Fencing set for resumption at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex

c/o PFA

The Philippine Fencing Association is set to resume its ranking tournaments on Sunday after weather conditions have forced postponements the last few days.

Slated to take place later today is the second day of the second leg for the MiniMe and Veterans division, with the first day being washed out as a result of rainy conditions on Saturday.

Action has been moved to the nearby Ninoy Aquino Stadium with twelve divisions on tap, starting at 9am.

Around two hundred fencers are set to take part, including a few who made waves internationally, like Philip Linus Sytengco and Jannes Kwong, as well as likes of Rafa Catayong, and the Ramirez siblings, Tomas and Renata.

The PFA also announced earlier this week, that the final leg of the Cadet and Junior divisions, previously scheduled last week, has been rescheduled for September 19-20 at Rizal Memorial. Standouts from the recently-concluded SEAFF are expected to compete in this tournament.

Tatler Philippines set to bring Alex Eala home for a historic exhibition

Tatler Group CEO & Chairman Michel Lamunière alongside Tatler Philippines Managing Director Irene Francisco

Whilst Alexandra Eala is busy in Flushing Meadows for the US Open, she is slated to make a historic homecoming at the end of the year.

This coming December 8, the Filipina will be the centerpiece of a special event on December 8 at the Philippine Arena. Called Alex Eala Live: Game. Set. Celebrate, it is an opportunity for Filipino fans to watch her play in what might be the biggest celebration of tennis in the country, with organizers seeking to set a new attendance record for a tennis match.

The current record is at 51,954 when Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal faced off in Cape Town, South Africa back in 2020.

In making the announcement, Tatler Group Chairman and CEO Michel Lamunière shares, "We want to create the biggest tennis celebration the Philippines has ever seen." He adds, "We chose the Philippine Arena because we want as many Filipinos as possible to experience Alex’s homecoming together. And if more than 52,000 of us come together, the Philippines could make tennis history. But the record is not the reason for this event. Alex is."

To break this feat, Eala will be facing off in an exhibition against Janice Tjen, currently ranked 36th in the world, and a matchup between two of Southeast Asia's biggest talents.

She shares about this event, "Every time I play abroad, I carry the Philippines with me. To come home and play in front of our fans will be incredibly special. I want this to be a day where we celebrate our love for tennis, our culture and the young players who will take the sport forward. And if all of us come together, maybe we can make a little history too."

For most Filipino fans, the closest that they would be able to watch Alex play is either watching her on screens or traveling to where she is competing. AEL:GSC addresses this by having her come here, which is a rare opportunity given her busy schedule, which currently includes the WTA's Asian swing and the upcoming Asian Games, which she has committed to play in singles and doubles in a quest for a medal for the Philippines.

At the same time, the event hopes to inspire more Filipinos to take up the sport after seeing world-class tennis up close, something last seen on a global level here with the WTA125 Philippine Open, which is set to return early next year. 

Tatler Philippines Managing Director Irene Francisco shares, "Tatler Philippines has celebrated exceptional Filipino talent and achievement for more than two decades. Alex has given Filipinos so many reasons to be proud. Bringing her home gives us the opportunity to celebrate her achievements with the people who have supported her journey, while inspiring young Filipinos who may one day follow in her footsteps."

Complementing the Eala-Tjen exhibition are additional activations are to be set in place, including live entertainment, fan experiences, and tennis matches involving celebrities and rising Filipino tennisters.

Organizers are seeking to make this event as accessible as possible. Tickets will be priced for as low as PhP 600, allowing for Filipinos of all ages the chance to experience top-tier tennis LIVE.

Pre-Sale registration has already started until September 6 via TicketWorld, with Pre-Sale purchases starting at noon on September 7 until September 13 for those who avail of the opportunity.

General sales will then commence on September 14. 

Green Aces kick off weather-delayed title ML:BB defense

c/o UAAP

Games today (ML:BB) at the MVP Studios

9:30 a.m. - UE vs DLSU
11 a.m. - ADU vs Ateneo
12:30 p.m. - UE vs UST
2 p.m. - Ateneo vs UP
3:30 p.m. - UST vs NU
5 p.m. - UP vs FEU

After a two-week postponement due to severe weather conditions, defending champion De La Salle University finally begins its UAAP Esports Mobile Legends: Bang Bang title defense against last season’s runner-up University of the East today (Monday) at the MVP Studios in Mandaluyong City.

The Green Aces and the Junior Warriors will open the tournament at 9:30 a.m. in the highlight of the six-match opening-day slate, with La Salle looking to begin its bid for a second straight crown on a winning note.

For Green Aces standout Joshua Tating, the title defense carries added significance as he enters his final year of UAAP eligibility, giving the La Salle senior one last opportunity to help steer the team to another championship.

“Ang mindset ko ngayong season is to just enjoy the game and play my very best to leave behind no regrets,” shared Tating, who also cautioned against complacency as the Green Aces bid for a back-to-back championship run.

“Kahit defending champion kami, rerespetuhin namin lahat ng kalaban namin and never namin i-u-underestimate kasi lahat sila naghahanda rin nang maigi para manalo,” said Tating.

While the two-week delay pushed back La Salle’s title defense, Tating believes the extra time ultimately worked in the Green Aces’ favor as they continued to adjust to the game’s new meta.

“Yung cancellations malaking help talaga sa team kasi any amount of extra practice na makukuha namin is crucial sa amin dahil sa bagong meta, so nangangapa pa kaming lahat and nagsasanay pa,” he said.

The additional preparation has also given La Salle greater confidence heading into the tournament, although Tating acknowledged that the true test of how well the Green Aces have adapted will only come once they face actual competition.

“Masasabi ko na mataas ang confidence namin na we'll do well sa tournament dahil sa extra prep since malaking tulong talaga siya sa amin na ma-kapag yung meta, pero marami pa kaming matututunan and sa tournament na mismo namin siya malalaman,” Tating said.

“And then mag-a-adjust na lang kami mula doon.”

La Salle and UE headline Group A alongside National University and the University of Santo Tomas, while Ateneo de Manila University, the University of the Philippines, Adamson University, and Far Eastern University make up Group B.

Meanwhile, the resumption of the Valorant tournament will be announced later this week.

UAAP ML:BB tournament set to commence after weather postponements

c/o UAAP

Games on Monday (ML:BB) at the MVP Studios
10:30 a.m. – UE vs UST
12 p.m. – Ateneo vs UP
1:30 p.m. – DLSU vs NU
3 p.m. – ADU vs FEU

After a two-week postponement due to severe weather conditions, defending champion De La Salle University finally begins its UAAP Esports Mobile Legends: Bang Bang title defense against last season’s runner-up National University on Monday at the MVP Studios in Mandaluyong City.

The Green Aces and the Bulldogs rekindle their championship rivalry at 1:30 p.m. in the highlight of the four-match opening-day slate, with La Salle looking to begin its bid for a second straight crown on a winning note.

For Green Aces standout Joshua Tating, the title defense carries added significance as he enters his final year of UAAP eligibility, giving the La Salle veteran one last opportunity to help steer the team to another championship.

“Ang mindset ko ngayong season is to just enjoy the game and play my very best to leave behind no regrets,” shared Tating, who also cautioned against complacency as the Green Aces bid for a back-to-back championship run.

“Kahit defending champion kami, rerespetuhin namin lahat ng kalaban namin and never namin i-u-underestimate kasi lahat sila naghahanda rin nang maigi para manalo,” said Tating.

While the two-week delay pushed back La Salle’s title defense, Tating believes the extra time ultimately worked in the Green Aces’ favor as they continued to adjust to the game’s new meta.

“Yung cancellations malaking help talaga sa team kasi any amount of extra practice na makukuha namin is crucial sa amin dahil sa bagong meta, so nangangapa pa kaming lahat and nagsasanay pa,” he said.

The additional preparation has also given La Salle greater confidence heading into the tournament, although Tating acknowledged that the true test of how well the Green Aces have adapted will only come once they face actual competition.

“Masasabi ko na mataas ang confidence namin na we'll do well sa tournament dahil sa extra prep since malaking tulong talaga siya sa amin na ma-kapag yung meta, pero marami pa kaming matututunan and sa tournament na mismo namin siya malalaman,” Tating said.

“And then mag-a-adjust na lang kami mula doon.”

La Salle and NU headline Group A alongside the University of the East and the University of Santo Tomas, while Ateneo de Manila University, the University of the Philippines, Adamson University, and Far Eastern University make up Group B.

Meanwhile, the resumption of the Valorant tournament will be announced later this week.

NBA House makes its way to the Philippines

NBA House Philippines

For the upcoming inaugural edition of the NBA House in the Philippines, the NBA will be bringing in a couple of icons of the game.

Set to take place on August 29-30 at the SPACE at One Ayala in Makati City, the NBA revealed that Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame members Jason Kidd and Lauren Jackson will grace the festivities.

Drafted second overall in the 1994 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks, the 6'5" guard from California would make an immediate impact in the league, sharing Rookie of the Year honors alongside fellow Hall of Famer Grant Hill. In his nineteen seasons in the league, he led the league in assists in five of those seasons, in the process of earning ten NBA All-Star selections, six All-NBA Teams, nine All-Defensive Teams. He also made the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team, and managed to win a title with the Mavericks in his second stint with the team back in 2011. Moving into coaching, Kidd served as a head coach for ten seasons, doing so with the Brooklyn Nets, Milwaukee Bucks, and in Dallas, and also spent a couple of seasons as an assistant in Los Angeles with the Lakers. He is one of a few who has been inducted twice in the Hall, earning a nod as a player in 2018, and as part of the United States' National Men's Basketball Team at the 2008 Olympics in 2025.

Drafted as the top overall selection in the 2001 WNBA Draft by the Seattle Storm, the Aussie would spend her entire WNBA career with the franchise, winning two championships (2004, 2010). In doing so, Jackson also earned a WNBA Finals MVP, three WNBA MVP nods, a WNBA Defensive Player of the Year nod, eight All-WNBA Teams, five All-Defensive Team selections, seven WNBA All-Star selections, and was named to the league's 10th, 15th, 20th, and 25th Anniversary Teams. She also topped the league in scoring three times, as well as once in rebounding.

Representing Australia, she earned five medals for the Opals in the Olympics, claiming silver in 2000, 2004, and 2008, then bronze medals in 2012 and 2024. The last one came after she returned from retirement. During her sabbatical, she was inducted into the Hall of Fames in Australiam Basketball (2019), Women's Basketball (2020), and the Naismith (2021).

As a member of the Australia Women’s National Team, she earned three silver medals (2000, 2004 and 2008) and two bronze medals (2012 and 2024) in the Olympics.  She was inducted into the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame (2019), the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (2020) and Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame (2021).

Handled by Eventscape Manila and presented by Gatorade, the first edition of NBA House will have 2,700 square meters' worth of interactive basketball and pop culture activities for everyone to enjoy. Previous editions have already taken place in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, the U.S. and the UK.

Among the activations planned for that weekend:

• Meet-and-greets and appearances by Kidd, Jackson, and select local artists.
• Live musical performances and authentic NBA entertainment featuring the Sacramento Kings Dancers, who will make their third NBA House appearance of the summer – following NBA House editions in India and Australia – and their sixth overall.  
• Basketball skills challenges, merchandise giveaways, photo installations, and a game zone where fans can play the NBA 2K27 video game.
• An NBA memorabilia display featuring the Larry O’Brien Trophy and autographed NBA jerseys and basketballs.
• An official pop-up NBA Store with limited edition NBA House Philippines merchandise and exclusive product releases from official NBA licensing partners.
• A dedicated F&B zone.
• Live viewing of regular-season WNBA games between the Washington Mystics and the Los Angeles Sparks (Aug. 29) and the Toronto Tempo and the Phoenix Mercury (Aug. 30).
• A Prime Video Celebrity Showcase on Aug. 29 featuring a 5-on-5 exhibition game between two teams composed of local celebrities and influencers, with rosters to be announced in the coming days.
• A Jr. NBA / Jr. WNBA basketball clinic presented by Gatorade on Aug. 29 for local boys and girls from the YMCA Philippines. 
• An invitation-only five-kilometer fun run presented by Gatorade on Aug. 30.
• A WNBA segment on Aug. 30 featuring a series of on-court activities, including open court access for the local women’s basketball community followed by a Her Time to Play clinic presented by Gatorade.
• A 5-on-5 exhibition game on Aug. 30 featuring two teams comprising local professional players.

NBA Head of Southeast Asia and Asia Marketing Sheila Rasu says, "NBA House Philippines presented by Gatorade will be a celebration of basketball, entertainment and music, featuring an exciting lineup of NBA and WNBA legends, local artists and authentic NBA experiences. We’re grateful to our partners for helping bring the NBA closer to one of the world’s most passionate basketball communities and look forward to delivering an unforgettable weekend that celebrates the vibrant culture that surrounds our game."

PepsiCo Philippines Chief Marketing Officer Nicole Villarojo adds, "Gatorade and the NBA have a longstanding partnership of building basketball globally and we’re proud to present the first NBA House in the Philippines to the Filipino community. Gatorade will fuel the fans, athletes, and festivities that will bring basketball, music, fashion and culture together over the weekend."

As its Presenting Partner for the 2026 edition of NBA House Philippines, Gatorade will provide hydration for participants in the fun run and the on-court basketball activities throughout the weekend. Also supporting the event are Official Partners Energen Champion and vivo, Official Media Partners Cignal, Disney+ and Prime Video, Official Merchandising Partners Mitchell & Ness, New Era, and Wilson, and Supporting Partners AXA Philippines, Budweiser, Salmon, and Topps.

Fans in the Philippines can access the event by visiting NBA.com/NBAHousePhilippines to redeem free tickets to the two-day event.

Adamson topples Ateneo in lone UAAP Valorant encounter

c/o UAAP

2026 UAAP VALORANT Tournament Standings

Group A:
AdU - 4pt (1-1-0)
UE - 3pts (1-0-0)
UST - 1pt (0-1-0)
Ateneo - 0pts (0-0-2)

Group B:
UP - 3pts (1-0-0)
NU - 1pt (0-1-0)
DLSU - 1pt (0-1-0)
FEU - 0pt (0-0-1)

Adamson University moved within a game of securing a semifinals berth after sweeping Ateneo de Manila University, 2-0, in the UAAP Season 88 VALORANT Tournament group stage on Monday at the MVP Studios in Mandaluyong City.

The Soaring Falcons improved to four points on a 1-1-0 record, needing only a 1-1 split against second-running University of the East in their final group-stage match to advance to the medal rounds.

Despite the victory, Adamson head coach Karlo Ocampo expressed dissatisfaction with his team’s performance after witnessing numerous errors from his wards throughout the series.

"It could be better. Madami pang pwedeng iimprove. Feeling ko kung yung laro talaga nila yung nilaro nila, mas hindi pa makakascore (yung kalaban). Yun yung nafefeel ko," he explained.

"A win is a win pero aalamin pa rin namin yung mga errors na di pwedeng na magawa next time."

Ateneo opened Game 1 with guns blazing, taking the first two rounds after winning the pistol round to grab an early 2-0 lead.

Adamson, however, quickly seized control and conceded just one more round the rest of the way.

Marc Louie Gutierrez and Justin Andrei Mangguing combined for 23 kills and nine assists as the Soaring Falcons rattled off nine consecutive rounds en route to a dominant 13-3 victory in the opener.

The Blue Eagles again raced to a 2-0 start in Game 2 and held a 4-3 advantage before Jhiemart Muto took over.

Muto tallied nine kills over the next five rounds to fuel a 5-0 Adamson run and give the Soaring Falcons an 8-4 lead.

Ateneo refused to go quietly, responding with four straight rounds capped by a flawless Round 16 to level the game at 8-all.

Adamson, however, regained control and swept the final five rounds to complete the 13-8 victory and the 2-0 series sweep.

Muto earned series MVP honors after finishing with 22 kills and two assists in the clincher.

The rest of Monday’s scheduled group-stage matches were postponed after league activities were suspended due to inclement weather, cutting short the second day of VALORANT action.

The postponed matches will be rescheduled for a later date, with the revised schedule to be announced by the league.

Fighting Eagles Nagoya claim inaugural NSAC World Invitational crown

c/o AsiaBasket

Fighting Eagles Nagoya completed its run in the Philippines by capturing the 2026 NSAC World Invitational, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC),championship following a thrilling 92-91 victory over the UST Growling Tigers on Sunday at the PhilSports Arena.

Francis Lopez capped Nagoya's championship run by earning Finals MVP honors after finishing with 22 points, seven rebounds, and three assists in the title game.

Tres Tinkle led the Fighting Eagles with 24 points on 9-of-12 shooting, while Nelson Phillips added 16 points and five rebounds.

UST, which captured the NSAC College Basketball Campus Tour championship in May, was led by Collins Akowe and Landyn Jumawan with 20 points apiece. Akowe also grabbed 12 rebounds, while Jumawan finished with seven rebounds and five assists. Amiel Acido contributed 18 points and eight assists.

Despite falling just short of a second NSAC championship, Akowe was named Tournament MVP and also earned a spot in the Mythical Five.

Joining Akowe in the Mythical Five were National Formosa University's Justinmiles Hawkins, Nagoya's Tres Tinkle, Tenri University's Jeremiah Williams, and JRU's Lawrence Mangubat.

San Beda Wins Third Place

San Beda secured third place after surviving JRU, 70-69, in another tightly contested game.

Aldous Torculas paced the Red Lions with 15 points, while Jimmy Reyes added 12. JRU, who played without Mangubat, Chris Hubilla, and Allen Laurenaria, was led by Jhun Peñaverde with 18 points, while Sean Salvador contributed 16.

National Formosa University finished fifth following an 80-75 victory over Tenri University.

Hawkins posted 22 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists for Formosa, while Jayden Jones led the team in scoring with 25 points to go with five rebounds and seven assists.

Williams, meanwhile, finished with 16 points and 14 rebounds for Tenri, while Ota Uemura scored 17.

FEU closed its campaign in seventh place after defeating Elite Stacks AUS, 87-72. Mohamed Konateh led the Tamaraws with 25 points on 12-of-16 shooting, while Cabs Cabonilas added 17 points and Janrey Pasaol chipped in 13.

The results brought the three-day NSAC World Invitational to a close, with teams from the Philippines, Japan and Taiwan competing alongside Australian selection Elite Stacks AUS at the PhilSports Arena.

The tournament was in partnership with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and
co-presented by ANTA Philippines.