UE renews quest towards UAAP fencing dominance

Khiane Felipe among those leading UE's charge. (c/o PFA)

Individual Events today at the Makati Coliseum
9 a.m.
Women's Foil
Boys' Epee
Men's Sabre

1 p.m.
Girls' Foil
Men's Epee
Boys' Sabre

Action in the piste is set to commence over the next few days at the Makati Coliseum, with the start of the UAAP Season 88 Fencing Championships.

Serving as the dominant school in this discipline, the University of the East is set to field another strong contingent, highlighted by its national team standouts in the senior and youth levels.

The Felipe brothers will lead the way in the men's division, with three-time MVP Shawn Nicollei Felipe set to compete in Epee and younger brother Khiane in Sabre on opening day.

Also set to assert his dominance is Anthony Concepcion, the younger sibling of former UAAP MVP CJ.

In explaining their excellence over the piste in the past decade, the fourth-year psychology major and three-time SEA Games participant shares, "I think it’s because of the fact that most of the UE fencers — former and current — have played or are now national team members." He adds, "That’s the program of the UE fencing team, for its fencers to always aim higher, be a member of the national team."

Serving as the main challengers against their quest for a 13-peat are a La Salle side led by defending men's individual sabre champion Christian Buenaventura and Edan Ensamtan, a UST squad relying on Adam Putian and Larco Cortez, an Ateneo unit led by Adam Aceron and Andre Agatep, and an up-and-coming UP side anchored on Calix Ho, Dexter Ramos, and Lorenzo Malvar.

The Women's side is set to be in a flux, as defending champions the University of Santo Tomas will not have last season's key individual awardees Janna Catantan and Alexa Larrazabal.

In their absence, it will be up to the Tuy siblings, Kim and Krystal to hold the fort, with Lady Bathan and Kate Sardenia tasked to carry the cudgels in Catantan's main foil disciple.

UE will rely on a veteran crew in their quest to reclaim the crown they lost narrowly last season, led by three-time MVP Queenie Dalmacio.

The fifth-year Lady Warrior says, "There is always pressure, but I’ve learned not to think about it. I know I’ve worked hard. We’re motivated. Together with my teammates, we want to get that team saber title back, and the women’s overall title back to UE."

Serving as key cogs in the UE machine are Andrea Matias and Jaymi delos Santos, with  

The sabre duo of Kaku dela Serna and Maiev Boy leads the cast for Ateneo, with La Salle relying on Cyrra Vergara, Krupskaya Ednilag, and Lady Sigua. UP completes the five-team field with Mariel Flores, Nana Carbonell, and Marga Tapales.

In the high school division, the Junior Warriors are seen as the biggest contenders, led by Sophia Catantan and James Lim.

A new challenger has emerged with the addition of PAREF-Southridge as a guest team, anchored on the leadership of Enrico Fuentes and Lucas Palafox.

Vito Coching and Martina Baccay lead the way for a La Salle-Zobel side that will miss youth standout Miyake Capina for this season, with Hannah Belarmino, Mairon Moulic, and Matthew General anchoring Ateneo. UPIS will have two participants this season with Mark De Lusong and Joseph Bantang in epee, while UST is set to field with Pau Fernandez and last season's Rookie of the Year Marian Castro, as well as Kathleen Tuy and Ma. Estelliah Gillana also a factor.

Seventh heaven for Arellano in NCAA Cheerleading

c/o NCAA

Arellano extended its reign in NCAA cheerleading to a seventh straight season on Thursday, with their triumph in the NCAA Season 101 Cheerleading Competition at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The Chiefsquad topped the tournament, which is presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, with their aggregate score of 231 points. 

Head coach Lucky San Juan shared after their victory, "Nagpapasalamat ako sa mga bata ko, kung ‘di dahil sa kanila, ‘di magiging successful ‘tong seventh straight."

He adds, "Ito ‘yong challenge, kahit sabihin nating nanalo [ngayon], mahirap pa din para sa next year."

San Juan notes that the team remained unfazed with the additional pressure to defending their title, "Ang laki ng tiwala ko sa kanila. Sobra nilang inaral at nireview ‘yang mga ‘yan," he says.

The Chiefsquad will take home PhP 100k with this triumph, as they extend their reign since the NCAA's 92nd season back in 2017.

Completing the podium spots are the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta and Colegio de San Juan de Letran, in a repeat from last season.

The Perpsquad tallied 221 points to earn second place and nets PhP 75k, while the Letran Cheering Squad nipped Emilio Aguinaldo College for third with their total of 199.5 points and the PhP 50k cash prize.

SportsPlus, Dwight Ramos renew partnership

(From Left to Right: SportsPlus CEO - Andre Uy, Dwight Ramos, and Dwight's Sports Agent - PJ Pilares)

Fresh from recently becoming the Official Title Partner of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), SportsPlus—the country’s No. 1 sportsbook and Official Gaming Partner of the Philippine Olympic Committee—further boosts its support for Philippine basketball by formally renewing its partnership with Gilas Pilipinas ace player Dwight Ramos.

Underscoring SportsPlus’ long-term commitment to elevate Philippine sports, this partnership renewal extends the mutual trust and respect that began in August 2024 when Ramos first became SportsPlus’ brand ambassador. Since then, both parties have built a relationship grounded in professionalism and purpose—values they consistently uphold on and off the court.

Recently, Ramos turned in a career-best campaign in the Japan B-League, posting standout numbers for Levanga Hokkaido before rejoining Gilas Pilipinas for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, where the national basketball team are once again representing the country on the international stage.

Since committing to the national team, Ramos has consistently answered the call, embracing the responsibility that comes with competing against the region’s best. Ramos has suited up in multiple major tournaments including the 2021 & 2022 FIBA Asia Cup, the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, where he was also initially named the 21-man training pool and later secured a spot in the final 12-man roster and the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou. He also played a key role in Gilas Pilipinas’ historic gold medal run at the 2022 Asian Games—the country’s first men’s basketball gold in over six decades.

“As long as my body allows me to compete at my best and the team needs me, I’ll always be committed to playing for Gilas Pilipinas,” Ramos shared. “Playing for the Philippines is an honor that I don’t take for granted. Every time I step on the court for Gilas Pilipinas, I give it my all,” he added.

His renewed partnership with SportsPlus reflects that same discipline and drive. “I’m grateful for the continued trust of SportsPlus,” Ramos continued. “Our partnership goes beyond basketball. It’s about representing something bigger than ourselves. I’m excited to keep building a brand that truly supports Philippine sports.”

SportsPlus President & CEO Andre Uy also emphasized the importance of continuity in the partnership. “Dwight represents the best of what Philippine basketball stands for: hard work, integrity, and pride in representing the country,” he said. “From day one, this partnership has been built on trust and mutual respect. We’re proud to continue supporting Dwight as he competes at the highest level and inspires the next generation of Filipino athletes.”

The renewal also reinforces SportsPlus’ commitment to working with respected personalities and established sports institutions. The brand recently formalized its partnership with MPBL for the 2026 season as its Official Title Partner. During the signing at Gameville Ball Park in Mandaluyong, MPBL founder Manny Pacquiao joined SportsPlus President & CEO Andre Uy, and MPBL Commissioner Emmerson Oreta, committing a shared goal of elevating professional basketball standards and creating more opportunities for Filipino athletes.

Fans can keep track of the continuing partnership journey between SportsPlus and Dwight Ramos. For the latest stories, game updates, and exclusive content, visit SportsPlus.ph and follow SportsPlus across its official social media platforms.

Philippines advance in #WAC2026

c/o the AFC

With a little bit of luck, the Philippines earned one of the remaining two spots in the AFC Women's Asian Cup knockout rounds after the completion of pool play.

Results from the Group C games saw Japan defeat Vietnam, 4-0, and Chinese-Taipei dispatch India, 3-1.

The latter match allows Chinese-Taipei to claim second place, with the former dropping Vietnam as a result of goal difference, as their -4 ends up inferior to the Philippines' -2.

Chinese-Taipei and the Philippines join already qualified sides Korea Republic, Australia, China, DPR Korea, Uzbekistan, and Japan as the last eight teams in the field.

As one of the two third-place teams, the Filipinas, backed by both the Philippine Football Federation and the Philippine Sports Commission, will be facing Japan on March 15 at Stadium Australia in Sydney. 

In addition, these same teams will also comprise the field for the upcoming Olympic Qualifying Tournament for two automatic spots in the Olympic Football Tournament set to take place in Los Angeles 2028.

NCAA Season 101 Cheerleading Competition set for Thursday

NCAA Cheerleading

The cheering squads of the NCAA are set to take over the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Thursday, with the league hosting its Cheerleading Competition at 230pm.

GMA Network is set to showcase these outstanding athletes  LIVE on GTV.

Feel the excitement and chill as the NCAA’s premier cheerleading squads showcase their gravity-defying stunts, thrilling routines, and electrifying performances. Competing this season are the Benilde Blazers Pep Squad of De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde; the Altas Perpsquad of University of Perpetual Help System-Dalta; the Mapua Cheerping Cardinals of Mapúa University; the Letran Cheering Squad of Colegio de San Juan de Letran; the LPU Pirates Pep Squad of Lyceum of the Philippines University; the Golden Stags Cheerleading Squad of San Sebastian College-Recoletos; the JRU Pep Squad of José Rizal University; the AU Chiefsquad of Arellano University; the EAC Generals Pep Squad of Emilio Aguinaldo College; and the San Beda Red Army of San Beda University.

Arellano is seeking to extend their stranglehold in this competition for a seventh straight season, while Perpetual and Letran, who finished on the podium last year as second and third placers, respectively, will once again make an attempt to dethrone the defending champions.

PhP 100k beckons for the champion, while the remain podium finishers will receive PhP 75k and PhP 50k, respectively.

Martin Javier and Lexi Gonzales will host the event, with Glycel Galpo providing the backstage reporting.

Providing additional entertainment is Arabelle dela Cruz, The Clash alumna and Veiled Cup 2026 Grand Champion.

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.

Tickets for the competition can now be purchased via SM Tickets.

For more updates on NCAA, visit its official website www.ncaa.com.ph. Follow @ncaaphilippines, @gmasynergy, and @gmasportsph on social media.

Filipinas await fate in remaining #WAC2026 pool play matches

Mallie Ramirez battles for possession with Itefeh Imani (c/o AFC)

The waiting stage officially begins today for the Philippines, as pool play for the 2026 edition of Asian Football Confederation Women's Asian Cup hits its penultimate day.

Slotted in Pool B, Uzbekistan and Bangladesh face off at the Perth Rectangular Stadium on Monday afternoon, with each side seeking a victory that would boost their hopes in making the knockout rounds as among the two best third-place teams. Both squads lost their matches against China and DPR Korea, setting the stage for this fixture.

Fresh from their 2-0 victory over Iran this past Sunday in what amounted to a virtual elimination game, the Philippines is now awaiting its fate with its -2 goal difference alongside its three points in three matches.

Head coach Marc Torcaso says, "We are praying and hoping that a few goals is enough for us to make it out of the group."

One more set of matches are set to be played on Tuesday, with Chinese-Taipei, Vietnam, and India still have postseason aspirations.

Japan, who has already qualified, is facing Vietnam, while Chinese-Taipei tangles with India.

Lady Falcons earn share of fourth in UAAP Women's Volleyball

c/o UAAP

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

Games Sunday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum
9 a.m. - NU vs Ateneo (Men)
11 a.m. - UP vs FEU (Men)
1 p.m. - NU vs Ateneo (Women)
3 p.m. - UP vs FEU (Women)

Shaina Nitura and Frances Mordi led Adamson University as the Lady Falcons stunned the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses, 27-25, 25-22, 25-12, to claim a share of fourth place in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday.

With the win, Adamson tied the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws for fourth at 3-2, while the Golden Tigresses fell to 2-3.

“Lahat naman sila ay nagcontribute and sabi ko lang, follow the instruction so that hindi kami magkakaiba ng sistema,” said Adamson head coach JP Yude.

“Ang instruction ko lang sa kanila nung nakuha namin yung dalawang set is to be more locked in," the former Soaring Falcon added.

After grinding out the first two sets to take a 2-0 lead, the Lady Falcons didn’t need any dramatic comebacks in the third set.

Adamson dominated from the start, as Nitura, Mordi, Joy Aseo, Fhei Sagaysay, and Lhouiz Tuddao combined to build a commanding 20-6 lead, cruising to a one-hour, 21-minute victory.

In the second set, Adamson had to battle down the stretch with the score tied at 22.

Nitura sparked the finishing sequence with an off-the-block kill, Tuddao followed with another for the set point, and Nitura sealed it by blocking Xyza Gula at the net for a 2-0 lead.

“We never expect anything sa game but to try to win and play to win. This is the result of what we did and thank you Lord, we’ve been working for this. Talagang tinatiyaga namin every training,” said Nitura, who finished with 22 points on 19 spikes and three blocks, along with six excellent receptions.

Mordi added 20 points on 18-of-30 attacks, plus a block, an ace, and 10 excellent receptions.

Aseo, making her first start of the season, impressed with six points—including three service aces—matching Tuddao’s output.

Sagaysay contributed 12 excellent sets and five of the Lady Falcons’ 10 aces, a huge edge over UST’s two.

Both teams return to action Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena: Adamson faces undefeated De La Salle University at 1 p.m., while UST meets University of the Philippines at 3 p.m.

Regina Jurado led UST with 18 points on an efficient 17-of-28 attack, while Avril Bron added 10.

Angge Poyos, who had scored double digits in the first four games, was limited to just five points on 5-of-24 spikes.