Alas Pilipinas’s impressive performance at the FIVB Men’s World Championship has been seen as a key moment for Philippine volleyball, securing the nation’s spot on the global stage. “It was a dream come true,” said Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, after the Philippines defeated world No. 21 Egypt, 29-27, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21, in front of an enthusiastic home crowd at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Tolentino stressed that this victory was more than just a win—it was a moment in history. “These men have made their mark in volleyball history, and their success will inspire the next generation to follow in their footsteps as role models,” he said. The POC chief acknowledged that Alas Pilipinas exceeded all expectations. “It was a long shot. We never aimed that high for Alas Pilipinas in this world championship, but they did better than we hoped. I commend the PNVF and the entire sports community for this success.” 

Reigning national figure skating champion Maxine Bautista delivered a solid performance at the Asian Open Figure Skating Trophy 2025, finishing 11th overall in the senior women’s division as the five-day tournament wrapped up Tuesday night, August 5, at the Mall of Asia Skating Rink.Skating to “Now We Are Free” from Gladiator, the 24-year-old Chicago-based skater earned a total of 105.69 points, improving from her earlier short program.“This is definitely better than (what I did in) the short program,” said Bautista, who now places herself in strong consideration for a spot on Team Philippines for the upcoming Southeast Asian Games.“I’m happy about this. This is definitely an improvement,” she added, visibly pleased with her rebound performance.

 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.

Five years ago, Mario Barrios would have been the perfect matchup for eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao. At 6’0 tall and not the most agile, Barrios embodies the type of fighter that Pacquiao excelled against in his prime—tall, flat-footed, and susceptible to quick movements and speed.Pacquiao is also the first boxer in history to win major world titles in four of the original eight weight classes of boxing: flyweight, featherweight, lightweight, and welterweight.Throughout his storied career, the 5-foot-5 Filipino superstar consistently took down larger opponents like Oscar De La Hoya and Antonio Margarito, utilizing his signature speed and footwork to deliver quick combinations before slipping away from their reach.However, that was a different time.Now, at 46 years old, Pacquiao hasn’t been in the ring professionally for four years. His last fight—a unanimous decision defeat against Yordenis Ugas in 2021—revealed signs of wear and tear, even against an opponent who seemed like a good fit stylistically.This reality is what casts Pacquiao as an underdog ahead of his much-anticipated comeback against Barrios on July 19 (July 20 in Manila) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Nevertheless, he shouldn't be underestimated.Justine Fortune, Pacquiao's long-time strength and conditioning coach, believes Pacquiao still has a spark. Fortune expressed high praise for Pacquiao’s recent training sessions in Los Angeles. “Look, on the mitts and bags, they don’t hit back, but he’s looking as sharp as he did six or seven years ago. He hasn’t lost a step,” said Fortune.He also noted that Barrios, while talented, isn’t the hardest target to hit. “Barrios takes a lot of punches, and Pacquiao is definitely the last person you want hitting you like that. Once you take those shots, you can start swelling up, and if he clips you, it could lead to cuts.”And when asked for his prediction? Fortune was straightforward: “I see a stoppage. This fight won’t go the distance.”

On the first official game day of the Palarong Pambansa 2025, before many delegations could even settle in, CALABARZON already had something to celebrate — its first gold medal, delivered by none other than 12-year-old Sam C. Garcia.She is a Grade 6 student-athlete from Eulogio G. Cerrado Elementary School in the province of Batangas. Sam launched a personal best of 33.96 meters in the Discus Throw, securing the region’s first golden moment of the competition.But this wasn’t her first time in the spotlight.Last year’s Palarong Pambansa, Sam debuted at the Palaro and clinched bronze medals in both discus and javelin, and became the CALABARZON’s first medalist that year. From a 28-meter throw in 2024 to nearly 34 meters this year, her growth is no accident — it’s the product of discipline, hard work, and unshakeable focus.“Nag-improve ako sa technique ko this year. Ginamit ko ‘yung 360-degree spin para mas malayo ang bitaw,” Garcia shared, her voice modest but proud.Once a track-and-field runner, Sam’s journey as a thrower began in Grade 4, when Coach Michelle Hernandez noticed her natural strength and saw potential beyond the lanes.“Dati akong tumatakbo, pero sabi ni Coach, malakas daw ang braso ko. Sinubukan ko ‘yung discus at nagustuhan ko,” she recalled.Despite lacking formal training facilities, She turned a vacant lot outside her school into her training ground. Every day, she commits to two hours of practice — including stretching, jogging, footwork, and throwing drills. For her, even a 10-minute warm-up matters.And before every competition? She prays.“Lagi akong nagdarasal bago maglaro. Para mawala ‘yung kaba at maging focused ako,” she added.Sam has done it again, snagging her second medal in shot put with immense pride, she didn't just win – she absolutely smashed the record with an incredible throw of 12.48 meters proving that even in shot put, Batangas always goes for gold. Even as the only athlete from her school to qualify for Palaro, she carries her banner high — with quiet strength, resilience, and a fierce competitive spirit.Off the field, Sam is equally dynamic, enjoying volleyball and basketball, proving her passion for sports goes beyond the throwing circle.Garcia is more than CALABARZON’s two time gold medalist of 2025 Palarong Pambansa — she’s a symbol of perseverance, grit, and limitless potential. Her story is not only about a golden throw but about what it takes to rise from the ground up — quite literally.From a barren lot to the national spotlight, CALABARZON’s golden journey began with the powerful spin of a young girl who dared to throw beyond limits.

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.

A defining chapter in franchise history was written on Thursday night as ZUS Coffee secured its first-ever Finals appearance, sweeping the veteran PLDT High Speed Hitters, 25-22, 28-26, 25-22, in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.What was once a team buried at the bottom of the standings has now transformed into one of the league’s most compelling contenders, fueled by a performance truly worthy of the postseason stage.Leading the charge was American import Anna DeBeer, who delivered a masterclass performance that defined the Thunderbelles’ rise. DeBeer exploded for 30 points built on 29 blistering attacks and an ace, while showcasing complete versatility on the floor with 9 excellent digs and 8 excellent receptions. From power to poise, the ZUS Coffee star controlled the match on both ends, refusing to let PLDT find rhythm in crucial moments.ZUS Coffee’s stunning sweep was not just a victory, it was a statement. A team once viewed as rebuilding has now announced itself as a force ready for the league’s biggest stage. Their ascent from cellar-dwellers to title contenders reflects a culture shift built on resilience, chemistry, and unwavering belief.With the win, the Thunderbelles march into a gold medal showdown against the Petro Gazz Angels, scheduled for Sunday, November 30, at the historic Smart Araneta Coliseum. The clash promises to be a battle of momentum versus legacy, ZUS Coffee making its first leap to greatness, and Petro Gazz returning to reclaim the crown.Meanwhile, the PLDT High Speed Hitters, who fought through a grueling campaign only to fall short of the finals, will face the Akari Chargers in the bronze medal match, aiming to secure a podium finish and end their season on a high note.As the PVL Finals await, ZUS Coffee stands on the brink of completing one of the most remarkable turnarounds in league history, and they’re not done yet.

Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala powered into the quarterfinals of the 2025 São Paulo Open with a dominant 6-1, 6-4 win over Argentina’s Julia Riera. Eala broke early to take the first set and weathered a tougher challenge in the second before sealing victory in one hour and 25 minutes.The match marked their third career meeting, with Eala and Riera now tied in head-to-head encounters on hard courts. With this win, Eala sets up a quarterfinal clash against Indonesia’s Janice Tjen, who has enjoyed a strong season with a 59–11 record and a career-high WTA ranking of No. 130.

Barangay Ginebra took another win at the expense of the Meralco Bolts, 100-92, in the Game 1 of their PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals bout last night, February 5, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.It was the fifth straight win of the Gin Kings this season against Meralco, whom they swept in their semifinals match-up last Governors’ Cup, 3-0, and defeated in the elimination round of this season’s Comm’s Cup.Scottie Thompson had an all-around game to lead the way for Ginebra, tallying 23 points, seven rebounds, six assists, seven steals, and a block.Justin Brownlee also chipped in 23 markers, while Japeth Aguilar and RJ Abarrientos added 19 and 14, respectively.

Undefeated Filipino lightweight MMA fighter Ian Paul “Choco” Lora (3-0) will make his international debut at BRAVE CF 98 in Zhengzhou, China, on September 19. The 20-year-old from Daraga, Albay, faces India’s Owais Yaqoob (3-1) in a three-round undercard bout.Lora, representing Lion’s Den MMA Academy, has impressed on the local MMA scene with one knockout and one submission win. He drew attention with a nine-second KO in May and now aims to make an impact on the global stage. Yaqoob enters with a three-fight win streak, also making his BRAVE CF debut.Lora is the second Filipino signed to BRAVE CF this year, following Drex Zamboanga. The event is headlined by a featherweight interim title bout between Ukraine’s Omar Solomanov and Kazakhstan’s Rauan Bekbolat.

In a heartfelt send-off, the senate committee on sports, Senator Bong Go, reminded the country’s national athletes of the immense pride and hope they bring as they head into international competitions.“Always remember, you carry not just your name, but the spirit of every Filipino,” Go said. “When you win, the whole nation wins with you. No matter the result, you already carry the pride and admiration of the Filipino people.”Reassuring the athletes of his unwavering support, the official added, “My office is always open for you. If you need anything—whether a solution or a problem—just come to my office.”As the delegation prepared to embark on their journey, he encouraged them to fight with determination and honor the country. “Fight with all your heart. Bring home the bacon. The honor you bring to the country—you will carry it for the rest of your life. It is engraved in the history of the Philippines.”He closed by urging the team to give their best, stay united, and make every Filipino proud: “Show the world how strong and united Filipinos can be.”

Three-time World Champion Pinay cue artist Rubilen Amit is set to be honored at the 2024 San Miguel Corporation-Philippine Sportswriters Association (SMC-PSA) Annual Awards Night, to be held on January 27 at the Centennial Hall of Manila Hotel.The Philippines became even more recognized in the world of billiards in 2024 when 43-year-old Amit claimed the prestigious WPA Women’s World 9-Ball Championship held in New Zealand last September 2024.Amit was the first Filipina pool player to become a global 9-ball champion where in 2007, she finished as a runner-up and made it to the semifinals in 2018 and 2019. With her 3-1 win over Chen Siming of China, she took the elusive crown for herself. Amit displayed her strategic thinking best during the crucial seventh game. She also won the WPA Women’s 10-Ball Championships two times, way back in 2009 and 2013. She encourages other women to pursue billiards through the Amit Cup she started, where amateur women players can compete in a tournament. Amit hopes that future generations of Filipinas will take up the mantle and prove that women are just as capable of excelling in this sport.

It's now or never for ONE strawweight MMA world champion and the pride of the Philippines, Joshua “The Passion” Pacio.The Filipino mixed martial artist is now in the midst of showing the world that he is better than rival Jarred “The Monkey God” Brooks ahead of their title unification bout at ONE 171:Qatar on Thursday, February, 20, 2025. This will be an epic World Title trilogy fight to unify the divisional belts.The two MMA star fighters first collided in late 2022 at ONE 164, when Brooks earned an impressive decision to catch up the win and capture the Filipino’s undisputed strawweight MMA crown.In March 2024, they had a rematch at ONE 166: Qatar, where the American MMA fighter delivered an illegal slam in the opening minute, losing via disqualification and giving the World Title back to the Filipino fighter.Now, it’s clear that “The Passion” will need to make some critical tactical adjustments to leave Qatar as the undisputed ONE Strawweight MMA World Champion.Pacio said in an interview that he would show no fear in the trilogy-capping match and need to be selective, and never let his rival dictate the action on his feet.“The thing that I want to show is a fighter who isn’t scared of what’s gonna happen in the ring, a fighter who isn’t scared to get taken down. A fighter who isn’t scared of being put in a precarious position on the ground. I want to show that I know what to do now,” he said.The 29-year-old MMA fighter admitted that he got “stagnant” due to being “too worried about getting taken down, and now, he will be more focused on attacking and making Brooks as uncomfortable as possible.“I was waiting for an opening, and that’s my error. That’s why he was able to land those clean shots. Credit to him because his footwork and movement really frustrated me,I want to show I have answers, that I’m not just gonna rely on my takedown defense to stop him, but I can battle him on the ground, even on my back.” “I want to show that he’s not just the one who’s a threat in wrestling. Maybe I’ll take him down, as well. Like [Demetrious Johnson], that ‘Mighty Mouse’ mentality,” he added. The Pacio-Brooks trilogy will be the main event of ONE 171, which will be held at the Lusail Sports Arena.

Warren Kiamco is a Filipino professional pool player from Cebu, Philippines. He is known for his performances in the Southeast Asian and Asian Games.Renowned for his exceptional skills in 9-ball, Kiamco has made significant contributions to the sport both in the Philippines and internationally.Kiamco’s playing style is smooth and finesse-based, characterized by precise shot-making and strategic play. His consistent performances in various international tournaments have solidified his reputation as one of the top Filipino cue artists. Despite facing formidable opponents, Kiamco's resilience and skill have earned him respect and admiration in the global pool community.He has secured multiple prestigious titles, including the 2021 Buffalo's Pro Classic Nine-Ball and the 2019 CSI U.S. Open One-Pocket Championship. He also triumphed in the 2015 Southeast Asian Games Nine-Ball Doubles event and the 2013 Texas Open Nine-Ball Championship. Notably, he clinched the 2008 Manny Villar Cup Billiards Tournament, defeating Efren "Bata" Reyes in the finals.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go emphasized the importance of grassroots sports development, youth participation, and cultural pride during the Philippine Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (PEKAF) Mindanao Qualifying Tournament held at the University of Mindanao in Davao City on November 22. As Chairperson of the Senate Committees on Sports and Youth, Go underscored the role of athletic events in cultivating values, discipline, and opportunities for young athletes.Go advised participants to “get into sports and stay away from illegal drugs to keep us healthy and fit,” reflecting his advocacy for sports as a pillar of nation-building.He highlighted the National Academy of Sports (NAS), established through Republic Act No. 11470, as a dual-track system for quality education and athletic training. Go is pushing for Senate Bill No. 171 to expand NAS campuses nationwide, ensuring accessibility and balanced development of talent across all regions.Go also filed SBN 413 (Philippine National Games bill) to institutionalize a unified nationwide grassroots competition and SBN 678 (National Tertiary Games Act) to formalize a collegiate multi-sport tournament—creating a clear pipeline from school leagues to national competition.Go recognized Senate Majority Leader Migz Zubiri, PEKAF President, and local leadership for nurturing sports communities. The tournament gathered 500 Arnisadors from Mindanao, celebrating a discipline rooted in Filipino heritage.Go’s Malasakit Team distributed tokens, and he reminded all, “Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong o karangalan na pwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa at sa bansa ay gawin na natin ngayon dahil hindi na tayo babalik sa mundong ito.”Go concluded, “Patuloy na magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat, kabilang na sa ating mga atleta, dahil bisyo ko na ang magserbisyo at ako po ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo po ‘yan sa Diyos.”

The College of Saint Benilde Lady Blazers capped their V-League campaign with a statement win, pulling off a dramatic reverse sweep over the Arellano University Lady Chiefs, 21-25, 16-25, 25-22, 25-15, 15-4, to secure the bronze medal in the 2025 V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge on Monday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.After a semifinal loss to the FEU Lady Tamaraws ended their title hopes, the Lady Blazers showed remarkable grit and composure, clawing back from a two-set deficit to reclaim a spot on the podium—improving from their fourth-place finish last year.Leading the comeback was Zam Nolasco, who dominated at the net with 18 points built on 12 attacks and six blocks, while Fiona Inocentes powered through with 15 markers (11 attacks, three blocks, and one ace).

Filipino former champion Mark "Magnifico" Magsayo is slated to face Jorge Mata Cuéllar of Mexico in a non-title 10-round super featherweight clash on the undercard of the Pacquiao-Barrios event on July 19 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.The 30-year-old Magsayo, with a stunning 27 wins, 2 loss, 18 KOs), hailing from Tagbilaran, Bohol, is riding high on the momentum of three consecutive victories since moving up to the 130-pound division, as he aims to reclaim a shot at a world title.On the other hand, 24-year-old Cuéllar (21-2-2, 13 KOs) from Guadalajara, Mexico, arrives on the scene after scoring five straight wins. He is eager to topple the former Filipino champion to enhance his world ranking.Currently, Magsayo is positioned at #2 by the WBC and #3 by the WBO, while Mata holds the #9 spot in the WBO rankings, making this encounter particularly significant.A victory is vital for both fighters, promising an intense 10 rounds of action. For Magsayo, winning this bout is crucial for regaining his momentum as he eyes a future challenge for the super featherweight world title.

Ateneo de Manila University finally entered the win column in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge after dispatching Arellano University in four sets, 25-13, 9-25, 25-21, 25-20, on Wednesday, September 3, at Paco Arena in Manila.The Blue Eagles stumbled against NCAA teams College of Saint Benilde, Mapua, and Pepetual before finding their rhythm against the Lady Chiefs to avoid slipping further down the standings.Zey Pacia powered Ateneo’s bounce-back with a standout performance of 23 points built on 22 kills and an ace, while also steadying the defense with five excellent digs and five excellent receptions.

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel secured a 2-1 lead in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup semifinals against the San Miguel Beermen with a 100-90 win on Sunday, June 29, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.RJ Abarrientos stepped up big, delivering an almost triple-double performance of 24 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists to lead the Gin Kings in regaining the upper hand.Jamie Malonzo and Japeth Aguilar followed through with 20 and 18 markers, respectively. Malonzo also contributed four rebounds and two assists, while Aguilar had seven boards, two dimes, three steals, and two blocks.Scottie Thompson and Stephen Holt also scored in double figures to help Ginebra clinch the Game 3 win. Thompson finished with 16 points, seven rebounds, five assists, two steals, and a block, while Holt had 10 markers, seven boards, and one deflection.

Zus Coffee secured a quarterfinal spot in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference, while Nxled ended its campaign on a high note with a dominant win, as both teams wrapped up their play-in matches on Thursday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.