NU with back-to-back victories to open beach volleyball title defense

c/o UAAP

National University launched its campaign for a back-to-back collegiate women's beach volleyball title with two hard-fought victories in the UAAP Season 88 tournament, Friday at Sands SM By The Bay.

Reigning MVP Honey Grace Cordero and Kat Epa opened the season by narrowly defeating Far Eastern University's Melody Pons and Lovely Lopez, 21-19, 21-17.

Later, Cordero teamed up with third player Kizil Quijote and went through a tense battle before edging University of the Philippines’ Jum Gayo and Kryssia Ornos, 24-22, 21-19, to finish the day with a 2-0 record.

University of Santo Tomas’ Sofiah Pagara and Khy Progella also impressed on the opening day, posting two straight victories.

Pagara and Progella dominated Adamson University's Shai Nitura and Fhei Sagaysay, 21-8, 21-12, before overwhelming Ateneo's Gry Matibag and Liz Lomocso, 21-6, 21-8, signaling a strong start to their redemption season.

The Tiger Sands, the most successful women’s beach volleyball program with nine titles, are motivated to bounce back after last year’s heartbreaking defeat to the Lady Bulldogs.

Meanwhile, Gayo and Ornos split their opening day matches after repelling De La Salle’s Mica Buis and Ela Raagas, 23-21, 21-19.

Matibag and Lomocso also went 1-1, defeating University of the East's Van Bangayan and Krisha Revilla, 21-16, 21-16.

In the men’s division, UST made a strong start in its quest for a seventh consecutive crown.

League MVPs Alche Gupiteo and Dom Gabito defeated FEU’s Christian Paul Salboro and Reynan Postorioso, 21-11, 21-18, and Adamson’s Iverson Tan and Willie Hitones, 21-12, 21-16.

NU’s Alex Iraya and Sky Gemarino, last season’s runners-up, outplayed UP’s Angelo Lipata and Zedrick Calimlim, 21-17, 21-14, before completing a perfect first day with a 21-12, 21-19 victory over De La Salle’s Von Marata and Andrei Espejo.

Ateneo’s Jian Salarzon and Amil Pacinio topped Tan and Hitones, 21-17, 21-14, while Marata and Espejo defeated UE’s Allen Buensalida and Julian Celestial, 21-12, 21-10.

Action resumes with the men’s division at 7 a.m. Saturday, followed by the women’s matches at 10 a.m.

UST retains HS table tennis golden double for a third straight season

c/o UAAP

University of Santo Tomas completed a third straight golden double after sweeping the UAAP Season 88 High School Table Tennis tournaments, capping the Finals with decisive victories over Adamson University in the boys’ division and De La Salle Santiago Zobel School in the girls’, Friday at the Amoranto Sports Arena in Diliman, Quezon City.

Beyond securing a second double crown for this season’s host—following the triumphs of the swimming teams—the Junior Tiger Paddlers and Junior Lady Paddlers extended their unbeaten streaks to two consecutive seasons in this tournament backed by Huaching Foundation and Topcoms Marketing Inc.

Laurence Cuaycong and Anton Andre Bayona continued their dominant season form, guiding UST to a three-peat with an 11-6, 11-8, 11-4 masterclass over Seph Estrada and Rodel Millana in the lone doubles match of the second Finals tie.

“From the start of the season naman, mataas ‘yung confidence ko sa team talaga. And talagang pinakita naman ng team natin na deserved nilang mag-champion. At the start of the season, everybody stayed grounded talaga; so talagang ang goal lang is to get the championship, to defend the crown,” said long-time head coach Jackson Que.

On the girls’ side, fourth-year stalwart Padmae Vivas led the charge with an 11-8, 11-6, 11-8 sweep of this year’s Rookie of the Year Sari Velasco, and later secured a fourth straight title with a 3-1 win in the second Finals match.

“Actually, we’re not expecting to win this year. We’re expecting University of the East to come up as the champions. The girls did their best they could; so, ayon, we made it,” said long-time head coach Lorinda Wadjad.

Emmanuel Paculba Jr. and Joshua Bañas gave the Junior Tiger Paddlers an early 2-0 cushion with contrasting victories against Sharif Abirin and Justine Rama. Season MVP Paculba swept Abirin, 11-8, 12-10, 11-1, while Rookie of the Year Bañas went the distance in a five-set thriller, 7-11, 11-7, 8-11, 11-9, 11-8, over Rama. Cuaycong and Bayona then closed out the tie against the same opponents they had beaten in the past two seasons.

“Wala naman akong sikreto kundi we trust God, ‘yun talaga. Binigay talaga ni Lord ‘tong lahat,” said Que, who also coaches the men’s team.

“Sa lahat ng papasok, be proud na makapasok sila sa one of the strongest teams sa UAAP and sa isa sa best schools in the Philippines. ‘Yun ‘yung gusto kong ma-feel nila and ma-realize nila.”

In the girls’ division, Season 86 and 87 MVP J-An Sanchez dominated Andrea Reblora, 11-2, 11-7, 11-8, but Kimberly Amandy responded with a marathon 7-11, 11-6, 11-5, 12-14, 11-6 win over Kaira Agreda. Julianne Bandojo and Louise Manay eventually restored order with a 10-12, 11-8, 11-6, 12-14, 11-8 victory over Kimberly Odelmo and Chloe Silva, paving the way for Vivas’ finishing flourish.

“Ako kasi from the start, I’m not letting go of the title kasi nasa ‘kin ‘yung dalawa[ng malakas]. If UE thinks they could grab the gold, let them think that way, basta kami, we will fight. And as we keep on practicing, walang mawawala sa ‘tin kung ipaglalaban natin ‘yung sa pakiramdam natin ay atin naman,” Wadjad added.

UST had earlier cruised to 3-0 wins in the Finals openers in both divisions, setting the stage for this historic sweep. Cuaycong and Bayona clinched the first tie with an 11-5, 11-6, 11-4 win over Jnash Chavez and Miguel Rafael Reyes in doubles. Datahan and Bañas gave the team a 2-0 lead with victories over Millana (5-11, 11-6, 11-9, 11-5) and Gerald Noche (11-5, 11-7, 11-5), respectively.

The Junior Lady Paddlers’ doubles pair also secured the overall win, as Bandojo and Manay defeated Kathlyn Embile and Odelmo, 11-3, 11-4, 7-11, 11-3. Agreda, named MVP, and Vivas swept the first contest, beating Silva (11-5, 11-7, 11-4) and Amandy (13-11, 11-9, 11-7).

FEU ends 15-year title drought, denies UST complete table tennis domination

c/o UAAP

Far Eastern University ended a 15-year title drought in spectacular fashion, completing a perfect season sweep of the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Table Tennis tournament.

The Lady Tamaraws capped their campaign with a 2-0 sweep of the finals series against defending champions University of Santo Tomas Lady Paddlers on Friday at the Amoranto Sports Arena in Diliman, Quezon City.

After winning four consecutive championships from Season 70 (2007) to 73 (2010), FEU had often been in contention but could never reclaim the crown in this tournament supported by Huaching Foundation and Topcoms Marketing Inc.—until now.

This season, the Lady Tamaraws combined experienced holdovers with promising rookies to secure FEU’s second championship of the year, following their fourth straight title in women’s football.

Glieza Ampalid and Krisha Reyes, veterans from previous squads that fell short against De La Salle University and UST, sealed the Finals and ended the championship drought with an 11-4, 6-11, 11-9, 11-4 victory over Samanta Bandojo and Leigh Villanueva.

“Sobrang saya ko; as a head coach talagang hindi ko ma-explain ‘yung happiness na nararamdaman ko for how many years na naibalik ‘yung korona sa FEU, sa Morayta. Talagang unspeakable joy ‘yung nararamdaman ko,” said long-time head coach Noel Gonzales.

Earlier, Shairah Gabisay overcame Kaye Encarnacion in the first set before closing the match decisively, 12-10, 11-1, 11-3, while eventual MVP Chrishein Santillan defeated Janna Paculba, 11-4, 11-7, 11-5, giving FEU a comfortable 2-0 lead.

That lead proved decisive as Ampalid and Reyes completed a sweep of their matches for the day, including a 3-0 win in the second tie, culminating in a flawless 14-0 season.

Rookie of the Year Christine Golez then clinched the deciding singles match against Paculba, 11-4, 11-6, 15-17, 11-9, after the first Finals tie ended in a 2-2 split.

The Lady Paddlers and Lady Tamaraws exchanged victories in a back-and-forth series. Encarnacion put last year’s champions on the board first, defeating rookie Cate Sarmiento, 11-2, 9-11, 11-7, 4-11, 11-9. Santillan answered with a 16-14, 11-5, 11-2 win over Keya Manada, while Ampalid and Reyes gave FEU the lead with an 11-7, 11-5, 11-3 win over Bandojo and Jaylyn Valencia.

Last season's rookie-MVP Althea Gudes then forced a decider, defeating Gabisay, 11-7, 11-8, 9-11, 7-11, 11-3. Notably, Ateneo’s Andrea Deondo was among multiple top newcomers, marking a rare occurrence of multiple Rookie of the Year awardees.

With most of his players returning for next season, Gonzales emphasized the key to sustained success:

“Ang sikreto lang d’yan, number one is ‘yung training, pero ang pinaka-importante is ‘yung self-discipline. Kahit anong galing mo pero wala kang disiplina sa sarili, hindi ka magpo-prosper, hindi ka magiging successful. ‘Yun ‘yung gusto kong makita, ma-maintain nila ‘yung gano’ng disiplina,” he said.

UST retains men's collegiate table tennis title, extends winning streak to sixty

c/o UAAP

University of Santo Tomas cemented its reign as king of UAAP Collegiate Table Tennis for the sixth consecutive season, completing a second straight season sweep with a 2-0 Finals series victory over Ateneo de Manila University on Friday at the Amoranto Sports Arena in Diliman, Quezon City.

The Tiger Paddlers not only secured this second collegiate championship of the season for UST—following the fifth straight men’s chess title—but did so in style, marking a milestone 60th consecutive win dating back to the second round of Season 82 (2019) and achieving a second straight season sweep.

“Overwhelming talaga; and I’m really proud to be a UST graduate and a UST coach,” said long-time head coach Jackson Que.

“Sinabi ko lang naman sa kanila na we always start from scratch, kasi zero-zero na ulit, kaya we need to be humble and very vigilant sa lahat ‘yung mga tira namin at sa mga strategy namin. Kailangang ma-execute lahat.”

The 59th and 60th victories were far from easy, as the Tiger Paddlers faced perhaps their toughest test of the season against the Blue Eagles, with both Finals ties coming down to a deciding singles match in the tournament, which is backed by Huaching Foundation and Topcoms Marketing Inc.

Fortunately, Abraham Paul Antivo and Gerald Aguilar rose to the occasion, delivering championship-clinching wins to prevent Ateneo from extending the series after taking a 2-1 lead in the second tie.

Antivo, eventually named MVP, overcame Wrency Abad in five thrilling sets, 11-7, 6-11, 11-9, 7-11, 11-9, to level the contest. Rookie of the Year Aguilar then rebounded from a first-frame setback to secure the tie and the title, 7-11, 11-6, 11-6, 11-8.

Ateneo had earlier threatened to halt UST’s remarkable run, as Mahendra Cabrido and the rookie duo of CJ Yamson and Gabriel Docto claimed wins against Josh Manlapaz and the pair of Prince Garcia and Ruiz Arc Marcelino.

Last year’s MVP Eljay Tormis put UST ahead with a 9-11, 11-7, 11-8, 11-5 win over Zherdel Fresco, but the Blue Eagles answered with two straight victories. Cabrido defeated Manlapaz, 11-8, 11-7, 10-12, 12-10, before Docto and Yamson swept Garcia and Marcelino, 11-8, 11-8, 11-8.

Just like a wounded tiger, however, this year’s top individual student-athletes, Antivo and Aguilar, struck back to claim the victory.

The first tie followed a similar storyline, with Aguilar and Antivo again taking the spotlight for UST after trailing 1-2. Aguilar leveled the contest with an 11-5, 12-10, 5-11, 11-7 victory over Andree Garcia, while Antivo propelled the Tiger Paddlers to the brink of the title with an 11-5, 11-6, 12-10 win over Andrew Uy.

Manlapaz drew first blood, 13-11, 11-6, 11-9 over Yamson, but Cabrido stunned Tormis in the next match, 11-5, 5-11, 11-7, 11-8, to tie the contest.

Abad and Fresco then gave the Blue Eagles the lead with an 8-11, 11-7, 11-7, 11-5 win over Marcelino and Al J. Sanchez, but that proved to be their last victory, as Aguilar and Antivo claimed the next two rubbers to secure the championship.

For Que, this six-peat was the result of collective effort and the team’s unique culture, which he takes immense pride in.

“Isa ‘yan sa mga strength namin kasi ‘yung team namin is very cohesive; talagang buong-buo, and we trust each other. Parang kaming isang buong pamilya talaga; ‘yan siguro ‘yung sikreto namin,” said the multititled mentor.

UP seeks to avenge first-round loss to La Salle

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 Basketball Standings

Men
*NU            11    2
*UP             10    3
UST             7    5
DLSU           6    6
AdU             6    7
FEU              5    7
Ateneo        5    7
UE                0    13

Women
*UST           12    0
*NU             12    1
*Ateneo       8    4
AdU             6    7
FEU              5    7
DLSU           4    8
UP                3    10
UE                0    13

*Final Four

Games Saturday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum

7:30 a.m. – UPIS vs DLSZ (16U)
9:30 a.m. – FEU-D vs UE (16U)
11:30 a.m. – FEU vs UE (Women)
1:30 p.m. – FEU vs UE (Men)
4:30 p.m. – UP vs DLSU (Men)
7 p.m. – UP vs DLSU (Women)

DEFENDING champion University of the Philippines may have little left to play for besides securing the No. 1 ranking in the Final Four, but the Fighting Maroons are determined to avenge their first-round loss to De La Salle today in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men's Basketball Tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Fighting Maroons, already assured of a top-two finish in the eliminations for a sixth consecutive season, are expected to bring their full intensity in the 4:30 p.m. clash with the Green Archers, who are suddenly fighting for their Final Four lives.

Earlier, Far Eastern University aims to clear the first of two must-win games to secure a playoff for the last Final Four slot when it takes on last-place University of the East at 1:30 p.m.

A UP win over De La Salle, combined with a National University loss to University of Santo Tomas on Sunday, would give the Diliman-based squad the top ranking and the right to face the No. 4 team in the Final Four with a twice-to-beat advantage. The Fighting Maroons (10-3) hold the tiebreaker against the Bulldogs (11-2), having won both elimination round matchups.

UP coach Goldwin Monteverde emphasized the need for focus as the team prepares for bigger challenges ahead.

"Siguro, for me, like any other team we just need to be consistent. Right now, yun naman lagi sinasabi ko eh, after this game we just have to watch and see kahit isang game nalang kami sa second round, what we need to work on parin. Siyempre, pag La Salle ang kalaban we really need to prepare for them. At the same time, try to improve more sa kung ano pa yung pwede naming gawin," Monteverde said.

("Maybe for me, like any other team, we just need to stay consistent. Like I always say, after this game we just have to watch and see—even if we only have one game left in the second round—what we still need to work on. Of course, if our opponent is La Salle, we really need to prepare for them. At the same time, we need to keep looking for ways to improve.")

The Fighting Maroons are motivated to get back at the Green Archers after dropping a 69-72 decision last October 19, their first meeting since last season's Finals. De La Salle is coming off a heartbreaking 60-61 loss to Adamson University last Wednesday.

Clinging to a half-game lead over the Falcons (6-7) in the race for the last Final Four slot, De La Salle captain Mike Phillips stressed the importance of staying present.

"We want to base this season around the term grit, and that's all we have right now. I think that we're down, but we're not out. It's gonna really take the heart of a champion and a fighter to rise from this. I never doubt or question what God has in store for us -- sometimes I don't agree -- but God has put us in this situation and I know that He's trying to build something in us. I believe that the biggest thing He's putting in us is perseverance. If we're not able to rise from this, we don't deserve it," Phillips said.

"But I know we can rise from this, and we can really show everybody, especially the LaSallian community, which continues to support us even in this losing streak, what we're capable of. This is what I talk about when I say I really want to fight for La Salle because it's probably one of the most lowest points of the season and [the fans] keep showing up for us. Despite our performances, they still show up for us. I think that's something we can rally behind and rally behind the Animo spirit the community is showing us," he added.

De La Salle must sweep its last two games to avoid being dragged into a playoff for the No. 4 spot.

Far Eastern University's path to the Final Four is not entirely in its own hands, as the Tamaraws trail De La Salle by a game and are currently tied with Ateneo at 5-7. Wins over the Red Warriors today (Saturday) and the Growling Tigers on Wednesday—a make-up of their postponed November 9 clash—would assure a playoff for the last Final Four berth.

If FEU defeats UE, it will watch Sunday's Adamson-Ateneo game, a virtual knockout match. A win over the Growling Tigers would secure a playoff for No. 4, with the Tamaraws awaiting the outcome of the Green Archers-Blue Eagles clash to determine their potential do-or-die opponent.

University of Santo Tomas, currently third at 7-5, needs just one win in its final two games to clinch a Final Four berth. The Growling Tigers have two chances—against the Bulldogs on Sunday or the Tamaraws on Wednesday.

In the women's division, FEU aims to join Adamson in the No. 4 spot when it faces UE at 11:30 a.m. The Lady Tamaraws, at 5-7, trail the Lady Falcons (6-7) by half a game in the race for the last Final Four slot.

De La Salle, at 4-8 and one-and-a-half games behind Adamson, seeks to beat also-ran UP at 7 p.m. to keep its slim Final Four hopes alive.

In 16-and-under action, titleholder UE aims to keep its Final Four chances alive against FEU-Diliman at 9:30 a.m., following a clash between already-eliminated squads La Salle-Zobel and UP Integrated School at 7:30 a.m.

All games will air live on the Pilipinas Live app, One Sports, and the UAAP Varsity Channel.

With women's football title defended, Rebosura sets sights on Futsal World Cup

c/o UAAP

From humble beginnings on the indoor court of Payatas to the grand stage of the UAAP, Regine Rebosura’s college football career ended on the highest note possible—just before she stepped onto the world’s biggest futsal stage.

Rebosura, who came in as a second-half substitute, scored in the 90+3rd minute to seal Far Eastern University’s 2-0 win over De La Salle University in the final of the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Football Tournament last Saturday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.

Her goal helped the Lady Tamaraws complete a perfect campaign and claim their fourth consecutive championship.

If that wasn’t enough, she also earned the Best Midfielder award—her second time receiving the honor after previously claiming it in Season 85.

Known for making the most of every opportunity to shine, Rebosura reflected on the daily challenges that made her triumph even more fulfilling.

“Sobrang saya,” said the 24-year-old from Quezon City. “Sobrang worth it lahat kase napag-manage namin kasabay ng academics namin. Training sa morning, gym sa hapon — yung pagod namin sobrang worth it.”

What made Rebosura’s happy ending even more remarkable was that she had spent time away from her FEU teammates while preparing in Spain with the Philippine Women’s National Futsal Team for the 2025 FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup.

Moreover, the night before the UAAP final, her name was confirmed among the 14 players who would represent the country in the inaugural World Cup edition on home soil. She initially struggled to compose herself, but ultimately focused on making up for lost time.

“Para sakin, yung second half medyo nag-a-adjust ako,” said the newly crowned four-time champion. “Medyo kinakabahan kasi galing po ako Spain. Mahirap mag-adjust. Alam ko sa sarili ko kaya ko pa and then pinangako ko sa mga teammates and mga coaches ko na kaya kong bumawi.”

Rebosura’s journey has been remarkable; she could not have imagined that kicking a ball on a simple court would be the first step toward four UAAP championships, crucial goals across three finals, and two individual awards.

Yet, there could be no greater validation of her versatility, hard work, and talent than her inclusion as the only collegiate player in the final Filipina5 squad for the World Cup.

The Filipina5 are grouped with Poland (November 21), Morocco (November 24), and Argentina (November 27), with the top two teams in each of the four pools advancing to the knockout stage.

As an underdog throughout her life, Rebosura hopes the nationals will surprise their opponents.

She is now calling on local fans to rally behind her and her teammates as they prepare for a historic homecourt debut.

“Yun po lumabas na po yung final 14,” she said. “Kasama po ako sa list na maglalaro po sa World Cup. Suportahan nyo po kami maglaro from November 21. Dito po gaganapin.”

B.LEAGUE hosts Hoop Festival in BGC

B.LEAGUE

 

Japanese top-flight basketball is set to touch base in the Philippines once again, as it will hold the 2025 edition of the B.LEAGUE Hope ASIA HOOP FESTIVAL this weekend.

The festival celebrating the best of Japanese club basketball will be held on November 22-23 at 7th Avenue inside Bonifacio Global City, as the league will be installing a basketball court directly in front of the Mitsukoshi facade. Various activities are set to take place in and around it.

Highlighting the event are some major activations, which will feature some of our OFWs.

Both days will feature a B.LEAGUE Hope ASIA Jr. Clinic in the morning. This basketball clinic aims to address the issue of physical inactivity amongst Filipino children by introducing a program that promotes physical and mental wellness, teamwork, and a spirit of challenge.

Unlike previous editions, this activity integrates a new element, called "Defense Action." Specifically designed in Japan, it uses basketball as a teaching moment towards disaster preparedness. With the country prone to natural disasters, it uses basketball fundamentals like dribbling, shooting, and passing to instill disaster response skills.

Also taking place are B. Hope ASIA 1-on-1 and 3x3 Challenges that aim to showcase local talent and bring energy and smiles to those present.

Saturday afternoon will feature the best individual baller, while the next day will feature teams comprising men and women to help promote gender equality. 

In addition, a donation campaign for used uniforms is being organized to highlight the aspect of recycling. Called "Pass It Forward," all uniforms collected during the event will be donated to needy children who want to devote themselves to playing the sport.