The Philippine Basketball Association 49th season opened the ceremony by acknowledging athletes and giving entertainment.When the curtains were raised at 5pm on Sunday, August 18 at the Araneta Coliseum.TV5 sports news anchor Tito Mikee Reyes and radio-TV host Ana Ramsey set the mood for the PBA’s opening night as they hosted the event.Then, the team muses together with the PBA board of governors came up on stage followed by the introduction of the team roster with their imports.Team muses were composed of different personalities from sports including Olympinas, beauty queens and celebrities.Singer-actress Julie Ann San Jose (who’s Magnolia muse last year) was the muse for the crowd-favorite Barangay Ginebra, Olympian gymnast Aleah Finnegan for Meralco, volleyball star Jema Galanza for Phoenix, figure skater Charmaine Syke Chua for NorthPort, SEA games medalist in karate Jamie Lim for San Miguel (Jamie’s father Samboy was one of the SMB’s icon in the 90’s), Miss World Philippines 2024 Krishnah Gravidez for Blackwater, streamer-host-model Myrtle Sarrosa for Converge, actress and model Rere Madrid for Magnolia, host-beauty queen Inday Fatima for NLEX, beauty queen Sophia Bianca Santos for Rain or Shine, pageant icon Annabelle Mcdonnel, and Eat Bulaga host Atasha Mulach for TNT.Olympic bronze medalists boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas also joined them on stage.

Meralco Bolts has defeated the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots, 99-94 in the opening game of the PBA’s 49th Season.Returning import Allen Durham led the Bolts with a double-double scoring 20 points and grabbing 16 rebounds. Chris Banchero, who sank the first-ever four-pointer in PBA history, backed Durham with 14 points while Meralco’s captain Christ Newsome added 13 and energy-bunny Cliff Hodge chipped in 12 including nine rebounds and five assists.Sophomore Jolo Mendoza also made an impact by scoring 13 including the second four-pointer of the game including 3-of-3 shooting from the arc. He even got an ovation from the fans when he was subbed out after giving quality minutes for his team.

Gilas Pilipinas Women absorbed a heartbreaking loss after almost pulling off a huge upset in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Pre-Qualifying Tournament in Rwanda as they bowed to Brazil, 77-74, on Monday, August 19.Ranked 40th in the world, the Filipinas gave the world No. 8 Brazilians a run for their money before running out of steam in the endgame to fall 0-1 in Group C.Jack Animam paced the Gilas with a monster-game scoring 18 points and grabbing 21 rebounds on top of four blocks, an assist, and a steal despite dealing with four fouls over 31 minutes of gameplay.Afril Bernardino backstopped Animam with 14 markers, seven boards along with two rejections and two steals, while Naomi Panganiban scored 13, five rebounds and four assists. Despite struggling from the field, Panganiban’s fourth-quarter work was crucial for Gilas Women to make it a close finish, with her booming three with 5:09 left allowing the Philippines regain the lead, 69-68.Khate Castillo and Stefanie Berberabe finished with 9 points apiece in the nip-and-tuck game that featured nine lead changes.Leticia Soares led Brazil with 15 points and five rebounds, while Emmanuely De Oliveira and Maria Albiero chipped in 13 and 12 markers, respectively.Gilas Women will take on world No. 16 Hungary on Tuesday, August 20.The Philippines needs a top-two finish in the group to advance to the semifinals.

Cignal will head into the Premier League Volleyball (PVL) Reinforced Conference quarterfinals after outplaying Nxled on Tuesday, August 20, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.The HD Spikers ended its preliminary campaign after sweeping the Chameleons with a 27-25, 25-20, 25-20 victory.The HD Spikers continued to bank on the Venezuelan wing spiker MJ Perez who dispatched 17 attack points apart from 10 excellent digs to move on to the quarterfinals.

Filipina Olympic fencer Samatha Kyle Catantan needs no worries as St. Luke’s Global City waived her hospital bill and even the doctor’s fee after the successful operation of her knee due to ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury.According to Dr. Jose Raul Canlas, the gesture of the hospital was to honor the Olympian’s contribution to Philippine sports.

PBA Champions San Miguel Beermen and Meralco Bolts will banner the Home-and-Away Season 2 of the EASL season opener on October 2 at the Mall of Asia arena.Reigning PBA Commissioner’s Cup Champions San Miguel will be going against the Korean Basketball League (KBL) runner-up Suwon KT Sonicboom, while Philippine Cup champs Meralco will face the new team Macau Black Bears as the league opens its season on Philippines soil for the very first time.The group stage is scheduled from October 2, 2024 to February 12, 2025. Then, the Final Four championship weekend will be from March 7-9, 2025. Three more playdates will be held in the country.Another double header will be played on November 13 at the PhilSports Arena. It will feature the game between the Beermen against P.League+ runner up Taoyuan Pilots while the Bolts is scheduled to take on KBL’s champion, KCC Egis.On January 15, 2025, SMB will face another new team in Hong Kong Eastern Dragons Arena while Meracl will meet the B. League runner up Ryuku Golden Kings on the 22nd in the same Pasig venue.The EASL participants will be divided into two groups: Group A will be composed of Hiroshima Dragonflies, KT Sonicboom, Taoyuan Pilots, Hong Kong Eastern, and San Miguel Beermen while Group B will have the Ryuku Golden Kings, KCC Egis, New Taipei Kings, Macau Black Bears, and the Meralco Bolts.

Veteran para swimmer Ernie Gawilan and para archer Agustina Bantiloc will carry the Philippine flag during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, France on Wednesday, August 28.They will be joined by para track and field athletes Jerrold Mangliwan and Cendy Asusano, para swimmer Angel Mae Otom and para taekwondo jin Allain Ganapin. The parade will take place from the Champs-Elysées to the Place de la Concorde.In a statement, Philippine Paralympic team chef de mission Ral Rosario said that the team had several discussions on who the flag-bearers will be.

Chezka Centeno continued to carry the fight for the Philippines after defeating Mayte Romero of Spain on Tuesday, September 3, in the World Pool Association or WPA World 9-Ball Women’s Championship held in Hamilton, New Zealand. The World Junior 9-Ball champion will vie for a place in the knockout round when she faces off Yuki Hiraguchi of Japan.Meanwhile, veteran Rubilen Amit launched her 9-Ball Women’s Championship in grand fashion after overwhelming Canada’s Veronique Menard with a 4-1, 4-0 victory in the race to 4 best of three sets preliminary stage.Amit’s win arranged her a match up against Chinese Taipe’s Chen Chia Hua, who earned a first-match bye. But the 9-Ball crown remained elusive for the two-time World 10-Ball champion as she dropped the second game with Hua, 1-2, via shootout.She will meet Gemma Schumann of Australia on the loser’s side.The lone Filipino entry, Carlo Biado, on the other hand, opened his first match with a loss against Jui-an Ryan Hsu of Chinese Taipei, 6-8. He tried to revive his chance by trouncing Kenko Suzuki of Japan when he was relegated in the loser’s bracket but eventually succumbed to Chinese Gao Zhankui, 7-8, to end his World 10-Ball crown bid. 

The Philippines’ RP Blu Girls ended their World Baseball Softball (WBSC) Under-18 Women’s Softball World Cup campaign with a strong finish.The Nationals’ victory against Ireland, 4-0, secured them a fifth-place finish in Group C, while their rival ended the tournament winless in sixth place.Philippines’ starting pitcher Callie Christian paced the team by pitching a complete game shutout. She allowed just one hit and one walk while striking out six batters, imposing her will on the mound.Mylia Perez also contributed to the team’s strong offensive presence as she added two hits in three at-bats and crossing the plate twice.

The Creamline Cool Smashers defied all odds after capturing their ninth Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference crown against first-time finalist Akari Chargers on Wednesday, September 5, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.Despite the setbacks of not having the team’s key players Alyssa Valdez, Jema Galanza, and Tots Carlos, the heavily-favored Cool Smashers overcame the previously unbeaten Akari in straight sets, 25-15, 25-23, 25-17. Creamline players rallied behind the efforts of Conference and Finals MVP Bernadeth Pons and reinforcement Erica Staunton to upset Akari with its first loss of the tournament. The stellar feat ensured the Rebisco-backed team its second Reinforced Conference crown and ninth overall title.Pons steered the team with a game-high 19 points anchored on 14 attacks, five aces, along with 12 excellent digs and 13 excellent receptions, while Staunton added 13 markers with nine attacks and three blocks. Team captain Michelle Gumabao, who displayed consistent offensive force throughout the competition, chipped in 10.

JuneMar Fajardo scored another highlight for his illustrious career as he sank a buzzer-beating jumper to lead San Miguel Beermen in giving Rain or Shine Elasto Painters their first loss of the season, 113-112 on Thursday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.SMB was in trouble when Chris Ross fouled Felix Lemetti at the four-point area and the Rain or Shine rookie made all his free throws to give the Elasto Painters a one-point lead.Then, the heroics of the 8x MVP came when he sprinted down the court, received the forward pass from CJ Perez, and drained the game-winner.

Rain or Shine Elasto Painters wanted to redeem themselves after failing to sweep the first round of the elimination round when they were defeated by June Mar Fajardo’s buzzer-beating jumper in their last game.The Elasto Painters will face the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters, which seek their first win of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup when they meet on Tuesday, 5pm of September 9 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.Should ROS get the dub, they will have a solid hold of the lead in Group B when they recorded a 5-1 in the standings, and will be one victory ahead of coach Yeng Guaio’s target to be able to secure a spot in the crossover quarterfinal round.However, Guiao is cautious of the struggling Fuel Masters that will rely on the capabilities of their new import Brandone Francis, who averaged 39 points, 8.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists in his first two games in the league.

The San Miguel Beermen never looked back after their fiery start to contain their lead until the very end against Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings, 131-82 on Sunday night at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.In the first quarter of play, Marcio Lassiter already made history by draining four triples that made him the all-time league leader in three-pointers made by tallying his 1,252nd career threes. He surpassed Jimmy Alapag’s record of 1,250 when the Beermen raced to an early 37-13.Lassiter finished with 18 points on 6-of-8 shooting from downtown to be awarded as the Best Player of the game and tallied a new three-point record of 1,254. The game ball used in the historic feat was awarded by Commissioner Willie Marcial during half. Lassiter was joined on center stage by wife and five children.SMB also made history as they recorded a franchise-high 49-point lead at the end of game.The dominating win also gave them the ticket to the quarterfinals as they already reached six wins.Eight-time MVP June Mar Fajardo made another monstrous double-double performance to back-up Lassiter. JMF scored 24 points, including a triple in the first quarter, and grabbed 17 rebounds.CJ Perez added 22 markers, while Terrence Romeo, import Jordan Adams, and Don Trollano combined for 37 points in helping the team deal Barangay Ginebra its biggest losing margin in franchise history.Rookie RJ Abbarientos led Ginebra in scoring with 19 points and Justin Brownlee helped by producing 16 quiet points, 11 rebounds, and six assists.The Gin Kings now have a 5-3 record and their four-game win streak has come to an end already in a game where coach Tim Cone suffered his biggest losing margin as a PBA coach.Ginebra’s next assignment will be Phoenix on September 18, 7:30 PM at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium while the Beermen will face the Elasto Painters on September 19, same time at the same venue.

Finally, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters solved the mystery on how to defeat the mighty San Miguel Beermen as they scored a 122-112 victory on Thursday night and gained a solo lead in Group B of the PBA 49th Season Governors’ Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.Now having a 7-2 record, ROS relied heavily on import Aaron Fuller and Beau Belga to solve the puzzle by limiting June Mar Fajardo's efficiency.

Barangay Ginebra drew first blood in its best-of-five quarterfinals series after shutting down rival Meralco, 99-92, in the PBA Season 49 Governor’s Cup on Thursday, September 26, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.Justin Brownlee led the win for the Gin Kings as they survived the late rally orchestrated by the Bolts, finishing with 29 points, along with 13 rebounds, seven assists, and three steals, while Scottie Thompson delivered 19 markers with five boards, and fives dimes.

Rain or Shine takes Game 3 in a thrilling overtime game against Magnolia, 111-106, on Sunday night, September 29, at the Ynares Center, Antipolo City.Jhonard Clarito was named the Best Player of the Game after scoring 18 points and grabbing eight rebounds. He was supported by Gian Mamuyac and Andrei Caracut who scored 15 apiece for the Elasto Painters.

Barangay Ginebra swept rival Meralco Bolts, 113-106, in their best-of-five quarter finals series last night, September 30, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium to get the first ticket to the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup semi final round.Justin Brownlee led the Gin Kings in scoring by producing 23 points including two booming four-pointers that started their ‘never-say-die’ comeback after being down as much as 12 points.Stephen Holt, who was named Best Player of the Game, together with RJ Abarrientos and Maverick Ahanmsi helped Brownlee in their fightback as they also delivered from the two rainbow countries.Holt had a total of 19 markers which include a triple that gave the Gin Kings their largest lead at 105-98 with 2:36 left in the game.Abarrientos produced 17 points, while Ahanmisi contributed the same numbers including three 3-pointers.

San Miguel taps Quincy Miller to be their reinforcement in their PBA Commissioner’s Cup title defense when they face the Phoenix Fuel Masters tonight, December 7, 7:30 PM at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.Miller is one of the imports of the Beermen in the East Asia Super League, or EASL, together with their Governor’s Cup import, EJ Anosike.The return of the 6’10” Miller will bring his versatility and scoring prowess to the already powerhouse squad, which also acquired the services of Juami Tiongson and Andreas Cahilig from Terrafirma in exchange for Vic Manuel and Terrence Romeo.In his EASL stint with SMB, Miller averaged 20.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in the two games they already played this year.As he returns to Asia's first play-for-pay league, he will be joined by the eighth-time MVP, June Mar Fjardo, and reigning Finals MVP, CJay Perez, in defending their crown.

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.