Filipino tanker Ernie Gawilan wrapped up his third Paralympic stint as he missed out on the podium finish in the men’s 400-meter freestyle S7 finals round at the Paris La Defense Arena late Monday night, September 2 (Philippine time).A medal remained elusive for the 33-year-old para swimmer after finishing sixth place with a registered time of 5:03.18.Federico Bicelli of Italy snared the gold medal with an impressive 4:38.70 finish. Andrii Trusov of Ukraine and Inaki Basiloff of Argentina clinched the silver and bronze medal after clocking 4:40.17 and 4:40.27, respectively.Gawilan became the third Filipino athlete to exit the Paralympics after para archer Agustina Bantiloc and para taekwondo jin Allain Ganapin.With Gawilan no longer in the medal contention, the Philippine delegation in the Paralympics is now down to three — Jerrold Mangliwan, who will compete in the men’s 100-meter T52, Cendy Asusano, who will contest in the women’s javelin throw F54, and Angel Otom, who will vie for gold in the 50-meter backstroke S5 and 50-meter butterfly S5.

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 National University Lady Bulldogs powered its way to a 76-44 victory after clamping the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball tournament on Wednesday, September 18, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.The Lady Bulldogs unleashed a strong third quarter after settling for a tied 41 points at the half-time break, tallying 16 unanswered points for a 62-43 cushion heading into the final frame. The Lady Maroons endured the scoring drought and just managed to basket two points from the free-throw line courtesy of Alex Mendoza and Achrissa Maw.  

MOTHER-DAUGHTER DUO STRIKES GOLD AND SILVER IN NATIONAL FENCING TOURNEYIn fencing, every point is a battle. But for Glowlyn Malipol and her daughter, Christine May Morales, their latest victories delivered something more meaningful than medals: a moment they could celebrate together.The mother-daughter tandem made a memorable impact at the 2nd Leg Mini-Me and Veterans National Ranking Competition at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City, with Morales capturing gold and Malipol claiming silver in their respective events.The 13-year-old Morales, a Grade 8 student-athlete and scholar from the University of the East, ruled the Under-14 Women’s Foil after defeating Canlas Fencing’s Ma. Alana Angelique Ribaya, 10-4, in the final. She powered through the competition with wins over Eliora Lenie Dela Cruz, 10-4, and Republic Fencing’s Julia Lauren Reyes, 10-1, and Vince Avery Asperin, 10-4, in the preliminaries.Yet the young fencing standout had another reason to celebrate beyond adding another gold to her collection: her mother was also on the podium.“I’m very happy with my victory, but I’m even happier because my mom also won a medal. Sharing the podium with her makes this achievement more meaningful for both of us,” Morales said.Representing Quezon City SEP, Malipol secured silver in the Veterans Women’s Epee after falling to Beverly Gay Alarcon of Luzon Elite Fencing Club in the final. She booked her place in the championship bout with a nail-biting 10-9 victory over Gay Marie Rafael of Republic Fencing, after opening her campaign with a 10-4 win against Michelle Ragot.Organized by the Philippine Fencing Association with support from the Philippine Sports Commission, the tournament provided another stage for the country’s fencers to showcase their skills across age groups.For Morales, the gold-medal performance continued a promising run following her triumph at the 3rd Leg Cadet and Junior Championships at the historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Malate, Manila.Now, with another victory under her belt, the young champion is setting her sights on an international competition scheduled for December 1-10 in Kuala Lumpur.“This win gives me more confidence and motivation to train harder. I’m excited for the next international competition, and I will do my best to represent the Philippines,” she said.For this mother and daughter, the latest competition was more than a test of skill and nerve. It was proof that the pursuit of excellence can be a shared journey — with gold and silver medals making the family celebration even sweeter.

They were down a set. They were pushed to the brink. Then Khylem Progella and Sofiah Pagara refused to let history slip away.The Alas Pilipinas duo staged a sensational comeback against China’s Cao Shuting and Dong Jie, rallying from an opening-set defeat to win 13-21, 23-21, 15-13 and secure the Philippines’ first-ever Asian Games beach volleyball medal.China struck first, taking control of the opening set and putting the Filipino pair in an early hole. But Progella and Pagara answered when the pressure was at its highest, grinding out a dramatic 23-21 second-set victory to force a decider.And in the third set, there was nowhere to hide.With the bronze medal hanging in the balance, the Philippine tandem held its nerve through another tight battle, closing out the match, 15-13, and sending the Filipino camp into celebration.It was more than a comeback. It was a breakthrough.Progella and Pagara have now etched their names into Philippine beach volleyball history as the country’s first Asian Games medalists in the sport, turning a tense three-set battle into a landmark moment for Alas Pilipinas.From one set down to standing on the podium — the Filipino pair showed that sometimes, history belongs to the team that refuses to quit.The sand has a new Philippine story. And it comes with bronze.

Middle blocker Jamaica “Jaja” Villena has officially concluded her stint with the Akari Chargers, closing a chapter that began when she entered the Premier Volleyball League as a rookie.Selected 22nd overall in the second round of the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft, the former Emilio Aguinaldo College standout spent more than a season developing with Akari, gaining valuable experience on the taraflex while building strong relationships within the team.In an emotional TikTok announcement, Villena expressed her gratitude to the Chargers’ management, coaches, and teammates for the opportunity, the lessons, and the bonds forged throughout her time with the franchise.Now, a new chapter awaits.With PVL roster movements continuing ahead of the upcoming conferences, Villena’s declaration that she is “open for another opportunity” puts her name on the radar of teams looking to add size, depth, and another option at the middle blocker position.For a young player who has spent more than a season developing in the pros, the next move could be another important step in her growth.AKARI IS NOW IN THE PAST.THE NEXT OPPORTUNITY COULD BE WHERE JAJA VILLENA MAKES HER NEXT BIG MOVE.

As Typhoon Carina pummeled the Philippines, causing a lot of difficulties for the Filipinos who were left stranded in the floods, a glimmer of hope from heroes both outside and inside the game tried their best to uplift the diminished morale of their fellow kababayan.Some well-known esports and gaming personalities have allocated their time and effort to offer a helping hand to their countrymen who are in dire need.Content creator Elyson Caranza, also known as GHOST Wrecker, and his team traveled across the floods of Araneta Village in Malabon to offer their support. They brought four boats that can transfer eight individuals. They also sought help from the community if they could provide ropes.Wrecker then posted on his social media page hoping that more volunteers can offer their services.“Sino pa may kilalang pwede mag rescue diyan? May apat na bangka pa ako dito, at saka lifevest 20pcs. Pahinga ko lang team ko. Need lang more rescuers along Malabon,” posted Wrecker on his Facebook page.Meanwhile, Aurora’s Royal Duo of Johnmar “OhMyV33nus” Villaluna and Danerie James “Wise” Del Rosario have received donations from the community.Wise then posted a photo of the total collection amount they received while also giving instructions to those who are willing to support their cause. Together with V33nus, Wise was able to prepare relief goods to be delivered to the communities affected by the super typhoon.Gamer and streamer Setsuna “Akosi Dogie” Ignacio offered support for those who are impacted by the flood crisis by announcing on his social media page that he is prepared to send donations based on the outcome of his live stream session."Mga guys mamayang live ko, kung magkano na talo ko, ganun halaga ibibigay natin sa mga nasalanta ng bagyo at kung magkano napanalo ko ayun din ibibigay natin na tulong sa mga nasalanta ng bagyo. INGAT PO KAYO AT MAG DASAL PO MGA KABABAYAN," as stated on his Facebook post.On the other hand, it is not only players and gaming personalities who had their say in the current crisis. Team Secret has reminded the community of the emergency protocols by posting photos of phone numbers coming from government agencies on their social media sites.Secret has also emphasized that animal lives are just as important as the humans, advising the community to be responsible in taking care of their pets as the heavy downpour and floods can be a struggle for animals who could be abandoned in the middle of the calamity as well.In times of catastrophe, the Bayanihan spirit remains alive in the hearts of Filipinos and with the efforts of these notable people in the world of gaming, perhaps others as well would feel inspired to aid the victims of Typhoon Carina. 

Justin Brownlee secured another championship to his accolades after Pelita Jaya reigned the 2024 Indonesia Basketball League (IBL) after subduing Satria Muda Pertamina Jakarta, 73-65, on Sunday, August 4, at the Indomilk Arena. The well-loved Gilas Pilas naturalized player and Barangay Ginebra import did not have a huge offensive night but he made his presence felt by producing 14 points, including eight in the third quarter alone, together with five rebounds. Indonesian team naturalized player Anthony Beane paced the squad with 23 markers, spiked by six triples, while former PBA import KJ McDaniels contributed 14 and seven boards.Forward Muhamad Arighi had 13 points as well, spiked by three triples, off the bench as Pelita Jaya won its second IBL title after seven years.With the crown tucked under his belt, Brownlee is expected to fly back to Manila soon to rejoin Barangay Ginebra as he looks to lead his team in the upcoming PBA Season 49, which kicks off with the Governor’s Cup. 

National University is set to compete in the 2024 VTV International Women’s Volleyball Cup in Ninh Binh, Vietnam from August 24 to 31.The Lady Bulldogs were tapped as last-minute replacements after the withdrawal of University of Indonesia, making the reigning UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball champion the lone collegiate team in the eight-team field.Set to boost the Lady Bulldogs’ campaign are the Alas Pilipinas trio, Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon, and Arah Panique, who will be coming off from a back-to-back bronze medal hauls of their own in the 2024 Southeast Asian Volleyball League (SEA V.League) in Vietnam and Thailand. The NU Lady Bulldogs will be up against Vietnam and pro clubs Aranmare Yamagata of Japan, Gimcheon Korea Expressway Hi-Pass of South Korea, King Whale Taipei of Chinese Taipei,  Korabelka of Russia, Kuanysh VC of Kazakhstan, and Henan Shuanghui of China.Last year, Choco Mucho donned the Philippine colors in the annual tournament organized by the Volleyball Federation of Vietnam, where it took home the bronze medal and a pair of individual accolades for Sisi Rondina (best outside spiker) and team captain Maddie Madayag (best middle blocker).The overseas tournament will serve as NU’s preparation for its forthcoming UAAP Season 87 title defense. 

Just days before the opening day of the Philippine Basketball Association 49th Season, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson officially returned to the TNT Tropang Giga to defend their Governor’s Cup title.Hollis-Jefferson will replace Darius Days as TNT’s import.Rondae was the original choice of TNT as he’s the one who led them to the promised land last year. But he’s not yet available until yesterday (August 14), that's why the team tapped the services of Darius Days.In the official roster line-up of teams released last night, Rondae Hollis Jefferson is the import listed for TNT Tropang Giga.With the return of RHJ, the TNT got a big boost as he already know the system of the team and the fans will have another chance to watch the “Kobe look-alike” import.

Alas Pilipinas Men emerged with a historic achievement by seizing a bronze medal in the first leg of the 2024 Southeast Asian Volleyball League (SEA V.League) after losing to Thailand on Sunday, August 18, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.Despite Alas taking a three-set beating to the Thais, enduring a  26-28, 14-25, 16-25 loss, it is a first podium finish for the Philippine men’s volleyball team since finishing fourth place in their 2022 and 2023 appearance in the tournament. The Filipinos, who were missing the services of team captain and season outside hitter Bryan Bagunas, ended the opening leg at 1-2 while the Thais nabbed the gold after an unblemished record of 3-0.Indonesia, meanwhile, seized the silver after winning back-to-back golds in the 2023 edition.Noel Kampton, who filled in the shoes for the injured Bagunas, paced Alas and produced 10 points. Leo Ordiales and Michaelo Buddin each posted seven markers in the loss. Aside from the third-place finish, Buddin took home the second Best Outside Spiker award, while Kim Malabunga was named second Best Middle Blocker in the first leg.Opposite hitter Bhinijdee Napadet and middle blocker Nilsawai Kissada led the way for the Thais with 14 points apiece while Phanram Anurak chipped in 13 markers as they copped their first-ever SEA V.League title.

Barangay Ginebra walloped NLEX, 119-91, on Tuesday to get back on winning track in the 49th Season Governors’ Cup at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.Coming from a 95-88 upset by Blackwater, Ginebra fired on all cylinders in the first half with a 60-percent clip from the field and ended it with a 63-41 lead.Stephen Holt played his best game as a Gin King, leading the team in scoring with 26 points while grabbing 11 rebounds and dishing off six assists.Maverick Ahanmisi added 20 markers for the team while Scottie Thompson and RJ Abarrientos also played their best game for the conference by producing 19 points each in helping the Gin Kings evened their record at 2-2 in Group B.Resident import Justine Brownlee put up only 13 markers in 38 minutes of play but still grabbed seven boards and dished nine dimes.

The Philippines launched its campaign in the 2024 Baseball Federation of Asia or BFA XIII Under-18 Asian Baseball Championship with back-to-back wins at the Taoyuan International Baseball Stadium in Chinese Taipei on Tuesday, September 3.The U18 men’s baseball squad got off to a strong start with a 10-0 record win over Sri Lanka on Monday, September 2, then followed it up with a 4-2 victory over Hong Kong to stay unscathed so far in Group B. Laurence Valeros banked on his winning pitch to frustrate Sri Lanka as he struck out seven batters and yielded two hits in three and one-third innings. Meanwhile, Rinaldo Kyle and Brandom Sanchez notched the necessary runs to take charge and break the 2-2 score in the sixth inning against Hong Kong. Aron Jesse Manguiat then pounded out four in a five-inning, effectively giving the game to the Philippines.The Filipino batters will battle Japan in its remaining group assignment on Wednesday, September 4, with identical 2-0 win-loss records.The outcome of the match will decide the Philippines’ opponent in the Super Round slated September 6 and 7 with the medal matches set September 8.

The Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters finally clinched a victory in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup when they defeated Blackwater Bossing, 119-114 on Sunday night at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.Import Brandone Francis and veteran RR Garcia gave the lift for the Fuel masters in the end game to get their first ever victory of the season.Francis scored a team-high 23 points, including seven in the last 49 seconds of play to put an end to the run of Bossing, which had a 20-point third quarter deficit.Garcia played a vital role too by contributing 16 of his 20 total points in the final canto when Blackwater came within 98-102 with 6:42 remaining in the game.Three more Fuel Masters scored in double figures to get their important win. Jason Perkins tallied 19 markers while Ricci Rivero added 14 and rookie Kai Ballungay had 12.

Ateneo de Manila University narrowly escaped a late-game surge by archrival De La Salle University to triumph, 65-62, in the UAAP Season 87 women’s basketball tournament on Sunday, September 15, at Adamson Gym.The Lady Blue Eagles built a commanding 47-29 lead early in the third quarter anchored from dominant performances of reigning Most Valuable Player (MVP) Kacey Dela Rosa, Junize Calago, rookie Kai Oani, and Nigerian center Sarah Makanjuola.Despite ruling the period with a comfortable 51-38 cushion, a game surge in the fourth quarter helmed by Luisa San Juan ignited a comeback for the Lady Archers. 

The Blackwater Bossing exits the PBA Season 49 Governors Cup with their heads held high as they defeated the top team in their group, Rain or Shine, 113-118, on Monday, September 23, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.George King led Blackwater with his 64 points — the franchise record for most points. He was 18-of-35 from the field — 3-of-8 from four point area, 2-of-5 from the rainbow arc, and 13-of-22 from twos.King also set another franchise record by shooting 20-of-20 from the free throw line, which also tied the second all-time most foul shots made without a miss in a single game that Wes Matthews first recorded in 1991.

Rubilen Amit concluded her campaign after finishing third in the 2024 World Pool Association (WPA) 9-Ball China Open in Shanghai over the weekend.Amit, who recently reigned supreme in the WPA World Women’s 9-Ball Championship, managed to reach the semifinals, seeking to add another crown in her collection, but eventually bowed out to China’s Han Yu, 9-3.The hometown bet was just too tough as the Chinese went on to win their bout and eventually claimed the win against compatriot Wang Xiaotong for a $36,000 win.Prior to her semifinals defeat, Amit prevailed over Bojana Sarac of Serbia (7-5), Silviana Lu of Indonesia (72), veteran Jasmin Ouschan of Austria (9-3), and Chihiro Kawahara of Japan (9-5) in the earlier rounds. Chezka Centeno, on the other hand, absorbed a 9-8 loss against Chieh-Yu Chou in the Round of 16. Carlos Biado and Jeffrey de Luna also withdrew from the men’s competition. 

Eight years ago, Carlo Paalam stood on the Asian Games podium with bronze around his neck.This time, he climbed one step higher.Paalam secured silver in the men’s 55kg division after a hard-fought championship bout against Japan’s Rui Yamaguchi, marking his best finish yet in the Asian Games.The result may not have delivered the gold he was chasing, but the silver represents another milestone in the Filipino boxer’s long climb through the continental ranks.Back in 2018, Paalam broke through with a bronze medal. Eight years later, he returned to the podium and upgraded the color of his medal — a simple progression that reflects the persistence required to remain among Asia’s best.Bronze in 2018. Silver in 2026.That journey tells its own story.Paalam has never been a stranger to difficult fights, and his latest Asian Games campaign once again put his resilience on display. Against Yamaguchi, he battled for the top prize but ultimately settled for silver as Japan claimed the division’s gold.For Paalam, however, the journey does not end with the runner-up finish.The silver adds another major medal to a career already marked by international success, while also giving the Filipino boxing star another milestone to build on.From bronze to silver, Paalam has shown that the climb is still underway.One step higher. One more medal. And another chapter in the Carlo Paalam story.

ONE WIN AWAY FROM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP GLORY!Carlo Biado and Albert James Manas are one victory away from world championship glory after surviving a grueling five-set semifinal at the 2026 Isak Billiard WPA Men’s Doubles 10-Ball World Championship.The Filipino tandem dug deep to edge Indonesia’s Albert Januarta and Irsal Nasution, 3-2 (3-4, 4-3, 3-4, 4-2, 4-1), in a dramatic battle that went down to the wire.It was a match of momentum swings.Indonesia struck first. The Filipinos answered. The Indonesians reclaimed the advantage before Biado and Manas found another gear when the pressure was at its highest.And when the deciding fifth set arrived, the Filipinos delivered their strongest response—closing it out, 4-1, to punch their ticket to the championship match.This wasn’t just about making the final.It was about surviving when one mistake could have ended the run.Now, the pressure shifts to the biggest match of all.Biado and Manas will face the winner of Spain vs. Poland for the world championship.The final is set for October 5 at 1:30 p.m. Philippine time on Table 1.From a five-set war to the world title stage, the Filipino duo has earned its shot.ONE MATCH. ONE TITLE. ONE CHANCE TO PUT THE PHILIPPINES ON TOP OF THE WORLD. 🇵🇭🏆🔥The semifinal is history.NOW, FINISH THE JOB.

CTBA admits Strong Group Athletics was the “biggest victim” of the controversial format change—but for the two-time champions, an apology may not be enough.The apology has been made.But for Strong Group Athletics, the damage already been done.The Chinese Taipei Basketball Association (CTBA), organizer of the 2026 William Jones Cup, has publicly apologized over a sudden change to the tournament format that put SGA's bid for a historic three-peat in jeopardy.And in a striking admission, the organizers themselves acknowledged that the Philippine-based squad may have been the “biggest victim” of the new format.That acknowledgment, however, does little to erase what happened on the court.SGA entered the final stretch of group play with a 4-1 record, seemingly putting Charles Tiu's squad in prime position for another deep run.But the new format changed the equation.CTBA decided to guarantee a semifinal berth for Chinese Taipei Blue, despite the host team sitting at the bottom of Group A with a 1-4 record.For SGA, it created a problem. A team with four wins could now be watching the semifinals from the sidelines.The complicated situation became even more difficult because of the tournament's margin-of-victory tiebreaker.SGA needed to beat South Korea's Wonju DB Promy by at least 32 points to strengthen its chances of advancing.Instead, the Korean side—powered by Ethan Alvano—handed SGA a 110-79 defeat in their opening meeting.South Korea's position at the top of Group A secured the other semifinal spot, leaving SGA dependent on the results of other games.Suddenly, the defending two-time champion was no longer in control of its own destiny.The rationale?Chinese Taipei Blue had been hit by injuries, leaving the team depleted and forcing younger, less experienced players into the lineup.For the host, the change offered another chance.Although, CTBA explained that the format adjustment was made partly to allow Chinese Taipei Blue to remain competitive and give local fans an opportunity to see their hometown team reach the semifinals.The organizers also said scheduling adjustments were made to provide teams with more adequate rest.But CTBA recognized the obvious consequence. SGA already paid the price.“The two-time champion Philippine SGA team… may be the biggest victim of the new competition format this year.”That is quite an admission.The organizers also praised SGA for its performance throughout the tournament and thanked the team for contributing to the competition.But here's the uncomfortable question:Should a team with a 4-1 record have to depend on other results simply because the rules changed during the tournament?There is nothing wrong with acknowledging a mistake. In fact, CTBA's public apology is important.But an apology does not add another win to SGA's record. It does not erase the 32-point requirement.It does not restore the team's control over its semifinal destiny. And it certainly does not guarantee another Jones Cup championship.For a team chasing a historic three-peat, those details matter.Despite the controversy, SGA don't quit.The Philippine-based squad still faced Chinese Taipei Blue in its final group assignment, knowing that even a victory may not guarantee a Final Four berth.Japan's result against South Korea also factors into the equation.That is the frustrating part. SGA did the work on the court.The Jones Cup has apologized. But for SGA, the message is simple: Again, an apology can acknowledge the damage. It cannot undo it.And if SGA somehow survives this mess and reaches the semifinals, it won't just be playing for another Jones Cup title.It will be playing with something to prove. Let's find out what's next for them.