Yokohama enters local football foray with Yokohama Football Cup

Yokohama Football Cup

A couple of weeks ago, Yokohama Tire Sales Philippines (YTSP) kick off its initial foray into grassroots football with the Yokohama Football Cup, a two-day tournament involving over a hundred clubs.

Shawn Pamintuan, marketing head for YTSP, shared his fascination for the event, given the turnout of individuals and participants in the event. Yokohama was a minor sponsor in the PBA, and is looking at other means of building the brand to a larger audience. Since it is the current shirt sponsor for the newly-mind Premier League champions Chelsea, football became a plausible means for the company to dive into. In coordination with Cathy Nazareno of CAN Sports, the Yokohama Football Cup was established.

According to YTSP president Satoshi Hariyama, "Sports have always been close to the heart of Yokohama. The effort and discipline that athletes put in to improve their skills can be likened to exacting dedication of Yokohama in consistently producing quality tires. We hope to highlight this similarity in supporting football in the Philippines."

Here are the results of the different divisions in the Yokohama Cup, which took place at the McKinley-Hill Football Stadium:

6-under

Champions: Hedcen (12 pts in league format)
1st runner-up: Team Socceroo
2nd runner-up: TYFA

8-under

Champions: Hedcen (beat San Lo FC, 3-1 in the final)
2nd runner-up TYFA
3rd runner-up Raya FC

10-under

Champions: UP Campus (beat Carribean FC, 2-0 in the final)
2nd runner-up: UTD Friends
3rd runner-up: Singapore School Manila

12-under

Champions: Brincat FC of Bataan (beat Singapore School of Manila, 2-1 in the final)
2nd runner-up: FC Bilibid
3rd runner-up: Sto. Cristo

14-under

Champions: FC Bilibid of Muntinlupa (beat Gilas Dinalupihan, 2-0 in the final)
2nd runner-up: Dragonball Kickers
3rd runner-up: Young Pinoy

14-under (Girls)

Champions: Sims (6 points in league format)
1st runner-up: Carribean
2nd runner-up: TYFA

16-under

Champions: Young Pinoy (beat Alab FC, 2-1 in the final)
2nd runner-up: Gilas Dinalupihan
3rd runner-up: FC Bilibid

16-under (Girls)

Champions: Nomads (12 points in league format)
1st runner-up: TYFA
2nd runner-up: SIMS

Open

Champions: Dipolog FC (beat TYFA, 2-1 in the final)
2nd runner-up: Hangover
3rd runner-up: SIMS

Open (Girls)

Champions: Outkast FC (beat Tuloy sa Don Bosco, 4-1 in the final)
2nd runner-up: TYFA B
3rd runner-up: Guiseppe A

Kaya FC vs Ilocos United FC PFL match

Kaya FC heads up north to go up against an Ilocos United squad seeking their first win of the season.

The club is fresh from a 3-1 loss to Global Cebu FC, although they would have had an additional match this past weekend against JPV Marikina FC, if not for a postponement.

Head coach Noel Marcaida promises that the team will give the fans "an exciting game" and can "expect a great atmosphere" when both teams face off. This is their first true road game of the season for the squad, going outside of Metro Manila for the first time this season. Marcaida adds that the team benefited from the postponement, since it bought them more time to recuperate. It also allowed the team to be in full strength for this matchup.

Club skipper Aly Borromeo is not taking the newcomers lightly, noting that they are
not looking at them as a pushover team." He adds, "It will be a good battle. It's going to be a good game."

Ilocos has had a two-week layoff since a 2-1 loss to FC Meralco Manila last May 13. According to their head coach, Ian Gillan, "There is no pressure upon us. We're like the underdog every week, whereas Kaya will be looking to be among the top three. If they don't become among the top three teams, their season will be a failure."

Here is the streaming link for the upcoming match, care of the Philippine Football Federation.

Oakley Hosts 5th Golf Cup

Oakley Cup at Sherwood Hills

The Sherwood Hills Golf Club on Monday, May 29, hosted a charity golf event, the Oakley Golf Cup, with over 100 participants being involved in an 18-hole system 36 format.

The Oakley Golf Cup aims to benefit the Junior Golfers League (TJGL), with the vision of a thriving and competitive future for Philippine golf through the development of potential young golfers like the ones under TJGL, which is the grassroots development league of the Junior Golf Foundation of the Philippines.

Oakley has been supporting the tournament for the previous four years and in line with their fifth edition of hosting this event as part of its #OneObsession and #CantStop campaign, they revealed their latest innovations to those present, the PRIZM Lens Technology. For golfers, PRIZM lenses improves contrast for better separation of color and provides additional depth cues to better gauge distance and grass conditions to predict ball speed. The lens has also its respective benefits on the road, as well as in the water.

Although the weather cut short the tournament, here are the official list of winners:

Men’s Division Class A,

Champion: Jeff Bernaldez 74-06 = 68
1st Runner-up: Jorge Gallent 74-05=69
2nd Runner-up: Joey Anclano  79-9=70

Men’s Division Class B

Champion: Vandolf Quizon 92-20=72
1st Runner-up: Rico Tolentino 92-20=70
2nd Runner-up: Jonjon Dela Rosa 94-22=72

Men’s Division Class C

Champion: Kim Cabatit 103-31=72
1st Runner-up:Lorenzo Dela Paz 103-27=76
2nd Runner-up: Benedicto Adorable 104-28=76

Ladies Division

Champion: Vangie Omlang 84-13=71
1st Runner-up: Sheila Ward 83-11=72
2nd Runner-up: Marissa Vergara 87-14=73

Special Awards:

Longest Drive Jorge Gallent
Most Accurate Drive Alan Canapi
Longest Putt Hole for Nick Ratuiste
Nearest to the pin hole award for Alex Montemayor.

Junior Division

8 & Under Boys Division

Champion: Patrick Tambalque 91=92=183
1st Runner-up: Liam Valencia 99=87=186
2nd Runner-up: Armand Copok 92+98=190
3rd Runner-up: Joshua De Guzman 99+111=210

8 & Under Girls Division
Champion: Celine Abalos 98+92=190
1st Runner-up: Mikaela Delapaz 94+100=194

9-12 Boys Division

Champion: Sean Granada 70+77=147
1st Runner-up: Jaime Alagastro 83+83=166
2nd Runner-up: Joaquin Arenas 83+85=168
3rd Runner-up: Sebastian Arenas 85+91=176

9-12 Girls Division

Champion: Annika Chua 87+88=175
1st Runner-up: Theresa Delapaz 91+90=181
2nd Runner-up: Stephanie Encarnacion 10+7+112=219

13-18 Boys Division

Champion: Josh Jorge 76+73=149
1st Runner-up: Harry Back 84+73=157
2nd Runner-up: Joaquin Gomez 83+80=163
3rd Runner-up: Rald Sarmiento 84+79=163

13-18 Girls  Division

Champion: Trish Lazatin 97+99=196
1st Runner-up: Sophia Encarnacion 123+113=236
2nd Runner-up: Gwyneth Torres 145+113=258

Azkals lineup for China and Tajikistan announced

The Philippine Football Federation on Tuesday formally announced that it has called up 23 men for national team duty and participate its upcoming football matches.

Under the leadership of Thomas Dooley, the team will be facing China in a friendly at Tianhe Stadium at Guangzhou on June 7, then head to Dushanbe to face Tajikistan in an Asian Cup Qualifier at the Pamir Stadium (officially known as the Central Republican Stadium) on June 13 at 11pm Manila time. Pamir Stadium is the same venue where the Philippine senior women's national team secured their AFC Women's Asian Cup Finals berth recently.

The 23-man roster is as follows:

Amani Aguinaldo (Global Cebu FC)
Fitch Arboleda (Stallion Laguna FC)
Misagh Bahadoran (Global Cebu FC)
Jeffrey Christiaens (Ceres-Negros FC)
Kenshiro Daniels (Kaya FC-Makati)
Dominic Liam del Rosario (Ilocos United FC)
Patrick Deyto (Global Cebu FC)
Kevin Ingreso (Ceres-Negros FC)
Hikaru Minegeshi (Global Cebu FC)
Junior Munoz (Ceres-Negros FC)
Nick O'Donnell (Global Cebu FC)
Manny Ott (Ceres-Negros FC)
Mike Ott (Angthong United)
Javier Patino (Henan Jianye FC)
Iain Ramsay (Ceres-Negros FC)
Daisuke Sato (CSM Politechnica Iasi)
Camelo Tacusalme (JPV Marikina FC)
Woody Ugarte (Kaya FC-Makati)
Dennis Villanueva (Global Cebu FC)
Nathanael Ace Villanueva (FC Meralco Manila)
Luke Woodland (Ceres-Negros FC)
James Younghusband (FC Meralco Manila)
Phil Younghusband (FC Meralco Manila)

Streaming coverage for these matches TBD.

Kaya FC—Makati Heads To Familiar Ground for First Away Test in PFL

From L-R: interim Global Cebu head coach Marjo Allado, Matthew Hartmann, Woody Ugarte, and Kaya FC head coach Noel Marcaida

Kaya FC—Makati is set to take on their first away assignment in the Philippines Football League (PFL) tonight, as they face off against rivals Global Cebu FC at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Although the road team,  The venue will be a familiar setting for Kaya. Head Coach Noel Marcaida says,"Technically it’s an away game, but the players are used to this kind of pitch. This has been the venue for the previous tournament."

Marcaida adds, “Global has been performing very well in the AFC Cup. Global is the team to beat in this league (PFL). They’re a team that always starts fast. They’re very good in their quick transition plays,” he added. Woody Ugarte adds, "I think they’re a pretty strong and athletic team, so I think we just need to match their intensity. I think that’s going to be the biggest issue."

Kaya is fresh from a 2-0 home victory over Davao Aguilas FC this past weekend at the University of Makati, with Jordan Mintah and Adam Reed responsible for scoring. The win puts them in second place at the Philippines Football League standings with four points, after opening the season with a 1-1 draw against Ceres-Negros FC. Marcaida says, "Everything went well. The morale of the team is really high. This is our first away game, and we’re looking forward to our first three points away from home."

The win came with a cost, with Reed being sent off in the second half, and will be sitting out tonight's matchup. Ugarte, however, remained confident that the team can handle his absence. He says, "He’s a quality player (Adam Reed), so he would’ve been nice to have at the game. He’s been pretty solid for us recently. But I think especially this offseason, we did a really good job reinforcing our midfield, so I think the replacements will do just as good of a job."

Global Cebu, on the other hand, were held to a draw by Stallion Laguna FC, with Matthew Nierras denying the PFL contenders the full points with a late equalizer. Although level on points with Kaya FC-Makati, they have an inferior goal difference.

When asked about their opposition, interim head coach Marjo Allado says, “Well first, Kaya is a big team. They have good strikers. We need to prepare to defend against them." Matthew Hartmann adds, "We’re aware they’ve got off to a good start this season. They got a tie with Ceres. They always give us a strong game, so we know what to expect."

Gates at Rizal Memorial Stadium open at 5:00pm, with kickoff scheduled at 7:00pm. Tickets are available at the venue.

Kaya FC-Makati Treats Home Crowd to First PFL Win

Jordan Mintah

Kaya FC Makati claimed their first win in the Philippines Football League after a heated 2-0 win over Davao Aguilas FC, Saturday evening, at the University of Makati Stadium.

It was a closely contested match, but goals from Jordan Mintah and Adam Reed handed Kaya their first three points of the PFL season, after drawing, 1-1, against Ceres-Negros FC two weeks prior. Both teams finished the match with ten men after Davao's Jason Cordova and Kaya's Adam Reed were given straight red cards on either side of half-time.

"Coming to this game, all we needed was the three points," said Kaya FC Makati coach Noel Marcaida. "We were successful in that."

Both sides fired warning shots in the opening stages. Robert Mendy was close in the eighth minute, with his header going just wide. Davao's Omar Khan also had a chance that went wide off the post in the 14th minute.

By the 16th minute, Kaya finally scored the opener. New signing Jordan Mintah broke the deadlock, cooly finishing with a low shot past the goalkeeper. Midfielder Miguel Tanton created the opportunity after winning possession at the center of the pitch, and floating a perfectly weighted ball into the path of the Ghanian forward.

It could have been 2-0 in the 37th minute. Kenshiro Daniels' free kick almost caught Marko Trkulja off guard, but the Davao goalkeeper did well to keep the ball out.

Reed doubled Kaya's lead three minutes before half-time from the penalty spot. Davao skipper Cordova was sent off for a foul inside the box, and Reed buried the resulting penalty kick.

Kaya was poised to extend their lead in the second half. However, they lost their man advantage just seven minutes after the break, as Reed was given a straight red card for his challenge on a Davao player.

Despite the setback, Kaya continued to push for a third goal. Mendy and Mintah came close, and so did substitutes Eric Giganto and Jovin Bedic. But the finishing touch to extend the lead remained elusive. Masanari Omura and Alfred Osei did well on the defensive end to ensure Kaya FC-Makati claimed their first clean sheet to match an impressive win in front of the club’s home support in the University of Makati.

Kaya is back in action again on Wednesday, May 24, as they take on Global Cebu at 7:00pm.

Davao Aguilas FC vs Kaya FC set to tangle today

Davao Aguilas FC during their Philippines Football League matchup against JPV Marikina FC.

Davao Aguilas are set to make another attempt at securing their inaugural win in the Philippines Football League tonight, facing off against Kaya FC-Makati at the University of Makati Stadium.

Team CEO Chito Manuel is asking for the Davao natives and fans of the team to come and support the team. He says, "It would be a big boost for the team if they had their fans screaming for them. I am sure the fans would love to see how this team fights to the finish."

Philippine U-22 international Dylan de Bruycker has been making an early impression among football fans, scoring all three of the team's goals in this early part of the season.

Kickoff for tonight's matchup is scheduled at 7pm. Tickets are available at the gate.


For more information, please visit www.facebook.com/DAFCofficial.

Red Bull Reign Cebu leg recap

Team Chan and San Remegio Properties topping Red Bull Reign Cebu

Two teams emerged out of the recently concluded Cebu leg of the Red Bull Reign Cebu Qualifiers.

The signature 3x3 tournament of Red Bull, Red Bull Reign pits hopefuls against each other in a high-endurance, offensive-driven battle. Fifteen countries have their respective qualifiers, with the outstanding ones getting the chance to compete in the World Finals that is set to take place in Washington D.C.

The Filipino qualifiers began at the Queen City of the South last week. Here is their story:



Team Chan and San Remegio Properties emerged as the survivors, booking their seats at the National Finals set to take place in Manila. The former won the qualifier with a 34-point total.

Team Chan skipper Jason Chan dedicated the team's performance and victory to his older brother Joel, who suffered a severe injury last week. As for San Remegio Properties skipper Jan Michael Auditor, he credits the team's success to practice, hard work, and the team's ability to overcome their competition's abilities.

Both teams, however, sent a warning shot to their upcoming opposition. "Manila competitors, be prepared: we're coming for you!"

The Manila Qualifiers for Red Bull Reign are broken into two sets. The first one is currently ongoing, with a second set of matches on May 26. Both take place at the Buendia Food by the Court. There is also a Last Chance Qualifier slated on May 27 at a venue to be determined. The Finals are scheduled that same day.

For more information, please visit: redbull.com/reign.

Kaya FC-Makati Aims to Notch First PFL Win In Front of Home Fans

Noel Marcaida and Kenshiro Daniels for Kaya FC

Later tonight, 7pm, Kaya Futbol Club-Makati will be back in action in the Philippines Football League (PFL) in front of their home fans in the University of Makati. After a 1-1 draw in their opening game of the campaign, the team is eager to treat its fans to its first victory in the country’s national league. In their way is a young but tough Davao Aguilas side that is also searching for their first win of the season.

“Going into this game we’re really looking forward to our first three points on our home turf,” said Kaya head coach Noel Marcaida, who described Saturday’s opponents as “a mixture of young talented players and experienced players.”

Kaya FC-Makati has enjoyed a two-week break since its opening day outing, where new signing Marwin Angeles leveled the score against Ceres-Negros FC. The extended rest has ensured the team is healthy and raring to go ahead of their second home match in the PFL.

“Because we were given ample time to prepare for this match, everyone can play 100%,” said Marcaida on his team’s fitness. “I think our advantage going into this game is we have players that can play different positions, and we’re playing on our home turf. The fans are our 12th man on the pitch.”

Meanwhile, Davao opened their season with a 1-1 draw at Ilocos United, then lost at home, 3-2, to JPV-Marikina.

“They gave JPV-Marikina a good game, they pushed them all the way to the end. The draw against Ilocos wasn’t a bad result either, so we’re expecting a tough game,” said Kaya player Kenshiro Daniels. “We’ve trained hard these past couple of weeks just to get prepared for this game and hopefully we come out with the win.”

Aguilas assistant coach Lalas Carreon is prepared for a tough test in their first match in Metro Manila, particularly with the boisterous Makati crowd expected to create a challenging atmosphere. But he believes his young side have what it takes to shock the club that boasts of a history that dates back to 1996.

“They’re a strong team. They have two foreign players up front (Jordan Mintah and Robert Lopez Mendy) that are very deadly, so we are preparing our back line for that. The advantage is with them because they’re playing on their pitch. Our team is just three months old but we are ready to compete,” said Carreon.

Philippines vs Thailand AFF U15 Girls Final

The Philippines and Thailand winning streaks are on the line tonight at the KM 16 Stadium in Vientiane, as the AFF U15 Girls' Championship is set to be decided.

Each team had a contrasting route towards this matchup, the Thais easily dispatched their semifinal opponent Cambodia, 6-0. The regional powerhouse has not yet allowed a goal in this tournament.

Meanwhile, the Philippines relied on a Myria Garcia 76th minute goal to eke out a 3-2 come-from-behind victory over Myanmar. Those two goals are the first ones the ladies under Marielle Benitez have allowed this tournament.

Both sides are undefeated coming into tonight. Streaming link from the Lao Football Federation below:



The team is composed of:

Goalkeepers

Jessica Marie Pido
Darryle Emanuelle Tangco
Rizamae Ugbaniel

Defenders

Lorjane Aludos
Gabriella Elizabeth Collatos
Shelten Nicole Cruces
Keanne Geremi Dedel
Alexandra Patrice Lagman
Maria Mikaela Dominique Mantecon
Alessandra Ysabel Villalon

Midfielders

Katelyn Elise Alexander
Viviana Artina Cera
Anya Dominique Fuentes
Myria Skye Garcia
Traci Paige Lim
Trizza Mae Musni
Althea Rebosura
Ma. Bianca Martina Torres
Kassandra Marie Zalamea

Forwards

Maria Gloria Lazo
Arianna Christine LePage
Mikaela Jacqueline Villacin
Chloe Jane Williams

Pia Cayetano on current state of volleyball

Taguig Representative Pia Cayetano went on Facebook recently to address certain matters, which included the state of volleyball. Posted here is the excerpt from that video message that concerns the sport.

I feel sad that a lot of our very good players, most of them come from the collegiate associations, seem to be having a hard time making themselves available or to be picked by the NSA. This is my two cents' worth: I know it is never easy pulling out and selecting the best players. But it has to be done  It's a leadership issue that the NSA must be accountable for. We have two commercial leagues, and my understanding is that a lot of players from one league are in (the middle of their playing) season right now and they are not able to try out. Whatever the reason is, I'm not privy to the details, but this is a leadership issue. The NSA must find a way so that the country will be represented by the best players that we have. And if you must work with every commercial league, every coach and manager of every player, then so be it, to be able to form the best teams. Let's make this easy for our players.



When I played for the national team, I saw the difficulty, the hardships that my team mates and I had to go through because we had to balance being a student, and then being a player. And then for those who have graduated, some of them were even studying in the provinces, they had to go on leave. Mahirap maging national player. And that has not changed. Hindi ko kayang sabihin na mas magagaling yung mga players noong 80s, noong 90s, 'di ko po masasabi yun because I am a parent of student-athletes and I've seen how hard student-athletes work, whether my kids and the kids who I'm very close to are football players, but whether you are a football player, a track and field player, swimmer or volleyball player, mahirap i-balance.

That's why I call on the NSA to do your part in guiding these young girls, young boys, to be able to harness the best of them and make it accessible for them to try out. Hindi lang yung basta sasabihin nyo na matitigas yung ulo, or spoiled at hindi basta pumupunta kasi honestly, hindi po ako basta-basta nakakakita ng spoiled na player. Kasi most of them really work hard. So I call on the NSA to step up and show leadership and work with the different commercial leagues, players, commercial teams, coaches and managers to find the best.

Wag yung basta nagbibitiw ng salita at sasabihin na di nag-attend, wala. Eh may liga, may players na mayroon ding ibang commitment. Work with them so that hindi sila absent at hindi rin sila AWOL sa ibang commitment nila.I could go on but I'm always frustrated when we are not here to support our players. They deserve our support. And our country, the fans, and the supporters deserve to see the best players, their favorite players, competing (for the country)."

Team Lakay holds Media Day

Team Lakay Media Day

ONE Championship recently held a media session involving Filipino MMA outfit Team Lakay, with ONE Lightweight World Champion Eduard “Landslide” Folayang, former ONE Featherweight World Champion Honorio “The Rock” Banario, Geje “Gravity” Eustaquio, Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon, Edward “The Ferocious” Kelly, Joshua Pacio, Danny “The King” Kingad, Gina “Conviction” Iniong and April Osenio in attendance. The team was accompanied by legendary Philippine MMA coach and head of Team Lakay, coach Mark Sangiao.

According to Folayang, "I am still overwhelmed by the support that the whole Team Lakay is getting from the entire nation. We are all grateful for every cheer, support and prayer. It keeps us inspired, motivated, and humble. Our goal every fight night is always the same, which is to bring honor to our country."

Sangiao adds, "We are happy to celebrate this feat with our friends in the media and our beloved followers from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. We came from the mountains of Baguio City, but we represent the colors of the Philippines in the global stage. Last April, we accomplished a 5-0 sweep, including Eduard's successful title defense. We came and overcame the challenges. However, the journey doesn't end there. As martial artists, we are here to grow and learn."

Just one Team Lakay fighter has an upcoming match scheduled, with Eustaquio set to face Anatpong Bunradthis coming May 26 at the ONE: Dynasty of Heroes MMA event at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

Superliga selection set for AWCC

With Foton making the decision to decline participation in the upcoming AVC Asian Women's Club Championship, the Philippine Superliga has opted to send a selection, with an eye towards the upcoming national team international competitions.

Called Rebisco-PSL Manila, Superliga President and Asian Volleyball Confederation Marketing and Development Committee Chairman Ramon Suzara believes that the team is capable of pulling a surprise in the prestigious tournament, which features eight of the best club teams in the continent. He says, "This team is expected to play at a high level." Suzara adds, "This is the first time for us to compete in the AVC Asian club with an all-Filipino lineup because we want to give these players, who are all national pool members, a chance to gain experience against eight of the best club teams in Asia."

The AWCC will take place in Oskemen, Kazakhstan from May 23-30.

Leading the way for Rebisco-PSL Manila are Rachel Anne Daquis, Mika Reyes, Kim Fajardo, Jaja Santiago, Frances Molina, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, Maika Ortiz, Denden Lazaro, and Rhea Dimaculangan. Complementing the group are Gen Casugod and Lourdes Clemente. They will be displaying their talents in the upcoming Clash of Heroes set to take place tomorrow at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

The team will be playing All-Filipino, as participation in this tournament is in line with preparations for the upcoming AVC Asian Senior Women's Championships and the SEA Games.

Current LVPI national team head coach Francis Vicente likes the current composition of the Rebisco-PSL, noting that it is composed of tall players that are capable of being trained to play new positions.

Vicente says, "Asian volleyball is all about speed. But if we will have that speed together with ceiling, I think we will go far. But this is a long process. This is just the start of a very long journey."

Rebisco-PSL is in Group A alongside defending champions and FIVB Women's Club Championships participant Hisamitsu Springs (Japan), Tianjin Bohai Bank (China), and Vietinbak (Vietnam). With their matches taking on May 25-27.

On Group B are ASEAN powerhouse Supreme Chonburi (Thailand), Taiwan Power (Chinese-Taipei), Sarmayeh Bank (Iran), and Altay Volleyball Club (Kazakhstan).

Davao Aguilas FC set for their home debut

Davao Aguilas FC

The only Mindanao side in the Philippines Football League, Davao Aguilas FC is all set to finally host their first home game of the season tomorrow, May 14.

Fresh from their 1-1 draw against fellow newcomer Ilocos United FC, they will be facing JPV Marikina FC at the Davao del Norte Sports Complex in Tagum City.

The squad is already creating a following in the region, with fans already seen waiting for them when they arrived in Davao last Friday.

Head Coach Gary Philips says, "We are excited to be here in Davao and we are looking forward to our first home game and we hope our fans will turn up in numbers and support the team. We are all excited, we can't wait to see you on Sunday."

Assisting him in the team is fellow Aussie James Fraser, who played for Australia in the 1974 World Cup.

The squad is composed of a combination of locals (Nico Macapal, Kim Versales), former senior national team mainstays (Jason Cordova, Nate Burkey), U22 standouts (Van Rey Diaz, Richard Talaroc, Justin Cheng, Dylan De Bruycker), and foreigners (Marko Trkulja, Nikola Grubjesic).

Tickets for the game are available at the stadium, with the Facebook page of the team (www.facebook.com/DAFCofficial) offering fans a chance at free tickets.

What to Expect from FightCon

Who are slated to have demos on FightCon?

The Mano Mano portion of FightCon is broken down into these fights, which could still change.

FightCon set this Saturday

The second edition of the country's first-ever fight and conditioning convention is set this Saturday, as "FightCon" returns with bigger fights, new attractions, and a brand expo at the MetroTent Convention Center in the City of Pasig.

FightCon unifies combat sports, fitness, and music into one festive occasion at one location, with this year's edition highlighted by MMA and Muay Thai competitions, a conditioning challenge, combat sports demos and exhibitions. According to its founder and producer Paul Gaw, it is designed to promote mixed martial arts, encourage athleticism, and gather fighting and fitness communities into one venue. Gaw adds that FightCon acts as a hub for activities catering to fighters, fans, and brands alike.

Helping promote FightCon is the current ONE Championship heavyweight champion Brandon Vera, as well as the official TV media partner for the event, ABS-CBN Sports' S+A. The latter is home to the free tv broadcast of ONE Championship matches in the country, and has been instrumental in raising interest and awareness in the sport.

Two more fights announced for ONE: Dynasty of Heroes

ONE Championship completes the stacked fight card for its upcoming MMA event, ONE: Dynasty of Heroes, with a couple more matchups.

The first matchup announced is actually a rematch, as Geje "Gravity" Eustaquio faces off against Anatpong "Mak" Bunrad in the flyweight division, while the other match has Jeremy Meciaz making his ONE Championship debut against Chen "Rock Man" Lei.

Eustaquio gets the chance to avenge his loss to Bunrad via a razor-thin split decision a couple of years ago at ONE: Valor of Champions, The Team Lakay standout is considered as one of the most efficient Filipino wushu practitioners, able to use striking and grappling skill set to his advantage in his ONE Championship matches. He will have his hands full dealing with his Thai opposition, who is considered as one of ONE Championship's most talented offensive fighters.

Meciaz is the Indonesian National Grappling Champion, and is set to make his professional MMA debut. The 25-year-old will be facing Changsha native and Shanghai Open BJJ champion Chen, who has not yet lost in his four matches. The two will fight at a 69kg catchweight and is set to be on the preliminary portion of the event.

These two matches will complement spectacular main event, which features four unblemished fighters. ONE Women's Atomweight World Champion "Unstoppable" Angela Lee defends her title against Istela Nunes, while ONE Welterweight World Champion Ben "Funky" Askren defends his title against Agilan "Alligator" Thani.

ONE: Dynasty of Heroes is set to take place on May 26 at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Ticket details and other updates can be found on www.onefc.com.

UAAP statement re: individual volleyball awards

UAAP Season 79 Volleyball Commissioner Otie Camangian released this statement.

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) volleyball tournament officials select the best player awardees by using the overall statistical points (OSP) gained by the players during the entire period of the preliminary round (1st and 2nd round). Every end of each match, the Volleyball Information System (VIS) group reports the performance of each player thru the individual performance by skill form or P-5. This document is being sent right away through email right after the match by division to all parties concern including teams for performance evaluation and other purposes.

The awards such as best attacker, best blocker, best server, (scoring skills), best setter, best digger, best receiver (non-scoring skills) and best scorer are being selected by getting the actual overall statistical points earned by each player per category including the rookie of the year award (ROY) and the most valuable player award. Likewise, the MVP and ROY awards are being given to the player with the highest overall statistical points that include all skills (scoring and non-scoring) plus the matches won divided by the total sets played.

This formula has been in place for quite a number of seasons including the current season 79 of the UAAP. For purposes of better transparency and further reference by all concern parties attached herewith is the actual formula.

Computation of Overall Statistical Points (OSP)

1. Get the Players' Ranking per Skill using FIVB Standards:

• a. Best Scorers: Ranked according to the total points made (Formula: Attack Pts + Block Pts + Serve Pts = Total Score)
• b. Best Spikers: Ranked according to Success Percentage (Formula: Attack Pts / Total Attempts = Success Percentage)
• c. Best Blockers: Ranked according to the Average Block Pts per Set (Formula: Block Pts / Total Sets Played = Ave. Block per Set)
• d. Best Servers: Ranked according to the Average Serve Pts per Set (Formula: Serve Pts / Total Sets Played = Ave. Serve per Set)
• e. Best Diggers: Ranked according to the Average Excellent Digs per Set (Formula: Excellent Digs / Total Sets Played = Ave. Digs per Set)
• f. Best Setters: Ranked according to the Average Running/Excellent Sets per Set (Formula: Running (Excellent) Sets / Total Sets Played = Ave. Set per Set)
• g. Best Receivers: Ranked according to the Receiving Efficiency (Formula: Excellent Receives - Receive Faults / Total Attempts = Efficiency Rate)

2. Rank Points per skill are given as follow:

• a. Rank 1 = 100
• b. Rank 2 = 90
• c. Rank 3 = 81
• d. Rank 4 = 73
• e. Rank 5 = 66
• f. Rank 6 = 60
• g. Rank 7 = 55
• h. Rank 8 = 51
• i. Rank 9 = 48
• j. Rank 10 = 46
• k. Rank 11 = 45, Rank 12 = 44, Rank 13 = 43... Rank 35 = 21
• m. Rank 36+ = 20

3. OSP Formula: (RP = Rank Point)
{[(Scorer RP + Spiker RP + Blocker RP + Server RP + Digger RP + Setter RP + Receiver RP)  x 10] + (Games won x 30)} / Total Sets Played

Elfrid Payton, Sue Wicks set to come for Jr. NBA National Training Camp

The Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA National Training Camp gets its usual boost of a NBA player and WNBA legend, as the NBA announced that Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton and WNBA legend Sue Wicks will be coming into the Philippines help with the National Training Camp this coming May 12-14.

The National Training Camp is where the 74 outstanding participants from the Regional Selection Camps and the Alaska Power Camp are gathered under one roof to learn advanced fundamental skills training and exhibition games, with the best-performing campers being named as the Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA All-Stars will be named. These All-Stars will have a chance to interact with their ASEAN counterparts and will get to enjoy a NBA experience later this year.

Payton says, "I’m excited to visit the Philippines for the first time and experience the country’s enthusiastic basketball culture. These young players have worked hard to be a part of this camp, and I can’t wait to get on the court with them." The 10th overall selection in the 2014 NBA Draft out of Louisiana-Lafayette, he averaged 12.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 6.5 assists this past season.

Wicks adds, "Having visited the Philippines before, I’ve seen firsthand the passion that young boys and girls here have for the game. I’m looking forward to the trip and to working with the Jr. NBA participants to help take their game to the next level." The former NY Liberty slotwoman accompanied Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra and his then-assistant coach (and current Memphis Grizzlies head coach) David Fizdale in the country back in 2009.

The NTC will be held at the Don Bosco Technical Institute for the first two days, with the final day being held at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall. It serves as the climax of the Jr. NBA Program in the Philippines, with this year's edition beating the 2016 mark by fifty percent with regards to participation across the country with thirty thousand kids and coaches getting involved.

The Jr. NBA Philippines Program presented by Alaska is also made possible by its official partners: Cloudfone, Gatorade, Globe Telecom, and Panasonic, while Spalding is a supporting partner. Serving as official broadcasters for the event are ABS-CBN S+A, Basketball TV, and NBA Premium.

Renzo Subido to sit out Season 80 for UST

UST guard Renzo Subido has decided to put his UAAP career on hold today. His statement regarding this particular matter can be seen below.

After much reflection, I have decided to sit out this year of college basketball. I have spent the last few weeks reassessing my performance during my first three years in the UAAP and I’ve arrived to the conclusion that I am not satisfied with how I’ve played. I want to dedicate the next months finding ways to improve my skills through the PBA D-League in order to return a stronger and better player. I’m sure that the team will do really well in the Filoil tournament and the upcoming UAAP season. I am surely going to root for the boys and I’m confident they can get a lot of wins. #GoUSTe

Currently training with PBA D-League side AMA Titans, Renzo has career averages of 3.7 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in the last three seasons for the Growling Tigers.

Color Manila sets CM Blacklight Tour

The F1 Hotel served as the venue last night for the launch of the CM Blacklight Run Tour by Color Manila, with three cities to kick off its tour.

Manila will host the opening portion of the CM Blacklight Run on May 27, with Bacolod hosting the second leg on June 3, while Davao City closes things out on August 12.

Color Manila VP Justine Cordero says, "We created the CM Blacklight Run Tour so that our followers can have the option of signing up for all three events, and give them the opportunity the most colorful night run in the country today. Thus, more than just enjoying the run with your friends, you're also able to see more of the Philippines."

The Manila leg of the CM Blacklight Run will be at Filinvest City in Alabang, with a target of twelve thousand runners. That had been the number of participants for CMR5, which took place earlier this year.

Runners can pick their preferred category: 3K, 5K, 10K, and the 6K Challenger. They can also pick their preferred kit between the Deluxe, Rockstar, and the 6K Blacklight Challenger options.

At PhP 950, the Deluxe kit contains a drifit shirt, headlamp, race bib, color packet, and a finisher's medal. The Rockstar kit at PhP 1500 contains a drifit shirt, race bib, headlamp, drawstring bag, foldable water bottle, face paint tube, color packet, and a finisher's medal. At PhP 2000, the 6K Blacklight Challenger Kit includes two drifit shirts, race bib, headlamp, drawstring bag, foldable water bottle, face paint tube, color packet, and a finisher's medal.

Race kits for the Manila leg can be claimed at the 2nd Level, Node Expansion, Festival Mall, Alabang, from 10am to 7pm between May 23-27.

The Bacolod leg will take place at The District North Point, while the SM Lanang Premier will host the Davao leg. Participants for these legs can choose between 3K, 5K, and 10K categories, as well as the Deluxe, Rockstar, and Superstar kits.

The Deluxe kit at PhP 750 contains a singlet, prop, race bib, drawstring bag, finisher's medal, and color packet. The Rockstar kit at PhP 1050 contains a drifit shirt, race bib, headlamp, drawstring bag, color packet, and fnisher's medal. The Superstar kit at PhP 1500 contains a drifit shirt, race bib, headlamp, three drawstring bags, headwear, CM sticker, color packet, and a finisher's medal.

Registration is ongoing at www.colormanila.com as well as SM Tickets. Interested Manila leg participants can also register at Runnr (Trinoma, ATC, High Street), Second Wind, and Toby's (Glorietta, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall). Interested Bacolod leg participants can do so at Planet Sports' branch at Robinson's Place Bacolod. Interested Davao leg participants can do so starting June 1 at the Chris Sports' branch at SM Lanang Premier Mall and the Toby's branch at Abreeza Mall.

Color Manila also reveals that there will be future legs of the Blacklight Run in Cebu and Clark later this year.

For more details, check out www.colormanilarun.com or https://www.facebook.com/ColorManilaRun.