UAAP, PGTI set for golf introduction for Season 88

Golf is finally making its much-anticipated entry into the UAAP mainstream, debuting as a demonstration event this Season 88 – a significant step toward expanding the collegiate league’s program beyond its traditional core sports.

In partnership with the Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc., organizer of the Philippine Golf Tour, the Ladies PGT, the Junior PGT, and the Intercollegiate Tour, the UAAP is pulling out all the stops to ensure not just a successful debut but a compelling case for golf’s inclusion as a regular medal event in the near future. This collaboration reflects a shared vision: to elevate collegiate golf and create a sustainable competitive structure for student-athletes.

The milestone inauguration will take place on April 20 at The Country Club. Dubbed as the UAAP Golf Invitational, the 18-hole tournament is expected to draw key players from member schools, school representatives, and guests, underscoring the significance of this breakthrough moment.

Competition will be structured across multiple divisions. The men’s category will feature Classes A, B, and C, while players aged 60 and above will vie for the Seniors crown. The women’s division will have a single category, highlighting inclusivity while maintaining competitive integrity.

More than just a debut, golf’s inclusion as a special event this season signals the UAAP’s broader intent to diversify its sports portfolio and assess new events based on participation, competitiveness, and long-term viability. If the demonstration proves successful, golf could soon join the ranks of regular UAAP medal events.

This initiative aligns with the league’s efforts to build on the popularity of its established centerpiece sports – such as basketball, volleyball, and cheerdance – by introducing disciplines that offer different skill sets and career pathways.

Notably, several UAAP schools, including La Salle, Ateneo, and UST, have already participated in the ICTSI Intercollegiate Tour, providing a strong foundation of experience and talent heading into the UAAP setup. While ICTSI will continue to stage its intercollegiate event, UAAP golf will operate as a separate competition, with schools given the flexibility to field different teams in both tournaments.

Golf’s rising popularity in recent years further strengthens its case. ICTSI’s sustained efforts – through its professional circuit, ladies’ tour, and especially its junior development programs – have helped grow the sport nationwide. The Junior PGT, in particular, has cultivated young talent across Luzon and the Visayas-Mindanao regions, culminating in elite competitions such as the North vs South Finals.

Within this context, UAAP golf has the potential to become a crucial bridge in the athlete development pipeline. It can connect grassroots junior programs to the professional ranks, offering student-athletes a structured environment where they can refine their skills while pursuing academic goals.

Ultimately, UAAP golf represents more than just another addition to the calendar – it is an investment in the future of Philippine sports. By providing a competitive platform at the collegiate level, the league not only accelerates the sport’s growth but also empowers student-athletes to seriously consider professional careers.

If momentum continues, golf could soon evolve from a special event into a cornerstone UAAP sport – one that not only broadens the league’s appeal but also strengthens the country’s presence in the global golfing arena.

Lady Spikers at cusp of completing elims sweep

c/o UAAP

Games on Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion
9 a.m. - Ateneo vs UE (Men’s)
11 a.m. - Ateneo vs UE (Women’s)
3 p.m. - AdU vs FEU (Men’s)
5 p.m. - AdU vs FEU (Women’s)

De La Salle University moved on the cusp of the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Finals after overpowering also-ran University of the East, 25-20, 25-18, 25-15, on Wednesday afternoon at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.

The Lady Spikers stayed unbeaten at 13-0 and inched closer to their first elimination-round sweep since Season 76 (2014)—an achievement that would secure an outright Finals berth and trigger a stepladder format.

La Salle will aim to complete the sweep against modern-day rival and defending champion National University this Sunday, April 19, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay. The Lady Spikers won their first-round encounter against the Lady Bulldogs, 25-21, 25-19, 19-25, 25-17, last March 15 at the same Pasay venue.

La Salle was also able to insert substitutes Mikee Santos, Ella de Guzman, and Mikole Reyes, who all responded well in the straight-set victory.

“Siguro, hindi naman mawawala yung pressure pagdating sa amin. Siyempre, nandoon yung pressure na kailangang manalo, pero lagi namang pinapaalala ni coach na score at number lang ’yan. Kailangan mag-focus pa rin sa kung ano yung nasa harapan mo, which is yung NU ngayon, at one game at a time lang. Sana, hopefully, maganda pa rin yung mapakita namin na game against NU,” La Salle assistant coach Gian de Jesus said.

In the third set, the Lady Spikers turned a 4-4 deadlock into a comfortable 15-9 advantage, capped by three consecutive attacks from second-year outside hitter Shane Reterta.

From there, La Salle stayed firmly in control, with Angel Canino’s attack, a Kristine Iquio attack error, a Mikee Santos crosscourt hit, and a down-the-line conversion from De Guzman sealing the match in just 78 minutes.

In a tightly contested second frame, the Lady Spikers pulled ahead for a two-set advantage behind consecutive Lilay del Castillo blocks, a Canino backrow hit, and a quick attack by Amie Provido.

“That’s what the coaches are instilling in us—one game at a time. We don’t worry about this streak that we have and the 13-0; we worry about how we perform, and if we perform, of what we had done in training. Being disciplined in staying true to the system the coaches have taught us,” Laput said, who finished with 12 points on 10-of-20 kills, one block, and one ace alongside four excellent digs.

Canino also finished with 12 points on top of 10 excellent digs and seven excellent receptions. Del Castillo had nine points on five blocks and four attacks, while Provido supplied eight points on six attacks and two blocks.

Reterta posted an all-around stat line of five points, seven excellent digs, and seven excellent receptions, while Santos also added five points.

Meanwhile, the Lady Warriors remained winless through 13 games, extending their losing streak to 27 consecutive matches and moving on the brink of a second straight winless campaign in UAAP women’s volleyball.

Khy Cepada led UE in the loss with 13 points on 10 attacks, two aces, and one block, along with 10 excellent receptions and four excellent digs, while Bangayan added 10 points on eight attacks and two aces with six excellent digs.

Angge Reyes contributed 10 excellent digs and eight excellent receptions.

The Lady Warriors will look to break through against the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles this Saturday, April 18, at the same UST venue.

Second edition of NBA Rising Stars Invitational set this June

NBA Rising Stars Invitational

The National Basketball Association officially announced that it will bring back the NBA Rising Stars Invitational in a couple of months.

Launched last year, the second edition of the competition bringing together select 18-and-under boys' and girls' teams across the Asia-Pacific will take place at the OCBC Arena in Singapore this June 22-28.

In sharing the announcement, NBA Asia's Head of Southeast Asia Sheila Rasu notes, "The inaugural NBA Rising Stars Invitational set a benchmark for high-school basketball in Asia-Pacific.  As we return to Singapore for the consecutive second year, we look forward to delivering another unforgettable week of programming featuring some of the region’s best young talent, brought to life through the NBA’s signature mix of sports and family-friendly entertainment."

Done in collaboration with Sport Singapore (SportSG) and the Singapore Tourism Board, supported by the Karim Family Foundation, and operated by the event agencies of NBA Singapore, twelve teams each from the boys' and girls' division will tangle in round robin action before heading into the knockout phase.

Teams were selected with the assistance of the national basketball federations and leagues, as well as through local qualifying tournaments in Bangkok, Melbourne, Taipei, and Tokyo. As hosts, Singapore has been granted two teams in both divisions.

Aside from competition, players will also go through skill development sessions, social impact programming, and off-court activities promoting cultural exchange. Outstanding ballers will have the opportunity to attend future NBA basketball development camps, showcases, and programs.

Gracing the proceedings are Jeremy Lin and Lauren Jackson, with both set to interact with the participants throughout the week. The former shares, "I’m incredibly excited to be part of the NBA Rising Stars Invitational in Singapore.  There is so much young talent across Asia-Pacific, and I’m proud to be part of an event that shines a spotlight on some of the region’s top prospects.  Helping shape the next generation is a cause I’m deeply committed to, and I hope my journey encourages these rising stars to make the most of this opportunity and ultimately contribute to greater Asian representation at the highest levels of the game."

As for the latter, she says, "Last year’s NBA Rising Stars Invitational was a remarkable showcase of talent and determination, and I witnessed firsthand how much the stage and experience meant to the players.  I look forward to returning to Singapore this June and helping these amazing athletes continue their development."

Aside from the two champions, additional current and former NBA players will be heading to the Lion City for the event.

In addition to the action, the NBA Rising Stars Invitational will also have additional activations in place all week for fans, including community outreach initiatives, photo opportunities, authentic NBA memorabilia, player appearances and meet-and-greet sessions, exclusive clinics, as well as live entertainment and interactive fan experiences.

From the perspective of the hosts, SportSG Deputy Chief of Industry Development Group Dean Tan says, "The inaugural NBA Rising Stars Invitational in 2025 was an outstanding success, with 22 teams from 11 countries competing, more than 9,000 local and international spectators catching the action live, and many more watching online.  This year’s tournament builds on last year’s success and will be a platform that connects youths across borders and sharpens their skills, through high-level competition and elite mentorship from NBA talents and legends.  We look forward to witnessing students who have qualified through Singapore’s largest annual inter-school competition take centre stage alongside our region’s top youth talents, showcasing the next generation of top basketball players on home ground."

STB Director of Sports Lilian Chee adds, "We are delighted to welcome the return of the NBA Rising Stars Invitational to Singapore.  The tournament enhances Singapore’s vibrant events landscape and reinforces our position as a premier sporting destination.  We look forward to hosting the young athletes from across Asia-Pacific alongside their families and friends, as well as NBA players.  Beyond the competition, we hope they will create memorable experiences, forge meaningful connections, and draw inspiration from their time in Singapore."

For more details on the NBA Rising Stars Invitational, one can check out www.nbarisingstarsinvitational.com. The competition is also on Instagram and YouTube.

Adamson extends softball dynasty with 13th straight title

c/o UAAP

The longest active championship streak in UAAP collegiate events continues for a 13th consecutive season.

Adamson University captured the record-extending title with another 5–0 victory over the University of the Philippines, completing a two-game sweep of the UAAP Season 88 Softball Finals on Friday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate, Manila.

The Lady Falcons have now overtaken Far Eastern University as the winningest squad in the sport, breaking the deadlock with their league-best 21st championship.

The Lady Falcons also won 5-0 in last Monday's opener.

The San Marcelino-based squad used a strong start to fuel this historic victory.

“Siyempre, grateful and super happy no. And siyempre, thank you, Lord. Pinagdasal namin ‘to, pinagdasal ng players ‘to. And talagang I’m so, so proud sa lahat ng aking players; kasi nung tinanong ko sila bago mag-start ang season kung ano ang gusto nilang makuha. Nung sinabi nila sa ‘kin na gusto ulit nilang mag-champion para matuloy nila ‘yung legacy, sinabi ko sa kanila, being a champion is not easy, so you must be prepared sa lahat ng preparations na gagawin natin,” said long-time head coach Ana Santiago in this milestone for the program.

“Kasi, if you want to become a champion, then we will practice like a champion. And super happy ako na nag-step up ‘yung mga nawalan namin ng positions, nag-step up talaga ngayon. And kahit mga bata pa sila, pinakita nila na deserving sila this season.”

Down to one out in the first inning, Reyae Villamin sent a deep fly ball to right field that could have been an easy catch for UP’s Sathia Romero-Salas.

Instead, the rookie Fighting Maroon misplayed the catch, allowing Roma Mae Cruz to score the go-ahead run. Villamin was then rewarded with a run of her own after another defensive error from left fielder Laica Atlas drove in the second run.

Mae Langga, the season’s Best Hitter (BA .480) and Best Slugger (SA 1.040), then delivered her lone hit of the day—a triple down the right-field line past Romero-Salas—to spark the third-inning rally.

The eventual Season 88 MVP and Adamson team captain then extended the lead to three after a sacrifice hit to right field from Villamin.

Three straight hits from Mea Tubongbanua, Jhaycel Roldan, and MJ Libaton produced two more runs, which ultimately stood as the final score as the Adamson defense shut down UP.

“Iba talaga na nag-level up ‘yung kanilang laro. Pero sinabi ko nga sa kanila, at the end of the day, whatever you get this season, be proud of yourselves, kasi kayo ang dahilan kung bakit tayo mag-chachampion,” Santiago, the concurrent Blu Girls head coach, added.

The Fighting Maroons had a chance to get on the scoreboard after back-to-back hits from substitutes Erika Ocampo and Airess Libaton, but Glory Alonzo eventually struck out Cali Adriatico for the second out.

Alonzo, who was named the season’s Best Pitcher, then induced a long fly ball from graduating Reuel Caogdan that Villamin easily caught for the final out, sealing the shutout and the dynastic championship for the Lady Falcons.

Alonzo finished with five strikeouts in the clincher.

“Sabi nila malas raw ‘yung 13, pero pinatunayan namin na hindi, this is our lucky 13th. And nataon pang Season 88, masaya lang ako na bumalik pa ako. No regrets,” said the graduating senior, who ended her UAAP career with back-to-back Best Pitcher awards and two Finals MVP plums.

After two complete-game shutouts in the Finals, Alonzo ended her UAAP career with another Finals MVP plum, replicating what her Season 77 seniors achieved against the same UP squad (winning both games via 6–0 and 10–0 routs).

Langga also collected the awards for Most RBIs (13) and Most Home Runs (3) in her final season for the now 21-time UAAP softball champions.

University of Santo Tomas finished third for the fourth straight season, with freshman standout Anna Rose Macatbag winning Rookie of the Year honors.

De La Salle University’s Cassandra Inot claimed the Most Stolen Bases award with six.

Team    1    2    3    4    5    6    7    R    H    E
AdU    2    0    3    0    0    0    0    5    8    0
UP    0    0    0    0    0    0    0    0    4    3

La Salle fends off FEU to earn twice-to-beat advantage

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball Standings
**DLSU 11-0
NU 8-3
UST 7-4
FEU 6-5
AdU 6-5
UP 5-6
Ateneo 1-10
UE 0-11
**Twice-to-beat

Games on Saturday at the Filoil Centre

9 a.m. - Ateneo vs DLSU (Men’s)
11 a.m. - Ateneo vs DLSU (Women’s)
3 p.m. - UST vs AdU (Men’s)
5 p.m. - UST vs AdU (Women’s)

De La Salle University averted disaster against Far Eastern University, eking out a 25-17, 25-22, 23-25, 19-25, 15-10 victory to stay perfect and secure a twice-to-beat incentive in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Final Four on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Now sporting an 11-0 record, the Lady Spikers still have bigger dreams as an elimination round sweep would give them an outright Finals berth.

“Unang-una, nung fifth set, sinabihan lang sila ni Coach Ramil na balik, kalimutan yung nangyari sa third set at fourth set, balik kung ano yung inumpisahan namin. Sumunod lang sila sa kung ano yung gustong mangyari ni coach, kaya ayun, nakuha yung fifth set,” said La Salle deputy coach Noel Orcullo.

But for the Lady Spikers to remain undefeated, they needed grit and poise as the Lady Tamaraws staged a furious comeback.

La Salle was two points away from sweeping the match at 23-20 when FEU rallied with five unanswered points, fueled by three errors, a block by Tin Ubaldo, and an ace to stay alive.

The Lady Tamaraws carried that momentum into the fourth set, building a lead as high as 23-13 to force a decider.

In the fifth set, the Lady Spikers found a second wind as seniors Angel Canino, Amie Provido, and Shevana Laput led their team to the win after two hours and 27 minutes of play.

With FEU closing in after back-to-back points at 9-11, Provido, Laput, Canino, and sophomore Shane Reterta combined for a 4-1 finishing run to keep La Salle’s record intact.

“Itong match na ‘to, sobrang grateful kami kasi napanalo namin, pero I think, kailangan din talaga tingnan namin kung ano ang nangyari sa game na ‘to. Hindi lang yung result kasi madami kaming mga lapses talaga as a team na pwede namang maiwasan, so, more on balik kami doon sa basic,” said Canino, who finished with 24 points, 14 digs, and 10 receptions.

Laput added 25 points and seven digs, while Provido came up huge with 17 points on 10 attacks, six blocks, and an ace.

Rookie playmaker Eshana Nunag continued to impress with 32 excellent sets as the Lady Spikers dominated in attacks and blocks, 58-50 and 17-11, respectively, while the Lady Tamaraws controlled the service department, 9-3.

La Salle will next face Ateneo de Manila University on Saturday at the Filoil Centre before closing the second round against University of the East on the 15th and defending champion National University on the 19th.

Meanwhile, the Lady Tamaraws absorbed their second straight defeat, dropping to 6-5 and tying with the Adamson Lady Falcons for fourth place.

Lovely Lopez led FEU with 16 points and 24 excellent receptions, while Gerzel Petallo returned after missing three games due to a right shoulder injury and contributed 14 points, 18 receptions, and nine digs.

FEU will look to regain its winning form on Sunday against University of the Philippines at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

China dominates as Asian Track Cycling championships concludes

PHILCYCLING president Bambol Tolentino awards medals to winners from Kazakhstan. (c/o PhilCycling)

China came, competed and conquered with host Tagaytay City and the Philippines emerging as co-big winners in the 45th Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC) Track Cycling Championships and 14th Asian Para Track Cycling Championships that ended Tuesday.

“The Philippines—and specifically the Tagaytay CT Velodrome—now have its own niche in the global track cycling map,” said Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino on Wednesday, the day after the championships concluded with China running away with a dominant 18 gold medal haul and Uzbekistan scooping 17 golds to rule the para cycling competitions with a flourish.

The Tagaytay CT Velodrome will turn only a year old from its inauguration in June last year but made one gigantic pedal to be on the world cycling map following the hosting of the Asian championships which featured close to 600 world-class athletes—many from top tier—from 16 nations.

“We are now in the company of the global destinations for competitions and training in the track community and the next big step is to continue the momentum, not only in hosting international events but to go full throttle on developing our very own track cyclists,” Tolentino said.

Tolentino, also the president of the Philippine Olympic Committee, tempered expectations by declaring the country’s track program is “starting from scratch” but stressed that this year’s continental championships are expected to trigger enthusiasm for the discipline—both athletes, public and sponsors.

“It’s a long 31 years between hostings—1995 at the now gone Amoranto Velodrome and 2026 here at the Tagaytay CT Velodrome—it’s historic,” added Tolentino as he thanked the Philippine Sports Commission, MVP Sports Foundation, Sports Plus PH, Toyota and Peak for supporting the event.

Tolentino underscored the bronze medal clinched by Patrick Gerard Lee in para men elite scratch race and the new national record in the flying 200 meters registered by Zedrick Ivan Honorica point to a bright future for Philippine track cycling.

“Yes, a Filipino rider can in track cycling,” said Tolentino, who rewarded both with cash bonuses before the championships closed on Tuesday.

Up next for the Tagaytay CT Velodrome?

“It’s a list—from completing track equipment to regularly hosting local, national, inter-club and international championships,” he said. “This was a dream that came to reality, and we’ll continue to progress on that reality.”

No less than ACC president Dató Amarjit Singh Gill showered Tagaytay City and Tolentino with accolade for hosting the event that also drew praises from athletes, coaches and team managers for the successful championships—both on the sporting aspect and the city’s hospitality.

China, meanwhile, was way up the medals race after the smoke of competitions cleared with its haul of 18 of the 44 gold medals that were at stake with its juggernaut also clinching 10 silvers and one bronze.

Japan—still trending by showcasing track bikes that cost P7 million apiece—ran second with 7-7-10 gold-silver-bronze, followed by South Korea with 5-9-7, Kazakhstan 4-5-2 and Chinese Taipei with 3-4-5.

Hong Kong China and Uzbekistan got three gold medals each and Malaysia has two, India and Singapore got one silver apiece and Indonesia two bronzes to make the count—the rest didn’t medal.

Uzbekistan complimented its 17 gold medals—out of the 48 events—with 10 silvers and seven bronzes to dominate the para cycling competitions over Malaysia (9-6-2), South Korea (9-1-3), Japan (7-2-3) and United Arab Emirates (3-5-2).

Philippine Sports Institute and Tour of Luzon launch webinar series

Tour of Luzon

THE MPTC Tour of Luzon 2026 strengthens its commitment to athlete development and race excellence through a collaboration with the Philippine Sports Institute (PSI) through a five-leg webinar series designed for participating cyclists and coaches starting on April 6.

“The webinar will focus on the practical strategies to enhance training, race day performance and recovery, which provides the additional layer of support for the participating teams,” said Pearl Managuelod, Institute Director of the Philippine Sports Institute.

As the Philippine Sports Commission’s (PSC) sports science and training arm, PSI delivers programs designed to empower coaches, enhance high-performance development and support the holistic well-being of athletes.

“We are very glad that the PSC, through PSI, extends this kind of partnership with us. We are continuously evolving,” said Arrey Perez, MPTC Tour of Luzon CEO and Chief Organizer. “Year in and year out, we see new partners, upgrading not only the actual race but also the holistic safety and well-being of the athletes.”

Each session runs for up to 75 minutes and the topics include the Physiological Demands of Competing in Heat and Humidity, Hydration and Nutrition Strategies for Maximum Performance, Training Load Management and Recovery for Multi-stage Races, Mental Toughness and Team Communication and Anti-Doping.

The initiative marks the beginning of a broader collaboration between the MPTC Tour of Luzon 2026 and the PSI, which extends beyond the virtual sessions into comprehensive on-ground support in all 14 stages of the race set April 29 to May 13.

Services include sports programs featuring hydration monitoring, individualized fueling plans, and education aligned with anti-doping standards, as well as sports psychology support through daily consultations and athlete care.

In addition, sports physiotherapy services are provided, including injury prevention screening, recovery treatments and coordination with the medical team.

With this collaboration, the MPTC Tour of Luzon 2026 reinforces its vision of delivering a premier cycling competition while fostering a safer, more advanced, and athlete-centered sporting environment in the Philippines.