The NLEX Road Warriors claimed their third consecutive win over Hong Kong Eastern, 94-76, to secure at least a playoff for a quarterfinals spot in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup.The Road Warriors claimed the victory over the slumping guest team during their Chinese New Year faceoff at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to finish with a 6-6 win-loss slate, in the process, ultimately eliminating traditional powerhouse San Miguel Beermen from playoff contention.Import Mike Watkins erupted a conference-high 41 points on top of 14 rebounds and two blocks.

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.

When Jann So Tiong first stepped onto the ice, it was not competition that greeted him, it was curiosity. What began as a casual public skating session with his parents soon turned into a lifelong passion.“We happened to run into one of my mom’s college friends whose son played ice hockey,” he recalled. “They let me try it, and I just soon grew to love it.”Born on February 1, 2002, Jann is a solid defenseman for the Philippine Ice Hockey Team. What drives him most is not personal glory, but the privilege of representing his country on the international stage.“In one word, it’s honor,” he said. “You don’t always get the opportunity to represent your country. I take so much pride and honor in playing for the Philippines.”For the University of Santo Tomas product, the team is not just a group of athletes, it is family.“We are all different in terms of age,” he explained. “There are older ones we look up to like kuyas, and younger ones too. Our coaches and team manager are like fathers or titos.”The family-like bond goes beyond camaraderie; it was built on accountability and respect. “Even the younger ones can call out the older ones if something’s wrong,” he said. “We keep each other accountable, whether it’s about discipline or teamwork.”This close-knit culture, he believes, is what fuels the team’s growth and strengthens their unity on ice.As one of the national team’s rising defensive anchors, Jann has his eyes set on both personal and team achievements. “Of course, I want to help the country move up divisions in our world championship ranking,” he shared. “And I want to bring pride to the Philippines by winning medals, whether in the SEA Games or other tournaments.”Individual recognition would be nice, he admitted, but it is not his main goal. “I’d rather get a gold medal for the country than any personal award,” the San Juan native said, reflecting his team-first mindset.Outside of hockey, Jann enjoys a grounded, family-oriented life. “When I’m not at the rink, I’m either working out or spending time with my family,” he said. “I also like trying different things—new food, new activities. I just like experiencing new things.”His passion for the game, however, always shines through. When asked what message he would give to anyone curious about hockey, his response was simple and inspiring:“It can be scary at the start, since you’re on skates and on ice, but if you give it a try, you’ll like it. It’s something you don’t see every day, and once you try it, you’ll realize it’s easier than you think.”From a young skater in San Juan to a national team defenseman, Jann So Tiong’s journey is one marked by passion, discipline, and national pride. His story reflects the heart of Philippine ice hockey itself, tight-knit, resilient, and always ready to defend the country’s colors with pride. 

After an impressive showing against Gilas Pilipinas, the Macau Black Bears are aiming to join the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) as a guest team.Fresh from their competitive Gilas send-off game, the Black Bears have formally expressed interest in participating as a guest squad for one or two conferences in the PBA’s upcoming 50th season. In a letter to PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial, Black Bears president of basketball operations Lukas Peng emphasized their commitment to building a highly competitive, professionally managed team that will proudly represent Macau and its vibrant Filipino community, while expanding the PBA’s reach in Greater China and the broader Asia-Pacific region.Commissioner Marcial responded positively, confirming that discussions will soon begin to explore the partnership. He also met with Black Bears general manager Kevin Connelly, who is responsible for team operations and is the brother of NBA Minnesota Timberwolves president Tim Connelly.As part of their proposal, Peng requested special consideration for player eligibility, asking the PBA to allow players from China, Macau, Hong Kong, and Taiwan to register as locals under a "Greater China Rule." He also cited precedent from the Bay Area Dragons, who fielded players of documented Chinese heritage as locals, and inquired about the eligibility of Filipino and EASL-registered players to play as locals for the Black Bears.While no formal agreement has been reached yet, the potential entry of the Macau Black Bears—a familiar name in the ASEAN Basketball League—could be a major step in the PBA’s push for greater international relevance. If approved, the Black Bears would follow the path of the Bay Area Dragons, who became the PBA’s first foreign guest team in nearly two decades and reached the 2022–23 Commissioner’s Cup finals.

The TNT Tropang Giga showcased their strong defense with crucial stops in the final moments to secure an 88-84 win over Rain or Shine in Game 1 of their PBA Commissioner’s Cup best-of-seven semifinal series on Wednesday night, February 26, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.Despite being ahead by just three points with 1:59 left in the game, TNT shut down Rain or Shine's offense. The Tropang Giga capitalized on the Elasto Painters’ mistakes, forcing four turnovers, including a crucial steal by RR Pogoy off an inbound pass from Andrei Caracut with just three seconds remaining after a timeout.Elasto Painters head coach Yeng Guiao designed a play for a potential game-tying four-point shot, but the attempt was spoiled by a bad pass.While RoS struggled in the final moments, TNT’s shooting, especially from beyond the arc, was on point. They hit 14-of-34 three-pointers, with Jayson Castro and Calvin Oftana leading the charge. Castro scored six three-pointers, missing only one, while Oftana also nailed six.

Filipino-American Levi Jung-Ruivar is making her Olympic debut in Paris.Ruivivar switched allegiance from the United States to the Philippines last year and stamped her ticket to the Paris Games when she clinched the silver medal in the FIG Artistic Gymnastics held in Doha, Qatar, a couple of weeks before she turned 18.As Levi qualified for the Summer Olympics, she became the youngest in the Philippine delegation for the Paris Games.Hailing from Los Angeles, Jung-Ruivivar began her gymnastics journey at the age of one-and-a-half, at her mom’s suggestion. She gradually made her way up the U.S. women’s gymnastics program ladder, ultimately becoming a four-time USA Elite National Team Member. At the end of 2022, Jung-Ruivivar, whose father is Filipino, made the transition from Team USA to the Philippines, for which she has competed since.

Filipino cyclist Joseph Javiniar delivered a breakthrough performance for the Philippines at the PETRONAS Le Tour de Langkawi, finishing second in Sprint 2 (74.1km) of the grueling 214km Stage 7.Riding for 7Eleven Cliqq Road Bike Philippines, Javiniar made his mark by joining the race’s key breakaway group — the first time a Filipino has done so since 2018. His impressive sprint earned him a podium finish behind Malaysia’s Aiman Rosli, who took first place, while Yusri Shaari settled for third.Javiniar’s achievement not only showcased Filipino cycling talent on the international stage but also marked a promising step for the national contingent in one of Asia’s toughest road races.

The Petro Gazz Angels soared to new heights as they captured their first-ever All-Filipino Conference championship, stunning the powerhouse Creamline Cool Smashers in four thrilling sets, 25-21, 25-16, 23-25, 25-19, in front of 10,226 fans, on Saturday, April 12, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.Creamline came out blazing in the opening set, showing the poise of a champion with clean execution and relentless energy. The two teams battled early, with a 15-10 scoreline marking their first long rally. MJ Phillips sparked a 3-0 Petro Gazz run, trimming the gap to 13-15 before a costly error by Mafe Galanza tied the match at 15-all. However, it was Brooke Van Sickle who turned the tide, scoring three consecutive kills to put Petro Gazz ahead 19-16. Alyssa Valdez provided a spark off the bench, but the Angels countered with composure and power to take Set 1.Petro Gazz's dominance continued in the second frame. They opened with an 8-4 lead by shutting down Creamline’s offense and capitalized on unforced errors. Phillips remained unstoppable, while Jonah Sabete and Djanel Cheng delivered the blows—Sabete with smart attacks, and Cheng with three consecutive service aces. Creamline struggled to recover as the Angels cruised to a 25-16 win behind their heavy service pressure.

The San Sebastian College-Recoletos Golden Stags are once again entering a new NCAA season under a different mentor, continuing a cycle of transition that has defined the program in recent years.After Egay Macaraya’s stint in Seasons 97 and 98, followed by John Kallos in Season 99 and Arvin Bonleon in Season 100, the Stags now turn to former PBA guard Rob Labagala as their head coach. Labagala has emphasized patience and steady growth, saying that the Stags will focus on building their foundation step by step.Despite the coaching carousel, the Golden Stags still have reliable leaders in Paeng Are, their explosive guard, and TJ Felebrico, a Mythical Team member who has been instrumental in holding the squad together. Both veterans are expected to anchor the team’s attack and provide stability in the midst of change.Adding excitement are several promising newcomers. Jhuniel dela Rama and Ian Cuajao, standouts from the juniors division, bring youthful energy and untapped potential. Fans will also see a familiar surname return to the collegiate ranks in Jaime Gomez de Liaño, the younger brother of pros Javi and Juan, who is set to carve his own path in the NCAA. Supporting them are Matt Acosta, Jerover Cabilla, Clarence Cruz, Markus Dimaunahan, Ralph Gabbat, Axcel Kitane, Jose Andre Lumanag, Gabriel Nepacena, Thomas Pillado, Harold Ricio, Vincent Segovia, and Leonardo Velasco.

The Philippine boxing community is grieving the loss of former title challenger and veteran trainer Jonathan Peñalosa, who passed away on Monday, April 28, after a valiant battle with colon cancer. He was 57.Peñalosa was the older brother of two-time world champion Gerry Peñalosa and Dodie Boy Peñalosa Sr. His wake is currently being held at their family home in San Carlos City.Eight-division world champion and former senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao, who trained under him for many years, is among those who paid tribute to Peñalosa. Pacquiao shared a heartfelt video on Facebook featuring training sessions with the late coach.“Rest in peace, Coach Jonathan Peñalosa. You weren’t just a coach to me—you were a brother, in and out of the ring. Thank you for your sacrifices and the love you gave me and my family. We will never forget you. Our prayers are with the Peñalosa family. We will forever miss you, Coach,” said Pacquiao.Peñalosa died exactly a week after Pacquiao personally visited him at Bacolod City Riverside Hospital following his surgery.Coach Jonathan had a seven-year pro career from 1985 to 1993, the highlight of which was his fight against WBA flyweight champion Yong Kang Kim of South Korea in 1992, which he unfortunately lost via a sixth-round knockout. His career record stood at 15-4-1 with 7 KOs.Jonathan was one of three boxing children of patriarch Carl Peñalosa, a two-time Philippine super-lightweight champion.Following his boxing career, Coach Jonathan became a fight trainer and eventually joined Pacquiao’s stable of local trainers.He was part of Pacquiao’s team for some of his marquee fights, including those against Tim Bradley, Jeff Horn, Lucas Matthysse, Keith Thurman, among others.It was also Peñalosa who trained Pacquiao for his six-round exhibition fight against South Korean martial artist DK Yoo in 2022.As Pacquiao retired, the elder Peñalosa took Pacman’s fighting son, Eman Bacosa, under his wing.

The Alas Pilipinas national beach volleyball teams, spearheaded by star duo Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons, are ramping up preparations for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games this December in Thailand.Fresh from their campaign at the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Challenge in Nuvali, Laguna, the Philippine teams are applying valuable lessons from competing against top-tier international squads to their SEA Games push.“We learned a lot from every match at the Challenge,” said Pons, who, alongside Rondina, made history as the first Philippine pair—men or women—to reach the round of 24 in the event. “We must keep training hard and focus on being consistent in all aspects of our game.”Brazilian head coach Joao “Kioday” Luciano Simao Barbosa named the SEA Games women’s pool: Sunny Villapando and Dij Rodriguez, Jenny Gaviola and Alexa Polidario, and Kly Orillaneda and Gen Eslapor. Men’s hopefuls include SEA Games bronze medalists James Buytrago and Ran Abdilla, Ronniel Rosales and Rancel Vergara, and Edwin Tolentino and Larry John Francisco. Each country will field two teams per gender.Team manager Cherry Macatangay confirmed all six pairs will undergo intensive training at the Nuvali Sand Courts to sharpen their skills and conditioning ahead of the December 12–19 competition at Bangkok’s Huamark Sports Complex.“We’re ready anytime if chosen for the SEA Games,” said Gaviola. “We’ll make the necessary adjustments and keep working to improve.”Thailand and Indonesia remain the SEA Games beach volleyball powerhouses, while the Philippines has earned six bronze medals—three each in the men’s and women’s divisions—since the sport became a medal event in 2003.

History was made in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge as Adamson University’s Shaina Nitura and De La Salle University’s Chris Hernandez became the first players from their respective schools to capture the Most Valuable Player (MVP) honors.Both standouts powered their teams to the Finals, with Nitura leading the Lady Falcons’ unbeaten nine-game run, while Hernandez carried a revamped Green Spikers squad with his all-around brilliance and leadership.Nitura, a 20-year-old outside hitter from Cainta, Rizal, proved to be a force on both ends of the court. She finished as the second-highest scorer in the women’s division with 119 points (107 attacks, six blocks, six aces) and ranked among the top 10 in spiking, receiving, and digging. Her consistency was instrumental in Adamson’s dominant campaign.Hernandez, meanwhile, filled the void left by key La Salle veterans, delivering a breakout season. The De La Salle Lipa product placed fourth in scoring with 107 points (89 attacks, nine blocks, nine aces) and topped the league in serving efficiency. His balanced game also earned him top-five finishes in receiving, digging, and spiking—solidifying his status as the tournament’s most complete player.Nitura and Hernandez also led the V-League Supreme Teams of their divisions, alongside a host of standout performers from other schools.

Ateneo de Manila University and the University of Santo Tomas (UST) split victories in the UAAP Season 87 volleyball tournament on Sunday, March 9, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, with the Blue Eagles stunning the Golden Spikers in the men’s division, while the Golden Tigresses swept Ateneo’s women’s volleyball team.In the men’s match, Ateneo ended UST’s four-game winning streak with a 25-20, 25-22, 22-25, 25-21 victory, spoiling the return of two-time MVP Josh Ybañez.The Blue Eagles pulled away late in the fourth set to secure the win, improving to a 3-2 record and tying De La Salle University in fourth place."Every team we face moving forward is a top team. All the teams in the UAAP are strong and capable of being champions," said Ateneo head coach Vince Mangulabnan."We have to prepare for them the same way every game—regardless of who they are or what their ranking is, even if they were to play at the world level. Our mindset should always be that we're facing a top-caliber opponent so that we don’t become complacent,” he added, emphasizing the importance of preparation moving forward.Ken Batas led Ateneo with game-high 21 points while Amil Pacinio and Jian Salarzon provided support by putting up 17 and 12 markers, respectively.

Filipino pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena won his second gold medal in the athletics season of the 2025 Orlen Copernicus Cup held in Torun, Poland.Obiena cleared the 5.80 meters jump to secure the gold medal in the event.On his first jump attempt, Obiena quickly cleared the 5.50m mark. He also cleared rhe 5.60m, which took him to 5.70m, although Obiena missed twice on his 5.80 jump until he got the tactic and was able to clear the mark on his third attempt.Meanwhile, Piotr Lisek of Poland took the silver medal with a 5.70 mark, while Sondre Guttormsen of Norway came in third with the same mark, with Lisek beating Guttormsen via countback.Last month of January, Obiena previously won the gold medal at the recently concluded Metz Moselle Athletics Championships in France, and had a silver medal at the International Springer-Meeting Cottbus.The two-time Filipino Olympian also previously failed to defend his title at the ISTAF Indoor in Germany after finishing seventh with a 5.55-meter jump last week.

Next on our Profiles Series is the 1978 PBA Most Valuable Player, Robert Jaworski Sr.Known as the “Living Legend” of Philippine basketball, Jaworski earned this iconic nickname thanks to his enduring popularity, unmatched legacy, and profound impact on Philippine sports. His influence spans generations, resonating not only with those who witnessed his prime but also with younger fans who grew up hearing his name.In 1975, the University of the East standout entered the PBA in its inaugural season, suiting up for Toyota—a team he had already played for since 1973.His most significant season with the franchise came in 1978, when he bagged his lone MVP award after averaging nearly a triple-double: 20 points, 12 assists, and close to 9 rebounds per game.

The United States men’s hockey team made history last Sunday May 25, capturing gold at the 2025 IIHF World Championship—their first title in 92 years. In a dramatic overtime finish, Tage Thompson of the Buffalo Sabres scored the winning goal just 2:02 into the extra period, leading the U.S. to a 1-0 victory over Switzerland at the Avicii Arena in Stockholm, Sweden.Goaltender Jeremy Swayman (Boston Bruins) was a cornerstone of the win, turning aside all 25 shots he faced to record a shutout and secure a long-awaited title for Team USA.“This tournament and this group rejuvenated me as an individual, I found my game again. I was happy again. This is a turning point for me. To be part of the group that finally did it—it’s surreal.” said Swayman. The victory marked the first gold medal for Team USA at the World Championship since 1933, snapping one of international hockey’s longest-running title droughts. The Americans had reached the semifinals 12 times in recent years without advancing to the final—until now.In their semifinals, the U.S. stunned host nation Sweden with a commanding 6-2 win, setting the stage for their golden moment.“It’s a crazy stat, reflecting on the 92-year wait. “Everyone in that room took it to heart. Whether you were playing top minutes or cheering from the bench, every guy committed. That’s why we won.”  said Thompson.Since 2000, the U.S. has managed just five bronze medals in the tournament (2004, 2013, 2015, 2018, and 2021). This gold represents more than just a win—it’s a statement of intent as the team eyes even greater success.“We were embarrassed that we hadn’t won this tournament. Now we don’t have that weight on our back. This is the start of something.” said head coach Ryan Warsofsky (San Jose Sharks).The redemption arc comes just months after Team USA fell short in the 4 Nations Face-Off, losing to Canada in overtime. This time, they completed the mission.“That’s hockey, man, Biggest stages, biggest moments. We weren’t nervous. We knew it was our time. Mission accomplished, baby.” Swayman added.With the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics on the horizon—and NHL participation returning—this World Championship performance could reshape Team USA’s Olympic roster. Only two players from the 4 Nations team returned for this tournament: Swayman and Zach Werenski (Columbus Blue Jackets).The current group, including Thompson (6G, 3A), Clayton Keller (3G, 7A), Frank Nazar (6G, 6A), and Logan Cooley (4G, 8A), all made strong cases for inclusion on the Olympic squad.“USA Hockey is here to stay, This is just the first step.” Swayman declared. 

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is looking to “harmonize” the Palarong Pambansa and Batang Pinoy programs to build a more unified and sustainable youth sports system in the country.PSC Chairperson Patrick “Pato” Gregorio said the agency is working closely with the Department of Education (DepEd) and other stakeholders to create a clearer pathway for young Filipino athletes—from grassroots to elite levels—following the country’s strong performance in the Asian Youth Games (AYG) held in Bahrain.“Hindi po siya iu-unify, liwanagin ko lang po, hindi siya iu-unify. Isi-streamline po natin, iha-harmonize po natin para 'yung age group malawak,” said Gregorio during the presentation of the AYG medalists last week.Gregorio emphasized the importance of aligning the PSC’s programs with the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and national sports associations, noting that youth tournaments like the AYG and Youth Olympic Games (YOG) serve as vital stepping stones toward major international competitions.“We have to support the initiatives of the POC, lalo na napakaimportante nitong Asian Youth Games, Youth Olympic Games,” he added.The Batang Pinoy recently concluded in General Santos City, just days after the AYG. Notably, athletes like MMA’s Charlie and Travis Ratcliff flew directly from Bahrain to compete in the local meet—showing the growing connection between national and grassroots programs.Currently, both Palarong Pambansa and Batang Pinoy cater to young athletes but run on separate calendars. The Palaro includes elementary and secondary divisions, while Batang Pinoy welcomes athletes aged 17 and under—resulting in some overlap.Gregorio believes harmonizing both programs will create a more efficient structure that better identifies and supports emerging talent early on.“I was there during the Youth Olympic Games in Argentina. Na-realize ko, pwede tayong manalo rito ah,” said Gregorio. “Kaya ako, very happy ako na ang POC at ang NSAs, tinututukan na natin 'to. Kasi 'yung nananalo sa AYG at Youth Olympic Games, 'yan din ang nagiging champions sa Olympics at Asian Games.”He added that the PSC’s approach will no longer be merely “reactionary” but will focus on long-term development and consistent support for the youth sports pipeline.The Philippines recently capped off a historic 12th-place finish in the Asian Youth Games, bagging seven golds, seven silvers, and ten bronzes—its best showing yet in the continental event.With this success as inspiration, the PSC hopes to build a stronger foundation for the country’s next generation of sports heroes.

It is a new era for Philippine sports as the newly-appointed Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman, John Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, rolls out a revitalized roadmap for the agency. At the heart of Gregorio’s leadership are three strategic priorities: enhancing the welfare of the athletes, professionalizing sports governance and facilities management, and harnessing potential sports tourism.But the biggest takeaway from his address was a game-changing announcement: starting this August, all national athletes and national coaches will receive a Php 5,000 monthly increase in their allowance.

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.

Manny Pacquiao and Mario Barrios will be entering their fight next week, each armed with key weapons. It will be a matter of which one neutralizes the other."Remember, in boxing, speed is the key," Pacquiao stated recently in an interview.Although he's already 46 years old, the Filipino boxing icon insists he hasn’t skipped a beat, with his trainers and onlookers in Los Angeles affirming his solid workouts over the past few weeks.Pacquiao is ending a four-year retirement to try and dethrone Barrios, the reigning World Boxing Council welterweight champion, on July 19 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.