Fresh off from their dominant three-day Alas Pilipinas Invitationals, Alas Men absorbed a four-set loss, 25-18, 25-12, 18-25, 25-22, to World No. 49 Pakistan in their game opener of the AVC Men’s Volleyball Nations Cup 2025, Tuesday night, June 17, in Manama, Bahrain.Following a rough start in the first two sets, Alas Men bounced back in the third set with Leo Ordiales igniting a crucial rally pouring 10 of his game-high 22 points to keep the match alive.Down 19-22 in the fourth set, Ordiales teamed up with his fellow National University stars Buds Buddin and Peng Taguibolos to trim the deficit to one, 21-22.

Jia De Guzman is making her Premier Volleyball League (PVL) return with the Creamline Cool Smashers, but her heart and full attention remain with Alas Pilipinas as they gear up for a busy international calendar.Speaking during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum, the veteran setter made it clear that her main focus is on the national team’s ongoing campaign.“Of course, I’m going back to Creamline, but I went to a team that also knows that I have responsibilities also for the flag,” said De Guzman. “This is national team season, and Rebisco management made it clear that they’re fully supportive while we serve the country.”

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

Another Filipino boxing star is set to shine on the global stage, as former world champion Mark "Magnifico" Magsayo returns to action on the Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios fight card next month at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.Magsayo will take on Mexican fighter Jorge Mata Cuellar in a 10-round bout for the vacant WBC Continental Americas Super Featherweight Title, under the banner of Premier Boxing Champions (PBC).It was earlier announced that former Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Eumir Marcial will also fight on the Pacquiao-Barrios undercard, squaring off against American Alexis Gaytan in an eight-round non-title middleweight bout. The inclusion of Magsayo was later confirmed by MP Promotions, further strengthening the Filipino presence at this high-profile event."It’s a great opportunity to fight for the second time as part of the undercard for my childhood hero, Manny Pacquiao—who is the main reason I started boxing. Just like the first time I fought on his card when I was in the featherweight division, this is another stepping stone toward my second-division world title bid at super featherweight. I'm grateful for the opportunity from big brother Manny," Magsayo said.This won’t be the first time Magsayo shares the stage with Pacquiao. He previously appeared as an undercard fighter during Pacquiao’s final U.S. bout against Yordenis Ugas in 2021, where he delivered a dramatic 10th-round knockout of Mexican Julio Ceja.That performance catapulted Magsayo into a world title opportunity, which he seized by defeating Gary Russell Jr. on January 22, 2022, in Atlantic City to become the WBC Featherweight World Champion.Now riding a three-fight win streak, Magsayo looks to continue his resurgence. His most recent victory came on December 14, 2024, when he scored a dominant second-round knockout over Ecuadorian Bryan Mercado in Long Beach, California. Magsayo currently holds an impressive record of 27 wins, 2 losses, with 18 knockouts.Standing in his way is the hungry and talented 24-year-old Cuellar, who brings a solid 21-2-2 record with 13 KOs. With both fighters eyeing a shot at greater glory, fans can expect fireworks when they step into the ring.Meanwhile, MP Promotions President Sean Gibbons thanked Manny Pacquiao for putting Magsayo on this historic card, where the boxing icon attempts to become the oldest welterweight champion in history. Gibbons expressed confidence in Magsayo's chances against Cuellar and hopes he will emerge as the next contender for a WBC world title."I want to thank Manny [Pacquiao] and Al Haymon for putting Mark on this historic night of boxing, when Pacquiao attempts to become the oldest welterweight champion. A win over Jorge Mata will put Mark next in line for a WBC world title shot," Gibbons said.

The East Asia Super League (EASL) and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) are set to launch Future Champions Philippines this September, a program aimed at young basketball enthusiasts across the country.Under the EASL Future Champions Philippines program, the initiative promotes high-quality basketball training and elite-level competition, offering young players meaningful community engagement and opportunities for success not only in national competitions but also on the international stage.This marks a significant step by SBP in focusing on youth development in Philippine basketball.The EASL Future Champions initiative consists of two main components:1. Grassroots ProgramThis will focus on talent development camps and community outreach, strengthening the foundation of basketball starting at the youngest levels.2. Elite ProgramLaunching in March 2026, this will become the premier youth performance program across Asia. Selected athletes will receive world-class coaching, international exposure, and continuous career development support.The goal of both programs is to provide a structured pathway for young Asian players to find basketball opportunities both within and beyond the ASEAN region.Through this initiative, SBP aligns itself with the EASL’s mission—a mission that is also recognized and supported by FIBA at all levels of basketball, from grassroots development to the national team.According to Henry Kerins, CEO of EASL, SBP is fully committed to developing young talent and providing them with leadership experiences that foster both personal growth and basketball skills.“SBP brings the leadership, experience, and infrastructure to make EASL Future Champions the premium youth development program in the Philippines,” said Kerins.He added that EASL leadership is proud of SBP’s initiative and willingness to collaborate for the benefit of Filipino youth.“We’re proud to be working alongside them to build something that can create real impact,” Kerins added.Meanwhile, SBP President Al Panlilio emphasized that EASL’s vision for Filipino youth aligns closely with SBP’s goals for nurturing the next generation of basketball players.“EASL’s vision matches our commitment to the next generation. We’re excited to help shape the future of grassroots basketball together,” said Panlilio.Currently, the Philippines is the first country in the region to be part of the EASL Future Champions initiative. Macau and Hong Kong are set to follow, as EASL continues its efforts to raise the level of youth basketball across Asia.

With two major tournaments fast approaching, the Gilas Pilipinas Women’s team found itself in uncertainty as three veteran players are still committed to their duties with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP.)With Janine Pontejos and Chack Cabinbin serving in the Philippine Army, while Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) MVP Afril Bernardino in the Philippine Navy, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is now working to obtain the necessary AFP clearances for the trio to compete in the Jones Cup and FIBA Women’s Asia Cup in July.The SBP insists it is closely monitoring the situation, but uncertainty lingers as the clearance process for the players remains stalled.Still, Gilas Pilipinas Women’s head coach Pat Aquino says the team is ready to adapt to whatever happens, noting that for now, they are maintaining the status quo with Pontejos, Cabinbin, and Bernardino.

Filipina tennis star Alex Eala is headed to the main draw of the 2025 Lexus Nottingham Open after pulling off a hard-earned 6-3, 6-7(4-7), 6-3 victory over Romania’s Anca Todoni in England.The 20-year-old looked poised for a straight-sets win after taking a 4-2 lead in the second set, but Todoni fought back, forcing a tiebreak and eventually pushing the match into a deciding third set.Undeterred, the WTA World No. 77 regrouped and surged to a 4-1 run in the final set to seal the win after just over two hours of intense play.Todoni’s powerful serve—highlighted by 12 aces—kept Eala on her toes throughout the match, but the Filipina’s composure and grit ultimately made the difference.With the victory, Eala advanced to the Round of 32 of the WTA event, where she will face sixth seed Magda Linette of Poland. Linette, 33, currently ranked World No. 31, automatically qualified for the main draw, presenting a tough challenge for the young Filipina.Eala earned her main draw slot by surviving two three-set qualifying matches—first outlasting France’s Varvara Gracheva, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, before overcoming Todoni.This latest triumph serves as a moment of redemption following her quarterfinal exit at the Ilkley Open last week. It also caps off a solid stretch of grass-court play as she builds toward her highly anticipated Wimbledon debut, scheduled from June 30 to July 11 in London.Fresh off her appearance at the French Open, Wimbledon marks Eala’s second consecutive Grand Slam entry this year. Her recent rise into the WTA Top 100 has opened the door to automatic berths in all four Grand Slam tournaments—a major milestone for the 20-year-old trailblazer in Philippine tennis history.

Filipina tennis star Alex Eala continued to showcase her impressive run at the Ilkley WTA 125 tournament in Great Britain, powering into the quarterfinals with a commanding 6-1, 6-2 victory over Switzerland’s Valentina Ryser.Currently ranked world No. 77, Eala displayed her growing confidence and adaptability on grass courts, particularly in the opening set where she landed an impressive 78% of her first serves.After splitting the first two games, she quickly seized control with a string of aggressive baseline winners and forced errors from Ryser. Though the Swiss player had multiple breakpoint opportunities late in the set, Eala held her ground and closed it out convincingly, 6-1.The second set began with both players trading service breaks, leveling the score at 2-2. Ryser looked set to hold serve in the fifth game at 40-30, but an untimely unforced error gave Eala the opening she needed. The 19-year-old capitalized, stepping up her offensive play to break serve and take a 3-2 lead.From there, Eala dominated from the baseline, pushing ahead 4-2 with deep, penetrating groundstrokes that kept Ryser on the defensive. Despite Ryser’s attempts to mount a comeback, Eala remained composed and in control, ultimately closing out the match in just over an hour.This decisive victory propels Eala into the quarterfinals, where she will aim to continue her strong form and build momentum ahead of the upcoming grass-court season.Eala will next face no.8 seed Rebecca Marino of Canada.

Before she became a volleyball icon, a cover girl, and a fitness entrepreneur, Rachel Anne Daquis was just a young girl in Rizal with a dream and a pair of knee pads. Her journey from schoolyard rallies to the national spotlight is not just a story of athletic triumph—it’s a testament to heart, hustle, and reinvention.Born on December 13, 1987, Daquis first discovered her passion for volleyball during her high school years at Juan Sumulong Memorial Junior College. It was not long before her natural talent and towering presence led her to Far Eastern University (FEU), where she took up Business Management—a course that would later complement her entrepreneurial pursuits.During her time at FEU, she quickly rose through the ranks to become team captain of the FEU Lady Tamaraws, earning the moniker “Queen Tamaraw”—a title that symbolized both her athletic dominance and her influence within the squad. In 2008, she led FEU to a UAAP championship, marking a career-defining moment in her collegiate journey.Daquis’ leadership extended beyond college. In 2014, she was named team captain of PLDT HOME TVolution, proudly representing the Philippines at the Asian Women’s Club Volleyball Championship. That same year, she also joined the Ateneo Lady Eagles as a guest player in the 10th season of the Shakey’s V-League, helping the team secure a runner-up finish.Her stint with the Philippine Army Lady Troopers was equally decorated as she captured titles and awards, including the SOS Clear Skin In & Out Of The Court Award, and spearheaded a championship run in the 11th season of Shakey’s V-League.Her career in the Philippine Super Liga (PSL) only strengthened her legacy. Representing TMS-Philippine Army in 2013, she was honored as the PSL Face of the League, highlighting her dual impact as a top-tier athlete and as a public figure.In 2015, she demonstrated her versatility once again, teaming up with fellow volleyball stars Cha Cruz, Michele Gumabao, and Gretchen Ho to capture the Nestea Beach Volleyball title in Boracay.

Jodi Catherine Dino, who was born on the 11th day of January 2002, is a forward on the Philippine National Women’s Ice Hockey Team who brings a valuable blend of agility, speed, and offensive intuition to the ice.In 2024, Dino was part of the Philippine Women's Ice Hockey Team that competed in the International Ice Hockey Federation Asia and Oceania Championship, where they defeated Kyrgyzstan and clinched the championship.Whether she’s weaving through defenders or setting up critical plays, Dino consistently provides the team with reliable forward momentum and sharp execution in the offensive zone.Her skating finesse and quick transitions make her a constant threat on fast breaks, while her ability to read the game allows her to find opportunities to support her teammates and capitalize on scoring chances.

Illeana Venice Jimenez is a prominent member of the Philippine women's national ice hockey team, widely recognized for her skillful play and contributions as a forward. Born on September 15, 2004, she currently plays for the Mustangs Hockey Club and has become a standout representative of the Philippines on the international stage.One of her most notable appearances came during the 2024 IIHF Women's Asia and Oceania Cup held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. She played a crucial role in the Philippines' campaign, helping lead the team to a strong 4–1 tournament record and a well-earned silver medal finish.During the 2024 IIHF Women’s Asia and Oceania Cup, Jimenez tallied two goals and two assists, showcasing her offensive capabilities and consistency under pressure.Her performance in the Asia and Oceania Cup not only elevated her status as an elite athlete but also underscored the growing presence of women’s ice hockey in the Philippines.

Alyssa Candace Sanchez is one of the standout figures on the Philippine women's national ice hockey team, serving as a dependable forward and proudly wearing jersey number 95.Born on November 21, 1991, the 4'11", 132-lb right-handed shooter has been instrumental in advancing the team’s performance and visibility on the international stage.Sanchez recently showcased her talents at the 2024 IIHF Women’s Asia and Oceania Championship, where she recorded one goal and one assist across four games. With a +1 plus-minus rating and three shots on goal, she demonstrated her ability to contribute effectively on both ends of the ice. Her playmaking instincts and tireless work ethic have earned her recognition as a reliable and impactful presence on the national team.At the club level, she represents the Eagles, one of the top-tier ice hockey clubs in the country. Her active role in both national and club competitions highlights the growing footprint of women’s ice hockey in the Philippines—a remarkable achievement given the country’s tropical climate.Her passion, skill, and perseverance not only uplift the national team's efforts but also serve as an inspiration to a new generation of Filipina athletes. Through her dedication, Alyssa Candace Sanchez is helping shape a stronger and more competitive presence for the Philippines on the global ice hockey stage.

The Philippine Women’s Ice Hockey Team continues to dominate the ice at the IIHF Women’s Asia Cup 2025 in the United Arab Emirates, racking up three impressive wins in the tournament so far.In their third game last night, June 3, the Filipinas delivered a commanding 8–1 victory over Malaysia.Bianca Cuevas (#10) was named Player of the Game for her exceptional leadership and standout performance against the Malaysian squad.In Game 2, the team skated past the UAE with a strong 6–1 win. Rosalyn Lim (#39) earned Player of the Game honors for her solid contributions and presence on the ice.Meanwhile, Team Philippines opened their campaign with an emphatic 15–0 shutout against Kyrgyzstan. Jasmine Alcido (#87) shone brightly, taking Player of the Game honors with an incredible performance.With these powerful wins, the Filipinas are proving to be a force to be reckoned with in this year’s tournament. Stay tuned as they continue their quest for glory at the IIHF Women’s Asia Cup 2025.In tonight's game, the Filipinas will look to notch their fourth straight victory as they face off against India.

As the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) continues its aggressive push towards becoming a fully professional and sustainable league, officials are now setting their sights on launching an official player trade system-potentially in place before the 2025-26 season.Following the successful debut of its first-ever rookie draft in 2024, the PVL is taking the next major step in solidifying its infrastructure. PVL competition director Sherwin Malonzo revealed the development during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum on Tuesday, June 3, at the Rizal Memorial Complex in Manila.“Rookies cannot be traded, but we’ve already floated the idea of trading to teams,” Malonzo said in Filipino.“Rookies need to stay for one season before being eligible for trade. Rookie draft rights also cannot be traded.”The trade policy, while still under discussion, is already being shaped with clear-cut rules aimed at maintaining parity across all franchises—starting with a firm ban on rookie trades and draft pick swaps.To further avoid potential abuse of the system, especially echoing the controversial “conduit” trades that have plagued Philippine basketball, the PVL is also ruling out transactions between sister teams. This move affects prominent franchise pairs such as:Creamline Cool Smashers and Choco Mucho Flying Titans (both under Rebisco),PLDT High Speed Hitters and Cignal HD Spikers (owned by Manny V. Pangilinan),Akari Chargers and Nxled Chameleons (linked through appliance business affiliations),Farm Fresh Foxies and ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles (both under Strong Group Athletics).

Long before she took the helm as captain of ZUS Coffee and earned the prestigious titles of NCAA Season 99 Best Setter and Most Valuable Player, Cloanne Mondoñedo never imagined her path would unfold the way it did. Her story wasn’t shaped by certainty, but by detours, doubt, and the quiet power of unexpected opportunities. Growing up in Oriental Mindoro, Mondoñedo explored almost every sport she could find. She initially dabbled in athletics, then shifted to table tennis—her father’s sport—and even gave football a try, but it wasn’t until a school intramural event that her curiosity for sports transformed into a true passion.She recalled stepping onto the volleyball court for the first time, completely unsure of herself, until a teacher recognized a spark in her and told her she had potential—worlds that would quietly shape her future.Encouraged by her mother, a former volleyball player, Mondoñedo began competing in local leagues, though her progress remained gradual.As she advanced to larger meets and provincial competitions, the harsh reality of high-level play set in. There were moments she didn’t even get the chance to step on the court—a humbling experience that left her on the bench, reflecting in silence and building quiet determination.Rather than giving up, she trained harder, secured better gear, and poured herself into a sport that had yet to fully welcome her. Her perseverance finally bore fruit when she earned a spot in the prestigious Palarong Pambansa—where her evolving talent caught the eye of a coach who would soon redefine her path.

Inspired by the 1990s film "Mighty Ducks", Ice hockey's history in the Philippines began in the early 2000s. What started as casual skating sessions quickly evolved into organized play, with a passionate local community driving the sport forward.But because the Philippines is a tropical country with no winter season, ice hockey and some other winter sports are played on artificial ice rinks. This kind of sport may not be the first sport that comes to mind in a tropical country like the Philippines, but its unlikely rise has been nothing short of remarkable. In February 2015, the governing body of ice hockey in the country, the Federation of Ice Hockey League (FIHL), was formed. The FIHL was admitted as an associate member of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) on 20 May 2016 and they secured Philippine Olympic Committee membership by July 2016. During this year, there were already 211 registered players from five clubs in the country, and the popularity of this sport suddenly increased. A IIHF sanctioned league, the Philippine Hockey League was organized in 2018 fulfilling a prerequisite for the Philippine men's national team participation in the Ice Hockey World Championships. Prior to 2008 and before the formation of the FIHL, club selection teams competed in regional competitions as unofficial national teams. The main league in the country is the Philippine Hockey League which follows IIHF regulations.  A recreational ice hockey league, the Manila Ice Hockey League, is also held.After the formation of the FIHL, national ice hockey teams were officially organized. The men's national team made their official debut at the 2017 Asian Winter Games while the women's team made theirs at the 2017 IIHF Women's Challenge Cup of Asia. The team lost 10–5 in their first official match against Kyrgyzstan. The Philippines secured their first official win as a FIHL member by defeating Qatar with a score of 14–2, followed by an 8–3 triumph over Kuwait, which competed as the Independent Olympic Athletes. The team placed third in their division after a 9–2 win over Macau in the play-off for third place. The Philippines participated at an ice hockey tournament event of the 2017 Southeast Asian Games whose mentor, Czech head coach Daniel Brodan started their Southeast Asian Games campaign with a 12–0 victory over Indonesia. This was followed by their game against Singapore which ended with a 7–2 triumph.This was then followed by their game against Malaysia which saw the ejection of the Philippine captain, Steven Füglister from the game in the first period. He was given a game misconduct penalty for hitting a Malaysian player in the head while pursuing the puck although the skipper said the infraction was an unintentional accident. The match ended with a 7–7 tie after regulation time after an extra five-minute-period which led to a shootout. The Philippines outscored Malaysia to register a win.The Malaysian organizers decided to suspend Fuglister for the final match against Thailand. Despite playing without their captain, the Philippines wrapped up their campaign, undefeated with a 5–4 win over Thailand and clinched the first ever ice hockey gold medal in the history of the regional tournament. In April 3 to 8 2018, The Philippines hosted the Top Division of the IIHF Challenge Cup of Asia, the national team’s first IIHF-sanctioned tournament, at the SM Mall of Asia Ice Skating Rink in Pasay, Metro Manila. The team was mentored by American head coach, Jonathan De Castro. The national team settled for bronze after tying in points with champions Mongolia and runners-up Thailand.The national team improved its best finish in the tournament in the following edition of the tournament in 2019 hosted in Malaysia. They lost to Mongolia in the final, settling for second place. The Philippines failed to defend their Southeast Asian Games title at home in the 2019 edition of the regional games, settling only for a bronze medal finish.The country actually qualified for the 2020 edition of the world event, but the tournament got cancelled due to the pandemic. The team faced similar problems in 2022, rendering them unable to participate.In 2023, the Philippine ice hockey team decimated its competition to capture the gold in the 2023 IIHF World Championship Division IV in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.Sweeping the competition mostly by decisive margins, the wins included a 14-0 beatdown of Indonesia, another 14-0 victory against Kuwait, and a slim 7-6 victory against the host country that took overtime. The title run also propelled the Filipinos to Division III B, where they joined other Asian countries like Singapore, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, and Hong Kong, as well as other European squads like Bosnia and Herzegovina.When not in competition, the players continue to hone their craft under the tutelage of their Finnish coach Juhani Ijäs, and the leadership of captain Manvil Billones, the leading scorer of the Division IV tournament.With the partnership of Philippine Skating Union (PSU) and its energetic head Nikki Cheng, the team practices in several skating rinks across Metro Manila situated inside big malls.One of the focuses now of Hockey Philippines is its grassroots program. According to former Philippine Hockey team Captain Steven Fuglister, Kids can come and get gear for free and they can go to a six-week program, which is conducted every Sunday. “That is where kids can come, you get gear, there’s gear that is provided to you for free. And you can go to I think like a six-week program, also every Sunday. And just have fun, ’cause I think at that level, how you can get the kids in, it’s like having fun and a good time. And I think so far, it’s been pretty well organized.”  said Fuglister.

Rhianne Hailie Jade Alix is already turning heads as a forward for the Philippine National Women’s Ice Hockey Team at the age of 16. She is known for her speed, agility, and smart puck control, Alix brings youthful energy and a fresh edge to the team’s offensive lineup.She is also a product of the Philippines’ growing grassroots ice hockey movement, Alix exemplifies the sport’s expanding reach among the youth. Her journey began in mall skating rinks, where curiosity quickly turned into passion—and then into national-level performance. Despite her age, she has earned the respect of her teammates and coaches with her relentless work ethic, sharp instincts, and playmaking ability.

The Philippine Basketball Association officially approved on Monday, June 2, the one-on-one trade between guards Jordan Heading and Mikey Williams.With the trade finalized, Heading will now be wearing the TNT Tropang 5G jersey, while Williams is set to don the Converge FiberXers colors.

Born in the Philippines and raised in Canada, Jasmin Alcido is a Filipino-Canadian ice hockey player who has earned a coveted spot on the Philippine National Women's Hockey Team. She’s been playing hockey since she was six years old—a sport that has changed her life in many ways. Now, she gives back as she continues to move forward in her journey.Alcido’s goal is to continue playing competitive hockey for as long as she can—an aspiration she strives toward every day. She describes herself as a shifty player with strong ice vision and has been working on her shot, which has seen significant improvement over the past season.She wears jersey #87, symbolizing not only her competitive spirit but also her pride in representing her heritage.Alcido has been playing hockey for over 12 years. Her deep passion for the sport and strong connection to her roots have driven her to represent the Philippines on the international stage.