Gold rush anchors strong finish for Philippine fencing at the SEAFF

Members of the Philippine fencing Team celebrate following their campaign in the 2026 Southeast Asian Fencing Federation (SEAFF) Cadet and Junior championship at the Arena TSH OCM in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo shared by coach Alex Ragot)

From the juniors to the cadet ranks, young Filipino fencers have stepped up to the ‘piste’ and proved they have the winning pedigree to fight for flag and country against the best in the region.

A combined total of five gold medals with seven silvers and 13 bronzes were pocketed by Team Philippines in the Southeast Asian Fencing Federation (SEAFF) Junior and Cadet championship held at the Arena TSH OCM in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Oscar del Castillo led the charge for the Nationals as he earned a silver medal in the 21-and-under junior men’s epee individual, and later bagged the gold medal in the 17-and-under cadet men’s epee.

The 16-year-old del Castillo lost to Singapore’s Benjamin Lee 15-11 in the finals of junior men’s epee last Monday, but rebounded with a convincing 15-8 win against Do Dang Khoi of Vietnam in cadet men’s last Friday.

Willa Galvez, on the other hand, earned a bronze medal in junior women’s foil individual, while in cadet Hagia del Castillo settled with a silver, with Victoria Ebdane and Yuna Canlas taking bronze medal each in women’s foil individual.

Galvez, whose competition abroad is supported by Nickel Asia Corporation, with backing from Converge, NLEX Corporation, Rain or Shine, MVP Sports Foundation, Strong Group Athletics, Pocari Sweat and Icons Sports Management Services, won against Singapore’s Sita Naidu Maaravis, 15-14, in the quarterfinals but dropped a 15-8 decision to eventual gold medalist and Malaysia national team member Suraya Rizzal.

As for del Castillo, she missed out on the gold medal following a 15-7 defeat to Oo Chin Yu of Malysia in the finals after beating Ebdane in the semifinals 15-3, while Canlas suffered a 15-5 loss to Oo in the other bracket of the Final Four.

Also earning bronze medals in cadet individual categories are Don Geronimo in men’s epee, Jethro Chan in men’s foil and Papina Torre in women’s epee.

In team events, Galvez and Ebdane teamed up with Jodie Tan to secure the junior women’s foil gold, before Ebdane and Tan joined hands with Canlas and del Castillo to take home the cadet women’s foil gold.

Khiane Felipe, a member of the national team, connived with Vito Coching, Drake Chung and Matthew General as they ruled the sabre junior men’s team, while del Castillo starred with Joaquin de Silos, Jacob Mayo and Li Jiashu to win the epee cadet men’s team.

Galvez likewise got a silver in the cadet women’s foil team with Christine May Morales and Victoria Malvar, while the women’s epee team of Papina Torre, Eleina Junia and Faith Olemos also won a silver medal.

Also in teams, Estelliah Gilliana, Hailey Peters, Arianna Tiu and Nadelle Turiano also settled with a silver in junior women’s saber, while Chung won a silver in cadet men’s sabre with Marcus Co Say, Erlon Mallari and Sean Ragos; and Ryona Salvante, Elise Acuzar, Ruth Nierras and Gillana pocketed a silver in cadet women’s sabre.

Also winning bronze medals in team events include Geronimo, Mayo, de Silos and del Castillo in junior men’s team epee; Canlas, Del Castillo and Malvar in junior women’s foil; Junia, Olemos, Torre and Rhiana Cruz in junior women’s epee; Inigo Divinagracia, Lucas Palafox, Elijah Timbol and Chan in junior men’s foil; Cruz, Summer Feliciano and Chiara Guidote in cadet women’s epee; Luis Clemente, Ynigo Estrada and Qody Omengan in cadet men’s sabre; and Chan, Palafox and Yohann Roldan went home with a bronze in cadet men's foil.

In a statement, the Philippine Fencing Association shared their praise towards the delegation.

The Philippine Fencing Team proudly showcased the strength, talent, and determination of Filipino fencers at the SEAFF Minime, Junior and Cadet Championships in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, delivering an impressive performance against some of the region’s finest young athletes.

Representing the Philippines with pride, our Minime, Junior, and Cadet fencers demonstrated exceptional skill, discipline, sportsmanship, and competitive spirit throughout the competition. Their performances reflected not only their individual talent, but also the dedication of their coaches, clubs, parents, and the Philippine Fencing Association in continuously developing the next generation of Filipino fencers.

The participation of the Philippine delegation provided our young athletes with valuable international exposure and the opportunity to compete against strong opponents from across Southeast Asia. Every bout served as an important learning experience, allowing our athletes to gain confidence, strengthen their tactical awareness, and further develop their competitive maturity.

Our fencers fought with determination from the pools through the elimination rounds, showing that Philippine fencing continues to make significant progress across all three age categories. The achievements of the team are a testament to the hard work and commitment of our athletes, coaches, clubs, and families who continue to support their journey in the sport.

Beyond the medals and victories, the SEAFF Championships also highlighted the importance of international competition in preparing our young athletes for bigger challenges ahead. These experiences will be valuable as they progress from Minime to Cadet, Junior, and eventually to the Senior level, strengthening the pipeline of athletes who will represent the Philippines in future regional, Asian, and international competitions.

The Philippine Fencing Association extends its heartfelt congratulations to all Filipino fencers who competed in Kuala Lumpur. Your courage, discipline, and fighting spirit made the Philippines proud.
We also express our sincere appreciation to our coaches, team officials, clubs, parents, and supporters whose unwavering commitment and sacrifices made this participation possible.

Most, if not all, of these fencers will participate at the final leg of the ranking competition as hosted by the fencing NSA this coming August 29-30 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, which is expected to also include overseas-based competition.

NSAC World Invitational semifinals on tap

c/o Asiabasket

Four teams remain in contention for the inaugural NSAC World Invitational crown, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), as University of Santo Tomas battles Jose Rizal University and San Beda University takes on Japan’s Fighting Eagles Nagoya being the last four teams standing at the PhilSports Arena.

In partnership with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), Day 2 will feature two classification games before the semifinalists compete in the afternoon for spots in Sunday’s championship game.

UST booked its place in the semifinals with an 88-65 victory over Tenri University, while JRU advanced after holding off Australia’s Elite Stacks, 71-66.

The matchup pits two schools fresh from recent preseason collegiate action, with the Growling Tigers coming off its NSAC championship and the Heavy Bombers entering the World Invitational after winning the 2026 Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup.

On the other side of the bracket, San Beda earned its semifinal berth with a 78-65 victory over Taiwan’s National Formosa University.

The Red Lions will face Fighting Eagles Nagoya, the only professional team in the tournament, after the Japanese B.ONE club defeated FEU, 97-87, in its opening game.

The matchup brings together two programs with championship pedigree at different levels of the game. San Beda is one of the most successful collegiate basketball programs in the Philippines, with a record 24 NCAA men's basketball championships.

Nagoya, on the other hand, won the B.League Division 2 championship in 2022, and is set to compete in Japan's second division.

The winners between UST-JRU and San Beda-Nagoya will advance to Sunday’s championship game, while the losing teams will meet for third place.

In addition, Day 2 of the NSAC World Invitational will begin with the classification matches, where Elite Stacks AUS faces Tenri University and FEU takes on National Formosa University. The winners will advance to the fifth-place game, while the losing teams will meet for seventh place on Sunday.

Philippine squads assert themselves in NSAC World Invitational opener

c/o Asiabasket

Philippine collegiate teams made a strong start to the inaugural NSAC World Invitational, presented by Philippine Sports Commission, with University of Santo Tomas, San Beda University, and Jose Rizal University securing victories on Friday at the PhilSports Arena.

Japan’s Fighting Eagles Nagoya, the lone professional team in the eight-team field, completed the opening-day slate with a 97-87 victory over Far Eastern University.

The tournament, in partnership with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), brings together teams from the Philippines, Japan, Taiwan, and Australia for three days of international basketball competition.

Mangubat Leads JRU Past Elite Stacks

JRU opened the tournament with a hard-earned 71-66 victory over Australia’s Elite Stacks in a game that remained close throughout.

Lawrence Mangubat led the Heavy Bombers with 22 points, while Sean Salvador contributed 14. Chris Hubilla and Allan Laurenaria added 13 points apiece, with Hubilla also collecting seven rebounds and five assists.

Elite Stacks stayed within striking distance behind Akok Machar, who finished with a game-high 22 points and six rebounds. Kut Deng added 13 points.

JRU held a slim 57-56 advantage entering the fourth quarter before outscoring the Australian side, 14-10, over the final period to secure the five-point win.

San Beda Pulls Away From National Formosa

San Beda followed with a 78-65 victory over Taiwan’s National Formosa University after overcoming an early deficit.

The Red Lions trailed 24-17 after the opening quarter before responding with a 25-15 second period to take a 42-39 advantage into halftime. They extended their lead by holding National Formosa to 10 points in the third quarter.

RC Calimag paced San Beda with 16 points, while Aldous Torculas added 15. Jomel Puno chipped in 11 points off the bench.

Justin Hawkins led National Formosa with 16 points, followed by Chengen Yang with 14 and Jayden Jones with 12.

UST Cruises Past Tenri

UST delivered the most decisive victory of the opening day, defeating Japan’s Tenri University, 88-65.

The Growling Tigers established control early with a 27-13 first quarter and carried a 51-29 advantage into halftime.

Collins Akowe and Amiel Acido led UST with 17 points apiece, with Acido going a perfect 6-of-6 from the field. Koji Buenaflor added 11 points off the bench.

Jerry Williams paced Tenri with a game-high 23 points, while Hayato Yanagisawa finished with 17.

The victory continued UST’s strong run in Asiabasket competition after the Growling Tigers captured the NSAC championship last June.

Nagoya Turns Back FEU

Fighting Eagles Nagoya closed Day 1 by defeating FEU, 97-87, in the highest-scoring game of
the day.

The Tamaraws came out firing and took a 29-22 advantage after the opening quarter, but Nagoya responded with a 33-point second period to move ahead, 55-48, at halftime.

Nagoya, the only professional club competing in the NSAC World Invitational, maintained its advantage through the second half to secure the 10-point victory.

Nelson Phillips led the Fighting Eagles with 21 points, while Tres Tinkle came off the bench to score 20. Ryuto Yasuoka added 12 points.

Janrey Pasaol led FEU with 17 points, while Jorick Bautista finished with 13. Mohamed Konateh contributed 11, with Kirby Mongcopa and Cabs Cabonilas adding 10 apiece.

The results leave JRU, San Beda, UST, and Fighting Eagles Nagoya as the four opening-day winners as the NSAC World Invitational continues at the PhilSports Arena.

The results set up the next stage of the NSAC World Invitational, with UST taking on JRU in the semifinals, while San Beda battles Fighting Eagles Nagoya for the other spot in the championship game.

Meanwhile, the classification round will see Elite Stacks face Tenri University, while FEU takes on National Formosa University.

The NSAC World Invitational continues at the PhilSports Arena, with the tournament culminating on August 16.

Inaugural edition of NSAC World Invitational set for tip this weekend

NSAC

The stage is set for the inaugural NSAC World Invitational presented by the Philippine Sports Commission as eight teams from the Philippines, Japan, Taiwan, and Australia tip off three days of international basketball action on Friday, August 14, at the PhilSports Arena.

Held in partnership with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), the tournament brings four Philippine collegiate programs together with four international teams in a knockout competition running through August 16.

Opening day will feature four Philippines-versus-international matchups beginning at 11:00 a.m., when Filoil champion Jose Rizal University takes on Australia's Elite Stacks AUS.

San Beda University follows at 1:00 p.m. against Taiwan's National Formosa University, before NSAC champion University of Santo Tomas meets 2025 Kansai First Division champion Tenri University of Japan at 3:00 p.m.

Far Eastern University and Japan B.ONE side Fighting Eagles Nagoya wrap up the opening-day slate at 5:00 p.m in this tournament co-presented by ANTA and supported by Wilson, Smart, Gatorade, GrabFood, GrabCar, MOVE IT, Buffalo's Wings N' Things, Sundry, Manam Barbecue, Bánh Mì Kitchen, and other tournament partners.

The four winners will advance to Saturday's semifinals, scheduled for 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., while the losing teams compete in classification games at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

The tournament culminates on Sunday, August 16, beginning with the seventh-place game at 11:00 a.m., followed by the fifth-place game at 1:00 p.m. and third-place game at 3:00 p.m. The inaugural NSAC World Invitational champion will be crowned in the 5:00 p.m. final.

The Philippine field features UST, San Beda, JRU, and FEU, while Fighting Eagles Nagoya and Tenri University represent Japan, National Formosa University represents Taiwan, and Elite Stacks AUS carries the Australian banner.

One Sports and One Sports+ serve as the tournament's broadcast partners. 

Tickets are available through TicketNet Online and TicketNet outlets.

Buyback program available for Decathlon customers

Decathlon holding a buyback week

Selling your old sports gear online can often feel like a sport in itself—and not a fun one. From dealing with endless "HM po?" comments and extreme lowball offers to the constant risk of getting ghosted by buyers on online marketplaces, clearing out an old bike or camping tent is exhausting for many Filipinos.

To provide a seamless, secure, and rewarding alternative, Decathlon is holding Buyback Week from August 9 to 15, 2026. During this week-long event at participating stores nationwide, Decathlon customers can bring their pre-loved Decathlon equipment directly to branches and exchange them instantly for Decathlon vouchers.
 
Participating stores—including flagship like Decathlon Pasig (Tiendesitas), Decathlon Alabang, and Decathlon North EDSA—will have dedicated Circular Economy teams ready to evaluate, making it the easiest way for Filipinos to refresh their gear just in time for their next adventure.

Seamless Experience: Say Goodbye to Marketplace Hassles

Unlike public listing sites where sellers have to take dozens of photos, write descriptions, and coordinate logistically challenging or risky meetups with strangers, Decathlonʼs Buyback takes three easy steps:

1. Get an Estimate: Visit the website to use the online assessment tool and get an initial estimate of your item's value.
2. Bring it In-Store: Head to any participating Decathlon branch during Buyback Week.
3. Claim Your Voucher: Once the physical inspection is validated by an expert teammate, walk away with your Decathlon gift card instantly.

Instant, Guaranteed Value for Your Next Adventure

Instead of waiting weeks for an online buyer to ship payment, customers receive the agreed-upon value of their gear loaded directly onto a Decathlon Gift Card the exact moment the in-store evaluation is complete.

This provides, guaranteed value that acts as immediate store credit. Whether a customer is looking to upgrade their current mountain bike, transition from home workouts to outdoor camping, or simply replenish their family's activewear collections, the vouchers offer a friction-free way to fund their next athletic milestone.

Sports Products given a Second Life

Beyond the personal convenience, Buyback is anchored heavily on an environmental mission: preserving the playground we play in.

Every piece of equipment traded into Decathlon enters the "Second Life". Decathlonʼs Circular Economy team refurbishes the gear to ensure it meets safety and quality standards. It is then placed back at a reduced price for another sports lover to enjoy.

By choosing to trade in rather than throw away, Filipino consumers actively participate in the circular economy. This extends the lifecycle of high-quality products, drastically reduces landfill waste, and minimizes the carbon emissions associated with manufacturing brand-new equipment from scratch.

How to Participate in Decathlonʼs Buyback Week (August 9-15, 2026)

Eligible items for trade-in include Decathlon-branded bicycles, tents, fitness equipment, scooters, and other major sporting gear in fully functional condition. For more information, go to
https://www.decathlon.ph/s/buy-back

Philippines cap SEAFF Juniors action with two golds

Victory for Team Philippines as (from left) Willa Galvez, Victoria Ebdane and Jodie Tan of Team A proudly hold their respective gold medals for winning the women’s team foil junior’s category in the 2026 Southeast Asian Fencing Federation (SEAFF) Cadet and Junior championship on Tuesday, August 11 at the Arena TSH OCM in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo Courtesy of Maria Ellen Campos Palafox)

Team Philippines finally found a way to get on top of the podium after the women’s foil team and the men’s saber squad ruled their respective categories in the 2026 Southeast Asian Fencing Federation (SEAFF) Cadet and Junior championship on Tuesday, August 11 at the Arena TSH OCM in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
 
The triumvirate of Victoria Ebdane, Willa Galvez and Jodie Tan joined forces to capture the women’s foil team as they downed the team from Vietnam, 44-37, in the finals.
 
After dispatching Philippines Team B of Yuna Canlas, Hagia del Castillo and Victoria Malvar in a nail-biting 29-28 triumph in the semifinals, Philippines Team A was in full control all throughout the finals match.
 
Protecting a slim 9-6 lead, the 15-year-old Galvez - a member of the multi-titled fencing team University of the East - outscored 10-1 her opponent Nguyen Thi Anh Thu on the fourth of nine bouts that gave the Philippines a comfortable 19-7 advantage.
 
Galvez, whose international participation is backed by Nickel Asia Corporation, with support from NLEX Corporation, Rain or Shine, the MVP Sports Foundation, Strong Group Athletics, Pocari Sweat and Icons Sports Management Services, accounted for 21 of the team’s total touch points.
 
Ebdane added 13 points while Tan had 10 points.
 
In men’s saber, led by national team member Khiane Felipe, with Vito Coching, Drake Chung and Matthew General, the Philippines defeated Thailand, 45-40, in the finals.
 
With the two gold medals, it added to the national junior team’s collection of two silver and four bronze medals.
 
Estelliah Gilliana, Hailey Sophia Peters, Arianna Tiu and Nadelle Turiano of Team Philippines got a silver medal in the women's saber team event.
 
Oscar del Castillo, who earned a silver medal in men’s individual epee, also had a bronze medal with Joaquin De Silos, Jacob Mayo and Boo Geronimo in men’s team epee.
 
Also earning bronze medals is Team B (Canlas, Del Castillo and Malvar) in women’s foil; Rhiana Cruz, Eleina Junia, Faith Olemos and Papina Torre in women’s epee; and Inigo Divinagracia, Lucas Palafox, Jethro Chan and Elijah Timbol in men’s foil.
 
Galvez also earned a bronze medal in women’s individual foil on Monday by beating Singapore’s Sita Naidu Maaravis, 15-14, in the quarterfinals but lost to eventual gold medalist and Malaysia’s national team member Suraya Rizzal, 15-8.

Action continues with the cadet category, with the epee, foil and sabre individuals set August 12 and 13, while the team events will be played on Aug. 14.

Overseas competition set to spice up inaugural NSAC World Invitational

 

Champions, collegiate contenders, and international talent from across the region are set to converge in Manila as eight teams from the Philippines, Japan, Taiwan, and Australia compete in the inaugural NSAC World Invitational, happening August 14 to 16 at the PhilSports Arena.

Presented in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), the tournament brings together four Philippine collegiate programs — University of Santo Tomas, San Beda University, Jose Rizal University, and Far Eastern University — and four international teams in Fighting Eagles Nagoya, Tenri University, National Formosa University, and Elite Stacks AUS.

The field features recent champions from both the Philippines and Japan, a top-flight Japanese professional club, one of Taiwan's leading collegiate programs, and a select Australian squad featuring players with experience across Australian and U.S. basketball.

Philippine Champions Take on International Challenge

Leading the Philippine contingent are the UST Growling Tigers, who enter the World Invitational
as the reigning NSAC champions.

UST will once again lean on NSAC Finals MVP Mark Llemit, alongside Collins Akowe and Amiel Acido, as the Growling Tigers look to carry their championship form into a considerably different challenge against international opposition.

Joining them are the San Beda Red Lions, the reigning NCAA Season 101 champions and third-place finishers in the recent NSAC.

San Beda captured its record-extending 24th NCAA men's basketball championship last season and brings a talented core featuring RC Calimag, Aldous Torculas, and Dan Marcelo into the World Invitational.

The JRU Heavy Bombers also arrive with championship momentum after capturing the 2026 Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup, defeating San Beda in the title game.

Filoil Finals MVP Lawrence Mangubat and Chris Hubilla headline a JRU side looking to carry its strong preseason form into international competition.

Completing the Philippine field are the FEU Tamaraws, who reached the quarterfinals of the recent NSAC.

FEU will feature Kirby Mongcopa, Janrey Pasaol, and Mohamed Konateh, while the World Invitational could also provide another look at highly touted incoming rookie Cabs Cabonilas.

Cabonilas enters the senior ranks after a historic UAAP juniors campaign in which he became the first player to win the UAAP Boys Basketball Season MVP and Finals MVP awards in the same season, helping FEU-Diliman capture the Season 88 championship.

Japan Sends Professional and Collegiate Champions

Japan will be represented by two teams coming from different levels of the country's basketball system.

Fighting Eagles Nagoya brings professional pedigree to Manila as a member of Japan's top-flight B1 League.

Founded in 1957, the club won the 2021–22 B2 championship before earning promotion to B1, where it has since competed against some of Japan's best professional teams.

Alongside the Fighting Eagles are Tenri University, which arrives as the reigning Kansai Collegiate Basketball Division I champion.

Tenri completed a historic 14–0 undefeated campaign in 2025, securing its first Kansai Division I championship in 12 years. The Japanese collegiate champion built that run around an imposing defense that surrendered just 58.1 points per game.

The World Invitational will offer Philippine basketball fans a rare opportunity to see Japan's professional and collegiate systems represented in the same tournament.

Taiwan's Final Four Contender Joins the Field

National Formosa University represents Taiwan after establishing itself among the country's top collegiate programs.

NFU reached the 2026 University Basketball Association Division I Final Four, eventually finishing fourth in Taiwan's premier collegiate basketball competition.

Its appearance in Manila adds another distinct basketball system to the World Invitational as NFU tests itself against Philippine, Japanese, and Australian opposition.

Elite Stacks AUS Brings Together Australian and U.S. Experience

Rounding out the international contingent is Elite Stacks AUS, a select squad formed through Elite AUS Basketball and Stacks Basketball.

Unlike the university and professional clubs in the field, Elite Stacks AUS brings together players from different programs, with its roster featuring experience across Australian basketball and the U.S. collegiate ranks.

The Australian contingent includes players connected with the Woodville Warriors, South West Slammers, West Adelaide Bearcats, and Perry Lakes Hawks, as well as U.S. collegiate programs Alabama A&M University, Highland Community College, and Western Oklahoma State College.

That combination of backgrounds gives Elite Stacks AUS a different identity from the rest of the field and another style for the Philippine teams to contend with.

Eight Teams, Four Countries

With recent champions and established programs coming from four countries, the inaugural NSAC World Invitational expands the competition beyond the domestic collegiate landscape.

UST will put its NSAC championship pedigree to the test, while San Beda and JRU enter with recent titles of their own. FEU brings a mix of established collegiate talent and emerging players.

Across the court, they will encounter a B1 professional club in Fighting Eagles Nagoya, an undefeated Japanese collegiate champion in Tenri, a Taiwanese Final Four program in National Formosa University, and the diverse roster of Elite Stacks AUS.

The NSAC World Invitational 2026 takes place from August 14 to 16 at the PhilSports Arena. Tickets are available through TicketNet.com.ph and all TicketNet outlets. One ticket provides access to all games scheduled for the day.