The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is set to deliver a more dynamic and inclusive grassroots sports program with the upcoming Batang Pinoy 2025, scheduled to take place from October 25 to 30 in General Santos City.This year’s edition of Batang Pinoy aims to further encourage Filipino youth to engage in sports, develop their athletic potential, and embrace the values of discipline, sportsmanship, and teamwork.According to PSC Chairman Richard Bachmann, the 2025 Batang Pinoy will showcase competitions in 27 sports disciplines, including Aquatics (Swimming), Archery, Arnis, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball (3×3), Boxing, Chess, Cycling, Dancesport, Futsal, Gymnastics, Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Kickboxing, Karate, Muay Thai, Pencak Silat, Soft Tennis, Tennis, Sepak Takraw, Table Tennis, Weightlifting, Wrestling and Wushu. Chairman Bachmann also emphasized that this year’s event will be grander and more organized, with modern equipment and facilities, and better logistics and accommodations for all participating athletes.“Our main objective for this year’s Batang Pinoy is to provide the delegates an excellent experience as if they are already competing in a global level of competition they usually see in televisions and social media,” Bachman said. In addition to upgrading the overall competition experience, the PSC is committed to expanding participation from regions across the country, ensuring that young athletes from various provinces have the opportunity to compete and grow.“Batang Pinoy is not just about discovering future champions,  It’s also about instilling values that shape character—discipline, hard work, and sportsmanship.” Bachman added.

Francisco “Django” Bustamante is now in his twilight years and ready to pass the torch to the country’s rising billiards talents, including Rubilen Amit and Chezka Centeno, with whom he shared the pool table in a friendly doubles match.Although he never completed his studies, his dedication, determination, and passion for the sport he loved brought him to the pinnacle of success. He helped his family earn a living to survive. His father made a living by building toilets and planting rice, and Bustamante also worked alongside him. He spent time in his sister's pool hall, racking and spotting balls on the tables, and practiced alone after the hall had closed.As one of the pioneers who helped elevate billiards to one of the most beloved sports in the Philippines, Bustamante has encouraged aspiring players to persevere, train diligently, and avoid vices that could derail their potential.“Many young people are playing now, especially in Cebu, where I think there are more young players than anywhere else. But they should finish their studies first before focusing on billiards. If they truly want to excel, they need to be disciplined, practice tirelessly, and stay away from drugs,” Bustamante said.He may no longer be at the peak of his playing days, but his legacy remains unparalleled. His passion for the sport is still strong, now channeled into mentoring the next generation of Filipino billiards stars.He has not lost his magic, effortlessly showcasing the trick shots that once made him a global icon of the sport—especially last February, when he continued to cement his status as one of the greatest players in billiards history.

Jamie Malonzo made a triumphant return as Barangay Ginebra eked out an 86-63 win over the Blackwater Bossing in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday night, January 12, at the Ynares Center Antipolo.The Gin Kings missed the services of the 6-foot-7 athletic wingman due to a calf injury that had sidelined him for nine months. Malonzo registered eight points on top of three rebounds and a steal that saw the return of the crowd darling back to the win column, sitting at 6-3 in the team standings, tied with Converge and guest team, Hong Kong Eastern. Ginebra head coach Tim Cone admitted that they are still gradually reintroducing Malonzo into their lineup, with limited to just 10 minutes of action off the bench.

Cherry Rose Nunag, born on October 22, 1992, in the quiet town of Floridablanca, Pampanga, has become a compelling figure in Philippine volleyball—largely because she didn’t follow the traditional route.In a sporting landscape where most stars emerge from the UAAP or NCAA, Nunag’s rise to prominence has defied expectations and proved that relentless dedication, resilience, and heart can chart a path just as luminous as any mainstream route.Nunag’s journey began not in front of the spotlight but in relative obscurity. She first took up volleyball in high school, eventually finding her collegiate footing at De La Salle University–Dasmariñas. While many aspiring athletes aim for the prestige of UAAP or NCAA schools, Nunag made her mark in the V-League in 2013 as a member of the De La Salle Lady Patriots.Her early performances had already hinted at her potential—posting 17 points in a five-set thriller against the Technological Institute of the Philippines (TIP) Lady Engineers and following it up with 11 points versus the powerhouse University of Santo Tomas (UST) Tigresses.Despite these standout performances, her team struggled with back-to-back losses, a tough stretch for a squad that had previously dominated the NCRAA with three championships in four years.What set Nunag apart was her sheer athleticism and hunger to improve. A 5-foot-10 middle blocker with long arms and explosive lateral movement, she quickly gained a reputation as a net-front force—both offensively and defensively. Her skills blossomed further when she transitioned into the professional scene. 

Filipina triathlete Kira Ellis delivered a golden performance in her international return, ruling the junior women’s division of the 2025 Europe Triathlon Junior Cup over the weekend.The 20-year-old national team standout clocked 1:05:07 in the sprint-distance race, which featured a 750-meter swim, a 22-kilometer four-lap bike course, and a 5.1-kilometer two-lap run. Ellis powered through the opening swim leg in 12:09, sustained her pace with a 34:27 bike ride, and sealed her victory with a 17:41 run, plus two transition times of 27 seconds each.Belgium’s Luca Vanderbruggen trailed by just 10 seconds at 1:05:17 for silver, while Germany’s Sarah Walter settled for bronze at 1:05:22.

Joshua Yerro, the 6’1” versatile forward and former Adamson University captain, has officially declared for the 2025 PBA Rookie Draft, bringing a wealth of experience and proven clutch ability to the professional ranks.Yerro’s basketball journey began in grassroots competitions with the UV Baby Lancers (CESAFI Juniors) before he made his mark with Team Cebu (NBTC).Transitioning to the UAAP, he became a key contributor for the Adamson Soaring Falcons, earning the captaincy and showcasing leadership on and off the floor. One of his most memorable collegiate moments came last year when he executed a buzzer-eating alley-oop against the National University, a play that highlighted his timing, composure, and ability to perform under pressure.

Bella Belen has officially taken her talents to the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), inking a multi-year deal with the Capital1 Solar Spikers following her selection as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 PVL Rookie draft, confirming the much-anticipated move.Co-owner Milka Romero made the official announcement of the Premier Volleyball League top rookie pick’s signing on social media.“Welcome to the Capital1 family,” Romero posted, sealing Belen’s jump to the pros.While Belen has been seen supporting the team courtside in recent weeks. Her fans will have to wait a bit before seeing the young phenom in action. Belen will only debut for Capital1 in October, as she is still committed to her national team duties with Alas Pilipinas.It’s important to note that this amount is only a starting baseline under the PVL’s salary scale system—teams are free to negotiate and offer higher pay based on player value and contract terms.With her official entry into the pro ranks, Belen brings her championship pedigree and MVP credentials from National University to a Capital1 squad eager to build a competitive foundation for the future. Her debut may still be a few months away, but the anticipation surrounding one of Philippine volleyball’s brightest stars continues to grow.

Alex Pagulayan began his billiards journey in 2002 when he made a stunning run to the finals of the US Open Nine-ball Championship, only to fall short against Ralf Souquet, 11–13. Three years later, he returned to the same stage with renewed fire and captured the title, defeating fellow Filipino Jose Parica, 11–6.Though raised in Canada, Pagulayan represented the Philippines in the mid-2000s and again in 2012. In recent years, however, he has returned to carrying the Canadian flag in international tournaments.His biggest career breakthrough came in 2004 when he won the World Pool Championship in Taipei. After his victory, he paid a courtesy call to the Philippine president, accompanied by his close family friend Andrew Lee, who recalled the moment with a hint of surprise. “We didn’t know what was inside the envelope,” Lee said, referring to a modest incentive from the government for winning the world title.Later that year, Pagulayan helped the Filipino team secure the Snooker gold medal at the 2005 Southeast Asian Games in Manila, alongside Joven Alba and Leonardo Andam. After a 3–2 win over Thailand at the Makati Coliseum, he emerged as a triple gold medalist — a testament to his skill and his dedication to the flag he once proudly bore.

The Masters Pinoy Pilipinas Basketball has officially arrived at Taoyuan International Airport in Taiwan to compete in the World Masters Games 2025, which runs from May 17 to May 31.The team is accompanied by its full coaching staff, including Head Coach Arlene Rodriguez, along with a roster of notable Filipino basketball legends such as Roger Yap, Gilbert Malabanan, Marlon Basco, Paul Reguera, Oliver Agapito, Guinness Nabung, Arvin Aguila, Edwin Manabat, Ricky Ricafuente, Estong Ballesteros, Romel David, Rendel Dela Rea, Milo Bonifacio, and Justice Jose Midas Marquez.Veteran coach Rodriguez shared how the Masters Pinoy Pilipinas 45UP were formed and began in October of last year in collaboration with Team Manager Architect Rey Punongbayan, and assistant coaches Dann Michael Ceneba and Albert Valbuena. The team officially began their practice and training in mid-December and continued into January 2025.“The Masters Pinoy, we started last October. But we started practice the second week of December, then we had a conversation. Then we decided to start it again this January,” said Coach Rodriguez.The team’s primary goal is to proudly represent the Philippines in this prestigious international event. Coach Rodriguez expressed confidence in their preparation and emphasized their commitment to bringing pride and honor to the country.Coach Rodriguez is confident that they have prepared adequately for the said tournament and that they will try to bring honor to the country.“We’ve trained hard, and we’re ready. We’re here not just to compete, but to showcase Filipino talent and spirit,” he added.

Japan, once seen as a contender, is out of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship after a disappointing group stage in Manila. Ranked No. 5 entering the tournament, the Japanese squad was eliminated following straight-set losses to Turkey and Canada, dropping to No. 7 in the live rankings and failing to win a single set.Ran Takahashi, despite a solid individual showing, admitted the team underperformed. “Nothing special, I think,” he said. Yet, Takahashi expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of Filipino fans: “As always, the Philippine fans gave me a lot of energy and support.”Japan will play a final group match against Libya, with pride on the line. Takahashi vowed to play aggressively and views the experience as a lesson for the future. “We have to improve, we have to grow up, and we have to ask more from us,” he reflected.Though Japan’s championship hopes were dashed early, Takahashi’s resilience and the passion of Filipino supporters leave the team looking ahead with humility and hope.

NorthPort extended its campaign in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup by securing a 108-103 victory over Barangay Ginebra in Game 4 on Wednesday, March 5, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.After suffering blowout losses in the first three games—losing by an average of 20.6 points—the Batang Pier finally found a way to stay alive and force a Game 5 on Friday, March 7.

Djanel Cheng, born on August 28, 1994, is a Filipino volleyball player serving as a setter for the Petro Gazz Angels in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL). Known for her smart playmaking and steady leadership on the court, Cheng has built a steady career across multiple local volleyball leagues. She is the sister of fellow volleyball player Desiree Cheng.Cheng began her collegiate volleyball career at De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde (CSB), where she played a key role in leading the Lady Blazers to their historic first NCAA women’s volleyball championship in Season 91.

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) gathered government leaders, private partners, athletes, and stakeholders at the 2025 Sports Stakeholders Forum held at Solaire Resort, emphasizing the shared mission of strengthening Philippine sports through collaboration.The event brought together representatives from various sectors, including government, media, academia, and the athletic community. Business leader Manny V. Pangilinan (MVP) delivered the keynote speech, highlighting the long-term value of investing in sports. He recalled the nation’s first Olympic gold medal by Hidilyn Diaz, noting it was the result of years of preparation and nearly ₱2 billion invested in coaches, facilities, and athlete support. “When she raised the bar in Tokyo, she lifted an entire nation, adding that the next medal will be less expensive, because the first one will always cost more than the rest.” Pangilinan keynoted in his speechMVP described sports as a “metaphor for life,” teaching discipline, teamwork, and focus—qualities that benefit families, communities, and workplaces. He also emphasized the power of sports to strengthen national identity, citing France’s 1998 World Cup win, Didier Drogba’s call for peace, and Manny Pacquiao’s unifying impact on Filipinos worldwide.“Whenever Team Philippines competes, our nation rallies together, united in spirit and purpose,” Pangilinan said.The PSC reiterated that the forum is a crucial platform to engage stakeholders in shaping policies and initiatives for the continued advancement of Philippine sports.Meanwhile, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has announced sweeping reforms in athlete support, grassroots development, and sports tourism, signaling a stronger commitment to youth programs and national sports growth.PSC Chairman John Patrick “Pato” Gregorio revealed that starting January 1, 2026, the commission will begin funding youth athletes as part of the National Training Pool—a major shift aimed at supporting rising stars as young as 15 or 16. “Previously, only main pool members were eligible for PSC funding. But starting 2026, youth athletes will be recognized and funded under PSC programs,” Gregorio said.He emphasized the importance of grassroots initiatives, citing Cebu’s successful youth program that’s thrived for over 25 years. Gregorio also announced a new pathway for retiring athletes to transition into coaching roles, with PSC-supported training in partnership with the Bureau of Sports Instruction. “Retired athletes can now become coaches in regional training centers, keeping the grassroots cycle alive,” he shared.Gregorio highlighted the impact of the government’s push for healthier lifestyles, noting the daily turnout of 3,000 people at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex since sports facilities were opened nationwide. There are also plans underway to redevelop the 22-hectare Parks and Wildlife facility in Quezon City into “Parks and Sports Life,” a hub for walking, biking, and recreation.Sports tourism is another focus, with the Philippines set to host major international events between 2026 and 2027, including the World Surfing Championship, Artistic and Rhythmic Gymnastics, Philippine Golf Open, Karate World Youth, Soft Tennis, and the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup. “The Tour of Luzon last March reached 103 million views in just 10 days. That’s the power of sports tourism—it creates jobs, drives visibility, and puts the Philippines on the global map,” Gregorio noted.PSC Chairman Gregorio closed the forum by assuring stakeholders of transparency and commitment in his leadership: “I assure you of my commitment, honesty, and 100% dedication. We will take care of government resources and private sector support—but let’s do this together for Team Philippines.”

In this Player Profile Series, we look back at the career of Benjie Paras—“The Tower of Power”—the only player in PBA history to win Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season.Paras was drafted by the Shell Turbo Chargers in 1989 and made an immediate impact. With his strength, mobility, and basketball IQ, he brought a complete inside presence—shot-blocking, rebounding, mid-range shooting, and post scoring. Shell didn’t win a title that year, but Paras’ dominant rookie season stood out above the rest.

Aleona Denise "Dindin" Antonio Santiago-Manabat stands as one of Philippine volleyball’s most prominent and enduring figures.Born on September 26, 1993, Dindin carved her legacy through exceptional skill, unwavering resilience, and a decorated career that has spanned collegiate, professional, and international play.Hailing from a family of athletes—her brother, Axel Leonard, played for the National University (NU) Bulldogs and her sister Jaja Santiago is a standout in Japan’s V.League—Dindin's journey has been a blend of talent, determination, and passion for the game.She began her collegiate volleyball career with the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses before transferring to the NU Lady Bulldogs, where she became team captain and led the squad with distinction.Dindin’s collegiate years also saw her rise in the Shakey’s V-League, where she served as a guest player for several teams, delivering crucial performances in championship and bronze medal matches.Notably, she helped Smart-Maynilad Net Spikers secure a runner-up finish in the 2013 SVL Open Conference and aided PLDT Home Telpad Turbo Boosters in clinching bronze during the 11th season.

The Philippines will field its largest-ever delegation for the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, sending 1,600 athletes, coaches, and officials to compete in 50 sports at the biennial meet during the 33rd 2025 send-off at Rizal Memorial Coliseum held last November 28.Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio said the decision to send a record-sized team was rooted in prioritizing exposure and athlete development over immediate results“When you send a delegation, they learn. When you send a big delegation, they gain confidence and experience,” Gregorio said. “We want our athletes’ mindset and skills to toughen up so they can compete at the Asian Games and the Olympics.”The 2025 SEA Games will feature 574 medal events, three demonstration sports—air sports, flying disc, and tug of war—and MMA as a value-added sport.Gregorio emphasized that investing in athletes’ experience now lays the groundwork for future success. “We’re giving our athletes the exposure they need to compete better in the future,” he said.The Philippines will target podium finishes in medal-rich sports including basketball, esports, boxing, weightlifting, jiu-jitsu, and athletics when the SEA Games open on December 9.

A new basketball team has emerged from the Far East.Here, we will see its uniqueness because the team from the Philippines is composed of veteran and well-known basketball players in the country, together with the professionals in their chosen field that are able to compete in the sports.It is led by one of the legendary coaches in Philippine basketball, none other than Coach Arlene Rodriguez.In an exclusive interview with Scoreline.ph, Rodriguez shared and identified the formation and humble beginning of the Masters Pinoy Pilipinas 45up Basketball, as well as how he managed to coach the team. He also shared his thoughts about the country's upcoming participation in the World Masters Games to be held this coming May.Coach Arlene told Scoreline that they started the Masters Pinoy Pilipinas 45up Basketball in October last year, through the help and initiative of their team manager, Architect Rey Punongbayan. Together with coaches Dann Michael Caneba and Albert Valbuena, they started planning and organizing the structure of the basketball team from the second week of December until this January, and the players also started practicing.“Masters Pinoy was created in October. But we started practicing on the 2nd of December, then we had a talk. Then we decided to start it again this January,” said Rodriguez. One of the things that Coach Arlene considered was the conditioning of the players who are already at the age of 45 years old and above, but still have the skills, passion, and effort to play competitive basketball.The former assistant coach of the now defunct Formula Shell added that their team is composed of ex-professional players, amateurs, varsity players, and even businessmen who are passionate about basketball.Coach Arlene also shared that he did not have any difficulty in handling his players because of the amount of basketball experience they had.“Actually, they understand the game better as they already have a lot of experience playing. Mentally, they are prepared, they can pick the instructions easily, unlike the young ones that need details of everything. The only thing that we need to work out is their conditioning, including team effort from both offense and defense.”And the World Masters tournament will be an avenue for Coach Arlene and his players to showcase Filipino talent once again.In the end Coach Arlene asked our countrymen to support the Masters Pinoy in their upcoming tournament.“I hope you support us. Masters Pinoy in the World Masters tournament in Taiwan from May 17th to 30th. And those who haven’t been part of the Philippine team before, still work hard, especially when you’re 40 and above, because maybe in the future you can be part of the team,” coach Rodriguez concluded.We can say that Coach Arlene has dedicated his life to the field of basketball since he started playing for the JRC Heavy Bombers until he became an assistant coach to famous teams in the PBA, such as Formula Shell and the crowd-favorite Ginebra. Coach Arlene is also currently the coach of TUP Greyhawks and shaping the future of Philippine basketball through his grassroots programs.

As we continue our Player Profile Series featuring former PBA Most Valuable Players, let’s take a closer look at the storied career of Philip Cezar—widely regarded as the league’s “Tapal King.”Cezar began his PBA journey in the league’s inaugural season in 1975, suiting up for the iconic Crispa Redmanizers. He stayed with the team until it disbanded in 1984. After his Crispa years, he went on to play for Shell (1985–1986), Great Taste/Presto (1987–1988), and eventually wrapped up his 17-season career with Añejo/Ginebra (1989–1991).Over nearly two decades in Asia’s pioneering professional basketball league, Cezar compiled career averages of 13.16 points, 6.36 rebounds, 3.41 assists, 0.65 steals, and 1.49 blocks per game. Along with those solid numbers came 15 PBA championships, highlighted by two Grand Slams in 1976 and 1983.Standing at 6’3”, Cezar wasn’t the tallest big man on the floor—but he more than made up for it with his elite shot-blocking instincts, high basketball IQ, and natural leadership. His trademark “umbrella defense,” where he used both arms to disrupt and alter shots, became one of the most iconic defensive moves in league history.