The world No. 16 squad announced its arrival with a stunning sweep of then-No. 5 Japan in its pool play opener, setting the tone for what would become a dominant run. That upset, followed by a gritty 3-1 victory over Libya and a clinical 25-21, 25-16, 27-25 sweep of world No. 7 Canada, catapulted Turkiye to the top of Pool G.For head coach Slobodan Kovac, the mission has been clear from the beginning: to prove that Turkiye is far from ordinary. Even with qualification for the Round of 16 already secured before facing Canada, Kovac refused to let his players relax, applying relentless pressure and insisting that every match carried weight. Not just for positioning, but also for valuable ranking points.That demanding approach has rubbed off on his players, particularly opposite spiker Adis Lagumdzija. Against Canada, Lagumdzija hammered 14 points, embodying the competitive fire Kovac has instilled. The towering hitter admitted that while they expected a grueling challenge from Japan in the opener, sweeping the Asian powerhouse became the confidence boost that fueled their run through pool play.

Rookie forward Sonny Estil had an impressive first outing in the PBA, showing poise and energy for Barangay Ginebra San Miguel during the highly anticipated Manila Clasico against Magnolia last Sunday.The 11th overall pick finished with nine points and seven rebounds in 17 minutes and 41 seconds, providing a spark in Ginebra’s 80–73 loss to open the 50th Season Philippine Cup.Estil admitted that he felt the pressure of playing his first PBA game but fought to overcome it, saying the experience reminded him of his childhood days playing basketball. Having been accustomed to performing before large crowds, he still recognized that competing in the PBA felt different, given the level of talent and intensity.

When the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters tip off their 2025 PBA Philippine Cup campaign at the Ynares Center in Montalban, it will mark the beginning of the end for one of Philippine basketball’s most admired careers. Gabe Norwood, the heart and soul of Rain or Shine for 17 years, announced this conference will be his final run in the league—a farewell to an era defined by loyalty, leadership, and longevity.Here are five moments that shaped Norwood’s storied career:1. 2012 Governors’ Cup ChampionshipNorwood helped deliver Rain or Shine’s breakthrough PBA title, stepping up in a tense Game 7 win over B-Meg. With Paul Lee sidelined by injury, Norwood’s leadership and grit were crucial in etching the Elasto Painters’ names in league history.2. The Dunk Heard Around the World – 2014 FIBA World CupIn Seville, Spain, Norwood soared for a thunderous poster dunk over NBA veteran Luis Scola—an iconic highlight that went viral and was nominated as one of FIBA’s “Dunks of the Decade.” It captured the world’s respect for Philippine basketball.3. 2016 Commissioner’s Cup ChampionshipRain or Shine’s resilience under Norwood’s steady presence culminated in their second franchise title, overcoming adversity and four different imports to outlast Alaska in the finals.4. The 29-Point OutburstIn a do-or-die game for a semifinal slot, Norwood delivered a career-high 29 points, showcasing his ability to rise to the challenge when it mattered most—even in defeat.5. A Career of Unwavering LoyaltySeventeen years with Rain or Shine puts Norwood among the league’s most loyal players, joining the likes of Mark Caguioa and Alvin Patrimonio. Across 674 games, his stats—7.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.5 blocks—tell only part of the story. His defensive prowess, quiet leadership, and professionalism define his true legacy.As Gabe Norwood enters his farewell season, he leaves behind more than numbers and highlights—he leaves a blueprint of class, character, and what it truly means to be “All Heart.” For his team and the fans, Norwood’s final chapter is a celebration of a career built on commitment and integrity.“The journey has been nothing short of incredi­ble, I poured everything I have everything into this game and in return, it has given me more than I could ever ask for. That’s why today, I wan­na share with you all, that this upcoming Philippine Cup will be my last. One last conference, one last run, one last flight,” Norwood said. 

When you think of Philippine sports, ice hockey might not be the first thing that comes to mind but for BJ Imperial, it’s been his lifelong passion and purpose. Born on February 23, 1999, and a proud graduate of Ateneo de Manila University, Imperial now anchors the blue line as a defenseman for the Philippine National Ice Hockey Team.His journey into the sport began with a touch of family influence. “I first started playing ice hockey when my cousins, who grew up in the States, moved back to the Philippines when they were in college,” Imperial recalled. “I was around four or five years old then. They liked to play hockey back in the U.S., so when they came back, I just wanted to tag along.”At first, those games played on the streets were simple, playful sessions that sparked a lifelong love for the game. It wasn’t until age 12 that Imperial first laced up his skates on real ice, marking the beginning of his serious pursuit of the sport.Representing the country, he says, is a feeling like no other. “It’s something that I really take pride in, he shared. I tell my friends, I don’t think you’ve ever sung the national anthem like I have. It’s a different kind of pride when you play for your country.”That sense of pride extends to his teammates, with whom he shares a strong brotherhood forged through hard work and shared sacrifice. “Within the team, I think it’s a really close bond because you go through a lot of things together, the struggles of training, competing against other countries, and taking pride in what you’re doing,” he said.For Imperial, winning is always the goal, but it’s not the only one. “Aside from winning, I guess it’s also to encourage the next generation. We hope that hockey doesn’t stop with our team. We hope that it continues for the next generation.”When he’s not patrolling the rink or studying game tapes, Imperial trades his hockey stick for a golf club. “When I’m not playing hockey or watching hockey, I like to play golf,” he said with a smile.And for young Filipinos curious about trying ice hockey, his message is simple but heartfelt: “Don’t be intimidated. It’s a sport that’s not really famous for a tropical country, but just come out and join us.”For BJ Imperial, the ice may be cold, but his passion burns bright. A proof that even in a tropical nation, dreams can glide and goals can shine under the rink lights.

Alex Eala made history for Philippine tennis by becoming the first Filipina player to advance to the 3rd round of Wimbledon with her victory over Maya Joint, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2, in the 2nd round of the tournament.The filipina tennis ace bounced back against a struggling first set, and won the next two to secure the victory.  The win also served as payback for Eala, who fell short to Joint in the Lexus Eastbourne Open final, 4-6, 6-1, 6-7, in June 2025.Up next, the 21-year old's 3rd round opponent will be World. No.3 and defending champion Iga Swiatek.The two are tied at 1-1 in their meetings. Eala defeated Swiatek in the 2025 Miami Open quarterfinals, while Swiatek evened the series with a victory in the 2025 Madrid Open round of 64. This upcoming match-up will be their tiebreaker. The filipina acknowledged that it will be a difficult challenge to overcome against Swiatek."I think it's going to be tough for me," she said. Eala will face Swiatek tomorrow, July 4. 

Great sporting events are not built by athletes alone—they are made possible by dedicated leaders working behind the scenes.The 2026 Aerobic Gymnastics Asian Championships is more than a gathering of the continent's top gymnasts. It also stands as a testament to the leadership and commitment of three remarkable women whose vision and hard work have helped make the Philippines a proud host of this prestigious international competition.Their contributions extend far beyond organizing a championship. By bringing a major sporting event to the country, they are creating opportunities for Filipino athletes, strengthening the nation's standing in the international sports community, and inspiring the next generation of gymnasts and sports leaders.Their leadership highlights the growing role of women in Philippine sports—not only as elite athletes but also as administrators, decision-makers, mentors, and advocates who continue to shape the future of the industry.Every successful international event hosted by the Philippines enhances the country's reputation as a capable sporting destination while encouraging more young athletes to pursue excellence. It also sends a powerful message to aspiring girls that leadership knows no gender and that determination, vision, and service can leave a lasting impact on Philippine sports.As the 2026 Aerobic Gymnastics Asian Championships unfolds, the spotlight belongs not only to the competitors striving for medals but also to the women whose leadership has helped make this milestone possible.Their dedication serves as an inspiration that the future of Philippine sports grows even stronger when more women are empowered to lead.

Scottie Thompson made the mistake that everyone saw.But apparently, some fans also missed everything else he did.The Gilas Pilipinas veteran became an easy target after committing a crucial five-second inbound violation with seven seconds left in the Philippines’ thrilling 82-81 win over Jordan. The error gave Jordan one final chance to steal the game—only for Kai Sotto to come up with the game-saving block.The mistake was real. The criticism is understandable.But reducing Thompson’s entire performance to one turnover? That’s where the criticism misses the bigger picture.Head coach Tim Cone knows exactly what Thompson brings, and it goes far beyond scoring.He rebounded. He chased loose balls. He defended Jordan’s best guards, including Jalen Harris and Freddy Ybrahim. More importantly, his presence helped settle Gilas after the team fell behind by a staggering 18 points, 26-8, in the first quarter.Thompson finished with a +13 efficiency, another indication of the impact that doesn't always appear in the traditional box score.As Cone put it, people tend to dismiss the “Scottie things”—the dirty work, the defense, the rebounds and the little plays that help a team win.And that may be the biggest misunderstanding about Thompson.He doesn't have to be the star to be important.Basketball isn't always about who scores the most. Sometimes, it's about who does the jobs nobody else wants to do.So yes, criticize the five-second violation.But don't let one mistake erase everything Scottie Thompson contributed to the comeback.Gilas didn't need another scorer that night. It needed a worker. And Scottie did what Scottie does.

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.

San Miguel suffered a 71-62 loss to Hong Kong Eastern at the Southorn Stadium in Wanchai on Wednesday, December 18, making a win in the East Asia Super League (EASL) still out of reach.The Beermen nearly overcame a 20-point deficit but ran out of steam in the fourth quarter, sliding to an 0-3 win-loss record in their second EASL campaign.June Mar Fajardo delivered 19 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two blocks in the losing effort that saw San Miguel collapse after getting within one possession with more than six minutes left.The Beermen were down 19-39 at one point, but they worked their way back and were within 58-60 after a hook shot by Fajardo. However, Eastern put on an 11-0 run, courtesy of a tip-in from Chris McLaughlin, to restore order.

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.

World No. 4 pole vaulter and Olympic qualifier EJ Obiena has announced a historic milestone for Philippine athletics: the country will host its first-ever World Athletics-sanctioned pole vault competition this coming September.Titled the ‘Atletang Ayala Pole Vault Challenge’, the landmark event will take place on September 20–21 at the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City.This international meet signals a major step forward in putting the Philippines on the global map as a capable host of elite track and field competitions.Obiena shared that the competition will feature top-tier international pole vaulters, many of whom will be fresh from the World Championships—ensuring a high level of performance and excitement for local spectators.“This is more than a competition—it’s a message to the world that the Philippines is ready to be part of the global athletics stage,” said Obiena.Beyond showcasing world-class action, the event also aims to inspire young Filipinos to consider careers in athletics—particularly in pole vaulting, a discipline where Obiena has earned international recognition and brought pride to the nation.The ‘Atletang Ayala Pole Vault Challenge’ forms part of Obiena’s ongoing advocacy to broaden the sport’s reach in the Philippines.Set against the urban greenery of Makati’s Ayala Triangle Gardens, the competition promises not only thrilling sport but also a celebration of Filipino talent—and a call to action to develop stronger grassroots programs that will support future generations of athletes.

Filipina tennis star Alex Eala slipped to No. 69 in the latest Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings, dropping from her career-best No. 56 due to inactivity during a month-long break from competition.After a successful European clay and grass campaign, the 20-year-old Eala has been on hiatus, recently returning home to Manila and showing support for fellow Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao via online streaming, as shared on her social media.Eala is set to return to action at the National Bank Open in Montreal, Canada, from July 26 to August 7. The high-profile tournament will feature top players such as Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Iga Swiatek, and Jasmine Paolini.The National Bank Open marks Eala’s transition to the North American hard court season and serves as a crucial preparation for her upcoming Grand Slam appearance at the US Open, scheduled for August 24 to September 7 in New York.

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) has formally asked the UAAP to allow college players to enter the upcoming PBA Rookie Draft without losing their eligibility for the UAAP basketball season.PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed the request, which comes with the Rookie Draft scheduled for September 7—just 12 days before UAAP Season 88 tips off at UST on September 19.Marcial assured that drafted players would still be able to complete their UAAP commitments before reporting to their PBA teams.“We believe this is a win-win for both leagues. Players will be motivated to give their best in the UAAP, knowing their college exposure will help launch their pro careers,” Marcial said.The PBA’s 50th season opens on October 5 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with the Philippine Cup as the season-opener.Marcial added that the league and its teams are prepared to assist student-athletes as they transition to the pros while fulfilling their collegiate duties.“We’re open to extending support to UAAP draftees so they can compete at the highest level in the UAAP,” he added.If approved, the proposal would allow top collegiate stars to explore professional opportunities without sacrificing their final UAAP campaigns—creating a smoother bridge between the country’s premier collegiate and professional basketball leagues.

PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed that the UAAP has denied the league’s request to allow graduating and one-and-done players to join the upcoming September 7 PBA Draft while still completing their collegiate eligibility.Marcial said he received a letter from UAAP Executive Director Atty. Rebo Saguisag, who explained that the issue was thoroughly discussed by the UAAP Board of Managing Directors. “This matter involves a policy issue across all our sports programs. We are unable to favorably act on the request at this time. We must also ensure consistency in our regulations concerning student-athletes entering professional leagues,” Saguisag wrote.As a result, graduating UAAP players will have to wait another nine months before they can apply for the next PBA Draft, potentially stalling their transition to the professional ranks and affecting their career momentum.Saguisag also added that the matter would be referred to the UAAP’s sports and eligibility committees for further review and possible amendments in future seasons.In contrast, the NCAA allows its graduating players to enter the PBA Draft as long as they finish their final collegiate season before turning pro—a policy seen as more supportive of athletes’ career development.Among the UAAP standouts who could have entered this year’s draft are La Salle’s Michael Phillips, UP’s Gerry Abadiano, Terrence Fortea, Reyland Torres, and several others. With the UAAP’s decision, these prospects must now wait until next year’s draft to begin their professional journey.

Egypt head coach Marco Bonitta lauded Alas Pilipinas after the hosts’ stunning four-set victory over the reigning African champions in the 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship at the Mall of Asia Arena.The three-time Olympian admitted that his squad did not play at its usual level but emphasized that the Filipinos fully deserved their historic triumph.“First of all, congratulations to the Philippine team because they played one amazing, consistent match, especially on serve, blocking, and defense,” Bonitta said. “They had clear options in transition, especially in attack after defense. They deserve to win. Today wasn’t our best level of volleyball. We will try to do our best after tomorrow because we have to win against Tunisia.”Bonitta noted that he was not entirely surprised by the performance of the Angiolino Frigoni-coached Nationals, pointing to their gritty showing against Tunisia in their opening match as an early sign of their potential.“Philippines played amazing match today but we knew that before,” he said. “The level of this team was the third set against Tunisia and they lost only 25-23. We knew that we had to be patient to play—but they played better than us and they deserve it.”Despite the loss, world No. 22 Egypt remains in contention for a Round of 16 berth, with all four Pool A squads holding identical 1-1 records. The Egyptians now prepare for a crucial showdown with Tunisia on Thursday, September 18.Bonitta stressed the importance of his team resetting both mentally and physically ahead of the decisive clash.

The Alas Pilipinas Boys found Iran a tough nut to crack, falling 17-25, 20-25, 13-25 on the opening day of the 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Boys’ U18 Volleyball Championship at the Wuyuan River Gymnasium in Haikou, China.Iran asserted its dominance early in the opening set with 21 attack points, while the Alas Boys managed only eight.The nationals came alive in the second set, tying the score at 19-19 behind the efforts of Djomari Gamotea, Raphael Galapin, and Elijah Marticion.However, Iran responded with a 6-1 run sparked by middle blockers Heydari Sefat Pedram and Chodorarkhoei Aydin and never looked back, securing the straight-set victory in one hour and five minutes.“We just fell short despite tying the score at 19-19 in the second set,” head coach Oliver Balse said. “We need to work on our defense.”Marticion led Alas Pilipinas with eight points on seven attacks and one block, while Galapin and Ar-Raquib Dais added five points each.Nima Piri and Abolfazl Pashaamiri chipped in 16 and 15 points, respectively, for Iran.“We’ll keep working and fighting to get better,” Balse said. “The skills are there; it’s a matter of bringing them out.,” he added.The Philippine team—organized under the supervision of the Philippine Olympic Committee and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission—faces Bahrain at 1 p.m. on Monday, while Iran aims to improve to 2-0 against India at 10 a.m.

The Alas Pilipinas Boys defeated Australia, 25-20, 30-28, 25-20, in the classification round of the 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Boys' U18 Volleyball Championship on Thursday night at the Wuyuan River Gymnasium in Haikou, China.The Philippines boosted its chances of securing a best-ever ninth-place finish in the tournament—an improvement from its 11th-place finish in the 2024 edition held in Bahrain.The national team had to work hard throughout the match, especially in the second set, which was tied six times as Al-Raquib Dais traded kills with Australia's Eddie Kerwin.After Alex Liang committed a costly service error, Dais pounded a strong crosscourt kill to secure the set for Alas, 30-28.Australia was plagued by errors in the third frame as Dais continued his hot streak, allowing Alas to close out the match with a 25-20 victory.They gave away 25 points through unforced errors, while the Philippines committed only 14.The 16-year-old Dais finished with 25 points built on 21 attacks, three blocks, and one ace, while Terrence Marticion added 11 points.Australia was led by King's 12-point output and Liang's 11-point performance, but it was not enough to earn a victory.The Philippines will face either Kazakhstan or Hong Kong in the 9th-12th place classification semifinals.

Senate Committee on Sports Chairman Senator Christopher “Bong” Go praised Filipino tennis champion Alexandra “Alex” Eala not only for her historic championship win at the 2026 Mubadala DC Open in Washington, D.C., USA, but also for giving Filipinos a reason to unite.Go said Eala’s win brought Filipinos from all walks of life together to rally behind her breakthrough victory and celebrate a defining moment for Philippine tennis, amid intense political division in the country.“Sa panahon ngayon na ang daming kaguluhan sa mundo at watak-watak ang bansa dahil sa magulong pulitika, at least for a few hours during the last few nights, nagkaisa po ang mga Pilipino,” Go said.“Filipinos from all walks of life watched every serve, every rally, and every match point, and every winning moment that brought many Filipinos to tears. Truly, Alex Eala makes us proud to be Filipinos again,” the senator declared.Go on Wednesday, August 5, manifested his co-sponsorship of a Senate resolution to congratulate Eala after she defeated World No. 3 and tournament top seed Jessica Pegula, 4–6, 6–4, 6–0, in the championship match. With the victory, Eala became the first Filipino to win a WTA Tour singles championship.“This milestone forever changed the history of Philippine tennis and further cemented her place among our nation’s greatest athletes. Every match of Alex serves as an inspiration. Alex Eala shattered a ceiling that many believed a Filipino tennis player could never reach. She is living proof that success is earned through discipline, perseverance, sacrifice, and an unwavering belief in one’s dream,” he said.Go also filed Senate Resolution No. 561 commending Eala for her historic championship at the Mubadala DC Open.Prior to this, Go filed Senate Resolution No. 493 recognizing Eala’s historic Wimbledon campaign, during which she became the first Filipina to win in the women’s singles main draw and the first Filipino in the Open Era to reach the fourth round of the Grand Slam tournament.In his speech, Go recalled personally watching Eala compete at the Philippine Women’s Open at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center in January. He also welcomed plans to hold the tournament again next year, saying international sporting events can strengthen both athlete development and tourism.The senator said Eala’s championship was the result of years of preparation and sacrifices that began when she was still a young athlete.“She left the comfort of home at an early age to train abroad, dedicating countless hours to practice while making sacrifices that many people never see. Behind every championship point were years of exhausting training sessions,” Go said.Go extended his congratulations to Eala’s family, coaches, the Philippine tennis community, the Philippine Tennis Association led by its president, Representative Eric Olivarez, and secretary general Mayor John Rey Tiangco, as well as the Philippine Sports Commission under Chairperson Patrick “Pato” Gregorio.“May her story continue to inspire generations of Filipinos to dream boldly, work tirelessly, and proudly raise the Philippine flag in every arena of the world,” Go concluded. 

Alas Pilipinas Men displayed a gallant stand against Osaka Blueton, but ultimately came short in both games of the Alas Pilipinas Invitationals on Sunday, September 8, at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.Alas absorbed straight sets loss, 25-17, 25-10, 25-21, in a weekend volleyball spectacle that marked the start of the countdown to next year’s FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championships that will be hosted by the Philippines.Olympian and star spiker Yuji Nishida, also a fan favorite among Filipino fans, led the Japan V.League squad with 12 points anchored from seven attacks, along with four aces and a block completing a sweep of the two exhibition matches against Alas.Six-foot-2 Cuban Miguel Angel Lopex Castro contributed 10, with nine from attacks and adding an ace for the Japanese club.Despite the dominant two-day sweep of the Nishida-led team, Alas Pilipinas team captain Kim Malabunga expressed the team members' proud effort due to the encounter that helped them identify the areas they need to work on. 

Because of their unparalleled experience and skill in Sambo sports, six-time world medalist Sydney Sy-Tancontian and 2024 Asian Championships double silver medalist Aislinn Yap among other Sambo athletes won gold medals in the recently concluded 2024 Korea Open Sambo Championships that was organized by the Korean Sambo Federation and the International Sambo Federation (FIAS) last week.Sy-Tancontian defended her crown under the women's +80kgs category to follow up with the first medal of the Philippines and the Southeast Asian region, while Yap won two gold medals for two different categories - Women's -80kgs (Combat Sambo ) and Women's -80kgs (Sports Sambo).The participation of the Pilipinas Sambo national team is also part of the preparation  for the World Championships which will be held on November 8-10 that will be held in Astana, Kazakhstan.Aside from Sy-Tancontian and Yap, Jeniva Consigna, also got a gold medal in women's under-65kgs, Jomary Torres won a gold medal for Women's -50kgs, Mariah Albert Lua also got a gold medal for women's under-72kgs category, Robin Catalan won a silver medal under Men's -64kgs category, Grace Gangan became a silver medalist under Women's -80kgs category, Aumaegel Princess Cortez got a bronze medal for Women's -59kgs category, and Edemel Catalan won a bronze medal for the Men's -58kgs category. According to Pilipinas SAMBO Federation Inc. (PSFI) President Paolo Tancontian, they really prepared for this competition to win a medal and there has been a big improvement in the performance of their athletes now compared to last year.“I consider this a good performance from our athletes compared to last year because we improved a lot in terms of medals we obtained. Our national team prepared well for this tournament. They improve greatly on this tourney and we hope to see them perform well in the next competitions,” said Tancontian.Tancontian added that it is not enough for them to determine the  improvement they have now and they also keep up learning and studying the processes of this kind of sport because Asia is on a different level when it comes to this type of sport.“However, we still have a lot of room for improvement. Every day is a learning process because Asia is considered a world-class level at malakas talaga ang laban dito. Definitely, mapapalaban tayo ng husto sa Worlds,” Tancontian added.