The Philippine men’s national football team kept its 2027 AFC Asian Cup hopes alive with a 2–0 victory over the Maldives on Tuesday but missed the chance to control its own fate heading into the decisive final match of the qualifying round.Despite goals from Jefferson Tabinas and Sandro Reyes in the first half at the National Football Stadium in Malé, the Azkals could not extend their lead—a missed opportunity that proved costly in the group standings.While the Philippines improved to 13 points, it slipped to second place in Group A, level with Tajikistan but behind on goal difference after the Central Asians routed Timor-Leste, 5–0, in Darwin, Australia.With Tajikistan taking the top spot, the two nations will now face off in March 2026 for the group’s lone ticket to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. The crucial showdown will be held on Tajikistan’s home turf, meaning the Philippines will need nothing less than a win to qualify for only the second time in history, the first being in 2019.Tabinas opened the scoring in the 24th minute, rising for a header off a set piece to record his third goal of the third-round qualifiers and fifth in his international career.Reyes doubled the advantage in the 37th minute, receiving a short cross from Jarvey Gayoso inside the box before executing a cutback and curling the ball into the far corner. It was Reyes’ fifth goal for the national team.Despite controlling much of the match, the Azkals were unable to add more goals—a factor that ultimately kept them from holding the outright lead in the group.Now, all roads lead to March 2026, when the Philippines must deliver its biggest performance yet to return to Asia’s grandest stage.

The Premier Volleyball League (PVL) is heading into a thrilling August stretch, with the 2025 Invitational Conference officially set to unfold from August 19 to 31.According to the league’s official website, the midseason meet will serve as a 12-day mini-tournament featuring six teams, kicking off just two days after the conclusion of the PVL On Tour.The field will include the Top 4 semifinalists from the ongoing PVL On Tour, alongside two guest teams whose identities have yet to be announced. Buzz continues to build around a possible entry by Alas Pilipinas, the women’s national team, though league and federation officials have yet to confirm their participation.All preliminary matches are scheduled to be played at Philsports Arena, the league’s main venue, before shifting to the Smart Araneta Coliseum for the final three playdates.

International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) President Morinari Watanabe led the Press Conference and Media Welcome Reception on Tuesday, formally ushering in the country’s hosting of the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships at Newport World Resorts in Pasay City.The event gathered local and international media as Watanabe highlighted the Philippines’ growing presence in the global gymnastics community and expressed confidence in the successful staging of the prestigious competition.Set to officially open on Thursday, November 20, the Junior World Championships will feature the world’s top young gymnasts, all eager to showcase their skill, talent, and potential on the international stage.With more than 75 countries participating, the Philippines is poised to play a central role as the tournament unfolds in Manila for the very first time.

The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters finally broke their two-game skid, securing a crucial 103-98 victory in Game 3 of their PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup Semi-Finals series against the TNT Tropang Giga on Sunday night, March 2, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.Import Deon Thompson led the charge for Rain or Shine, delivering a double-double performance with 19 points, 15 rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block in over 44 minutes of action. His dominance in the paint and relentless effort on both ends of the floor helped RoS stay competitive throughout the game.Caelan Tiongson also played a vital role in the win, contributing 18 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, while Adrian Nocum, who started once again, showcased another impressive outing with 16 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.Supporting the trio was Anton Asistio, who chipped in 12 points, including two clutch three-pointers, while Gian Mamuyac added nine points and was perfect from the free-throw line, sinking all four of his attempts.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman John Patrick “Pato” Gregorio has been appointed to head the newly created National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee (NST-IAC) established by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. under Administrative Order No. 38, signed on October 29, 2025.Gregorio will serve as chairman of the committee, with the Department of Tourism (DOT) as vice-chair, and representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) as members.The NST-IAC aims to promote and develop sports tourism across the Philippines — integrating sports and tourism as twin engines for economic growth, youth development, and national pride.“This initiative recognizes how sports can inspire communities, drive regional progress, and showcase Filipino excellence on the global stage,” said Gregorio.

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.

The country’s golf scene is set to take center stage as the Philippine Golf Convention (GOLFCON) 2025 tees off on March 8-9 at the Marriott Grand Ballroom.  Organized in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT), this highly anticipated event aims to showcase the country as a premier golf destination, both for local and international players.“Obviously it's in partnership and collaboration with the DOT, because we really want to promote, not just the brands or the sport, but the Philippines as a very viable destination for golf,” said event organizer Jesse Guerrero in Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum.GOLFCON 2025 will feature masterclasses led by top coaches, including PGA Tour coach Nathan Cam, as well as panel discussions with professional golfers and industry leaders. Attendees can also experience golf simulators, free beginner clinics, and exhibits highlighting the country’s top golf courses—from Metro Manila’s elite clubs to hidden provincial gems.With the theme "Let’s Golf in the Philippines," the event aligns with the DOT’s initiative to promote golf tourism. 

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.

The University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers just made one of the biggest offseason moves in UAAP Men’s Basketball by securing the commitment of Collins Akowe, one of the most dominant big men in the UAAP high school ranks.The 6-foot-10 Nigerian standout from National University-Nazareth School (NU-NS) officially joins UST after weeks of negotiation with head coach Pido Jarencio and team managers Waiyip Chong and Eric Ang.Akowe will be eligible to play for the Tigers starting UAAP Season 88 and has a full five-year window to compete in the league.He made headlines in UAAP Season 87, powering the NU Bullpups with averages of 20.9 points, 19.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.9 blocks per game.

The NLEX Road Warriors and Blackwater Bossing opened their campaigns in the 2025 Kadayawan Invitational Tournament with victories on Thursday, August 21, at the USEP Gym in Davao City.In the first game, Sedrick Barefield powered Blackwater to a 94-81 triumph over the Phoenix Fuel Masters.The 2024 second overall draft pick finished with 28 points built on six three-pointers, including three straight that stretched their 72-66 lead to a commanding 81-68 advantage.Aside from Barefield, Jed Mendoza made an impressive debut with the Bossing, scoring 16 markers, while Troy Mallillin added 17 points and six rebounds.On the other side, Jason Perkins and Kai Ballungay led Phoenix with 12 points apiece in the Fuel Masters’ first game under new head coach Willie Wilson, who took over from Jamike Jarin after he was elevated to team consultant.

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.

ONE Atomweight MMA World Champion Denice Zamboanga defends her belt for the first time in this massive card for Philippine MMA — ONE 173, set for November 16 at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan.Zamboanga will tackle a hostile environment as she battles the Japanese star and defends her strap against Ayaka Miura.On the other hand, Miura will jumpstart her title reign chase against the red-hot Zamboanga, having won her last five fights in the most impressive fashion.“The Menace” became the first Filipina to win a championship in a major MMA organization last January, and she wants nothing more than to be remembered as a fighting champion who never said no to a match.That’s why, even though she’s eyeing a highly anticipated superfight with her good friend and highly popular atomweight star Stamp Fairtex, she’s not waiting around for her first defense."I believe God’s timing is always perfect, and I’m honored to defend this belt against Ayaka Miura in Japan. She’s one of the strongest grapplers in the atomweight division, and I’ve watched how relentless she is with her ground game. There’s still a long road ahead in my preparation, but I’m committed to putting in the work and showing up stronger than ever," Zamboanga said.

It is no surprise that the foundation of Rain or Shine has been built through the camaraderie of homegrown talents, who are thirsty to prove their worth and place in the fiercely competed Philippine Basketball Association, or PBA.The Elasto Painters’ roster now boasts an abundance of options on offense and defense, a pivotal balance that could anchor the team away from their 12-year drought of the Governor’s Cup win.Seasoned veterans might have propelled the team with its depth that proves they could etch their name as one of the most formidable teams, but with the Rain or Shine being bolstered by young players, especially with this year’s draft picks, they might have a chance to attain the crown that was once in their hands.No.7 overall pick in the draft, Caelan Tiongson proves that it is not too late to pursue one’s dream even at 32. With his impressive credentials, Tiongson is no longer a stranger to the sport. A lot of PBA teams wanted to capitalize on Tiongson’s experience since showcasing his impressive play in the ASEAN Basketball League, starting with Chong Son Kung Fu and then Alab Pilipinas. Tiongson came out of his retirement in 2021 to take another shot at a hoops career by suiting up for the Taoyuan Leopards of the T1 League in Taiwan before coming back to the Philippines to play for Strong Group in the 43rd William Jones Cup. The 6-foot-5 Filipino-American forward reaped the expectations of Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao as he boosts the team’s frontline when it comes not only to the offense but also to the defense.“I don't treat Caelan as a rookie anymore,” coach Yeng told Scoreline.ph. “He has played a lot. So, you know his mentality is like a veteran’s.”When asked regarding his experience under coach Yeng’s wing, Tiongson shared that he has been great so far and that his gameplay style is different from what he was used to. “This is the first time I've played this kind of style of basketball. I'm used to a slower style. So, he just preaches a lot of confidence,” said Tiongson. “Still getting used to it for sure. I have enjoyed playing for him. He wants to win, and that’s really what's important when I play for a coach.” 

The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) reiterates its unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and the proper stewardship of public resources. As a recipient of support from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the PFF strictly observes all government regulations, auditing procedures, and internal controls to ensure that every peso is properly allocated, disbursed, and documented in accordance with law and sound financial standards.All PFF programs and expenditures are subject to rigorous internal and external review, including oversight by the PSC. To further strengthen transparency, PFF also engaged a respected independent auditing firm to verify receipts and disbursements.PFF welcomes fair and factual scrutiny. However, unfounded and malicious accusations circulated online are reckless and irresponsible. Such claims not only tarnish the reputation of the PFF and its officers but also undermine the PSC and the entire football community whose passion and trust sustain the sport’s growth.PFF acknowledges with gratitude the continued financial, logistical, and policy support of the PSC. This partnership underscores a shared goal: to raise the standard of Philippine football and futsal and bring honor to the country.Baseless allegations demean the dedication of athletes, coaches, and staff who work tirelessly to advance the sport. PFF reserves the right to pursue appropriate legal remedies under Philippine law and applicable PFF regulations to protect the integrity of the institution and its stakeholders.Philippine Football Federation (PFF)House of Football, Pasig CityNovember 11, 2025

The Fighting Maroons snapped defending champion National University’s perfect run, clawing their way back from the brink to pull off a 26-24, 23-25, 17-25, 25-23, 15-12 victory on Wednesday afternoon, March 26, at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.UP’s fiery start in the opening set proved crucial as they erased NU’s 24-23 advantage with three straight points, including two clutch attacks from Niña Ytang and an error from Alyssa Solomon. 

Canada wasted no time securing their place in the Round of 16 of the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship after dominating Japan in straight sets, 25-20, 25-23, 25-22, on Monday, September 15, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.After defeating Libya in their game opener, the Canadians now joined Turkiye at the top of their pool, bolstered by the efforts of Sharone Vernon-Evans and Nicholas Hoag with 14 and 13 points, respectively.

Jhanlo Mark Sangiao is fired up to return to the ONE Championship stage—especially as Team Lakay’s new generation continues to shine.The 22-year-old standout from Baguio City has been watching closely as his teammates have made waves in recent months.Rising talents like Carlo Bumina-ang, Carlos Alvarez, and Jean Claude Saclag have delivered impressive performances on the ONE Friday Fights platform, bringing fresh energy and momentum to the legendary Team Lakay stable.Now, Sangiao is ready to rejoin the fray—and he knows the stakes are higher than ever.After suffering the first loss of his professional career last year via submission to #4-ranked Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu, Sangiao has had time to reflect and refocus.“Honestly, I felt like in my first few fights I was playing around. I felt like I wasn’t mature enough. I was just going through the motions and merely enjoying the moment. But then I faced Enkh-Orgil, and that fight really reminded me that I can’t just play around,” Sangiao said.Branded as the face of Team Lakay’s next wave of warriors, the second-generation fighter understands that expectations are high—and so is the responsibility.“I wasn’t fully focused in my first few fights. That loss was a wake-up call,” Sangiao admitted.For Jhanlo, talent alone won’t be enough to reach the top. He’s learned that preparation, discipline, and mental sharpness are just as important.“That fight showed me how far I truly am from reaching my goals. I have to add more skills, more techniques, and be more composed. That loss basically made me realize that just when I thought I knew it all, I don’t. There’s a lot to be learned,” Sangiao said.Now, with the spotlight returning to him, he’s determined to rise to the challenge and prove he’s ready to lead the next chapter of Team Lakay’s legacy.

Petro Gazz staged an impressive reverse sweep against Chery Tiggo, 20-25, 20-25, 25-23, 25-15, 15-7, in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) on Tuesday, January 21, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.The squad improved their record to 6-1, propelling them to the top of the team standings.Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and Myla Pablo played a significant part in the Angels' pivotal runs in the third and fourth sets, but Brooke Van Sickle was the star of the fifth set, earning seven points — including five in a row to begin the final — to help Petro Gazz win for the fifth time in a row.Van Sickle’s playing time was limited as a precaution due to a minor procedure on her left knee last December, but she still finished in double-digits with 10 points, along with 11 excellent digs. Coach Koji Tzuzurabara expressed pride in his wards following their stunning comeback, pointing out their enhanced communication and defense in the All-Filipino Conference.

The Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) is going all out in its preparations for the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships, set for November 20–24 at the Manila Marriott Grand Ballroom.The prestigious global event will gather a record-breaking number of nations and athletes, further highlighting the Philippines’ growing prominence in the gymnastics world—especially after Carlos Yulo’s historic double gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.According to GAP, delegates will begin arriving by November 14, with some already expressing interest in staying longer to explore the country. Adding star power to the festivities, actor and GAP board member Derek Ramsay will host the opening ceremony.“We are going all out in our effort to host this huge international sporting competition featuring the world’s top junior gymnasts,” said GAP President Cynthia Carrion. “It will be a showcase of skills and talent amid a lively, festive, and warm atmosphere that only Filipinos are known for.”Carrion added that the Philippines’ track record in staging world-class sporting events convinced the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG), led by President Morinari Watanabe, to entrust the hosting to Manila—following the federation’s Congress in Doha in 2024.With passion, hospitality, and world-class preparation, the Philippines is ready to make history once again on the global gymnastics stage.

The Philippines’ title defense in the ASEAN MSIG Serenity Cup suffered a setback on Sunday night, August 10, with a 1-0 defeat to Australia U23 at Viet Tri Stadium in Phu Tho, Vietnam.Australia’s Alana Jancevski scored the lone goal in first-half stoppage time, taking advantage of a defensive lapse by Azumi Oka to slot a left-footed shot past Filipinas goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel.Both teams now have three points in Group B. The Filipinas previously overwhelmed Timor-Leste, 7-0, in their opener, while Australia kept their semifinal hopes alive with their first win of the tournament.The Philippines will next face unbeaten Myanmar on Wednesday, August 13, at Lach Tray Stadium in Haiphong, needing a positive result to secure a semifinal berth. Australia U23 will play winless Timor-Leste on the same night.The Filipinas’ best opportunity came in the 53rd minute, when Hali Long’s header from a Chandler McDaniel corner was denied by Australian keeper Chloe Bell Lincoln.The result also provided a measure of revenge for Australia, who lost 1-0 to the Philippines in the 2022 edition of the tournament, previously known as the AFF Women’s Championship.