Young athletes from the province of Laguna showcased their strong skills in sports in the  recently-concluded 2024 Batang Pinoy National Championships held in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan from November 23 to 28.With a lean delegation composed of 176 athletes and 31 coaches coming from different cities and municipalities of Laguna in 13 sports disciplines, the province bagged a total of 74 medals, in which 25 of them are gold, 25 silver and 24 bronze in the annual grassroots competition spearheaded by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).This year’s Laguna delegation performed better than last year, who bagged a total of 67 medals (20 golds, 20 silvers and 27 bronzes) in the 2023 edition of Batang Pinoy Nationals.Meanwhile, the Laguna Muay Thai Team, headed by Coach Preciosa Ocaya-Delarmino, garnered a total of 29 medals composed of 13 golds, 7 silvers and 9 Bronzes. On the other hand, the Laguna Chess Team won 16 medals, while Pencak Silat captured 12, and Santa Rosa Wrestling team bagged 12. Arnis, Athletics, Badminton, Cycling, Karatedo, Swimming, Taekwondo also seized medals for Laguna. National Chess Master Mark Gabriel Usman won a total of 9 medals for Laguna during his stint at the Batang Pinoy this year. Bagging the Overall Championship were the 771-man delegation from Pasig City which dethroned the 4-peat Batang Pinoy Overall Champion, Baguio City, with 105 golds, 64 silvers and 116 bronzes.

The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters clinched their fifth win against Blackwater Bossing, 122-106, in their match last night, January 8, at the Philsports Arena in the ongoing PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup.With the win, Elasto Painters now have a 5-1 win-loss record, while Black Water Bossing has a 1-6 win-loss in the team standings.The Elasto Painters immediately took off after posting a 23-point lead, 39-16 in the second quarter, where in the third quarter, Adrian Nocum and Caelan Tiongson scored points, and they were able to extend the lead against Bossing, 87-70 in the last three minutes of the third quarter, until the Elasto Painters did not give up their advantage in the fourth quarter after Thompson scored a goal in the last 1:37 minutes, causing the Elasto Painters to further extend their lead over the opponent, 118-101.Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao admitted that he was worried because his team had almost a three-week break from the holiday break last year, although they did not neglect their practice.“My primary concern at the beginning was how sharp are the guys going to be coming off almost a three-week break. We had good practices, but iba pa rin 'pag makikita mo sa laro,” Guiao said.Guiao also said that at the beginning of the match, they had a difficult time against their opponent, but the team did not allow the victory to slip away from them. He added that what is important for them right now is to advance to the next round of the game, and they need to secure seven wins to secure a spot in the playoffs.“This is our first game in the new year, medyo concerned ako kung paano nila lalaruin 'yung first game namin. Sa amin ang importante makarating ng next round, Ang tingin namin seven wins will assure you of a slot in the playoffs. So we have five wins now,”  Guiao added.Meanwhile, Rain or Shine was led by Deon Thompson, who scored 25 points, while Adrian Nocum, Leonard Santillan, Anton Asistio and Caelan Tiongson each scored 22, 20, 18, and 11 points.On Saturday, January 11, Rain or Shine will again try to win against the Phoenix Fuel Masters, while Black Water Bossing will try to get a win against Barangay Ginebra on Sunday, January 12.

Hulk Hogan, the legendary face of 1980s professional wrestling who successfully transitioned into acting, has died at the age of 71.Standing at 6-foot-7 with his signature bandana and blond handlebar mustache, Hogan—born Terry Bollea—was a Hall of Famer whose charisma and ring presence helped transform professional wrestling into mainstream entertainment.According to reports in the U.S., his manager Chris Volo said that Hogan passed away at his home in Florida. Some reports cite "cardiac arrest" as the cause of death.Hogan’s larger-than-life persona, billed as a heroic all-American, drew millions of fans, turning professional wrestling into a global phenomenon and financial powerhouse. Debuting in the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) in 1979, he became a household name in the mid-1980s alongside icons like Andre the Giant and "Rowdy" Roddy Piper.His brand of "Hulkamania" extended beyond the ring, leading to roles in films like Rocky III and No Holds Barred, as well as appearances on TV shows such as Baywatch.Hogan was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.“WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. One of pop culture's most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s,” WWE shared on social media, extending condolences to his family, friends, and fans.Hogan’s career was not without controversy. He faced public scrutiny after an intimate video was leaked, and later for his use of racist language, which led to his firing from WWE in 2015. He apologized and was eventually reinstated into the Hall of Fame.In recent years, Hogan was an outspoken supporter of U.S. President Donald Trump, memorably appearing at the 2024 Republican National Convention, where he ripped off his shirt to reveal a Trump-Vance tank top.Years of performing took a toll on Hogan’s health. He was married three times and is survived by two children from his first marriage to Linda.

The UAAP’s 88th season officially came alive on September 19 with a vibrant opening ceremony at the University of Santo Tomas Grandstand and Open Field, ushering in a new chapter of collegiate sports tradition and pride.Athletes, students, alumni, and supporters from all eight member schools gathered in a spirited show of unity, painting the venue in school colors and cheers that reflected the league’s enduring passion and energy.As this year’s host, UST rolled out its world-class facilities to welcome the league, emphasizing the university’s deep sporting legacy and commitment to excellence.Carrying the theme “Strength in Motion, Hope in Action,” UAAP Season 88 aims to highlight not only athletic brilliance but also the values of camaraderie, perseverance, and resilience that continue to define the country’s premier collegiate league.With the stage now set, fans can look forward to another season of unforgettable rivalries, inspiring performances, and stories of triumph that transcend the playing field.

After nearly six years of learning and growing in the NBA, Jimmy Alapag believes the time is finally right to come home.The former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) superstar officially faced the media on Tuesday following his appointment as the new head coach of the NLEX Road Warriors, describing his return to the Philippines as a "big move" for both his career and his family.Alapag recently concluded his stint as a player development coach with the NBA's Sacramento Kings in April, bringing with him valuable experience gained at basketball's highest level."I think it just felt like it was the right time," Alapag said during his introductory press conference at Dave & Buster's in Opus Mall, Pasig. "Almost six years in the NBA, I've had an opportunity to see a lot, to learn a lot, and I know how much it's allowed me to grow—not just as a husband, as a father, but also as a coach."The 47-year-old returns to Manila alongside his wife, actress LJ Moreno-Alapag, and their four children. Alapag also shared that their fourth child was born during the family's stay in the United States.Before ultimately accepting the NLEX coaching job, Alapag revealed that Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Executive Director Erika Dy initially reached out to gauge his interest in joining the Gilas Pilipinas coaching staff.Instead, the six-time PBA champion embraced the opportunity to take charge of an NLEX squad eager to become a contender."To be able to come back home and pour all of that knowledge and all that wisdom that I've gained in the NBA back into Philippine basketball, it felt like now was the right time," said Alapag, who starred with Talk 'N Text from 2003 to 2015.Alapag succeeds veteran mentor Jong Uichico and inherits a talented roster led by Robert Bolick, Kevin Alas, Schonny Winston, LJ Gonzales, and Xyrus Torres.His coaching debut will come immediately on the opening day of the PBA Season 50 Governors' Cup on July 10, when the Road Warriors face guest team Macau Giant Pandas in the second game of a doubleheader at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.For Alapag, the return home is more than just another coaching assignment—it marks the beginning of a new chapter, one where he hopes to translate years of NBA experience into success for NLEX and help shape the future of Philippine basketball.

ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles made an early statement in the 2026 PVL On Tour, defeating the Akari Chargers, 25-11, 25-23, 26-28, 25-17, on Wednesday at the Capital Arena.The victory not only marked ZUS Coffee's first win of the preseason tournament but also earned the Thunderbelles the competition's first ₱100,000 performance incentive.Fans were also treated to the debut of the team's revamped roster, with former Farm Fresh Foxies standout Jolina dela Cruz and reigning NCAA Season 101 Most Valuable Player (MVP) Zam Nolasco earning spots in the starting lineup.The match likewise featured the PVL's experimental preseason rules, including the two-point Premier Ball and the mandatory 14-player rotation, giving teams an opportunity to test new strategies while providing more playing time for the entire roster.With an impressive opening victory and fresh faces making an immediate impact, ZUS Coffee sent a strong message that it is ready to contend in the 2026 PVL On Tour.

They fought until the final drop of sweat, but the comeback story was not meant to be.Alas Pilipinas Women saw their podium dreams come to a painful halt after bowing to a resilient Kazakhstan squad in a grueling four-set thriller, 27-29, 26-24, 25-23, 25-19, in their Pool B encounter at the 20th Asian Games at the Aichi International Arena.The stinging defeat officially eliminates the Philippines from medal contention, drawing the curtains on a courageous campaign in Nagoya.A War of Nerves and MomentumThe match was a masterclass in grit, featuring high-octane rallies and dramatic momentum shifts that kept fans on the edge of their seats.Alas Pilipinas showed immense composure right out of the gate. In an extended, cardiac opening frame, the Filipinas outlasted the Kazakhs, 29-27, showcasing the trademark resilience that has defined this iteration of the national team.However, Kazakhstan refused to fold. The Central Asian powerhouse storm back in the second set, snatching a razor-thin 26-24 equalizer to turn the match into a tactical chess match.The Turning PointWith the match tied, the crucial third set became a battle of nerves. Alas Pilipinas traded heavy blows and desperation digs, but Kazakhstan's towering net defense and execution in winning time allowed them to escape with a 25-23 squeaker.Sensing blood in the water, Kazakhstan carried the momentum into the fourth frame. As fatigue began to settle in for the Filipinas, the Kazakhs unleashed a decisive closing run to wrap up the set, 25-19, and permanently shut the door on a Philippine fightback.Heads Held HighWhile the scoreboard confirmed the end of their Asian Games journey, the statistical heartbreak does little to diminish the growth of the program. Throughout the tournament, this squad put the rest of Asia on notice, proving that Philippine volleyball can stand toe-to-toe with the continent's giants.The podium finish will have to wait, but the foundation has been laid.Saludo kami sa inyo Alas Pilipinas. The journey in Nagoya ends, but the future of Philippine volleyball remains incredibly bright.

In the volatile world of professional basketball where coaching carousels turn overnight, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters just sent a seismic shockwave of stability across the PBA landscape.The mastermind isn't going anywhere. Rain or Shine management has officially signed firebrand head coach Yeng Guiao to a monumental contract extension that will keep him at the helm of the franchise until 2030.In a massive display of corporate faith, the new deal—which adds an extra two years to his horizon—was signed despite Guiao still having two years left on his current five-year pact.The statement from team co-owners Raymund Yu and Terry Que is loud, clear, and absolute: Trust the process. Trust the coach. Trust the culture.The Culture Is the CatalystWhen Coach Yeng returned to the Elasto Painters baseline in 2022 after a six-year stint with NLEX, he inherited a franchise searching for its lost identity. What followed wasn't a quick-fix patch, but a complete structural overhaul.Since his return, Rain or Shine has transformed from a lottery-bound, rebuilding squad into a legitimate, feared title contender. Under his watchful eye, the Elasto Painters have stormed their way into the semifinals in five of the last six conferences.That kind of consistent deep playoff execution isn't a fluke. That is the byproduct of an unyielding system.Instead of chasing high-priced superstars, Guiao went to work in the laboratory, developing a lethal, high-octane young core led by Adrian Nocum, Jhonard Clarito, Andrei Caracut, and Santi Santillan. By locking Guiao down until 2030, management is guaranteeing that this young core will reach its absolute prime under the exact architect who drafted them.From Stability to SilverwareThe timing of the announcement provides a massive psychological boost right before the season-ending Governors’ Cup resumes this October. Rain or Shine currently sits comfortably at the top tier of Group B with a strong 4-2 win-loss slate.To make things even scarier for the rest of the league, the Elasto Painters recently paraded powerhouse veteran Stanley Pringle and speedy sophomore sensation Felix Lemetti in a competitive tune-up game against the Korean Basketball League's (KBL) LG Sakers.Guiao already steered the franchise to its only two PBA championships during his first legendary stint from 2011 to 2016, including their last taste of glory in the 2016 Commissioner’s Cup.The question was never whether Rain or Shine believed in Yeng Guiao's blueprint. The front office just gave the entire basketball community a definitive, long-term answer.Now, with his future cemented and the pieces firmly on the board, the clock begins to tick: Can the Elasto Painters translate ultimate organizational stability into championship silverware?

Gilas Pilipinas Youth clinched a berth in the FIBA U18 Asia Cup after Indonesia defeated Malaysia 77-64 last Saturday in the SEABA Qualifiers held at the MABA Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.Earlier, the Gilas U18 squad defeated Thailand 87-53 to have a clean slate during the tournament and assured them one of the top two spots when Indonesia won their own battle.The Philippines and Indonesia became the top two teams with 2-0 records after the Saturday games. Having been on top of the standings, they already qualified for SEABA in the FIBA U18 tournament to be held from September 2 to 7 in Amman, Jordan.The two teams will join reigning champion South Korea, host Jordan, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China, Mongolia, Chinese Taipei, Lebanon, Kazakhstan, India, and Iran.Already assured of the slot, Gilas Youth still swept the tournament by dealing Indonesia their first loss. Guard Andy Gemao led the team with 29 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists in their 87-64 win while Wilham Cabonilas added 17 points and grabbed nine boards.

The De La Salle Green Archers have tapped the services of Fil-Am big man Dominic Sarmiento as its newest center.The ex-Irvine Valley College freshman was announced to be heading to Taft after a US-based Filipino basketball org, Tumakbo United, posted about Sarmiento’s next big move.A report from Tiebreaker Times showed that the 6-foot-8 center played in the States as part of the Orange Empire Conference of the California Community College Athletic Association.Sarmiento played 15 games for the Irvine Valley Lasers in the league’s 2023-2024 season, averaging 1 point and 1 rebound in five minutes of playing time.However, it will take some time before the Archers will tap its newest big man, as Sarmiento will need to fulfill a one-year residency period before he becomes eligible to play starting UAAP Season 88.Sarmiento joins a star-studded transfer class to DLSU, which also includes Mason Amos, Luis Pablo, and Kean Baclaan. (PB)

Akari’s import Oly Okaro had a performance to remember as she paced her team to a five-set comeback against the Choco Mucho as they went 2-0 to start the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Tuesday, July 23.The Chargers remain undefeated in Pool B after pulling off the reverse sweep against the Flying Titans, 18-25, 16-25, 25-21, 25-23, 15-13.The 28-year-old American opposite spiker recorded an explosive performance in the game, matching the season’s scoring record of 38 points built off 33 attacks, three aces, and two blocks. Okaro tied Creamline’s Tots Carlos in the season-opening All-Filipino Conference last March with the fifth-highest scoring output in the league’s seven year-history.

Filipino Olympian and boxers Carlo Paalam and Eumir Marcial earned byes for the first round of their respective events as the brackets for the Paris Olympics boxing competitions were determined on Thursday, July 25.Marcial (men’s 80kg) and Paalam (men’s 57kg) advanced to the round of 16 as they both begin their golden quests on Wednesday, July 31.Paalam, who moved up in weight after bagging silver in the men’s 52kg category in Tokyo, will go against Ireland’s Jude Gallagher, a gold medalist in the 2022 Commonwealth Games.On the other hand, Marcial tangles with Uzbekistan’s Turabek Khabibullaev, who earned a bronze medal in the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou.The draw has also put Marcial for a potential rematch with Ukraine’s Oleksandr Khyzhniak three years after the Filipino obtained bronze following a split decision loss in their semifinal bout in Tokyo.Debuting in the Games, Hergie Bacyadan, meanwhile, got dealt a tough hand as she faces a tall order in the women’s 75kg after being drawn with top seed Li Qian of China for their round of 16 duel on Wednesday, July 31.Li boasts of impressive credentials, winning an Olympic bronze in Rio de Janeiro and silver in Tokyo on top of gold medals in the Women’s World Boxing Championships, Asian Games, and Asian Amateur Boxing Championships.Meanwhile, Nesthy Petecio (women’s 57kg) and Aira Villegas (women’s 50kg) begin their respective campaigns in round of 32.Villegas will be the first Philippine boxer in action as she fights Morocco’s Yasmine Mouttaki on Monday, July 29, before Petecio opens her bid of improving the silver she won in Tokyo against India’s Jaismine Lamboria on Tuesday, July 30.The boxing competition runs until August 10.\

Kayla Sanchez and Jarod Hatch are on the mission to end a near-century long drought as they represent Philippine swimming in the 2024 Paris Olympics.Swimming is considered as one of the richest sources of medals for multi-sports events like the Olympics and with the Philippines making great use of the country’s geography to produce exceptional tankers. Teofilo Yldefonso started the trend of Filipino success in swimming - and in the Olympics overall - by being the first Filipino and Southeast Asian Olympic medalist.He nabbed two bronze medals when he bannered the country in men’s 200 meters breaststroke in both 1928 Amsterdam and 1932 Los Angeles Summer Games.Since then, however, the Philippines has been in a constant search of that next great swimmer, one that both Kayla Sanchez and Jarod Hatch would like to snap in Paris.

Aira Villegas gifts herself with the best possible present on her 29th birthday as she advances to the women’s 50kg quarterfinals in the Paris Olympics early Friday, August 2 (Manila time).The Filipina boxer stunned the No. 2 seeded Roumaysa Boualam of Algeria when she showcased her quick movement and counterpunching.Villegas repeatedly backed off her Algerian foe with her stinging left jabs and quick combinations, enabling her to get all of the five judges’ nod in the first round. While the next two frames were closer, it was Villegas’ clean blows that spelled the difference.It was the second straight unanimous decision win for Villegas, who has been impressive so far in her Olympic debut. She gave the Philippine boxing team a winning start in the Paris Olympics on Monday, July 29, with a victory over Yasmine Mouttaki of Morocco.The 29-year-old’s win set up a date with home bet and seventh seed Wassila Lkhadiri of France as they duel for a spot in the semifinals on Sunday, August 4 (Manila time).Villegas joins Tokyo silver medalists Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam among the Filipino boxers who remain in the medal contention. 

Filipino hurdlers John Cabang Tolentino and Lauren Hoffman were unable to book an outright semifinals ticket and were relegated to repechage following the result of their respective events in the 2024 Paris Olympics athletics competitions at the Stade De Paris on Sunday, August 4.Cabang Tolentino marked his Summer Games debut after clocking in a time of 13.66 seconds, placing him sixth in the Heat 1 of the men’s 110 meters hurdles. Overall, he finished No. 32 among 39 hurdlers with Grant Holloway of the United States topping the race with his time of 13.01 seconds, showing readiness for his redemption campaign after nabbing silver in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.Meanwhile, Hoffman, a first-time Olympian as well, was also dropped in the repechage round of the women’s 400 meters hurdles after finishing 37th overall out of 40 participants with a time of 57.84 seconds, two seconds slower than the national record of 55.72 seconds she set in April.Only the top three racers in each five heats and the next three fastest advanced to the semifinals, with Tokyo Games bronze medalist Femke Bol of the Netherlands registering 53.38 seconds to lead the pack.Hoffman returns to action on Monday, August 5, for the repechage, while Tolentino will get one last shot at the semifinals which will be held on Tuesday, August 6.

Team Philippines’ John Cabang Tolentino capped off his Paris 2024 medal bid after withdrawing from the competition due to an injury. He was set to compete in the repechage round of the men’s 110 meter hurdles race at Stade de France set on Tuesday, August 6.The Filipino hurdler publicly apologized on social media saying he won’t be able to compete due to an undisclosed injury.

Bianca Pagdangan and Dottie Ardina capped off the opening round of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games women’s individual stroke play in contrasting styles at the Le Golf National on Wednesday, August 7 (Manila time).Second-time Olympian Pagdanganan, who represented Philippines in Tokyo Olympics alongside Yuka Saso, started her bid with pars in the first three holes, but three costly bogeys in the fourth, fifth, and seventh holes saw her slipping in the rankings. The 26-year-old then found her rhythm and had birdies in the 12th, 15th, and 18th holes to go to an even par to end the day with 72 at joint 13th spot.Pagdanganan is currently in a logjam with defending gold medalist Nelly Korda of the United States, Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Lydia Ko of New Zealand, as well as world No. 3 Amy Yang of South Korea, keeping her medal hopes very much alive.The other Philippine bet, Ardina, earned a 4-over 76 score, tying five other golfers in the 40th spot with four bogeys and a double bogey in the front and back nine proving costly in her opening-day campaign.Meanwhile, two-time US Open champion Yuka Saso, who is now representing Japan after playing for the Philippines in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, could not overcome an early double-bogey in the 7th hole for a wretched 5-over 77 outing and is tied with the three others in the 46th spot.The second round of the event will continue on Thursday, August 8.

The host country France is heading back to the Olympics men’s basketball gold medal game after narrowly defeating Germany in their semi-final battle, 73-69.Germany started out strong to take a 10-point lead in the first canto of play but France tied the game heading to halftime. Les Bleus built a 13-point lead of its own with less than seven minutes in the fourth and final period. Germany cut the deficit into two in the final minute but France held on to the lead until the final buzzer.Guerschon Yabusele led France with 17 points. Victor Wembanyama had 11 points on 4-for-17 shooting, while Rudy Gobert went scoreless in just five minutes of action.Dennis Schröder scored a game-high 18 points for Germany and Franz Wagner chipped in with 10.France now awaits the winner of the USA-Serbia match-up to know whom they will face in the finals of the tournament.In France men’s basketball Olympic history, they have three silver medals in their bags - all three coming at the hands of Team USA and the latest was in 2020 Tokyo Olympics. This is the French’s 4th gold medal match appearance in Olympic basketball.This year's gold medal game will be held at 3:30 a.m on August 11, Sunday (PH time).Meanwhile, Germany will be battling for their first Olympic men’s basketball medal against the loser of the USA-Serbia match-up for the bronze medal at 5:00 p.m on August 10, Saturday (PH time).

Danilo Fresnido won a silver medal in the Men’s 50+ Javelin Throw event at the 2024 World Masters Athletics Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden.Fresnido clinched the second spot behind Carlo Sonego of Italy with a distance of 56.34 meters.Masters sprinters John Aguilar and Brenda Zinampan together with pole vaulter Judith Staples saw action at Day 1 of the tournament.Zinampan ranked 12th in the 100 meter women’s event registering a time of 14.04 seconds in the qualifying rounds and would move to the semifinals. Aguilar finished 5th in 100 meters men’s event heat 2 with a 12.75 seconds performance while Staples ended her pole vault event in 6th place with a jump of 2.0 meter.On the other hand, Day 2 of the event saw Dolly Claravall in the Hammer Throw with a 27.01 meter performance and a 22nd place overall ranking in the highly contested W50 category.Hurdler Edward Kho finished 5th in heat 2 of the 400 meter men’s event and ranked 19th overall with a 1:10.13 performance. Zinampan saw action at the 100 meter women’s event with a 14.40 seconds, finishing at 22nd spot.Eleven members of the National Masters & Senior Athletics Association of the Philippines are competing in the 2024 World Masters Athletics Championship from August 13 to 25.

Filipina tennis player Alex Eala tallied her first win of the US Open qualifiers in New York in a three-set victory to start her campaign.Coming off back-to-back quarterfinals appearances in two US tournaments, the 19-year-old Filipina defeated Australia’s Maddison Inglis in the first qualifying match, 6-3, 2-6, 6-1.Eala’s win set her up with a tough challenge against 15th-seeded Nuria Parrizas-Diaz of Spain in the second round of the qualifiers on Thursday, August 22 (Manila time).This is Eala’s last chance this year to qualify for the first time to the main draw of a pro Grand Slam tournament.