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.

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.

Bringing poise, experience, and rock-solid consistency to the backline, Gabrielle Formoso-Laysico has a vital presence on the ice. As a defender, her game is built on smart positioning, strong communication, and an unwavering commitment to protecting her zone.She brings a wealth of experience and composure to the defensive unit. Known for her smart positioning, strong reads, and calm under pressure, she plays a key role in anchoring the back end and mentoring and elevating her younger teammates.With her international experience under the IIHF banner, Gabrielle’s leadership and poise continue to be vital assets — making her not just a defender, but a cornerstone of the team's defensive identity.Whether it’s breaking up plays, blocking shots, or guiding younger teammates, her impact goes far beyond the stat sheet. Her presence brings much-needed stability and leadership to the defensive lineup — a true asset in high-pressure international competition under the IIHF banner.With her combination of skill and composure, she stands as a key pillar in the team’s pursuit of excellence., She’s not just holding the line — she’s defining it.

Pureblends Corp., a food manufacturing and solutions company, is close to acquiring the NorthPort franchise before the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) opens its 50th season on October 4. PBA chairman Ricky Vargas confirmed that most documents are finalized and due diligence is complete, with the sale expected to be completed soon.Vargas welcomed the development and thanked San Miguel Corp. for allowing a competitor into the league. “It’s a welcome situation,” said Vargas. He also announced that competition advertising will be permitted during games, except when a team with a competing brand is playing. PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said NorthPort player movements are on hold until the sale is finalized.“Talks are serious and it’s close to getting done. It could happen anytime. I’d like to thank San Miguel Corp. for allowing a competitor to come in. The Board has also decided to allow competition to advertise on TV during games but only when a team of a competitive brand is not playing, it was decided not to permit any further movements of NorthPort players until the sale is confirmed.”  Marcial said. Pureblends, owned by Bryann Calantoc, is reportedly considering a coaching overhaul for Batang Pier, possibly tapping a former PBA head coach to lead the team.

Being a three-time Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) champion is a significant achievement, especially during the competitive era of the 1990s to 2000s. That wealth of experience is precisely what Ernesto “Estong” Ballesteros brings to the table as he prepares to compete for Master Pinoy Pilipinas Basketball in the upcoming World Masters Tournament in Taiwan from May 17 to 30.In an exclusive interview with Scoreline.ph, Ballesteros shared the contributions he plans to make to the Philippine 45up team as they compete on the international stage."The number one thing I can bring to help the team is my experience in the PBA and international competition," Ballesteros said in Filipino."It will be a big boost since we will be facing stronger and heavier opponents," added the sweet-shooting big man, who will be representing the country as a basketball player for the third time in his career.Ballesteros previously played for the RP Team in 1996 before entering the professional league in 1997. That’s why he feels honored and privileged to wear the Philippine colors once again, joining forces with fellow former PBA players such as Roger Yap, Gherome Ejercito, Gilbert Malabanan, Oliver Agapito, and Marlon Basco.

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.

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.

The TNT Tropang 5G kept their Grand Slam bid alive after surviving the grit and grind of the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots, 89-88, on Wednesday, June 18, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.RR Pogoy came alive in the pivotal moments, finishing with 30 points to lead TNT to a crucial victory and force a knockout game on Saturday, June 21."Mindset ko lang eh ayaw ko magpatalo, ayaw ko mag-bakasyon," said Pogoy, who helped erase a 13-point Magnolia lead.Supporting Pogoy in the must-win game were Calvin Oftana and Jordan Heading, who chipped in 21 and 10 points, respectively.Veteran Kelly Williams and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser also came up big, scoring 12 and 10 points. They drained back-to-back triples in the dying minutes to help seal the win.

The Perpetual Altas asserted their dominance with a 75-65 victory over the Mapua Cardinals in NCAA Season 101 men’s basketball action.Perpetual displayed poise and defensive discipline throughout the game, limiting Mapua’s key scorers and converting crucial baskets in the final stretch to secure the win.Patrick Sleat led the charge for Perpetual, delivering an all-around performance with 12 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks—earning Best Player of the Game honors. His steady play on both ends anchored the Altas as they maintained control from start to finish.The Altas established a slim 38-34 halftime lead and continued their strong play in the second half, capitalizing on Mapua’s turnovers and tightening perimeter defense to keep the Cardinals at bay.With balanced scoring and relentless hustle, Perpetual maintained composure as Mapua attempted several comeback runs late in the game. The Altas’ collective effort proved too much for the Cardinals, who struggled to find rhythm offensively.This victory improves Perpetual’s standing in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament as they fight for a spot in the upper half of the standings. Meanwhile, Mapua looks to regroup and regain momentum in their next outing.

 After clinching the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup title on Friday, March 28, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the TNT Tropang Giga now set their sights on the franchise’s first-ever grand slam.TNT sealed the hard-fought seven-game series in dramatic fashion, with the final showdown extending into overtime. The victory was powered by the relentless efforts of import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Finals MVP Rey Nambatac.Hollis-Jefferson led the charge with 25 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block—maintaining his unbeaten record in three PBA Finals appearances.Nambatac, meanwhile, delivered when it mattered most, dropping 22 markers on four three-pointers, grabbing two boards, and dishing out four dimes to cap off his stellar series performance.

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is looking to “harmonize” the Palarong Pambansa and Batang Pinoy programs to build a more unified and sustainable youth sports system in the country.PSC Chairperson Patrick “Pato” Gregorio said the agency is working closely with the Department of Education (DepEd) and other stakeholders to create a clearer pathway for young Filipino athletes—from grassroots to elite levels—following the country’s strong performance in the Asian Youth Games (AYG) held in Bahrain.“Hindi po siya iu-unify, liwanagin ko lang po, hindi siya iu-unify. Isi-streamline po natin, iha-harmonize po natin para 'yung age group malawak,” said Gregorio during the presentation of the AYG medalists last week.Gregorio emphasized the importance of aligning the PSC’s programs with the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and national sports associations, noting that youth tournaments like the AYG and Youth Olympic Games (YOG) serve as vital stepping stones toward major international competitions.“We have to support the initiatives of the POC, lalo na napakaimportante nitong Asian Youth Games, Youth Olympic Games,” he added.The Batang Pinoy recently concluded in General Santos City, just days after the AYG. Notably, athletes like MMA’s Charlie and Travis Ratcliff flew directly from Bahrain to compete in the local meet—showing the growing connection between national and grassroots programs.Currently, both Palarong Pambansa and Batang Pinoy cater to young athletes but run on separate calendars. The Palaro includes elementary and secondary divisions, while Batang Pinoy welcomes athletes aged 17 and under—resulting in some overlap.Gregorio believes harmonizing both programs will create a more efficient structure that better identifies and supports emerging talent early on.“I was there during the Youth Olympic Games in Argentina. Na-realize ko, pwede tayong manalo rito ah,” said Gregorio. “Kaya ako, very happy ako na ang POC at ang NSAs, tinututukan na natin 'to. Kasi 'yung nananalo sa AYG at Youth Olympic Games, 'yan din ang nagiging champions sa Olympics at Asian Games.”He added that the PSC’s approach will no longer be merely “reactionary” but will focus on long-term development and consistent support for the youth sports pipeline.The Philippines recently capped off a historic 12th-place finish in the Asian Youth Games, bagging seven golds, seven silvers, and ten bronzes—its best showing yet in the continental event.With this success as inspiration, the PSC hopes to build a stronger foundation for the country’s next generation of sports heroes.

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.

Among the biggest surprises in the off-season is the return of 27-year-old Tin Tiamzon, who last played in 2022 before announcing her retirement and relocating to Vancouver, Canada. Now, she is back in pro volleyball—signing with Cignal for what she sees as a second chance.“Actually, playing in the PVL again was not in my bingo card for 2025,” Tiamzon told One Sports. “I did not know that I would still be given a chance to play pro again, but it has been given to me, so I took it. I realized that I won't be as young as I am right now. I feel like when I last left the league, I haven't really reached my full potential.”“At this age, I think that I still have a chance to do so and I don't want to look back at my volleyball career and be filled with questions of 'what ifs'.” The move was sparked during a trip home in January, when former teammate and F2 Logistics libero Dawn Macandili-Catindig approached her about a possible return.“It started when I was approached by Ate Dawn,” said Tiamzon. “From there, I have been in communication with coach Shaq and coach Yani [Fernandez]. They were willing to take me on, despite being away from professional volleyball for two years. I am very grateful that they have full trust in me as I do in them.”“I have always seen Cignal as a very competitive team, and I think at this point as well, they are somewhat rebuilding, which is aligned to me starting anew with my career,” she added.Tiamzon joins an outside hitter rotation that includes Vanie Gandler, Ishie Lalongisip, and Judith Abil.

In the small community in Morong, Bataan, a passionate group of young people known as Volleybukids has emerged, united by their love for volleyball.Founded in 2020 by Pedro Aquino Jr.—was then a college student and avid volleyball enthusiast at the time—the group has become a beacon of hope for young athletes in the area.Initially, establishing Volleybukids was not without challenges. The community had long favored baseball and softball, supported by strong local government initiatives, leaving volleyball in the shadows.Nevertheless, Pedro’s dedication to uplifting and nurturing the volleyball skills of local youth fueled his determination. He took it upon himself to secure the necessary equipment, slowly turning his dream into reality.Pedro and his teammates aspire to someday join the ranks of the top volleyball teams they admire across the country. Reflecting on their journey, Pedro shared their humble beginnings:"Nagsimula kami noong 2020, noong nagkaroon ng COVID-19 pandemic. Lumang duyan at rubber ball ang ginagamit namin sa paglalaro ng volleyball dito sa aming lugar. Minsan kaming humingi ng tulong sa mga opisyal sa aming lugar para suportahan ang aming grupo, pero mas priority nila ang ibang sports gaya ng baseball kaysa volleyball. Nakaranas din ang grupo namin ng diskriminasyon, pero hindi kami nawalan ng pag-asa," he said.Determined to keep moving forward, Pedro reached out to Spike and Serve Philippines, an organization led by former UAAP volleyball player and current Petro Gazz Angels member Nicole “Tiammy” Tiamzon."Sinubukan kong mag-reach out kay Ate Nicole at sa Spike and Serve para ilapit sa kanila ang aming club, at agad nila kaming tinulungan. Very thankful ako kay Ate Nicole sa tulong at suporta na ibinigay nila sa akin at sa aming grupo," he expressed.Pedro’s unwavering commitment did not go unnoticed. Coach Tiammy and the Spike and Serve team were inspired by his grassroots efforts and determination to uplift his community through volleyball."Ini-reach out kami ni Pedro noong 2020 at ipinakita niya sa amin ang ginawa niyang pagtulong at pagbuo sa grupong Volleybukids. So we helped them and gave them the things they needed," Tiamzon shared.As a result, Spike and Serve donated new volleyball equipment, including nets and balls, and even installed solar-powered lights in their practice area."Nag-donate kami ng mga bola at net para sa kanila, at pinakabitan namin sila ng mga solar lights para may ilaw sa lugar nila kapag maglalaro at mag-eensayo sila ng volleyball," Coach Tiammy added.This generous support has motivated the youth of Volleybukids to further enhance their skills and pursue their dreams—many now hoping to compete on national and even international stages.With unshakable determination and the support of Spike and Serve, the Volleybukids are paving the way for a brighter future in volleyball—nurturing not only athletes but also responsible and values-driven citizens."Hindi lang skills sa larong volleyball ang gusto naming ma-develop sa mga kabataang aming tinutulungan. Mahalaga at importante sa lahat ay ang hubugin sila na magkaroon ng magandang pag-uugali. Dahil iyan ang layunin ng Spike and Serve—‘Building Community through Sports,’” Coach Tiammy concluded.

Karl Eldrew Yulo did not stop on the medal hunt after winning eight gold medals in the recently concluded 2024 Chiu Wai Chung Cup in Hong Kong.Yulo dominated the eight individual and team events. He first won the individual all-around before successively winning all six apparatuses: floor exercise, vault, parallel bars, horizontal bar, pommel horse, and still rings, which the junior men’s artistic gymnastics team relied on to lead the team event.Yulo's victory was part of the 14 gold, six silver, and five bronze medals that the Philippines will bring home from tournaments hosted by the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines in 2024.Yulo is currently being trained by Japanese gymnast coach Munehiro Kugemiya, who was the former coach of his older brother, Carlos Edriel "Caloy" Yulo, who won two gold medals in the Paris Olympics last August.Aside from Eldrew Yulo, the senior men's artistic gymnastics team also won the gold medal in the team event.Miguel Besana won three gold medals in the seniors individual all-around, floor exercise, and pommel horse, while Justine Ace De Leon led the way in the still rings and parallel bars mints.Besana also won three silver medals in the rings, parallel bars, and vault, and a bronze in the horizontal bar. De Leon also came home with a bronze in the vault.Among the other medalists are Hilarion Palles III for pommel horse bronze and parallel bars bronze, John Matthew Vergara for horizontal bar silver and parallel bars bronze, Jhon Romeo Santillan for floor exercise silver, and Jan Gwynn Timbang for pommel horse silver.

Far Eastern University (FEU) snapped its losing streak by outlasting Ateneo de Manila University, 25-15, 20-25, 25-17, 24-26, 15-11, in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Sunday, March 2, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.Coach Tina Salak expressed satisfaction with her team’s performance but emphasized the need for consistent readiness. “It was a convincing win, but we want to push them further so that by the second round, we’re fully prepared to fight back against all the struggles we’re facing now,” she said.  FEU’s strong net defense played a crucial role in the win, dominating Ateneo in blocks with a 20-2 advantage. The victory improved their record to 2-2 after back-to-back defeats.  Gerzel Petallo led the Lady Tamaraws with 18 points, including 14 attacks and four blocks, while also contributing 14 excellent receptions. Ateneo extended the match to a fifth set after Petallo leveled the fourth frame at 24 with a precise drop ball. However, Lyann de Guzman answered with a strong attack that deflected off an FEU defender’s hand, securing the point after a successful block touch challenge.Yvana Sulit then stepped up with a crucial service ace, forcing a deciding set.  

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.

After defeating his first two opponents in Mexico last year, 25-year-old Carl Jammes Martin, a warrior from Lagawe, Ifugao, is set to compete in a non-title, 10-round super bantamweight bout against Colombia’s Jose Sanmartin on March 22 at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada.Martin dominated Anthony Jimenez Salas with a second-round technical knockout last September, followed by a fifth-round technical knockout victory over Ruben Tostado Garcia in December—both fights taking place in Mexico, where he has maintained an undefeated record of 25 wins, including 20 knockouts.However, Sanmartin presents a greater challenge, given his experience, as reflected in his 35-9-1 record, which includes 21 knockouts.This marks a significant opportunity for the Filipino boxer to showcase his skills in the boxing world’s most prestigious venue—Las Vegas, often regarded as a proving ground for the sport’s top prospects and future champions.“I am so thrilled to be fighting in Las Vegas, Nevada. When I was a little boy, I grew up watching some of the greatest fighters in boxing history showcase their talents in Las Vegas. I watched many of Manny Pacquiao’s fights there, and now I’m fighting in Las Vegas. This is a dream come true,” Martin said.Sean Gibbons, president of Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions, also expressed his full support for Martin’s campaign, hoping for a victorious run leading to a world title in 2025.“This is a very exciting time in Carl’s career. Having his first fight in the United States take place in Las Vegas—where his idol, Manny Pacquiao, has fought so many times—is a dream come true,” Gibbons said.According to Gibbons, Carl is eager to make a lasting impression next week as he continues his journey toward becoming a world champion.“Carl is looking to impress everyone next week as he works toward his ultimate goal of winning a world title in 2025,” Gibbons added.

Jose Parica is a legendary Filipino professional pool player from Manila, widely known by his nicknames “Amang” (meaning Father) and “The Giant Killer.” He is a Hall of Famer in the Philippines and internationally.Parica is best known for spearheading the “Filipino invasion” of the American pool scene in the late 1970s, particularly in Nine-ball.In his quest to secure better opportunities and recognition for Filipino billiard players, Jose Parica took a pioneering step by founding the Philippine Pocket Billiards Association in 1976, where he also served as its first president. This marked a crucial moment in the formal organization of the sport in the Philippines.That same year, Parica began making waves internationally. He was invited to compete in the prestigious All Japan Championship, where he impressively finished second in the Rotation division, falling just short to Japanese cue artist Tetsuro Kakuto.In 1978, Parica broke new ground as the first professional Filipino billiards player to compete in the United States, participating in the World Straight Pool Championship and finishing 11th — a strong showing for a debut on the world stage.By 1979, Parica returned to the Philippines and asserted his dominance at home, capturing national titles in 3-Cushion, Rotation, and Snooker — a rare and remarkable triple crown that showcased his versatility and skill across multiple billiards disciplines.In 1985, Jose Parica was joined by fellow Filipino legend Efren “Bata” Reyes in the United States, marking the beginning of what would later be known as the iconic "Filipino Invasion" — a period that reshaped the global pool scene through the dominance of Filipino cue artists.But even before that, Parica had already etched his name into history. In 1982, he won the Playboy All-Around Classic, becoming the first male Asian player to win a professional pool event in the United States — a groundbreaking achievement for Asian representation in the sport. His success continued to build.In 1986, Parica claimed titles at both the Clyde Childress Memorial 9-Ball Open and the Classic Cup V, further proving his consistency and elite level of play.With a career tally of over 100 international tournament victories — spanning the United States, the Philippines, and Japan — Parica’s résumé stands as one of the most decorated in billiards history.