UAAP reveals first round basketball schedule

Games Sept. 20 at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena

8:30 a.m. – FEU-D vs Ateneo (JHS boys)

10:30 a.m. – AdU vs DLSZ (JHS boys)

1 p.m. – FEU vs Ateneo (Men)

4:30 p.m. – AdU vs DLSU (Men)

Games Sept. 21 at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena

8:30 a.m. – UE vs NU (JHS boys)

10:30 a.m. – UPIS vs UST (JHS boys)

2 p.m. – UE vs NU (Men)

4:30 p.m. – UP vs UST (Men)

University of the Philippines kicks off its title-retention bid in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament against University of Santo Tomas on September 21 (Sunday).

The Fighting Maroons will visit the Growling Tigers at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena at 4:30 p.m., marking their first meeting since last season’s Final Four.

Men’s basketball action opens on September 20 (Saturday), also at QPav, with last season’s runner-up De La Salle University taking on Adamson University—another Final Four rematch—at 4:30 p.m., following the Far Eastern University–Ateneo matchup at 2 p.m.

On September 21, University of the East, now under new coach Chris Gavina, faces National University at 1 p.m. Tickets for the doubleheader are sold separately.

The junior high school boys’ competitions also kick off at QPav on September 21.

The Junior Warriors aim for back-to-back 16-and-under titles against the Bullpups at 10:30 a.m., following the Tiger Cubs defending their home court against the Fighting Maroons at 8:30 a.m.

The September 20 junior high school boys' games feature the Baby Tamaraws versus the Blue Eagles at 8:30 a.m., followed by the Baby Falcons–Junior Archers clash at 10:30 a.m.

Women’s basketball begins on September 24 at QPav to accommodate Gilas Women’s participation in the FIBA 3x3 Under-23 World Cup.

Four UAAP student-athletes have been called up for international duty by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas for this competition, which takes place at Xiong'an, China: Kacey dela Rosa of Ateneo de Manila University, Kristine Cayabyab of National University, and Elaine Etang and Cheska Apag, both coming from National University.

Ateneo and UE open at 12 noon, while UP faces Adamson at 7 p.m.

The league’s first Smart Araneta Coliseum playdate is on September 27.

NU, under debuting coach DA Olan, starts its bid for a second straight women’s championship against FEU at 12 noon, while UST begins its redemption campaign versus De La Salle at 7 p.m.

Men’s action at the Big Dome includes FEU–NU at 2 p.m., followed by UST–La Salle at 4:30 p.m.

The first Ateneo–La Salle rivalry of the season takes place at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on October 5 at 4:30 p.m., following the FEU–Adamson duel at 1:30 p.m. Tickets for the doubleheader are sold separately.

Tickets to the men’s doubleheader are sold separately.

The Blue Eagles and Fighting Maroons, who split their Season 84 and 85 men’s title series in 2022, face off in the first round of the “Battle of Katipunan” at MoA Arena on October 8 at 4:30 p.m.

Finally, UP and De La Salle meet in a rematch of the last two men’s championship series at the Big Dome on October 19 at 4:30 p.m., following the UE–FEU game at 1:30 p.m. Tickets for the doubleheader are sold separately.

The first round will close with a women's quadruple-header on October 22 at the MoA Arena featuring FEU-Ateneo at 8 a.m., Adamson-DLSU at 10 a.m., UE-NU at 1 p.m., and UP-UST at 2 p.m.

FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship set to slash ticket prices

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (center) with PSCx chairman Patrick Gregorio (left) and PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara

AS a gift to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on his 68th birthday on Saturday—and a gesture of gratitude to Filipino volleyball fans—the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship has reduced ticket prices to the world-class event that is ongoing at the SM MOA Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“To give back to Filipino volleyball fans and on the same day that our President celebrated his birthday, it’s but fitting that the LOC and the national volleyball federation offer this gift to the most important stakeholders of the sport—the President and the fans,” Philippine National Volleyball Federation and LOC president Ramon “Tats” Suzata said on Saturday.

“We have a President whose love for sports reverberate in the four corners of our country, not only in volleyball, but in all sports, especially grassroots development,” added Suzara, who also thanked the Philippine Sports Commission, chaired by Patrick Gregorio, for championing the goals set by the President for Philippinine sports.

President Marcos made the opening ceremony at the SM Mall of Asia Arena extra special by making the ceremonial serve and providing support to Alas Pilipinas as it battled Tunisia in a Pool A action in the 32-nation world championship.

“The President showed that he wants Filipinos to enjoy a world-class event and we are fully supporting that mission,” Suzara said.

Not only did President Marcos who support to the event but the First Family as well with First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos and sons William Vincent, co-chair of the LOC, and and Joseph Simon wearing Alas Pilipinas’s colors from court side on Friday.

The LOC, Suzara said, will announce the new ticket prices in time for Sunday’s resumption of the pool matches both at the SM Mall of Asia and Smart Araneta Coliseum.

President Marcos celebrated his birthdat with a festive “Salo Salo sa Palasyo” as Malacañang opened the Kalayaan Grounds to the public, a nationwide medical mission and a one-day also nationwide offering of P20-per-kilo rice through the “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” (BBM Na!) initiative.

Manila set for 3x3 return with FIBA Challenger

3x3 Manila Challenger

A spot in the FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2025 Season Macau Masters will be up for grabs as the Philippines plays hosts to the Manila Challenger on September 20 and 21 at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay.

Some of the world’s top 3x3 players will see action in Manila representing 16 teams including World Number 1 and 2 Strahinja Stojacic and Marko Brankovic, who will team up representing Ub of Serbia. They will be joined by Nenad Nerandzic and Nemanja Barac, no pushovers themselves as they are ranked 5th and 8th in the world.

“The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is elated to be given the opportunity to host this event,” said President Al Panlilio. 

“The SBP has hosted many 3x3 events in the past including the 2018 FIBA 3x3 World Cup and our fans are very familiar with the game so it should make for a great atmosphere. It’s an Olympic sport so we need to keep investing in 3x3 with the hopes of making it to that stage in the near future. Hosting the Manila Challenger helps in two ways because it allows our players and the federation to get much needed points for the rankings while also allowing our athletes to test themselves against the world’s best.”

The SBP has exerted efforts to bring this event closer to the Filipino people, giving them the opportunity to witness firsthand the best players in the world while also cheering for the Filipino teams proudly representing the country.

Two of the biggest names in the sport will also be seeing action in Karlis Lasmanis and Nauris Miezis, the 2020 Olympic gold medalists from Latvia. The two have done everything there is to accomplish in 3x3 and are now playing for China’s Chongming. The two 3x3 superstars will team up with China’s top two bets in Xiang Zhi Chao and Zhang Dian Lang.

The rest of the international field includes Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia), Hangzhou (China), Skyliners (Germany), Utrecht (Netherlands), Lugano (Switzerland), Taipei, Seef (Bahrain), Shanghai (China), SG Marina Bay (Singapore), Singapore, and East Jakarta (Indonesia).

“The SBP will be welcoming outstanding 3x3 players so that competition will be top level,” said Executive Director Erika Dy. “For the SBP, it’s an opportunity to show we’re more than capable in hosting a Challenger with the hopes of hosting a Masters level competition in the future. We’re excited to showcase our Filipino talents as well and see how well they can compete at this level.”

Three teams will represent the Philippines in Mandaluyong, Cavite, and Manila. Mandaluyong will be led by high-scoring guards Jeff Manday and Joseph Sedurifa while Mac Tallo is expected to make his long awaited return to FIBA 3x3 action for Manila.

This is supported by SBP's partners Smart, Arena Plus, B'lue Water, and the Philippine Sports Commission.

Philippines takes the center stage with FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship opening ceremonies

c/o PNVF

 

THE Philippines served as a mecca of the sporting world once more, ushering in the biggest FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship in history with a bang on Friday night at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

From cultural performances to world-class acts, a festive atmosphere it was before an even bigger storm featuring 32 teams split in eight groups spiking it out in full-swing action starting Saturday at both the MOA Arena and the Smart-Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

“We are sure that the best of volleyball in the world is here. It's the first time that the Men's World Championship is in Southeast Asia and the first time of the World Championship with 32 teams, 32 nations fighting for one glory or one trophy as of today,” said FIVB president Fabio Azevedo.

“For many years, volleyball has been an underdog sport in the Philippines, always in the shadows of another national favorite — basketball. But here we all are: this crowd, this event, this moment — standing at the threshold of a great new era and the dawn of a truly exciting legacy. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas,” added Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio.

The FIVB, PSC and the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) led by Ramon “Tats” Suzara, who also serves as president of the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) and executive VP of FIVB, presented the 32 flags headed by host Philippines to declare the games open in front of thousands of sports-crazed Filipinos.

But the night would not be complete without the extravagant performances of both local and international acts in the Philippines’ historic staging of the world joust organized by Suzara of the  Local Organizing Committee co-chaired by Presidential son William Vincent “Vinny” Araneta Marcos, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco.

They were joined y LOC board members Senator Pia Cayetano and POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.

Up-and-coming K-POP group BOYNEXTDOOR served as the headliner in the mini-concert by serenading the Filipino fans, who came in groves despite a busy and rainy Friday.

Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group then showcased the Filipino heritage and culture on the world stage with the Bruganda Drumline and Dancers as P-POP girl group G22 and Cebuana singer Karencitta added spice with electrifying performances.

The grandiose opening ceremony rolled the red carpet for Alas Pilipinas’ opening game against Tunisia at press time, with the full backing from the entire Philippines.

“To the Philippine team, I wish you the very best of luck on this global stage. But never forget: the real game-changer is what your game is bringing to this country. We cheer for our aces; we call them Alas Pilipinas because they are not just playing for the nation — they are turning the page to a new chapter of sports history, where volleyball will anchor the country's emergence as the beating heart of sports in the Southeast Asian region,” added Gregorio.

The men’s volleyball world conclave, also backed by Rebisco, SM, PLDT, SMART, Metro Pacific Investment, Honda Philippines, Meralco, Sony, Lenovo, LRT Line 2, officially sanctioned by the FIVB, partnered with Volleyball World, Mikasa, the official ball, Mizuno, Gerflor and Senoh Corporation, will run until September 28 as the Philippines hosts the second straight world sporting hosting after the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

Tickets for the event are available through the official website: https://www.philippineswch2025.com/

Trophy for FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup revealed

The FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup trophy

As the draw for the inaugural edition of the FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup creeps closer, FIFA on Friday revealed the trophy that sixteen nations will be going after for in the Philippines.

The global football entity crafted the design in-house, the trophy, according to them, "encapsulates the energy, precision and creativity of the women’s game." It is set to inspire players and fans alike as it set to take place starting late November.

Taking certain elements from its male counterpart, but it is to have its own personal identity. This piece "embodies the essence of futsal, a high-speed, skill-focused sport." It features two converging bars in gold and silver, symbolizing unity and competition, on a stylised futsal pitch. The curves echo the dynamic flow of the game, underscoring the technical finesse, ball control and teamwork that define elite futsal.

The upcoming ceremony will be the first chance the world will be able to actually see the trophy, which is scheduled to take place inside Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, with the program scheduled to commence at 5pm local time and will be streamed through FIFA.com, as well as through its app, FIFA+.

Hosted by sports presenter Mara Aquino, FIFA representatives, sporting legends, and dignitaries will be around for the proceedings, which will see the teams split into four groups.

All sixteen teams have been allocated into four pots based the latest FIFA Futsal Women's World Rankings released back in late August, save for the Philippines, who has been already slotted into Pot 1 as hosts.

Joining the Filipina5 in the Pot are perceived favorites Brazil, Spain, and Portugal.

Asian contenders Thailand and Japan lead Pot 2, alongside Argentina and Italy.

Meanwhile in Pot 3, Iran will be fielding their first women's team at this level of competition, with Colombia, Poland, and New Zealand.

Completing the field in Pot 4 are Morocco, Canada, Panama, and Tanzania, whose team here will the first time any of their senior sides have reached at this high in the world stage.

Pot 1 teams will be drawn first, with the Philippines automatically designated into Group A as A1. Subsequent teams will then be selected and allocated into the three remaining groups, before restarting the process in the next pot, until all teams have been selected.

FIFA prefers to have as much as possible a diverse group, so it will ensure that no team from the same confederation will be in each group.

The FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup will take place at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City, starting on November 21 and ending on December 7, and fans can already pre-register their interest in securing tickets through FIFA.com/tickets.

Alas Pilipinas ready to kickstart FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship

Bryan Bagunas and Alas Pilipinas are ready

ALL roads lead to Manila as the Philippines for the first time in history stages the prestigious FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship starting on Friday until Sept. 28 at two world-class venues here.

Thirty-two of the best teams on Earth made up of world, VNL and Olympic champions, dark horses and crowd darlings converge on the Philippine shores for the biggest and what’s shaping up to be the greatest edition of the world championship ever with an anticipated breakthrough attendance like never before, especially for the explosive opener at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Serving at the forefront is host and world No. 82 Alas Pilipinas, which has improved leaps and bounds in a full year of build-up under champion Italian mentor Angiolino Frigoni, against 11-time African champion and world No. 42 Tunisia in the lone opening match at 7 p.m.

World-renowned group BOYNEXTDOOR from South Korea, meanwhile, will kickstart the festivities in the grandiose opening ceremony, to be led by Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Ramon “Tats” Suzara and FIVB president Fabio Azevedo, at 4:30 p.m. that will also feature local acts.

“I’m telling to the Filipinos, please come. We need you. As supporters, we need you because we are going to fight together against Tunisia. Don’t let us fight alone,” declared coach Frigoni in a tall order against the Tunisians to open the Pool A action that also includes No. 13 Iran and No. 23 Egypt, the reigning African champion.

Frigoni’s charges roamed around the world, including a productive finale training camp in Europe, to brace for history. And now, it’s up for the taking.

Leading the march are seasoned spikers Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo along with other wingers Leo Ordiales, Michaelo Buddin, Jade Disquitado and Louie Ramirez, as per the final roster announced by the PNVF.

Manning the defense are middle blockers Kim Malabunga, Peng Taguibolos and Lloyd Josafat with coverage from liberos Josh Ybañez, Jack Kalingking and Vince Lorenzo. Ace playmakers Owa Retamar and Eco Adajar will quarterback Frigoni’s offense.

“We have a great balance of veterans who bring experience and leadership, and younger players who bring energy and fresh perspectives,” said Bagunas. “It’s an honor to be part of this historic event. We’re excited to play and show the level and brand of Philippine volleyball in the world stage,” added Espejo.

But as big as the fight of the Alas boys on the court, eyes are also on the entire Philippines as it serves as mecca of the sporting world once again after hosting the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup with the PNVF led by Suzara, also president of the Asian Volleyball Confederation and executive VP of the FIVB, at the centerstage this time around.

“I hope our Alas Pilipinas really play well in front of Filipino fans but most importantly, I hope we could have a good finale here like the women’s world championship in Thailand as we serve as host for the first time ever,” said Suzara, who also leads the world championship’s Local Organizing Committee co-chaired by Presidential son William Vincent “Vinny” Araneta Marcos, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco.

“Let’s make this happen and show the world that the Filipinos are one of the best fans in the world. Mabuhay ang Philippine volleyball.” 

Albeit without star spiker Wassim Ben Tara, Tunisia is expected to be a tough nut to crack for Alas with veteran aces Hamza Nagga and Elyes Karamosli standing on their way in front of more than 10,000 fans for the opener of the world spikefest backed by Rebisco, SM, PLDT, SMART, Metro Pacific Investment, Honda Philippines, Meralco, Sony, Lenovo, LRT Line 2, officially sanctioned by the FIVB, partnered with Volleyball World, Mikasa, the official ball, Mizuno, Gerflor and Senoh Corporation.

The rest of the 32-team field,  led by the big guns in world No. 1 and VNL champion Poland, reigning world titlist Italy (No. 2) and Paris Olympics gold medalist France (No. 4), however, will officially start their campaign starting on Saturday with the 32 squads being split at the MOA Arena and the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

Four matches each at the two venues are slated until September 18 for the preliminary phase with the top two teams from the eight groups advancing in the final phase beginning with the Round of 16 at the MOA Arena until the championship.

Other big guns expected to amaze the sports-crazed Filipino crowd are world No. 3 Brazil, No. 5 Japan, No. 6 USA, No. 7 Slovenia, No. 8 Germany, No. 9 Argentina and No. 10 Cuba scattered in different groups.

Tickets for the event are available through the official website: https://www.philippineswch2025.com/

Alas Pilipinas ready for their World Championship moment

Alas Pilipinas

It’s all systems go for Alas Pilipinas in the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championships firing off on September 12 to 28 at the Mall of Asia Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

“We are ready to make history,” said Philippine National Volleyball Federation Ramon “Tats” Suzara during the team’s media day on at the National Museum of Natural History in Manila. 

Symbolic of the Alas’ quest for glory and history, the entire national team players and coaches looked back first to their roots for some sorts of motivation at the National Museum with four days to go before duking it out against the world volleyball titans in the country’s monumental hosting of the 32-team spectacle for the first time ever. 

What started it all for the Philippines’ rich culture and history through the eons are displayed at the National Museum of National History. Beginning on Friday against 11-time African champion, Alas will attempt for more glory with more than 10,000 fans expected to be witnesses. 

“We are days away from history. Let’s make this happen and show the world that the Filipinos are one of the best fans in the world,” added Suzara, who also served as president of the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) and executive vice president of the FIVB. 

Suzara also leads heads the world championship’s Local Organizing Committee co-chaired by Presidential son William Vincent “Vinny” Araneta Marcos, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, explaining Alas’ first pre-event for the world stage was a visit at the National Museum. 

Alas, les by team captain Bryan Bagunas and veteran ace Marck Espejo, roamed around the museum for over an hour to take a trip down memory lane in 12 permanent galleries that exhibit the rich biological and geological diversity of the Philippines. 

And for the Filipino spikers to be mentored by Italian champion coach Angiolino Frigoni, it’s more than enough of a fuel to shoot for glory against all odds in Pool A versus No. 13 Iran, African champion and No. 23 Egypt as well as No. 42 Tunisia.

“It’s an honor to be part of this historic event. We’re excited to play and show the level and brand of Philippine volleyball in the world stage,” said Espejo, hoping to also have their European camp in months work wonders for a well campaign against tougher and higher-ranked opponents. 

“Sa matagal naming pagsasamq sa Europe, nakila po namin lalo ang isa’t isa. Ready na po kami maglaro para sa bayan. Pangakong gagawin po namin ‘yung best namin hindi lang basta makadikit o makakuha ng set pero para manalo ng games.”

Alas, which refined its bearings against Romania, Morroco and Portugal, takes on  Tunisia on Sept. 12 in the opening match of the 32-team tourney, the biggest edition in history with support from Rebisco, SM, PLDT, SMART, Metro Pacific Investment, Honda Philippines, Meralco, Sony, Lenovo, LRT Line 2, officially sanctioned by the FIVB, partnered with Volleyball World, Mikasa, the official ball, Mizuno, Gerflor and Senoh Corporation.

An explosive opening ceremony to be headlined by K-POP group BOYNEXTDOOR is also slated to spice up the world competition.