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.

NU sweeps second round to earn Women's Tennis final spot

UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women's Tennis Standings
*NU 6-2
UST 5-2
UP 5-2
ˣDLSU 2-5
ˣAteneo 0-7

*- Finals
ˣ - Eliminated

Ties on Sunday at the Colegio San Agustin-Bulacan Tennis Court
7:30 a.m. - AdU vs. UP (Men's)
7:30 a.m. - DLSU vs. NU (Men's)
7:30 a.m. - UST vs. UE (Men's)
10:30 a.m. - Ateneo vs. DLSU (Women’s)
10:30 a.m. - UP vs. UST (Women’s)
10:30 a.m. - Ateneo vs. SRG (Boys’)
10:30 a.m. - UE vs. UST (Boys’)
10:30 a.m. - NUNS vs. DLSZ (Boys’)

National University booked its ninth UAAP Collegiate Women’s Tennis Finals appearance in 10 seasons after edging defending champion University of Santo Tomas, 3-2, on Saturday at the Colegio San Agustin-Bulacan Tennis Court here.

Riding an unbeaten second-round run, the Lady Bulldogs closed the eliminations with a 6-2 record to secure the top seed.

Meanwhile, the UST Female Tennisters fell to 5-2, tied with the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, who defeated the Ateneo Blue Eagles 4-1 in the other tie for the day in this tournament also supported by Wilson Philippines.

These results set up a high-stakes clash at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday between UP and UST, with the remaining finals berth on the line.

Rovie Baulete and Kolin Cornell delivered the decisive point for NU, overcoming Minette Bentillo and Justine Maneja, 7-6(3), 6-4, in a hard-fought second doubles match to propel the Lady Bulldogs to their fourth straight finals appearance.

“Sobrang saya po kasi ‘yung sa first round namin, nasa rank four yata kami. Dalawa talo namin noon eh, so ginawa namin ay ginapang namin talaga sa training,” said NU’s Baulete.

“Sobrang saya kasi sa second round po, wala kaming talo. Nagkaisa po kami ng team and [thankful] din po sa mga coaches din namin kasi nandiyan sila gumagabay sa amin, ‘di nila kami pinabayaan.”

NU struck first as JM Carcueva dominated Kaye Mustaza, 6-0, 6-2, in the opening singles match. Elsie Abarquez soon doubled the Lady Bulldogs’ lead with a convincing 6-1, 6-2 victory over Mica Emana in third singles.

UST fought back behind last season's co-Finals MVP Kaye Emana, who extended her unbeaten singles run with a 6-0, 4-6, 6-1 win over Adeline Abadia in second singles.

Refusing to go down without a fight, Judy Padilla and Nichole Dela Rita kept the Female Tennisters alive, defeating Juliana Carvajal and AJ Acabo, 6-3, 6-2, in second doubles to send the tie to a winner-take-all decider.

In the UP-Ateneo match, Joshea Malazarte and Sidney Enriquez wasted no time in securing the victory, delivering a dominant 6-0, 6-0 win over Eloh Castolo and Zaina Omar in second doubles.

UP seized the early momentum as Jufe Cocoy overpowered Althea Martirez, 6-1, 6-1, in second singles. Maria Divinagracia kept the run going with a 6-4, 6-1 win over Cacai Padilla in third singles, doubling the Fighting Maroons’ lead.

Ateneo responded through Althea Ong, who defeated Marielle Jarata, 6-2, 6-3, in first singles.

UP later tightened its grip on the tie as Anica Cari and Paula Uy cruised past Chelsea Roque and Angela Buyante, 6-1, 6-0, in first doubles.

Ateneo remains winless after seven ties and will take on fellow also-ran archrival De La Salle University in its season finale.

Casiey Dongallo out for remainder of UAAP Season 88

c/o UAAP

The University of the Philippines announced on Saturday that Casiey Dongallo will be sidelined for the remainder of the UAAP Season 88, as it was confirmed that she incurred ACL and meniscus tears on her left knee.

Dongallo suffered the injury during the first set of the Fighting Maroons' match against Far Eastern University last week, incurring it on a bad landing following her fourth point and necessitating assistance off the court and into the team dugout.

She had been on a recent roll before this interruption, managing a twenty-point performance against defending champions National University. 

It is expected that she will be ready in time for next season, which would turn out to be her final year after her transfer from the University of the East.

Head coach Fabio Menta says that the Cebuana's state of mind remains okay in spite of this development. He shares, "She's in a great mood. I'm surprised she never felt the desperation. She came to the (next) game, she comes to our training, still smiling."

Menta also says, "Now, we want to be optimistic. By late December or January next year, she'll be training again. Hopefully."

With Dongallo now sidelined, UP will regroup behind fellow UE transfer Jelai Gajero, as well as through the leadership of Joan Monares and Irah Jaboneta.

Menta notes that the team needs to move forward, adds, "Casiey's a big loss, but the girls understand they need to do more now to compensate," he said. "The girls are ok. They're working and hopefully, we find the right adjustments. We are preparing hard to do our best."

UP is scheduled to conclude their first round campaign against Adamson on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, as they seek to boost their record back up above .500 in their effort to end a decade-long postseason drought.

UP earns twice-to-beat advantage in men's tennis in triumph against UST

UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men's Tennis Standings
**UP 10-1
*UST 8-3
*NU 8-3
*UE 7-4
DLSU 4-7
ADU 2-9
Ateneo 0-12

*- Final Four
**- Twice-to-beat advantage

Ties on Sunday at the Colegio San Agustin-Bulacan Tennis Court
7:30 a.m. - AdU vs. UP (Men's)
7:30 a.m. - DLSU vs. NU (Men's)
7:30 a.m. - UST vs. UE (Men's)
10:30 a.m. - Ateneo vs. DLSU (Women’s)
10:30 a.m. - UP vs. UST (Women’s)
10:30 a.m. - Ateneo vs. SRG (Boys’)
10:30 a.m. - UE vs. UST (Boys’)
10:30 a.m. - NUNS vs. DLSZ (Boys’)

For the first time in program history, the University of the Philippines secured a twice-to-beat advantage in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men's Tennis Final Four, avenging its first-round loss to University of Santo Tomas with a 4-1 win on Saturday at the Colegio San Agustin-Bulacan Tennis Court here.

The Fighting Maroons stretched their winning streak to six ties, staying atop the standings at 10-1, while the Male Tennisters saw their own six-tie streak snapped, falling to 8-3.

In the other tie, National University bounced back from its previous loss with a 3-2 victory over University of the East, bolstering its push for a twice-to-beat incentive.

The Bulldogs improved to 8-3, tying UST for second place, while the Red Warriors dropped to 7-4, remaining in fourth place.

Locked at 5-5 in the deciding tiebreak, Raymund Goco and Carl Tan surged ahead with a 5-1 closing run to defeat Evan Bacalso and Al-Zayeed Baid, 2-6, 6-2, 10-6, in first doubles, clinching the tie for UP.

“‘Di namin in-expect ‘yung game namin [kasi] very tough din ‘yung kalaban namin against UST, and binigay namin ‘yung best namin, not just sa doubles namin but also sa first games namin sa singles,” said UP’s Goco.

“It’s history for UP… so malaking bagay sa amin as players ngayon na nakuha namin ‘yung twice-to-beat sa semis,” he added. “Sa twice-to-beat namin… locked in pa rin kami. Focus pa rin on every point, and dapat first game pa lang kunin na namin para makapasok sa finals.”

Lance Fernandez gave UP the early edge, dispatching Sebastian Santos, 6-3, 6-1, in third singles. Loucas Fernandez then kept the Fighting Maroons in control with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Christopher Sonsona in second singles.

Ericjay Tangub kept UST within striking distance by bouncing back to beat Miguel Igupas, 5-7, 6-3, 6-1, in first singles.

Andrei Jarata and Heinz Carbonilla closed out the tie with a 7-5, 5-7, 10-7 second doubles triumph over Richard Bautista and Nash Agustines.

Meanwhile, Christian Padilla and Miguel Vicencio stepped up for NU in second doubles, turning back RJ Baje and Kent Morales, 6-0, 3-6, 10-7, to secure the tie for the defending champions.

Andrei Padao set the pace for the Bulldogs with a dominant 6-0, 6-3 victory over Mark Dave Palanas in third singles.

JB Aguilar kept UE within reach after defeating Isaac Lim in second singles, 6-1, 6-2, but Alexis Acabo restored control for NU by dispatching Gerald Gemida, 6-4, 6-0, in first singles.

Despite the tie already being decided, Marc Suson and Allyson Cabanilla showed resilience for UE, recovering from a first-set setback to defeat Jules Lazaro and Angil Balaoing, 3-6, 6-2, 10-7, in first doubles.

Elsewhere, De La Salle University secured its fourth victory of the season with a 4-1 win over Ateneo de Manila University.

The Green Tennisters improved to 4-7 to stay in fifth place, while the Blue Eagles ended their campaign winless.

La Salle’s Miguel Misa and Kevin Garrido ensured the outcome in first doubles, dispatching JC Pabillore and JB Cuarto, 6-4, 6-4, to seal the tie.

EJ Geluz got La Salle off to a strong start with a 6-0, 6-0 victory over Gabby Calilung in third singles, and JT Bernardo then overcame Vito Singson in second singles, 6-0, 6-1, giving the Green Tennisters a 2-0 advantage.

JD Velez provided a bright spot for Ateneo, turning back Yassan Al-Anazi, 6-2, 6-2, in first singles.

Green Tennisters Steven Yap and Fernando Po concluded the tie with a 6-1, 6-2 triumph over Gab Quintana and Lukas Yupangco in second doubles.