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.

Libero Josh Ybañez refuses to guarantee results but promises heart as Alas Pilipinas prepares to battle Egypt at the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship this afternoon at MOA Arena.  The 22-year-old defensive stalwart admires Egypt’s composure and discipline, calling their recent win over Iran a standard to aspire to.“They played really well, very organized and disciplined,” Ybañez said in Filipino, describing Egypt’s win. “What really stood out to me was their composure under pressure and how consistent they were with their execution. It was a big learning experience for us, because that’s the kind of standard we want to reach, too.”Last Friday, the Philippines, coming off a spirited late rally against Tunisia in its World Championship debut, looks to build on lessons learned as it faces the world No. 18 squad. “We learned a lot from our first game, especially on the defensive side. It gave us more confidence that we can keep up. For the second game, we’ll bring that same energy and hopefully, we can apply the coaches’ adjustments even better.” Ybanez said. Ybañez, a two-time UAAP MVP now anchoring the national team’s defense, believes composure and grit will be key. Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni will again rely on Bryan Bagunas, Marck Espejo, and Owa Retamar to lead the charge.“Our mindset is simple: fight with all our heart and give everything we’ve got. What we can promise is that we’ll do everything to prove we’re worthy to carry the Philippine flag and represent the country on this stage.” Ybañez added,

The PBA welcomed its historic 50th season by ushering in a fresh generation of talent, with 122 hopefuls vying for their professional dreams in the 2025 Rookie Draft held Sunday, September 7, at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.Terrafirma Dyip set the tone by selecting Ateneo’s 6-foot-9 center Geo Chiu as the No. 1 overall pick—an unsurprising choice, given his status as one of the most highly touted prospects in this year’s record pool of applicants.Converge FiberXers stayed on script at No. 2, picking Gilas Pilipinas guard Juan Gomez de Liano, who boasts international stints in Japan, Lithuania, and South Korea.At third, Blackwater Bossing chose 6-foot-1 guard Dalph Panopio, a former Batang Gilas standout who also gained overseas experience in South Korea and India. NorthPort followed at fourth by nabbing Ateneo guard Chris Koon.NLEX reinforced its backcourt with the selection of speedy guard LJay Gonzales at No. 5. Magnolia secured San Beda forward Yukien Andrada at sixth, while Meralco bolstered its rotation with veteran playmaker Jason Brickman at seventh.

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.

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.

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.

Strong Group Athletics-Philippines capped off a flawless 8-0 run at the William Jones Cup, clinching an emphatic 87-62 victory over the United Arab Emirates on Sunday at Xinzhuang Gymnasium.With the title already secured ahead of the final game, the Filipinos left no doubt, sealing back-to-back championships and the country’s eighth overall Jones Cup crown.“We’re happy to win another championship. We never take anything for granted, now a two-time Jones Cup champion with Strong Group. “Our bosses go all out to support us every time we represent the country.” said coach Charles Tiu.UAE kept things close in the first half, trailing by just one at the break, 37-36. But Strong Group broke the game open in the third quarter behind a surge from Tajuan Agee and Allen Liwag. Kiefer Ravena and Dave Ildefonso delivered big shots in the fourth to put the game away.Agee paced the team with 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. Ravena contributed 13 points and 9 assists, while DJ Fenner and Ian Miller scored 12 each. Ildefonso added 10 points. Andre Roberson, who starred throughout the tournament, sat out the finale.The Filipinos dominated the second half, outscoring UAE 50-26, and extended their unbeaten streak to 16 games over the last two Jones Cup editions. Their run included wins over top teams like Chinese-Taipei Blue, Japan Developmental, Qatar, Australia’s NBL1 Rising Stars, Malaysia, and Bahrain.Coach Tiu praised his squad’s chemistry and commitment: “It’s special because I don’t know if we’ll have this group again. But these guys were willing to sacrifice—something that’s very rare.”

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 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).

De La Salle University capped a flawless elimination round run in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge after outlasting University of Santo Tomas in a gripping five-set showdown, 23-25, 25-21, 25-23, 24-26, 15-12, on Monday, September 29, at the FilOil Centre in San Juan.Fueled by a balanced attack, the Green Spikers leaned on Issa Ousseini’s all-around brilliance, finishing with 20 points built on 13 attacks and seven blocks. Rui Ventura came off the bench to spark La Salle with 18 points, including the decisive hit that gave them breathing room in the fifth set. Eugene Gloria also played a stellar two-way game, chipping in 17 attacks, 16 excellent receptions, and a backrow kill that sealed the sweep.

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.

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.

William Navarro’s long-awaited overseas stint is finally underway.The versatile 6-foot-6 forward has officially signed with the Busan KCC Egis, the Korean Basketball League (KBL) club announced on Tuesday, sealing a dream move years in the making.

Filipino boxers secured their winning medals in the recently concluded ASBC Asian Elite Men and Women Championships 2024 in Chiang Mai, Thailand.The Philippines concluded its campaign with a silver and 4 bronze medals.Marrvin Tabamo led the pack and settled for a silver medal on Wednesday's finals of the men's 51-kilogram category after losing via unanimous decision to Uzbekistan's Asilbek Jalilov.In the tournament, he defeated Siiovush Mukhammadiiev of Ukraine in the first round via unanimous decision, Wang Xiangkun of China in the quarterfinals via split decision, and Hsu Po Hau of Taiwan via referee stoppage in the semifinals.With Tabamo's finish, the Philippine delegation still left Thailand with 5 medals; one silver from Tabamo and four bronze medals from others: Jay Bryan Baricuatro (men's 48kg), Mark Ashley Fajardo (men's 63.5kg), Ian Clark Bautista (men's 57kg), and Riza Pasuit (women's 57kg).

The PLDT High Speed Hitters hiked its win streak to six, breaking into the top three of the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference with a masterful 25-20, 25-17, 25-19 victory over Farm Fresh at the Philsports Arena on Tuesday, February 4.Savi Davison was relentless, posting a match-high 26 points loaded with 23 kills to carry the High Speed Hitters past the Foxies to a 6-3 record.The Filipino-Canadian spiker also registered three blocks along with six excellent receptions. While Davison spearheaded PLDT’s offense, young setter Angge Alcantara orchestrated the plays and served as the catalyst with 12 excellent sets and four markers to earn Player of the Game honors.Despite the impressive outing, the High Speed Hitters should not lower their guards as head coach Rald Ricafort stressed the value of maintaining consistency as they move into the tournament's pivotal stage.

PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial announced that the league and its 12 member ballclubs will extend assistance to victims of the recent calamities in Cebu and Masbate.The decision was reached during the PBA Board of Governors meeting, with Marcial confirming that aid will be given not just to Cebu, which suffered a magnitude 6.9 earthquake last September 30, but also to Masbate, placed under a state of calamity after Severe Tropical Storm Opong caused widespread damage.Marcial said the relief drive will mirror previous efforts, with contributions coming from both the PBA office and all 12 teams. “Hindi na nalalayo dun galing sa PBA mismo, galing sa iba’t ibang teams, sa 12 teams ‘yung itutulong natin sa kababayan natin na nasalanta,” he explained.The PBA has a long history of mobilizing aid in times of crisis. In October 2024, the league raised nearly ₱2 million in relief funds for victims of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

National University (NU) asserted its dominance in the UAAP Season 87 volleyball tournament, securing victories in both the men’s and women’s division against the University of the Philippines (UP) at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, March 9.After dominating the first two sets, the Bulldogs struggled in the third, allowing UP to build a commanding 12-5 lead and eventually force a fourth set. However, NU regained control in the final frame, breaking an 18-18 tie with a decisive 4-0 run to defeat the Fighting Maroons,  25-12, 25-15, 15-25, 25-22, improving to a 4-1 record in the men’s tournament.NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin admitted that unforced errors cost them the third set, saying, “We lost our momentum whenever we gained it.” He emphasized also the importance of confidence in the fourth set, ensuring the team played with certainty and avoided self-doubt.  Buds Buddin led the charge with 22 points, while Leo Aringo and Leo Ordiales added 16 and 14 markers, respectively. 

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. 

When you talk about pioneers and pure scorers in Philippine basketball, one name always comes up—Fortunato "Atoy" Co, also known as "The Fortune Cookie."The nickname, a play on his first name “Fortunato,” was popularized by PBA commentators and fans not just because it sounded catchy—but because he delivered results, night in and night out, like a sweet fortune waiting to happen. When Crispa needed a bucket, Co was the guy who cracked the code.Born on October 15, 1951, in Pasig City, Atoy Co was already making noise before the PBA even existed. But it was in 1975, during the PBA’s inaugural season, that he formally entered the pro scene as part of the Crispa Redmanizers. And he didn’t disappoint. On April 22, in his first-ever pro game, Co dropped 34 points, leading Crispa to its first franchise win after starting 0-3.He would go on to become a vital part of Crispa’s dynasty, playing from 1975 to 1984 and helping steer the team to two Grand Slams. In 1976, he was honored with the All-Filipino Sports Award for Basketball, further cementing his place among the league’s elite.When Crispa disbanded, Co played briefly for Manila Beer (1985) and later joined Great Taste/Presto Ice Cream in 1987 and 1988, before calling it a career.Across 13 PBA seasons, Atoy Co racked up 15 championships, one MVP award (1979), and a scoring title in the same year. He was a 9-time Mythical First Team member, known for his smooth jumpers, crowd-pleasing style, and unshakable confidence on the floor.

Veteran spikers Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo will headline Alas Pilipinas Men as the team makes its first-ever appearance at the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025. “Ito, big tournament talaga. Lahat naman po kami talaga ready. Pero siyempre as a team, malayo pa. Malayo pa yung kailangan gawin. Pero malayo na rin ang in-improve ng team since nagsama-sama kami before training camp sa Europe,” said Espejo. The duo will lead a roster featuring Leo Ordiales, Michaelo Buddin, Jade Disquitado, Louie Ramirez, setter Owa Retamar, and backup Eco Adajar.The middle blockers are Kim Malabunga, Peng Taguibolos, and Lloyd Josafat, with defensive duties handled by Josh Ybañez, Jack Kalingking, and Vince Lorenzo. “It’s a big challenge for us middle blockers because we have to protect the team through our blocking,” said Malabunga. “That’s why we need to apply everything coach Angiolino [Frigoni] is teaching us so we can help the team. So far, our training has been really good. Our transitions are improving,” he added. Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni will steer the squad, who prepared with a European training camp.“Coach Angiolino [Frigoni] always reminds us that it doesn’t have to be a complete block. What matters is at least getting a touch on the ball, slowing it down — that’s the goal. That will help our team,” echoed Josafat.“I know it’s going to be difficult for me because of the height disparity. Our opponents will be much taller for sure. But if we can’t score on the attack or get a clean block, we’ll find other ways to contribute to the team,” Taguibolos said.And if the middle blockers form the wall at the net, the liberos are the shield on the floor — the last line of defense, keeping rallies alive with every dig and reception.Jack Kalingking and Vince Lorenzo, along with Josh Ybañez, take on the responsibility of keeping rallies alive, knowing their steadiness could make all the difference in the nation’s World Championship debut.“I’ll just apply what we learned in Europe, what our coaches taught us, and of course, it feels great that if I manage to dig or receive the ball, it’s already a big accomplishment. It means I’ve done my role,” Lorenzo said.Veteran Kalingking, who was also part of the national team that claimed silver in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, serves as an anchor not only on the floor but also in the minds of his younger teammates.“The most important thing is probably guiding them the right way — showing the right character, how to help the team, and of course, building their confidence so they can show they’re not afraid on the court,” he said.Meanwhile, with the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship looming from September 12-28 Alas Pilipinas’ defenders are preparing for the toughest challenge of their careers. Knowing that every dig, reception, and block could be decisive against taller, more experienced opponents, Alas Pilipinas’ backline is sharpening its discipline and resilience ahead of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship. The Philippines opens its campaign against Tunisia this Friday, September 12 at the Mall of Asia Arena, determined to hold their own against the world’s best.