Rain or Shine gave the guest team from Hong Kong an Elasto Painters rough welcome, giving Eastern their first taste of defeat in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup, 99-81, on December 4 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.Debuting RoS import Deon Thompson led coach Yeng Guiao's wards with his allaround performance producing 21 points, 15 rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks.

The Converge FiberXers climbed from a 17-point deficit to steal the game from Barangay Ginebra, 98-91, in the continuation of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup on Saturday night at the Batangas City Coliseum.Ginebra dominated the game in the first half and established a 57-40 lead before the break.But Alec Stockton and Schonny Winston took over in the second half to lead Converge to a third straight victory.Stockton was vital in the third period, scoring 17 of his 22 points. He also had six rebounds and eight assists.The FiberXers scored 33 in that quarter, limiting Ginebra to only 13.In the fourth quarter, Winston poured out the first seven markers as Converge established its largest lead, 89-78.

The Converge FiberXers tallied their fourth straight victory after defeating the Meralco Bolts, 110-94, in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday, December 25, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.Jordan Heading led Converge with his 30 points, five rebounds, and eight assists to notch their fourth straight win in the conference and improve their record to 6-2.“I try to approach this game like I approach every game, which is part of being a professional: You have a routine and you try to stick to your routine every single game. Obviously, there’s a little excitement but I’m used to it for as long as I can remember,” said Heading.The FiberXers even erected a 20-point margin, 94-74, with less than eight minutes left in the game, but the Bolts trimmed the lead to 102-88 with 2:57 left on the clock.However, Converge never looked back and secured the win with consecutive baskets from import Cheick Diallo, and big man Justin Arana.

The UAAP community is raising its voice this November 29 at the Mall of Asia Arena as the league encourages everyone to wear white in a united stand for accountability, transparency, and integrity in government.Throughout the season, pep squads have used their halftime stages to call for accountability amid the flood control scandal—and this year’s Cheerdance Competition continues that fight.With the theme “Passion for Victory, Passion for Integrity! No to Corruption! ” UAAP aims to inspire the youth, athletes, and the broader public to champion honesty and good governance both on and off the court.Fans, students, and alumni are invited to join the white-out and amplify the message: sports and society thrive only with integrity at their core.

The long-awaited rematch between Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr., originally scheduled for September 2026, has been postponed, according to Manny Pacquiao Promotions CEO Jas Mathur, made the announcement on Friday.Pacquiao camp stated the postponement was caused by volatile mix of federal lawsuits, scheduling overbooks, and financial gridlock completely surrounding the Mayweather camp.Among the the reported legal disputes is a lawsuit filed by Events company CSI against the american boxer, alleging he and his camp failed to fulfill the agreement granting the exclusive promotional rights for the rematch, and an exhibition match between him and former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson. The lawsuit reportedly involves at least $4.65 million for the american boxer to recover. The possibility of this rematch will likely happen on early 2027, should the Mayweather camp and CSI be fully resolve their internal contract disputes out of court.Furthermore, Pacman, who just came out of retirement last year and fought Marrio Barrios that ended in a draw, has begun exploring other options for his next fight this year. 

John Amores is returning to professional basketball after signing a one-conference contract with the Titan Ultra Giant Risers. Titan welcomed him through a Facebook post, announcing his comeback representing the team."A NEW CHAPTER STARTS NOW. Welcome back to the PBA, John Amores. Welcome to the Titan Ultra Giant Risers family. Let’s get to work," they wrote. Before his professional basketball license was revoked, Amores averaged 5.1 points and 1.6 rebounds per game for the NorthPort Batang Pier during the 2024-2025 PBA season. John and his brother were involved in a shooting incident in Laguna in September 2024, which led the suspension from the PBA, along with revoking his license by the Games and Amusements Board (GAB).Earlier this week, he posted a video of himself at GAB, where he officially retrieved his license, and is now cleared to resume playing in professional leagues. Ahead of his PBA comeback, Titan is set to face Terrafirma this Friday.

The 2026 Shakey’s Super League National Invitationals is set to take on an international flavor as four foreign teams will compete in the tournament on July 10 to 11, boosting the level of competition for Filipino volleyball teams.In the collegiate division, Ho Chi Minh City Volleyball Club of Vietnam and Southern Storm Melbourne of Australia will challenge the Philippines' top collegiate squads.The juniors division will feature Perfect Set Dream Makers from the United States and Pacific Volleyball Academy, providing local young athletes an opportunity to compete against international opposition.“This year is very different. It's very special,” said Ian Laurel, noting that the tournament supports Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio's initiative to promote sports tourism.Organizers expect the participation of the overseas teams to provide valuable international exposure for Filipino players while elevating the overall quality of the competition.

The international volleyball community is mourning the tragic loss of Venezuela men's national team captain Willner Rivas, his wife Mariángel Pérez, and their young son, Theo, following the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24.The Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) confirmed that the family's deaths were verified on July 5, after an 11-day search that drew support and prayers from the global volleyball community.In a statement, the FIVB extended its deepest condolences to the family's loved ones, teammates, and the entire Venezuelan volleyball community, honoring the legacy of Rivas both as a national team leader and a respected figure in the sport."Rest in peace, Willner, Mariángel, and Theo. Your legacy will never be forgotten."

The Elizabeth Means era for Philippine women's basketball has officially arrived, and it comes with a lethal dose of defensive havoc and offensive brilliance.Gilas Pilipinas Women opened their 20th Asian Games campaign with a resounding statement, dismantling Kazakhstan, 86-58, on Thursday, September 17, at the Aichi International Arena.The lopsided victory immediately propelled the Filipinas to a 1-0 start in Group B, signaling their serious intent to contend for a podium finish in this year's tournament.The Elizabeth Means ShowAll eyes were on the newly minted naturalized reinforcement Elizabeth Means, and she did not disappoint. Making her highly anticipated 5-on-5 debut for the national team, Means spearheaded a relentless Filipino attack.After Kazakhstan opened the game with a brief 2-0 lead, Means and the Filipinas locked down defensively, orchestrating a massive breakaway that saw the lead swell to as many as 39 points. Means finished the evening with a spectacular game-high 23 points, 4 rebounds, and an elite 8 steals, completely disrupting Kazakhstan’s backcourt rhythm.Complete Team EffortWhile Means provided the frontline firepower, the Gilas local crew showcased the depth and chemistry built under the national program.Stef Berberabe pulling the strings flawlessly, flirting with a double-double by putting up 11 points, 8 assists, and 4 rebounds.The trio of Jhaz Joson, Kent Pastrana, and veteran sniper Janine Pontejos providing steady ammunition off the wings, chipping in 8 points apiece to keep the Kazakh defense guessing.Kazakhs StifledKazakhstan struggled heavily against the Filipinas' full-court pressure and active hands. Tamara Noiok paced the losing squad with 11 points and two assists, while Anna Bezgovada fought hard in the paint to salvage a 10-point, 15-rebound double-double, but their efforts were ultimately drowned out by Gilas' transition game.What's Next?With momentum firmly on their side, Gilas Pilipinas Women will look to make it two in a row when they return to action on Sunday, September 20, facing off against Hong Kong.Tip-off is scheduled for 9:00 AM, Manila time.

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) held its annual Rookie Draft on Sunday, July 14, as the league enters its 49th season.Justine Baltazar has been drafted by the Converge FiberXers as the top overall pick in the 2024 PBA Rookie Draft at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati.The 6-foot-7 big man, who was linked to the franchise even before he declared for the league’s annual proceedings, expressed his delight to play for his former college coach and current Converge mentor Aldin Ayo eight years after they steered De La Salle University to the title of UAAP Season 79 in 2016.“I am very happy because I already worked with Coach Aldin in UAAP. I already know his system so I am excited to work with him again,” Baltazar told ABS-CBN in an interview.Since playing for Coach Ayo with the Green Archers, the 27-year-old has received a call-up to the national team and made a name for himself in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League with Pampanga Giant Lanterns where he won Season and Finals Most Valuable Player awards. He also had a brief stint with the Hiroshima Dragonflies in the Japan B.League.These stints made Baltazar one of the most prized prospects in recent years.Now at Converge, he will bolster a frontcourt that also features reigning Rookie of the Year Justin Arana as well as Jeo Ambohot and Patrick Maagdenberg as the FiberXers look to bounce back from back-to-back last place finishes in the past two conferences.Among the other notable players in the class are Filipino-American guard Sedrick Barefield, who went to Blackwater at No. 2. RJ Abarrientos was picked third overall by Barangay Ginebra while Kai Ballungay, a versatile forward out of Ateneo, was chosen by Phoenix at No. 4.Selected fifth by NorthPort was Dave Ildefonso while the youngest in the draft 22-year-old Jonnel Policarpio of La Salle joined NLEX Road Warriors at No. 6.Former Alab Pilipinas standout Caelan Tiongson and Filipino-Swedish guard Felix Lemetti landed with Rain or Shine at 7th and 8th, respectively.Meanwhile, former Adamson star Jerom Lastimosa got picked by Magnolia at No. 9 followed by other UAAP standouts Mark Nonoy joining Terrafirma at No. 10 and CJ Cansino favored by Meralco at No. 11.Avan Nava, a Filipino-Canadian guard, completed the first round as he joined San Miguel as the 12th overall selection. 

Asia Paraase from Central Visayas delivered another spectacular performance after securing her second gold medal at the Palarong Pambansa 2024 on Sunday, July 14, at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) oval.Paraase clinched victory in the secondary girls’ 1,500 meter run, setting a new personal best of 4 minutes and 50 seconds, surpassing her previous record of 4:56 set at the Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVIRAA) 2024.The 17-year-old student athlete from Lapu-Lapu City first made headlines last Thursday, July 11, when she earned the inaugural gold medal of the ongoing games by topping the 3,000-meter run.“I am very happy that I succeeded in this Palarong Pambansa and won the 1,500 meter run,” said Paraase told Manila Times in an interview after the competition.The young athlete was overwhelmed with joy, discovering at the last minute that her entire family had come to watch her final race.“I am happy that they are happy. I was able to achieve my goal,” said the incoming Grade 12 student at Pajo National High School.Meanwhile, Paraase also revealed that universities in the National Capital Region have offered her scholarships, but she plans to finish her senior high in Lapu-Lapu before deciding on her next step.

The country’s top sports official graced the Forum of the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) on Tuesday, July 16, prior to the kickoff of the Paris Olympics.Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino appeared in the session at the conference hall of the Rizal Memorial Complex to deliver an update of the compact Philippine contingent.Tolentino started off the forum by expressing that the Filipino athletes are of high morals and are already at the peak of their training despite some of them previously nursed injuries from their preceding tournaments prior to qualifying in the Paris Games.Weightlifters John Ceniza faced a neck injury while Vanessa Sarno suffered pain in her shoulder and thighs. Tolentino assured they are training well and are in good condition.“They are good. Actually, before I left Metz I provided them with supplements. A year's supply of whey protein supplements,” he added.With the Paris Games set to start in a few days, Tolentino informed the media that the athletes will be entering the Athletes’ Village starting July 22, with the gymnastics and boxing team already allowed to proceed by July 20 while some will be extending their stay in the Metz training camp, such as athletics, as their competition won’t start until August 03.The POC president also announced, through the Office of the President, that they will be handing out additional allowances to those who participated in the Metz.“100 Euro per day. So, it is a big help for all the athletes and the coaches and officials during Metz,” Tolentino shared.This year also marks a historic milestone with the Philippines celebrating its centennial anniversary of competing in the Summer Olympics. From the first Filipino athlete stepping to the Olympic arena and waving the Philippine flag in Paris to a larger Filipino delegation returning to the French capital to raise the flag on the world stage once again.The Philippine delegation surpassed the 19 athletes who participated in the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020 with 22 contenders competing in this year’s Summer Olympics.The largest number of participants ever recorded was in 1972 with 53 athletes all in which came home empty-handed. Tolentino is positive that this year’s contingent are capable of bringing home medals to the country. He is hopeful that the Filipino contingent will deliver a worthwhile output and will surpass the Tokyo Olympics.Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz made history as the first and only Philippine athlete to win an Olympic gold medal. The country’s other medals, all in boxing, were a silver courtesy of Nesthy Petecio, a silver medal by Carlo Paalam, and a bronze medal by Eumir Marcial.“We will deliver, we will surpass the Tokyo records. With this template, with this preparation, we will definitely surpass the Tokyo Olympics record,” Tolentino said.The 2024 Paris Olympics begin on July 26, Friday, with Tokyo Olympics silver medalists Nethy Petecio and Carlo Paalam as the Philippines’ flag-bearers. 

The youngest Olympian of the Philippine delegation in the Paris Games, Levi Jung-Ruivivar, assured everyone that she is now 100 percent safe and healthy after experiencing a health scare.The 18-year-old Filipina gymnast suffered a "severe allergic reaction" while having an evening walk in the Olympic Village last Monday, July 22.Ruivivar shared on her Instagram the medical incident that happened, detailing what went down in a shocking health scare ahead of the Olympic Games Paris 2024. While doing her evening walk, the 18-year-old said she began to feel some anaphylactic reaction, and although she admitted having a tree nut allergy, she insisted she did not ingest the allergen.Levi became aware that it was anaphylaxis—a severe allergic reaction that can be traced when a person has been exposed to something allergic like peanuts or bee stings.Ruivivar quickly returned to her room and called her parents, while her roommate and fellow Olympian Aleah Finnegan went out in search of the Olympic Village emergency clinic.She had to overcome “some initial difficulties” to reach the hospital with the help of her coach, Finnegan, and other staff members. 

Following the success of the recently concluded 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Richard Bachmann expressed the agency’s aspiration to further nurture athletes that could bring glory to the country. Bachmann laid out plans to intensify grassroots and to initiate programs in order to bring consciousness to sports that are not usually patronized by youngsters and the general public.

Carl Jammes Martin now eyes a shot in one of four titles of Naoya Inoue after knocking out Anthony Salas of Mexico in his much awaited international debut.The second-round knockout victory boosted Martin’s record to 24-0 with 19 knockouts.Now, Martin is rated No. 6 by the International Boxing Federation and No. 3 by the World Boxing Organization. Just like Marlon Tapales. Martin is now back on training at the Knuckleheads Boxing Gym in Las Vegas. While in the roster of WBO, Martin now has almost a guarantee for a title shot that he may continue to emerge victorious.  Sean Gibbons, Martin’s promoter guaranteed  that he will fight again this December in a world title shot in 2025. “He will fight again in December then a world title shot in 2025,” said Gibbons. Meanwhile, Naoya “The Monster” Inoue will fight again in December and in April 2025 before he will attempt to invade the featherweight ranks in pursuit of a fifth world title in as many weight classes.

Tachiana Mangin became the first Filipina world champion after dominating the 2024 World Taekwondo Junior Championships in Chuncheon, South Korea.The 16-year-old Filipina jin conquered local bet Kim Hyang-gi in the final of the women’s 49-kilogram category. Mangin secured the gold after three rounds of sparring via a 14-8, 3-4, 7-6 decision.Mangin is the first Filipino female world titlist of the tournament and the second Filipino athlete since Alex Borromeo triumphed in the 47-kilogram class in the first edition of the competition in 1996 held in Barcelona, Spain. 

Wello Lingolingo saved the UE Red Warriors on Sunday night, October 6, by knocking down a game-winning buzzer beater jumper to take a thrilling 63-62 victory against Adamson Soaring Falcons at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.Lingolingo got a timely offensive board off a Nico Mulingtapang miss, then double-pumped in the air before taking a bank shot at the buzzer that sealed the game and extended the University of the East win streak to five games.UE finished the first round of eliminations with a 5-2 record to place solo third.

Carl Hilario emerged as the most decorated para swimmer after winning all three of his events on the second day of the Para Swimming competition in the 8th Philippine National Para Games on Tuesday, November 12, at the Teofilo Yldefonso Swimming Pool in Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.The 18-year-old PNPG rookie from Aklan gained his first gold medal in the men’s 100 meter freestyle S14 on Monday, November 11, finishing with 1:04.55.He went on to win two gold medals the following day in the men’s 200-meter freestyle S14 with a record of 2:31.80 and the men’s 100-meter butterfly S14 with 1:21.31.

The San Miguel Beermen climbed-up from a 16-point deficit to defeat the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 107-104, on Tuesday, December 3, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.Marcio Lassiter rifled his 15th point in the game when he was found by Juami Tiongson in the open corner after a solid pick given by import Quincy Miller to give San Miguel a 105-104 lead.Phoenix then still had a chance to get a knack at the basket with 2.3 seconds remaining but they threw the ball away forcing them to foul Beermen's Simon Enciso who sank both of his free throws.Fuel Masters import Donovan Smith still had a chance to force the game to overtime when he made an attempt at the backcourt with 0.7 left in the game but his shot only hit the board.