The United States men’s hockey team made history last Sunday May 25, capturing gold at the 2025 IIHF World Championship—their first title in 92 years. In a dramatic overtime finish, Tage Thompson of the Buffalo Sabres scored the winning goal just 2:02 into the extra period, leading the U.S. to a 1-0 victory over Switzerland at the Avicii Arena in Stockholm, Sweden.Goaltender Jeremy Swayman (Boston Bruins) was a cornerstone of the win, turning aside all 25 shots he faced to record a shutout and secure a long-awaited title for Team USA.“This tournament and this group rejuvenated me as an individual, I found my game again. I was happy again. This is a turning point for me. To be part of the group that finally did it—it’s surreal.” said Swayman. The victory marked the first gold medal for Team USA at the World Championship since 1933, snapping one of international hockey’s longest-running title droughts. The Americans had reached the semifinals 12 times in recent years without advancing to the final—until now.In their semifinals, the U.S. stunned host nation Sweden with a commanding 6-2 win, setting the stage for their golden moment.“It’s a crazy stat, reflecting on the 92-year wait. “Everyone in that room took it to heart. Whether you were playing top minutes or cheering from the bench, every guy committed. That’s why we won.”  said Thompson.Since 2000, the U.S. has managed just five bronze medals in the tournament (2004, 2013, 2015, 2018, and 2021). This gold represents more than just a win—it’s a statement of intent as the team eyes even greater success.“We were embarrassed that we hadn’t won this tournament. Now we don’t have that weight on our back. This is the start of something.” said head coach Ryan Warsofsky (San Jose Sharks).The redemption arc comes just months after Team USA fell short in the 4 Nations Face-Off, losing to Canada in overtime. This time, they completed the mission.“That’s hockey, man, Biggest stages, biggest moments. We weren’t nervous. We knew it was our time. Mission accomplished, baby.” Swayman added.With the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics on the horizon—and NHL participation returning—this World Championship performance could reshape Team USA’s Olympic roster. Only two players from the 4 Nations team returned for this tournament: Swayman and Zach Werenski (Columbus Blue Jackets).The current group, including Thompson (6G, 3A), Clayton Keller (3G, 7A), Frank Nazar (6G, 6A), and Logan Cooley (4G, 8A), all made strong cases for inclusion on the Olympic squad.“USA Hockey is here to stay, This is just the first step.” Swayman declared. 

De La Salle University (DLSU) got back on track with a four-set victory over the University of the Philippines (UP), winning 25-22, 24-26, 25-18, 25-17 in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Sunday, March 2, at the Mall of Asia Arena.“There’s no weak team in the UAAP today. Every game you play is a challenge,” said La Salle assistant coach Noel Orcullo in Filipino. “Every team plays a high level so you cannot say that the opponent is weak, that's why you need to overcome whatever it is that your opponent is going to throw at you.”Angel Canino led the way for the Lady Spikers with 24 points, scoring 20 off attacks and adding four blocks. Shevana Laput provided strong support with 21 points from 15 kills, three blocks, and three aces. Lilay del Castillo also contributed with 11 points, including four blocks and two aces.

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.”

Philippine tennis star Alex Eala will kick off her preparations for the 2026 season by competing in the 2025 MGM Macau Tennis Masters, an invitational tournament slated for December 27–28 at the Macao Forum.The 20-year-old, who finished inside the WTA Top 50 this year, will join fellow WTA star Mirra Andreeva in the two-day event, which also features team captains and Grand Slam champions Li Na and Conchita Martinez. Eala and Andreeva are the only WTA players in the lineup, with one more participant yet to be announced.Eala’s appearance in Macau follows her participation with the Philippine team at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand earlier in December. She is currently enjoying a short break in the Philippines before diving into her offseason training and competitive schedule.The invitational will also showcase top ATP players, including home favorite Shang Juncheng, ATP World No. 10 Jack Draper, and Jakub Mensik, making the event a high-profile curtain-raiser ahead of the next tennis season.For Eala, the Macau Tennis Masters represents an early test against top international competition and a chance to build momentum heading into a critical 2026 campaign.

The Philippine Muay Wai Kru team continues to build momentum at the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Manama, Bahrain, capturing another gold medal through the impressive tandem of Tyron Jamborillo and Jan Brix Ramiscal in the Mixed Mai Muay competition held at the Exhibition World Grand Hall.Following the earlier triumphs of Lyre Anie Ngina and Zeth Gabriel Bueno in the 14–15 Wai Kru divisions, Jamborillo and Ramiscal delivered a near-flawless performance, showcasing synchronization, power, and grace that earned them 9.20 points from the judges.Their routine outshined the host nation’s team from the United Arab Emirates, Rakan Yousef, Aziz Alhammadi, and Aya Chaari, who took silver, while Malaysia’s Jaethan Jonathan Quan and Bethany Yun Yunn settled for bronze with 8.27 points.The duo’s golden finish marked the third gold medal for the Philippine Muay squad, further strengthening the country’s campaign with an updated tally of 6 golds, 5 silvers, and 6 bronzes.Ramiscal also added to the medal count earlier with a silver medal in the Boys’ Wai Kru 16–17 division, finishing behind Thailand’s Pimpichien Chaiwan.With each win, the Filipino Muay contingent continues to assert its growing dominance in the regional scene, carrying the nation’s pride high in Bahrain.

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 Phoenix Fuel Masters crashed Terrafirma Dyip in their matchup last night, January 7, 2025, at the Philsports Arena in the continuation of the PBA Season Commissioner's Cup, 122-108.Donovan Smith led the team where he recorded 37 points, seven rebounds, three assists and five blocks.Smith says that they come into work every day with the same attitude regardless of whether they have won five straight or lost. What matters is that they just keep that positive mindset within the guys to make sure that they have the same goal, and they all worked together to win this game.

Ramil Gallego is one of the Philippines' most respected professional pool players, known for his skill, composure, and international presence—particularly in Asia.A seasoned competitor, Gallego has represented the Philippines in numerous tournaments abroad, with a strong focus on the Japanese billiards circuit. Filipino fans began to recognize him more widely during his appearances in the Motolite International Tournament (won by Francisco Bustamante) and the Rising Stars Tournament (won by Edgar Acaba).Over the years, Gallego has proudly carried the Philippine flag in competitions overseas, with Japan being one of his most frequent battlegrounds. He is fluent in Japanese and often serves as a translator for fellow Pinoy players during events.One of his most memorable career moments came on July 28, 2008, when the then 41-year-old Gallego delivered a stunning performance at the Manny Villar Cup Bulacan leg, held at the Event Center of SM City Marilao. He edged out Francisco Bustamante in the semifinals, 10–9, and went on to defeat Carlo Biado, 11–7, in the finals to secure the championship.

Jonah Sabete’s journey to becoming a standout volleyball player is one of determination, heart, and humble beginnings. Born on January 29, 1994, in the quiet town of Kabankalan, Negros Occidental, Jonah’s early life was far from the bright lights of major volleyball arenas. As a child, she was a marathon runner — a testament to her endurance and grit — but it wasn’t until a coach convinced her to try volleyball that her true path began to unfold.Moving away from her hometown, Jonah attended San Pedro High School in Hagonoy, Bulacan, where she started to carve her name in the sport. “Even if I had to study by myself, I did everything I could because I had a dream,” she once said, revealing the fire that kept her going despite challenges.Standing at 5-foot-6, Jonah wasn’t the tallest on the court, but she made up for it with incredible vertical leaps and fierce determination. Her powerful attacks and unwavering commitment made her a key player for Bulacan’s volleyball team in the Central Luzon Regional Athletic Association (CLRAA), where she proved that heart and skill can outmatch physical stature.Jonah’s college years were spent at Bulacan State University, proudly representing the BulSU Gold Gears. Her hard work and talent earned her numerous accolades: she was named to the 2014 Bulacan Collegiate Athletic Association (BCAA) Mythical Six, crowned MVP and Athlete of the Year in 2015, and repeated as Athlete of the Year in 2016. She also made the UCLAA Mythical Six, solidifying her status as one of Bulacan’s brightest volleyball stars.

Veteran forward Sean Anthony has officially announced his retirement from basketball, closing the book on a memorable 14-year career in the PBA.A former Mythical Team member and Defensive Player of the Year, Anthony shared the news through a heartfelt LinkedIn post on Sunday, September 14. The 39-year-old revealed that although he received an extension offer from NLEX, he chose to step away from the game to prioritize his family, especially his son’s recovery from cancer.“Saying goodbye to something you love is one of the hardest things to do, which is probably why it has taken me so long to share this. But here it goes: I am officially retiring from basketball,” Anthony wrote.“Earlier this year, when we found out my son had cancer, I turned down my extension with the NLEX Road Warriors and moved to Singapore to focus on getting him healthy. Seven months later, and after six rounds of immunotherapy and chemotherapy, I’m beyond grateful to say that my son is now cancer-free! Our family has since relocated to Vancouver, Canada, where he will continue post-treatment monitoring and care.”Known for his relentless work ethic, Anthony was drafted sixth overall by Powerade in 2010 and went on to play for eight different teams. He was part of the Tigers’ unforgettable Cinderella run to the 2012 Finals and made his mark at GlobalPort, capturing Defensive Player of the Year honors and earning a Mythical First Team selection.Off the court, Anthony prepared for life after basketball, earning a master’s degree in business administration and working as a senior consultant for an advisory services firm.Still, basketball remains close to his heart.“Basketball has been a cornerstone of my life since I was a kid, and being able to live out my childhood dream for 15 years has been the greatest gift,” he said. “Thank you to the management, coaches, teammates, and especially the fans for your support throughout my journey. I will always love the game and the PBA, and I hope that one day, when life settles, I can give back to the sport and the community that has given me so much."

Spike and Serve Philippines Inc. celebrated another milestone with its heartfelt Beneficiary Dinner, an evening that brought together supporters, partners, and beneficiaries to share stories of impact, gratitude, and hope.Spike and Serve Founder and Director Nicole Tiamzon described this year’s edition as the organization’s “most meaningful” yet.“This is our first time holding an event where so many beneficiaries shared their testimonies—some even performed. It was important for our guests to see and hear the impact of Spike and Serve firsthand,” she said.Among those who joined to share their support and experiences were Petro Gazz Angels team manager Cha Cruz-Behag, Nxled Chameleons’ Dzi Gervacio, and Galeries Tower Highriser's Ivy Perez, partners and ambassadors of SSPI, who highlighted how the organization empowers communities and inspires change.The evening also featured inspiring stories from beneficiaries, including Coach Pedro Aquino Jr. of Volleybukids, who shared his humble beginnings teaching children in Sitio Paliparan, Morong, Bataan. He recounted using makeshift equipment such as rubber balls, basketballs, fishnets as nets, and even a used duyan (cradle) to introduce volleyball to the community. Coach Aquino’s dedication has produced remarkable results, including John Cris A. Galicia, now a standout player for the NCAA Men’s Volleyball Team of Mapua University.Although the program ran longer than usual, the extended time allowed guests to fully appreciate the depth of the organization’s work and the lives touched by its initiatives.“Mas meaningful talaga ngayon. Mas narinig natin yung tunay na epekto ni Spike and Serve sa mga communities,” Coach added.When asked what she hopes guests take away, her message was clear and heartfelt.“I want them to feel that everything they donate, everything they give—it all goes to the right place. Hindi madali magbigay ng suporta, kaya gusto namin maramdaman nila na may pinupuntahan talaga.”She also expressed gratitude to the community that has supported Spike and Serve since its founding in 2017: “We are very thankful to all supporters and donors who have been with us since day one.”Those interested in donating or getting involved can connect with the organization:Facebook: Spike and Serve Philippines IncorporatedInstagram: @spikeandserveph“You can message us if you want to support a specific community, our operations, or any of our initiatives. We also share volunteer links for those who want to help us on the ground,” Coach said.Coach closed the evening with an inspiring message:“Sa lahat ng beneficiaries, patuloy lang kayo—wag kayong hihinto mangarap. Hindi kami magsasawang tumulong sa inyo. And to all supporters, thank you so much. Everything you give reaches our beneficiaries and creates a ripple effect for the next generation.”Spike and Serve’s Beneficiary Dinner was more than an event—it was a celebration of hope, community, and a shared mission to help others rise.

The Ginebra Gin Kings once again defeated the Meralco Bolts in a series, after winning Game 3 of their PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup duel, 94-87, on Sunday night, February 9, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.Justin Brownlee had another clutch performance in leading the Ginebra to their sixth straight Final Four appearance.Brownlee put-up an almost triple-double performance with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists, dominating his counterpart Akil Mitchell, who only had eight markers for the Meralco.The game was close from the beginning with only one lead change going to halftime break, where the Bolts had a slight advantage of 38-37.

EJ Laure has signed with Nxled for the ongoing 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference. The Chameleons on Monday afternoon, November 25, welcomed the decorated outside spiker.“We’re so thrilled to have you on board and can’t wait to see you light up this fresh start! We’re rooting for you on your return to the PVL court, EJ!” Nxled shared in a Facebook post.

The Meralco Bolts aim to sustain their early momentum and secure a second consecutive win as they take on the visiting Macau Black Bears in the continuation of the 2025 East Asia Super League (EASL) this Sunday at the Cebu Coliseum.Fresh off their 85-76 triumph over the Taoyuan Pilots in Ilagan, Isabela, the Bolts are brimming with confidence as they return to action—this time in front of Cebuano fans eager to witness top-tier regional basketball.The matchup will also serve as the season debut for the Macau Black Bears, who are looking to make a strong first impression against a Meralco squad that has shown early signs of cohesion under coach Nenad Vucinic and deputy Luigi Trillo.Adding depth to Meralco’s roster are their reliable imports Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Ismael Romero, alongside naturalized player Ange Kouame and Asian import Sina Vahedi of Iran. Their chemistry will be key as they look to impose their pace and defensive discipline against the dynamic, fast-paced style of the Black Bears.Beyond the competition, the Cebu showdown will also carry a deeper purpose, as the EASL announced that all ticket proceeds will be donated to victims of Typhoon Tino, which recently struck parts of Cebu and nearby provinces.With pride, purpose, and playoff positioning at stake, Meralco will try to electrify once more—this time, in the Queen City of the South.

Cathrine Almazan has officially taken her talents to the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), suiting up for the Akari Chargers during the 2024 Reinforced Conference. Making her professional debut on July 18 against the Capital1 Solar Spikers, the 25-year-old outside hitter is one of the league’s intriguing new faces to watch.Before stepping onto the pro stage, Almazan made waves as a standout scorer for Emilio Aguinaldo College in the NCAA women's volleyball tournament. Known for her explosive attacks and relentless energy, she carried the Lady Generals through several memorable runs during her collegiate career.

Norman Black is set to coach the Gilas Pilipinas Men’s team in the upcoming 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand, scheduled from December 9 to 20.Current Gilas head coach Tim Cone earlier announced that he would not be able to call the shots for the SEA Games due to a scheduling conflict with the 2025–26 PBA Philippine Cup, which will be in full swing during the tournament. Cone will instead focus on steering the national team in the opening window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers from November 24 to December 2.With Cone stepping aside, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) tapped Black to take over. The 66-year-old veteran coach currently serves as the federation’s head of player identification and development and also works as a consultant for the San Beda Red Lions in the NCAA.

Filipina jiujitsu stars Kimberly Anne Custodio and Annie Ramirez showcased their dominance on the global stage after ruling their respective divisions at the 2025 IJJF World Jiujitsu Championships held in Bangkok, Thailand.Custodio captured her third world title with a flawless performance in the adult female -45kg division. She outclassed Jou-an Chen of Chinese Taipei, 4–0, in the quarterfinals, edged Thi Hue Phung of Vietnam, 2–0, in the semifinals, and capped her campaign by submitting Aysha Alshamsi of the UAE via armbar in the gold medal bout.Phung and the UAE’s Balqees Abdulkareem Abdoh Abdulla shared the bronze, while Custodio’s teammate Daniella Palanca finished fifth in the same weight class.Meanwhile, veteran standout Annie Ramirez finally achieved a long-awaited milestone. Her first-ever World Championships gold medal after topping the adult female -57kg division.Ramirez submitted Rachel Glover of Canada in the Round of 16, edged Jeong Hyeon Seon of South Korea in the quarterfinals, and outlasted Lina Grosset of France in the semifinals before sealing the title with a 2–0 win over Astrid Scholin of Sweden in the final.The triumph marked a strong comeback for Ramirez, who rebounded from a non-podium finish at the World Games in Chengdu, China, last August. Grosset and Jeong both claimed bronze medals in her division, while fellow Filipino Estancia Jan Mendoza placed 17th overall.Custodio and Ramirez’s golden performances reaffirm the Philippines’ growing prominence in international jiujitsu competition.

After a dazzling debut game in their East Asia Super League win last November 13 against Busan KCC Egis, 81-80, Meralco’s midseason addition, Akil Mitchell, has quietly put together one of the most impressive EASL campaigns in history.On Wednesday, January 22, Mitchell will again have the toughest test against the Ryukyu Golden Kings, and he is expected to deliver another standout performance against their opponent's versatile frontcourt of Jack Cooley, Alex Kirk, and Keve Aluma. It will also depend on head coach Dai Oketani how to rotate his big men in challenging Mitchell.It will be a crucial game for the Bolts as they try to vie for a playoff spot in their remaining games (including this one).Mitchell will also be tested inside the paint as Ryukyu’s second-chance opportunities always help them to win, secure a spot in the Final Four, and now lead Group B in the standings.Mitchell will be needing the support of his teammates and as well as his captain Chris Newsome for Meralco to stand a chance. Newsome must step up and boost their record and move one step closer to securing a spot in the semifinals.During Mitchell’s stint in this season's EASL, he collected an average of 25 points, 20 rebounds and two assists, and this upcoming match-up will prove his toughness to the league's elite.  He also helped the Bolts to get back on track after they absorbed a 74-77 loss to the Japan B. League club last October.Meanwhile, Ryukyu is holding onto the top spot, but still their position isn’t entirely secure. They might have secured a Final Four spot already, but a loss to Meralco, combined with either the Bolts or the P. LEAGUE+’s New Taipei Kings winning out, could see them slip to the second seed in Group B.The Golden Kings will look to build on that success and secure control of the B1 seed heading into the next round.