Rain or Shine head coach Joseller “Yeng” Guiao is elated after the Philippine Supreme Court approved his petition for mandamus calling on the country’s gambling regulators to distribute funds to the country’s sports commission.At the heels of the weekly Philippine Sportswriters Association or PSA Forum in Manila, the former Pampanga solon, who is once again leading tactics for the Elasto Painters in the PBA, says he is expecting that the move will generate much-needed funding for the country’s sports programs.

Filipino netters Bambi Zoleta and Princess Catindig failed to advance in the medal round of the women’s singles of the 17th World Soft Tennis Championships in Anseong, Korea, early Thursday, September 6.Both netters lost in the quarterfinals as Zoleta bowed, 2-4, against Chiang Min-Yu of Chinese Taipei while Catindig was ruled by Fu Xiao Chen of China with 1-4. Despite the upset in the women’s singles, the Philippines will carry on its bid for a medal in the World Championship following Zoleta and Patrick Mendoza’s superb performance of defeating Slovakia, 4-0, in the Mixed Doubles Round of 64.Meanwhile, Bien Zoleta-Mañalac and Dheo Talatayod won against Cambodia, 4-1, in the Round of 32.The last time the Philippine Soft Tennis set foot in the medal round was in the 2015 World Championships in New Delhi, India where Zoleta-Mañalac nabbed a bronze in women’s singles.

The ASICS Rock 'n' Roll Running Series – in partnership with IRONMAN Philippines – will be hosting its third edition of the annual running event on November 24. Princess Galura, president and general manager of Sunrise Events Inc. emphasizes the significance of the event, which is part of the IRONMAN Philippines family of events.  This is not just only a running event which has 42km, 21km, 10 km and 5km which falls on 5 M’s, The Memories, Miles, Musics, Medals and Manila but also, it amplifies the vibrancy of an unparalleled marathon experience  that combines the love in running with the power of music and the spirit of community. It will be lined also  with live bands, DJs, and ensembles, ensuring that the spirit of rock and roll powers every step of the marathon. And, in true Rock ‘n’ Roll fashion, participants will be awarded unique heavy medals to commemorate their achievements.The route for this event will be at the iconic Luneta Park, where runners will set out on a journey that weaves through the heart of Manila’s historic landscapes. Runners will dash past the National Museum, and take strides around the Manila City Hall, pace through the storied gates of Fort Santiago, immerse in the cultural tapestry of Chinatown in Binondo, and finally race along the scenic Manila Bay strip.The City of Manila is very much excited about the upcoming event and the Manila City Government is preparing for the said event and everything that the ASICS Rock 'n' Roll organizers needed will be provided. The Manila City Government is also very much thankful for once again they chose Manila as a venue for the said event and this serves also as an instrument to promote the many beautiful as well as historical places in Manila.“Nagpapasalamat po ang CIty Manila on behalf po on our beloved Mayora Honey Lacuña… at nagpapasalamat po kami sa Sunrise Inc. at sa Rock n’ Roll na napili nila ang City of Manila na talagang nakikita ang City of Manila at nakikita ng taga Manileño especially sa ibang bansa at sa buong Pilipinas at nagagamit nila ang City of Manila para sa ganitong event lalong lalo na ang Rock n’ Roll na ito…” said Ruel De Guzman, Director of Manila Sports Council. Because of this Rock 'n' Roll Running Series, the wonder and beauty of Manila is appreciated not just in the country but also it can attract by foreign nationalities. The ASICS Rock 'n' Roll Running Series will debut again on the midnight of Nov. 24. In honor and respect to the hero of  Manila which is Gat Andres Bonifacio. Prior to the main event, the Rock 'n' Roll Running Series will spearhead the 21km, 10 km and 5km event on October 20 in the province of Cavite, interested fellows may register thru their website: https://www.runrocknroll.com/manila

Two-time Olympian and pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena insisted that the Philippines should not wait until the end of his career to find his heir apparent.Returning to top form is still the top priority, but Obiena is pouring his time and efforts by advocating for increased interest in his sport, aiming to share his expertise to children who want to follow in his footsteps.With the positive response of Filipino youth in sports especially after the Paris Olympics, the world No. 3 pole vaulter said the nation’s sports authorities responsible for grassroots developments should take advantage of this and make its move to make sports accessible.

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.

Alas Pilipinas Men braces for tough challenges as they face strong adversaries in Pool A of the 2025 Fédération Internationale de Volleyball, or FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship.Host Philippines was grouped with Iran, Egypt, and Tunisia in the first round of the world championship following the culmination of the drawing lots on Saturday, September 14, at Solaire Grand Ballroom in Parañaque City.Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni recognized the big responsibility and big challenge for the No. 64 Alas Pilipinas in the international championship scheduled for next year.

The Philippines delivered another mixed bag of results in the seventh round of the 45th FIDE in Budapest, Hungary.Woman Grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna and defending woman national champion Ruelle Canino snared a ticket back to the medal race after pacing the Filipina team for a 2.5-1.5 upset over the fancied 26th-seeded Argentina. Frayna outlasted Woman International Master Maria Jose Campos with Catalan’s Defense English opening in 62 moves, while Canino defeated WGM Claudia Amura in 39 moves of a King’s English Variation of the English Opening.WIM Jan Jodilyn Fronda finished an 80-move draw with Anapaola Borda Rodas, while Woman Fide Master committed an error in a 46-move match against WGM Candela Francisco.The Filipina woodpushers ascended back to 22nd spot of the 183-nation event.Grandmaster Julio Catalino Sadorra, meanwhile, forced a draw with super Grandmaster Ante Brkic in 31 moves of Ruy López: Morphy Defense.Sadorra’s draw prevented the men’s team from being swept by the 27th seed Croatia after International Master Paulo Bersamin and Grandmasters Daniel Quizon and John Paul Gomez bowing out to their Croatian rivals. Newly minted GM Quizon fell to GM Sasa Martinovic in 46 moves, while Gomez faltered to Hrvoje Stevic and Bersamina was shut in 60 moves.The Filipino team slipped to 49th place among 197 teams going into the last four rounds of the competition. 

Lara Posadas-Wong won a silver medal for the Philippines in the women’s singles at the 7th Asian Tenpin Bowling Champions in Bangkok, Thailand.The national team mainstay demonstrated exceptional skill throughout the competition, tallying 1,353 pinfalls, averaging 225 per game over six rounds. Posadas-Wong conquered a tough 5th game, tallying a final score of 258 just 29 pins behind gold medalist Daphne Tan of Singapore, who scored a total of 1,382 pinfalls. South Korea’s Baek Sung Ja took the bronze medal with 1,340 pinfalls. Meanwhile, Marie Alexis Sy and Dyan Arcel Coronacion placed 13th and 19th, respectively, for the Philippines. Other Filipino athletes participating in the prestigious event include Art Barrientos, Kenneth Chua, Marc Custodio, JP Macatula, MJ San Jose, and Merwin Tan in the men’s squad, as well as Grace Gella, Dale Lazo, Krizziah Macatula, Sy and Coronacion in the women’s team.The competition continues with the doubles, trios, and team-of-5 events.

University of the East pulled off a shocker when they defeated the defending champion, De La Salle Green Archers, 75-71, in the UAAP’s 87th Season at the Mall of Asia Arena.The Red Warriors also gave La Salle its first loss of the season in front of the 6,946 spectators inside the arena who also witnessed them shoot an astonishing 12-of-30 from downtown.John Abate led the Recto side with a career game of 20 points while firing a perfect 3-of-3 from the arc, also grabbing four boards, and sinking two-pressure packed free throws with 3.4 seconds left to complete the upset.Wello Lingolingo had 18 points built on six triples, Gjerard Wilson contributed 10 points, three rebounds, three steals, and two assists, and Precious Momowei produced only five markers but hauled 12 boards.

Stefanie Fejes and Jana Milutinovic of Australia will return to the country to defend their titles as Alas Pilipinas competes for podium spots in the 2024 Asian Senior Beach Volleyball Championships, which will begin on November 5 at the Nuvali Sand Courts in the City of Santa Rosa, Laguna.Together with 19 other women’s tandems, the Australian duo, who won the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Beach Tour Nuvali Open in April, has confirmed their attendance at the six-day competition sponsored by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation or PNVF.

The Indiana Pacers put a blemish on the NBA defending champions’ record this season when they defeated the Boston Celtics in overtime, 135-132.It seems like the Pacers will go all the way in regulation when they have erected a 24-point lead in the third quarter, but the Celtics made a surge in the fourth period and forced the game into OT.The breakdown of the Pacers in the fourth quarter just mirrored Indiana's campaign in the new season, starting with 2-3 records. But it looked like they found their groove once again in the extra minutes of play to defeat their Eastern Conference rival.Pascal Siakam hit a fadeaway to tie the game late in overtime and followed it up with a three-pointer that eventually sealed the game.Siakam finished with 29 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists, while Bennedict Mathurin scored a team-high 30 markers, along with 11 boards, and four dimes.Obi Toppin also helped the Pacers’ campaign with 18 points, seven rebounds and three assists, while Tyrese Haliburton added 17 markers, six boards, and 12 dimes.Meanwhile, Jayson Tatum top scored the game with 37 points with eight rebounds, four assists and four steals. Jalen Brown and Derrick White added 25 and 23, respectively.

In a momentous turning point, ZUS Coffee claimed its first Premier Volleyball League (PVL) win after a four-set victory, 19-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-15, over Nxled in the All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday, November 19, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.The Thunderbelles at long last broke through after enduring a winless reputation since its debut in the league, ending its 20-game losing streak."We're only starting. Even at our first conference, we had a few months to train. Even though it's All-Filipino, somehow the veterans are like late additions," said ZUS Coffee head coach Jerry Yee.

Petro Gazz rebounded from a heartbreaking loss to defending champion Creamline with a strong 25-21, 25-17, 25-19 win over Farm Fresh in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Saturday, November 23, at Candon City Arena, Ilocos Sur.The Angels won their second straight game thanks to a spectacular homecoming performance from reigning conference MVP Brooke Van Sickle, who scored 20 points — 19 of which came from attacks.With the victory, Petro Gazz and Choco Mucho shared the same 2-1 record and were now tied for fourth position.

The National University Lady Bulldogs dominated the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws, 86-58, in the Season 87 women's basketball tournament on Saturday, November 23, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan, completing a 14-game sweep of the elimination round and guaranteeing an outright UAAP finals berth. This marks NU's tenth consecutive Finals appearance, having only lost to De La Salle University in Season 76 and the University of Santo Tomas last season.

The NLEX Road Warriors dominated the Terrafirma Dyip, 104-85, to earn their second win in the ongoing PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup on Tuesday, December 3, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.From the get go until the very end, NLEX never let go of the lead that even reached the high of 25.Robert Bolick led the Road Warriors with his 32 points, five assists, and four rebounds on 78.6 (11/14) percent shooting from the field, 2-of-2 from the four-point line, and a perfect 6-of-6 from the free throw line.Import Mike Watkins backed-up Bolick with his monster double-double of 26 markers and 30 boards, to go along with four blocks and three dishes.Two more players scored in double digits with Xyrus Torres contributing 15, and Anthony Semerad adding 13.NLEX also dominated the paint, 52-34, which became a big factor in getting their second straight win after losing their opening game of the mid-season conference.Coach Jong Uichico’s wards might have won the game but the nine-time PBA champion mentor was not completely satisfied with the results as they played an opponent who played all-Filipino in the entire second half.

Troy Rosario made no mistake in choosing Barangay Ginebra to be his second home. For him, the fulfillment of his childhood dream came into being. His first game with the Gin Kings last Wednesday night was the culmination of his ambition in the league ever since he was a child. “Finally, it's been a childhood dream nga eh to wear that jersey. Talagang masarap sa pakiramdam. Pagdating ko pa lang dito sa venue, talagang ‘yun ‘yung tinignan ko eh, kung nasaan ‘yung jersey ko. Finally, masusuot ka na rin,” said Rosario.Rosario played his first game in a Ginebra uniform against the NLEX Road Warriors in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup action last night, which they won, 109-100.The 6-foot-7 big man started and played 30 minutes. He contributed with nine points, seven rebounds and three assists on 4-of-11 shooting.Rosario also admitted that the Gin Kings was the last team that spoke to him through the intercession of Scottie Thompson, his former teammate way back then in the PBA D-League.

After the Green Archers failed to clinch the coveted championship in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Basketball, Kevin Quiambao is about to leave his team for good.The De La Salle power forward confirmed this after signing a contract with the Goyang Sono Sky Gunners to play in the Korean Basketball League (KBL).In his post on social media, he said that he will continue his plan to play in the NBA someday.

The Oklahoma City Thunder started and finished strong to secure a 120-109 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 of their best-of-seven finals series on Tuesday, June 17 (PH time).

There’s no secret formula behind Czechia’s improbable march to the semifinals of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship. Just determination, untapped potential, and belief—qualities that came to life in their four-set triumph over Iran, 22-25, 27-25, 25-20, 25-21, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.Not widely considered contenders in a group that featured powerhouse Brazil, Czechia has defied expectations with steady play and resilience. Now, they find themselves just two wins away from a historic championship run.“I don’t really know [what makes this team unique],” admitted head coach Jiri Novak. “I knew that in this team, I had players with big, big potential. I saw a lot of positive things during practices.”The Czech squad is riding a three-match winning streak and will now face surging Bulgaria, which shocked world No. 4 USA in a thrilling five-set comeback, in the semifinals.“We will play against one of two big teams, Bulgaria or the USA. We will see, we will see,” Novak said before the Bulgaria-USA clash. “Bulgaria is a young team, and the USA also, because they are preparing for the 2028 Olympic Games. We will see.”The semifinals concluded last Saturday, September 27, at the MOA Arena, with Poland, the world’s top-ranked squad, taking on defending champion Italy in the other pairing. The gold and bronze medal matches are scheduled for Sunday, September 28, at the same venue.From underdogs to semifinalists, Czechia’s rise is shaping up to be one of the biggest stories of this year’s World Championship—a reminder that in volleyball, belief and teamwork can sometimes topple tradition and reputation.

Jonalyn Halasan of Calabarzon bagged another gold medal for the region after ruling the secondary girls division of triple jump at 11.39 meters.This is the 17-year-old’s third time competing in Palarong Pambansa, and her second gold medal after finishing first in the elementary girls division of the same event in 2019.The student-athlete shared she draws inspiration from former long jump Olympian turned coach Marestella Torres. She also thanked her parents and her coaches for their support.“Even when we are not that tall and lean, they always remind us that we can still do it,” said Halasan, who hails from General Pantaleon Garcia Senior High School in Imus City, Cavite.