PUMA steps up with All-Pro NITRO and MB.03 Lo Team reveal

PUMA continues to make its presence felt in the basketball scene with the release of two new sneakers: the All-Pro NITRO™ Fire Glow and the MB.03 Lo Team. Both shoes feature PUMA's game-changing NITROFOAM™ technology, delivering superior responsiveness and cushioning in a lightweight package to keep you explosive on the court.

The All-Pro NITRO™ Fire Glow is packed with performance features to elevate your hoops game. The engineered mesh upper provides targeted support, breathability, and comfort, while the TPU-welded Formstrip adds extra stability. Underfoot, the NITRO™ midsole cushions every step with its advanced nitrogen-injected foam, and the high-abrasion rubber outsole ensures grip and traction for quick cuts and agile movement. 

It comes in a sleek new Fire Glow colorway, with vibrant red-orange accents heating up the shoe's primarily black silhouette. You’ll be sure to stand out in this new colorway while you’re driving the lane, handling split-second crossovers, or crashing the backboard.

The MB.03 Lo Team is the latest entry in the signature line of PUMA ambassador LaMelo Ball. Like the All-Pro NITRO™, the MB.03 features PUMA NITROFOAM™ technology, delivering a responsive step for high-octane plays. The MB.03 also features a rubber outsole with an anti-slip traction pattern to keep you on your toes and locked in all game.

It will be available in the these intergalactic colorways: PUMA Black-Strong Gray Team, Regal Red-For All Time Red, and Hyperlink Blue-Bright Aqua-Electric Peppermint.

Both the All-Pro NITRO™ Fire Glow and the MB.03 Lo Team are now available at select PUMA stores, as well as via PUMA.com.

Manila Digger FC reveals new signings

Manila Digger with their new signings

Hoping to make a dent at Kaya FC's dominance in the women's club football scene in the Philippines, Manila Digger FC announced on Monday at Taguig its acquisition of four new players.

Officially joining the team are Kiara Fontanilla, Rhea Chan, Cynthia Covarrubias, and Poetrie Bedgood.

The first two are familiar to Filipino football aficionados, as both players have been called up for international duty with the Philippines. Their experience and skill will come in handy to aid MD FC, which finished fourth in the league table, afterwards defeating Far Eastern University in penalties before bowing to Kaya FC, 1-0, in the final last November.

Coming from the University are Covarrubias and Bedgood, and both are expected to make an on-field impact on the side with their dynamic playing style.

In making the announcement, Club Manager Oscar shares, "We are excited to have the girls [Kiara, Rhea, Cynthia, and Poetrie] and welcome them to the team. They will bring their experiences and competitive edge to the team."

With these signings, Manila Digger FC is committed to building a team that not only competes at the highest level but also embodies the spirit and passion of women’s football in the Philippines ahead of a thrilling season ahead.

UAAP Season 87 logo unveiled

UAAP Season 87

The University of the Philippines, through its Office for Athletics and Sports Development, unveiled the logo for the forthcoming 87th season of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.

Inspired by this season's theme of Stronger, Better, Together, the logo illustrates the call towards its member schools to constantly look forward, be relevant, and achieve collective greatness by working together.

Called "Hands In Huddle," it is a circular, colorful logo with hands and dots that catch the first attention. A closer look reveals that the hands – in the colors of the eight UAAP universities – also contain stylized human figures, making up a team of diverse universities working as a team.

Serving as a parallel to the league's official logo, the arrangement of each UAAP member-schools is in clockwise motion to its scheduled hosting, starting with the University of the Philippines atop for this year, followed by the University of Santo Tomas, Far Eastern University, National University, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, Adamson University, and capped off by last season's hosts, the University of the East.

The theme is attached alongside the logo, with a colorful image play of the number 87 onto the ST portion of the word STRONGER.

In marking the unveiling, UP OASD Director Bo Perasol shares how the host school came about with this design.

"The clenched fist in the UP Fighting Maroons team logo has transformed into an open hand that reaches out to every one in a spirit of cooperation and partnership. It says the best way to be strong, productive, and relevant is to encourage participation from everyone, be it as a league, as a community, or as a nation."

Perasol adds, "Host school UP, with its colors, maroon and green, is at the top and invites the league, the community, the general public, and the country to come together and do great things as one. When we work as a team, in and out of sports, we can reach great heights and accomplish much."

UP also shares that the league will open its 87th season on September 7, with the collegiate basketball tournaments set to commence things following the traditional opening ceremony.

Perasol notes about that particular event, "This year’s opening ceremony will bring to life the season theme of ‘Stronger, Better, Together.’ Hopefully, it will inspire us all to take the message expressed by the season logo, which is strength in unity, to heart."

Malixi Shows Moxie in Winning U.S.Girls’ Junior in Record Fashion

c/o USGA

For 363 days, Rianne Malixi had to live with the sting of a heartbreaking, championship-match loss in the U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship. The 1-down defeat to Kiara Romero, who then enjoyed an All-American season at the University of Oregon, in Colorado Springs, Colo., provided more than enough motivation for the 17-year-old from the Philippines in the months leading into the 75th edition at El Caballero Country Club.

Plenty of sacrifices were made, including giving up some social activities, as Malixi wanted to avenge the defeat. From the moment she arrived in Southern California, one could sense the purpose and drive in the diminutive dynamo. There was confidence in her gait as she rolled to the No. 2 seed in stroke play, sharing second position with University of Southern California incoming freshman Jasmine Koo; they were four strokes behind medalist Kinsley Ni. Malixi’s focus never wavered as she eliminated foe after foe, including a 19-hole thriller in the Round of 32 over Kennedy Swedick, and an impressive 3-and-2 semifinal triumph on Friday over Koo, the highest-ranked player in the field at No. 7 in the Women’s World Amateur Golf Ranking®/WAGR® and a member of the 2024 USA Curtis Cup Team.

And then in Saturday’s 36-hole championship match against Asterisk Talley, 15, of Chowchilla, Calif., in sweltering heat, Malixi performed as if her name had been already engraved on the Glenna Collett Vare Trophy.

Her impressive 8-and-7 victory over the 2024 U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball champion was the largest in championship history. Nancy Lopez (1974) and Michelle McGann (1987) each registered 7-and-5 decisions back when the final was contested over 18 holes (the format switched in 2006). Malixi, who plans to play at Duke University in the fall of 2025, joined Princess Mary Superal (2014) as the only U.S. Girls’ Junior champions from the Philippines. Yuka Saso, in 2021, won the U.S. Women’s Open representing the Philippines, the country of her mother. She captured the title again in June representing Japan, the country of her father.

The victory earns Malixi a spot in the 2025 U.S. Women’s Open Presented by Ally at Erin Hills, where she hopes to play a practice round with Saso and current World No. 1 Nelly Korda.

“It's huge I know,” said Malixi with a wide smile dashed across her face. “It's hard for me to comprehend right now because everything just came in so quickly. I know being USGA champion means a lot. Being able to do that is a huge honor for me and I'm very grateful."

“It was such a heartbreak last year because I was so close. After that U.S. trip I just practiced a lot. I spent a lot of hours training in Manila. I sacrificed a lot of my social time, school time. Not only me, but my dad (Roy) also sacrificed a lot of time for me just to accompany me. My family had their share [of sacrifices] and I'm just really grateful for everything.”

Malixi had arguably one of the best days of her career on Saturday, registering 14 birdies against no bogeys in 29 holes of golf. In the morning 18, she shot the equivalent of 9-under 62 – with the usual match-play concessions – in taking a 6-up lead into the 2½-hour lunch break. One of those birdies came on the par-5 first hole, where she made 4 eight times in 10 visits.

But Malixi wasn’t going to rest on her laurels, especially given that Talley edged her for the title in this year’s Junior Invitational at Sage Valley, a prestigious event held in late March in Graniteville, S.C. In fact, the two shared one of the on-site cottages. Talley later would finish eighth in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur (Malixi failed to make the cut), win the U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball with partner Sarah Lim in May at Oak Hills Country Club and share low-amateur honors in the U.S. Women’s Open with reigning U.S. Women’s Amateur champion Megan Schofill and USC All-American/2024 USA Curtis Cupper Catherine Park.

And Talley did come out firing with three birdies over the first four holes in the afternoon session but could only cut the margin to as little as 5 down. Malixi won the par-5 25th with a birdie to go 6 up, birdied the par-4 27th from 20 feet to take a 7-up lead, and closed it out two holes later with a par after Talley’s recovery shot from a greenside bunker sailed well past the flag into rough guarding the back of the green. She nearly holed out for par, and once Malixi coaxed her 15-foot putt to 3 feet and converted the par attempt, the two exemplary juniors hugged.

For the No. 57 player in the WAGR, it was an emotional loss as she tried to become just the fourth woman to win multiple USGA titles in the same year to join Pearl Sinn (1988), Jennifer Song (2009) and Eun Jeong Seong (2016), and just the second player to have won a U.S. Girls’ Junior and U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball (Erica Shepherd).

In Friday’s semifinal win over 2022 runner-up Gianna Clemente, Talley was the player on fire with 10 birdies over 17 holes.

“I'm proud of myself for how I played this week, but I made too many mistakes out there today,” said the fourth-seeded Talley, fighting tears. “I tried to turn it around in the [second 18] but I was too far away, and I couldn't reach her. She was playing too well. She played her butt off today and I couldn't do anything.”

Golf is a game where opponents can’t play defense and Talley had no answers for the birdies being stacked by Malixi. In fact, Malixi only trailed for three holes the entire week, and that was in her semifinal win over Koo. She also only needed 107 holes to win the title, the second fewest in the 36-hole, championship-match era (Eun Jeon Seong 104 in 2015) that began in 2006.

Playing tournaments in 11 different countries over the past two years has toughened the Manila native. Earlier this year, she finished fifth in the Korean Women’s Open. She also competed in the Women’s Amateur Championship conducted by The R&A at Royal Portmarnock in the Republic of Ireland, and represented her country in last year’s Women’s World Amateur Team Championship in the United Arab Emirates.

And now there will be a lot more travel in her future. Besides all of the USGA championships, she also receives a sponsor’s exemption into the LPGA Tour’s JM Eagle LA Championship that will be held at El Caballero C.C. next year due to renovations going on at nearby Wilshire C.C. She also has a likely invite to the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.

Philippine Curling Team Dares to Dream for a 2026 Winter Olympics Bid

Philippine Curling Team

Can a team from a tropical country excel in an ice sport like curling?

That’s what the Philippine National Curling Team – composed of four Fil-Swiss players -- are out to prove when they go through the rigorous preparations of vying for a slot in the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan, Italy.

Alan Frei, Filipino-Swiss entrepreneur, economist, curler and spokesman of the team said the Philippine men’s squad bagged a silver medal in the B-Division of the Pan Continental Curling Championships in Kelowna, Canada in 2023. The team aims to repeat the feat this October in Alberta to move up to the A-Division in the 2025 championships. The top two teams there get guaranteed spots in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.

Frei, a relative newcomer to curling, joined the Filipino team in March 2023, a year after he sold his Swiss e-commerce business and decided “to become an Olympian”. Sharing his dream are teammates Christian Haller, a two-time world junior championship medallist, and brothers Marc and Enrico Pfister who previously competed for Switzerland in world curling championships. 

All Swiss-born like Frei, Haller, and the Pfister brothers are eligible to play for the country because of their Filipino mothers.

“The sport of curling is like playing chess on ice. It’s a combination of strategy and physical skill. We have a huge advantage in the strategy part because we have the experience of the three guys who have played on the world stage,” said Frei.

To test their skills further, the National Men’s Curling Team will be competing in an off-season tournament this August, the Baden Master’s in Switzerland where they will face World’s No. 1 Italy in their first game. Currently placed at 51st in the men’s rankings of the World Curling Member Association, Frei said the team is excited to play Italy so they can gauge exactly where they stand.

The Swiss-Filipino team hopes that more Filipinos can become aware of their goals and what they’ve been doing so they can be inspired even more.

Frei said the curling team shoulders all their expenses at present, citing their need to first achieve “success” before asking for financial support from the POC and other possible sponsors.

The Swiss-Filipino athletes are also eyeing a podium finish against top Asian countries like China and Korea in the 2025 Asian Winter Gamesin Harbin to gain national recognition.

“The curling team aspires to pave the way for future curling athletes from the country in their bid for the Olympics. We are trying to foster [Filipino talent] more and more just by being a role model and having this super ambitious goal,” Frei said.

With the help of the POC and national sports associations, the team plans to hold exhibition tournaments in the country and provide training for aspiring Filipino curlers. The Curling Winter Sports Association of the Philippines, which the team is a part of, also aims to increase its membership from about 50 to 100 people this year according to Frei.

Frei said Filipino communities come out to support them anywhere they play, worldwide.

Single-minded in their dream to bring honor to the country, Frei revealed they want to achieve what the Jamaican Bobsled Team did in the 1988 Winter Olympic Games in Calgary. Received as underdogs in a cold weather sport, the Jamaicans competed against all odds and came out the favorites.  

“We don't have a plan B. We have only one plan and that is to go to the Olympics,” Frei concluded. 

San Miguel, Meralco complete 2024-25 EASL field

PBA x EASL

The last two teams of the upcoming East Asia Super League's 2024-25 season are now officially confirmed, with the Philippine Basketball Association selecting the San Miguel Beermen and the Meralco Bolts.

Both teams were picked based from their performances in the just concluded season of the oldest Asian professional league.

League Commissioner Willie Marcial shared this statement in line with the announcement: "The PBA is excited to send two of its champion teams to compete in EASL. The San Miguel Beermen and the Meralco Bolts showed their strength last season by winning the Commissioner’s Cup and Philippine Cup, respectively. They will represent Filipino basketball with pride and we hope that one of them will be crowned the champion of East Asia next season."

EASL CEO Henry Kerins adds, "Filipino teams and fans bring great competitiveness and passion to EASL and we are delighted to confirm the participation of the San Miguel Beermen and the Meralco Bolts next season. We expect them to compete strongly for the championship, against the best teams from the rest of East Asia."

San Miguel finished as the 2023-24 Commissioner's Cup champions and finished runner-up in the Philippine Cup, losing to Meralco in the finals.

Both teams have had previous stints in the EASL, with San Miguel having played in the Terrific 12 iteration of the league in 2019, while Meralco was part of the campaign last season.

For this coming campaign, San Miguel has been allocated into Group A alongside B.LEAGUE champions Hiroshima Dragonflies, KBL runners-up Suwon KT Sonicboom, and P.LEAGUE+ runners-up Taouyan Pauian Pilots.

As for Meralco, they will be placed onto Group B, joining fellow EASL participants last year Ryukyu Golden Kings and New Taipei Kings, with KBL champions Busan KCC Egis completing the field.

The upcoming season will have a new champion, as last year's title holders Chiba Jets was unable to qualify after not making to the finals of this past B.LEAGUE season.

PUMA DEVIATE NITRO™ 3 set to help deliver running PBs

PUMA Deviate NITRO 3

Earlier this month, PUMA revealed their latest edition of the Deviate, as it tries to redefine speed in a way that the running scene is yet to experience. At the same time, it helps empower runners to unlock their new personal bests.

Called the Deviate NITRO™ 3, it embodies PUMA's relentless pursuit towards excellence in performance footwear, giving its wearers the necessary confidence to hit the road.

"We’re living in a world where athletes and runners have high expectations. They want to set PBs and break records, time and time again. To do that, you need a shoe that gives you the competitive edge – that’s where Deviate comes in," according to Romain Girard, VP Innovation at PUMA.

Engineered with the cutting edge NITROFOAM™ technology to deliver supreme cushion and responsiveness, the shoe also integrates its carbon fibre PWR Plate with PUMA’s unrivalled PUMAGRIP. The former offers a smoother and more consistent source of speed, resulting in an explosive toe-off that propels runners beyond their normal limits, while the latter enables multi-surface traction in even the most testing conditions.

Meanwhile, a lightweight engineered mesh upper features strategically placed PWR Tape to provide support in high stress areas, with a padded collar offering additional comfort and fit.

Priced at PhP 8,800, the Deviate NITRO™ 3 is now available worldwide via PUMA.com, your favorite PUMA outlet, and at select retailers.

For more information, please visit www.puma.com.

Samsung gifts Olympians and Paralympics special Flip6

Z Flip6, Olympic edition

The Olympic community is an elite one, and all of these athletes will be given a pretty cool gift.

All participants competing in the 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris will be receiving a special, custom-built Galaxy Z Flip6 smartphone starting July 18, in collaboration with the International Olympic and Paralympic Committees (IOC and IPC).

In making the announcement,  Stephanie Choi, EVP & Head of Marketing of Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics shares, "Samsung has pushed the boundaries of mobile technology in support of the Olympic and Paralympic Games and its athletes for nearly three decades. We are honored to deliver our newest Galaxy innovation to the inspiring athletes of Paris 2024 – and give them the opportunity to experience the powerful and intelligent Galaxy Z Flip6 firsthand, even before its official market launch. We are excited to see how our technology opens up athletes’ Games-time experience like never before — from creating meaningful connections, to sharing and capturing lifelong memories while in Paris and beyond."

Recently launched in Paris, the Olympic Edition of the Galaxy Z Flip6 is a continuation of Samsung's partnership with the Olympic programme in providing cutting-edge technology and mobile innovation across the Games, having been a Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner since 1988. The athletes will be the first-ever users of this smartphone, as general availability will only take place starting July 24.

For the special Olympic Edition, the Galaxy Z Flip6 comes in a striking yellow colorway adorned with the Olympic rings and the Paralympic agitos in gold. The device comes with an exclusive Flipsuit Case, designed by Parisian Men's Luxury Maison, Berluti, who also designed host France's Opening Ceremony outfits. The Flipsuit Case is made from Venezia leather, with a unique patina featuring a vibrant color mix inspired by the Olympic rings, celebrating the Olympic spirit and values of excellence and unity.

The device comes pre-loaded with a full suite of exclusive services and useful apps, and is the first Olympic Edition featuring Galaxy AI, whose latest technological innovations will help shape the athletes' experiences whilst at the French capital.

From a communication perspective:

• Live translation of calls  - translates phone calls directly on the device in real-time into sixteen different languages, making it easy for athletes to call the Olympic hotlines and local contacts in their native language, using Samsung native and select third-party apps.

• Interpreter  - instantly translates live conversations, allowing athletes to chat with other athletes and volunteers and receive a live translation of what they’re saying on screen – while still speaking face-to-face, thanks to the phone’s unique dual screen.

• Composer  - helps to draft emails and social media posts in apps by using simple keywords. For social media app specifically, it even analyzes the tone of past content, making it easier for athletes to express their excitement at some of the competition’s most thrilling or poignant moments. 

As for a competition / creative perspective, the Galaxy AI technology ain't no slouch as well:

• Instant Slow-mo  - allows athletes to record, share and analyze their performances in slow motion, making it easier for them to refine their technique. 

• Photo Assist  - enables athletes to get the perfect shot every time, by resizing, repositioning or even removing unwanted objects within photos.

Bundled onto the Z Flip6 is an Orange eSIM with 100GB 5G data. as well as two years of Samsung's international warranty. Also, official apps of the International Olympic Committee, such as Athlete 365, Olympic Shop, Paris 2024, Transport Accred App, and IOC hotline are pre-loaded to make it perfectly suitable for use in an out of the Games.

In partnership with fellow Worldwide Olympic Partner The Coca-Cola Co., an in-app pass via Samsung Wallet will allow the athletes to be able to avail of free beverages in vending machines located throughout the Olympic and Paralympic Village. It also will have an unlimited complimentary public transport access card, in partnership with Île-de-France Mobilités (IDFM), which is perfect for going around Paris and the surrounding region.

In addition, Galaxy Z Flip6 will have a suite of interactive, Paris 2024-themed apps. The time-honored tradition of collecting and exchanging pins during the Games will now go digital as well, through PinQuest and Galaxy experience. Adding some fun is Olympic Go!, which is the official Olympic Game, and Galaxy Skateboard, which features the Phyrges, the Paris 2024 mascots.

The Galaxy Z Flip6 will also make history in the upcoming Olympics and Paralympics by being the first device that can be used at the podium during the medal ceremony. Traditionally, athletes have been prohibited from bringing their personal belongings to said ceremony, including mobile phones. As such, athletes are unable to record a potential core memory. That will now change, as medalists will have a chance to channel their emotions through a new, victory selfie. Thanks to Samsung's technology, it will then map and sort the athletes’ selfies by sport and upload them to Athlete365 in real-time, which will allow athletes to save and share their iconic moments with family and fans.

Fans in Paris will be able to check out the special Galaxy Z Flip6 Olympic Edition at the Olympic™ rendezvous @ Samsung showcases, including the one at Champs-Elysees 125, starting July 12.

Y-3 and the Japan Football Association Unveil Inaugural Collaborative Collection

adidas x Y-3 x JFA

Yohji Yamamoto's collaboration with adidas has yielded interesting results via Y-3 in the last couple of decades, and for the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, the brand will manifest itself in a first-of-its-kind collaborative collection with the Japanese Football Association (JFA).

First revealed during Y-3's Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2025 last June 21st, the collection includes an On-Pitch offer and Culturewear, highlighted by hand-painted flame graphics which symbolizing mystic power and strength, which serves as a base for the national football team's enduring dynamism.

Both men's and women's teams will be sporting these during their respective campaigns at the Summer Games, set to take place starting this month.

Consisting of a home kit, an away kit, and a goalkeeper kit in three colorways, the Y-3 for JFA On-Pitch offer channels the spirit of Yohji Yamamoto and embraces the energy of the national team. 

Made to be the best of the athlete, the onfield kits have been designed to optimize airflow with quick drying HEAT.RDY technology, while a lightweight crest and adidas badge of sport logo further epitomize the spirit of driving the highest level of on pitch performance.

Designed to represent the style of football played by the Japanese national team, the home kit features a dark navy colorway that is punctuated by a graphic consisting of a swell of smaller blue flames growing into pillars of fire – symbolizing the collective power that arises when individuals come together as one.

The away kit, meanwhile, boasts a white colorway with a different flame graphic. This time the precise placement of the flames, leaving plenty of blank space, at once recalls the dynamism of the team’s on pitch play and Yohji’s commitment to exploring the “aesthetic of the gap”.

Rounding out the On-Pitch offer, the goalkeeper kit features an underbody measurement fit, designed for faster and longer reach, and boasts the same flame graphic as the home jersey. The yellow colorway will be available for purchase, while pink and green are reserved for on pitch usage by the national team.

For the Culturewear collecition, it is inspired by one of the goalkeeper kits worn during the late 90s, which was a classic thank to its bold and instantly recognizable flame print.

A celebration of Y-3’s pioneering commitment to bridging the worlds of sport and fashion, the culturewear collection consists of a suite of daring apparel looks and accessories. 

Designed for gameday, an anthem jacket and pre-match jersey have been crafted to perfectly compliment the on-pitch collection.

Expanding the approach beyond the stadium, the collection then features a number of dynamic pieces including a reversible souvenir jacket, a hoodie with matching pants, a short sleeve tee and matching shorts, a long sleeve jersey style tee with matching shorts in two colorways, a cap, a bucket hat, a scarf, and a tote. Continuing the conceptual pulse of the collaborative collection, several of the culturewear pieces are adorned with a hand painted flame graphic.

Fans can already try to look like their favorite Samurai Blue or Nadeshiko by checking out the Y-3 for JFA collection at either the Brand Center in Glorietta 2 or at the Two Parkade branch at BGC. The collection is also available online through adidas.com.ph.

TapDMV secures Philippine broadcast rights to USA Basketball Showcase

With the United States hoping for a successful fifth title defense in Paris, USA Basketball has arranged for a few exhibitions to help keep the team sharp.

Called the USA Basketball Showcase, it will take place in the next couple of weeks across the United States, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom, before the actual action takes place at the 2024 Summer Olympics in the French capital.

They will face off against tough competition, each of which are also set to play in the Olympics, too.

The schedule of the USA Basketball Showcase is as follows (Philippine Time):

● July 11 (Thursday), 10:30 a.m. - vs. Canada (Las Vegas, United States)

● July 16 (Tuesday), 12:00 a.m. - vs. Australia (Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.)

● July 18 (Thursday), 12:00 a.m. - vs. Serbia (Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.)

● July 21 (Sunday), 3:00 a.m. - vs. South Sudan (London, United Kingdom)

● July 23 (Tuesday), 3:00 a.m. - vs. Germany (London, United Kingdom)

All of these matches are going to be available locally, thanks to the collaboration of Tap Digital Media Ventures (TapDMV).

In sharing the announcement, BlastTV and Blast Sports Chief Growth Officer Jacque M. Ruby shares, "We are delighted to bring this incredible series of exhibition games featuring USA Basketball’s star-studded roster. The USA Basketball Showcase is a must-watch event for every Filipino fan, and we are proud to deliver coverage on our free-to-air and pay TV channels and the BlastTV app."

TapDMV will have the exhibitions shown on free-to-air channel Blast Sports, as well as onto its cable TV sports channels: Tap Sports, Premier Sports 1, Premier Sports 2 and Premier Football. Those who have the streaming platform BlastTV will also have the games.

Aside from these matches, TapDMV also will show a couple more exhibitions live: Australia against Serbia at midnight on July 17, as well as the United States' women's team against their German counterparts at 3am on July 24.

Beginning Thursday, July 11 through Tuesday, July 23, Tap Digital Media Ventures (TapDMV) will deliver the USA Basketball Showcase to fans in the Philippines through free-to-air channel Blast Sports, cable TV channels Tap Sports, Premier Sports 1, Premier Sports 2 and Premier Football, and streaming platform BlastTV.

With most of the matches being early in the day, Blast Sports will show the games via delayed broadcast at 8am.

Seeking the gold once again for the United States are: Bam Adebayo, Devin Booker, Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, Anthony Edwards, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Haliburton, Jrue Holiday, LeBron James, Jayson Tatum, and Derrick White.

Serving as their head coach is Steve Kerr, with Mark Few, Ty Lue, and Erik Spoelstra acting as his assistants.

For more information on Blast TV, visit app.blasttv.ph, download the Blast TV App on the App Store and Google Play, and follow Blast TV (@blasttvph) on Facebook, Instagram and X.

Vermosa furthers mission to support PH Sports with inauguration of its Athlete’s House

The Athlete's House inside the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub

Already considered as one of the premier training grounds for athletes in the country, there is always room for improvement.

And for the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub, that would include adding more facilities to its impressive slate. The latest being a 30-room athletes' accommodation called the Athlete's House on Wednesday morning.

Designed with the Filipino athlete in mind, room configurations are built to suit a team seeking a comfortable and convenient home base for training or a family looking for an active getaway. The bathrooms have a three-way feature to enable three persons to use the shower, toilet, and vanity area simultaneously. There are other offers such as a marketplace, open bar and lounge that guests will enjoy. The best part is that the training facilities, which includes a FINA-standard Olympic size swimming pool, a FIFA-certified football field, a World Athletics-certified track oval, and a indoor fitness facility with a sports science laboratory, are just a few meters away.

"The formal inauguration of the Athlete’s House is a testament of Vermosa’s ongoing commitment to support Philippine sports and encourage a healthy and active lifestyle for all," said Moses John (MJ) Aragones, Project Development Manager of Ayala Land Estates, Inc.

On the same day as the inauguration, a groundbreaking ceremony took place for the Athletics' Center Dugout.

Projected to be completed by early 2025, it will feature locker rooms for playing teams, a dedicated room for officials and referees, a room for media partners, and an open deck for VIP guests with panoramic views of the field and track.

AVSH is also looking to invest on expansive canopies to better shelter spectators present for the action on the field from the weather.

Aside from Ayala officials and local government representatives from the City of Imus, a few athletes were also present for the event.

Among the athletes supported by Ayala Corp. are two-time Olympic swimmer Jasmine Alkhaldi; gold-medal archer Andrea Robles; youngest nationally ranked karateka Prince Alejo; world-ranked archer and SEAG medalist Pia Bidaure; world-ranked archer Abby Bidaure; Philippines’ top foil fencer Nat Perez; world-ranked fencer Noel Jose and Filipino Olympian pole vaulter EJ Obiena, currently ranked second in the world.

The Sports Hub recently was the venue of The Green Run, whose beneficiaries include Takbo Kabitenyo, a non-profit organization targeting Cavite-based runners aspiring to be part of the national team programme. AVSH has opened their facilities to the TK as part of the latter's activities.

AVSH already has served as the training ground for a number of National Sports Associations, including Athletics, Rugby, and Triathlon. Those interested in booking the facility, as well as the Athletes' House can book through this hotline, 09674055782.

DITO Celebrates “Galing” ng Pilipino at the Palarong Pambansa 2024

DITO x Palaro

DITO Telecommunity renews its commitment to weaving stronger telecommunities and championing Filipino talents across the country as a proud co-presenter of Palarong Pambansa 2024, the largest sporting event in the country. In partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the local government of Cebu City, DITO supports and celebrates the galing of young athletes as they go all out and compete in various sporting events. 

The Palarong Pambansa has gathered young Filipino athletes across the Philippines since 1948.  This year’s competition will involve the participation of 12,000 athletes, coaches, and officials in 22 regular sports, one demonstration sport, and four Para Games. Several “firsts” will also mark the historic event, including the addition of dance sports as a regular sport and the inaugural participation of athletes from the National Academy of Sports and the Philippine Schools Overseas. The games, slated to run from July 11 to 15, 2024, will be held in Cebu City.

A celebration of galing, determination, and diversity 

The Palarong Pambansa has long been a proving ground for the skills, determination, and sportsmanship of young athletes. This year’s theme “Beyond Sports” boosts the holistic development of the athletes in sport and education, while helping strengthen the bond among athletes, their families, and peers – an endeavor that DITO fully supports. 

“We at DITO are always committed to help build a stronger, progressive nation,” said Evelyn Jimenez, Chief Revenue Officer for Consumer Business. “Aligned with the principles behind our GalingDITO campaign, we want to recognize undiscovered talents, champion diversity, and empower more Filipinos to showcase their “Galing.” The Philippines is home to rich natural resources, cultural heritage, and homegrown talents; hence, we aim to put the spotlight on Filipino talent and excellence, especially in this gathering of tremendously talented and spirited young athletes from every corner of the Philippines.” Jimenez added. 

More than the gold awaiting victors at the podium, DITO sees the coming together of hearts and talents as the bigger goal of events of this magnitude. “The talent and perseverance of every young Filipino athlete contribute to their personal achievements, but collectively, they will help shape an empowering narrative of unity that will positively influence our nation,” added Ms. Jimenez. 

As a co-presenter of Palarong Pambansa 2024, DITO will join DepEd, the Cebu City community and its officials, the athletes, their families, coaches, and trainers in the Opening Ceremony on July 9, 2024 at the Cebu City Sports Center. 

Exciting activities and exclusive freebies also await event attendees at the GalingDITO Booths. As a ramp-up to the Palarong Pambansa 2024, highly sought-after Pinoy pop boy group ALAMAT, who are GalingDITO Ambassadors, will also have a fan meet on July 7, 2024 at SM City Cebu. 

“We’re so happy and honored to be here and take part in this year’s Palarong Pambansa. These activities aim to get DITOzens and Cebuanos into the spirit of the games and spread the celebration of Filipino talent and excellence that our GalingDITO platform fully supports,” Jimenez concluded.

For more information and updates, check out @DITOphofficial on Facebook and Instagram or visit https://dito.ph/.  

The Green Run draws banner field in 2024 in Vermosa

The Green Run

The end of June saw another successful running event inside Vermosa, as the AyalaLand's 700-hectare modern suburban estate in Imus hosted the 2024 edition of The Green Run.

Now on its third iteration, over 2,500 individuals lacing up their running shoes for varying distances, between 3K, 5K, 10K, and 21K. In addition, over three hundred dogs of varying breeds, alongside their fur parents, participated on a quaint Sunday morning for a 1.4K Dog Run.

Such demand, which led to a sold-out event, reflects the continued enthusiasm for running, while also highlighting the community's desire to remain involved in meaningful advocacies, in this case being a greener society.

Edgardo Panopio leads the casts of winners, clocking in at 89 minutes and 21 seconds for the men's 21K division, beating out Andy Borras Jr by over a minute.

On the women's side, Jennifer Padallan finished with a time of 110 minutes and four seconds, with also a winning margin of just over a minute against Joan Caralian.

Winning the 10K portion are Jhojie Daga-As (39:56) and Sofia Capistrano (45:07), while Polo Himoc (15:20) and Hazel Zamora (22:49) topped the 5K category.

As for the 3K, it is James Lawrence Sabal needed just over eleven and a half minutes for the men, with Danielle Sophia Yurango timed in at fourteen minutes and forty seconds.

AyalaLand Inc. marketing and communications group head Chrissy Roa says about their successful event, "We are extremely happy and grateful for the overwhelming support and response of runners in this year’s Green Run. More than just bringing fun and promoting healthy living, we are delighted to also give the running community a worthy cause to support. The Green Run’s main mission is to give back to the community by concretizing our commitment to protect the environment, championing young athletes and promoting animal care."

She adds, "This year, we welcomed Takbo Kabitenyo to the growing family of Vermosa. We opened the Ayala Vermosa Sport Hub to youth runners from Cavite who have a strong potential to become national athletes. We are committed to providing them with training support and the use of our state-of-the-art facilities. We look forward to producing athletes who will bring pride to our country in the future while providing them with opportunities to have a better quality of life."

The Cavite-based community, alongside animal welfare advocate Pawssion Project, joined the Haribon Foundation as The Green Run's beneficiary for this year.

Helping make this year's edition of The Green Run a success are its partner brands: Avida Sentria Storeys, Ayala Malls Vermosa, Kremil-S, Diatabs, Merrell, Pocari Sweat, Park Access, Chris Sports, Fitbar, Naturals, Healthway Medical Network, Fuwa Fuwa, Nutrition Depot, Mogu Mogu, Sante Barley and Oishi.

Gilas Pilipinas falls short against Türkiye in OQT prep

c/o TBF

Gilas Pilipinas fell short in  tuneup game against Türkiye in Istanbul, 84-73, as the squad continued their preparations for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

Justin Brownlee paced the Filipinos with 21 points, while June Mar Fajardo backed him up with a double-double of seventeen points and eleven rebounds. 

No other Gilas player scored in double figures, with youngsters Carl Tamayo and Kai Sotto each chipping in seven points. Dwight Ramos, who has been given a bigger responsibility in setting up the offense due to the absence of Scottie Thompson, had a good all around performance with eight rebounds and seven assists, although he struggled with his scoring with only four points. 

EuroLeague veteran and 2023 NBA Draftee Tarik Biberovic led Türkiye with 23 points on 5 of 9 shooting from the three-point range. His fifth triple broke the game open late, establishing an 81-73 lead after Gilas managed to reduce things to a two-possession game.

The hosts were in control for much of the game, although Gilas remained within striking distance, as they managed to be only down by a couple at the half, 40-42.

Unfortunately for the Philippines, Türkiye got hot from deep in securing the victory in front of their home fans.

Behind Biberovic's efforts, they would finish 14/41 from beyond the arc.

In addition, they also feasted on the free throw line, converting 18/22 from the stripe, compared to just seven attempts from the Philippines.

“It was a tough loss against Turkey. We had our first taste of the type of opposition we will be facing in the OQT,” said Gilas team manager Richard Del Rosario. “While others may see it as a satisfying first game, our team mindset is - almost is not enough. We only have one shot at make it to the Olympics and we cannot be satisfied with almost winning. We move on to the next game with a firmer belief that we can hold our own against higher ranked teams with a real chance of reaching our mission of making it to Paris.”

The Philippines is set to travel to Sosnowiec for a friendly against a fellow OQT-bound team in Poland this Saturday.

Samsung supports Filipino Olympians as the Team Pilipinas' official mobile partner

In the photo, from left to right: Vanessa Sarno (Weightlifting), Elreen Ando (Weightlifting), Joanie Delgaco (Rowing), Samantha "Sam" Catantan (Fencing), Carlos Yulo (Gymnast), Aira Villegas (Boxing), Nesthy Petecio (Boxing), Hergie Bacyadan (Boxing), and John Ceniza (Weightlifting), all with their Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5

Samsung Electronics Philippines Corporation (SEPCO) reaffirms its commitment to the Olympic programme by establishing a partnership with the Philippine Olympic Committee, setting up the Korean brand as the official mobile partner of Team Pilipinas for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

For Samsung, forming an alliance with the Philippine Olympic Committee not only emphasizes  its technological advancements but also spotlights the athletes' commitment and accomplishments, enhancing their visibility and aspirations internationally.

SEPCO officials, led by Marketing head Yna Quimson and Mobile Experience Head Blue Avelino, were present at the team's official send-off ceremony last week in Intramuros, which was graced by the presence of Philippines president Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., as well as POC President Abraham Tolentino.

As part of the partnership, Team Pilipinas members received a Galaxy Z Flip 5, allowing each athlete to remain connected with their loved ones, as well as their fans, throughout their Olympic adventure, starting with their camp in Metz, France. In the process, they would be able to amplify their own voices and stories through their platforms.

Samsung has been a Worldwide Olympic Partner since 1988, and is set to continue that until 2028, making it four decades of commitment towards the Olympic movement, allowing athletes and fans to utilize the brand's transformative mobile technology in order to share the Olympic spirit.

For the upcoming Summer Games, Samsung recently unveiled its "Open always wins" global campaign, highlighting its shared values on openness, which it believes it enables new perspectives and infinite possibilities.

Coincidentally, Paris will be serving as the backdrop for Samsung's latest event: Galaxy Unpacked. Set to take place on July 10, at 9pm in the Philippines, the French capital serves as the ideal setting for the brand's latest cutting-edge innovations, whether in wireless communications and computing equipment, including artificial intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality, and 5G, as it continues to shape the world's digital future.

Fans worldwide would be able to catch Galaxy Unpacked as well through Samsung.com, Samsung Newsroom and Samsung’s YouTube channel. Register now by visiting https://www.samsung.com/ph/unpacked/ and get an e-voucher worth up to P7,000 plus a chance to win a 65” Neo QLED 4K TV worth P135,999.

Lions Nation MMA celebrates anniversary

Lions Nation MMA

Last June 22, Lions Nation MMA celebrated its first anniversary with a simple salu-salo at its base of operations, the Landslide Martial Arts Training Center in La Trinidad, Benguet.

In marking their anniversary, its Co-Founder and Chairman Eduard Folayang says, "We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved in just one year. Our success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of every member of our team. As we enter our second year, we are excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead."

Put together by Filipino mixed martial artist staples Folayang, Kevin Belingon, Honorio Banario, and Joshua Pacio, the outfit did not take long to become a powerhouse in the local and regional scene. Snapping up some of the best names out there like Danny Kingad, Jeremy Pacatiw, Edward Kelly, and Stephen Loman, they also managed to secure their first champion, as Pacio reclaimed the ONE Strawweight MMA World Title last March against Jarred Brooks during ONE 166: Qatar.

Other successes from Lions Nation MMA included victories by both Folayang and Pacatiw in ONE Championship, as well as taking home eleven medals at the 2023 ASJJF Manila Open Jiu-Jitsu Championships.

Its younger members, split between Young Lions and Cubs sub-categories, have also impressed in their participation at national and regional competitions.

Lions Nation MMA seeks to sustain its success with its upcoming schedule moving forward, and in line with such, they are set to reveal an upcoming team brand partnership that would help with their training and development efforts.

June 24, 2024 – La Trinidad, Benguet: Lions Nation MMA, the premier Filipino mixed martial arts stable, celebrated its first anniversary last Saturday, June 22, at the Landslide Martial Arts Training Center, its base of operations in La Trinidad, Benguet.

Founded by Eduard “Landslide” Folayang, Kevin “The Silencer” Belingon, Honorio “The Rock” Banario, and Joshua “The Passion” Pacio, Lions Nation MMA has quickly established itself as a powerhouse. The star-studded camp includes some of the biggest names in the industry, such as Danny “The King” Kingad, Jeremy “The Juggernaut” Pacatiw, Edward “The Ferocious” Kelly, and Stephen “The Sniper” Loman.

Looking ahead to its second year, Lions Nation MMA is poised for continued success with an eventful schedule on the horizon. In anticipation of this, the group is set to announce a “team brand partner,” who will play a crucial role in their training and development efforts, in the coming weeks.

From a childhood dream to a possibility: Nico Bolzico’s football experience of a lifetime at the Premier League pitch

Nico Bolzico

Football is undoubtedly the most popular and beloved sport in the world, and for good reason. From showing the most passionate sides of nations to molding the next generation of athletes, the sport is home to the most enthusiastic of fans who live and breathe for the thrill of it all.

That’s why, just weeks away from the 2024 Copa América and UEFA Euro 2024 Championships and coinciding with the comeback of the iconic F50, adidas, known for providing unparalleled football moments, gave away the experience of a lifetime to some of the biggest football enthusiasts, including Nico Bolzico.

While many will remember Bolzico’s 2022 FIFA World Cup adventure as he witnessed his home country Argentina claim victory, what is not as well known is his extensive love for football. As a child, Bolzico was already a stadium mainstay, watching games with his dad. He also played first division in the United Football League – three years before the Philippines Football League,  now the country's primary football competition, was even established.

Knowing his lifelong passion, adidas set out to give him the ultimate fan experience. In the 36-hour journey to London, Bolzico not only met football’s biggest names such as one of his idols Zinedane Zidane, prolific goal-scorer Alessandro del Piero, and former player for France’s national team Djibril Cissé; but he also had the rare opportunity to test the F50 on Arsenal F.C.’s home turf, the Emirates Stadium, a day before they were released to the world.

With the experience of playing on a Premier League pitch being highly selective, Bolzico made the most out of his time on the field, engaging with fellow fans and living out his childhood dream all while experiencing the freeing speed the F50 provides.

Accompanying such once-in-a-lifetime encounters was Bolzico meeting even more football enthusiasts from all walks of life, giving him a chance to interact with some of the most passionate in the community including journalist Sofia Martinez, and Filipino-Norwegian freestyler and two-time Asian Freestyle Football Champion Phillip Warren Gertsson.

His participation in the adidas F50 launch is a testament not only to his passion for football, but also to how football has grown in the Philippines and built a community of its own. Says Bolzico, “Being part of the adidas F50 launch was a dream come true. Football has always been a huge part of my life, and having been able to work with adidas for such a golden opportunity is an unforgettable experience as a fan. This event represented more than playing on the field – it's about connecting with the global football community and living out our passion for the game, and I hope even more can see how freeing watching and playing football can be!”

And now, anyone can experience the thrill on the pitch with adidas, too. First launched in 2004, adidas is ringing in the 20th anniversary of the much-loved F50 boots with a brand-new ‘Advancement’ boot pack, coming in a classic colorway. Meant to provide game-changing speed, the F50 is for those unafraid to feel the rush on the pitch – and those with a hunger to play freely, on their own terms.

The Advancement pack was seen on pitch for the first time during the men’s UEFA Champions LeagueTM final last June 1, and will continue to be worn by some of the best footballers in the world such as Lionel Messi, Rafael Leão, Son Heung-min, Linda Caicedo, Trinity Rodman, Lamine Yamal and Florian Wirtz.  

Catering to both genders, the F50 also comes in the Mid W Elite silhouette, offering unique features optimized for a women’s foot, including its ultra-soft Primeknit Mid Cut Collar which allows for an adaptive fit around the ankle for stability, comfort, and performance.

The F50 boot pack retail price starts at PHP 4,700, and is available via the adidas app, website, and in-store. For more information, visit https://www.adidas.com.ph/football_boots_pack.

Race to raise young athletes highlights latest Vermosa Green Run

Ayala Land Estates x Takbo Kabitenyo

For the 2024 edition of The Green Run at Vermosa, Ayala Land Estates goes an extra mile in helping discover the next great athlete.

With their theme for this year being "Go Greener, Get Leaner, Give Back: Run Towards a Brighter Future," they have added a new cause to their ranks.

Serving as a beneficiary for this year's edition is Takbo Kabitenyo. Based in Cavite, the organization is dedicate to nurture the talents of its aspiring athletes who have the ambition, potential, and desire to be national athletes.

Ayala Land recently held a ceremony at the Sports Hub with said organization, where they donated thirty Green Run race kits, as well as Merrell products. ALE Group Head of Marketing and Communications Chrissy Roa led the charge in the event.

Takbo Kabitenyo will also receive freebies and gifts from all the participating sponsors at the run slated to take place on June 30.

Roa shares about this partnership, "We are committed to providing these aspiring athletes with the training, support and opportunities they need to achieve their dreams and represent our community on a national level." She adds, "The Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub, envisioned to be the preferred venue for national and international sports events in the Philippines, will be a perfect training camp for the young Cavite athletes."

From Takbo's perspective, its president Noel Diaz notes, "We are deeply grateful to Ayala Land Estates Inc.and Vermosa  for choosing Takbo Kabitenyo as one of the beneficiaries of the 2024 The Green Run. The exposure to this prestigious event will hopefully inspire our young runners to elevate their aspirations and work even harder towards excellence in their chosen sports."

The 2024 edition also has established Pawssion Project and the Haribon Foundation as beneficiaries from The Green Run, which is supported by Avida Sentria Storeys, Kremil-S, Diatabs, Merrell, Pocari Sweat, Park Access, Chris Sports, Fitbar, Naturals, Healthway Medical Network, Fuwa Fuwa, Nutrition Depot, and Oishi

Aside from hosting the event, ALE has also established the Ayala Vermosa Running Club, which hosts weekly activities for its members, including classes conducted by coaches from the Sports Hub.

Those interested to join any of the Green Run categories – 3K, 5K, 10K, the half-marathon 21K and the 1K Dog Run – may register at ayalaland.myruntime.com. 

The Sports Hub is a state of the art professionally-managed sports facility with a 400-meter IAAF standard track oval that is a premier training ground of amateur and professional athletes. It also has a FINA-standard Olympic sized swimming pool and an indoor training facility equipped with a sports science laboratory.

PUMA to hold end-of-season sale

Available at a discount

As summer is about to end, PUMA is set to hold a special end-of-season sale for select items at certain branches in Metro Manila and Cebu.

It is the perfect opportunity for sports and style aficionados to take advantage of getting good gear at affordable pricing.

Discounts as much as 50% are in play for a wide assortment of PUMA items, so take advantage of this opportunity made available.

Here are the branches that PUMA is holding its special sale at:

● Glorietta, Unit LLB 210 – 211, 2nd Floor, Glorietta 3, Ayala Center, 1224 Makati City

● Eastwood Mall, Unit A101a & A101b, Ground Floor, Eastwood Mall, Eastwood City, Brgy. Bagumbayan, Quezon City

● Shangri-La Plaza, Unit 260 Level 2 Main Wing Shangri-La Plaza Edsa cor Shaw Blvd. Mandaluyong City

● Venice Grand Canal, Unit A168 GF, Venice Grand Canal Mall, McKinley Hill

● Ayala Center Cebu, Level 1 Stall 125C, Ayala Center Cebu, Cebu Business Park, Cebu City Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 10am - 9pm | Fri-Sat 10am - 10pm

Collegiate Press Corps set to honor the best of the best

Awardees for the Collegiate Press Corps

Monday night is set to be a special evening, as the Collegiate Press Corps honors the outstanding student-athletes and coaches of the past season in its Annual Awards Night, presented by San Miguel Corporation at its venue partner, the Discovery Suites Manila in Ortigas, Pasig City.

A total of 23 awards will be handed out by the organization, which is composed of the writers from the various media outlets covering the collegiate beat.

Leading the way among the awardees is Kevin Quiambao, who is set to be named as the Collegiate Men's Basketball Player of the Year.

Named as the Most Valuable Player for the 86th season of the UAAP, Kevin helped La Salle reclaim the men's basketball title after seven seasons by defeating the University of the Philippines in a thrilling best-of-three finals series, in which he became the Finals MVP in the process.

Joining him in the Men's Mythical Five selection are NCAA Season 99 Rookie-MVP Clint Escamis of Mapua, Malick Diouf of UP, Enoch Valdez of Lyceum, and Jacob Cortez of San Beda.

Named as the Coaches of the Year in each league are Topex Robinson for La Salle and Yuri Escueta for San Beda.

This year's edition of the Awards Night, which is also backed by the Philippine Sports Commission and has Jockey as a minor sponsor, is a continued reflection of the evolution of the award-giving body, as it is also set to honor the best of the best in the women's basketball scene.

Set to be named as the inaugural Collegiate Women's Basketball Player of the Year is Kent Pastrana, as the University of Santo Tomas standout helped end their seventeen-year title drought with a stunning upset of National University, denying the Lady Bulldogs of an eighth straight title.

Recently named UAAP Player of the Year for team events, Kent is joined in the first-ever Women's Mythical Five by her teammate and Finals MVP Tantoy Ferrer, Josee Kaputu of Far Eastern University, Favour Onoh of the University of the Philippines, and Kacey dela Rosa of the Ateneo de Manila University.

Growling Tigresses mentor Haydee Ong is set to be named as the inaugural Women's Basketball Coach of the Year.

Joining him is Kent Pastrana of the University of Santo Tomas as the inaugural recipient of the Collegiate Women’s Basketball Player of the Year in the ceremony also backed by the Philippine Sports Commission.

For volleyball, the CPC has named Bella Belen and Cloanne Mondonedo as the Women's Player of the Year for the UAAP and NCAA, respectively.

Belen led National University to their second women's title in three seasons, while being named as the league's MVP in each of those campaigns, while Mondonedo helped ensure College of Saint Benilde's stranglehold in the NCAA by capping off her collegiate career with a sweep in Season 99 and third straight championship.

The CPC will also mark this year with the inaugural edition of the Men's Volleyball Player of the Year, with Owa Retamar and Louie Ramirez being the winners of each league.

Both helped their respective schools successfully defend their league championships, the former for National University, and the latter for the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta.

Also set to be honored for the first time are the championship-winning head coaches: NU mentors Norman Miguel and Dante Alinsunurin for the UAAP and Jerry Yee for CSB and Sammy Acaylar for Perpetual in the NCAA.

Philippine preparations for the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup 2025 hosting have commenced

L-R:  FIFA Futsal Manager Laura Cuscó, Director FIFA Tournaments Jaime Yarza, Philippine Football Federation President John Anthony Gutierrez, FIFA Head of Olympics and Futsal and Beach Soccer Kasra Haghighi

The preparations for the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup 2025™️ to be held in the Philippines have begun! The FIFA Tournament Team was in Manila during the second week of June to meet with the Philippine Football Federation and lay the groundwork.

 The Philippines was chosen as the host nation of the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup last May 15, 2024. The announcement was made at the 74th FIFA Congress that was held in Bangkok, Thailand.

FIFA Director of Tournaments Jaime Yarza disclosed on Friday that the Philippines "is one of the top contenders" in hosting the Futsal Women's World Cup. 

According to Yarza, the other countries that had submitted their bid were Brazil, Spain, and Italy. 

The Philippines' hosting rights were "based mostly about the exceptional work done by the Philippine Football Federation to promote football and futsal and the growing tendency of Filipino girls and kids to play futsal, which I would say were the key elements of giving it to the Philippines," Yarza explained on Friday's presscon organized by PFF. 

"So, in the bidding process, the Philippines came on top of these six to seven nations bidding for the tournament," Yarza added. 

 The Philippines automatically has a slot as the host country. The remaining 15 slots will be filled by three countries each from the member-associations of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the South American Football Confederation CONMEBOL; two countries each from the member-associations of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf); one country from the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC); and four countries from the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA).

 According to the FIFA website, the proposed format will have the 16 teams drawn into groups of four. The two in each group will reach the knock-out phase, in which quarter-finals, semi-finals, a third place play-off and final will ensue.

 Director of FIFA Tournaments Jaime Yarza; FIFA’s Head of Olympics, Futsal and Beach Soccer Kasra Haghighi and Futsal Manager Laura Cuscó met with PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez, General Secretary Angelico Mercader and the PFF team to discuss initial preparations for the inaugural event. They also visited and inspected potential venues. 

 “We need to spread the word that FIFA has trusted us to hold one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world,” said PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez. “This is going to be the first FIFA Women's Futsal World Cup. The men have been successfully doing it for the past 35 years."

 The PFF has invested in all forms of women’s football, including futsal, and has yielded results with the Philippine National Women’s Football Team, the “Filipinas”, qualifying for the country’s first ever FIFA World Cup berth at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™️. Since 2022, the PFF has worked on the development of all forms of the women’s game, and organized and hosted a series of local international women’s futsal tournaments to build on the popularity of the modality of futsal among girls in local public schools and communities.  

 With the help of the Philippine government and the private sector, FIFA and the PFF envision the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2025 to not only boost the popularity of football and futsal in the country. 

“While other teams, other women are dreaming of an opportunity to play in a World Cup, the Philippines had already been listed as a participant. We are the first team to qualify," Gutierrez underscored. 

"This is no small achievement. We are where other women around the world are dreaming of. We have to take advantage of this. We are again given a magnificent opportunity to showcase Filipina talent around the world. We have to spread the word," Gutierrez emphasized. 

The PFF will soon be launching a Road to World Cup campaign to promote futsal across the country. A highlight of this initiative is a national futsal tournament from which potential women’s futsal national team players will be identified.

“We will enjoin the entire country to be part of this momentous and once-in-a-lifetime event. We will promote futsal in schools and communities as this will help us develop our football nationwide. Equally important, we want to discover and hone local talents that can represent our country as members of the national team, who will be a source of pride not just for their respective regions but for the entire country as well,” added Gutierrez.

Lastly, Gutierrez assured that "all Filipinas around the world will be given a chance" to play for the national futsal team.

"It will be a mix of Filipinos who play the game," Gutierrez said on the possible team composition. "But I would like to stress that everyone will be given the same chance and I encourage our locally-developed players to step up and show the world what the Philippine program and way of playing futsal can do."

Six named as Collegiate Players of the Year

Players of the Year

The best of the best in the collegiate scene is set to honored this coming June 17, as the Collegiate Press Corps holds its upcoming Annual Awards Night, presented by the San Miguel Corporation at venue partner, the Discovery Suites Manila in Pasig City.

Six student-athletes are set to be bestown the honor of being Players of Year by the body, which is composed of the scribes covering the UAAP and NCAA.

Kevin Quiambao leads the cast as the Men's Basketball Player of the Year, having helped lead La Salle in its redemption tour, capped off by the league Most Valuable Player winning the UAAP Season 86 Finals MVP in a thrilling three-game matchup against the University of the Philippines.

Building on last year's efforts in honoring the best of the best in women's volleyball, the CPC has named Bella Belen and Cloanne Mondonedo as its third set of Players of the Year.

Belen claims her second nod after helping National University reclaim the UAAP title, while in the process of winning her second Most Valuable Player award in three seasons, becoming the fifth player in its history to be honored as such more than once.

Mondoñedo joins fellow teammates Mycah Go and Gayle Pascual as its awardees for the NCAA, having helped the College of Saint Benilde extend their winning run to forty straight games en route to the Lady Blazers winning their third straight title. In its 99th season, Cloanne became the first setter to be named as the league's MVP.

The CPC is also set to make its own history this year by having its first-ever POTY awardees for Women's Basketball and Men's Volleyball.

Set to be its inaugural Women's Basketball Player of the Year is Kent Pastrana from the University of Santo Tomas, who led the Growling Tigresses to two championships this season, claiming both 3x3 and 5x5 titles for the Espana-based institution.

In both cases, Pastrana dismissed the challenge of National University in the finals, helping end UST's seventeen-year title drought in 5x5, while successfully defending their 3x3 crown.

For Men's Volleyball, Joshua Retamar of National University and Louie Ramirez of the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta are the first-time honorees.

In his final season, Retamar helped lock in the Bulldogs' fourth straight title, while being named as the Finals MVP for last couple of seasons.

Ramirez, on the other hand, maintained the Altas' dominance in the NCAA, earning him consecutive MVP honors.

The Annual Awards Night is also backed by the Philippine Sports Commission and also has Jockey serving as a minor sponsor.

Quiambao, Pastrana lead Collegiate Press Corps Mythical selections

Mythical

The Collegiate Press Corps on Wednesday revealed the composition of its two Mythical Teams for the past season, with Kevin Quiambao and Kent Pastrana leading the way.

Both Quiambao and Pastrana led their respective schools to championships in the UAAP.

The latter helped end the seventeen-year drought of the University of Santo Tomas in women's basketball, snapping the title run of National University in the process in a classic three-game finals.

Her achievements in both five-on-five and 3x3, where she also won the championship over the Lady Bulldogs eventually got her the nod as the Player of the Year for team events.

Joining her in the inaugural women's Mythical selection are her teammate and Finals MVP Tantoy Ferrer, foreign student-athletes Josee Kaputu of Far Eastern University and Favour Onoh of the University of the Philippines.

Completing the quintet is Season 86 Most Valuable Player Kacey dela Rosa of the Ateneo de Manila University.

As for Quiambao, it was an undisputed choice as this past season's Most Valuable Player and Finals MVP, having towed La Salle back atop the mountain for the first time since 2016.

Also named to the men's Mythical selection is the NCAA Season 99 Rookie-MVP Clint Escamis, who helped Mapua reach the finals this past season, as well as Jacob Cortez, who helped San Beda reclaim the title before transferring to DLSU.

Malick Diouf of the University of the Philippines and Enoch Valdez of Lyceum are the remaining two players on said team.

The Collegiate Press Corps Awards Night presented by the San Miguel Corporation is slated to take place on June 17, with the Discovery Suites serving as the official venue partner. The event is backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, with Jockey serving as a minor sponsor.

MVP Group of Companies secures Paris 2024 broadcast rights

MVP Group of Companies come together to deliver multi-platform broadcast of Paris 2024. L to R, Sienna G. Olaso (FVP/Head, Channel Management & Programming - Cignal TV), Gerard L. Milan (CRO, Cignal TV), Guido R. Zaballero (President & CEO, TV5), Kristine A. Go (SVP, Smart Communications Inc.) and Jude Turcuato (FVP, Head of Sports Marketing - PLDT/Smart)

The MVP Group of Companies is ready for the Paris Games.

After sealing recent partnerships with the Philippine Olympic Committee and a number of National Sports Associations in the past few weeks and months, the group officially announced that it has secured broadcast rights for the 2024 Summer Olympics next month.

In making this announcement, MVP Group chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan shares, "We've always believed in the ability of the Filipino athlete and we're reiterating that dedication as we put all hands on deck for this monumental undertaking. We're excited for them to bring more glory to the country in Paris 2024."

Cignal and MediaQuest President & CEO Jane J. Basas adds, "We promise to deliver the biggest coverage for Paris 2024, the best which only the Filipino athlete deserve as we witness them display their athletic prowess before the world."

Fresh from the success of Team Pilipinas in Tokyo for the 2020 Olympics, in which Hidilyn Diaz finally delivered the country's historic first gold medal, as well as two silvers (Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam) and a bronze (Eumir Marcial) from our boxing contingent, Filipino athletes are raring to go in attempting to sustain the successes then to France.

The MVP Group reiterated its commitment towards documenting the steps and preparations of our athletes heading into and during the Games, as they made when they held their partnership announcement with the POC.

With the broadcast rights officially secured, Cignal TV, SMART, and PLDT are committed to showcase its coverage of the Olympics through free-to-air, pay TV, OTT, IPTV, digital, and social media platforms.

Cignal will showcase the games in free-to-air channels OneSports and RPTV, with HD broadcasts on One Sports+ and three dedicated 24/7 pay tv channels for the Games, with said specific channels exclusive for Cignal TV subscribers. TV5 will provide news features and highlights on its airwaves.

Pilipinas Live and SMART LiveStream will take care of access on OTT, with access also in play through One Sports' accounts on Facebook and YouTube, as well as their counterparts with SMART Sports and Puso Pilipinas.

As for PLDT Home bundle subscribers, they will have access towards multiple channels via an IPTV exclusive

Aside from all of this, Team Pilipinas' upcoming documentary This is Our Team, which will highlight the journey of our Filipino athletes heading into Paris, is set to be revealed down the line.

Seven named as Collegiate Press Corps outstanding coaches

Coaches of the Year

The Collegiate Press Corps is set to honor seven outstanding coaches when it holds its Annual Awards Night on June 17.

Aside from its traditional awardees in men's basketball for the UAAP and the NCAA, the CPC is also holding its inaugural recognition for women's basketball in the UAAP, as well as for men's and women's volleyball in both leagues.

Leading the cast of inaugural awardees is the lone female awardee of the seven in Haydee Ong, who helped steer the University of Santo Tomas to the UAAP women's basketball title, ending a long drought for the Growling Tigresses and putting a stop to the lengthy reign of National University.

Honoring the greatness of their dynasties in NCAA volleyball are Sammy Acaylar of the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta and Jerry Yee of the College of Saint Benilde, while the duo that got National University its collegiate double at the UAAP in Dante Alinsunurin and Norman Miguel also are set to be appreciated.

Set to be feted as well are Topex Robinson and Yuri Escueta. The former helped end a seven-year drought for La Salle, while the latter pulled off a couple of upsets to aid San Beda in reclaiming the championship.

Presented by the San Miguel Corporation, the Awards Night will be held at its venue partner, the Discovery Suites Manila, with Jockey serving as a minor sponsor.