Being a three-time Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) champion is a significant achievement, especially during the competitive era of the 1990s to 2000s. That wealth of experience is precisely what Ernesto “Estong” Ballesteros brings to the table as he prepares to compete for Master Pinoy Pilipinas Basketball in the upcoming World Masters Tournament in Taiwan from May 17 to 30.In an exclusive interview with Scoreline.ph, Ballesteros shared the contributions he plans to make to the Philippine 45up team as they compete on the international stage."The number one thing I can bring to help the team is my experience in the PBA and international competition," Ballesteros said in Filipino."It will be a big boost since we will be facing stronger and heavier opponents," added the sweet-shooting big man, who will be representing the country as a basketball player for the third time in his career.Ballesteros previously played for the RP Team in 1996 before entering the professional league in 1997. That’s why he feels honored and privileged to wear the Philippine colors once again, joining forces with fellow former PBA players such as Roger Yap, Gherome Ejercito, Gilbert Malabanan, Oliver Agapito, and Marlon Basco.

Pureblends Corp., a food manufacturing and solutions company, is close to acquiring the NorthPort franchise before the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) opens its 50th season on October 4. PBA chairman Ricky Vargas confirmed that most documents are finalized and due diligence is complete, with the sale expected to be completed soon.Vargas welcomed the development and thanked San Miguel Corp. for allowing a competitor into the league. “It’s a welcome situation,” said Vargas. He also announced that competition advertising will be permitted during games, except when a team with a competing brand is playing. PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said NorthPort player movements are on hold until the sale is finalized.“Talks are serious and it’s close to getting done. It could happen anytime. I’d like to thank San Miguel Corp. for allowing a competitor to come in. The Board has also decided to allow competition to advertise on TV during games but only when a team of a competitive brand is not playing, it was decided not to permit any further movements of NorthPort players until the sale is confirmed.”  Marcial said. Pureblends, owned by Bryann Calantoc, is reportedly considering a coaching overhaul for Batang Pier, possibly tapping a former PBA head coach to lead the team.

The Philippine Muay Wai Kru team continues to build momentum at the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Manama, Bahrain, capturing another gold medal through the impressive tandem of Tyron Jamborillo and Jan Brix Ramiscal in the Mixed Mai Muay competition held at the Exhibition World Grand Hall.Following the earlier triumphs of Lyre Anie Ngina and Zeth Gabriel Bueno in the 14–15 Wai Kru divisions, Jamborillo and Ramiscal delivered a near-flawless performance, showcasing synchronization, power, and grace that earned them 9.20 points from the judges.Their routine outshined the host nation’s team from the United Arab Emirates, Rakan Yousef, Aziz Alhammadi, and Aya Chaari, who took silver, while Malaysia’s Jaethan Jonathan Quan and Bethany Yun Yunn settled for bronze with 8.27 points.The duo’s golden finish marked the third gold medal for the Philippine Muay squad, further strengthening the country’s campaign with an updated tally of 6 golds, 5 silvers, and 6 bronzes.Ramiscal also added to the medal count earlier with a silver medal in the Boys’ Wai Kru 16–17 division, finishing behind Thailand’s Pimpichien Chaiwan.With each win, the Filipino Muay contingent continues to assert its growing dominance in the regional scene, carrying the nation’s pride high in Bahrain.

Masters Pinoy Pilipinas Basketball 45-Up team is gearing up for the World Masters Tournament this coming May. Strengthening their lineup is two-time Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) All-Star Gherome Ejercito.In an exclusive interview with Scoreline.ph, Ejercito shared how he plans to contribute to the team’s success on game day.“I spoke with Coach Arlene (Rodriguez) and Boss Rey (Punongbayan) about what I and my fellow ex-pro players can bring to the team. Our experience playing in the PBA—alongside Roger Yap, Estong Ballesteros, and Gilbert Malabanan—will be a huge advantage,” Ejercito told us in Filipino.“And as long as we continue our regular practices, we will be ready to compete,” he added.

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is making its much-anticipated return to the University of Santo Tomas (UST), with an exciting doubleheader set at the Quadricentennial Pavilion (QPav) on Sunday, November 16.Action tips off at 5:15 p.m. as the NLEX Road Warriors battle the Titan Ultra High Risers, followed by a marquee matchup between the Phoenix Fuel Masters and the Barangay Ginebra Kings at 7:30 p.m.This marks the second time QPav will host PBA games, following its successful stint as a venue for the PBA On Tour pre-season tournament in July 2023, where proceeds benefited UST’s student-athlete programs.The game day also highlights the UST connection. Phoenix’s Dave Ando and Bryan Santos are both former Growling Tigers, while Titan Ultra is owned by UST College of Commerce alumnus Bryann Calantoc. Meanwhile, Ginebra team governor Alfrancis Chua, a former Glowing Goldie, currently serves as UST’s Special Assistant to the Rector for Sports.Following the UST leg, the PBA will go on a brief break to give way to Gilas Pilipinas’ FIBA World Cup Qualifiers home game against Guam on December 1 at the Blue Eagle Gym. On the same day, the UAAP will continue its basketball games at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Spikers are not just one win away from the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge title—they’re sending a loud, clear message: revenge is coming.Game 1 against the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws was more than a win; it was a statement. La Salle dismantled the defending champions 25-18, 25-22, 25-23, showing poise, power, and a killer instinct that last year’s heartbreak could never erase.Down 20-21 in the third set, most teams would crumble, but not La Salle.Coach Jose Roque’s daring gamble—bringing in NJ Bangit and MJ Fortuna—flipped the momentum instantly. Two perfect attacks later, and the match was theirs, finished off by Emman Hernandez’s clinical final blow. FEU's title defense appeared shaky in just one hour and 27 minutes.Eugene Gloria and Rui Ventura excelled, delivering timely kills and solid defense, but La Salle's mental edge truly shined. They came ready physically, mentally, emotionally—even spiritually, as Roque proudly put it—and it showed. While FEU showed moments of brilliance, exemplified by Dryx Saavedra's 15 points, La Salle's depth and composure proved insurmountable.Game 2 in Dasmariñas will be the real test, but make no mistake: La Salle isn’t just aiming to win—they’re reclaiming what’s theirs. FEU might fight back, but the Green Spikers have momentum, strategy, and swagger on their side. Redemption isn’t a question anymore; it’s inevitable.

Bringing poise, experience, and rock-solid consistency to the backline, Gabrielle Formoso-Laysico has a vital presence on the ice. As a defender, her game is built on smart positioning, strong communication, and an unwavering commitment to protecting her zone.She brings a wealth of experience and composure to the defensive unit. Known for her smart positioning, strong reads, and calm under pressure, she plays a key role in anchoring the back end and mentoring and elevating her younger teammates.With her international experience under the IIHF banner, Gabrielle’s leadership and poise continue to be vital assets — making her not just a defender, but a cornerstone of the team's defensive identity.Whether it’s breaking up plays, blocking shots, or guiding younger teammates, her impact goes far beyond the stat sheet. Her presence brings much-needed stability and leadership to the defensive lineup — a true asset in high-pressure international competition under the IIHF banner.With her combination of skill and composure, she stands as a key pillar in the team’s pursuit of excellence., She’s not just holding the line — she’s defining it.

Aspiring to play in Asia’s first-ever pay-for-play league? Now’s your chance! The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) has officially opened applications for the 2025 Rookie Draft, ahead of its milestone 50th season tipping off on October 5, 2025.Application forms are now available at the PBA office, and hopefuls have three weeks—from August 4 to 29—to submit their requirements and earn the right to be part of the draft proceedings on September 7.

After a 7–11 finish in Season 100 (5th place), the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA ALTAs head into Season 101 with renewed energy and ambition. Following Olsen Racela’s debut campaign as head coach, the ALTAs are beefing up their roster and aiming to bridge the gap between hopeful and contender.The ALTAs will be without Christian Pagaran, but retain returning contributors John Abis, JP Boral, and Mark Gojo Cruz, who bring experience and stability to the lineup.To complement them, Perpetual has brought in fresh blood: Patrick Sleat, one of Racela’s former standouts from FEU, arrives with both confidence and familiarity with the system. Promising junior standouts JD Pagulayan and Jan Roluna, both crowned champions in the High School ALTAs program, step up to the collegiate level and aim to carry forward their winning culture. Additional names, Josiah Alcantara, Aries Borja, Kenji Duremdes, Angelo Gelsano, Kevin Guibao, Kyle Magdangal, Ray Allen Maglupay, Jearico Nuñez, Shawn Orgo, Emmanuel Pizzaro, and JM Tulabut, round out the depth chart, each adding dimension or potential to the squad.With this mix, the ALTAs hope to become deeper, more versatile, and better equipped to navigate a more unforgiving competitive landscape.

The Northport Batang Pier exhibited steady resolve as they nailed their first win against Ginebra in five years following a thrilling 119-116 victory on Wednesday, January 8, in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.The Batang Pier maintained their lead in the rankings, hiking a 7-1 win-loss record, demonstrating the kind of resolute effort typically seen by traditional contenders.

Kai Sotto, Kevin Quiambao, and Carl Tamayo showed their prowess on Sunday night, November 24, at the Mall of Asia Arena when Philippines defeated Hong Kong, 93-54, to secure a ticket in the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 to be held in Saudi Arabia.Sotto delivered another double-double performance with 12 points and 15 rebounds, to go along with two assists and two blocks, while Quiambao added eight markers, five boards and four dimes.Tamayo scored a game-high 16 points highlighted by two triples and 50 percent shooting from the field. He also grabbed five rebounds and dished off one assist.Gilas showed their might over the Hong Kong squad after the opening quarter by establishing a nine-point lead, 25-16.June Mar Fajardo led the Gilas domination in the opening period and finished off with 14 points on 7-of-10 shooting from the field, eight boards, one dime, one deflection, and a block.After Fajardo set the tempo in the first quarter of play, Tamayo was on fire in the second period to add a point in their lead and finished the half at 45-35.In the third canto, it was a total team effort by the Philippine team as they showcased their passing in skills and had a 9-0 run to erect a 27-point lead. However, Hong Kong point guard Oliver Xu made a triple on the buzzer to cut Gilas lead at 67-43.

The Philippine National Weightlifting Team, is aiming to win a medal in the 2024 Asian Youth & Junior Weightlifting Championships to be held in Doha, Qatar, which started last Sunday, December 15 and will end on Christmas Day, Wednesday, on the 25th of December.The team is set to compete in the women’s youth division with Althea Bacaro in the -40kgs category where she submitted a total lift of 122 kgs.Joining Bacaro are Princess Jay Ann Diaz (40kgs and total-125kgs), Alexsandra Ann Diaz (45kgs), Jeaneth Hipolito (45kgs), Kim April Inan (-49kgs), Jhodie Peralta and Rosalinda Faustino in the -55kgs.Meanwhile, the men’s youth division is composed of Aldrin Colonia (-49kgs), Eron Borres (-49kgs), Prince Keil Delos Santos (-55kgs) and Jose Masangkay Dayao III (-67kgs). Lifting in the women’s junior category are Angeline Colonia (-45kgs) Rosejean Ramos (-45kgs) and Lovely Inan (-49kgs).Also participating in the men’s junior division are Eron Borres (-55kgs), Prince Keil Delos Santos (-55kgs), Eleaphraime Limmong (-55kgs) and Jose Masangkay Dayao III (-67kgs).Also, PH young Weightlifters will be led by Head of Delegation Monico Puentevella and coaches Patrick Lee, Edmundo S. Cardano, Allen Diaz, Kelly Kae Rojas and Joe Patrick Diaz.The delegation builds on the momentum of the Philippine senior weightlifting team, which recently achieved significant success at the IWF World Championships. Cebuano Fernando Agad clinched a bronze medal in the men’s 55-kilogram Group A division, while Rosegie Ramos earned a bronze in the women’s 49-kilogram category.

Kevin Quiambao’s 36-point outing guided the Goyang Sono SkyGunners to an 86-82 victory against the Wonju DB Promy in the Korean Basketball League 2025 season on Sunday, February 2, at the Goyang Gymnasium.In his first victory as a professional, Quiambao unlocked a new career-high in rebounds, pulling down 12 boards on top of his 12-of-26 shooting from the field, including 6-of-14 from beyond the arc.The two-time UAAP MVP from De La Salle University also contributed three assists and two steals to help the SkyGunners end its four-game losing streak to improve their record to 11-24 for the season, but remain at the bottom of the 10-team league.

Double gold medalist Carlos Edriel Yulo led the list of the awardees in the annual Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Awards Night as he received the highest honor of being the Athlete of the Year on Monday night, January 28, at the Manila Hotel.Yulo won two gold medals in gymnastics at the 2024 Olympics held in Paris, France, to make him the best choice of the PSA to receive the award.

The Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots dominated the import-less Meralco Bolts, 129-92, last night, January 31, at the Philsports Arena to force a do-or-die match on Sunday for the 8th and final spot of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals.Ricardo Ratliffe waxed hot in the opening half as he took advantage of the absence of Meralco’s reinforcement, Akil Mitchell, who sat out for the second straight game due to back spasm.The hulking Magnolia import already produced 24 points on 10-of-11 shooting from the field going into the break. He also grabbed nine boards, two assists, and one steal before halftime.Ratliffe finished with 31 markers, 19 boards, four assists, and two steals, against two fouls and one turnover.

The TNT Tropang 5G kept their Grand Slam bid alive after surviving the grit and grind of the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots, 89-88, on Wednesday, June 18, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.RR Pogoy came alive in the pivotal moments, finishing with 30 points to lead TNT to a crucial victory and force a knockout game on Saturday, June 21."Mindset ko lang eh ayaw ko magpatalo, ayaw ko mag-bakasyon," said Pogoy, who helped erase a 13-point Magnolia lead.Supporting Pogoy in the must-win game were Calvin Oftana and Jordan Heading, who chipped in 21 and 10 points, respectively.Veteran Kelly Williams and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser also came up big, scoring 12 and 10 points. They drained back-to-back triples in the dying minutes to help seal the win.

Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala continues to make waves on the international stage, reaching a new career milestone by advancing to the semifinals of the WTA 250 Eastbourne Open after a dominant straight-sets win over Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska on Thursday, June 27 (Philippine time).The 20-year-old Eala displayed grit and maturity well beyond her years as she outclassed the World No. 42 Yastremska, 6-1, 6-2, in a clinical performance that underscored her growing confidence on grass courts. The victory came just a day after she pulled off one of the biggest wins of her young career by stunning World No. 20 and former Grand Slam champion Jelena Ostapenko.Even with strong winds sweeping through the Eastbourne courts, Eala remained unfazed. She showcased a well-rounded game anchored by deep, consistent returns and tactical precision that kept her Ukrainian opponent off-balance throughout the match. With a decisive 57-37 advantage in total points won, Eala’s control over the match was evident from start to finish.

The Philippine Women’s Ice Hockey Team continues to dominate the ice at the IIHF Women’s Asia Cup 2025 in the United Arab Emirates, racking up three impressive wins in the tournament so far.In their third game last night, June 3, the Filipinas delivered a commanding 8–1 victory over Malaysia.Bianca Cuevas (#10) was named Player of the Game for her exceptional leadership and standout performance against the Malaysian squad.In Game 2, the team skated past the UAE with a strong 6–1 win. Rosalyn Lim (#39) earned Player of the Game honors for her solid contributions and presence on the ice.Meanwhile, Team Philippines opened their campaign with an emphatic 15–0 shutout against Kyrgyzstan. Jasmine Alcido (#87) shone brightly, taking Player of the Game honors with an incredible performance.With these powerful wins, the Filipinas are proving to be a force to be reckoned with in this year’s tournament. Stay tuned as they continue their quest for glory at the IIHF Women’s Asia Cup 2025.In tonight's game, the Filipinas will look to notch their fourth straight victory as they face off against India.

Akari wasted no time in claiming a podium finish, sweeping the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in straight sets, 25-15, 26-24, 26-24, to capture the bronze medal in the 2024–25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference Finals.The Chargers quickly established dominance, capitalizing on Choco Mucho’s early unforced errors to build momentum. A blistering 7-0 run in the second set showcased Akari’s composure and control, as they kept the pressure on the Flying Titans.With their firepower on full display, Akari surged to an 18-12 lead. However, a screening violation gave Choco Mucho a much-needed break, halting Akari’s run and shifting the tide.