When Jann So Tiong first stepped onto the ice, it was not competition that greeted him, it was curiosity. What began as a casual public skating session with his parents soon turned into a lifelong passion.“We happened to run into one of my mom’s college friends whose son played ice hockey,” he recalled. “They let me try it, and I just soon grew to love it.”Born on February 1, 2002, Jann is a solid defenseman for the Philippine Ice Hockey Team. What drives him most is not personal glory, but the privilege of representing his country on the international stage.“In one word, it’s honor,” he said. “You don’t always get the opportunity to represent your country. I take so much pride and honor in playing for the Philippines.”For the University of Santo Tomas product, the team is not just a group of athletes, it is family.“We are all different in terms of age,” he explained. “There are older ones we look up to like kuyas, and younger ones too. Our coaches and team manager are like fathers or titos.”The family-like bond goes beyond camaraderie; it was built on accountability and respect. “Even the younger ones can call out the older ones if something’s wrong,” he said. “We keep each other accountable, whether it’s about discipline or teamwork.”This close-knit culture, he believes, is what fuels the team’s growth and strengthens their unity on ice.As one of the national team’s rising defensive anchors, Jann has his eyes set on both personal and team achievements. “Of course, I want to help the country move up divisions in our world championship ranking,” he shared. “And I want to bring pride to the Philippines by winning medals, whether in the SEA Games or other tournaments.”Individual recognition would be nice, he admitted, but it is not his main goal. “I’d rather get a gold medal for the country than any personal award,” the San Juan native said, reflecting his team-first mindset.Outside of hockey, Jann enjoys a grounded, family-oriented life. “When I’m not at the rink, I’m either working out or spending time with my family,” he said. “I also like trying different things—new food, new activities. I just like experiencing new things.”His passion for the game, however, always shines through. When asked what message he would give to anyone curious about hockey, his response was simple and inspiring:“It can be scary at the start, since you’re on skates and on ice, but if you give it a try, you’ll like it. It’s something you don’t see every day, and once you try it, you’ll realize it’s easier than you think.”From a young skater in San Juan to a national team defenseman, Jann So Tiong’s journey is one marked by passion, discipline, and national pride. His story reflects the heart of Philippine ice hockey itself, tight-knit, resilient, and always ready to defend the country’s colors with pride. 

The Hiroshima Dragonflies, reigning B. LEAGUE champions (2023-24), edged the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots, P. LEAGUE+ champions (2023-24), with a 72-68 victory on Sunday night, March 9, to claim the EASL 2024-25 championship in Macau.This marks the second consecutive season that a B. LEAGUE team has won the EASL title, following the Chiba Jets' triumph in 2023-24. 

In the ever-evolving world of volleyball, where new stars rise and seasoned veterans step aside, there are some names that never quite fade from the spotlight. Jovelyn Gonzaga, affectionately known as the “Bionic Illonga,” is one of those rare few whose story continues to unfold-gracefully, powerfully, and with relentless purpose.Before she became one of Philippine volleyball’s most revered figures, Gonzaga was simply a determined student-athlete from Central Philippine University, where she captained the school's volleyball team with quiet strength and visible heart. It was there that the seeds of leadership, grit, and excellence were planted—traits that would soon carry her to the national stage.In 2013, Gonzaga caught the nation’s attention when she was named Most Valuable Player of the Shakey’s V-League Season 10 Open Conference. She later called it a “pleasant surprise”—but for those who had seen her rise, it was anything but. Her ascent continued in 2014 when she joined the FEU Lady Tamaraws as a guest player, proving that her skills could shine in any lineup, at any level.The years that followed would be a golden stretch for Gonzaga. In the 12th Season of the Shakey’s V-League, she was nearly unstoppable—earning a string of accolades that included:Best Opposite Spiker – Open ConferenceBest Opposite Spiker – Collegiate ConferenceMost Valuable Player & Best Opposite Spiker – Reinforced Open Conference

UAAP executive director Rebo Saguisag announced that, beginning Season 89, schools will be permitted to include up to two foreign student-athletes (FSAs) in their team pools for all sports.“This was approved this year and, like all our rules, will take effect the following season — so starting UAAP Season 89,” Saguisag said in a statement. Under the new rule, only one FSA can be on the active roster, with the other on reserve.Previously, teams were limited to a single FSA. The change aims to provide roster security—especially after instances like National University being left without an FSA due to injury—while maintaining competitive balance. “For all sports, teams can have two foreign student-athletes in their pool, but only one can be part of the active roster at a time, with the other on reserve,” he added.The rule takes effect next year, as UAAP Season 88 kicks off this week. 

The TNT Tropang Giga showcased their strong defense with crucial stops in the final moments to secure an 88-84 win over Rain or Shine in Game 1 of their PBA Commissioner’s Cup best-of-seven semifinal series on Wednesday night, February 26, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.Despite being ahead by just three points with 1:59 left in the game, TNT shut down Rain or Shine's offense. The Tropang Giga capitalized on the Elasto Painters’ mistakes, forcing four turnovers, including a crucial steal by RR Pogoy off an inbound pass from Andrei Caracut with just three seconds remaining after a timeout.Elasto Painters head coach Yeng Guiao designed a play for a potential game-tying four-point shot, but the attempt was spoiled by a bad pass.While RoS struggled in the final moments, TNT’s shooting, especially from beyond the arc, was on point. They hit 14-of-34 three-pointers, with Jayson Castro and Calvin Oftana leading the charge. Castro scored six three-pointers, missing only one, while Oftana also nailed six.

Former Petro Gazz Angels head coach Koji Tsuzurabara is embarking on a new chapter, having officially signed with the SG Hawks of Mongolia.Tsuzurabara’s contract runs from September 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026, offering the seasoned Japanese mentor a fresh opportunity on the international volleyball stage. He is set to depart for Ulaanbaatar via Seoul on September 3, where he will immediately begin preparations with his new squad.“It’s a fresh start with a new team. Although it will be a short stay, I’m committed to working hard and giving my best for my new home team,” Tsuzurabara told Scoreline.ph.The move follows his tenure with the Petro Gazz Angels in the Premier Volleyball League, where his tactical expertise and steady leadership were instrumental. Last April of this year, the Angels proved to themselves that the win was theirs. They dethroned the Creamline Cool Smashers with a commanding 25-21, 25-16, 23-25, 25-19 victory in their Game 3 battle.For the former Petro Gazz head coach, their championship was the culmination of a long-held dream.Tsuzurabara then never doubted his team. He believed in the players he had—players capable of going all the way.Tsuzurabara was also fortunate and thrilled to have a talented team, including standout players like Brooke Van Sickle and MJ Philips, who not only secured the championship but also earned the Conference MVP and Finals MVP awards, respectively.“I trust the players we could win. I’m lucky to have a great team with great players,”  Tsuzurabara said.And now in Mongolia, Tsuzurabara aims to bring the same experience and passion as he leads the SG Hawks in their upcoming campaign.

In a show of unity and commitment, the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), and the Office of the Chef de Mission (CDM) came together for a Coordination Meeting of the Task Force for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, set to take place in Thailand next year.The meeting, attended by POC Secretary General Atty. Wharton R. Chan, PSC Executive Director Atty. Guillermo B. Iroy Jr., and Chef de Mission Dr. Jose Raul Canlas, underscored the country’s collective effort to ensure smooth preparation and strong representation in the regional meet.According to the POC, the session aimed to strengthen coordination among key sports bodies and address logistical, administrative, and performance-related plans for the Filipino athletes bound for the 2025 SEA Games.“This coordination is essential to ensure that our athletes get the support and structure they need to perform at their best,” said Dr. Canlas.With a spirit of “Strength in Unity,” the collaboration signals a unified front for Team Philippines — as the nation’s top sports leaders rally behind the athletes set to bring pride and glory to the country in Thailand.

The Philippine handball squads are all gearing up to reach new heights as they compete in the beach and indoor events of the upcoming regional and continental tournaments this year.After their fruitful campaign in the recently concluded Southeast Asian Beach Handball Championships in Suphanburi, Thailand, where they copped the gold and bronze medals last week after beating Vietnam in the men’s final, 2-1, highlighted by a thrilling 9-8 win via a shootout, while the women’s side, bagged the bronze medal.Philippine men’s national beach handball team member Rafael Agtarap is more confident at the country’s delegates to the sport in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games later this year.“Magandang experience sa amin ito, magandang fuel para ma-boost yung preparations namin sa SEA Games,” Agtarap said in the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum.Before that, the Philippine handball squad are also eyed for another task as they vie in the 10th Asian Men’s and Women’s Beach Championship which will be held in Muscat, Oman, slated from May 1 to 10.The tournament, according to national team head coach Gab De Guzman, plays a key role in the preparation of the Filipino handballers as they aim to make an impact in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December.“Siguro we need to practice more and have a training camp, kasi if you really want a shot at a gold medal in the SEA Games, these coming few months talaga is critical. And like what we did on the beach, we believe we can perform at a high level in this coming Southeast Asian Games,” said the handball team coach.Tough tests await the men’s team as Qatar, Iran, Pakistan, and host Oman are taking part in the week-long tilt. The women's crew, meanwhile, braces for powerhouse Vietnam, India, and Hong Kong.The country hasn’t won a gold medal yet in handball in the SEA Games, with the men’s beach team copping the silver in the 2021 edition in Hanoi, Vietnam.The Asian meet also serves as a qualifier for the World Handball Championships slated in Germany in January 2027.

Filipina Muay Thai fighter Islay Erika Bomogao's birthday wish has been granted as she won her debut in ONE Championship against her Japanese foe, Fuu.One of her dreams has been fulfilled when she entered the ONE Championship ring, and it became more special when she got the win during her natal day.The Muay Thai fighter from the Philippines earned a unanimous decision to win over her Japanese opponent on Friday night at the Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.Bomogao's opponent came out swinging which momentarily caught by Filipina fighter off guard. It did not take long for the Filipina to adjust, and she threw sneaky kicks up top while unleashing quick punches and elbows.The Japanese  fighter pressed the action in round two, but it was Bomogao who landed cleaner with her counterstriking.Fuu continued to move forward in the third and final round but was mostly on the receiving end of Bomogao's lengthy kicks that kept her at bay.

PLDT secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference after overcoming ZUS Coffee in a hard-fought match, 20-25, 25-20, 25-20, 26-24, on Tuesday night, March 4, at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City. Head coach Rald Ricafort acknowledged the challenge posed by ZUS Coffee, led by coach Jerry Yee, stating that their opponents surprised them in the opening set. However, he was pleased with his team’s ability to recover and execute well, especially in the crucial moments of the fourth set.  

It is no surprise that the foundation of Rain or Shine has been built through the camaraderie of homegrown talents, who are thirsty to prove their worth and place in the fiercely competed Philippine Basketball Association, or PBA.The Elasto Painters’ roster now boasts an abundance of options on offense and defense, a pivotal balance that could anchor the team away from their 12-year drought of the Governor’s Cup win.Seasoned veterans might have propelled the team with its depth that proves they could etch their name as one of the most formidable teams, but with the Rain or Shine being bolstered by young players, especially with this year’s draft picks, they might have a chance to attain the crown that was once in their hands.No.7 overall pick in the draft, Caelan Tiongson proves that it is not too late to pursue one’s dream even at 32. With his impressive credentials, Tiongson is no longer a stranger to the sport. A lot of PBA teams wanted to capitalize on Tiongson’s experience since showcasing his impressive play in the ASEAN Basketball League, starting with Chong Son Kung Fu and then Alab Pilipinas. Tiongson came out of his retirement in 2021 to take another shot at a hoops career by suiting up for the Taoyuan Leopards of the T1 League in Taiwan before coming back to the Philippines to play for Strong Group in the 43rd William Jones Cup. The 6-foot-5 Filipino-American forward reaped the expectations of Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao as he boosts the team’s frontline when it comes not only to the offense but also to the defense.“I don't treat Caelan as a rookie anymore,” coach Yeng told Scoreline.ph. “He has played a lot. So, you know his mentality is like a veteran’s.”When asked regarding his experience under coach Yeng’s wing, Tiongson shared that he has been great so far and that his gameplay style is different from what he was used to. “This is the first time I've played this kind of style of basketball. I'm used to a slower style. So, he just preaches a lot of confidence,” said Tiongson. “Still getting used to it for sure. I have enjoyed playing for him. He wants to win, and that’s really what's important when I play for a coach.” 

Manny Pacquiao and Mario Barrios will be entering their fight next week, each armed with key weapons. It will be a matter of which one neutralizes the other."Remember, in boxing, speed is the key," Pacquiao stated recently in an interview.Although he's already 46 years old, the Filipino boxing icon insists he hasn’t skipped a beat, with his trainers and onlookers in Los Angeles affirming his solid workouts over the past few weeks.Pacquiao is ending a four-year retirement to try and dethrone Barrios, the reigning World Boxing Council welterweight champion, on July 19 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Hong Kong Eastern captured their third straight victory in the East Asia Super League (EASL) 2024-25 Home-and-Away season against the San Miguel Beermen on Wednesday night, January 15, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.Eastern started the game with an 11-1 run and finished the opening period with a 30-11 lead, highlighted by slam dunks and three-point play opportunities.The Beermen tried to bounce back in the second period as Jericho Cruz, June Mar Fajardo, and Don Trollano led SMB's 8-2 blast to trim down the lead, but HKE weathered the storm and still had a 16-point lead at the half.In the third canto, SMB cut down the lead once again to 10 but the grit of the Hong Kong team was too much as they brought a 20-point advantage entering the fourth quarter of play, 50-70.

The Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) officially launched its inaugural professional season on Sunday, June 29, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, marking a major milestone for Filipina athletes in the sport of basketball.Six pioneering teams—Batangas New Zealand Bluefire, Pangasinan Solar Home Suns, RK Hoops Quezon City, Discovery Perlas Rizal, San Juan Lady Knights, and Tagaytay Tol Patriots—are taking part in the league’s first-ever pro season.The opening ceremony featured a powerful message from SBP Executive Director Erika Dy, who highlighted the significance of the moment for women in sports.

The UAAP is ramping up health and safety protocols ahead of Season 88, which opens September 19, following the recent tragic deaths of two young basketball players during training.UAAP Executive Director Atty. Rebo Saguisag stressed at Wednesday’s preseason press conference that while emergency medical services and health protocols have long been in place, the league is now doubling down on caution—especially during training sessions. “We already have emergency medical services in place for competitions. But we’re making sure that athletes undergo proper pre-participation medical screening and reminding schools to be even more vigilant at their training venues,” Saguisag said. The renewed push for athlete safety follows the deaths of National University’s Ashlyn Abong, 18, who collapsed during training on June 28, and University of the Philippines recruit Israel Friday, 19, who died after collapsing at practice on August 20.In response, member schools have also implemented stricter protocols. At UP, the Office of Athletics and Sports Development now requires all students, including athletes, to undergo medical evaluations before enrollment. Student-athletes must also pass a Pre-Participation Medical Sports Evaluation (PMSE) and additional cardiovascular screenings before joining their teams.“They have to undergo tests. Even if they’ve completed the PMSE, further clearance is needed to detect any existing medical conditions,” explained UP’s Bo Perasol.As Season 88 approaches, the UAAP is sending a clear message: while competition is central to collegiate sports, athlete safety remains the top priority.

In a country where sun blazes year-round and basketball courts are found on nearly every corner, the idea of building a national ice hockey team might seem impossible. Yet, inside the cold confines of the rink, Finnish coach Juhani “Jay” Ijäs is helping the Philippine Men’s National Ice Hockey Team carve out a story that’s both unlikely and inspiring.Having led the squad for the past three years, Coach Jay witnessed the sport’s evolution firsthand, from its early days to its growing presence on the international stage.“The Philippines started to go international in 2017,” he said. “There were half Filipino players who helped build the program, some of them are still playing today, but now it is a good blend of older and younger players.”Since making their international debut, the Filipino ice warriors have steadily gained recognition across Southeast Asia and is currently ranked 54th in the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Ranking. While the program remains relatively young, he sees its progress as a testament to the players’ passion and perseverance, proof that love for the sport can thrive even in the tropics. When Coach Jay arrived in the Philippines, he knew the challenges ahead: limited ice time, scarce training facilities, and a small player base. Yet, the Finnish tactician, who grew up surrounded by one of Europe’s most hockey-crazed cultures, approached it with patience and optimism.“We are still a very small and young program,” he said. “Not only the national team, but we also need to recruit more younger players so that ice hockey will continue to grow in the Philippines.”He believes that the real growth begins at the grassroots. Beyond building elite athletes, it is about introducing the sport to the next generation, one child at a time.To ensure the ice hockey’s long-term future, Coach Jay, who is also the program director of the team, and the federation launched a “Learn to Play” program every Sunday morning open to children as young as three or four years old.“It’s not really ice hockey yet,” he explained. “It’s just to get the feel of the ice. We need to start young because hockey is demanding, learning to skate, controlling the puck, and adapting to the physicality of the game.”By partnering with schools and promoting the sport among families, the goal is to make skating, and eventually hockey, more accessible to Filipino youth.Developing both talent and teamwork has been another challenge for the Finnish coach. With limited rink availability shared among men’s, women’s, and youth teams, training time is precious.“We don’t have much extra ice time,” he admitted. “So we have to balance individual skill development with team play. Usually, about 30 minutes go to individual drills and the rest to our game systems and structure.”Despite these constraints, the team continues to refine its systems, relying on discipline, conditioning, and camaraderie, in which Coach Jay emphasizes every session.For him, physical conditioning is non-negotiable. Ice hockey demands more than technical skill; it requires resilience and athleticism to withstand 60 minutes of intense, high-speed play.“We want to be a stronger skating team,” he said. “It is very demanding to play a full 60-minute game, so we cannot get fatigued. That’s the number one thing to be in good shape and be an athlete.”With improved fitness and structure, he hopes the national team can stand toe-to-toe with more established programs in future tournaments, including the Southeast Asian Games.Despite the challenges of promoting an ice sport in a tropical country, Coach Jay remains hopeful. He has seen how the energy of the players and the enthusiasm of young fans can create something special.“Come here to the ice rink and watch our national teams play,” he urged. “It is really exciting, it is a unique sport. And if you don't like the game of ice hockey itself, maybe just ice skating, Philippines is fun, you can get away from the heat of outside and come here inside the cold."From Finland to the Philippines, Coach Jay has brought with him more than just experience, he has brought belief. Under his guidance, the Philippine Men’s National Ice Hockey Team continues to prove that even in a land of sunshine, greatness can be forged on ice.