It was a grind night for the defending champions Creamline Cool Smashers as ZUS Coffee pushed them to a five-set thriller, 25-22, 28-30, 26-24, 17-25, 15-13, in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Thursday at the Philsports Arena.The Smashers improved to 4-0, and now tied with Cignal HD Spikers at the top of the league standings heading into 2025.Alyssa Valdez fired up 17 points, while Jema Galanza had 15 and Michele Gumabao added 14. The Cool Smashers had a 72-66 advantage in kills, allowing them to offset their whopping 33 unforced errors.Also coming through were Bernadeth Pons, and Galanza who scattered 17 and 15 hits, 12 digs and 12 receptions respectively, for the dynastic champion-seeking a magnificent five-peat feat and 11th crown.

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.

Petro Gazz soared past Choco Mucho, 25-20, 26-28, 25-21, 25-16, capping the first day of the Premier Volleyball League’s All-Filipino Conference on Saturday, November 9, at Philsports Arena in Pasig.Brooke Van Sickle powered the Angels, erupting 34 points anchored on 28 attacks, four aces, and two kill blocks, while also putting up 14 excellent digs. 

It was a night to remember at Montano Hall in Cavite City as Stef Berberabe carved her place in Philippine basketball history, becoming the first woman to record a quadruple-double.The WMPBL star was honored in front of her hometown crowd, with WMPBL Commissioner Haydee M. Ong, league president John Kallos, and Senator Francis Tolentino leading the special tribute. The recognition underscored not only Berberabe’s personal achievement but also the growing prominence of women’s basketball in the country.Berberabe, known for her tireless energy and versatility, reflected on the significance of the milestone.“This is more than just my achievement — it’s a victory for women’s basketball,” she said. “I hope this inspires young girls to keep pushing boundaries and chasing their dreams.”Her rare feat — a testament to all-around excellence on the court — resonates beyond statistics. For fans and aspiring players alike, it symbolized the strides women’s basketball continues to make in the Philippines.The celebration at Montano Hall was not only about honoring Berberabe’s historic performance but also about envisioning a brighter, more inclusive future for the sport she represents so passionately.

Rain or Shine has issued tender offers to rookies Christian Manaytay, Jun Roque, Mark Denver Omega, Deo Cuajao, and Joshua David, head coach Yeng Guiao confirmed. By extending the offers, the Elasto Painters have retained the signing rights of their five draft picks from the first two rounds of the recent PBA Draft.Rain or Shine, which reached the semifinals in all three conferences of the 49th season, had the most selections in the first two rounds this year, including two first-rounders.Left out of the team’s plans are third-rounder Cole Micek (No. 34 pick), fourth-rounder Kyle Tolentino (No. 45), and fifth-rounder MJ Dela Virgen (No. 55), who all become free agents after not receiving tender offers.Contracts with the five rookies are not yet finalized, as each is still committed to ongoing stints in other leagues. Manaytay, the 10th overall pick, is currently playing with the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards in the MPBL, while Roque, selected 12th, is set to finish his NCAA campaign with Letran. Omega (No. 20) and Cuajao (No. 22) are also suiting up for Letran in the NCAA, while David (No. 24) is with the Abra Weavers in the MPBL. Both leagues are scheduled to conclude their seasons in December.Despite these commitments, all five draftees attended Rain or Shine practices shortly after the draft to integrate with the team.“Hindi naman kami nagmamadali with regards to the rookies,” Guiao said, emphasizing that the Elasto Painters are willing to wait for their full availability.

Despite mounting expectations, De La Salle University’s Mike Phillips remains calm and confident as he leads the Green Archers' quest to reclaim the UAAP men’s basketball crown.Standing 6-foot-8, Phillips also finds himself linked to another challenge—potentially suiting up for Gilas Pilipinas in the upcoming 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December.“But I'm really praying, whatever God has planned. If it's God's will for me to hopefully have an opportunity to try out and be a part of the national team, of course,” said Phillips, who previously won gold with Gilas at the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia.While excited by the prospect, Phillips remains focused on his current mission with La Salle, a team eager to bounce back after several runner-up finishes in the off-season and a finals loss last year.“I really love to, I'm gonna give everything I can. But of course, right now, it's really just about staying in the moment, staying in the present moment,” he said.Phillips fondly recalled his Gilas experience, calling it “an amazing feeling” that continues to inspire him.“Because playing for the national team is just something that, I don't know, I can't put into words. It's just such an amazing feeling and I'm still sort of on that high from that SEA Games,” he shared. “I still have my medal, it's right on my cabinet and I still talk to a lot of the guys that I was with in the SEA Games.”Phillips, along with Mason Amos and Jacob Cortez, is expected to anchor La Salle’s campaign in UAAP Season 88, which tips off this Saturday, September 20, against Adamson.

The Philippines managed to finish in a draw against host country and world No. 18 Uzbekistan, 3-3, in the AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers on Monday night, January 13, at the Yunusobod Sports Complex in Tashkent.Ranked 59th in the world, the Philippines, who had just defeated Kuwait 4-1 on Saturday, January 11, now have a 1-0-1 win-loss-draw record in Group C, while the hosts had a 0-0-1 start to the season.Judy Connolly delivered the game-tying goal with two minutes remaining in the game, much to the dismay of the Uzbeks.With little over two minutes left, Lyudmila Karachik handed Uzbekistan a 3-2 lead after a score, putting the hosts in a jubilant mood early.Connolly, however, forced the deadlock against the Asian powerhouse in the following phase by triggering a left boot off an assist from Filipinas player Katrina Guillou.

Leo Ordiales’ night of redemption came just when Alas Pilipinas needed it most.After a rocky FIVB Men’s World Championship debut where he managed only two points against Tunisia, the 22-year-old opposite spiker faced his share of criticism. He admitted the frustration was difficult to shake off, but he vowed to bounce back stronger.On Tuesday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Ordiales fulfilled that promise in the biggest way possible, by helping the Philippine carve out a historic first-ever Worlds victory.Ordiales erupted for 21 points built on 19 attacks and three aces as Alas Pilipinas stunned World No. 21 Egypt in four sets, 29-27, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21.He provided the firepower alongside Bryan Bagunas, who topscored with 25 points, and proved he could be a reliable weapon on the international stage.

From supposed token participants to giant slayers, Alas Pilipinas delivered a performance that forever etched their place in the country’s sporting history.On a magical Tuesday night, the 82nd-ranked Nationals shocked the volleyball world, stunning African champions and world No. 21 Egypt with a 29-27, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21 victory at the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.What was once thought impossible—winning even a set against the world’s top teams—turned into a breakthrough triumph that shook Pool A standings and gave the Filipinos (1-1) a fighting chance to reach the Round of 16.“This is history, and I am so proud to be part of it,” said Bryan Bagunas, who spearheaded the attack with 25 points on 23 kills. “We came into this game with a ‘nothing to lose’ mentality, but we showed what we are made of. It’s just a proud moment for us and the country.”Bagunas found support from Marck Espejo and Leo Ordiales, who atoned for his tough debut against Tunisia with 21 points in the bounce-back win. Espejo capped his 13-point performance with the game-winning block that sealed the victory.“It was all instinct on my part,” Espejo said in Filipino. “After we won the first set, I felt that it was already an achievement. But we knew we could still do better.”For Italian coach Angiolino Frigoni, the victory was more than just a number in the standings.“I am very happy—not because we won, but because we were able to show that we can play well on this stage. They gave us an opportunity to win the match and we took it,” he said.The win sets up a pivotal clash with world No. 16 Iran on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena. Iran, Asia’s top-ranked squad, is coming off a rebound victory over Tunisia but had previously lost to Egypt—making the duel against the Philippines even more intriguing.From doubted hosts to history-makers, Alas Pilipinas has proven it belongs among the world’s best—and now, the dream of advancing is suddenly within reach.

Fate definitely smiled on Samantha Catantan as she snapped the 32-year longing for a Filipino fencer in the Olympic Games after emerging triumphant in the women’s foil event of the Asia-Oceania Zonal Olympic Qualifiers 2024 in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates last April.The 22-year-old seized her Paris berth after defeating Kazakhstan’s Sofiya Aktayeva in a dramatic final match that saw the Filipina overcome a late deficit and a medical break to treat a knee injury.Tied at 13-all, Catantan took an injury timeout and was visibly limping when she returned to action. Aktaveya forced a final deadlock at 14, before Catantan seized the final point.

The Philippines sustained its impressive run as they trounced another higher-ranked team in world No. 38 Turkmenistan, 2-0, on Wednesday, January 15, at the Yunusobod Sport Complex in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.Katrina Guillou scored the game-winning goal in the 23rd minute to give the Philippines the lead after the first half ended in a draw between the two teams.Then, in the 30th minute, Inday Tolentin secured all three points by beating Maya Musaskaya to the goal after taking advantage of a poor pass from Turkmenistan.The Turkmenistan women maintained a goalless record in the second half thanks to their pesky defensive front to begin the match. 

The Philippines marks a momentous milestone as the nation returns on this year’s Paris Olympic stage, celebrating its centennial year of debuting in the world’s biggest sporting event in the French capital.It was 1924 when the first Filipino athlete stepped into the Olympics arena and waved the Philippine flag in Paris. A century later, a larger and stronger Filipino contingent returned to the French capital to raise the nation’s flag on the world stage once again.To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Philippines’ participation in the Olympics, we take a look back on the Top 10 fascinating facts on the colorful history of the country’s Olympic campaign. 

A well-balanced offense pushed the Converge FiberXers to a 127-109 victory over Blackwater Bossing on Sunday, January 19, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, securing sole second place in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup.As the FiberXers edged closer to a playoff incentive with an 8-3 record, 6-foot-9 big man Justine Baltazar delivered an impressive play for the team, recording a new career-high 20 points along with 10 rebounds, two assists, three steals, and two blocks to earn him Best Player of the Game plum.Jordan Heading provided firepower, leading the charge for Converge with 22 markers, from 3 out of 5 shooting, along with five dimes, and three boards.

As the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) continues its aggressive push towards becoming a fully professional and sustainable league, officials are now setting their sights on launching an official player trade system-potentially in place before the 2025-26 season.Following the successful debut of its first-ever rookie draft in 2024, the PVL is taking the next major step in solidifying its infrastructure. PVL competition director Sherwin Malonzo revealed the development during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum on Tuesday, June 3, at the Rizal Memorial Complex in Manila.“Rookies cannot be traded, but we’ve already floated the idea of trading to teams,” Malonzo said in Filipino.“Rookies need to stay for one season before being eligible for trade. Rookie draft rights also cannot be traded.”The trade policy, while still under discussion, is already being shaped with clear-cut rules aimed at maintaining parity across all franchises—starting with a firm ban on rookie trades and draft pick swaps.To further avoid potential abuse of the system, especially echoing the controversial “conduit” trades that have plagued Philippine basketball, the PVL is also ruling out transactions between sister teams. This move affects prominent franchise pairs such as:Creamline Cool Smashers and Choco Mucho Flying Titans (both under Rebisco),PLDT High Speed Hitters and Cignal HD Spikers (owned by Manny V. Pangilinan),Akari Chargers and Nxled Chameleons (linked through appliance business affiliations),Farm Fresh Foxies and ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles (both under Strong Group Athletics).

In the recently concluded PSA forum yesterday, head coach and tournament director Ronalyn Redima Greenlees is confident that the country’s hosting of the event will be up to the challenge in trying to defend the gold medals in the men’s pair and women’s singles events. Eight golds in singles, pairs, triples and fours (men and women) will be at stake in the event. According to Greenlees, lawn bowls has been in the country for over two decades, and was played in the 2019 Manila SEA Games where the hosts won one gold, three silver and two bronze medals.The Philippine lawn bowls is set to host the 16th Asian Lawn Bowls Championships next month.The said competition is scheduled on April 27 to May 4 at the Clark Bowling Greens in Clark, Pampanga, in which Twelve countries will field entries, including Malaysia, Iran, Brunei, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Macau, South Korea and China.Unfortunately, the sport that was born in Great Britain, was not included in the calendar of the Thailand SEA Games in December.Greenlees also said that Filipinos are ranked No. 10 in the world and have had victories in the Asia-Pacific level.“Kilala na kami sa mundo. Dito lang sa Pilipinas hindi. Full support sila,” she said, citing the full support of the Philippine Sports Commission and the Clark Development Corporation for the hosting of the Asian meet.Rodel Labayo, back-to-back gold medalist in the pairs event along with partner Elmer Abatayo, said winning a third straight gold is their primary objective.“Gusto namin dito sa Pilipinas mag three-peat,” Labayo said Rosita Bradborn, on the other hand, will try to defend her title in women’s singles. She won the gold last year in Thailand after a couple of silver-medal finishes.“Nag-tiyaga kami ng husto sa training para manalo ulit,” said Bradborn. Despite the challenges, the Philippine lawn bowls team is determined to showcase their skills in the upcoming Asian Championships.

Following Team Philippines’ success in the recently-concluded 2024 Paris Olympics, the Philippines’ Paralympics delegation is ready to make history when they compete in the 2024 Paralympic Games later this month.The six-man national Paralympic team left for Paris on Sunday, August 11, as they continued their preparation for the Games slated from August 28 to September 8.Since joining the Paralympics in 1988, the Philippines has won two bronze medals. The Philippines is sending a total of six Paralympians to Paris with this year’s delegation eager to make history.One of the country’s most accomplished Paralympic athletes, veteran swimmer Ernie Gawilan, is leading the pack as he enters his third Paralympics stint after competing in 2016 and 2020 editions in Rio and Tokyo.The 33-year-old Gawilan, who made history as the first Filipino to win gold at the Asian Para Games in 2018, is also a multi-time ASEAN Para Games gold medalist and is poised for what could be his strongest chance at earning a Paralympics medal this year.Joining him is fellow para swimmer Angel Otom, who is poised to build on her remarkable success from the 2023 ASEAN Para Games, where she won four gold medals, as she prepares for her debut at the Paris 2024 Paralympics at just 20 years old.Wheelchair racer Jerrold Mangliwan is also returning for another Paralympics campaign as a top medal contender following his impressive campaign in Tokyo Olympics where he set a personal mark even after falling short of a podium.The accomplished 44-year-old is expected to leave it all on the track, as this could be his final Paralympic Games.Making her Paralympics debut, Cendy Asusano will represent the Philippines as the country’s top contender in the javelin throw at Paris 2024.Agustina Bantiloc is set to make her Paralympics debut at 55 years old, becoming the first Filipino paralympic archer in history to compete on the sport’s biggest stage.Representing the flag in the taekwondo event, Allain Ganapin is returning for his second Paralympics appearance after qualifying on March 20. Ganapin is finally making his first official bid after he saw his Tokyo Olympics campaign cut short before even getting started after he tested positive for COVID-19.The Filipino para athletes already kicked off their training at Nîmes, France. The Philippine Team hopes to add gold to the small collection of medals in the Paralympic Games. 

Filipino Olympic boxer Hergie Bacyadan dominated the women’s K1 -70kg category in the Asian Kickboxing Championships in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Saturday, October 12.Bacyadan’s frustrated attempt to clinch a medal in the women’s boxing tournament of the 2024 Paris Olympics only strengthened her to pursue glory in other combat sports. The 29-year-old Kalinga fighter delivered one of the Philippines’ four gold medals in the event, overwhelming her opponent Chinese Jinwei Teng via abandonment. Bacyadan’s triumph in the continental kickboxing championships earned her a spot in the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China.“Everybody wants to be there in the World Games and I’m glad that I’ve qualified,’’ said Bacyadan.

The Philippine Men’s National Football Team dominated Maldives, 4-1, in the third round of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers during their rainy Tuesday evening clash.Jefferson Tabinas scored the first goal in the 15th minute of the match, held at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac.A few minutes later, Bjorn Kristensen doubled the Philippines’ lead, making it 2-0 by the end of the first half.Entering the second half, Ali Fasir of Maldives found the net in the 62nd minute, narrowing the score to 2-1.In the following minutes, Randy Schneider made a spectacular debut, scoring in the 77th minute to extend the lead to 3-1. Later, in the 92nd minute, he assisted in setting up another goal. His first international goal provided the Philippines with a crucial cushion, securing the maximum three points in the final phase of the continental qualifiers."You can see it in the game—I felt good. The Philippines has welcomed me since day one, so I hope I can continue like this," Schneider said.Meanwhile, Sandro Reyes sealed the game at 4-1, scoring the final goal and carrying the hopes of Filipino football fans. His crucial contribution came when it mattered most.Coach Albert Capellas expressed his delight and satisfaction with the team's performance against Maldives.He emphasized the importance of winning to qualify, noting that starting strong in the tournament was essential."Job done. These are the types of games we need to win if we want to qualify. It's always important to start with a win. With the point advantage, we are on top, and we can't wait to face Tajikistan next," Capellas said.The PMNFT now holds a 1-0 record and will face Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, and Maldives again in the double-round robin format, which will conclude in March 2026.

A young Japanese boxing prospect, Jin Sasaki, is now facing a serious recovery battle after suffering a devastating fifth-round knockout in his WBO welterweight title bout against American Brian Norman Jr. last Thursday, June 19, in Tokyo.Sasaki was caught by a powerful left hook from Norman Jr. The punch knocked the young Japanese fighter unconscious instantly, with the back of his head slamming into the canvas.Medical staff responded immediately, and although Sasaki showed no visible physical injuries, neurological concerns took center stage.On Sunday, June 22, new details emerged regarding the extent of Sasaki’s injuries, including confirmed reports of memory loss surrounding the fight and the weeks leading up to it.According to Issei Nakaya, president of Sasaki’s training gym, the young fighter is suffering from apparent retrograde amnesia. Nakaya revealed that Sasaki may have lost memory not only of the bout itself but also of the crucial period leading up to the event.Nakaya emphasized that Sasaki’s condition is being closely monitored, highlighting the team’s cautious and responsible approach to the situation.“We will be monitoring him, and he will return to the hospital tomorrow for another check-up,” Nakaya said in an interview.This troubling development comes just weeks after another serious incident involving a Japanese boxer, where Ginjiro Shigeoka was forced to retire from his bout against the Philippines’ Pedro Taduran in Osaka due to a brain injury—underscoring a difficult month for Japanese boxing and the dangers inherent in the sport.As Sasaki continues his recovery, the focus has shifted from his title aspirations to his long-term health and well-being. The boxing world now watches with concern, hoping for a full recovery for the talented young fighter.

Rey Nambatac has overcome jitters in his very first game in a championship series and even led the TNT Tropang Giga to victory over Barangay Ginebra, 104-88, in Game 1 of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup Finals who was witnessed by 11,021 spectators at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.Nambatac was named Best Player of the Game after putting up 18 points (12 in the final quarter), 10 rebounds and seven assists in his first Finals appearance.