Nine Filipinos set for YOG participation

As shared by the POC Media

IT’S on to the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Dakar for nine young athletes aged no older than 17 seeing action in the games’ fourth edition set October 31 to November 13.

“They are the future Olympians, future world champions and the Dakar YOG will provide them the platform to follow the footsteps of the Diazes and Yulos,” said Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, referring to the country’s Olympic gold medalists Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo and Carlos Yulo.

Carrying the country’s colors in Dakar are Pi Durden Wangkay (men’s 200m) and Naomi Marjorie Caesar (women’s 800m) in athletics, Jamesray Mishael Ajido (men’s 100m butterfly) and Riannah Chantelle Coleman (women’s 100m breaststroke) in aquatics, Maritanya Krog (women's road and individual time trial) in cycling, Tchelzy Maayo and Hillarion Palles III in artistic gymnastics, Angel Polo (women's Taijiquan combined) in wushu and Jade Justiniane in windsurfing of sailing.

Philippine Taekwondo Association secretary-general Rocky Samson is the Chef de Mission to the YOG that are also staged every four years (Singapore 2010, Nanjing 2014 and Buenos Aires 2018) line the Summer Olympics—the Dakar edition is the first time that an Olympics event is being held on African soil.

The YOG come off the heels of the Aichi-Nagoya 20th Asian Games where the country posted an improved performance with four gold, nine silver and 16 bronze medals, and before the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Riyadh from December 13 to 21.

The Philippines has so far two medals in the YOG—Luis Gabriel Moreno won a gold medal in mixed international team event of archery with China’s Li Jiaman in Nanjing and Christian Tio silver in boys’ twin-tip racing of kiteboarding.

Some 2,700 athletes from more than 200 National Olympic Committees, including a Youth Refugee Olympic Team, are seeing action in 25 competition and 10 engagement sports.

UAAP hands one-match suspension to Louie Alas

c/o UAAP Media Team

Louie Alas, head coach of Ateneo de Manila University, has been handed a one-game suspension following the accumulation of three infractions in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament.

Alas will serve his suspension on Saturday, October 10, when the Blue Eagles face the Far Eastern University Tamaraws at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

Two of the three infractions occurred during Ateneo’s game against De La Salle University on Wednesday. At the 3:42 mark of the fourth quarter, following a foul call, Ateneo assistant coach Kerby Raymundo was observed verbally taunting DLSU’s Vhoris Marasigan from the bench. Coach Alas was subsequently assessed a direct technical foul for unsportsmanlike behavior, which was later changed to a bench technical foul.

Also at the 3:42 mark of the fourth quarter, Alas was observed engaging in physical misconduct involving opposing players. He forcefully attempted to pull an opposing player to his feet before making further physical contact by nudging another player with his elbow. Although the incident was not seen by the game officials on the floor, the Commissioner’s Office reviewed the incident and subsequently assessed the physical misconduct as a disqualifying foul under the UAAP House Rules and applicable FIBA regulations.

Alas’ first infraction occurred on September 19, during Ateneo’s game against the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons. During the game, assistant coach Kerby Raymundo was assessed a technical foul for improper bench decorum, which is charged to Coach Alas.

Ateneo de Manila University can appeal the decision.

Hoop Collective makes successful visit to Manila

Windy. Banned. Hoop Collective. Manila.

The NBA on Disney+ 2026–27 season starts here! Disney+ Philippines brought The Plus Side of Basketball closer to Filipino fans by welcoming ESPN NBA insiders Brian Windhorst and Tim MacMahon to Manila on October 5 for the Manila stop of The Hoop Collective World Tour. The special event celebrated the start of the new NBA season on Disney+ and gave fans the chance to connect with the voices behind the game through a live podcast recording and special fan experiences.

Hosted by Windhorst, The Hoop Collective podcast features candid conversations, expert analysis, and insider perspectives on the NBA’s biggest stories.

The highlight of the event was a live recording of The Hoop Collective, featuring Philippine basketball icon Jimmy Alapag as special guest. The former Gilas Pilipinas team captain, PBA MVP, and current head coach of the NLEX Road Warriors has also previously served as the player development coach for the NBA’s Sacramento Kings. Windhorst, MacMahon, and Alapag engaged in an in-depth conversation on Filipinos’ love for basketball, their experiences in the NBA, and the upcoming NBA season on Disney+.

Prior to the live podcast recording, Windhorst led a sports journalism masterclass for student journalists from key universities across the Philippines. The session covered sports reporting, game analysis, and storytelling, offering participants insights into how journalists prepare for games and bring the stories behind the action to audiences.

“When I came to Manila in 2023, I was energized by the passion of Filipino basketball fans and how much they understood the nuances of the game. As soon as I left, I said I wanted to come back and engage with the fans. The fact that Disney+ is where you get the NBA in the Philippines, it’s such a great opportunity for us to come together and promote it,” Windhorst shared. “I’m glad we could bring The Hoop Collective to Manila and be part of that experience as the new NBA season gets underway.”

You can watch the episode below.

The Hoop Collective in Manila marks the start of Disney+ Philippines’ “The Plus Side” campaign, bringing fans closer to the NBA as the new season approaches. The 2026–27 NBA season officially tips off on October 22, when fans in the Philippines can stream the NBA on Disney+.

The October 22 NBA Tip-Off on Disney+ opens with a double-header featuring the Minnesota Timberwolves VS Miami Heat at 7:30 AM, followed by the Golden State Warriors VS Los Angeles Lakers marquee game at 10:00 AM. The hardcourt action continues on October 23 with Cleveland Cavaliers VS Philadelphia 76ers at 7:00 AM and Denver Nuggets VS Oklahoma City Thunder at 9:30 AM.

Alongside live games, Disney+ Philippines’ ESPN coverage and analysis include Inside the NBA, NBA Today, and NBA Countdown, providing more ways to follow the players, teams, and stories shaping the season.

The NBA Tip-Off and all the other NBA on Disney+ games will be available on the new Disney+ app. Download the new app on App Store and Play Store starting October 7. For the full NBA on Disney+ game schedule and updates, visit www.disney.ph/NBA and follow Disney+ Philippines on social media.

FEU completes first round sweep in UAAP Women's Football

c/o UAAP Media

UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women's Football Standings
FEU 15 (+12)
DLSU 12 (+6)
ATENEO 9 (+2)
UP 6 (0)
UST 3 (-1)
NU 0 (-19)

Men's Matches Thursday at the UP Football Stadium
2 p.m. – UP vs UST
4:30 p.m. – UE vs DLSU
7 p.m. – AdU vs Ateneo

Far Eastern University has claimed all three points in each of its last 17 matches, and that impressive run continued on a fateful Wednesday night.

Jelani Pabuaya ended a spell of missed chances and broke through for a 1-0 victory over De La Salle University, completing FEU’s sweep of the first round of the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women’s Football Tournament at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.

The third-year forward finally found the breakthrough with just a minute left in regulation, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to score the game-winner and deny the Lady Booters a share of the spoils.

The result kept FEU atop the standings with a perfect 15 points and a plus-12 goal difference, putting the reigning five-peat champions in prime position to secure one of the coveted Final Four spots. The Lady Tamaraws are three points clear of La Salle, which has 12 points after four wins and this defeat.

"I'm very happy and contented with the result of the game kasi it's not just about the quality of the game, but the concentration of the players," said Coach Let Dimzon.

"As I mentioned to them kanina, kailangan lang nila maging, ano... 'yung objective namin ngayon is to be target-locked. And then they were able to do that, and 'yung tasking with individuals. So they were able to hold those important players ng La Salle, and that's why, ayun na, naging maayos 'yung attacking namin and defending."

Pabuaya and UAAP Season 88 Golden Boot winner Judie Arevalo spearheaded the attack for the reigning four-peat champions, particularly in the second half. However, their attempts either went wide or straight into the hands of La Salle goalkeeper Jessica Pido.

Despite completing a first-round sweep, Dimzon wants to see more creativity and determination from her wards when they get opportunities in front of goal in the second round.

"'Yung character nila, attitude nila in front,” said Dimzon. “Kaya as much as possible, like 'yung mga set pieces, mga trouble situations, so lahat ng mga plays in front of the box or inside the box. So I think 'yun lang—'yung kailangan, 'yung eagerness to receive it, eagerness to score.”

“So I think 'yun lang 'yung nagkukulang sa amin, kasi as I mentioned to them, kailangan laging meron kayong striking mentality na every time you have the chances in front or inside the box, you have to take the opportunity na ma-convert nila into scores," the former national team mentor added.

On the other hand, the Lady Booters had several opportunities to breach the Lady Tamaraws’ defense, with their biggest chance coming in added time.

Dani Tanjangco tried to equalize as the clock wound down, but her effort was eventually cleared by the Lady Tamaraws, who held on to secure all three points.

The match began with a minute of silence in memory of the late DLSU and national team goalkeeper Frances Santos Roces, who passed away on September 22.

Adamson boys, UST, FEU-D girls take UAAP HS chess lead

UAAP Season 89 High School Chess Championship

Boys after Round 2
AdU 4.0 [7.0]
FEU-D 4.0 [6.0]
UST 2.0 [5.5]
Southridge 2.0 [2.5]
DLSZ 0.0 [1.5]
Ateneo 0.0 [1.5]

Girls after Round 2
UST 4.0 [6.0]
FEU-D 4.0 [6.0]
AdU 2.0 [4.5]
Ateneo 1.0 [2.5]
DLSZ 1.0 [2.0]
NU 0.0 [3.0]

Games on Sunday
(BGPOP Building, UST)
8:30 a.m. - Southridge vs AdU (boys')
8:30 a.m. - FEU-D vs DLSZ (boys')
8:30 a.m. - Ateneo vs UST (boys')
8:30 a.m. - Ateneo vs AdU (girls')
8:30 a.m. - NU vs DLSZ (girls')
8:30 a.m. - FEU-D vs UST (girls')

Adamson University seized sole control of the boys’ division, while University of Santo Tomas and Far Eastern University-Diliman emerged as joint leaders in the girls’ division after Round 2 of the UAAP Season 89 High School Chess Championships on Sunday at the BGPOP Building of UST’s Manila campus.

The Baby Falcons maintained their perfect start in the boys’ division with a 3-1 victory over Ateneo High School, raising their total to four match points and taking the top spot over FEU-Diliman by virtue of the board-point tiebreak.

Debuting duo Bryce Bayani [1.0/1.0] and Charles Candor [1.0/1.0] delivered full points for Adamson against Marc Justinn Fua [1.0/2.0] and Bryan Landicho [1.0/2.0] on Boards 1 and 4, respectively.

Allan Dolfo [1.5/2.0] and Ashton Fratkin [1.5/2.0], meanwhile, split the points with Joachim Manuel [1.0/2.0] and Ronell Jose Co [1.5/2.0], respectively, to seal the victory.

In the girls’ division, FEU-Diliman forged a tie with UST for the top spot with a dominant 3.5-0.5 victory over Adamson, led by undefeated Giecel Pacubat [2.0/2.0], who scored a 38-move victory over Samantha Beatrice Mislang [1.0/2.0] on Board 4.

Lj Getubig [1.0/2.0] and Woman National Master Bonjoure Suyamin [2.0/2.0] likewise scored victories over Crystal Sunga [1.0/2.0] and Eilzah Bandejas [0.0/1.0], respectively, on the top two boards.

Khana Ventolero [1.0/2.0] rounded out FEU-Diliman’s near-shutout victory with a draw against Athena Casas [1.5/2.0] on Board 3.

The Baby Tamaraws also delivered a stellar performance in the boys’ division, edging defending champion UST, 2.5-1.5.

National Master Angelo Mallorca [1.0/2.0] scored the decisive victory for FEU-Diliman after defeating King Lanz Pamplona [0.0/1.0] on Board 3, while Joemel Narzabal [0.5/2.0], King Xyan Beltran [1.0/2.0], and Yohan Instrella [0.5/1.0] settled for draws with Jian Carlo Rivera [1.5/2.0], National Master Gabriel Paradero [1.5/2.0], and Prince Alexander De Luna [0.5/1.0], respectively.

Newcomer Southridge School also claimed its first win of the season after escaping De La Salle Zobel, 2.5-1.5, with Carl Nathan Importante [1.0/2.0] defeating Kervin Dominguez [0.0/2.0] on Board 2.

Romeo Reyes III [0.5/2.0], Gael Vito Garcia [0.5/2.0], and Romeo Funtila [0.5/2.0] then split the points with Gian Marco Caguiat [0.5/2.0], Collin Chiong [0.5/2.0], and Bernardo Escalona [0.5/1.0], respectively.

In the other girls’ division match, UST kept its perfect start intact after securing a narrow 2.5-1.5 victory over National University Nazareth School.

Iana Sotaridona [2.0/2.0] remained spotless on Board 1 after defeating Ryien Bahita [1.0/2.0], while Penelope Sanchez [1.5/2.0], Angel Po [0.5/1.0], and Angela Gadut [0.5/1.0] all settled for draws with Mica Clar [0.5/2.0], Zneria Venal [1.0/2.0], and Lara Dalagan [0.5/1.0], respectively.

Archrivals La Salle and Ateneo, meanwhile, settled for a 2-2 draw.

Sophia Orosa [1.0/2.0] and Xophi Holgado [1.0/2.0] accounted for La Salle’s two points with victories over Sapphire Abano [0.0/2.0] and Serenity Pesino [0.0/2.0], respectively, while Mikayla Tusi [1.5/2.0] and Caitlyn Oh [1.0/2.0] delivered the wins for Ateneo against Jeslyn Santos [0.0/2.0] and Alexa Enas [0.0/2.0], respectively.

Round 3 of both divisions is set for Sunday, October 11, at 8:30 a.m. at the same venue.

FEU moves atop UAAP collegiate chess roost

UAAP Collegiate Chess Championships

Men's after Round 2
FEU 3.0 [6.0]
Ateneo 3.0 [5.0]
UST 3.0 [4.5]
DLSU 2.0 [5.5]
AdU 1.0 [2.0]
UP 0.0 [1.0]

Women's after Round 2
FEU 4.0 [6.5]
UP 4.0 [5.5]
DLSU 2.0 [4.0]
UST 2.0 [3.5]
Ateneo 0.0 [2.0]
NU 0.0 [1.5]
AdU 0.0 [1.0]

Women's Games on Thursday at the BGPOP Building, UST
8:30 a.m. - Ateneo vs AdU
8:30 a.m. - UP vs DLSU
8:30 a.m. - NU vs UST 

Far Eastern University seized control of both the men’s and women’s divisions after scoring resounding victories in Round 2 of the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Chess Championships on Sunday at the BGPOP Building of the University of Santo Tomas’ Manila campus.

The Tamaraws cruised to a commanding 4-0 sweep of Adamson University, led by International Master Mark Jay Bacojo [1.5/2.0], who capitalized on John Rocel Simon’s [0.5/2.0] 23rd-move inaccuracy to gain a piece advantage before prevailing in a rook-versus-bishop endgame on the top board.

The victory propelled FEU into a three-way tie atop the standings with Ateneo de Manila University and five-time defending champion UST, with all three teams carrying three match points after two rounds. The Tamaraws, however, provisionally occupy first place by virtue of their superior board-point tiebreak.

On Board 2, National Master Oscar Cantela [1.5/2.0] complemented Bacojo’s performance by forcing checkmate on the 47th move against National Master Michael Jan Inigo [1.0/2.0].

FIDE Master Alekhine Nouri [1.0/2.0] also bounced back from his opening-round setback with a victory over Joshua Roque [1.0/2.0] on Board 3, while National Master Jerish John Velarde remained perfect at [2.0/2.0] after defeating Juncin Estrella [0.5/2.0] to complete the sweep.

The Morayta-based squad also continued its dominance in the women’s division with a lopsided 3-1 victory over Adamson, emerging as the opening-week leader with four match points. FEU took the top spot over the University of the Philippines, which also collected four match points after two rounds, by virtue of a superior tiebreak.

Woman International Master Ruelle Canino [2.0/2.0] sustained her perfect start after defeating Elaine Grace Antonio [0.0/1.0] in just 37 moves on Board 1 while playing the Queen’s Gambit Declined with the black pieces.

On Board 3, Woman FIDE Master Franchesca Largo [2.0/2.0] likewise remained spotless following her victory over Janna Alindogan [0.0/1.0], while Woman National Master Mhage Sebastian [1.5/2.0] added another full point for FEU after prevailing over Christina Samarita [0.0/1.0] on Board 2.

Lira Placer [1.0/1.0] accounted for Adamson’s lone victory after defeating Samantha Umayan [0.0/1.0] on Board 4.

In the other men’s division matchups, UST handed opening-round leader De La Salle University its first defeat of the season after eking out a narrow 2.5-1.5 victory.

Chester Reyes [1.5/2.0] delivered the decisive full point for the defending champions on Board 2 after defeating National Master Karlycris Clarito Jr. [0.0/1.0].

Lee Roi Palma [1.0/2.0], National Master Jan Clifford Labog [1.5/2.0], and FIDE Master Carl Daluz [0.5/1.0] then settled for draws against National Master Tenshi Biete [1.5/2.0], FIDE Master Jethro Aquino [1.5/2.0], and Rigil Kent Pahamtang [1.5/2.0], respectively, to complete UST’s first victory of the season.

Ateneo likewise climbed into a share of the lead after dispatching UP, 3-1, spearheaded by undefeated Cedric Abris [2.0/2.0], who defeated Cyrus Francisco [0.0/2.0] on Board 2.

Eowyn Jullado [1.0/1.0] and Ritchie Abeleda [1.5/2.0] added victories over Io Calica [0.0/2.0] and Rodernerz Adra [0.0/2.0], respectively, while Daniel Tagufa [1.0/2.0] supplied UP’s lone point after defeating National Master Tyrhone Tabernilla [0.0/2.0] on Board 3.

Over in the remaining women’s matches, UP kept pace with FEU after following up its opening-round upset of defending champion National University with another statement victory, stunning UST, 3-1.

Woman National Master Jerlyn San Diego [2.0/2.0] and Maryss Caldoza [2.0/2.0] remained perfect after defeating Precious Day Yecla [0.5/2.0] and Trina Temple [1.0/2.0] on Boards 1 and 4, respectively.

On Board 3, Woman National Master Antonella Racasa [1.5/2.0] defeated Christine Tabungar [0.0/1.0] to complete the Fighting Maroons’ 3-1 victory, while Raiza Mae Locmayaoan [0.0/2.0] succumbed to Woman National Master Daren Dela Cruz [1.5/2.0] on Board 2.

La Salle, meanwhile, barged into the win column in emphatic fashion after dismantling Ateneo, 3.5-0.5.

Lovely Ann Geraldino [1.5/2.0], Juzeia Marielle Agne [1.0/2.0], and Checy Telesforo [1.0/2.0] scored full points for the Taft-based squad against Francine Magpily [0.5/2.0], Alphecca Gonzales [0.0/2.0], and Yzabell Nabor [0.5/2.0] on Boards 2, 3, and 4, respectively.

Woman National Master Heart Padilla [0.5/2.0], meanwhile, split the point with Ateneo’s Ma. Elayza Villa [1.0/2.0] on the top board.

Round 3 of the women’s division is set for Thursday, October 8, at 8:30 a.m. at the same venue, while Round 3 of the men’s division resumes on Sunday, October 11.

Adamson maintains number on UST

c/o UAAP Media

Adamson University continued to have the number of the University of Santo Tomas, taking a dominant 85-57 win in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament on Saturday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

The Soaring Falcons collected their third straight win against the Growling Tigers after sweeping their elimination-round head-to-head meetings last season, taking 69-59 and 97-96 victories.

Adamson joined the party atop the standings at 2-1, alongside four other teams, while pushing UST down to solo sixth at 2-2.

“The players did their part. We gave them a game plan and they followed it accordingly. I think that’s the only way we could have a chance in the UAAP. If we really follow it and defend those other teams because if we don’t do our part defensively, any given day they will all score 90, 100,” said Soaring Falcons head coach Nash Racela.

Adamson controlled the pace from the get-go, preventing UST from gaining any momentum as its three-point shooting also failed to click throughout the game.

The Growling Tigers shot a woeful 2-for-24 from beyond the arc, while the Soaring Falcons converted 11 of their 33 attempts.

Adamson also wreaked havoc on the defensive end, forcing UST into 20 turnovers that it converted into 21 points.

Mathew Montebon bounced back from a dismal four-point outing against Ateneo de Manila University in their previous game, as the fourth-year guard finished with 21 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and two steals in 23 minutes and 19 seconds.

Matty Erolon also came through with 17 points, while Earl Medina broke out with 11 points on 3-for-4 shooting from deep.

Nigerian big man Collins Akowe paced the Growling Tigers in the loss with 19 points and 15 rebounds, but he finished with a team-worst minus-25 in his 34 minutes and 38 seconds on the floor.

Amiel Acido added 11 points and seven rebounds, while Mark Llemit was limited to just two points on 1-for-6 shooting after exploding for 22 points in UST’s win over the University of the East last Wednesday.

Adamson will look to continue its winning ways on Wednesday when it faces another top team in National University at 2:30 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

UST, meanwhile, will also take on NU next Saturday at 3 p.m. at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

The Scores:

AdU 85 — Montebon 21, Erolon 17, Medina 11, Tumaneng 6, Torres 5, Jonah 5, Fransman 4, Anabo 4, Edding 3, Mangaron 3, Demisana 3, Perez 3, Cruz-Dumont 0, Cañete 0, Pacquiao 0.

UST 57 — Akowe 19, Acido 11, Buenaflor 9, Sevilla 5, Jumawan 4, Danting 3, Alao 2, Llemit 2, Esteban 2, Porter 0, Chio 0, Bucsit 0, Manding 0, Cañete 0.

Quarterscores: 19-12, 36-23, 54-39, 85-57.