UP ends decade-long finals drought in men's tennis, NU forces Sunday decider vs UST

c/o UAAP

Tie on Sunday at the Colegio San Agustin-Bulacan Tennis Court
7:30 a.m. - NU vs UST (Men's Final Four)

University of the Philippines booked its long-awaited return to the Finals, while National University kept its title defense alive by forcing a rubber match in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Tennis Final Four on Saturday at the Colegio San Agustin-Bulacan Tennis Court here.

The Fighting Maroons defeated the UE Red Warriors, 3-2, to advance to their first Finals appearance since UAAP Season 78, while defending champions Bulldogs swept the UST Male Tennisters, 3-0, setting up a do-or-die clash on Sunday at 7:30 a.m.

UP relied on the heroics of Raymund Goco and Andrei Jarata to secure the first Finals berth in this tournament, supported by Wilson Philippines.

Locked in a tense early exchange, Goco and Jarata seized control when it mattered most, defeating Kian Sanchez and Mark Dave Palanas, 6-3, 6-2, in second doubles to clinch the victory for UP. The pair surged ahead with a 5-1 run and held their nerve in the next game to seal the match.

“Sobrang thankful kami sa naging result against UE nitong semis game namin. Sobrang happy kami nakuha namin after a decade, nabalik namin ‘yung finals appearance sa UP,” said Goco.

“Siyempre, sa doubles, more intense ‘yung game namin, tapos tiwala rin ako sa partner ko na si Andrei Jarata, na nagbigay sa akin ng lakas. Grabe ‘yung tiwala ko sa kanya on and off the court lalo na sa baseline. ‘Yung bola niya sobrang solid kaya thankful din ako sa partner ko," he added.

The Fighting Maroons wasted little time asserting their dominance, as Loucas Fernandez delivered a commanding 6-0, 6-0 sweep of Gerald Gemida in first singles. Miguel Iglupas followed with a 6-0, 6-4 victory over Marc Suson in third singles.

The Red Warriors found their footing in doubles, with Kent Morales and Allyson Cabanilla defeating Heinz Carbonilla and Stephen Catipon, 6-2, 6-2, in the first doubles match. JB Aguilar then fended off Lance Fernandez in second singles, 6-3, 5-7, 6-2, forcing a decider.

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs asserted dominance to keep their championship hopes alive.

With their season on the line, NU’s Angil Balaoing and Isaac Lim rose to the occasion, overpowering Al Zayeed Baid and Evan Bacalso, 6-2, 6-2, in first doubles, setting up a do-or-die showdown.

“Para sa amin, malaking adjustment po talaga kasi from last year, twice-to-beat kami, then ngayon hindi na. So more on pressure kami and siguro more on tiwala lang po kami talaga sa isa’t isa ngayon and siyempre kay God din po,” said Balaoing.

“Meron po kaming mga pinag-usapan. Nag-meeting po kaming teammates para po walang ma-down sa amin. Dapat stay up lang kahit anong mangyari. Kahit natalo kami sa playoffs, stay positive pa rin sa ano man ang mangyari, tsaka teamwork,” said Lim.

Andrei Padao made an early statement, overpowering Christopher Sonsona, 6-1, 6-2, in second singles to give NU a quick foothold in the tie.

Alexis Acabo followed, battling through a tight first set before taking control in the second to defeat Ericjay Tangub, 7-5, 6-2, and push the Bulldogs ahead.

On the other court, Sebastian Santos and Jules Lazaro traded sets, 7-5, 5-7, before the first singles match was abandoned.

PFA set to host Junior and Cadet portion of the Dr. Celso L. Dayrit Memorial Fencing Championships

James Limuel Lim c/o UAAP

The Philippine fencing community is gearing up for the return of one of its most anticipated youth competitions, with Dr. Celso L. Dayrit Memorial Fencing Championships launches its Junior & Cadet Edition on March 21 and 22, 2026 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

This annual tournament, which is part of the Philippine Fencing Association's ranking competitions for the year, honors the legacy of Dr. Celso L. Dayrit, a former Philippine Olympic Committee President and a major figure in the development of fencing in the Philippines and across Asia. His lifelong advocacy for grassroots and elite athlete development continues to inspire generations of Filipino fencers.

The opening leg of this year’s memorial series will bring together top Junior and Cadet fencers from fencing clubs, schools, and regional programs nationwide. Competitors will battle for ranking points and the opportunity to secure positions for upcoming national and international events.

With the tournament coming days after the holding of the successful UAAP Fencing Competition at the Makati Coliseum, it serves as a good opportunity for those who participated there to build on their experience.

Among those set to participate are both Juniors Rookies of the Year in Tin Morales and Matteo Canlas, as well as both Juniors MVPs in Sophia Catantan and James Limuel Lim, all of which will be part of the bumper contingent of the University of the East, which also includes Khiane Felipe, Brynt Gale, and Nina and Nicol Canlas.

Historic UAAP gold medalist for PAREF-Southridge Ecoy Fuentes is also set to join, as well as Liah Gilliana, who helped anchor the University of Santo Tomas to their first girls' division title.

Other fencers who recently took part in the UAAP that are expected to give it a go this weekend are the likes of Vito Coching and Martina Baccay of La Salle-Zobel, Gab Bunagan, Rana Rafael, Maiev Boy, Derek Perez and Matteo General of Ateneo, Antonio Baydid, Gasti Malinao, and Ian Miranda from UST, 

From the club scene, among those set to participate this weekend are the Del Castillo siblings Oscar and Hagia Sophia, Jacob Mayo, Franco Pediapco, Jodie Tan, Jada Divinagracia, Canada-based Nadelle Turiano, Tasha Martinez, Solana Trinidad, and Skye Ong.

Cadet action will take place on Saturday, starting at 9am, with Juniors taking to the piste on Sunday, also at the same time. 

Amatov Canlas departs from UE Fencing program

c/o UAAP

When the UAAP Fencing Championships concluded last Monday at the Makati Coliseum, the University of the East once again claimed three gold trophies, asserting its dominance in a sport the program helped build from scratch.

While UE did not sweep the event for the second consecutive season, the Red Warriors remain the benchmark in UAAP fencing—a legacy shaped almost entirely by one man: Amatov Canlas.

Nearly two decades since UE stormed the fencing scene, the men’s squad extended its reign to 12 straight titles, the women’s team secured its 16th championship, the girls’ team’s dynasty was trimmed to 11, and the boys’ unit stretched its league-leading streak to 14. All of this is a testament to Canlas’s vision and relentless dedication.

Monday, however, marked Canlas’s last day—at least for now—as head coach and program head of UE Fencing. Emotions ran high as he reflected on the journey.

“Sabi ko lang na ituloy nila ‘yung dynasty na sinimulan namin dahil hindi lang naman basta-basta ‘to eh. We started from nothing, malalim ‘yung ugat nung UE. Hindi ito basta-basta champion lang, talagang from sa ‘kin pa, hanggang sa ngayon, sa present, eh talagang natuloy ‘yung pagiging dynasty namin,” said the former Red Warrior standout.

“So, pag-alis ko, kung sino man ‘yung mga papalit na coach sa ‘kin, ituloy lang nila. And ang sabi ko, maging loyal sila sa UE kasi hindi rin naman sila magiging magaling kung hindi dahil sa UE. Kumbaga, pinaghirapan sila; hindi dumating nang magaling na eh; ginawa sila ng UE.”

For Canlas, the legacy extends beyond titles. He hopes the culture he built—discipline, respect, and dedication—continues to thrive even after his departure.

“Yung respeto at kung ano ‘yung sinimulan ng UE sa UAAP. Hindi pa naman ako nagsasabing tapos na ako; nag-try lang ako ng ibang opportunity. Malay natin di ba,” he shared.

Canlas has nurtured these athletes from a very young age, some from as early as eight years old, guiding them not just toward championships, but toward national and Olympic aspirations.

“Kita mo naman ‘tong mga ‘to; hindi ko lang naman tinuruan ‘to noong high school. Eight years old pa lang hawak ko na ‘yan. Talagang tinrain ko na ‘yan, at goal ko talaga is national team. Ang goal ko talaga ay makarating sa Olympics. Yan ang mindset ng mga players ko, especially ‘pag foil. Kaya kung makita mo buong-buo talaga sila,” he said.

Education has always been equally important to Canlas. He emphasizes discipline both on and off the piste, ensuring that talent is matched by responsibility.

“Tsaka nasa academics din ako. Bata pa lang talaga, tinuruan ko na kung paano ‘yung discipline, eh. Gano’n talaga ‘yung ano nila sa ‘kin: academics and discipline. Kaya nga ako naka-produce ng Olympian because of the discipline. Kaya dalawang dekada kaming nag-champion sa UE because of the discipline na ini-impose ko sa team.

“Napakaimportante sa ‘kin ang academics at discipline, lalo na ‘pag makita kong malaki ‘yung potential ng bata. Kailangang i-guide siya nang tama. Kasi sayang ‘yung talent ‘pag hindi siya ginuide ng tama. Yun rin ang maganda sa UE, ‘pag nagkaproblema ‘yung bata, tinatawag agad sa ‘kin ng College Secretary, ng High School Principal. Kaya nga hindi kami nahihirapan sa mga national team namin, kasi gano’ng naka-support ‘yung UE management.”

Canlas will be taking his expertise and family to Australia, leaving behind a dynasty and a thriving support system. His decision, however, is rooted in family priorities rather than personal ambition.

“Well, kung ako lang naman ‘yung kinuha, hindi naman ako pupunta kung ako lang namang mag-isa. Kaya ko tinanggap ‘to kasi sinama ‘yung pamilya ko. Kumbaga, do’n ko nakita na para sa mga anak ko ‘to, para sa family ko ‘to. Kasi ba’t naman ako aalis, eh comfort zone ko ‘to? Ok naman ‘yung buhay ko dito,” he said.

“Pero nakita ko ‘yung opportunity para sa mga anak ko, sa family ko, na ‘pag pumunta ako do’n, kasama sila. Kaya susubok ako kasi ang hirap namang tanggihan, parang no-brainer ka naman, lalo pa’t Australia. Alam naman natin sa Australia; nakita naman natin ‘yung quality of life do’n. Why not, hindi natin subukan, para sa future ng mga anak ko ‘to, hindi naman ‘to para sa akin,” said the future head of the Tizona Fencing Club in Melbourne.

Beyond UE, Canlas has also shaped Philippine fencing at large, mentoring national athletes and fostering a new generation of coaches and referees.

“Sa PFA, nag-iisip talaga kami ng mga coaching seminar. Mag-i-invite kami ng mga magagaling na coaches from other countries na dadalhin rito, para continuous ‘yung learning ng coaches. Kung ako talaga, mas magpupundar ako sa coach. Kasi ‘yung coach, ‘pag may magaling na coach, at aral ‘yung coach, makaka-produce ng magagaling na fencer ‘yan. ‘’Yun ang nakikita kong dapat gawin, makapag-produce ng maraming-maraming coach na magagaling… all weapons,” Canlas shared.

“PFA ang makakapag-decide diyan kasi sila ‘yung body. Pero diyan magsisimula ‘yan: magagaling na coach at magagaling na referee. Number one ‘yan, coach and referee. Dapat mag-tandem ‘yan, para makapag-produce tayo ng Olympian. Kasi ‘pag mahina ‘yung quality, madami lang tayo. Kaya ‘yan ang pinakamahalaga diyan, ‘pag may mga ganyang opportunity, gagaling talaga ‘yung coach."

Canlas leaves behind not just champions, but a culture, a discipline, and a standard that will continue to define UE fencing—and Philippine fencing—for years to come.

Brutal climbs, breakneck sprints highlight MPTC Tour of Luzon route

Tour of Luzon CEO and Chief Organizer Arrey Perez. Photo c/o ToL

Organizers have revealed the route of the 2026 edition of the MPTC Tour of Luzon, which will cover a distance of 1,815.80 kilometers split into fourteen stages and traversing thirteen provinces in Luzon.

According to CEO and Chief Organizer Arrey Perez, "It’s a balanced route for both climbers and sprinters," emphasizing its impending unpredictability.

He also adds, "Teamwork will play a crucial role in the race, with domestiques expected to take on the challenging task of bringing their respective teams into contention for the GC [general classification]."

This year's edition, dubbed as "A Heritage in Motion," and is once again presented by the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, will kick off on April 29 at CaSoBe in Calatagan, Batangas for the lone southern leg, before it moves north the next day to Clark in Central Luzon. It will then traverse through the region and cross into the Cagayan Valley, before it moves west to the Ilocos Region and finishing at the Cordillera Administrative Region, specifically at Scout Hill within Camp John Hay in Baguio City on May 13.

In highlighting the degree of difficulty, Perez notes, "Just how tough and challenging the race is can be seen in the King of the Mountain (KOM) classification, which features 25 climbs,” Meanwhile, “As for the sprints, there are 16 in total, spread across the 14 stages," he shares.

The race stages are as follows:

• Stage 1, CaSoBe (Calatagan) to Tagaytay City (150.10 km)
• Stage 2, Clark to New Clark City (43.40 km, team time trial)
• Stage 3, New Clark City to Palayan City (140.10 km)
• Stage 4, Palayan City to Bayombong (165.80 km)
• Stage 5, Santiago City to Tuguegarao City (130.60 km).
• Stage 6, from Tuguegarao City to Pagudpud, (228.90 km, marked by two KOM points)
• Stage 7, Pagudpud circuit (22.90 km, Individual Time Trial), followed by a rest day.
• Stage 8 Pagudpud to Paoay (157.40 km)
• Stage 9 Laoag City to Candon City (142.60 km).
• Stage 10 Candon City to Bessang Pass in Cervantes, Ilocos Sur (131.20 km, includes a key climb).
• Stage 11 Candon City to San Juan (158.70 km)
• Stage 12 Agoo to Daang Kalikasan in Mangatarem (146.40 km).
• Stage 13 Lingayen–Binmaley Baywalk (20.00 km, Individual Time Trial).
• Stage 14, Lingayen to John Hay Hotels via Kennon Road.

Perez also noted that with multiple teams continuing to express interest in participating in the Tour, there is a potential of surpassing the 20-team benchmark—seven riders per team—for the tour.

Organizers shared that at least five foreign teams have confirmed their participation with registration.

Feedback from the local government units where the tour will pass through has been very much encouraging.

More details are set to be revealed in the next few weeks. 

NU rides on 32-point Cantada outburst to outlast UP

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball Standings
DLSU 7-0
NU 6-2
FEU 5-3
AdU 4-3
UST 4-3
UP 3-5
Ateneo 1-6
UE 0-8

Games on Saturday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum

9 a.m. – UST vs Ateneo (Men)
11 a.m. – La Salle vs AdU (Men)
1 p.m. – UST vs Ateneo (Women)
3 p.m. – La Salle vs AdU (Women)

Rookie Sam Cantada fired a career-best 32 points, leading National University to a vengeful 24-26, 25-17, 21-25, 25-18, 15-8 victory over first-round tormentor University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.

The Fighting Maroons had previously stunned the Lady Bulldogs on February 28 at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion, 25-16, 25-16, 22-25, 29-31, 16-18, a match where Cantada suffered a right shin injury in the third set.

This time, Cantada starred for NU, scoring a season-high 32 points on 27-of-52 spikes, three blocks, and two aces, while also contributing 18 excellent receptions and 13 digs.

“Of course, we’re happy, we count all the wins, and this is a good comeback for us. Hopefully, tuloy-tuloy siya,” said NU head coach Regine Diego.

“It’s a challenging time for all the teams, kasi mas mataas na ‘yung pressure, mas kailangan ng manalo, ang daming factors we are trying to manage, but the only thing that pushes us is if we play together," added the former Lady Bullpups head coach.

Cantada and Arah Panique combined in the fourth set to force a decisive fifth set.

In the decider, Lady Bulldogs setter Abe Pono led the charge with four points—two aces, a block, and a spike—while Cantada added four points herself. NU overcame a 2-5 deficit with a massive 13-3 run to seal the win in two hours and 10 minutes.

“For me po, collective effort naman po ‘yung nangyari. Hindi lang po ako ‘yun, kinicredit ko rin po sa mga teammates ko po ‘yun kaya ko po nakuha ‘yung points na ‘yun,” said Cantada, whose 32 points were the most by any NU player since Alyssa Solomon scored 34 in a 25-19, 25-23, 15-25, 17-25, 10-15 loss to La Salle in Game 2 of the Season 85 Finals on May 14, 2023.

The Lady Bulldogs bounced back from a loss to the Lady Spikers last Sunday, improving to 6-2 to retain solo second place.

Panique supported Cantada with 19 points on 15 attacks and four blocks, while Chams Maaya added nine points.

Pono finished with 21 excellent sets, five points, and seven digs, while Shaira Jardio contributed 17 excellent receptions and 17 excellent digs.

On the other hand, UP suffered its fourth straight loss, dropping to 3-5 and sixth place.

The Fighting Maroons’ last win was against the Lady Bulldogs in the first round. Jelai Gajero played her best collegiate game, scoring 22 points on 19 spikes, two blocks, and an ace, along with 14 digs.

Kianne Olango added 20 points, 13 excellent receptions, and nine digs, while Bienne Bansil and Niña Ytang each contributed 13 points.

Both teams return to action on Sunday at the Big Dome. NU will face Far Eastern University, while UP takes on winless University of the East.

FEU dispatches UE earn solo third to kickstart UAAP second round action

c/o UAAP

Games on Saturday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum
9 a.m. – UST vs Ateneo (Men)
11 a.m. – La Salle vs AdU (Men)
1 p.m. – UST vs Ateneo (Women)
3 p.m. – La Salle vs AdU (Women)

Far Eastern University made quick work of University of the East, 25-11, 25-15, 25-22, to open the second round of the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament on a resounding note on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Lady Tamaraws improved to solo third at 5-3, moving ahead of idle Adamson University and University of Santo Tomas, who are both at 4-3.

It was a confidence-building win for FEU, which now sets its sights on Sunday’s rematch against National University at the Big Dome, where it hopes to avenge its season-opening five-set loss.

“Against UE, siyempre, kailangan naming mag-ready in a manner na wala nga si Gerz (Petallo), nagkaroon kami ng few adjustments. Malaking factor din na na-run namin nang maayos hindi rin kasi biro ‘yung UE kalaban,” said FEU head coach Tina Salak.

After cruising through the first two sets, the Lady Tamaraws faced stiffer resistance from the Lady Warriors in the third.

Behind Khy Cepada, Kiesha Famulagan, and Eljane Nogueras, UE kept pace and forced a 21-all deadlock before Faida Bakanke took over to close out the match in just 76 minutes.

The Congolese opposite spiker unleashed a personal 4-1 finishing run, highlighted by back-to-back crosscourt kills, to seal FEU’s straight-sets victory.

“Sabi nga ni coach, hindi madali ‘yung adjustments, so huwag naming gawing joke ‘yung binibigay sa amin na role. In-embrace ko lang ‘yung ibinigay sa akin ni Coach T and sana po na-execute naman po nang maayos,” said Melody Pons, the younger sister of Bernadeth. She stepped up with nine points, nine digs, and five receptions. The elder Pons led FEU to its most recent Finals appearance in Season 80 (2018).

Bakanke finished with 14 points on 12 attacks and two blocks, along with five digs, while Jazlyn Ellarina added 11 points built on eight spikes and three blocks.

Lovely Lopez, who was inserted into the starting six, contributed seven points, eight digs, and eight receptions, as the Lady Tamaraws dominated both the attacking and blocking departments, 40-28 and 13-3, respectively.

FEU played without open spiker and No. 5 in the MVP race Gerz Petallo, who sustained a right shoulder injury last Saturday. Salak is hopeful Petallo will be fit in time for Sunday’s clash against the Lady Bulldogs.

Cepada was a one-woman force for UE with 15 points, 10 digs, and seven receptions, but the Lady Warriors remained winless through eight games.

Famulagan added six points.

UE will also be back in action on Sunday, taking on the University of the Philippines.

FEU retains spotless record in UAAP Men's Volleyball

c/o UAAP

Games on Saturday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum
9 a.m. – UST vs Ateneo (Men)
11 a.m. – La Salle vs AdU (Men)
1 p.m. – UST vs Ateneo (Women)
3 p.m. – La Salle vs AdU (Women)

Far Eastern University remained unbeaten through eight matches in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Tournament with a 19-25, 25-19, 26-24, 25-11 victory over University of the East on Wednesday morning at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

The Tamaraws dropped the first set but quickly found their rhythm in the next three, fueled by timely contributions from Amet Bituin, Dryx Saavedra, and Charles Absin, keeping them atop the eight-team standings with a perfect 8-0 record.

FEU continued to pull away from the rest of the field, as defending champion National University and University of Santo Tomas remained tied for second and third at 5-2, while Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University were deadlocked for fourth and fifth at 3-4.

Up next for the Tamaraws is a Finals rematch against the six-peat-seeking Bulldogs at 11 a.m. on Sunday at the Big Dome.

“Hindi naman sa nagulat, pero expected na rin kasi talagang lalaban si UE. Alam naman natin yung seven teams na yan, wala namang isa diyan na pupunta dito sa UAAP tapos iisipin na hindi sila lalaban ‘eh,” FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo said.

“Pagtungtong ng lahat sa hard court, hard game. Siguro baka ‘yon nga yung sinasabi ko sa team na yung utak at yung damdamin, hindi nakikita kung paano yung araw ngayon. Pero yung skills kasi, puwede i-overload at puwede ulitin hanggang sa makuha ang tamang proseso,” he added.

Although FEU struggled in the opening set, the Tamaraws regained momentum in the second and third frames, taking a 25-19 second-set win before relying on a crosscourt hit and a block by Mikko Espartero to secure a hard-fought 26-24 victory in the third.

In the fourth set, FEU surged ahead immediately, opening an 11-point, 16-5 lead behind an Absin block, a Saavedra through-the-block hit, a Bituin off-the-block attack, and an Ariel Cacao block.

The Red Warriors could not close the gap, as back-to-back hits by Judi Garriedo and a game-winning off-the-block attack by Luis Miguel sealed FEU’s four-set win in one hour and 43 minutes.

Bituin led the Tamaraws with 15 points on 14 attacks and 11 excellent receptions, while Saavedra also scored 15 points along with four excellent digs. Lirick Mendoza contributed 12 points on nine attacks, two blocks, and one ace, and Absin added nine points on six attacks and three blocks.

Cacao delivered 25 excellent sets and three points, while sophomore libero Vennie Ceballos registered 18 excellent receptions and 11 excellent digs.

For UE, Raquim Aceron topscored with 21 points on 18 attacks, two blocks, and one ace, alongside 14 excellent receptions and six excellent digs, as the Red Warriors dropped their fifth straight game to fall to 1-7. Roy Piojo added 15 points with 17 excellent receptions, while Xjhann Camaymayan contributed nine points on six attacks and three blocks.

UE will face University of the Philippines at 9 a.m., also at the Big Dome.