despite the issue, Meralco coach Luigi Trillo said they’ll respect whatever decision the EASL hands down, emphasizing that the team played “with pride and honor.”“We played with honor. We’re good soldiers. Reputation-wise, we’re one of the most honorable teams in the PBA,” Trillo said.The EASL has yet to release an official ruling on the protest.

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.

Phoenix Fuel Masters tapped the services of the dead-shot wingman from the Dominican Republic Brandone Francis to be their replacement import in the ongoing PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup.Francis will begin his PBA journey when Phoenix faces the George King and the Blackwater Bossing on September 3 in the first game of the doubleheader at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.The longtime import for Prawira Harum Bandung in the Indonesia Basketball League or IBL who helped the team win a title last year, will replace Jayveous McKinnis as the Fuel Masters reinforcement.Supposedly, Le’Bryan Nash will be the one to replace McKinnis but he was ruled ineligible as he went over the 6-foot-6 height limit. He was measured 6’6” ⅜ by the league.Francis in town was listed 6-foot-4 in the IBL, the reason why Phoenix team is confident that he will make the cut even though he will just be measured at the PBA office a few hours before their 5:00 pm game.The new import might be familiar with some of the PBA’s current young guns as the now 29-year-old Dominican guard played against Gilas Pilipinas in the 2021 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament held in Serbia.Now, the Dominican Republic men’s team stalwart is joining a Fuel Masters side hoping to get its first win of the conference as it is currently 0-3 in Group B.

SHE STOOD ALONE FOR SOUTHEAST ASIA. AND SHE MADE IT TO THE FINAL.No medal. No podium celebration.But Breanna Labadan walked away from the 2026 Asian Games with something bigger than a number beside her name.She stood on a stage dominated by Asia’s gymnastics powerhouses—and stood there as the only Southeast Asian gymnast in the Rhythmic Gymnastics Individual All-Around final.Representing the Philippines, Labadan finished 10th overall with 95.450 points, holding her own against the continent’s elite in the final at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.For a region that rarely gets the spotlight in rhythmic gymnastics, simply getting there was already a statement.And Labadan did not arrive quietly.She battled through four demanding apparatus, scoring 25.650 in hoop, 25.500 in ball, 25.100 in clubs, and 19.200 in ribbon.Four routines. Four opportunities to represent a country.And, in a very real sense, an entire region.At the top of the standings was Uzbekistan’s Takhmina Ikromova, who captured gold with a commanding 112.950 points.The medal went elsewhere.But Labadan’s achievement deserves to be viewed beyond the podium.Because qualifying for an Asian Games final is one thing.Being the lone Southeast Asian gymnast standing among Asia’s best is another.There were no other athletes from the region beside her on that final-stage battle.Just Labadan.Just the Philippine flag.Just one gymnast carrying the hopes of a region that continues to fight for recognition in a sport where the giants of Asia have long dominated.And that is why 10th place should not be mistaken for simply “missing the medals.”SHE MADE THE FINAL. SHE STOOD AMONG THE BEST. SHE SHOWED SOUTHEAST ASIA BELONGS ON THAT STAGE.Every great sporting breakthrough starts somewhere.Sometimes it starts with a medal.Sometimes, it starts with one athlete having the courage to stand alone.In Aichi-Nagoya, that athlete was Breanna Labadan.ONE GYMNAST. ONE FLAG. ONE REGION. ONE BIG STATEMENT.

Alex Eala is taking a well-deserved break following a demanding run across the clay, grass, and hard court seasons.The 20-year-old Filipina tennis star recently shared a seaside photo on Instagram with the caption, “Is this what they call eurosummer?”Her break comes at a crucial time, after requiring a medical timeout during her first-round match against Markéta Vondroušová at the National Bank Open in Montreal.This rest period will allow Eala to recover and prepare for her next major appearance at the US Open in New York.To prioritize her recovery, Eala and her team have decided she will skip both the upcoming Cincinnati Open and the Abierto GNP Seguros in Monterrey, Mexico.As a result, she is expected to slide in the WTA rankings due to missing out on potential points from these events. Meanwhile, the Philippine Tennis Association (Philta) is hopeful that Alex Eala will represent the country at the Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok this December.“We’re hoping she could play for the Philippines. Let’s all pray she does,” said Philta Executive Director Tonette Mendoza.Mendoza said Eala’s participation will depend on her schedule, as the world No. 65 is working on arrangements but is eager to compete.“She’s just trying to fit it into her schedule, but she seems very excited, so we really hope she can make it,” Mendoza added.

National University (NU) asserted its dominance in the UAAP Season 87 volleyball tournament, securing victories in both the men’s and women’s division against the University of the Philippines (UP) at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, March 9.After dominating the first two sets, the Bulldogs struggled in the third, allowing UP to build a commanding 12-5 lead and eventually force a fourth set. However, NU regained control in the final frame, breaking an 18-18 tie with a decisive 4-0 run to defeat the Fighting Maroons,  25-12, 25-15, 15-25, 25-22, improving to a 4-1 record in the men’s tournament.NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin admitted that unforced errors cost them the third set, saying, “We lost our momentum whenever we gained it.” He emphasized also the importance of confidence in the fourth set, ensuring the team played with certainty and avoided self-doubt.  Buds Buddin led the charge with 22 points, while Leo Aringo and Leo Ordiales added 16 and 14 markers, respectively. 

Ryan Garcia, the flamboyant and outspoken boxer known for his social media presence, has publicly called out Manny Pacquiao following the Filipino legend’s impressive return to the ring.The 26-year-old Garcia told Ring Magazine he’s eager to face Pacquiao, who recently made headlines by pushing Mario Barrios to a majority draw in Las Vegas—nearly pulling off a historic upset for the WBC welterweight title.“It’s something that you dream of… I am always up for the challenge,” said Garcia (24-2, including 20 knockouts and 1 no contest) of a showdown with the Filipino icon.Though Garcia and Pacquiao have been linked as potential opponents in the past, a bout between them has never materialized. Garcia even traveled to Japan last year to watch Pacquiao’s exhibition match against Rukiya Anpo, fueling rumors of a possible showdown.“I would be lying if I said I am not interested,” Garcia added.Despite Pacquiao’s eye-catching comeback, Garcia may have to wait his turn. WBA welterweight champion Rolly Romero currently appears to be the frontrunner for Pacquiao’s next fight, having defeated Garcia by unanimous decision in New York last March. Pacquiao is reportedly targeting a return to the ring in December.Still, Garcia is making it clear: he’s ready and willing to take on Pacquiao—anytime, anywhere.“If Manny wants to throw it down, let’s do it,” he concluded.

 Filipino pole vault star EJ Obiena received recognition from the Philippine Senate following his latest international victory at the Halberstädter Hohenflug International Pole Vault Competition in Germany.Senator Christopher “Bong” Go filed Senate Resolution No. 552 to commend Obiena for capturing the gold medal in the prestigious competition, highlighting his dedication, perseverance, and continued excellence in international athletics.Obiena secured the championship after clearing 5.76 meters, once again proving that Filipino athletes can compete and succeed against the world’s best.The Senate resolution recognized Obiena’s remarkable achievements and the inspiration he provides to Filipino athletes and sports enthusiasts. His consistent performances on the global stage have helped elevate the profile of Philippine athletics and brought pride to the country.Obiena’s latest victory adds to his growing list of international accomplishments and further cements his status as one of the world’s top pole vaulters.With every record-breaking leap and podium finish, Obiena continues to inspire a new generation of Filipino athletes to pursue excellence on the global stage.

The San Miguel Beermen have tied the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals at 1-1 after defeating the TNT Tropang 5G, 98-92, in Game 2 on Wednesday, July 16, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.Don Trollano delivered a breakout performance off the bench, tallying 22 points on an efficient 10-of-16 shooting from the floor. He also grabbed six rebounds and handed out an assist, leading San Miguel's charge to equalize the series.June Mar Fajardo provided solid support with 17 markers, nine boards, three dimes, and one steal. Mo Tautuaa also stepped up, sealing the win with a wide-open layup to close the game without any controversy. He ended with 16 points and four rebounds.Jeron Teng made his presence felt with 10 markers—all in the first half—while assistant playing coach Chris Ross showcased his trademark leadership and defensive intensity, wrapping up the game with seven points, four rebounds, seven assists, and four steals.

Can the one and only King of MLBB Analysis help solve the Phoenix Army’s playoffs woes?That is the question that many people are asking, as Caisam “Wolf” Nopueto traded his three-piece analyst suit and caster headset for a white-black-and-orange long sleeved polo to call the shots on the side of a revamped TNC Pro Team’s roster for MPL Philippines Season 14.Wolf, a 13-season veteran of global Mobile Legends broadcast, was announced as the new lead tactician for TNC in a roster reveal held Sunday night.The legendary esports broadcaster is a two-time Philippine Esports Awards winner, and had also innovated the use of graphic explainers, and his self-developed mobile app, in giving context and deep analysis to what was traditionally a hype and energy-centered MPL Philippines broadcast.