SIBOL now in last eight of Asiad ML:BB, Identity V

SIBOL swept its group stage campaign to advance to the quarterfinals of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang esports event in the 20th Asian Games on Tuesday at Aichi Sky Expo Hall.

The Philippines defeated Jordan, 2-0, early in the day, and shocked Kazakhstan, 2-0, later in the evening.

“Masaya po, pero ’di pa rin kami magpapakampante kasi ’yung next namin na makakalaban is Indonesia, kaya need talaga namin mas galingan pa,” said Karl “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno.

Sibol, which holds a perfect record (2-0) to top Pool C, will face rival Indonesia in the quarterfinals on Wednesday at 11:50am (Manila time).

Earlier in the day, Sibol bounced back from back-to-back losses to take down Indonesia, 2-1, and advance to the quarterfinals of the Identity V esports event.

After losing Game 1, 3-5, the Philippines made the necessary adjustments and regrouped just in time to pull off a, 5-3, victory in Game 2 and, 7-2 win in Game 3.

Sibol finished third in Pool A and will take on Pool B top seed Malaysia in the quarterfinals.

Paalam through to semifinals in Asiad

c/o POC/PSC Media

Olympic silver medalist Carlo Paalam is through to the semifinals of the men’s 55-kilogram boxing event at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, edging China’s Jiamao Zhang via split decision on Monday afternoon at Nishio City General Gymnasium in Aichi Prefecture, Japan.

Paalam returned to the Asian Games with a clear goal of going beyond his bronze-medal finish at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games. After nearly a year away from competition and skipping the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, the Filipino boxer showed he was ready for the big stage once again.

The 28-year-old Paalam immediately set the tone in the opening round, pressing forward and forcing Zhang toward the ropes. His aggressive start was rewarded as three judges gave him the round.

“Ang ginawa ko lang dito is ‘yung normal ko lang na ginagawa. Makinig sa mga coaches ko. Pag tinamaan ako, ibabalik ko ng mas malinis. Inisip ko na wag magmadali, kinokontrol ko lang yung emosyon ko. So, diskarte sa ibabaw ng ring talaga ‘yung nagpanalo din talaga sa akin,” he said.

Paalam will next face Makhmud Sabyrkhan of Kazakhstan, the 2025 world champion, in the men’s 55kg semifinal at the 2026 Asian Games.

The two boxers have met before, with Paalam defeating Sabyrkhan via a 4-1 split decision in the bantamweight final of the 2022 ASBC Asian Elite Boxing Championships in Amman, Jordan, on November 12, 2022, to claim the gold medal.

“Lahat naman kami rito preparado. Kung sino man nakalaban ko last year, iba na rin siya ngayon kasi nag ensayo na rin. Lahat kami rito taon-taon nag-iimprove. One step at a time lang. Walang lugar para magkamali ngayon oara maabit natin yung ginto para sa bansa.”

Zhang came back strong in the second, using his counters to disrupt Paalam’s rhythm and taking control of the early exchanges. But the Filipino adjusted as the round progressed, becoming more selective with his punches and finding success with cleaner combinations.

Paalam’s adjustments paid off, earning the nod of four judges in the second round.

The bout became more physical in the third. Zhang brought Paalam down to the canvas in one exchange, but the Filipino remained composed and returned to his game plan using his jab, movement and quick one-two combinations to finish the fight strongly.

When the final bell sounded, Paalam had done enough to secure the split-decision victory and punch his ticket to the semifinals.

Association of boxing Alliances in the Philippines President Marcus Manalo praised Paalam’s performance, saying the Filipino boxer set the tone early and did enough to secure his place in the medal round.

“He was able to set the tone and essentially finished the bout after two rounds. The last round he just have to maintain the lead na lang. Very proud of his performance at ngayong naka-apak na siya sa medal round, I’m sure he’s more motivated na ituloy-tuloy pa.”

The win keeps Paalam’s bid for another Asian Games medal alive as he looks to improve on his bronze from Jakarta and continue his return to the international boxing scene.

NU, UST hurdle separate opposition heading into their showdown

c/o UAAP Media

UAAP Season 89 High School Girls' Volleyball Standings
UST 2-0
NUNS 2-0
ADU 1-1
DLSZ 1-1
UPIS 1-0
FEU-D 0-1
UE 0-2
Ateneo 0-2

Games on Tuesday at the Paco Arena
9 a.m. – UPIS vs. Ateneo
11 a.m. – FEU-D vs. ADU
1 p.m. – NUNS vs. UST
3 p.m. – DLSZ vs. UE

Defending champion National University Nazareth School and University of Santo Tomas swept their respective foes to remain undefeated in the UAAP Season 89 High School Volleyball Tournament on Sunday evening at the Blue Eagle Gym.

The Lady Bullpups made quick work of the De La Salle-Zobel Junior Lady Archers, needing just 56 minutes to cruise to a 25-10, 25-14, 25-14 victory, while the Junior Golden Tigresses spoiled the season debut of the Far Eastern University-Diliman Lady Tamaraws with a 25-21, 25-21, 25-20 sweep.

Fifteen-year-old rookie Xyz Rayco continued her strong start to her UAAP career, tallying 13 points on eight attacks and four aces to go with 11 receptions.

Supporting her were Jhaynna Bulandres and Adeleine Agustin with seven points apiece, while Micaella Gould glued things together with 16 excellent sets.

Lady Bullpups head coach Karl Dimaculangan fielded all of his players in the contest.

"Siguro, yung isang, yun nga, inaano sa player na nakikita namin kung ano yung kulang namin, at the same time, sino yung puwede namin pang magamit sa mga susunod na games," he said. "Siguro yun yung malaking bagay siguro sa ‘min. Everyone can step up."

Meanwhile, Adrianna Menchavez led the Junior Tigresses with 13 points and five digs.

Erin Sotto, the younger sister of former UAAP Boys' Basketball MVP Kai Sotto, added nine points on three blocks, while Mary Nicole Palaez and Taj Teves chipped in six points apiece. Teves also had six receptions and five digs.

Chasliey Pepito anchored UST's floor defense with 13 receptions and seven digs.

"Malaking momentum para sa amin kasi last year hindi kami nanalo I think sa FEU. So this time, at least maganda yung start namin," said UST head coach Kungfu Reyes. "Ayun naman yung gusto naming mangyari, na makuha namin yung mga ineensayo namin sa UST."

Ifnanya Udeagbala paced the Lady Tamaraws with 18 points, while Alexa Amana added 11.

The victories set up an early showdown between the two unbeaten squads, with the Lady Bullpups and Junior Tigresses facing off on Tuesday at 1 p.m. at Paco Arena.

"Syempre alam naman natin yung UST is a contender na every season. So, hindi namin pwedeng i-take, lalo na yung preparation namin, na i-take namin for granted," said Dimaculangan of the matchup.

“Well, siguro yung mga na-e-execute namin na mga ginagawa namin para mas maging consistent pa kami—those effective plays, attacks, and blocks. Ngayon naman, yung adjustment namin is for those errors, sa mga lapses na hindi namin na-e-execute nang maayos. Kumbaga, we did not execute well dito sa game na ’to. Yun yung mga titingnan namin sa mga susunod na practice. Kasi ano na eh, mahigpit na araw na eh, one-day preparation for Tuesday’s game, so yung adjustment na ’yon, on the court saka sa scouting na," said Reyes.

In the other game, Kristal Joy Martin delivered a solid all-around performance of 15 points, 11 receptions, and seven digs, while Ella Gonzalvo fired 18 points as the Lady Baby Falcons subdued the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 25-15, 25-17, 25-23, to enter the win column.

"Siguro number one, medyo nag-a-adjust pa kami ngayong game kasi because nga dahil galing sa talo," said Adamson head coach JP Yude, whose Falcons were coming off a 25-14, 29-31, 25-17, 25-17 loss to NUNS on opening day. "Pero we thank the Lord for a good result today. So, siguro kailangan lang trabahuhin everything eh—character, attitude, the skills wise, sa passing namin, sa during pressure moments, scenarios na pwede so yun pa siguro yung kailangan trabahuhin."

Rookie Naihma Banal paced Ateneo with nine points and five digs.

Lao apologizes for Asiad mess for Philippine volleyball

Alas Pilipinas Men c/o POC/PSC

Despite barely warming his seat as president of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), Frank Lao is taking full responsibility and accountability for the lack of financial support for the national athletes competing in the 20th Asian Games.

In a statement on Monday, Lao issued a humble apology to the Alas Pilipinas men’s squad — particularly team captain Bryan Bagunas — following his revelations about the severe lack of federation backing heading into this prestigious continental showcase.

Lao, a distinguished businessman and chairman of Strong Group Athletics, admitted that upon stepping into office last month, he inherited a depleted treasury burdened with roughly P25 million in liabilities and outstanding payables.

Compounding the crisis, financial assistance from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) remains frozen following the suspension and withdrawal of support by the International Volleyball Federation and the Philippine Olympic Committee last June — a fallout that effectively choked off the allowances of athletes preparing for the Asian Games.

With that, Lao has begun digging into his own personal resources to settle federation debts, clear unpaid coaching salaries, and cover foreign travel expenses. In fact, before the Alas Pilipinas Men flew to Nagoya, he personally distributed P20,000 in pocket money to each player and shouldered the round-trip airfare for late addition Owa Retamar.

“As president of the PNVF, I take full accountability for what happened to the allowances of both Alas Pilipinas Men and Women squads as well as the beach volleyball teams,” said Lao, who stayed until the wee hours of Monday trying to figure out how to solve this financial crisis and stabilize the morale of the athletes competing in the Asian Games.

“After taking over the PNVF in the middle of August, we were left with nothing but more than P25 million in debt. We are now starting to pay all the coaches, settle travel trips, and clear other payables that the federation owes them.”

The PNVF had been mired in toxic leadership disputes long before Lao secured the presidency during the August 10 special elections at the Solaire Theater Southlinks Boardroom.

Yet, rather than pointing fingers or making excuses, Lao is turning the page and calling on stakeholders to rally behind the athletes.

“Ako na ang humihingi ng pasensya na nagkulang kami. Pero bigyan nyo kami ng pagkakataon na makabawi sa inyo,” Lao said, displaying a rare corporate humility in the face of an administrative mess created and left by his predecessors.

“Just give me some time po. Sa akin ito bilang presidente ng PNVF. I take this responsibility. Sorry po.”

John Cabang Tolentino earns bronze at Asian Games

c/o POC/PSC Media

 

Olympian John Cabang Tolentino has officially conquered the Asian Games podium, delivering a historic bronze medal for the Philippines in the men's 110-meter hurdles final on Sunday night. 

Competing under the lights at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium, the Filipino track star clocked a season-best time of 13.48 seconds to secure his highly coveted medal. 

He finished closely behind China's Chen Yuanjiang, who captured the gold with a blazing 13.15 seconds, and Japan's Rachid Muratake, who took silver at 13.29 seconds. 

The hard-fought victory marks a monumental milestone for Philippine athletics, ending a decades-long medal drought in the continental hurdles events. 

The milestone marks the country's first Asiad hurdles medal since Elma Muros in 1990, and the first for a Filipino male hurdler since 1954. 

This breakthrough in Nagoya builds on the hurdler's incredible recent momentum. On December 12, 2025, Cabang Tolentino captured gold at the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Bangkok, Thailand, where he set a new SEA Games record of 13.66 seconds. 

His performance shattered the previous record of 13.69 seconds, which had been held by Thailand's Jamras Rittidet since 2015. 

"I'm very happy. It was just a lot of self-pressure, and I just did it," an emotional Cabang Tolentino shared after the race. 

Having narrowly missed the podium with a heartbreaking fourth-place finish at the previous Hangzhou Games, the hurdler emphasized the unyielding mindset that fueled his redemption arc. 

"I came here... to any competition, always to win," he declared. 

Acknowledging the grueling physical and mental journey required to compete against Asia's elite, he reflected on what kept him moving forward. 

"Even in the hard times, I kept pushing... I was always dreaming about this," he added. 

Cabang Tolentino dedicated the historic triumph to his core support system: his coach, his family, his girlfriend, and the entire nation. 

With an Asian Games bronze and a SEA Games record now firmly in his grasp, the athletic standout is already looking toward the ultimate sporting stage. 

"I'm gonna go for LA Olympics," he affirmed.

SIBOL nets Philippines a bronze in Pokumon UNITE

eSports left to right Lance David, Robert Mempin, Ducke Leoncio, coach Albert Camp, PESO President Brian Lim, Kim Rey Salazar, Vaughn Ocio, Lawrence Gatmaitan via POC/PSC Media

SIBOL settled for a bronze medal after a, 0-2, loss to Indonesia in the semifinals of the Pokémon UNITE esports event on Sunday at the Aichi Sky Expo Hall on Sunday.

Backed by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee, the Philippines was poised to take the opening game.

Philippines saw its huge lead got erased as Indonesia seized Kyogre in the final two minutes to mount a comeback, 312-277, in Game 1.

Sibol never regained its footing after the heartbreaking opener.

Riding on the momentum, Indonesia pulled away early, all the way to dominate Game 2, 887-204.

“Actually nung Game 1, sobrang swerte nung kalaban. If you will notice, sobrang low health nung mga kalaban. It’s just that kinapos tayo,” said Sibol Pokémon UNITE head coach Albert Camp.

Despite the semifinal loss, Camp was proud of his team, especially after securing the country’s first-ever esports medal in the Asian Games.

“Still, sobrang happy. I’m still in awe kasi first time and sobrang happy ako sa boys ko kasi nga lifetime na nilang dadalhin ‘to. Na nagdala sila ng medalya para sa bansang Pilipinas,” he said.

Sibol—bannered by Kim Rey Salazar, Michael Vaughn Ocio, Lance David and head coach Albert Camp—couldn’t sustain the momentum of a 2-0 sweep over Hong Kong in the quarterfinals against the Indonesians.

The Filipinos collapsed during the crucial Kyogre fight in both games as the Indonesians ran away with come-from-behind wins.

Alas Pilipinas Men drops opening Asiad assignment

The Alas Pilipinas Men opened its Aichi-Nagoya 20th Asian Games campaign with a 25-16, 27-25, 25-22 loss to South Korea on Sunday at the Park Arena Komaki.

But the defeat, according to team captain Bryan Bagunas, was only part of the challenges facing the team.

“Medyo madami kaming errors talaga, kailangan namin manage errors namin,” Bagunas said.

The Philippines struggled to close out sets, with South Korea pulling away when it mattered most.

“Nandun na e. Siguro yung finishing lang e, dun kami nagkakamali pag patapos na yung set. Need namin manage yung errors,” he said.

Bagunas also pointed to their limited preparation as the team had only been training with Joshua Retamar for two days for the Asian Games.

“Siguro isa yung serving namin… two days pa lang kami training with Owa [Retamar],” Bagunas said.

Bagunas said he has been reminding the younger players to use the Asian Games as an opportunity to gain exposure, particularly with the possibility of playing overseas in the future.

“Sabi namin itong Asian Games malaking tulong para sa amin lalo na para sa mga bata, exposure na rin nila,” he said. “Kung makakapaglaro overseas as import, makikita sila dito.”

“So yun na lang sinasabi ko sa kanila, minomotivate ko na lang sila na laban lang natin ito and sana in the future mas okay yung suporta na dadating sa amin. Tuloy-tuloy lang.” Despite the difficult situation, Bagunas made sure to acknowledge the fans who traveled to Japan to support the team. 

“Talagang nagpapasalamat talaga kami sa lahat ng fans na pumunta pa dito sa Japan para suportahan kami. Talagang di naffeel yung walang suporta from the fans. Nandiyan kayo, manalo o matalo.”