When the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters tip off their 2025 PBA Philippine Cup campaign at the Ynares Center in Montalban, it will mark the beginning of the end for one of Philippine basketball’s most admired careers. Gabe Norwood, the heart and soul of Rain or Shine for 17 years, announced this conference will be his final run in the league—a farewell to an era defined by loyalty, leadership, and longevity.Here are five moments that shaped Norwood’s storied career:1. 2012 Governors’ Cup ChampionshipNorwood helped deliver Rain or Shine’s breakthrough PBA title, stepping up in a tense Game 7 win over B-Meg. With Paul Lee sidelined by injury, Norwood’s leadership and grit were crucial in etching the Elasto Painters’ names in league history.2. The Dunk Heard Around the World – 2014 FIBA World CupIn Seville, Spain, Norwood soared for a thunderous poster dunk over NBA veteran Luis Scola—an iconic highlight that went viral and was nominated as one of FIBA’s “Dunks of the Decade.” It captured the world’s respect for Philippine basketball.3. 2016 Commissioner’s Cup ChampionshipRain or Shine’s resilience under Norwood’s steady presence culminated in their second franchise title, overcoming adversity and four different imports to outlast Alaska in the finals.4. The 29-Point OutburstIn a do-or-die game for a semifinal slot, Norwood delivered a career-high 29 points, showcasing his ability to rise to the challenge when it mattered most—even in defeat.5. A Career of Unwavering LoyaltySeventeen years with Rain or Shine puts Norwood among the league’s most loyal players, joining the likes of Mark Caguioa and Alvin Patrimonio. Across 674 games, his stats—7.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.5 blocks—tell only part of the story. His defensive prowess, quiet leadership, and professionalism define his true legacy.As Gabe Norwood enters his farewell season, he leaves behind more than numbers and highlights—he leaves a blueprint of class, character, and what it truly means to be “All Heart.” For his team and the fans, Norwood’s final chapter is a celebration of a career built on commitment and integrity.“The journey has been nothing short of incredi­ble, I poured everything I have everything into this game and in return, it has given me more than I could ever ask for. That’s why today, I wan­na share with you all, that this upcoming Philippine Cup will be my last. One last conference, one last run, one last flight,” Norwood said. 

What began as a season of high hopes is quickly unraveling for the Meralco Bolts. The squad absorbed its second straight defeat in the EASL Home and Away Season 3, falling to the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots, 82-72, on Sunday at the Taoyuan Arena in Taipei.Imports Ismael Romero and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson led the fightback with huge performances. Romero posting 26 points and 17 rebounds, and Hollis-Jefferson adding 22 markers, 14 boards, and four assists, but their efforts fell short after trailing by as much as 17.Meralco now drops to 0-2 in Group B, a disappointing start for a team that entered the season with confidence, anticipating the arrival of Justin Brownlee, who has yet to join the roster.Meanwhile, William Artino powered the Pilots with 20 points and 17 rebounds to lift them to a 2-0 record atop the group standings.The Bolts also lost composure late in the first half when consultant Nenad Vucinic was ejected for back-to-back technical fouls, leaving coach Luigi Trillo to steer the team’s comeback attempt.“We battled back and did enough to make it manageable,” said Trillo, as Meralco trimmed a 17-point deficit to just six in the final minute before running out of time.

The UAAP community is raising its voice this November 29 at the Mall of Asia Arena as the league encourages everyone to wear white in a united stand for accountability, transparency, and integrity in government.Throughout the season, pep squads have used their halftime stages to call for accountability amid the flood control scandal—and this year’s Cheerdance Competition continues that fight.With the theme “Passion for Victory, Passion for Integrity! No to Corruption! ” UAAP aims to inspire the youth, athletes, and the broader public to champion honesty and good governance both on and off the court.Fans, students, and alumni are invited to join the white-out and amplify the message: sports and society thrive only with integrity at their core.

The country’s top sports official graced the Forum of the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) on Tuesday, July 16, prior to the kickoff of the Paris Olympics.Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino appeared in the session at the conference hall of the Rizal Memorial Complex to deliver an update of the compact Philippine contingent.Tolentino started off the forum by expressing that the Filipino athletes are of high morals and are already at the peak of their training despite some of them previously nursed injuries from their preceding tournaments prior to qualifying in the Paris Games.Weightlifters John Ceniza faced a neck injury while Vanessa Sarno suffered pain in her shoulder and thighs. Tolentino assured they are training well and are in good condition.“They are good. Actually, before I left Metz I provided them with supplements. A year's supply of whey protein supplements,” he added.With the Paris Games set to start in a few days, Tolentino informed the media that the athletes will be entering the Athletes’ Village starting July 22, with the gymnastics and boxing team already allowed to proceed by July 20 while some will be extending their stay in the Metz training camp, such as athletics, as their competition won’t start until August 03.The POC president also announced, through the Office of the President, that they will be handing out additional allowances to those who participated in the Metz.“100 Euro per day. So, it is a big help for all the athletes and the coaches and officials during Metz,” Tolentino shared.This year also marks a historic milestone with the Philippines celebrating its centennial anniversary of competing in the Summer Olympics. From the first Filipino athlete stepping to the Olympic arena and waving the Philippine flag in Paris to a larger Filipino delegation returning to the French capital to raise the flag on the world stage once again.The Philippine delegation surpassed the 19 athletes who participated in the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020 with 22 contenders competing in this year’s Summer Olympics.The largest number of participants ever recorded was in 1972 with 53 athletes all in which came home empty-handed. Tolentino is positive that this year’s contingent are capable of bringing home medals to the country. He is hopeful that the Filipino contingent will deliver a worthwhile output and will surpass the Tokyo Olympics.Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz made history as the first and only Philippine athlete to win an Olympic gold medal. The country’s other medals, all in boxing, were a silver courtesy of Nesthy Petecio, a silver medal by Carlo Paalam, and a bronze medal by Eumir Marcial.“We will deliver, we will surpass the Tokyo records. With this template, with this preparation, we will definitely surpass the Tokyo Olympics record,” Tolentino said.The 2024 Paris Olympics begin on July 26, Friday, with Tokyo Olympics silver medalists Nethy Petecio and Carlo Paalam as the Philippines’ flag-bearers. 

The William Jones Cup crown is back at the hands of the Filipinos after Strong Group Athletics-Pilipinas trounced hometown bets Chinese Taipei and secured a 83-79 victory on Sunday, July 21, at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in Taiwan.The Philippine representative completed a title sweep after going undefeated eight times and achieved what they fell short last January when they finished runner-up in the 33rd Dubai International Championship with a team reinforced by former NBA player Dwight Howard. SGA lost to Al Riyadi in the final.In the championship game against Chinese Taipei-A, Tajuan Agee lead the pack with game-high 21 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals, a block, and a perfect nine-of-nine from the free throw line, following him was DJ Fenner who contributed with 15 markers, nine boards, and four steals.RJ Abarrientos tallied 14 on four-of-eight shooting from the three-point line in his last game before joining crowd favorite Barangay Ginebra in PBA.Also standing out is veteran guard Kiefer Ravena as he provided nine markers on a 3-of-6 clip along with four rebounds, four assists, and two steals.Chris McCullough, on the other hand, finished with 12 points on 4-of-16 shooting.McCullough was later named the tournament Most Valuable Player, averaging 21.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.1 blocks in Strong Group’s eight-game sweep.Robert Tsang Hinton led Taiwan’s failed attempt at the title with 16 points, Cheng Yin Chun followed with 13, while Brandon Gilbeck had a double-double of 11, 13 boards along with five blocks as the host team settled for the runner-up finish with its 7-1 record.Strong Group became the seventh Philippine team to rule the annual Jones Cup. The last time the country reigned supreme was in 2019 under the Mighty Sports squad, which incidentally, was also coached by Charles Tiu.

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.

Can the one and only King of MLBB Analysis help solve the Phoenix Army’s playoffs woes?That is the question that many people are asking, as Caisam “Wolf” Nopueto traded his three-piece analyst suit and caster headset for a white-black-and-orange long sleeved polo to call the shots on the side of a revamped TNC Pro Team’s roster for MPL Philippines Season 14.Wolf, a 13-season veteran of global Mobile Legends broadcast, was announced as the new lead tactician for TNC in a roster reveal held Sunday night.The legendary esports broadcaster is a two-time Philippine Esports Awards winner, and had also innovated the use of graphic explainers, and his self-developed mobile app, in giving context and deep analysis to what was traditionally a hype and energy-centered MPL Philippines broadcast.

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. 

Hester will be on his third tour of duty in the league and it became possible after an unfortunate injury happened to Brandon Edwards.Edwards was the original import of the Terrafirma in the season opening conference Governors’ Cup but he suffered an ACL injury in their tune-up game against Meralco Bolts last Tuesday.The Dyip crammed in searching for a replacement for Edwards but luckily for them, Hester was available and also excited to return to Asia’s first play-for-pay league.

Following the success of the recently concluded 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Richard Bachmann expressed the agency’s aspiration to further nurture athletes that could bring glory to the country. Bachmann laid out plans to intensify grassroots and to initiate programs in order to bring consciousness to sports that are not usually patronized by youngsters and the general public.

Lovely Inan added three more medals to the Philippines’ growing collection following her impressive feat in the women’s 49-kilogram event in the ongoing 2024 International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Junior Championships in Leon, Spain. Inan topped her event with a total lift of 179kg, surpassing Colombia’s Karoll Dahyanne Lopez Alvarez who tallied a lift of 178kg and Spain’s Lucia Gonzalez Borrego with a total lift of 170kg.The young Filipina athlete also seized gold in clean and jerk on a 100kg effort and nabbed a silver medal in snatch with a 79kg lift.Inan’s impressive victories added to the country’s medal collection following two golds and one silver from Angeline Colonia in the women’s 45kg.Meanwhile, Rose Jean Ramos (women’s 49kg Category B) and Eron Borres and Prince Kiel Delos Santos (men’s 55kg) fell short in their respective events. The Philippines still has a chance to claim more medals with Jodie Peralta set to compete in the women’s 55kg event and Albert Ian Delos Santos in the men’s 67kg division.

The PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup quarter final round begins on Wednesday, September 28, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium with interesting pairings of the best-of-five series.

Magnolia recovered from a disappointing start to dominate Game 4 of their quarter final series against Rain or Shine on Tuesday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium to force a knockout game on Saturday, October 5.The Hotshots relied on their four-point shooting to extend their campaign in the 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup as they recorded a 129-100 win after.Paul Lee, in the most opportune time played his best game of the series to lead the team in saving their tournament lives. The ‘Leethal weapon” produced 25 points highlighted by a 3-of-4 four-pointers.Jabari Bird as usual delivered a quiet but effective offensive prowess for Magnolia as he led them in scoring with 30 markers.Jerrick Ahanmisi also helped in the scoring parade by contributing 14, including two 4-pointers to move out of a tie with Blackwater’s import George King (17) as the No. 1 in most four-pointers made in the PBA. His two conversions gave him the 18th and 19th of his career.Veterans Mark Barroca and Ian Sangalang also produced double-digit scoring for the Hotshots as they contributed 10 apiece. Calvin Abueva, Aris Dionisio and Rome Dela Rosa also helped in their offensive thrust as they tallied nine markers each.

Wello Lingolingo saved the UE Red Warriors on Sunday night, October 6, by knocking down a game-winning buzzer beater jumper to take a thrilling 63-62 victory against Adamson Soaring Falcons at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.Lingolingo got a timely offensive board off a Nico Mulingtapang miss, then double-pumped in the air before taking a bank shot at the buzzer that sealed the game and extended the University of the East win streak to five games.UE finished the first round of eliminations with a 5-2 record to place solo third.

The Philippine Men’s National Football Team earned a podium finish in the 2024 King’s Cup after defeating Tajikistan, 3-0, on Monday, October 14, at the Tinsulanonda Stadium in Songkhla, Thailand.Gerrit Holtmann (47') placed the nation on the scoreboard after the first half ended without a goal. Jefferson Tabinas (58') immediately followed with a 54th minute header from a corner, and Zico Bailey's goal in the 62nd minute sealed the victory for the Nationals, making it a 3-to-love score.The triumph marks the Philippines’ first podium place in the competition and their first win under Albert Capellas since he took over as head coach of the men’s national football team.

San Miguel’s teamwork made wonders for the Beermen as they defeated Ginebra, 131-121, last night, October 16, at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum to tie their PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup semifinals series.The eight-time MVP June Mar Fajardo led the pack with his 29 points, 16 rebounds and three assists performance.SMB import EJ Anosike supplemented him with 27 markers, while CJ Perez added 20. Marcio Lassiter and Don Trollano contributed 15 points each to help the Beermen’s campaign.Coach Jorge Gallent said that he was happy that his players responded to his call of playing hard, putting more effort and bringing a lot of energy in order for them to win the game.

Meralco Bolts import Allen Durham has decided to retire from playing basketball to spend more time with his family.This was confirmed by Bolts head coach Luigi Trillo, during the send off party given by his team. “AD has decided to retire and he just feels it’s the right time. He wants to spend time with his children,” said Trillo.The Meralco Bolts head coach believes that the participation of Durham in the team was  considered a big part in turning the Meralco Bolts into what it is today. The Bolts coach also believes that their losses in this conference laid the foundations for their team to become stable and strong in their next journey.

After a successful debut in the ONE Championship Muay Thai circuit last November 8 against Japan’s Fuu, Islay Erika Bomogao is ready to go again. “I wish to compete here again. I promise I will continue to train. I will wait for more opportunities,”  she said. She described her transition in One Championship as a little bit weird and awkward, especially because it was the first time she wore four-ounce gloves for Muay Thai. “It’s weird. Coming from an amateur background since I was 16, I was competing with headgear and competing with 10-ounce gloves. I had a body vest on when I was a junior fighter. When I put on four-ounce gloves for the first time, it was awkward. I was excited, but there was definitely unease at first. I was thinking, ‘[The gloves] are so small, and of course it would be nice if I landed a punch using these gloves, but what if I’m the one on the receiving end?’,” Bomogao stated.“But as time passed, I felt like I was able to adjust, and [when] I got hit, I realized it doesn’t hurt that much.”

Choco Mucho defeated Capital1 in four sets, 25-20, 26-24, 26-28, 25-9, to record its second consecutive victory in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Thursday, November 21, at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan.Choco Mucho launched an 8-1 blitz to start the fourth frame after an unsuccessful attempt to rally in the third set. Dindin Santiago-Manabat's cross-court kill would give the Flying Titans their largest advantage, 24-7.Luth Malaluan's swift attack in the middle would then seal the victory.

Meralco blew a double-digit lead against the Busan KCC Egis, 68-72, in the continuation of the East Asia Super League (EASL) home-and-away season on Wednesday, December 18, at the Busan Sajik Gymnasium. The Bolts appeared to be headed for their third EASL victory and a trip to the Final Four.With 4:02 remaining, the Bolts appeared to be in control, 66-53, but their 13-point advantage was erased by Heo Ung, headlining the comeback with four consecutive three-pointers to reduce the deficit to just one.The 31-year-old Ung scored an easy layup to give Busan the lead after Chris Newsome missed a layup. The Bolts turned to the returning Akil Mitchell with four seconds remaining in the game, but he made a poor turn-around jumper that missed the basket.Ung finished with a game-high 31 points, 17 of which came in the final four minutes of the game. Deonte Burton contributed 26 markers, 14 rebounds, and five assists in the come-from-behind win.