NorthPort extended its campaign in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup by securing a 108-103 victory over Barangay Ginebra in Game 4 on Wednesday, March 5, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.After suffering blowout losses in the first three games—losing by an average of 20.6 points—the Batang Pier finally found a way to stay alive and force a Game 5 on Friday, March 7.

Marck Espejo’s journey from a young Marikina native to one of the Philippines’ most decorated volleyball icons is nothing short of inspiring. His name now echoes across Asian courts as a symbol of excellence and perseverance.Born on March 1, 1997, Espejo discovered his love for volleyball at a young age. His dream began taking shape during his time at Santa Elena High School. Espejo quickly rose through the ranks, securing Best Attacker awards at prestigious tournaments like the 2012 Palarong Pambasa, 2011 Milo Little Olympics, and the 2012 and NCR Volleyball Regional Meet. His exceptional performance quickly put him on the national radar. Ateneo de Manila University saw the potential in the young spiker and brought him in to join the Blue Eagles’ men’s volleyball team. In his UAAP debut during Season 76, Espejo made an immediate impact by claiming both the Rookie of the Year and the Season MVP honors—an extraordinary achievement for a first-year player.That was only the beginning.Espejo spearheaded Ateneo’s championship dynasty from Season 77 to 79, claiming three straight UAAP titles and dominating the individual awards list with multiple Best Attacker, Best Server, Best Scorer, and MVP honors. He closed out his collegiate career with a historic 55-point explosion against FEU in the Season 80 semifinals, cementing his legacy with one of the most remarkable performances in UAAP history.

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.

Renowned for his sharpshooting from beyond the arc, Rendell Dela Rea aims to fuel Masters Pinoy Pilipinas Basketball's campaign in the upcoming World Masters Tournament, set for May 17-30 in Taiwan.In an exclusive interview with Scoreline.ph, Dela Rea shared on what he can bring to the table when this Philippine team composed of 45 years old and above basketball players face the battle in Taipei.The sharpshooter out of Jose Rizal University (JRU) emphasized the team’s steady improvement as they familiarize themselves with Coach Arlene Rodriguez’s system.“Our camaraderie and teamwork are strengthening every day. We encourage each other and embrace our roles. We’re like brothers here—that’s our team’s advantage,” Dela Rea said in Filipino.“These practices are crucial. When we step onto the court in Taiwan, we need to be fully prepared. It would be tough to compete without proper preparation,” he added.

The University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons made a strong start in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament, defeating the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws in four sets, 23-25, 25-23, 25-17, 25-23, to capture their second consecutive win at the FilOil EcoOil Centre on Wednesday, February 19.This victory marked a significant improvement for UP, surpassing their one-win campaign from the previous season.Jaz Ellarina’s strong play helped FEU take a commanding 14-7 lead in the fourth set, putting them in position to force a deciding fifth set. However, the Fighting Maroons refused to give up, mounting a rally led by Kianne Olango, Joan Monares, and Kassandra Doering, which shifted the momentum and gave UP a 22-20 lead.Despite late errors from UP allowing FEU to close the gap to 24-23, Niña Ytang sealed the victory with a clever push shot that pierced through the Lady Tamaraws’ defense, securing the win after two hours and 24 minutes.

If there's a basketball referee today who belongs to the elite ranks of FIBA, it is none other than Filipino referee Glenn Cornelio.One of Cornelio's greatest aspirations is to officiate in the FIBA World Cup. Currently, he holds a FIBA Black License, allowing him to officiate both men's and women's competitions.He was also part of the recently concluded East Asia Super League (EASL) championship finals in Macau.Aside from Cornelio, five other Filipino referees are accredited by FIBA—Totie Celeste, Aaron Canete, Harry Santos, Ralph Moreto, and Christian Penaojas. However, Cornelio is the only one recognized at the elite level for the 2023-25 cycle.“My goal is to officiate in the World Cup’s main competition. In the last World Cup, I was only a reserve referee,” Cornelio said.For Cornelio, being a basketball referee is no easy task. He believes that referees must always be ready, well-prepared, and highly knowledgeable about the rules, while also maintaining top physical condition."Readiness and preparedness in terms of rule knowledge and physical conditioning should always be a referee’s mindset. Our motto is ‘learning never stops’ because basketball is constantly evolving and improving. Referees must continue studying to stay updated. Basketball knowledge and refereeing expertise should go hand in hand,” he added.Cornelio began his officiating career in 2002 during his third year in college. He later advanced to officiate in prestigious leagues such as the UAAP, NCAA, FilOil, Liga Pilipinas, PBA, and FIBA.His international experience includes officiating in the SEA Games (twice), FIBA Asia and World Cup qualifiers, the FIBA Asia Cup, BCL, WASL, ABL, EASL Final Four (twice), EASL Terrific 12, PBA 3x3 and 5x5, and the FIBA U19 World Cup.Cornelio’s journey serves as an inspiration to fellow Filipino referees who aspire to reach the highest levels of the profession.

In a gripping Finals opener that could very well define the arc of UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball, the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws delivered a statement win, outlasting the five-peat-seeking National University (NU) Bulldogs in a five-set thriller.With a 22-25, 25-22, 13-25, 25-22, 15-13 victory, the Tamaraws are now just one win away from claiming the crown—and they’ve made it clear: they want it more.The Tamaraws weren’t just sharp in execution—they played with urgency and hunger. That desperation was unmistakable in their grit and their refusal to fold, even after losing the first and third sets. FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo didn’t mince his words when explaining what pushed his team over the edge.“We were hungry,” Orcullo emphasized in Filipino. “That kind of hunger drives you to prepare and push through the toughest moments. We knew we wanted this championship, and we played like it.”This was more than just coachspeak. Orcullo’s squad backed up his words with an inspired performance. 

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.

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.

Philippine billiards legend Efren “Bata” Reyes was honored with a heartfelt tribute at Pacman’s Cue Club in Mandaluyong City as he celebrated his 71st birthday last Tuesday, August 26.Known worldwide as “The Magician,” Reyes was surrounded by friends, fellow legends, and fans who gathered to celebrate the man regarded as the greatest pool player of all time. “It feels like I’m not growing old—like I’m still a kid. This birthday celebration makes me really happy,” Reyes said, beaming with gratitude.Fellow icons Marlon “The Marvelous Captain” Manalo and Francisco “Django” Bustamante were among those who paid tribute.“My wish for Efren is for him to keep playing and stay strong. Don’t stop playing, because if you stop, you might lose your edge,” said Manalo.“This tribute is from me and Senator Manny Pacquiao. Happy Birthday. You know I love you so much. Even as we grow old, we’re still here. I hope you have many more years ahead, ”  Bustamante shared.Reyes delighted the crowd with his signature trick shots, proving that his magic remains. Despite his legendary status, his focus is on the future of Philippine billiards. He expressed his desire to mentor young talents, especially in the provinces, and emphasized the need for more support and sponsorship for rising stars.“We have so many talented players who haven’t emerged yet because they lack sponsors. They need to showcase their skills,” Reyes explained.A longtime advocate for billiards’ inclusion in the Olympics, Reyes hopes the next generation of Filipino cue artists might one day achieve that dream. “I may never see billiards in the Olympics myself, but I want our young players to have that chance,” he added.

Good news to all boxing enthusiasts. This sport will get its spot back in the program of the LA Olympics in 2028. This good news was brought by the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) after attending the World Boxing  board meeting last, March 18, 2025. Chairman and Philippine Olympic team chef-de-mission Ricky Vargas heralded this good news not only for the country and the Filipino sports officials but for the sport and all the boxers. “We are back in the Olympics with an international federation (World Boxing) recognized by the IOC (International Olympic Committee). The Philippines made a principled decision to leave AIBA (the old boxing governing body that lost IOC recognition in 2023). We took a principled risk to join (the new) World Boxing. We were first and got elected to the WB board. Now, wow, we are back in the LA Olympics, WB is getting its recognition from the IOC and is here to stay,” said Vargas. Now that boxing’s place in LA is all but a formality, the Pinoy boxers can go about their Olympic quest in 2028 without a cloud of uncertainty. The Philippines has captured four silver medals and six bronzes in the quadrennial Games and will continue hunting for the breakthrough gold in the next Olympiad.“It feels like boxing was reborn and is here to stay,” said Vargas.It can be recalled that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) set aside the inclusion of boxing in the upcoming 2028 LA Olympics due to the issues and controversies seen in the 2024 Paris Olympics, one of which was the gender issue.Meanwhile, Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino, for his part, said he had known all along that boxing would stay in the Olympics.“It’s expected because it’s a favorite sport played by all, it’s just a matter of time,” said Tolentino.The PhilCycling chief and Tagaytay City Mayor also said it was just fitting to have boxing since it was in the United States where the sport was first played in the quadrennial meet – in 1904.“It’s been in the Olympics since 1904, in the USA, and so for LA too,” Tolentino added.

Akari staged a thrilling comeback from a two-set deficit to clinch a hard-fought victory over Farm Fresh in five sets, 25-11, 23-25, 18-25, 25-15, 15-9, on Tuesday, March 4, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig. With the win, the Chargers advanced to the quarterfinals of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference.Ivy Lacsina delivered a stellar performance, earning Best Player of the Game honors after leading Akari with 22 points, built on 21 attacks and one block. She also contributed four excellent digs and four excellent receptions, showcasing her all-around game.Making her much-anticipated return after missing most of the preliminaries due to a hand strain, Grethcel Soltones provided an immediate boost, finishing with 11 points, including three consecutive clutch hits in the final set.

Unbeaten WBC top-ranked junior featherweight contender David Picasso of Mexico has officially joined forces with esteemed advisor Sean Gibbons of Knuckleheads Boxing, who also serves as COO of Manny Pacquiao’s Promotions.In a bold statement, Gibbons voiced his enthusiasm about the potential of both Picasso—set to compete on the undercard of Pacquiao’s highly anticipated return against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on July 19—and the undisputed 122-lb champion Naoya Inoue.Gibbons emphasized that victories from both fighters could pave the way for a monumental showdown between Inoue and Picasso this December in Saudi Arabia.In addition to guiding Picasso, Gibbons also represents former champions Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz and Mark Magsayo, who are featured on the Pacquiao card. He has also successfully propelled numerous fighters to world titles and defenses, including IBF 130-lb champion Eduardo “Sugar” Nunez, IBF junior bantamweight champion Willibaldo Garcia, IBF minimumweight champion Pedro Taduran, and newly crowned WBC interim flyweight champion Francisco Rodriguez.“I am genuinely thrilled to work with David Picasso. It’s a blessing to collaborate with some of the most significant names in Mexican boxing, and David is on the verge of fighting for Inoue’s belts. I am deeply committed to helping him realize his aspirations,” Gibbons stated.He also expressed gratitude to Al Haymon of Premier Boxing Champions for securing Picasso—whose impressive record stands at 31-0-1 (17 KOs)—a spot on the July 19 card following the withdrawal of another opponent.Gibbons’ remarkable history of guiding a wide array of Mexican fighters to championship glory fuels his confidence in Picasso’s future.“Inoue has only two elite challengers left in his division: Akhmadaliev and Picasso,” Gibbons noted.

Filipina tennis player Alex Eala concluded her bid for the 2025 Australian Open after bowing to Croatia’s Jane Fett in the first round, 5-7, 2-6, on Tuesday, January 7, at Melbourne Park, Australia. Eala fell short of advancing, especially in the second set when the 27th seed Fett further exacerbated the Filipina's problems, even though she was riding high after her first-ever WTA semifinal in Canberra prior to the Aussie Open.The 19-year-old Filipina forced a 5-5 tie after rallying from a 2-5 disadvantage in the first set, but Fett broke her serve to take the lead again.

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has thrown its full support behind President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for a healthier, more active citizenry by officially opening its track and field facilities to the public—free of charge.This initiative follows the President’s remarks during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 28, where he raised concern over the increasing weight among Filipinos aged 20 and above. Marcos urged the public to engage in physical activities and called on local government units (LGUs) to revitalize public spaces such as parks and plazas to encourage outdoor movement.“Let’s promote the organization of games, sports leagues, fun runs, fun walks, as well as aerobics and Zumba sessions,” said Marcos. He also announced plans to implement “car-free Sundays” in more cities, expanding on similar programs already in place in parts of Metro Manila.

On March 25, 2025, the Philippines men's football team will play its first home game against the Maldives in a crucial AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifier at New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac.Since Rizal Memorial Stadium remains under renovation, the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) has adeptly organized the event at New Clark City Athletics Stadium, ensuring a top-tier experience for both players and fans.It will be the first time the national football team plays at New Clark City Athletics Stadium, though the venue previously hosted two matches of the Philippines Football League in 2022.The Philippine men's football team begins its campaign to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 following its successful run in the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup, where the country reached the semifinals for the first time since 2018.Meanwhile, the Maldives, an island nation with a population of approximately 500,000, considers football its most popular sport.The country's passion for football is evident through its competitive Dhivehi Premier League, which features top clubs like Maziya, the reigning champions with five titles.The Maldives will also face Tajikistan and Timor-Leste in the qualifiers, now in its third and final round, where the top teams from each of the six groups qualify for the Asian Cup.The Philippines enters this match as the clear favorite, boasting a strong squad and the advantage of playing on home turf. A victory would significantly enhance their prospects of securing a spot in the AFC Asian Cup 2027, one of Asia's most prestigious football tournaments.