Young athletes from the province of Laguna showcased their strong skills in sports in the  recently-concluded 2024 Batang Pinoy National Championships held in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan from November 23 to 28.With a lean delegation composed of 176 athletes and 31 coaches coming from different cities and municipalities of Laguna in 13 sports disciplines, the province bagged a total of 74 medals, in which 25 of them are gold, 25 silver and 24 bronze in the annual grassroots competition spearheaded by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).This year’s Laguna delegation performed better than last year, who bagged a total of 67 medals (20 golds, 20 silvers and 27 bronzes) in the 2023 edition of Batang Pinoy Nationals.Meanwhile, the Laguna Muay Thai Team, headed by Coach Preciosa Ocaya-Delarmino, garnered a total of 29 medals composed of 13 golds, 7 silvers and 9 Bronzes. On the other hand, the Laguna Chess Team won 16 medals, while Pencak Silat captured 12, and Santa Rosa Wrestling team bagged 12. Arnis, Athletics, Badminton, Cycling, Karatedo, Swimming, Taekwondo also seized medals for Laguna. National Chess Master Mark Gabriel Usman won a total of 9 medals for Laguna during his stint at the Batang Pinoy this year. Bagging the Overall Championship were the 771-man delegation from Pasig City which dethroned the 4-peat Batang Pinoy Overall Champion, Baguio City, with 105 golds, 64 silvers and 116 bronzes.

The UAAP’s 88th season officially came alive on September 19 with a vibrant opening ceremony at the University of Santo Tomas Grandstand and Open Field, ushering in a new chapter of collegiate sports tradition and pride.Athletes, students, alumni, and supporters from all eight member schools gathered in a spirited show of unity, painting the venue in school colors and cheers that reflected the league’s enduring passion and energy.As this year’s host, UST rolled out its world-class facilities to welcome the league, emphasizing the university’s deep sporting legacy and commitment to excellence.Carrying the theme “Strength in Motion, Hope in Action,” UAAP Season 88 aims to highlight not only athletic brilliance but also the values of camaraderie, perseverance, and resilience that continue to define the country’s premier collegiate league.With the stage now set, fans can look forward to another season of unforgettable rivalries, inspiring performances, and stories of triumph that transcend the playing field.

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.

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.  

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.

Joshua "The Passion" Pacio left no doubt about who rules the ONE Championship strawweight division.The Filipino champion delivered a spectacular first-round submission victory over Russian challenger Mansur Malachiev to successfully retain the ONE Strawweight MMA World Championship in the main event of The Inner Circle 21 at the historic Lumpinee Stadium on Friday.Nearly three years after their first encounter went the distance, Pacio made sure the rematch would have a far more decisive ending.Malachiev came out aggressively, quickly taking Pacio to the canvas and threatening with a tight rear-naked choke. For a brief moment, the reigning champion appeared to be in serious danger of losing his title.But champions thrive under pressure.Displaying remarkable composure, Pacio escaped the submission attempt and immediately shifted the momentum. After reversing position, the Team Lakay standout unleashed a series of elbows and short punches before smoothly transitioning to Malachiev's back.Pacio then locked in a rear-naked choke of his own. Although the Russian briefly escaped the initial attempt, the Filipino tightened his grip once more, leaving Malachiev unconscious at the 4:23 mark of the opening round.The emphatic finish secured Pacio's second successful title defense in his current reign as ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion and further cemented his status as one of the organization's premier athletes.The victory also earned Pacio a $50,000 Performance Bonus, improved his professional record to 24-5, and marked the 10th submission victory of his MMA career.For Malachiev, who entered the bout looking to avenge the only loss of his career, the defeat dropped his record to 14-2—with both setbacks coming at the hands of the Filipino champion.Once again, Joshua Pacio proved that when the stakes are highest, he rises to the occasion. With another dominant title defense in the books, "The Passion" remains the undisputed king of the ONE Championship strawweight division.

Leila Cruz is beginning a new chapter with the PLDT High Speed Hitters, but the 26-year-old opposite hitter admitted that leaving Capital1 Solar Spikers remains an emotional experience.Cruz spent her first two professional seasons with Capital1 after being selected No. 2 overall in the inaugural PVL Rookie Draft. Her move to PLDT marks the first transfer of her professional career.The former La Salle standout said she thought she had already processed the decision before PLDT officially unveiled her. However, the reality of saying goodbye to the team that welcomed her into professional volleyball brought the emotions back.“Super hirap talaga, as in. Sobrang tagal ko talagang grineve… After yesterday, parang bumalik ulit ‘yung emotions and sobrang sad pa rin,” Cruz said.While the separation was difficult, Cruz sees her move to PLDT as an opportunity to revive her career and develop her game in a new environment.“Napili ko ‘yung PLDT because I feel like super mahe-help nila ako talaga mag-improve,” she said.Joining a championship-caliber organization was also a major factor in her decision. PLDT provides Cruz with a deeper and more experienced environment as she looks to earn a bigger role moving forward.Her playing time with Capital1 had been limited, with injuries and competition for positions affecting her opportunities. The move therefore gives the former second overall pick a chance to reset and showcase her potential.Cruz will not be entering an entirely unfamiliar environment. She is set to reunite with several former La Salle teammates and fellow Lady Spikers, including Kianna Dy, Majoy Baron, Kim Fajardo, Mika Reyes and Jessa Ordiales. She will also join former La Salle teammate Alleiah Malaluan.Cruz said the warm reception from her new teammates has helped make the transition easier.“Very welcoming ‘yung pagtanggap nila sa akin and super thankful ako na talagang gina-guide ako ng mga ates and mga teammates ko,” she said.Despite the sadness surrounding her departure, Cruz is choosing to embrace the change rather than dwell on the past.“I trust na lang na everything happens for a reason,” she said, adding that she will still have opportunities to see her former Capital1 teammates during training.For PLDT, the addition of Cruz adds another option to an already experienced roster as the High Speed Hitters prepare for the new PVL season. For Cruz, it represents an opportunity to rebuild momentum and establish herself in a new system.After two seasons with Capital1, the former No. 2 pick now hopes that a fresh environment with PLDT can bring out the best in her game.A difficult goodbye has given way to a new beginning—and Cruz is ready to make the most of it. 🏐💙

Michael Martinez may no longer be competing on the ice, but his impact on Philippine figure skating is far from over.After being offered a coaching role by the Philippine Skating Union, Martinez has embraced a new chapter as a figure skating coach, mentoring young Filipino skaters and sharing the knowledge he gained from years of competition.And honestly, there’s something inspiring about that transition.Michael admitted that he still wants to skate, especially when he watches his students and other athletes compete. But coaching has given him a different kind of fulfillment — helping young skaters improve and preparing them for the future.“As a skater, I get to represent and show what I can really do. But when you’re a coach, you get to share your knowledge.”That may be Michael Martinez’s next legacy.He once carried the Philippine flag on the world’s biggest skating stages. Now, he’s helping prepare the next generation of Filipinos who might one day do the same. 🇵🇭❤️The champion may have stepped off the competitive ice, but he never really left the sport. He’s simply helping others find their own way to shine. ⛸️✨

Kyle Nathan Fabian and Lediviere Joy Hebron captured six gold medals on the first day of the 2024 Palarong Pambansa games at GMall Atrium on Thursday, July 11.The Zamboanga Peninsula dancesport duo dominated the Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep and the 5-Dance categories.“It is our first time at the Palaro, and winning gold is an incredible feeling,” Fabian told the Manila Times in an interview.Hebron shared that their journey to the Palarong Pambansa was marked by rigorous training.“We trained five times a week,” she said.The pair made history as the first-ever dancesport medalists of the Palarong Pambansa in the juvenile or elementary category, a significant milestone for Region IX and their school, Montessori De Zamboanga.This year marks the debut of dancesport as a regular medal event in the Palarong Pambansa, making it one of the most anticipated competitions at the annual multi-sport event.

The De La Salle Lady Archers is getting its own share of basketball stars, as Gilas Girls powerhouse Princess “BJ” Villarin will suit up for the green-and-white beginning UAAP Season 87.According to a report from the Tiebreaker Times, the 5-foot-6 Gilas star has chosen to commit to DLSU, ending her high school basketball career with the NU Lady Bullpups and the NU system in general.DLSU management confirmed to Tiebreaker Times that the UAAP 3x3 and NBTC veteran will indeed make the jump from NU to DLSU.During her high school career, Villarin was part of the Lady Bullpups 3x3 program. She also suited up for national team duty, having played in the 2022 FIBA Under-16 and Under-18 Asian Championship.With Villarin’s incluision in the lineup, DLSU can find itself improving on its women’s basketball record after finishing the Final Four with a 7-7 record. She is expected to start in the upcoming Season 87 and play a full five-year term with DLSU, the Tiebreaker Times report said. (PB) 

Filipino tennis sensation Alex Eala pulled off a double title campaign at the W100 Vitoria-Gasteiz in Spain on Sunday, July 21, capturing the women’s singles title less than 24 hours after claiming the women’s doubles championship.The 19-year-old displayed her prowess as she earned her fifth International tennis Federation (ITF) singles crown after walloping Andorran standout Victoria Jimenez Kasintseva in the Women’s Finals of the tourney, 6-4, 6-4.Eala advanced to the singles championship round after defeating Yulia Starodubtsewa in the quarterfinals, 7-6, 6-4, and Maria Jose Portillo Ramirez in the semifinal, 6-2, 6-1.A day before the singles championship, Eala bagged the doubles title with France partner Estelle Cascino as they outdueled the Bulgarian-Latvian duo of Lia Karatancheva and Diana Marcinkevica, 6-3, 2-6, 10-4, late Saturday night, July 20.“This win means the world to me, it even made me ugly cry. I am so proud because this represents the culmination of so much hard work,” Eala wrote in an Instagram post.“Securing my biggest titles yet in both singles and doubles is a fairytale finish, and I am overwhelmed with emotion. This will always have a special place in my heart, and I leave here with a pocket full of great memories and the will to work harder.”This week marked the best week of Eala’s pro career as she achieved the rare feat of winning both the singles and doubles titles.The world No. 155 seized her first $100,000 tournament in the process. 

Kayla Sanchez and Jarod Hatch are on the mission to end a near-century long drought as they represent Philippine swimming in the 2024 Paris Olympics.Swimming is considered as one of the richest sources of medals for multi-sports events like the Olympics and with the Philippines making great use of the country’s geography to produce exceptional tankers. Teofilo Yldefonso started the trend of Filipino success in swimming - and in the Olympics overall - by being the first Filipino and Southeast Asian Olympic medalist.He nabbed two bronze medals when he bannered the country in men’s 200 meters breaststroke in both 1928 Amsterdam and 1932 Los Angeles Summer Games.Since then, however, the Philippines has been in a constant search of that next great swimmer, one that both Kayla Sanchez and Jarod Hatch would like to snap in Paris.

Carlos Edriel Yulo has truly become the Philippines “Golden Boy” after capturing not just one but two golds in the grandest stage of sports.Yulo won his first Olympic gold medal in the men’s artistics gymnastic’s floor exercise last Saturday, July 3.He became the first male Filipino athlete to bring home an Olympic gold for the country and the second overall after Hidilyn Diaz got the first one in the 2020 Tokyo Summer Games.During the finals of the floor exercise, Yulo scored 15.000 points to dethrone Israel’s Artem Dolgopyat, who eventually got the silver medal by tallying 14.966 points while top qualifier Jake Jarman of Great Britain bagged bronze with 14.933 points. Just 24 hours after clinching his first gold medal in Paris, Yulo got another one by topping the vault finals. He scored a massive 15.433 in his first vault followed by 14.800 in his second to have an impressive average of 15.116.The other two podium finishers in the vault were former world champion and Tokyo silver medalist Artur Davytan of Armenia who bagged another silver with his 14.966 performance, and Great Britain’s Harry Hepworth brought the bronze with an average of 14.949 points. With two golds from Caloy Yulo and an assured of at least bronze for boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas, the Philippines has already matched its four-medal haul in Tokyo - the biggest in Philippine Olympic history.The Philippine Centennial delegation can still overcome the feat as EJ Obiena entered in the men’s pole vault while the other athletics representative Lauren Hoffman (women’s 400m hurdles) and John Cabang Tolentino (men’s 100m hurdle) were relegated to the repechage round. Golfer Bianca Pagdanganan will start her quest for a medal on August 7 while weightlifters John Ceniza, Eireen Ando and Vanessa Sarno will also have their opportunity this week.Having two golds already, assured of another two medals, and six more athletes having a chance to bag more, this can truly be called the golden era of the Philippine delegation in the Olympics while celebrating the 100 years of participating in the Summer Games.

Alas Pilipinas captured a bronze medal finish after a strong showing against Indonesia to cap off the first leg Southeast Asian (SEA) V.League on Sunday, August 4, at the Vinh Phuc Hall in Vietnam.Alas won 25-23, 15-25, 25-23, 25-21, in 4 sets.The win prompted the Filipinas to their first tournament podium finish since back-to-back bronze finishes in its inaugural legs of the four-team meet in 2019, when it was still called the ASEAN Grand Prix. They also had endured winless campaigns in 2022 and 2023.National University standout Alyssa Solomon capped her national team comeback with a team-best 16 points on 14 kills, an attack, and an ace. Eya Laure and Sisi Rondina provided stability, contributing 13 markers apiece while Premier Volleyball League’s (PVL) top pick Thea Gagate chipped in 10 to aid the team. On the other hand, Arsela Nuari Purnama paced the Indonesian team, churning out 22 points from 19 attacks, two aces, and block, while Megawati Petiwi backed her up with 18 in the losing effort.Powerhouse Thailand and host Vietnam will dispute the gold medal, while Alas Pilipinas eyes another podium finish in the second leg of the tournament in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand from August 9 to 11. 

Filipino hurdlers John Cabang Tolentino and Lauren Hoffman were unable to book an outright semifinals ticket and were relegated to repechage following the result of their respective events in the 2024 Paris Olympics athletics competitions at the Stade De Paris on Sunday, August 4.Cabang Tolentino marked his Summer Games debut after clocking in a time of 13.66 seconds, placing him sixth in the Heat 1 of the men’s 110 meters hurdles. Overall, he finished No. 32 among 39 hurdlers with Grant Holloway of the United States topping the race with his time of 13.01 seconds, showing readiness for his redemption campaign after nabbing silver in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.Meanwhile, Hoffman, a first-time Olympian as well, was also dropped in the repechage round of the women’s 400 meters hurdles after finishing 37th overall out of 40 participants with a time of 57.84 seconds, two seconds slower than the national record of 55.72 seconds she set in April.Only the top three racers in each five heats and the next three fastest advanced to the semifinals, with Tokyo Games bronze medalist Femke Bol of the Netherlands registering 53.38 seconds to lead the pack.Hoffman returns to action on Monday, August 5, for the repechage, while Tolentino will get one last shot at the semifinals which will be held on Tuesday, August 6.

Bianca Pagdangan and Dottie Ardina capped off the opening round of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games women’s individual stroke play in contrasting styles at the Le Golf National on Wednesday, August 7 (Manila time).Second-time Olympian Pagdanganan, who represented Philippines in Tokyo Olympics alongside Yuka Saso, started her bid with pars in the first three holes, but three costly bogeys in the fourth, fifth, and seventh holes saw her slipping in the rankings. The 26-year-old then found her rhythm and had birdies in the 12th, 15th, and 18th holes to go to an even par to end the day with 72 at joint 13th spot.Pagdanganan is currently in a logjam with defending gold medalist Nelly Korda of the United States, Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Lydia Ko of New Zealand, as well as world No. 3 Amy Yang of South Korea, keeping her medal hopes very much alive.The other Philippine bet, Ardina, earned a 4-over 76 score, tying five other golfers in the 40th spot with four bogeys and a double bogey in the front and back nine proving costly in her opening-day campaign.Meanwhile, two-time US Open champion Yuka Saso, who is now representing Japan after playing for the Philippines in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, could not overcome an early double-bogey in the 7th hole for a wretched 5-over 77 outing and is tied with the three others in the 46th spot.The second round of the event will continue on Thursday, August 8.

The host country France is heading back to the Olympics men’s basketball gold medal game after narrowly defeating Germany in their semi-final battle, 73-69.Germany started out strong to take a 10-point lead in the first canto of play but France tied the game heading to halftime. Les Bleus built a 13-point lead of its own with less than seven minutes in the fourth and final period. Germany cut the deficit into two in the final minute but France held on to the lead until the final buzzer.Guerschon Yabusele led France with 17 points. Victor Wembanyama had 11 points on 4-for-17 shooting, while Rudy Gobert went scoreless in just five minutes of action.Dennis Schröder scored a game-high 18 points for Germany and Franz Wagner chipped in with 10.France now awaits the winner of the USA-Serbia match-up to know whom they will face in the finals of the tournament.In France men’s basketball Olympic history, they have three silver medals in their bags - all three coming at the hands of Team USA and the latest was in 2020 Tokyo Olympics. This is the French’s 4th gold medal match appearance in Olympic basketball.This year's gold medal game will be held at 3:30 a.m on August 11, Sunday (PH time).Meanwhile, Germany will be battling for their first Olympic men’s basketball medal against the loser of the USA-Serbia match-up for the bronze medal at 5:00 p.m on August 10, Saturday (PH time).

Nikola Jokic’s triple-double led Serbia to win their first Olympic bronze medal in the men’s basketball tournament when they defeated the reigning FIBA World Cup champions Germany, 93-83.Jokic scored 19 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and dished off 11 assists to secure the first bronze for their country in the Paris Games.Vasile Micic backed-up Jokic with his 19 points, and Bogdan Bogdanovic added 16 markers.Meanwhile, Germany was led by Franz Wagner with 19 points while Mortiz Wagner tallied 16.

After crashing out of the W100 Landisville quarterfinals, Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala bounced back from her loss rather quickly after outplaying Julia Riera of Argentina in the first round of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) W100 Tournament in Cary, North Carolina on Monday, August 12.At the women’s singles Round of 32, the 147th ranked Eala overpowered the world No. 119 and eighth seeded Riera, 6-3, 6-1, in a 58-minutes match to move to the Round of 16.The 19-year-old Eala was fresh off a loss from the 2024 Kewer Jewelers Tennis Challenge in Landisville, Pennsylvania over the weekend, losing to Olivia Galecki of Australia in the quarterfinals, 6-1, 0-6, 6-3.Eala is either going to face Hina Inoue of the United States or her former doubles partner Oksana Selekhmeteva of Russia in the next round. The tournament serves as Eala’s final build up for the US Open Qualifiers set August 20 to 24 in New York.

Danilo Fresnido won a silver medal in the Men’s 50+ Javelin Throw event at the 2024 World Masters Athletics Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden.Fresnido clinched the second spot behind Carlo Sonego of Italy with a distance of 56.34 meters.Masters sprinters John Aguilar and Brenda Zinampan together with pole vaulter Judith Staples saw action at Day 1 of the tournament.Zinampan ranked 12th in the 100 meter women’s event registering a time of 14.04 seconds in the qualifying rounds and would move to the semifinals. Aguilar finished 5th in 100 meters men’s event heat 2 with a 12.75 seconds performance while Staples ended her pole vault event in 6th place with a jump of 2.0 meter.On the other hand, Day 2 of the event saw Dolly Claravall in the Hammer Throw with a 27.01 meter performance and a 22nd place overall ranking in the highly contested W50 category.Hurdler Edward Kho finished 5th in heat 2 of the 400 meter men’s event and ranked 19th overall with a 1:10.13 performance. Zinampan saw action at the 100 meter women’s event with a 14.40 seconds, finishing at 22nd spot.Eleven members of the National Masters & Senior Athletics Association of the Philippines are competing in the 2024 World Masters Athletics Championship from August 13 to 25.