The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters staged a late fourth quarter rampage, delivering the first blow against the Magnolia Hotshots on their opening duel of the best-of-five quarterfinal series on Wednesday, September 25, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. Head coach Yeng Guiao is donning a daunting task of empowering the Elasto Painters, helmed by the young guns and veterans working harmoniously to establish themselves as formidable contenders ready to challenge prominent teams of the league. For coach Guiao, the players’ playoff experiences are what situates themselves in a inauspicious position as the team is paced by hot-blooded youths, however, their hard work is something one should not question about. 

After flourishing at the Baseball Federation of Asia (BFA) East Asia Men’s Baseball Cup last year, higher stakes are on the table as the Philippine men’s baseball team hopes for a repeat act when they commence their campaign when the country hosts the 14th East Asia Baseball Cup slated October 28 to November 3 at Clark, Pampanga.According to Philippine Amateur Baseball Association (PABA) president Chito Loyzaga, the nation is rarely given the chance to organize an event of this nature; the previous one was held in 1995, or about thirty years ago. For this reason, the Philippines is making sure that everything is ready for the occasion.

The Philippine Men’s National Football Team earned a podium finish in the 2024 King’s Cup after defeating Tajikistan, 3-0, on Monday, October 14, at the Tinsulanonda Stadium in Songkhla, Thailand.Gerrit Holtmann (47') placed the nation on the scoreboard after the first half ended without a goal. Jefferson Tabinas (58') immediately followed with a 54th minute header from a corner, and Zico Bailey's goal in the 62nd minute sealed the victory for the Nationals, making it a 3-to-love score.The triumph marks the Philippines’ first podium place in the competition and their first win under Albert Capellas since he took over as head coach of the men’s national football team.

Defending champions Boston Celtics tied the most number of three-pointers made by a team in their victory over the New York Knicks, 132-109, in the opening night of the NBA’s 2024-2025 Season.Before the game started, the Celtics received their championship rings and the 18th banner of the franchise was raised in the rafters.Jayson Tatum grabbed the microphone before the ceremony to pump-up the crowd inside the TD Garden in Boston.

Rey Nambatac has overcome jitters in his very first game in a championship series and even led the TNT Tropang Giga to victory over Barangay Ginebra, 104-88, in Game 1 of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup Finals who was witnessed by 11,021 spectators at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.Nambatac was named Best Player of the Game after putting up 18 points (12 in the final quarter), 10 rebounds and seven assists in his first Finals appearance.

That was the story of Game 4 of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup Finals when Barangay Ginebra defeated TNT Tropang Giga, 106-92, last night, November 3, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.From the beginning, the Gin Kings showed their grit steered by Justin Brownlee who finally found his groove in the series and finished with 34 points — 15 from the first quarter.Brownlee also finally fired his first-ever triple in the series, delivering three. He even added two four-pointers.“Justin is usually a very good starter, especially in big games. He knows how important he is to set the tempo and to give confidence to his teammates," said Cone of Brownlee.Stephen Holt also found his touches and was named Best Player of the Game, contributing 18 points, three rebounds, and two assists. He also stole the ball five times and tightly guarded TNT’s import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.

Creamline opened its Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference title bid with a stunning 25-19, 25-22, 25-16 victory over Petro Gazz on Saturday, November 16, at the Ynares Center Antipolo.Due to a persistent knee injury, Alyssa Valdez was unable to participate in Creamline's historic Grand Slam in the Reinforced and Invitational Conferences. However, she made a remarkable comeback, scoring two of her four points to help the team overcome an 11–13 deficit in the third set.

Akari won three straight sets after dropping the first one to overcome Chery Tiggo, 22-25, 26-24, 25-18, 25-20, on Tuesday night, December 10,  at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.The Chargers squandered a 19-11 lead in the first set to give it away to the Crossovers, but they never looked back after that and took the next three frames.Akari's victory put them back in the win column after dropping their past three games. The Chargers now have a 3-3 record in the team standings.

The Philippine Men’s Football team’s match against Myanmar ended in a 1-1 draw in the opening match of their 2024 ASEAN Championship campaign at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.Myanmar scored first through Maung Maung Lwin at the 25th minute mark.During the second half, Bjorn Kristenensen scored the goal through a spot kick in the 72nd minute of the game. 

Chery Tiggo bounced back to the winning column after overpowering Galeries Tower in a five-set thriller, 30-28, 20-25, 19-25, 25-16, 15-8, in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference over the weekend at Philsports Arena.The team led by Norman Miguel improved to a 4-2 win-loss record, while Galeries finished the year with a 1-5 record after losing in five sets for the seventh time in 15 conference losses."It was a real effort from everyone. During the first three sets, it was like that, our moves weren't right, it seemed clumsy. But it came out in the fourth set," said Chery Tiggo’s ace Cess Robles during the postgame interview.The Crossovers’ victory was bannered by Robles, who registered a game-high 21 points anchored on 20 attacks and an ace along with 11 excellent receptions and nine excellent digs.Captain Aby Maraño contributed a 15-point output, while Pauline Gaston, who assisted the team clinch the fourth set, scored a total of 14 markers.Jen Nierva took care of Chery Tiggo’s defense with 21 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions as Jas Nabor orchestrated the team’s play, tossing 13 excellent sets.Gaston’s several attack points helped the Crossovers rally to a 9-2 run from 16-14 deficit in Set 4, tying the match at two sets apiece.

National University battled past Ateneo de Manila University in a tough match, securing a 23-25, 26-24, 27-25, 29-27 win to stay undefeated in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament on Wednesday, February 19, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.The Bulldogs overcame a four-point deficit in the third set, gaining control and carrying that momentum into the fourth to eventually defeat the determined Blue Eagles.With the win, NU improved to 2-0 this season, while Ateneo, under new head coach Vince Mangulabnan, fell to a 1-1 record.Leo Ordiales led the Bulldogs with 14 points, including 13 attacks, while Peng Taguibolos had a standout performance with 13 markers, featuring seven attacks and a game-high six blocks.Congolese middle blocker Obed Mukaba contributed 10 points, with four blocks, four aces, and two attacks, and last season’s Rookie of the Year Jade Disquitado added seven points in his Season 87 debut.Greg Ancheta facilitated NU’s offense with 18 excellent sets, while Jimwell Gapultos protected the floor with 18 excellent receptions and four digs.The five-peat seeking Bulldogs will next face Far Eastern University on Sunday, February 23, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. 

A hard-fought 2025 MPBL Season matchup at Batangas City Coliseum turned troubling after a violent incident on Monday night, August 11.Gensan’s Michole Sorela threw a punch at Mindoro’s Jonas Tibayan at the 7:34 mark, knocking him unconscious. Tibayan suffered a broken jaw, a busted lip, and a fractured shoulder after hitting the floor hard, and had to be stretchered out.According to Mindoro Tamaraws team owner Pola Mayor Ina Raymundo, Tibayan will be transferred to a Manila hospital for further evaluation.Meanwhile, the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) also handed Michole Solera of the Gensan Warriors a lifetime ban and a ₱200,000 fine following a disqualifying foul that left Jonas Tibayan of the Mindoro Tamaraws hospitalized.This strong sanction comes as the league reaffirms its stance on player safety and sportsmanship on the court."We condemn the incident, and the MPBL won't tolerate such actions. It compromises the player's safety and taints the league's image."I've seen the worst (in basketball) and this is one of them. The league has the full authority to impose sanctions on this deplorable behavior," said MPBL commissioner Kenneth Duremdes.Despite the incident, Bam Gamalinda paced Mindoro with 21 points and Wendell Comboy added 16, helping the Tamaraws secure the win.We wish Jonas Tibayan a full and speedy recovery.

Filipina golfers Bianca Pagdanganan and Dottie Ardina turned in strong performances at the Standard Portland Classic, finishing tied for 35th and 38th, respectively, on Sunday, August 17.Pagdanganan endured a roller-coaster final round with a one-under 71, highlighted by an eagle, three birdies, two bogeys, and a double bogey. She closed at eight-under 280—her fourth made cut of the season.Ardina saved her best for last, firing a flawless, bogey-free 67 to finish one shot behind Pagdanganan at seven-under 281. The performance also marked her first made cut of the 2025 season.Despite their solid efforts, both Filipinas finished well behind Japanese rookie Akie Iwai, who dominated with a 24-under 264 total. Iwai capped her week with a sizzling eight-under 64 to win by four shots over American Gurleen Kaur (268).For Pagdanganan and Ardina, the Portland Classic served as a promising step forward as they continued to chase higher finishes and greater consistency on the LPGA Tour.

Harold Alarcon came alive when it mattered most, leading the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons to a heart-stopping 89-88 win over the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena!The veteran guard rose to the occasion, scoring 10 of his 22 points in the crucial fourth quarter to lift UP to its 7th win in 10 games, securing solo second place in the standings as the race to the Final Four intensifies.“Marami kaming struggling nung first half, so nung fourth, whatever na hinarap sa akin ng defense, talagang kinuha ko lang,” said Alarcon, who provided the spark just when the Fighting Maroons needed it most.With Alarcon’s late-game heroics, UP continues to strengthen its Final Four push — showing the poise, depth, and championship mentality that have defined the team all season long.Also starring for State U was Noy Remogat, who chipped in 19 points, three rebounds, three assists, and two steals, while Migs Yniguez provided instant offense with 11 points on a perfect 3-of-3 shooting from deep.Down 87-88 with under 30 seconds left, Alarcon coolly sank one of his signature mid-range jumpers to put UP ahead. UST had multiple chances to steal the game, but Amiel Acido missed two potential go-ahead baskets, and despite Collins Akowe grabbing another offensive rebound, he turned the ball over at the buzzer.Akowe finished with a monstrous 26 points and 16 rebounds, while Nic Cabañero added 18 points for UST, which suffered its fourth straight loss and dropped to 5-10 overall. Forth Padrigao was limited to just two points and six assists before exiting early due to an ankle injury.UP continues to surge at the right time — showing grit, composure, and championship poise as the postseason draws near.

Denice Zamboanga has officially relinquished the ONE Women's Atomweight MMA World Championship after welcoming her first child with husband Fritz Biagtan.In a social media post on Tuesday, the reigning champion announced her decision to vacate the title, citing her desire to focus on motherhood while allowing other athletes in the division the opportunity to compete for the championship.Known as “The Menace,” Zamboanga became the first Filipina MMA world champion and said the decision came after careful prayer and reflection.She acknowledged that stepping away from the throne was not easy but emphasized that it was the right choice for this chapter of her life and for the contenders pursuing their dreams in the division.Zamboanga’s decision marks the end of a historic reign, as she shifts her focus from defending a world title to embracing a new role as a mother while leaving a lasting legacy in Philippine mixed martial arts.

The Philippine Olympic Committee has officially suspended the Philippine National Volleyball Federation following the latter’s suspension by the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball, POC president Abraham Tolentino announced yesterday, Wednesday June 24.According to Tolentino, the suspension was unanimously approved during the POC Executive Board meeting held Monday in Parañaque City, noting that the move automatically follows the international federation’s sanction against its national member body.The FIVB suspended the PNVF effective May 29 under Article 13.1.1 of its Disciplinary Regulations. The sanction stems from serious governance concerns and multiple alleged violations currently being investigated by the independent FIVB Ethics Panel.Prior to the international suspension, the Philippine Sports Commission had already halted all funding for the PNVF, citing governance issues and non-compliance with policies governing financial assistance for national sports associations.Despite the suspension, the PNVF recently conducted leadership changes, removing TonyBoy Liao as president and naming businessman Frank Lao as his replacement along with a new set of executive board members.However, Tolentino declared the election invalid, stressing that the POC was not notified and did not send an observer to oversee the proceedings as required.“Their latest election, for the POC, is invalid—no notice to the POC and no observer from the POC,” Tolentino said.As a result of the suspension, the PNVF is barred from participating in all POC activities, including the General Assembly. The POC is also awaiting further action from the FIVB, particularly the recommendations of the Ad Hoc Committee tasked with overseeing volleyball affairs while the federation remains under suspension.The development adds another chapter to the ongoing governance crisis in Philippine volleyball as stakeholders await the outcome of the FIVB investigation and the future direction of the sport’s national governing body.  

Filipino-American NBA player Jordan Clarkson has re-signed with the defending champion New York Knicks on a one-year, $3.9 million contract.Clarkson averaged 10.8 minutes per game during the Knicks' championship run. His role as a scoring spark off the bench helped ease the workload of the team's starters and provided valuable depth throughout the 2025-2026 NBA season.His impact and influence played a crucial part in helping New York contend for and ultimately win the championship during the previous season.The Knicks captured the 2026 NBA title against the San Antonio Spurs, ending a championship drought that lasted nearly half a century.He also posted on his Instagram account following his extension with the Knicks. "still in this dream, NY! run it back!  love ," he wrote. 

Dwight Ramos has agreed to a basic contract with the Levanga Hokkaido for the 2026-2027 season, the team announced on Instagram.He averaged 12.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game during the previous season. Ramos has been with the organization since 2022 after his rookie year contract with the Toyama Grouses expired.

The Philippine youth volleyball team begins its campaign in the AVC Boys’ U18 Volleyball Championship this Sunday in Haikou, China, aiming to secure a spot in the 2027 FIVB Boys’ U19 World Championship.The top four teams in the 16-nation tournament will qualify for the world meet.The Philippines, which has wing spikers Al-Raquib Dais, Gary Ivan Dayrit, Terrence Marticion, Raphael Galapin, Elijah Yeuzef Guzman, John Daniel Dela Cruz, and Luigi Molina in its roster, battles Iran in its Pool B opener on Sunday.Led by head coach Oliver Balse, the Filipinos open Pool B play against Iran on Sunday, face Bahrain on Monday, and take on India on Tuesday.Pool A features China, Indonesia, Chinese Taipei, and Hong Kong, while Thailand headlines Pool C alongside Pakistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Pool D consists of Japan, Korea, Australia, and Saudi Arabia.

Cambodia stunned Alas Pilipinas in five sets, 25-23, 28-30, 25-20, 22-25, 15-8, to open its SEA V Cup campaign on a high note Wednesday at the Candon City Arena and deal the host nation an early setback in the tournament.Despite the loss, newcomer Joshua Magalaman delivered an impressive performance for the Philippines, finishing with 21 points built on 15 attacks, four blocks, and two aces.Jude Garcia also shone for Alas Pilipinas with 20 points on 18 attacks, one block, and one ace, providing a steady offensive presence throughout the match.The Philippines struggled to maintain its momentum in crucial stretches, particularly in the deciding fifth set where Cambodia pulled away. Alas also committed untimely errors and failed to contain Cambodia’s attack, allowing the visitors to dictate the pace when it mattered most.Cambodia, meanwhile, capitalized on its opportunities through efficient attacking and resilient defense. The Cambodians remained composed during extended rallies and key moments, showcasing the confidence that helped them secure one of the biggest wins in their recent history.Veasna Voeum emerged as the Player of the Game after erupting for 33 points on 28 attacks, three blocks, and two aces to lead Cambodia’s breakthrough victory.Cambodia is set to face reigning AVC Men's Cup champ Indonesia today, July 16, before taking on the home team on Friday. Alas is also on the verge of a must-win situation on the tournament against Indonesia.