Japan B.League squad, Ryukyu Golden Kings survive Meralco’s power surge to get their first win in the East Asia Super League (EASL), 77-74, Wednesday night, October 16, at the Okinawa Arena, Japan.The runner-up of last year’s B.League weathered the storm that the Bolts made in the final 2:50 minutes of play.Meralco came back from a 66-77 deficit through an 8-0 run to cut down the lead to only three points with 41.7 seconds remaining.Allen Durham, who’s playing against his former team for the first time, had a chance to force the game into overtime but his attempt was swatted by Ryukyu import Victor Law.Durham finished the game with 18 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, while his fellow Bolts reinforcement DJ Kennedy produced 30 markers and 12 boards.Chris Newsome led the local unit with 18.The winning team relied on the heroics of Law, who contributed a double-double of 18 points and 12 rebounds.Jack Cooley, the Golden Kings other import, also got 18 markers along with seven boards, while naturalized player Alex Kirk put up 12.Ryukyu now topped Group B with a 1-0 record, while Meralco split their games to have a 1-1 team standing.The next game assignment for the Bolts will be the Busan KCC Egis of the Korean Basketball League whom they will face on November 13 at the Philsports Arena.

Cignal launched its ambitious campaign by putting its whole force on Farm Fresh and crushing them with a swift victory of 25-15, 25-18, 25-21 in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference at the Ynares Center Antipolo on Saturday, November 16.The HD Spikers were led by team captain Ces Molina and Jovelyn Fernandez, who took Chin Basas' starting opposite spiker position.Molina scored a game-high 14 points, including 11 attacks and three serve aces. Meanwhile, Fernandez performed admirably in her new role, scoring 11 markers — 10 of which came from attacks. Cignal played a nearly flawless game, committing only 11 errors, while Farm Fresh battled with 21 unforced blunders.

La Salle-EcoOil concluded its 2024 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference campaign with straight sets, 25-19, 25-22, 25-18, victory over VNS on Sunday, December 1, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.The Green Oilers missed out on the Final Four despite a strong start that included four straight victories."I said just enjoy it. It was somehow disappointing in a sense that we didn't make it to the Final Four, but I'm hoping that with all our losses, we have learned something," said head coach Jose Roque, reflecting on the team's campaign.

Farm Fresh emerged victorious over sister team ZUS Coffee off a four-set decision, 26-24, 13-25, 25-21, 25-19, in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Thursday, December 6, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. After barely winning the opening set and getting slumped in the second, the Foxies regained their rhythm and immediately corrected the mistakes in the last two frames to secure the win and post an even 2-2 win-loss record.Jovelyn Gonzaga's attack error at 19-15 gave the Foxies a four-point lead after the game had started neck and neck in the fourth set.With momentum on their side, Trisha Tubu propelled Farm Fresh ahead to gain its largest lead at 23-16.“We observe how they move, and if we see something that doesn’t align with their usual play, we need to correct it immediately, and that’s what happened earlier,” said Farm Fresh head coach Edson Bocboc. “In the first two sets, they were really off, so those are the things we need to fix. They still need to get used to competing and playing in more matches,” he added.

Petro Gazz wins another game against PLDT.Petro Gazz got their fourth win in the PVL All-Filipino Conference against PLDT, 12-25, 25-14, 25-22, 25-20, on Tuesday night, December 10, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City .Brooke Van Sickle and Myla Pablo led the Angels to victory. Van Sickle poured in 21 points on 18 attacks, two blocks and one service ace, while Pablo added her 19 markers on 17 attacks and two rejections.“We just stayed together. We make things happen in every challenge that we face. We have a good turnaround. We just focused on our game. We know this team can be better and we showed it today,” Van Sickle said.

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.

Filipino-American standouts Brooke Van Sickle, MJ Phillips, and Tia Andaya are gearing up for their potential national team debut in the upcoming VTV Cup in Vietnam.This year marks the third consecutive appearance of a Philippine team in the VTV Cup.Alas Women head coach Jorge Souza de Brito expressed that the trio were not able to suit up for the AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup due to pending eligibility requirements under the Philippine Federation.Fortunately, their documentation is reportedly nearing its completion.De Brito also confirmed last week that Van Sickle had already joined the national team’s training alongside Phillips, Andaya, Maddie Madayag, and Alleiah Malaluan. 

Training in sweltering 100-degree heat is about more than just building physical endurance; it’s driven by purpose, passion, and a desire to leave a meaningful legacy.When the sun blazes overhead and every part of you screams to give up, that’s when your true motivation is put to the ultimate test. So the real question is: Are you staying motivated?For Jared “The Monkey God” Brooks, training isn’t only about personal ambition—it’s about the next generation. The 17- and 18-year-olds who carry the same dreams he once held.Brooks has the privilege of shaping their journeys, guiding them, and standing beside them as they strive for greatness. That’s what God desires, and that’s where true fulfillment lies.This journey is not without its challenges. Fatigue, injury, and family pressures weigh heavily. But he made a steadfast commitment: he will stay the course.Nothing and no one will deter him. And that same energy? He shares it generously with anyone prepared to walk this path with the same intensity.Because this isn’t just training. It’s a calling. A long-term commitment.

Makati FC captured the Girls 13 title at the Gothia World Youth Cup with a commanding 6-0 victory over the San Francisco Seals of the United States in Gothenburg, Sweden, last Saturday, July 19.Nafeeza Ayasha Nori starred for Makati FC, scoring four goals—including a second-half hat-trick—to lead her team to an unbeaten run in the tournament. This triumph marks back-to-back Gothia Cup crowns for much of the same squad that claimed last year’s Girls 12 championship.“We won because we worked as a team and played really well,” said Nori.Chayada Sawangarom, Ariana Gementiza, and Nori all found the net in the first half, giving Makati FC a 3-0 cushion at halftime. The team completed a perfect 8-0 record on their way to the title.“Winning the Gothia Cup for the second time is such an honor, especially since this tournament brings together some of the best teams from around the world. Defending our title was our biggest challenge. The pressure motivated us and gave us more reason to win.” said Gementiza. This year marks Makati FC’s 40th appearance in the prestigious youth football tournament.In the semifinals, Makati FC was equally dominant, defeating Sweden’s Boo FF 6-0. On the boys’ side, Makati FC’s Boys 14 team exited in the Round of 32 after a narrow 2-1 loss to Latvia’s JDFS Alberts 2, following an undefeated group stage campaign.

Hulk Hogan, the legendary face of 1980s professional wrestling who successfully transitioned into acting, has died at the age of 71.Standing at 6-foot-7 with his signature bandana and blond handlebar mustache, Hogan—born Terry Bollea—was a Hall of Famer whose charisma and ring presence helped transform professional wrestling into mainstream entertainment.According to reports in the U.S., his manager Chris Volo said that Hogan passed away at his home in Florida. Some reports cite "cardiac arrest" as the cause of death.Hogan’s larger-than-life persona, billed as a heroic all-American, drew millions of fans, turning professional wrestling into a global phenomenon and financial powerhouse. Debuting in the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) in 1979, he became a household name in the mid-1980s alongside icons like Andre the Giant and "Rowdy" Roddy Piper.His brand of "Hulkamania" extended beyond the ring, leading to roles in films like Rocky III and No Holds Barred, as well as appearances on TV shows such as Baywatch.Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. One of pop culture's most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s,” WWE shared on social media, extending condolences to his family, friends, and fans.Hogan’s career was not without controversy. He faced public scrutiny after an intimate video was leaked, and later for his use of racist language, which led to his firing from WWE in 2015. He apologized and was eventually reinstated into the Hall of Fame.In recent years, Hogan was an outspoken supporter of U.S. President Donald Trump, memorably appearing at the 2024 Republican National Convention, where he ripped off his shirt to reveal a Trump-Vance tank top.Years of performing took a toll on Hogan’s health. He was married three times and is survived by two children from his first marriage to Linda.

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.If Eala joins, she will be gunning for her first SEA Games gold medal after bagging three bronze medals at the 2021 Hanoi edition.Mendoza also confirmed that the same men’s team will banner the country in the Bangkok Games, while the women’s roster is still being finalized.“Yes, we have the same team in the men’s, but for the women’s we’re still trying to put them together. Preparations for the biennial meet will start by November,” Mendoza said.Members of both squads are also set to compete abroad as part of their training leading to the Games. 

After a rollercoaster ride through the group stage, Gilas Pilipinas finds itself facing one of the biggest challenges of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup: a quarterfinal clash with powerhouse Australia.Gilas' path to this do-or-die matchup was anything but smooth. Early losses to Chinese-Taipei and New Zealand pushed the team into a tough bracket. That left them with no choice but to face the tournament’s top seed far earlier than hoped.But if there’s one thing head coach Tim Cone has learned, it’s that this team knows how to rise when it matters most.“Australia is pretty much the No. 1 seed in the tournament, and for us to beat them it would be an upset,”  Cone admitted.“But beating Iraq, and the way we won over Saudi Arabia, has given us some momentum. Hopefully, we can carry that into the Australia game.” he added.That thrilling 95–88 overtime victory against Saudi Arabia — punctuated by a clutch game-tying three from Justin Brownlee with 3.7 seconds left — kept Gilas' hopes alive. Kevin Quiambao also made a strong case for a permanent spot in the rotation. He scored 17 points and hit two big threes in extra time.Australia, winners of the last two Asia Cup tournaments (2017, 2022), have yet to drop a game in the continental competition. They swept Group A with dominant wins over South Korea, Lebanon, and Qatar. The team was powered by the stellar play of Jaylin Galloway (18 PPG, 3 RPG, 2.3 SPG).Gilas knows what’s at stake — and who stands in their way.“Losing the first two games of the tournament got us here. But we figured that if we’re going to do something special, we have to go through Australia at some point. And now that it’s here in front of us, we’re gonna do our best to get at them. We didn’t expect to play them this early,” Cone stated.This quarterfinal isn’t just a battle for a semifinal berth — it’s also the first meeting between Gilas and Australia since the infamous bench-clearing brawl in 2018 at the Philippine Arena during the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.That incident drew global attention and led to heavy sanctions for both teams, leaving a dark mark on their history. But both federations have since moved forward.“That was in the past. We understand that and we have learned from that. We just play basketball and that’s what we have to focus on.” said SBP President Al Panlilio.Panlilio also noted that relations between the SBP and Basketball Australia have since improved, with the Aussies even expressing excitement over hosting Gilas later this year in the World Cup Qualifiers.Gilas enters Wednesday’s 7 PM (Philippine time) showdown as heavy underdogs, but if there’s one thing this team has shown, it’s their ability to thrive under pressure. With momentum on their side, Gilas is determined to shock the world. 

A major transition is underway for Gilas Pilipinas as veteran big man Japeth Aguilar nears the end of his storied international career, making way for the arrival of Quentin Millora-Brown.Head coach Tim Cone confirmed that Millora-Brown—a 6-foot-10 former US NCAA Division I player with a brief stint at the University of the Philippines—has been officially cleared by FIBA to represent the Philippines as a local, after a successful appeal by his legal team. This means he joins Gilas without affecting the naturalized player quota, fulfilling his long-held dream of donning the national colors.Millora-Brown’s addition bolsters an emerging frontline that now includes AJ Edu (6’10”) and Kai Sotto (7'3”), alongside veteran June Mar Fajardo (6'10”). Cone expressed excitement about the future, envisioning a formidable trio of Millora-Brown, Sotto, and Edu anchoring Gilas for years to come.Japeth Aguilar, 38, has answered the call for the national team since 2009 and was coaxed out of retirement for the latest campaign after Kai Sotto’s injury.“Japeth is a warrior. He’s stepped up for the country time and time again,” Cone said, expressing admiration for the veteran’s dedication.With Millora-Brown’s skillset and basketball IQ, Cone believes he will seamlessly fit into Gilas’ triangle offense, the same system Cone runs at Barangay Ginebra. “He’ll fit well within our triangle system and will enjoy playing that role,” Cone noted.As Aguilar’s era winds down, Gilas Pilipinas enters a new chapter—led by a young, athletic frontcourt trio ready to carry the nation’s basketball hopes onto the international stage.

Rookie wing spiker Alleiah Malaluan wasted no time making her presence felt in her Premier Volleyball League (PVL) debut, powering PLDT to a commanding 25-16, 25-14, 25-20 over Chery Tiggo in the 2025 PVL Invitational on Thursday, August 21, at the Philsports Arena.The De La Salle University standout fired 11 points built on 10 attacks and one ace, while also anchoring PLDT’s defense with 13 excellent digs and nine excellent receptions.Fresh from her stint with Alas Pilipinas, Malaluan expressed her gratitude for finally joining her mother club.“I’m really grateful for this opportunity because I’ve been with the team for a few months already, and this experience has been a stepping stone for me to build a connection with them. Of course, I need to develop that chemistry with everyone,” Malaluan said after the match.

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. 

South Korean Olympic champion coach Ryu Su Jeng, renowned for steering Korea to multiple Olympic gold medals, is being hailed as “a gift to Philippine archery” as she begins her second week working with the national team.Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick Gregorio endorsed Ryu during her early days training Filipino archers, calling her arrival a major turning point for the country’s archery program.Ryu’s résumé includes leading South Korea to two gold medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics and three more at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Now, she is helping Team Philippines prepare for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, with long-term plans for the 2026 Asian Games, 2027 World Youth Archery Championships, and potentially the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.Despite offers from China and Mexico, Ryu chose the Philippines, believing the country has world-class talent. “In the SEA Games, we can win medals. Also in the Asian Games, even the gold. And in the Olympics, we can get to the quarterfinals and then, in the future, a medal,” Ryu said.Her arrival stems from close coordination between the PSC and World Archery Philippines (WAP) president Bing Reaport, who praised Ryu for building a firm foundation for long-term development.“We are very upbeat. The vision is to uplift archery in the country—new learnings, coaching skills, technical skills. What coach Ryu is doing right now is building the framework,” Reaport said. “The morale is really high. She already has a game plan for the SEA Games. Very strategic ang plans and she is happy with the progress.”Discussions are underway for a 24-month contract that may also bring in another Korean coach. Gregorio stressed that investing in excellence is necessary: “If we want to be the best, get the best. Coach Ryu is a gift to archery in the Philippines.”Filipino archers have been training seven days a week under Ryu’s demanding regimen. “In the first week of training, pinahirapan niya ang mga archers natin,” Reaport joked. “But they’re learning. Even the simple things help—the logic, discipline, focus, desire.”Gregorio described this as the start of a new era: “This is the start of rebuilding archery in the Philippines—from grassroots to the elite level. A new beginning has begun, and exciting times are ahead.”

General Trias City, which built the first track and field oval in Cavite province, acknowledged that the facility—now more than 20 years old—has become worn and outdated. Portions of the oval remain under development, prompting organizers to caution athletes about potential injury risks. For this year’s meet, the city prioritized football, archery, and the 100-meter sprint.According to General Trias City Mayor Luis “Jon-Jon” Ferrer, with support from the provincial government, the city pledged to undertake a full modernization of its athletic facilities.“Next year, we promise to make our track and field oval world-class for the youth,” said Ferrer, adding that plans are underway to build a competition-standard swimming pool so student-athletes will no longer need to rent outside venues.Throughout the event, officials emphasized that all these efforts—including infrastructure upgrades and sports programming—are anchored on one priority: the youth.“This is what we offer our young people,” the official declared. “Long live our youth. Long live education.”With renewed confidence, upgraded facilities in the pipeline, and a motivated delegation, General Trias aims to make a resounding mark in its return to the regional sports stage.The city officials and student-athletes of General Trias rallied behind the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship as they geared up for the upcoming regional meet, affirming their commitment to hard work, perseverance, and dedication.“We believe that through sports, we demonstrate unity and sportsmanship,” said Ferrer during the opening program. “Every point, every score, every round is a product of hard work and determination.”Mayor Ferrer added that the Division of General Trias is poised for a strong comeback at the regional meet, calling it “a sign from the Lord that we will rise again.”The official reminded athletes that regardless of who emerges victorious in the division competition, all those representing General Trias at the regional level must honor their role by taking care of their uniforms, equipment, and gear—and by giving their absolute best. “No one gets hurt, no one gives up. This is our home sports park,” he stressed.

Petro Gazz Angels star Brooke Van Sickle capped a sensational 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference campaign by claiming her third Most Valuable Player award at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday night, November 30. Less than an hour after steering the Angels past ZUS Coffee in the finals, Van Sickle received the league’s top individual honor, solidifying her status as one of the league’s all-time greats.Already a back-to-back MVP in the last two All-Filipino Conferences, Van Sickle joins Creamline icons Alyssa Valdez and Tots Carlos as the only three-time winners in league history. She also earned her second Best Outside Spiker award, finishing second among local scorers and 10th overall with 160 points. Van Sickle ranked ninth in spiking at 35.48% and eighth in digs with 3.23 per set, proving her dominance on both ends of the court.For ZUS Coffee, Anna DeBeer was recognized as Best Foreign Guest Player after a standout performance that helped the Thunderbelles reach their first-ever PVL Finals. The former University of Louisville standout tallied 210 points on 197 attacks, added eight blocks and five aces, and ranked third in both spiking (39.40%) and receiving (45.68%).Other notable awardees included Savi Davison of PLDT, who claimed Best Outside Spiker honors. Davison led all local scorers with 178 points, ranked second in blocking at 0.71 per set, and placed sixth in spiking at 36.86%.Trisha Tubu of Farm Fresh earned Best Opposite Spiker, finishing as the league’s top spiker at 39.53% and 13th overall in scoring with 116 points.At the net, Maddie Madayag of Choco Mucho was recognized as Best Middle Blocker, leading the league with 29 blocks, including a single-game pro record-tying 10 denials against ZUS Coffee. Pangs Panaga of Creamline also took home a Best Middle Blocker award, tallying 20 kill blocks for her ninth career recognition.Cloanne Mondoñedo of ZUS Coffee claimed Best Setter, topping the league with 6.24 excellent sets per set. Meanwhile, Thang Ponce of Choco Mucho continued her defensive mastery as Best Libero, earning her fifth career award while leading the league in receiving at 55.42% and finishing third in digs with 4.46 per set.Rounding out the awardees was AC Miner of ZUS Coffee, who was named Rookie of the Conference. Miner ranked eighth in blocking at 0.55 per set and finished second among all rookies in scoring with 82 points.The 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference highlighted both individual brilliance and team excellence, with Van Sickle’s historic third MVP award and Petro Gazz’s third conference crown cementing their dominance in Philippine volleyball. Meanwhile, the emergence of rising stars such as AC Miner and Trisha Tubu signals a bright future for the league.

UAAP Season 86 volleyball runner-up University of Santo Tomas avoided an early exit after triumphing over debuting Team SOCCSKSARGEN in Pool B of the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) National Invitationals at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Thursday, July 11.Composed mostly of rookies looking to gain experience, the Golden Tigresses amassed a 25-17, 25-18, 28-30, 25-14 victory with the team banking on Marga Altea’s 17-point effort to finish the group stage of the tournament.UST avenged their stunning 16-25, 26-28, 25-17, 25-17, 16-18 defeat at the hands of University of Batangas Lady Brahmans last Wednesday, July 10.Abigail Sinson also contributed 13 points, including an ace that gave UST a commanding lead in the fourth set, while Kaizah Huyno added 11 markers.“We still have a lot to improve on, especially our communication. As a new team, it is super hard for all of us because coming from different schools and regions, we only have five core members of the UST girls volleyball team so it is super hard to pull us all together. But we were able to find a way and I hope this will continue,” said Altea after the match.Team SOCCSKSARGEN, a selection squad from Southern Mindanao, got 16 points from Janelle Maignos while Tresha Parong and Shendy Acebo scored seven and six markers, respectively.Meanwhile, University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) defeated Lyceum of the Philippines University, 25-19, 17-25, 25-23, 25-19, in Pool C.Ressel Pedroza displayed her scoring prowess with 15 points to lead the reigning Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc (CESAFI) champion to an all-important win over the NCAA Season 99 third placers, boosting its chances of advancing into the next round.The Lady Panthers bounced back from an opening day 13-25, 15-25, 17-25 loss to Far Eastern University to close the group stage with a 1-1 slate.    USPF will secure a quarters seat if the Lady Tamaraws beat the Lady Pirates on Friday.

Cash incentives await some student-athletes representing the Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVIRAA) in the 2024 Palarong Pambansa.Asia Paraase, a student-athlete from Pajo National High School, who bagged the first gold medal for the 64th Palarong Pambansa on Thursday, July 11, will receive a cash incentive from Lapu-Lapu Government after demonstrating an exceptional performance during the secondary girls 3,000-meter run category.Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan acknowledged Paraase’s achievement and assured athletes from the city that they would be granted an unspecified amount worth of cash incentives.“We are happy and proud that the first gold medal came from an athlete from Lapu-Lapu. This brings great pride to our city,” said Chan.Participating student-athletes who will clinch gold, silver, and bronze medals will be rewarded.The City Sports Commission will recommend the budget allocation that will be approved and passed by the City Council.