All news tagged PhilippineSportsCommission

Filipina wushu standout Agatha Wong captured bronze in the women’s taijijian at the 17th World Wushu Championships in Brasilia, Brazil, after delivering a strong performance that earned her 9.703 points. 

Wong, one of the country’s most decorated wushu athletes, placed behind Japan’s Shino Saito, who took home the gold, and Singapore’s Zeanne Law, who captured silver. 

The medal also marks a significant comeback for the five-time Southeast Asian Games champion who was eager to bounce back following her earlier setback at the Chengdu World Games.

Meanwhile, the Philippines also celebrated other medalists: Carlos Baylon Jr. (silver, men’s sanda 56kg) and bronze medalists Russel Diaz (men’s sanda 52kg), Gideon Fred Padua (men’s sanda 60kg), Xander Alipio (men’s sanda 65kg), Jenifer Kilapio (women’s sanda 52kg), and Krisna Malecdan (women’s sanda 56kg).

EJ Obiena returned to competition with a bronze medal at the World Athletics Continental Tour in China, clearing 5.65 meters to finish third. 

Chinese vaulter Tao Zhong and American Cole Walsh both cleared 5.75m, with Zhong taking gold on countback.

The podium finish gives Obiena a timely boost as he heads into a busy September, highlighted by the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo from September 13–21. 

Obiena, the Philippine and Asian record holder at 6.00m, will also headline the Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge in Makati on September 20–21. 

The event boasts a strong international field, including several top-25 vaulters.

Riding the momentum from China, Obiena aims for another landmark performance on the world stage and a memorable homecoming in Manila.

Alex Eala has finally captured her first WTA singles crown—making tennis history for the Philippines—at the WTA 125 Guadalajara Open.

The 20-year-old Filipina rallied from a shaky start to defeat Hungary’s Panna Udvardy, 1-6, 7-5, 6-3, in a thrilling two-hour, 30-minute final at Mexico’s Panamerican Tennis Center. Seeded No. 2,  

The win catapulted her to No. 61 in the WTA live rankings, marking another milestone in her young career.

“First title,” Eala posted on social media, offering thanks to her Filipino supporters: “Mga kababayan, maraming salamat.”

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. praised Eala for “writing history” and pledged stronger government backing for grassroots sports. 

Tennis legend Rafael Nadal, whose academy helped develop Eala’s game, also congratulated her and expressed his pride in her achievement.

With this breakthrough, Eala now owns five titles—adding a WTA crown to her junior Grand Slam triumphs—and continues to raise the Philippine flag on the global tennis stage.

A 14-strong Philippine delegation is set to compete at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Canfranc, Spain, from September 23 to 28.

Led by veteran captain Arnie Macarenas, the team will see action in long trail, short trail, U23, and U20 events. The squad departs for Spain on September 10 for training and acclimatization.

Philippine Trail Running Association (Philtra) Vice President and Secretary-General Tin Ferrera said expectations are measured, as nearly half the team will make their international debut. “Based on training, we expect Top 20 to Top 30 finishes,” Ferrera said. 

Macarenas, a silver medalist at the Asia Pacific Trail Running Championships, will lead the long trail team with Larry Apolinario, Joebert Elmaguin, Elizabeth Dangadang, and Angelie Cabalo. The short trail team features Randolf Gonzales, Romnick Tongkaling, John Ray Onifa, Joy Beltran, and Noime Fernandez.

In the youth divisions, Ken Olver Libo-on and Evan Dian Sitoy will compete in the mountain classic-junior (U20), while Samuel Manuel and Charlotte Muyco represent the Philippines in the mountain classic-senior (U23).

Joy Beltran and Charlotte Muyco, both set for their first international competition, shared their excitement and determination ahead of the event.

“I’m excited to go there because after four months of training, we know we are ready to compete,” said Beltran.

“I feel nervous, but I know I can do it,” added Muyco.

Muyco also hopes to inspire young athletes to try trail running, a sport she believes offers a unique experience compared to others.

“I will really do my best to reach the podium and become an inspiration, especially for our youth (U23). We should encourage kids to start young and explore the outdoors, especially the mountains. Trail running is amazing and truly different from other sports—that’s why we love it.”

The delegation also includes officials and support staff, with the team set to test themselves against powerhouse squads from 75 countries— including the US, France, Italy, Germany, and host Spain. Top Asian rivals include China, Japan, South Korea, and Nepal.

Following a 12th-place finish last year in Austria, the Philippine team is eager to build on that performance at this year’s global showcase.

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) gathered government leaders, private partners, athletes, and stakeholders at the 2025 Sports Stakeholders Forum held at Solaire Resort, emphasizing the shared mission of strengthening Philippine sports through collaboration.

The event brought together representatives from various sectors, including government, media, academia, and the athletic community. 

Business leader Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP) delivered the keynote speech, highlighting the long-term value of investing in sports. 

He recalled the nation’s first Olympic gold medal by Hidilyn Diaz, noting it was the result of years of preparation and nearly ₱2 billion invested in coaches, facilities, and athlete support. 

“When she raised the bar in Tokyo, she lifted an entire nation, adding that the next medal will be less expensive, because the first one will always cost more than the rest.” Pangilinan keynoted in his speech

MVP described sports as a “metaphor for life,” teaching discipline, teamwork, and focus—qualities that benefit families, communities, and workplaces. He also emphasized the power of sports to strengthen national identity, citing France’s 1998 World Cup win, Didier Drogba’s call for peace, and Manny Pacquiao’s unifying impact on Filipinos worldwide.

“Whenever Team Philippines competes, our nation rallies together, united in spirit and purpose,” Pangilinan said.

The PSC reiterated that the forum is a crucial platform to engage stakeholders in shaping policies and initiatives for the continued advancement of Philippine sports.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has announced sweeping reforms in athlete support, grassroots development, and sports tourism, signaling a stronger commitment to youth programs and national sports growth.

PSC Chairman John Patrick “Pato” Gregorio revealed that starting January 1, 2026, the commission will begin funding youth athletes as part of the National Training Pool—a major shift aimed at supporting rising stars as young as 15 or 16. 

“Previously, only main pool members were eligible for PSC funding. But starting 2026, youth athletes will be recognized and funded under PSC programs,” Gregorio said.

He emphasized the importance of grassroots initiatives, citing Cebu’s successful youth program that’s thrived for over 25 years. Gregorio also announced a new pathway for retiring athletes to transition into coaching roles, with PSC-supported training in partnership with the Bureau of Sports Instruction. “Retired athletes can now become coaches in regional training centers, keeping the grassroots cycle alive,” he shared.

Gregorio highlighted the impact of the government’s push for healthier lifestyles, noting the daily turnout of 3,000 people at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex since sports facilities were opened nationwide. 

There are also plans underway to redevelop the 22-hectare Parks and Wildlife facility in Quezon City into “Parks and Sports Life,” a hub for walking, biking, and recreation.

Sports tourism is another focus, with the Philippines set to host major international events between 2026 and 2027, including the World Surfing Championship, Artistic and Rhythmic Gymnastics, Philippine Golf Open, Karate World Youth, Soft Tennis, and the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup. 

“The Tour of Luzon last March reached 103 million views in just 10 days. That’s the power of sports tourism—it creates jobs, drives visibility, and puts the Philippines on the global map,” Gregorio noted.

PSC Chairman Gregorio closed the forum by assuring stakeholders of transparency and commitment in his leadership: 

“I assure you of my commitment, honesty, and 100% dedication. We will take care of government resources and private sector support—but let’s do this together for Team Philippines.”

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.

Olympian weightlifter Vanessa Sarno will be sidelined indefinitely after accepting a two-year ban from the International Testing Agency (ITA) for an alleged anti-doping rule violation, combined with personal circumstances including her pregnancy.

Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas (SWP) president Monico Puentevella confirmed that the 20-year-old Asian champion and SEA Games gold medalist is currently on leave from the national team. 

“She got pregnant,” Puentevella shared, adding that Sarno has been away from the squad for months.

According to the ITA, Sarno’s suspension began on August 4, 2025, and runs until August 3, 2027, following three whereabouts failures in a 12-month period. She did not contest the sanction.

Puentevella emphasized that Sarno’s absence is primarily due to her failure to report and her personal situation, declining further comment on the doping issue.

“She’s out for failure to report,” Puentevella added.

Sarno, long regarded as the heir apparent to Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz, was expected to spearhead the Philippines’ weightlifting campaign in upcoming international events. With her absence, the country faces a significant gap in its medal hopes.

Puentevella declined to comment further on the doping issue but reiterated that Sarno’s absence from the national team was primarily due to failure to report and her personal situation.

Sarno, widely seen as the heir apparent to Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz, was expected to lead the country’s weightlifting campaign in upcoming international tournaments. 

With her sidelined, Philippine weightlifting faces a significant gap in its medal hopes.

Laoag City threw its full support behind the country’s historic hosting of the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Volleyball Championship by staging the “Set Na Natin ‘To Trophy and Mascot Tour” at Laoag City over the weekend.

Cignal stars Josh Umandal, JM Ronquillo, and Vince Malinao attended the festivities, which included a mini-tournament at Dap-Ayan Park. The Block Builders, led by MVP John Paul Lorenzo, claimed victory over North Western University, the Laoag men’s team, and Pasuquin.

PNVF and AVC president Tats Suzara expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and acknowledged the efforts of local officials and partners in making the event possible.

“We are very thankful to the City of Laoag and the Province of Ilocos Norte for the warm welcome and enthusiastic support for the world championships,” said PNVF and AVC president Ramon “Tats” Suzara.

The tour, which launched at SM Seaside Cebu, will culminate at SM Downtown Cagayan de Oro.

Fans enjoyed appearances by official mascots KidLat and Hataw, as well as participation from Department of Tourism officials and SM City Laoag representatives.

The 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship kicks off September 12 at Mall of Asia Arena, with Alas Pilipinas debuting against Tunisia at 6 p.m. The opening ceremony will feature a performance by K-pop group BOYNEXTDOOR.

The tournament runs through September 28, bringing together 32 nations for one of volleyball’s biggest events.

Stallion Laguna FC Women are poised to make history as they represent the Philippines in their maiden appearance in the AFC Women’s Champions League this month.

Drawn into Group A for the preliminary stage, Stallion will take on Khovd Western (Mongolia) on August 25, Strykers FC (Guam) on August 28, and ISPE WFC (Myanmar) on August 31 at Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon, but only the group winner advances to the main group stage in November 2025.

This continental breakthrough is a milestone for Stallion Laguna’s women’s program, which has built momentum at home and is now set to test its mettle on Asia’s biggest stage.

“We arrived here early to acclimatize, know the culture, enjoy the food, and the hospitality of Myanmar,” said head coach Ernie Nierras.

“Winning is a habit, and our girls have been working hard. Make no mistake, we came to win,” Assistant coach Clint McDaniel added.

Team captain Chandler McDaniel echoed the team’s excitement: “We’re super excited to be here. There’s a great vibe in the team, and we want to show what Stallion and the Philippines can do at this level.”

Stallion Laguna boasts a mix of veterans and rising stars, including Chandler and her sister, national team goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel, plus Kaya Hawkinson, Isabella Pasion, Charisa Lemoran, and Yanzie Yalong.

With their historic debut, Stallion Laguna aims to carry the Philippine flag with pride and show that Filipino women’s football belongs on Asia’s grandest stage.

On National Heroes’ Day, Alex Eala delivered her own brand of heroism in New York, pulling off a dramatic 6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (13-11) comeback win over world No. 15 Clara Tauson of Denmark in her US Open main draw debut.

The 20-year-old Filipina staged a stunning rally from 1-5 down in the deciding set, then survived a marathon tiebreak to claim her first-ever Grand Slam main draw victory—becoming the first Filipino player to achieve this milestone.

“I’m super over the moon with what I was able to do today, especially coming back in the third. I’ve lost these tight tiebreaks before, so to come out on top is unforgettable,” Eala said.

Eala, now ranked No. 75, next faces either Spain’s Cristina Bucsa (No. 35) or American qualifier Claire Liu, in a tough bracket stacked with top seeds like Aryna Sabalenka, Jessica Pegula, Mirra Andreeva, Jasmine Paolini, and Elena Rybakina.

For Eala, the win was made even sweeter by the home-like energy from over 8,000 fans—family, coaches, and Filipino supporters—cheering her on at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

“I don’t have a home tournament, so having this community at the US Open made me feel at home,” she added.

The thrilling win reverberated back in Manila, with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. among those celebrating Eala’s grit and history-making feat: “She’s only getting started. Congratulations Alex Eala. The entire Philippines is with you every step of the way.”

From the brink of defeat to a place in history, Alex Eala’s US Open breakthrough is a win for herself and for Philippine tennis.

Filipino tennis ace Alex Eala has arrived in New York, ready to make her mark in the US Open main draw as she continues her transition from junior standout to full-time professional.

Eala announced her arrival with an Instagram post from Manhattan, simply captioned: “New York, New York.” The 19-year-old secured her main-draw slot through a steady climb in the WTA rankings, highlighted by strong showings earlier this year, including an impressive run at the Miami Open.

A recent shoulder injury forced Eala to withdraw from both the Cincinnati and Monterrey Opens, causing her to slip to World No. 70. Now, she’s aiming to bounce back and regain momentum in the season’s final Grand Slam.

This US Open campaign marks another pivotal chapter in Eala’s budding career—as the former US Open girls’ doubles champion seeks to make her presence felt among the sport’s elite. With Filipino fans rallying behind her, she’s hoping for a breakthrough performance.

The US Open kicks off on August 26, with Eala entering as an unseeded player likely to face a tough opening challenge. Still, her track record suggests she’s ready to spring a surprise on tennis’s grandest stage.

Filipina golfers Bianca Pagdanganan and Dottie Ardina turned in strong performances at the Standard Portland Classic, finishing tied for 35th and 38th, respectively, on Sunday, August 17.

Pagdanganan endured a roller-coaster final round with a one-under 71, highlighted by an eagle, three birdies, two bogeys, and a double bogey. She closed at eight-under 280—her fourth made cut of the season.

Ardina saved her best for last, firing a flawless, bogey-free 67 to finish one shot behind Pagdanganan at seven-under 281. The performance also marked her first made cut of the 2025 season.

Despite their solid efforts, both Filipinas finished well behind Japanese rookie Akie Iwai, who dominated with a 24-under 264 total. Iwai capped her week with a sizzling eight-under 64 to win by four shots over American Gurleen Kaur (268).

For Pagdanganan and Ardina, the Portland Classic served as a promising step forward as they continued to chase higher finishes and greater consistency on the LPGA Tour.

The stage is set for a wide-open race as the maiden Pilipinas United 3x3 League (PUL) tips off this weekend at Ayala Malls Manila Bay.

Twelve men’s teams and eight women’s squads will battle for supremacy in this new halfcourt basketball showcase.

“Passion fuels every drive, every shot, every hustle, while purpose brings us together to push Philippine basketball to greater heights,” said PUL commissioner Eric Altamirano.

Local men’s teams include David Licauco’s Taho Story A, powerhouse Half Court Group (Hoopjeep), Sidney Onwubere’s YouGuard, and David Carlos’ Activate Sports, along with AMG Physical Therapy Clinic, Smile 360 Dental Clinic, Solaris, and Taho Story B. They will take on an international field featuring Ninja Airs and SBB from Japan, Dame Dolla from Vietnam, and Kuala Lumpur from Malaysia.

The men’s champion will earn a USD 5,000 prize and a ticket to the FIBA 3x3 Kaohsiung Challenger in October, while the top local team secures a spot in the FIBA 3x3 Manila Challenger in September.

In the women’s division, two-time UAAP MVP Kacey dela Rosa leads Gilas Pilipinas Women U23, joined by Uratex Dream and Pilipinas Aguilas.

International contenders include Japan’s Maurice Lacroix, Malaysia’s Harimau Black and Yellow, Vietnam’s Hanoi 3x3 By Amigos, and Singapore’s Jumpshot—all vying for the USD 3,000 cash prize.

Fans can catch the action live on PusoP.com and on Solar Sports via Digital Free TV Channel 21 in Mega Manila, Cablelink Channel 58, Sky Cable Channel 70 in NCR, and over 200 Pay TV operators nationwide.

The Philippines is set to welcome the world’s top junior gymnasts for the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships, taking place from November 20 to 24 at the Manila Marriott Hotel in Pasay City.

Organized by the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) and sanctioned by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) and Asian Gymnastics Union, the event will feature male athletes aged 16–18 and female athletes aged 14–16 from around the globe.

GAP President Cynthia Carrion announced that nearly 1,000 athletes from 79 countries have registered—far surpassing the previous edition’s turnout of 283 gymnasts from 64 nations in Antalya, Turkey. Even more entries are expected as the event draws near.

Carrion described the championship as a “breeding ground for future stars,” highlighting the global appeal of gymnastics and the inspiration of champions like Simone Biles and Carlos Yulo, who claimed two golds for the Philippines at the Paris Olympics last year.

“The Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships will be a showcase of young talent never seen anywhere before,” Carrion said at the official launch at Newport World Resorts Mall on Thursday.

The event’s slogan, “Leap High, Flip Strong!”, was also unveiled, promising an exciting blend of athletic excellence, Filipino hospitality, and festive spirit.

PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio, FIG MAG Technical Committee President Andrew Tombs, WAG Technical Committee President Donatella Sacchi, and FIG officials Stepane Detraz and Celine Cachemaille attended the launch and inspected the venue.

The Manila Marriott Grand Ballroom, which hosted the 2015 Asian Olympic Qualifying Tournament, will once again serve as the competition venue.

With strong global interest, the Philippines is poised to deliver a world-class event spotlighting the next generation of gymnastics stars.

Filipino cue artist Chezka Centeno came heartbreakingly close to a historic gold medal at the 2025 World Games, falling to China’s Han Yu, 7-6, in a dramatic women’s 10-ball final on Wednesday, August 13.

Centeno clawed her way back from early deficits — 0-3, 3-4, and 4-5 — and seized control at 6-5, seemingly on the cusp of victory. But a critical miss in the final rack opened the door for Han, who capitalized and ran the table to snatch the gold on home soil.

The result marked sweet revenge for Han, who had lost to Centeno in the 2023 World 10-Ball Championship final in Austria. 

Notably, this was also Han’s second win over the Filipina in Chengdu, having edged her in the group stage, 7-6.

Despite the painful finish, Centeno impressed throughout the tournament. She rebounded from her group stage loss to Han by dominating Savannah Easton of the United States, 7-2, to move into the knockout rounds. 

She then cruised past Mayte Ropero of Spain, 7-2, in the quarterfinals, and ousted China’s Shasha Liu, 7-4, in the semifinals.

Cheered on by Filipino legends Efren “Bata” Reyes, Francisco “Django” Bustamante, and Rubilen Amit, Centeno showed grit and brilliance — but it wasn’t quite enough to bring home gold this time.

Still, the silver medal is a testament to her consistency and elite standing in the global billiards scene.

The Filipinas were officially dethroned as ASEAN MSIG Serenity Cup champions after a 1-1 draw with Myanmar on Wednesday night, August 13, ending their bid to reach the semifinals.

The defending champions needed a two-goal win to reach the semifinals, but the draw ended their campaign and officially dethroned them. 

Myanmar topped Group B with seven points (two wins and a draw) and will face Thailand, the Group A runner-up, in the semifinals.

Australia U23 also advanced after a dominant 9-0 win over Timor-Leste, finishing second in Group B with six points—including a 1-0 victory against the Philippines last Sunday. 

The Young Matildas will meet Group A leader Vietnam as a new ASEAN champion will be crowned this year.

Myanmar’s Win Theingi Tun opened the scoring with a penalty kick in the 33rd minute, after drawing a foul from Filipinas goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel. 

Nina Mathelus gave the Philippines hope with a second-half equalizer, but the Filipinas couldn’t break through again. 

They had opened the tournament with a commanding 7-0 win over Timor-Leste, only to falter with a narrow 1-0 loss to Australia in their second match.

This marks the first time since 2018 that the Filipinas failed to reach the semifinals of the regional tournament.

Torcaso fielded a squad with seven new faces, but key players like Sarina Bolden (injury), Angie Beard, Jaclyn Sawicki, and Sara Eggesvik were unavailable due to club duties. The tournament fell outside the FIFA international window, meaning clubs were not obligated to release players.

Joining Myanmar and Australia in the semifinals are Thailand and host Vietnam. A new ASEAN champion will be crowned this year.

Gilas Pilipinas’ FIBA Asia Cup 2025 campaign ended in the quarterfinals as Australia showcased its world-class talent, cruising to an 84-60 win on Wednesday night, August 13.

The Boomers came out firing, draining seven three-pointers in the opening quarter—including three from Jaylin Galloway—to take a commanding 29-12 lead. 

From there, the two-time defending champions maintained control, never allowing Gilas to mount a sustained comeback.

Despite the early deficit, Gilas fought valiantly with Dwight Ramos and Kevin Quiambao leading multiple rallies. However, each surge was quickly answered by Australia’s potent offense, which mixed deadly perimeter shooting with strong inside play.

“We made too many mistakes. Australia is one of the top teams in the world. If we want to compete with them, we need to be sharper in execution and preparation. But I think it will come in time,” Ramos admitted. 

The loss marked the end of a gritty run for Gilas, who reached the quarterfinals despite injuries, chemistry challenges, and inconsistency.

Still undefeated, world No. 7 Australia advanced to the semifinals and will face the winner of Iran versus Chinese Taipei. The game also marked the first official meeting between the Philippines and Australia since their infamous 2018 brawl, with both sides showing cooler heads this time.

With this experience, Gilas gains valuable lessons and a clearer sense of what it takes to compete with Asia’s best—especially as they prepare for another showdown with Australia in the upcoming FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

Gilas Pilipinas head coach, Tim Cone gave some insights after the game and realized that their opponent is very superior in terms of athleticism and length, although they were trying to keep the pace slower, but they (Gilas) didn’t have the discipline to stick to that game plan. 

"The Australian athleticism and length, even though you see it on video, you realize that they are superior. We just had a hard time staying in front of them and challenging their threes, so they got up their shots quickly." We were trying to keep it at a slower pace, but we didn't have the discipline to do that," Cone stated.

"We really liked our time together. I like the way we play, I like the togetherness, they are all easy to coach, but I didn't like our performance tonight. I didn't think we stepped up as much as we wanted to," he added.

With determination and the Philippine flag on his back, Carlos Baylon Jr. delivered an outstanding performance at the 2025 World Games, defeating Kazakhstan’s Islam Karimov, 2-0, to claim the bronze medal in wushu sanda on Tuesday at the Hi-Tech Zone Sports Centre Gymnasium.

Baylon set the tone early with aggressive takedowns and sharp striking, dominating the bout and securing a much-needed win for Team Philippines. 

“I am just happy to win this bronze medal,”  who earlier this year also captured gold at the IWUF 10th Sanda World Cup in China. “I hope I can win more tournaments and give pride to our country.” said Baylon.

His podium finish closes out the wushu team’s campaign in Chengdu on a high note, following Krizan Faith Collado’s narrow bronze-medal loss against Vietnam’s Thi Phuong Nga Ngo.

With Baylon’s bronze and an earlier silver secured, Team Philippines now holds two medals at the World Games, with five days of competition remaining. Baylon’s victory adds to the nation’s momentum and stands as a testament to Filipino resilience and passion on the world stage.

As the 2025 World Games continue, Filipino athletes remain focused on bringing honor to the flag and inspiring the nation.

After a rollercoaster ride through the group stage, Gilas Pilipinas finds itself facing one of the biggest challenges of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup: a quarterfinal clash with powerhouse Australia.

Gilas' path to this do-or-die matchup was anything but smooth. Early losses to Chinese-Taipei and New Zealand pushed the team into a tough bracket. That left them with no choice but to face the tournament’s top seed far earlier than hoped.

But if there’s one thing head coach Tim Cone has learned, it’s that this team knows how to rise when it matters most.

“Australia is pretty much the No. 1 seed in the tournament, and for us to beat them it would be an upset,”  Cone admitted.

“But beating Iraq, and the way we won over Saudi Arabia, has given us some momentum. Hopefully, we can carry that into the Australia game.” he added.

That thrilling 95–88 overtime victory against Saudi Arabia — punctuated by a clutch game-tying three from Justin Brownlee with 3.7 seconds left — kept Gilas' hopes alive. Kevin Quiambao also made a strong case for a permanent spot in the rotation. He scored 17 points and hit two big threes in extra time.

Australia, winners of the last two Asia Cup tournaments (2017, 2022), have yet to drop a game in the continental competition. They swept Group A with dominant wins over South Korea, Lebanon, and Qatar. The team was powered by the stellar play of Jaylin Galloway (18 PPG, 3 RPG, 2.3 SPG).

Gilas knows what’s at stake — and who stands in their way.

“Losing the first two games of the tournament got us here. But we figured that if we’re going to do something special, we have to go through Australia at some point. And now that it’s here in front of us, we’re gonna do our best to get at them. We didn’t expect to play them this early,” Cone stated.

This quarterfinal isn’t just a battle for a semifinal berth — it’s also the first meeting between Gilas and Australia since the infamous bench-clearing brawl in 2018 at the Philippine Arena during the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

That incident drew global attention and led to heavy sanctions for both teams, leaving a dark mark on their history. But both federations have since moved forward.

“That was in the past. We understand that and we have learned from that. We just play basketball and that’s what we have to focus on.” said SBP President Al Panlilio.

Panlilio also noted that relations between the SBP and Basketball Australia have since improved, with the Aussies even expressing excitement over hosting Gilas later this year in the World Cup Qualifiers.

Gilas enters Wednesday’s 7 PM (Philippine time) showdown as heavy underdogs, but if there’s one thing this team has shown, it’s their ability to thrive under pressure. With momentum on their side, Gilas is determined to shock the world. 

The Siargao International 6000 Surfing Cup is set to showcase the excitement and allure of Philippine surfing from October 23 to 31 in scenic Siargao.

As the highest-ranking World Surf League (WSL) qualifying series ever hosted in the Philippines, the event is cementing Siargao’s reputation as a premier destination for professional surfing. 

The tournament will feature 128 male and 64 female top surfers from countries including China, Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines, all vying for a $50,000 top prize.

Earlier this year, the WSL staged the World Junior Championships in La Union, and this time, an even bigger event aimed at further promoting sports tourism in the country is set to take place. 

Philippine Sports Commission chairman, John Patrick “Pato” Gregorio emphasizes that the beauty of this kind of sports will help to boost sports tourism in the country and it is an economic driver. 

“This hosting is part of the sports tourism program that we are pursuing. We believe that sports tourism is an economic driver. And why surfing? Because it’s a beautiful sport. And with 7,100 islands, how can we go wrong? As long as we see the leaders really pushing, there’s no reason why we shouldn’t support it,” said Gregorio.

“There’s magic in Siargao, there’s magic in Baler, there’s magic in La Union,” he added.

Nevertheless, this time, this bigger event aimed at further promoting sports tourism in the country. 

“It’s not just for the athletes but for the local communities as well, I love all sports but surfing has a very special place in my heart” said Presidential son and Sports Ambassador Vincent Marcos at PSA Forum.

Also present were Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio, House Committee on Youth and Sports chairman Rep. Mike Dy, Rep. Rommel Angara, Philippine Surfing Association president Dr. Raul Canlas, tournament technical director John Carby, world No. 3 longboard champion Jay-R Esquivel, and Nildie Blancada of the Siargao Surf Association.