UAAP youth fencing standouts lead Philippine contingent at Foil Junior World Cup

The Philippines at the FIE Foil Junior World Cup in Bangkok (photo shared by Ishoot Isports Phi Image / Waylon Galvez)

With an eye towards Southeast Asian Games, two Filipino fencers are set to use an upcoming international stint to boost their preparations.

UAAP champions Sophia Catantan and Louis Shoemaker lead the Philippine contingent in the 2025 edition of the Bangkok FIE Foil Junior World Cup, which will take place at the Diamond Hall of the Zeer Ransit Shopping Mall in Don Mueang, Bangkok, Thailand from December 13-15.

The duo will then proceed to the SEA Games, with the fencing competition kicking off the next day at the Fashion Island Mall. Both fencers are currently expected to participate on the team portion of the competition.

For Catantan, it is a chance to make amends after being bounced out after pool play at this exact same event last year. She shares to Waylon Galvez, "We hope to make the most as we compete again in the World Cup before we head to the SEA Games. Both tournaments are equally important for us, that’s why we hope to do well in the Junior World Cup and in the SEA Games."

Shoemaker acknowledges the challenge that looms and adds, "We hope to do better. We hope to improve not only our skills but also our respective placings.." Like his fellow student-athlete from Recto, the former UAAP HS Boys MVP also did not move past pool play last time out, albeit in 2023.

Saturday will see the men take to the piste, with Shoemaker being joined by fellow Red Warrior James Limuel Lim, Marcus Antonio Manuel of the University of Asia and the Pacific, and Dean Myers of Haverford University in Pennsylvania. These three comprised the Philippine men's contingent a year ago, with Myers seeking to improve from 54th place finish, while Lim and Manuel plan on bouncing back from first round exits.

Comprising the nine-man squad are Jethro Chan (Homeschool of Asia Pacific) and Derek Perez (Ateneo), Australia-based Jeremy David Ong (School of Isolated and Distance Education), and US-based Nathan Palma (Olentangy HS, OH) and Jacob Le (Huntington Beach HS, CA).

The next day will feature the women, led by Catantan and seven others. Joining her in the field are fellow UE fencers Yuna Canlas and Willa Galvez, as well as multiple UAAP high school medalist Miyake Capina. The La Salle-Zobel standout is seeking to improve from her 87th place finish and first round exit last year.

Also making a return from last year are the trio of Jodie Tan, Victoria Ebdane (Homeschool Global), and Jada Divinagracia (MIIS) as they seek to make it into the knockout rounds this time around. Hagia Sophia del Castillo from Poveda completes the field.

Team competition will cap off action on Monday, with the quartet of Le, Lim, Manuel, and Myers for the men and Capina, Divinagracia, Ebdane, and Tan for the women. 

Joining the Filipino delegation are national team veterans and coaches Bing Lozada, Michael Nicanor, and Justine Tinio.

In addition, US-based fencer of Filipino ancestry Gabrielle Grace Gebala is also set to participate, with the Silicon Valley Fencing Center standout also looking to improve on her second round exit last year.

NCAA Men's Basketball Finals set for GTV broadcast

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is poised for an adrenaline-pumping season finale as San Beda University and Colegio de San Juan de Letran collide for the championship in the NCAA Season 101 Men’s Basketball Finals — their first since Season 95. Catch the much-anticipated face-off live on GTV this Wednesday, December 10 at 2 p.m., straight from the Araneta Coliseum. 

The San Beda Red Lions, holding the longest Final Four streak in the NCAA and marking their 18th straight playoff appearance in Season 101, are looking to reclaim the title this season. Their journey has been marked by dominant performances, fueled by Yukien Andrada, Janti Miller, and  Bryan Sajonia, under the strategic guidance of Coach Yuri Escueta.

Also a mainstay in championship contention with 20 NCAA titles to their name, the Letran Knights are more than ready to hoist the trophy once again.  Headed by Coach Allen Ricardo, and led by the fearless play of Titing Manalili, Kevin Santos, and Jimboy Estrada, the Knights are not wasting any opportunity to prove that they are still a force to be reckoned with in the league.

"The San Beda Red Lions and Letran Knights – widely regarded as league powerhouses – are back in the championship, and this is definitely a must watch showdown for all the NCAA fans. This rivalry transcends basketball; it's a battle for pride and history. We invite all students, alumni, and sports enthusiasts to tune in and witness this epic chapter unfold in the NCAA's legacy," expressed NCAA Season 101 Management Committee Chairman Melchor Divina.

"GMA Network, the league's official broadcast partner, is committed to delivering a top-tier viewing experience for the much-awaited championship series in the NCAA Season 101 Basketball Tournament. GMA Synergy is proud to bring the intensity of the San Beda vs. Letran championship series to millions of Filipinos live on GTV as this match-up is exactly what fans have been waiting for,” said Officer-in-Charge, Regional TV Department and Concurrent Head, Central Office Operations and Synergy Marivic Araneta.

The NCAA Men’s Basketball Finals will be anchored by Synergy Sports host Martin Javier. Joining him is veteran professional basketball player Beau Belga. 

Meanwhile, witness the action in the NCAA Season 101 Juniors Finals as the Arellano Braves and the Letran Squires vie for the championship trophy on December 10 (Game 1), December 13 (Game 2), and December 16 (Game 3, if necessary), airing live on Heart of Asia at 11 a.m.

Don’t miss the action on the NCAA Season 101 Men’s Basketball Finals airing live on GTV at 2 p.m. – Game 1 on December 10, Game 2 on December 13, and Game 3 on December 16 (if necessary).

Catch the livestream on the NCAA Philippines website (www.gmanetwork.com/ncaa), NCAA Philippines Facebook page and YouTube channel, and GMA Sports' social media accounts. Global Pinoys can catch all the action via the international channel GMA News TV. 

Visit NCAA Philippines’ official website www.ncaa.com.ph and follow @ncaaphilippines, @gmasynergy, and @gmasportsph on social media.

Pingol, Okebata lead individual awardees in women's and U16 basketball

c/o UAAP

In her final year with National University, Ann Pingol made sure to leave her mark by capturing the biggest individual accolade in collegiate basketball.

The 5-foot-7 graduating winger was officially crowned the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Most Valuable Player on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Pingol, 24, who is also set to join Gilas Women for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, became just the third Lady Bulldog to win the league's highest individual plum after Afril Bernardino (UAAP Seasons 77–79, 2014–16) and Jack Animam (Season 80, 2017).

Built on two triple-double performances, the younger sister of former Adamson and NU standout Kaye Pingol tallied 93.571 statistical points — 2.142 SPs ahead of dethroned MVP Kacey Dela Rosa of Ateneo.

"Siguro, malaking confidence booster siya para sa akin. Nung first [year] ko pa lang sa UAAP, hindi ko naman ito ina-aim 'eh kasi kumbaga, I just play my game and kung ano lang flow ng system namin. Na-surprise lang ako na 'yon yung naging outcome," Pingol said.

She averaged 14.29 points, 8.93 rebounds, 5.14 assists, 3.57 steals, and 1.07 blocks per game in the Lady Bulldogs' 12-2 elimination round campaign.

In the junior high school boys’ division, Goodluck Okebata became the first University of the East Red Warrior in 21 years to win a regular season MVP award.

The last Red Warrior to claim the top individual honor was Julius Porlaje back in the UAAP Season 67 Junior Basketball Tournament in 2004.

Okebata, a 15-year-old Lambunao, Iloilo native standing at 6-foot-4, amassed 96.214 SPs off averages of 19.71 points, 13.43 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 2.29 steals, and 2.5 blocks per game in UE's fifth-place, 8-6 finish in Season 88. He edged out University of Santo Tomas’ Rowie Cabañero by just 0.571 SPs.

"Itong MVP na ito, it's not only for me. It's for my kuyas and sa mga coach ko rin na nagtiwala sa akin. Para rin ito sa mga magulang ko na nagtitiwala sa akin. Hindi lang sa akin itong MVP na ito, kung hindi para sa kanilang lahat ito," Okebata said.

Cabañero, a 5-foot-6 guard from Mahaplag, Leyte who also recorded two triple-double outings in the eliminations, was still named the Rookie of the Year in the 16-and-under division.

Joining Pingol and Dela Rosa in the women’s Elite Team are UST’s Kent Pastrana (86.643 SPs) and NU’s Kristine Cayabyab (73.571) and Angel Surada (71.714).

Meanwhile, the junior high school boys’ Elite Team is composed of Okebata, Cabañero, FEU-Diliman’s Dwyne Enriquez (89.286), NU-Nazareth School’s Moussa Diakite (85.143), and FEU-D’s Prince Cariño (84.769).

Ateneo’s Erica De Luna emerged as the women’s Rookie of the Year after finishing 25th in the SP race with 47.214, posting averages of 7.5 points, 4.43 rebounds, 2.57 assists, and 1.79 steals in her freshman campaign.

Also awarded their third-place trophies were Ateneo (collegiate women's) and UST (junior high school boys').

The Blue Eagles finished the elimination round as the third seed with an 8-6 record before defeating Adamson in the stepladder quarterfinal, 66-56.

Ateneo fell to NU in the semis, 79-84.

Meanwhile, the Junior Tiger Cubs were the second seed with a 10-4 slate but lost to FEU-D in the semifinal, 75-82.

Selwyn Mamon brings experience to PMNFT U-22

c/o UAAP

For Far Eastern University striker Selwyn Mamon, the upcoming Southeast Asian Games isn’t just another tournament—it’s a stage to prove that the Philippines can finally break through in the under-23 regional competition.

The SEA Games have long been a challenging arena for Philippine football, demanding intensity and physical output far beyond collegiate leagues. 

Despite the country’s persistent efforts, a podium finish has remained elusive. 

Hopes though are high that the tide might finally turn.

At 21, the Iloilo City native brings a wealth of experience to the national team. 

A UAAP champion in both high school and collegiate divisions with FEU, Mamon has also earned five international caps for the Philippines under-23 team. He’s ready to channel all that experience into tangible results on the pitch.

“Each day ng training namin nag-i-improve po talaga yung team chemistry even though hindi pa po complete talaga yung team,” said the FEU standout who has seven goals so far in the Tamaraws’ UAAP Season 88 campaign. 

“Nandun na po yung team connection and communication.”

Mamon knows that success at the SEA Games depends on how quickly players from various local and foreign teams can gel. But he also sees every experience—good or bad—as a building block for the future.

“Every experience po, may it be international or local, napakalaking advantage po yun na talagang magagamit sa future games. Sa mga small wins doon po na-bi-build confidence ko maglaro,” said Mamon.

The Philippine U-23 team is aiming for gold in the SEA Games, building on a strong showing earlier this year when they reached the semifinals of the ASEAN U-23 Mandiri Cup 2025, finishing fourth. 

Mamon's focus is clear: turn potential into results.

“Goal is to win po talaga. Hindi naman po impossible yun. One game at a time lang,” he said. 

“I’ll do my best to contribute goals para sa team. Lahat ng experience and skills na I acquired, I’ll show them every game.”

Confident Dov Cariño ready for SEAG action with PMNFT U-22

c/o UAAP

Ateneo de Manila University midfielder Dov Cariño is on a mission: to help the Philippine Men’s Under-23 National Team finally secure a gold medal at this month’s 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand. 

Already seasoned from competing in major regional tournaments like the 32nd SEA Games and the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024, Cariño is determined to turn the country’s long-standing near-misses into triumph.

Cariño, who has netted five goals for the Blue Eagles in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament, praised the squad’s atmosphere and training quality, highlighting the players’ readiness for the challenge ahead.

“Preparations for the SEA Games have been great. Training has been top quality, and the squad’s morale is very positive,” said the 21-year-old standout. 

“The goal of the U-23 team this SEA Games is definitely to go home with gold. We believe that we have the capacity to do so, and anything less would be disappointing.”

It’s been a whirlwind few months for Cariño, who has been a consistent presence in international U-23 competitions such as the ASEAN U-23 Mandiri Cup 2025 and the 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers, all while fulfilling his commitments with Ateneo.

As the Blue Eagles’ captain, he has steered the team to fourth in the standings, keeping them on track for a Final Four appearance when Season 88 resumes next month. Off the pitch, Cariño also balances his academic responsibilities while attending the national team’s training camp.

“Playing in UAAP this year has helped me get physically and mentally ready for these international tournaments,” said Cariño.

“The intensity of the games has helped me get in shape to represent the country and given me a chance to work on parts of my game that needed improvement."

Fortunately, Cariño’s packed schedule has been manageable. 

“Luckily, none of the three commitments clash. We played our last UAAP game just before camp started,” he shared. 

“Academically, I’ve still been able to study for and take my finals to the best of my abilities. I’m making sure everything is on track in school while focusing on preparing for the SEA Games.”

The U-23 men’s division has yet to see the Philippines reach the podium despite numerous attempts. Cariño is confident this batch of players can break the streak.

Personally, he’s ready to give everything to make it happen.

“I will give the team my all when I get the chance to play,” he said. 

“I want to leave the field knowing I’ve done everything I could. Every game, I’ll play with the mindset that I’ve given my absolute best.”

SportsPlus reaffirms commitment to Youth Sports Development, rewards 2025 Asian Youth Games Medalists

The Asian Youth Games medalists

Philippine sports shines even brighter with young Filipino athletes bringing home coveted medals from the recently concluded 2025 Asian Youth Games held in Manama, Bahrain. SportsPlus, the country’s #1 sportsbook and the Official Gaming Partner of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), honored these young medalists for their sheer dedication to champion Filipino pride on the world stage.

In a celebratory lunch and awarding ceremony held in Mandaluyong City on December 3, SportsPlus expressed its appreciation and support for all 26 Asian Youth Games medalists by awarding each of them with the new iPhone 17 mobile device – a meaningful connectivity incentive designed to help the young athletes stay linked with their coaches, trainors, family and friends both in and out of competition.

“These remarkable youths have proven that Filipino excellence has no age,” SportsPlus Head of Partnerships James da Costa said in a statement. “Their hard work and potential inspire us at SportsPlus to keep expanding our investment in grassroots sports, because every champion begins with proper guidance, opportunity, and support.”

The Philippines showcased strong performances at the 2025 Asian Youth Games, with Filipino athletes securing multiple medals across various sports. Their achievements not only amplified national pride but also encouraged the sports community to create more athletic development programs for young talents.

SportsPlus emphasized its long-term commitment to uplifting emerging Filipino athletes.

“We arranged this gathering to celebrate our athletes’ achievements and reaffirm our support as they continue their sports journey,” said James da Costa. “This is our way of recognizing their hard work and reinforcing our commitment to youth sports development. As the Official Gaming Partner of the Philippine Sports Commission (POC), SportsPlus remains dedicated to supporting programs and initiatives that help young athletes grow, stay connected, and reach their full potential.”

As a steadfast partner of the POC, SportsPlus continues to fuel a sports culture built on excellence, integrity, and national pride. From supporting elite athletes to uplifting young talents across communities, the brand’s advocacy centers on giving Filipinos the tools and platforms they need to train harder, perform better, and dream bigger.

On behalf of the POC Board and POC President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, POC Auditor and Board Member Don Caringal thanked SportsPlus for being their partner in growing Philippine sports. “Thank you for supporting our athletes and giving them additional inspiration and motivation to do better,” he said. “It is always an honor and privilege to serve and give pride to our country. It is a big responsibility.”

With these recognition and initiatives, SportsPlus reinforces its long-term commitment to championing the next wave of Filipino athletes and helping them stay connected as they expand their potential for greatness.

SBP reveals Gilas quintet

In a statement on Thursday, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas revealed its 5x5 squad for the 33rd edition of the Southeast Asian Games, which will take place in Thailand.

Under the head coaching duties of Norman Black, Gilas Men will be composed of the following players:

• Jamie Malonzo
• Dalph Panopio
• Thirdy Ravena
• Matthew Wright
• Ray Parks
• Cedric Manzano
• Justin Chua
• Robert Bolick
• Von Pessumal
• Allen Liwag
• Abu Tratter
• VJ Pre.

The statement also highlights the efforts put in by the SBP to finalize the lineups. They say, "After a tedious back and forth due to initially unclear and constantly changing rules in player eligibility, we at the SBP have submitted this list to the local organizing committee and it has been vetted and has undergone pre-approvals."

In addition, they also thanked the players and the institutions involved for their role in the formation of the team.

"We extend our deepest appreciation to all the players for dropping everything to compete for Gilas.

We thank our partners from the PBA, UAAP, and NCAA and our friends from the Japanese B-League for allowing their players to compete for flag and country."

Statement concludes with the federation wishing the entire Team Philippines in the SEA Games the best of luck.

Gilas Men is slotted in Group B alongside Malaysia (December 14 1130am) and Vietnam (December 15 1130am). The Quarterfinals is schedule to take place on the 17th, with the semifinals on the 18th and the medal matches on the 19th.