adidas reveals Predator 25 targeting the Modern Goalscorer

c/o adidas

adidas has revealed its latest version of their iconic Predator line of football shoes, one that you can already avail at your favorite place to purchase kicks.

Called the Predator 25, it blends archival color nods and design features with the latest technology tailored towards the new generation of footballers.

What immediately stands out is its vibrant red colorway, which is often associated with its classic tongue decorating the entire upper portion of the boot, highlighting its iconic DNA.

The wavy black lines weaving through its three stripes on the medial and lateral sides of the boot is a true homage to one of its predecessors, the Predator Accelerator from 1998. Adding to the aesthetic is the "Predator" branding that is displayed on the side of the heel and on the tongue.

On the technological aspect, adidas tweaked the upper construction for the Predator 25, integrating an upgraded STRIKESKIN that has been re-engineered in order to enhance the grip between the boot and the ball through higher and longer quantities of rubber elements on the strike zone of the boot, as well as HYBRIDTOUCH 2.0 applied across the upper of the boot with less layers to reduce break-in time and provide a more moulded fit. At the same time, this feature would provide additional cushioning in key areas for comfort and a soft touch on the ball.

CONTROLFLAME 2.0, which is a lightweight soleplate that supports traction, acceleration, and rapid rotational movement of players through full-length tooling and external heel counter, returns after being initially introduced a year ago.

Also being included is the fold over tongue, which has been refreshed to enhance striking made possible through new rubber elements enabling improvements in touch and feel, and protection through an additional layer of foam.

In unveiling the Predator 25, adidas GM for Football Sam Handy says, "The Predator franchise has always been based on pushing the boundaries of boot design – starting with a product that fundamentally altered the landscape of the game. Last year we revisited the archive to reconnect the tongue with a new generation of player. For Predator 25 we focus on adding more character via an adapted visual story that hints at - and reskins - beloved aspects of earlier icons. Under the hood, we have tweaked and upgraded the existing performance technologies, to create something really special for 2025."

One of adidas' many ambassadors has been tapped to spread the gospel of the latest Predator.

Arsenal and England sensation Alessia Russo shares her thoughts about the boot: "For me, the Predator boot is about being bold and making a statement on the pitch – from how it supports your goals to how iconic its design is. The tongue, which is hands down my favourite thing about it, is even better on this one, and the colourway is something else – I’m buzzing to play in it this year and see what I can do in front of goal."

Expect the big names of the sport to be toting these kicks, from the likes of Jude Bellingham and Pedri, to the best female footballer in the world, Aitana Bonmati.

The Predator 25 comes with laced and laceless versions, as well as a classic laced with a fold over tongue.

At prices starting at PhP 13,000, football enthusiasts will be able to purchase these kicks starting January 16 at adidas outlets and selected retailers, or one can purchase them directly at adidas.com.ph.

HK Eastern seeks to complete San Miguel sweep

c/o EASL

San Miguel and Hong Kong Eastern face off in one of two scheduled East Asia Super League matches on Wednesday.

Set to tip off at 810pm, the Beermen are hoping third time's the charm against their opposition, having fallen short in both meetings so far, as HK Eastern is a guest team in the ongoing PBA Commissioner's Cup.

Their first meeting took place in Hong Kong last December 18, with the hosts fending off San Miguel's late comeback attempt to end up 71-62 winners.

Four days later, they met again, with Eastern securing a 99-91 overtime triumph, with Glen Yang scoring 26 points. The game served as the debut for Jabari Narcis, who contributed 28 points and ten rebounds. Narcis is expected to make his EASL debut after sitting out last week's matchup against the Dragonflies in Hiroshima, providing much needed help for Torren Jones and JuneMar Fajardo.

Already eliminated from postseason contention having lost all four games so far, San Miguel is seeking to secure a strong finish in continental play, hoping that this would lead into some positive momentum domestically.

The Leo Austria-coached side are currently eighth place toting a 4-4 record, good enough to be in the final postseason spot for this conference.

In addition, they could also serve as spoilers to both HK Eastern and Suwon KT Sonicboom, whom they finish Group Stage action with this coming February 12.

After losing their first two continental matches, HK Eastern have won two straight games, following up their win over the Beermen with a 69-61 victory over Suwon last January 7. Both of these matches taking place at their home digs at Southorn Stadium.

Thanks to Hayden Blankley's thirteen points and five rebounds, they are now currently in third place in Group A at 2-2. With Hiroshima having locked up the one spot in the group, it will be a battle with Suwon and current second placers Taoyuan, whom HK Eastern will visit next month, for the other semifinal berth up for grabs.

Chris McLaughlin and Cameron Clark have been vital in setting things up for Hong Kong, with Blankley, Yang, and Kobey Lam serving as an effective supporting cast.

They are also looking to have this current stretch to translate in their stint in the PBA, where they are currently 6-3 and a game behind Northport atop the standings.

In the other scheduled continental matchup, Busan KCC Egis and the Macau Black Bears face off in Korea.

With both teams toting three losses, the loser of this matchup is pretty much eliminated from postseason contention.

Macau made history on their previous encounter, as Damian Chong Qui produced the league's first triple-double last November, but the Black Bears are coming off a blowout defeat to New Taipei last month.

Busan recently rejiggered their lineup, sending Deonte Burton to former EASL participants Anyang JKJ in exchange for Cady Lalanne, hoping his presence will improve their play.

Both EASL games are set to be broadcast domestically through either One Sports, One Sports+, or Pilipinas Live.

Dr. Obet Vital, Casiey Dongallo, three others join UP

c/o OASD

The shoe has officially been dropped, as the University of the Philippines through its Office for Athletics and Sports Development, announced that Dr. Obet Vital and Casiey Dongallo have committed to the program.

Vital served as an assistant to Jerry Yee in the University of the East, eventually taking on interim head coaching duties when Yee was suspended by the league last season.

He also served as the mentor of California Academy For Lilminius, where he coached Dongallo at the high school level before they moved up in the collegiate ranks with the Lady Warriors.

Now with the Fighting Maroons, Vital will serve as an assistant to newly-installed head coach Benson Bocboc, while also overseeing the grassroots program and the university's training pool.

The Cebuano native set a record for points scored in a single season for what turned out to be her lone season at UE with 291 points, and she will play an integral role for the Lady Maroons when she becomes eligible next season.

Also joining Dongallo in serving residency this coming season are her former teammates at CAL who committed to UE: Kizzie Madriaga, Jelai Gajero and Jenalyn Umayam. Madriaga served as the team captain, whilst Gajero missed out on last season due to injury and was set to play a key role for the Lady Warriors this season.

These moves are aimed to bolster a program that won just one game last season, and has hopes of making the postseason for the first time since 2017 when the team still had Tots Carlos and Isa Molde. Backed by Frank Lao and his Strong Group Athletics program, they have already made some inroads for the upcoming season, securing commitments from incoming freshmen Kianne Olango, Yesha Noceja, and Bienne Bansil, snapping up Kassy Doering, who impressed fans as a soon-to-be one-and-done standout during the preseason, and tapping Alohi Robins-Hardy as an assistant whilst she waits for her eventual PVL debut.

From the incumbents, Nina Ytang is coming off a campaign where she became the second-best middle blocker, while Nica Celis and Irah Jaboneta provide veteran leadership for a young side.

Last season's head coach and now the university's program director for volleyball Oliver Almadro says about these recent events, "Their arrival is a sign that Mr. Frank Lao, SGA, and OASD are really sincere in developing the UP volleyball program. Their addition to our roster, together with our recruits this year, will definitely make our team a contender in the following years."

OASD Director Bo Perasol adds, "It's about time na palakasin din natin ang volleyball teams natin because they have great potential to be another source for unity ng UP community. We welcome the entry of Doc Obet and his players 'di lang para palakasin ang WVT, but to also show that we're turning serious about competing in volleyball."

Joson ready to claim the moment at Manila Hustle

c/o FIBA

Same objective, different circumstances.

Jhazmin Joson seeks to secure a championship at the upcoming third edition of the Manila Hustle 3x3 tournament.

Having reached the championship game last year with Titans, the Ateneo alumna has been tapped to be a key figure for Gilas Women in this competition, which will take place on February 8-9 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.

The national team lost all three of its matches in last year's edition to finish in 13th place, using the competition as a starting point that saw them participate in the FIBA 3x3 Women's Series this past season.

Armed with that experience, the Gilas Women quartet looks ready to make improvements in the upcoming invitational, which is co-presented by Uratex, Smart, and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas. Aside from Jhazmin, they also tapped Hazelle Yam from Discovery Perlas to join forces with holdovers Camille Clarin and Mikka Cacho.

Jozon shares, "I’m very motivated. I feel like being on a different team will give me so much fire because I’ve been playing with these girls for a while now."

She adds about their overseas work, "Experiencing that level of competition for sure will definitely help us out."

The Los Angeles native also notes, "Everyone came from a different background in college, but since we’ve known and played together for a year, we have a feel of how the system is. We are more familiar with our roles and how we can make each other better and how to play together."

In sharing what stands out for this Gilas Women quartet, Jozon says, "What makes us different is our grit, that we go beyond our reach because we have what it takes. We definitely go beyond what is asked."

And with regards to what the opposition will be seeing from this unit, she highlights, "So expect us to fight every second of the game and expect us that it won’t be easy to go against us."

Gilas Women will be one of seven local teams seeking to dethrone defending champions ZOOS in this tournament, hich has Titan as official partner, together with Wilson, Seiko, B’lue, Secret Fresh, BDO, Jollibee, TRYP by Wyndham, Jisulife, Rexona, and Laurin.

WeKenRun to hold Home Credit Takbo #ParaSaLife

Running continues take off in 2025, and a community is set to inspire more to take it up for wellness purposes.

Marathon coach Ken Mendola and his group, WeKenRun, are set to organize a fun run in a month's time, in collaboration with Home Credit.

The Home Credit Takbo #ParaSaLife aims to empower Filipinos to a more rewarding life and improve their overall wellness—mental, physical, and emotional health. Scheduled for February 16 at Parqal in ASEANA City, it is designed to promote a healthier lifestyle not only among fitness enthusiasts but also for those seeking a lifestyle change this coming new year. Participants can expect support and guidance to foster long-term habits to help their wellness journey through running.

Runners can select their preferred distance, from 1K, 3K, 5K, or 10K, whilst partaking of the scene around the area in Paranaque.

Interested runners can register for Home Credit Takbo #ParaSaLife at https://wekenrun.com/products/takboparasalife.

FIVB Men's World Championship LOC ready for the work ahead

Members of the board of the Local Organizing Committee for the country’s hosting of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship (MWCH) 2025 buckle down to work 245 days before the prestigious tournament set September 12 to 28 at the Philippine National Volleyball Federation offices serving as the headquarters of the MWCH on Friday afternoon at The BonifacioPrime in Taguig City. They are (from left) sports patron Manuel V. Pangilinan, Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, FIVB executive vice president and AVC and PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara, PNVF officials Tonyboy Liao and Dr. Arnel Hajan, Karl Chan, Charo Soriano and secretary-general Donaldo Caringal, Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard Bachmann and Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.

GOVERNMENT raised the ante on its support for the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025 with the private sector significantly chipping in for the country’s first-time and solo hosting of the prestigious tournament set September 12 to 18.

“We’re grateful for all the work that has been put in for the Philippines to be ready to host this very exciting sports tourism event,” said Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, co-chair of the Executive Board of the Local Organizing Committee with Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and William Vincent Araneta Marcos, son of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos.

“It’s for the country and we’re very confident that this will be a very memorable and successful hosting by the Philippines that will bring volleyball fans and players from all over the world,” Frasco added.

The LOC Executive Board buckled down to work with its first comprehensive meeting at the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) offices that also serves as the headquarters for the FIVB MWCH 2025 at The BonifacioPrime in Taguig City. 

Joining Frasco were sports patron Manuel V. Pangilinan, Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, FIVB executive vice president and AVC and PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara, PNVF officials Tonyboy Liao and Dr. Arnel Hajan, Karl Chan, Charo Soriano and secretary-general Donaldo Caringal and Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard Bachmann.

In addition, current Senator Pia Cayetano is also a member of the EB.

Also gracing the event is Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano, as she alongside Garcia-Frasco and Pangilinan served as the main figures at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the headquarters.

“This is reminiscent of the preparations we made for the FIBA World Cup [2023] but this time it’s 32 countries, so double the number of the participating countries,” said Pangilinan, who’s Chairman Emiritus of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas. 

“It’s bigger in participation of countries and tourist arrivals and we’re pleased to partner with government in this effort.” Pangilinan said.

With 244 days to go before 31 of the world’s top volleyball countries and the Philippine team known as Alas Pilipinas, operations are in full swing, according FIVB executive vice president Suzara, who’s also the Asian Volleyball Confederation and PNVF president.

“We’re moving forward with the preparations,” Suzara said. “It’s a lot of work so we need all the support and help from all the stakeholders and sponsors.

Suzara added: “We’ll make this happen alongside the new slogan of the FIVB, which is ‘Together As One.’ Tuloy-tuloy po tayo.”

Bachmann expressed confidence in the hosting and vowed government support to help make the Philippine edition as the best ever in FIVB history.

“It’s the same people involved in the FIBA World Cup hosting, from the private sector to the government, legislators and NSAs [national sports association], so we’re confident that this hosting will also be a great success,” Bachmann said.

Tolentino also pledged the POC’s full backing of the FIVB MWCH.

“Just like the FIBA World Cup, the POC is in full support for this hosting,” Tolentino said. “Just like basketball, now it’s volleyball.”

“We’re preparing also for the 2033 SEA Games hosting back in Manila so it’s an all-out preparation for all of us,” he added.

Philippines and Japan continue strong volleyball partnership

FIVB Executive Vice President and AVC and AVC president Ramon “Tats” Suzara and Japan Minister and Consul General Takahiro Hanada with Alas Pilipinas members Thea Gagate, Dawn Catindig, Vince Lorenzo and EJ Casaña.

THE Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) and Japan Volleyball Association (JVA) vowed to continue to strengthen the partnership as they look to raise the profile of the sport in the continent.

Japan Minister and Consul General Takahiro Hanada led the turnover of volleyball supplies from the JVA on Thursday at the new PNVF Office at The Bonifacio Prime in Taguig City and Asian Volleyball Confederation president and FIVB executive vice president Ramon “Tats” Suzara, also the PNVF chief, expressed gratitude as the Philippines gets another big boost nine months ahead of its hosting of the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championships.

“With the sport seeing record-breaking attendances and emerging talents, I believe our cooperation comes at an exciting time for volleyball’s culture,” Hanada said. 

“We eagerly take this opportunity to support the Philippines’ emerging volleyball scene… We are proud to have this equipment in the hands of young and eager Filipinos,” Hanada added. “It is my hope that these volleyballs play a vital part in fueling the dreams and connections of the Philippines’ youth.”

Suzara expressed gratitude as the PNVF gets a huge help in its efforts to discover talent and at the same time expand the viewership of the sport.

“The Philippines is a volleyball country,” Suzara said. “That’s our main slogan now.” 

“These equipment will fuel the enthusiasm of young players in the provinces… These balls will reach many young players in Mindanao, Visayas and Luzon,” Suzara said as he thanked Hanada and the JVA for continued support.

“We appreciate Japan’s continuing support of Asian volleyball and we hope to continue this relationship with Japan not only in terms of equipment but also coaching, national team training camps and even management.” 

Hanada handed competition volleyballs during the turnover ceremony to Suzara and Alas Pilipinas women’s and men’s team members Thea Gagate, Dawn Catindig, Vince Lorenzo and EJ Casaña.

“Through our program ‘Sport for Tomorrow,’ Japan realizes and harnesses the power of sports as a force for global prosperity and harmony.”

Sport for Tomorrow is an international exchange and cooperation program on sports based of the commitment of the Japanese government. 

Suzara also proudly showed the Japanese consul general around the new PNVF Office which is also set up to be the headquarters of the 2025 Men’s Volleyball World Championship and additionally, houses the AVC president’s office.