Samsung readies Olympics and Paralympics campaign for Paris 2024

c/o Samsung

With the Paris Olympics less than a hundred days left, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner, ramped up its efforts for the Games by launching its campaign and held its grand opening for its Olympic™️ rendezvous @ Samsung | Champs-Elysees 125 showcase.

Called "Open always wins," it highlights the belief that openness enables new perspectives and infinite possibilities, something that both the Olympics and Paralympics share.

Samsung Electronics President and Head of Mobile eXperience Business TM Roh says, "As a Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner, Samsung has been driving innovation and delivering cutting-edge technology and experiences at the Games for nearly 40 years. The way we enjoy the Games has evolved dramatically over time, with technology playing a critical role in bringing the Olympic spirit to life. This is even more true as we embark on a ‘Games wide open,’ and we are excited to bring Olympic fans and athletes closer than ever by opening up new experiences and meaningful connections at Paris 2024 with our ‘Open always wins’ campaign."

The campaign will include stories from its Team Samsung Galaxy sporting ambassadors, with skateboarder Aurélien Giraud and breakdancer Sarah Bee of France and para-sprinter Johannes Floors of Germany demonstrates how being open enables you to do extraordinary things, as seen here.

Also to coincide with the launch, Samsung also unveiled a brand new physical showcase in Paris. Called Olympic™️ rendezvous @ Samsung | Champs-Elysees 125, it will take fans across an epic journey to Paris 2024 through iconic experiences, with the chance to relive the biggest highlights of previous Games with Galaxy, as well as explore the latest innovations from Samsung, which includes Galaxy AI.

The exhibit was preceded by a ribbon-cutting ceremony that included Roh, Team Samsung Galaxy ambassadors Joanne Defay (surfing, France), Karam Singh (breakdancing, Great Britain), and Ugo Didier (para-swimming, France), International Olympic Committee Managing Director for Television and Marketing Services Anne-Sophie Voumard, Paris Deputy Mayor for Sport, Olympic and Paralympic Games Pierre Rabadan, Paris 2024 Organizing Committee Director General Étienne Thobois.

Samsung collaborated with Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel for this project. Taking inspiration from Parisian salons during the Age of Enlightenment, the space is designed to celebrate openness to new perspectives and possibilities through reflections and optical illusions that evoke feeling of openness, harmony and connection.

According to Nouvel, "The entire space is designed to celebrate Samsung’s commitment to openness. The abstract graphic façade captures the reflections of movements and lights that appear and disappear in an instant, while the matte, reflective white mirrors in the lobby invite discovery of latest innovations."

Voumard adds, "We’re excited to see our shared values celebrated for these ‘Games wide open’ at this Olympic™️ rendezvous @ Samsung. Samsung has played a huge part in elevating the Olympic Games’ fan experience through their innovative technology over the decades, and we’re impressed to see them take it to the next level with this showcase as well as through many ways they will support staging of the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games here in Paris."

Located at 125 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, the activation is set to be open to the public starting May 3, and will last until October 31. Operating hours is 10am-8pm on Mondays to Saturdays, and 11am-8pm on Sundays. It will serve a venue for a series of special events in the run-up to the Games.

Expect similar such spaces to be opened across the city and its surroundings, including Olympic Park, the Olympic and Paralympic Village, and the Main Press Centre. There will also be a showcase for the latest Galaxy innovations and charging stations at key Olympic and Paralympic venues.

Philippine Air Force stuns Tuloy FC to secure first win

c/o Romeo Martinez

The elusive first victory in their return to top-flight club football finally arrived for Philippine Air Force FC.

Needing four matches, it finally happened on Sunday night, as they emerged as 2-1 winners against Tuloy FC.

Ronald Macasinag opened scoring in the 21st minute for the Airmen, with a composed finish into the bottom right hand corner past Tuloy keeper Archie Pabelliar.

Jed Delariarte doubled the lead for Air Force twenty minutes later, converting one from close range.

The second half saw Tuloy produce plenty of scoring opportunities, but Zaldy Abraham proved ready to prevent those shots from moving past his line. One of those was the UST alumnus parrying a Syrn Saut free kick with twenty minutes remaining in the match.

Tuloy would finally pull one back in the 87th minute thanks to John Lloyd Jalique, but they were unable to find the equalizer in time.

Erwin Oro shared post-match, "Ang pinagpa-praktisan namin, lumabas, nagamit namin ang mga tactics namin." He also praised the leadership of captain Glenn Bulaquina, noting that "Pinatapang niya ang team."

Air Force seeks to capitalize on this momentum in their upcoming matchup this weekend against Maharlika on May 5 before flying out to Iloilo to face Kaya FC on May 8.

UE ends volleyball season with a victory

c/o UAAP

The University of the East ended their season in the UAAP Season 86 Women's Volleyball tournament on a winning note, dispatching the University of the Philippines, 23-25 25-17 27-25 25-22, Saturday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

The Lady Warriors snapped their five-game losing skid to finish their campaign at 3-11, the same record as Adamson University. It was their best post-pandemic season even, and a two-win improvement from this past season.

Interim head coach Dr. Obet Vital shared to the media afterwards, "Given the rookies that we have playing, I felt that we did pretty good. Could have done better but very proud of the accomplishments so far."

UE had to survival a game final effort from their fellow Strong Group-backed squad in the final set, as the Fighting Maroons, led by Irah Jaboneta and Jewel Encarnacion, crawled back from a 14-20 deficit to be at 22-23, but a Casiey Dongallo crosscourt kill, followed by a block point from her teammates allowed them to end the match with a victory after two hours and twelve minutes.

Dongallo finished with 25 spikes, a couple of blocks, and an ace. The freshman added nine digs for good measure to cap her impressive season.

She shared afterwards, "Masaya kasi even though may goal kami na hindi namin nagawa pero nandito pa rin kami nanalo naman kami sa last game namin and naibigay namin yun sa seniors kasi sabi ko sa kanila aalis sila sa UE na iba naman yung history."

Providing backup offensively are Riza Nogales and Kayce Balingit, who contributed seventeen and ten points, respectively.

Kizzie Madriaga lobbed twelve excellent sets, while libero Ange Reyes netted four digs.

Jaboneta and Steph Bustrillo led the way in the defeat with fifteen markers each, while Nina Ytang added thirteen of her own. The Maroons finished the season at 1-13, losing their final seven assignments.

The match proved to be the final collegiate game for Dea Villamor, Dara Nieva, and Jen Zeta of UE and Abi Goc for UP.

Air Force seeks first win in PFL against Tuloy

c/o Matchday Media

With nary a win so far in the Philippines Football League, Air Force seeks to claim it on Sunday night at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium, hopeful that their matchup against Tuloy FC would bear that fruit.

Kick-off has been moved to 9:00 pm as a result of the earlier matches scheduled that day moved later due to the prevailing heat conditions in the country.

Although suffering two tough defeats to Mendiola FC 1991 and One Taguig FC, the Airmen did manage to make things difficult against a fellow league returnee in United City FC.

Jan Delariarte's header from twelve yards out allowed PAF to score their first goal of the campaign, a bright spot in their 4-1 defeat.

Serving as Air Force's foil in this Sunday's quest for an inaugural victory is a Tuloy side that has a built an impressive following with their style of play. Anchoring their offense are the duo of John Jalique and Harry Nunez, with the latter having been called up for national team duty.

Tickets for the match cost just PhP 150, whilst bleacher area seating is free of charge. Matches are streamed online, as well as on Premier Football.

Philippines remains key NBA market

In revealing its social and digital engagement data, the Philippines remains an essential market for the National Basketball Association.

The Asia-Pacific region, according to the league, accounted for a 54% year-over-year increase in NBA League Pass average viewership, yielding its highest-ever mark in the region.

On that specific aspect, Filipinos were second in the region with regards to average viewership and watch hours on LP, behind Australia.

One can potentially credit interest in the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament, which is now called the Emirates NBA Cup. The IST generated 74% higher viewership on LP compared to non-IST games during the duration of the competition, which was won by the Los Angeles Lakers.

To produce localized content, the NBA collaborated with over twenty celebrities and influencers, with a combined 90 million followers on their social media profiles. Among those the league tapped is K-Pop group Le Sserafim.

In the Philippines' case, the league made December its "Republika ng NBA" month, the first-of-its-kind celebration of the NBA fandom in the Philippines. A record 116 million video views were generated from its local-based content, the most for the Asia-Pacific region.

Highlighting its reputation as the social media capital of the world, the Facebook page of NBA Philippines reached six million fans, which is the most compared to its regional counterparts.

In addition, the two NBA Stores in the Philippines, located at SM Megamall and the SM Mall of Asia, remained a place to be for shoppers.

As of February this year,  foot traffic increased by more than 175% year-over-year, with sales in both outlets as well as online, doubled year-over-year.

Busan KCC Egis and Suwon KT Sonicboom earn EASL 2024-25 Season berths

 

L-R: Henry Kerins (CEO, EASL); Heo Hoon (player, Suwon KT Sonicboom); Moon Seong Gon (player, Suwon KT Sonicboom); Song Young Jin (Head Coach, Suwon KT Sonicboom), Chun Chang Jin (Head Coach, Busan KCC Egis), Heo Ung (player, Busan KCC Egis); Song Kyo Chang (player, Busan KCC Egis); Mark Fischer (CCO, EASL)

With the conclusion of the Korean Basketball League semifinals, we now know the first two teams comprising the East Asia Super League for the upcoming 2024-25 season.

Busan KCC Egis was the first team in after dispatching Wonju DB Promy in four games, 3-1. The other team is Suwon KT Sonicboom, who outlasted Changwon LG Sakers, 3-2.

The winner of their best-of-seven matchup, scheduled to take place on April 27 until May 9, will be placed into Group B for the upcoming EASL season. The other side is allocated into Group A.

Both EASL Chief Executive Officer Henry Kerins and Chief Commercial Officer Mark Fischer graced the KBL Finals Media Day in Seoul on Thursday to congratulate both teams for earning their qualification.

Kerins says, "The strength of the Korean Basketball League was shown when two Korean teams made it to the EASL Final Four 2024 in March. We have no doubt that Busan KCC Egis and Suwon KT Sonicboom will once again show that KBL teams are elite clubs in the Asia region, will compete for the championship in the EASL 2024-25 Season."

With two teams down, six spots remain to complete the 2024-25 field: with a couple each from the other three leagues: the B.LEAGUE in Japan, the P.LEAGUE= in Chinese-Taipei, and the Philippine Basketball Association in the Philippines.

The identities of these teams will be revealed in the next few months.

NU ends title drought in collegiate baseball

c/o UAAP

NATIONAL University ended a 12-year title drought in UAAP Baseball, dethroning back-to-back champion De La Salle University, 4-2, in Game 2 of the Season 86 Finals on Sunday at the UP Baseball Field.

The Bulldogs claimed their fourth overall crown in the sport and annexed the school's fourth golden trophy in the collegiate level after men's athletics, men's taekwondo, and women's tennis.

"Nung nakita ko 'tong mga bata na 'to last season, sabi ko may skills naman, kulang lang sa puso. Kaya nung binigay sa 'kin 'yung trabaho, 'yun talaga inuna ko," said NU head coach Romar Landicho, who replaced Egay delos Reyes during the off-sesaon.

"Happy ako sa pinakita nila kaya nakuha namin 'to," he added.

With De La Salle breathing down their necks, the Bustillos-based side turned to its bread and butter all season long: its defense.

Closer Amiel De Guzman ended the four-hour-long game on his own terms with a strikeout of JR Samuel, denying the Green Batters with runners on second and third.

De Guzman, who is in his sophomore year and from Batangas, was the Best Pitcher of the season with an earned run average of .434.

With the game hanging in the balance at a 2-2 deadlock in the sixth inning, the Bustillos-based side reclaimed the two-run lead, capitalizing on errors by the Green Batters.

The Bulldogs, who won Game 1, 8-4, just last Thursday, showed their intentions early, taking a 2-0 lead in the first inning. However, the Green Batters produced two runs, one each in the third and fourth innings, to level the proceedings.

NU, though, restored the cushion with a significant turnaround in the sixth inning.

Down with one out, John Calanday pushed a hit to the middle and forced an error from De La Salle second baseman JR Samuel, putting a runner on first.

Two consecutive fielding errors saw Cyril Antipolo, who ran for Calanday, and Kevin Naulit crossing home for the differential runs before Green Batters' substitute Joshua Pineda stopped the bleeding with a pitch that Samuel finally caught.

The defense, though, from both sides deemed the advantage enough for NU's much-awaited ascension to the throne.

Graduating pitcher MJ Carolino started for the Bulldogs and played seven and one-third innings to steer the victory, earning him the Finals MVP in his final collegiate game.

"Sobrang nakaka-overwhelm po talaga. Masaya po ako na, finally, aalis po ako na champion," said Carolino, the Season 81 Best Pitcher.

On the other hand, the Green Batters took their last turns at the bases with Joshua Pineda, Shinji Kajihara, JM Segui, Vince Flores, Marco Micael, Gab Dunglao, and Jasper Crisostomo after the game.

University of the Philippines' captain Ian Mercado bagged the Best Hitter (.524 BA) and Best Slugger (.690 SA) plums to garner the Season MVP award.

Fighting Maroons freshman Aaron Nicha, who was the lone batter with a home run this season aside from Mercado, was adjudged as the Rookie of the Year.

Prince Harry Geronimo from the University of Santo Tomas had the Most Runs-Batted-In (14), while Adamson University's John Leonel Matanguihan finished with the Most Stolen Bases (12).

The Lines:

TEAM 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E

DLSU 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 - 2 8 5

NU      2 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 x - 4 3 3

NU sneaks way into Game 1 baseball win

c/o UAAP

Game on Sunday at the UP Baseball Field

4 p.m. - DLSU vs NU (Finals Game 2) (NU leads series 1-0)

Nigel Paule guided National University to a come-from-behind 8-4 victory against back-to-back defending title-holders De La Salle University in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 86 Baseball Finals on Thursday at the UP Baseball Field.

The Bulldogs, who last lifted the trophy in Season 74 (2011-12), will aim to clinch the title against the Green Batters on Sunday at 4 p.m. in Game 2 of the Finals at the same Diliman venue.

With a precarious 5-4 lead they secured in the eighth inning, the left fielder delivered his second hit of the game, a left-liner that brought in Herald Tenorio and John Kiel Olazo to extend the lead.

An additional run was scored after a subsequent attempt on the final out by Gio Gorpido misfired from substitute pitcher Lord Aragorn De Vera, giving the Bulldogs a significant four-run cushion at 8-4, which they held on to for the win.

"Inisip ko lang na kailangan ko ibigay 'yung best ko today kasi kailangan naming manalo ng Game 1," said Paule, the homegrown outfielder from National University Nazareth School, reflecting on his mindset for the day.

The back-to-back champions from Taft seized an early 4-0 lead in the first two innings of the game, with De Vera, JR Samuel, and Pio Villamiel providing the offensive spark for the squad.

De Vera, the second-year infielder from Faith Catholic School, crossed the plate twice off single-base hits from Samuel in the first and Villamiel in the second, with the bottom of the order for the Green Batters, Ezy Bautista, and JM Segui, adding two more in the second.

That was all De La Salle could manage, as NU broke through in the third to fifth innings before completing the comeback in the seventh inning.

"Yung kalaban namin is championship caliber talaga, so lagi naming sinasabi sa training at sa mga conferences namin na kailangan naming sabayan 'yung kalaban. Kailangan lang huwag kaming bibigay pero ibibigay namin dapat lahat sa loob ng field," said first-year Bulldogs head coach Romar Landicho, who replaced Egay delos Reyes during the off-season, on the squad's mindset as the game progressed.

Two runs from Kenneth Maulit and Olazo in the said frame set up the comeback for the Bustillos-based side and forced Green Batters starter and reigning Finals MVP to retire to the dugout after the inning.

The pitching change in the following inning backfired on the holders, as Peter Nonaillada allowed three straight hits from Calanday and the Maulit brothers, Kevin and Kenneth, to load the bases for the Bulldogs.

Four balls from De Vera, who took over the mound from Nonaillada, sent Tenorio to first and advanced Cyril Antipolo, who ran for Calanday, home, setting up Paule's decisive hit and the eventual win.

Amiel De Guzman, on the other hand, was superb in the last seven innings of the game after a shaky start, allowing just three hits in that period and shutting down the De La Salle bats.

With a significant opportunity to end the series and the 12-year wait for NU, Landicho knew that they must prepare to give their all on Sunday.

"Yung mentality namin dapat gutom kami sa championship. Na-adapt naman na 'yun ng players at 'yun naman 'yung pinapakita ng players," the freshly tenured mentor Landicho ended.

The Lines:

TEAM 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9   R H E

NU      0 0 0 0 0 0 2 6 0 - 8 14 3

DLSU 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 -  4 9 3

Cignal TV, POC set for Paris 2024 partnership

c/o Cignal

With the countdown to the 2024 Paris Olympics reaching 100 days, the Philippine Olympic Committee and Cignal TV are set to join forces in launching Isang Daang Taon Laban Para sa Bayan: Celebrating 100 Years of Filipino Excellence in the Olympics.

This campaign kicks off the country's quest towards the quadrennial event, as it seeks to build on the successes in Tokyo, where we finally snagged our first gold medal thanks to Hidilyn Diaz. It also celebrates the centennial of the Philippines' participation in the Summer Games. Sprinter David Nepomuceno is the first Filipino Olympian, as he participated in the 100m and 200m events of the eighth edition of the Games.

Cignal TV and MediaQuest President & CEO Jane J. Basas shares, "Cignal TV has always believed in the skills and talent of the Filipino athlete and this partnership only reiterates our commitment to them. We want them to know that we’re with them every step of the way."

On the POC's part, President Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino adds, "We’re honored to have Cignal TV be our gracious partner for the Paris-bound athletes and this early, we have high hopes of another memorable showing in the Olympics."

A growing crop of Pinoys seek to replicate Diaz's achievements a few years ago, led by gymnast Carlos Yulo, vaulter EJ Obiena, boxers Eumir Marcial and Nesthy Petecio, as well as Vanessa Sarno.

Cignal TV will use its full arsenal at its disposal in documenting Team Pilipinas' buildup and preparations, including their moments at the country's chosen French headquarters in Metz. Content will then be shown on the varying MediaQuest platforms, whether through mainstream platforms or through digital and social media.

FEU win keeps twice-to-beat incentive alive

c/o UAAP

Women's Volleyball Standings W L

*NU 10 2

*DLSU 10 2

*UST 10 2

*FEU 8 4

Ateneo 4 8

AdU 3 9

UE 2 10

UP 1 11

Games Saturday at the Philsports Arena

10 a.m. – FEU vs UP (Men)

12 noon – AdU vs NU (Men)

2 p.m. – FEU vs UP (Women)

4 p.m. – AdU vs NU (Women)

Far Eastern University kept its top-two hopes alive with a 25-19, 25-15, 22-25, 25-16 victory over the already eliminated University of the East on Wednesday in the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

The Lady Tamaraws improved their slate to 8-4 to remain on the race for the two twice-to-beat incentives in the Final Four below National University, De La Salle University, and University of Santo Tomas all at 10-2.

“Tonight maganda naman nakuha namin yung gusto naming mangyari na manalo pero sa loob ng panalo ano ba yung gusto naming mangyari? Yung sistema mas patibayin pa,” said FEU coach Manolo Refugia.

Just when the Lady Tamaraws looked to have been wrapping up the match, 22-19, the Lady Warriors were able to string together six straight points via Casiey Dongallo and Claire Castillo’s heroics to extend the match, 25-22.

FEU learned from its mistakes the previous set, opening up a huge 18-11 margin thanks to six consecutive points en route to their fourth straight triumph, this time finishing in one hour and 54 mnutes.

Chenie Tagaod erupted for 21 points built on 19 attacks, while Gerzel Petallo backed her up with 14 points and 10 digs.

Tin Ubaldo orchestrated the Lady Tamaraws’ offense with 21 excellent sets while also getting the points herself with seven.

Congo’s Faida Bakanke also chipped in 10 points in just two sets of play.

FEU’s next game will be on Saturday against University of the Philippines followed by a match against NU next Wednesday.

Dongallo once again led UE with an all-around display of 17 points along with 10 digs and eight excellent receptions while also getting 14 points including six service aces from Castillo.

The Lady Warriors sank to their fourth straight defeat for a 2-10 record. UE will face UST on Sunday.

Villarreal Philippines set to host Open Clinic

Villarreal Philippines

With the increased interest in playing football sprouting in this Philippines, a LaLiga club has expressed interest in taking root.

Villarreal CF, through the Villarreal Academy international expansion project, established its first-ever official partner academy in the Philippines, going by the name Villarreal Philippines Academy.

At the end of the month, the VPA will hold its inaugural event, the Villarreal Philippines Open Clinic 2024, opening its doors to all local players. It will take place at the Alabang Country Club on April 27 and 28, as well as May 1.

To help with the event, Villarreal CF coach Alejandro “Nano” Márquez will be coming over from Spain to assist the academy in player selection for the VPA teams. Armed with a UEFA license, Márquez will help determine who will comprise teams that would have the chance to participate in international events and tournaments.

Villarreal Philippines Academy director, Mr. Eumir Siao, encourages young players in the Philippines to come along for this unique event: “This April, we invite everyone to take part in the first-ever open clinic with Villarreal CF in the Philippines. This is a breakthrough in bringing proven international methodologies in professional football to our Filipino football landscape. We are working together to improve the level of football in the Philippines through the clinics and workshops that we aim to provide. We believe that through the development of the grassroots level with proper methodology and international exposure, we are creating a pathway for the kids to reach their potential of having football as a profession.”

To register for the Open Clinic or for more information on Villarreal Philippines Academy visit: www.villarrealphilippines.com.

UP set for title defense at 2024 Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup

La Salle's Kevin Quiambao, UP's Francis Lopez, San Beda's James Payosing (Photos courtesy of UAAP Media Bureau/NCAA Philippines/GMA Sports)

The 17th edition of the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup is set to commence in less than a month.

All eight schools from the UAAP and all ten schools from the NCAA will participate in the 2024 edition, which will start on May 11, as each side is set to undertake their own respective preparations for their upcoming league campaigns.

Considered as among the favorites are defending champions the University of the Philippines, with JD Cagulangan and Francis Lopez set to anchor a successful title defense under Goldwin Monteverde.

Serving as the likely main foils are the respective league champions in La Salle and San Beda.

The Green Archers conquered the Fighting Maroons in the UAAP finals, with Topex Robinson still armed with a ferocious frontcourt of league MVP Kevin Quiambao, Mike Phillips, and Jonnel Policarpio.

As for the Red Lions, Yuri Escueta will still have Finals MVP James Payosing, while also integrating a bunch of transfers that will be eligible for the historic centennial season of the NCAA, led by Bryan Sajonia, formerly of Far Eastern University.

All eight UAAP teams will comprise one group, while all ten NCAA teams will comprise the other group. Teams within each group will go through a single round robin, with the top four teams advancing into the crossover playoffs.

Overseeing the tournament are its regulars: Commissioners Joe Lipa and Bert dela Rosa, tournament director Bennett Palad, media head and consultant Virgil Villavicencio, and marketing and finance head Diana Layug.

In addition, the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup will also hold the Hanes 1-on-1 King of the Hardcourt tournament.

La Salle stuns champs in UAAP Men's Volleyball

c/o UAAP

Men

*FEU 10 1

*NU 9 3

DLSU 8 3

UST 7 5

Ateneo 6 6

AdU 4 7

UE 1 10

UP 1 11

*Final Four

Games Wednesday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum

10 a.m. – DLSU vs AdU (Men)

12 noon – UE vs FEU (Men)

2 p.m. – DLSU vs AdU (Women)

4 p.m. – UE vs FEU (Women)

De La Salle University showcased immense poise in a four-set thriller to pull off a shocker, upsetting three-time defending champion National University, 25-19, 25-18, 31-33, 27-25, in the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Volleyball Tournament Final Four race on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The Green Spikers remain in third place with an 8-3 mark as a result of their third straight win, good enough for at least a playoff for a Final Four berth. Their record is a half a game off the Bulldogs, who dropped to 9-3 with the defeat.

It came to grit and heart down the stretch as Nico Almendras tried to lift NU at 25-all in the fourth but Noel Kampton went through the block before Nathaniel Del Pilar’s smart move to send back a floating ball for the De La Salle win in two hours and 17 minutes.

The Bulldogs tried to negate that final play with a foot fault challenge at the centerline but after review, it was deemed that Vince Maglinao nor Del Pilar crossed the line.

“Gusto na namin talaga. Sabi ko nga sa kanila para hindi tayo magdoubt, ilabas niyo lahat yung gusto niyong ilaro,” said Green Spikers head coach Jose Roque.

It was as tight as ever in the fourth as NU managed to deny De La Salle the win at 28-27, calling for a block touch challenge on Almendras’ crosscourt hit that went long, which was reviewed to have a touch to stay alive.

Off-the-bench Jan Abanilla drilled a down-the-line kill before JM Ronquillo’s attack went out, allowing the Bulldogs to extend the match, 33-31.

“Yung third set is really not for us. Maraming errors and hindi siya para sa amin pero nilaban namin. Nung fourth set, same naghabol ulit kami and thank God na nakuha namin,” said Maglinao, who had 22 points and eight receptions.

Ronquillo also came up big with 19 points as well as Kampton, who posted 18 points, 22 receptions, and seven digs.

Del Pilar also breached double figures with 12 points.

La Salle hopes to match NU’s record with a victory on Wednesday against Adamson at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

Almendras’ mammoth game of 22 points, 39-of-51 excellent receptions, and 12 digs went for naught.

The Bulldogs also drew 16 points from Michaelo Buddin in just three sets of play.

They will look to rebound on Saturday against Adamson as well, also at the Big Dome.

UST pounds Ateneo in women's football

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 86 Women’s Football Tournament Standings

FEU 15 points (+15)

DLSU 12 points (+14)

UP 7 points (-1)

Ateneo 4 points (-20)

UST 3 points (-8)

Men's Matches today at the UP Diliman Football Stadium

4 p.m. - UP vs UE

6:30 p.m. - UST vs FEU

UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas got its breakthrough win in the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Football Tournament by blanking Ateneo de Manila University 3-0 Saturday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.

Goalkeeper Lizlie Garcia led the way to secure a clean sheet, while Rica Gerona, Biancy Sy, and Gly Añonuevo provided the goals to snap their five-game losing streak this year, while also avenging its 2-0 loss to Ateneo in the first round last March 23.

Garcia performed a routine stop against Ateneo’s Angely Alferez’s penalty kick to set the tone for the Lady Booters in the first half, with the game still scoreless after teammate Jearfelyn Grace Ramos failed to open the scoring for UST by missing her penalty.

Come the second half, Gerona started UST’s goal rush in the 51st minute while Sy converted a penalty in the 68th minute and Añonuevo wrapped up the three points in the 79th minute.

The win ensured that all teams this season have earned at least one victory. The Lady Booters, though, remained bottom of the standings with three points and a minus-8 goal difference after this match.

“Nakaka-miss manalo,” said coach Aging Rubio. “Regardless sa performance namin in the previous games, at least ngayon may result na nakikita. Masaya kami na nanalo and we will continue to work hard para sa upcoming games namin para somehow kaya pa rin namin ipanalo.”

On the other hand, the Blue Eagles are still in fourth place with four points and a minus-20 goal difference. This result meant that Ateneo was officially out of the running for a ticket to the final.

Both teams will return to action this Saturday at the same venue.

Ateneo will face archrival De La Salle University at 4 p.m. while UST will go up against defending champion Far Eastern University at 6:30 p.m.

Adamson forces softball decider

c/o UAAP

Games Sunday at the UP Baseball Field (Baseball Final Four)

3 p.m. - DLSU vs UST

6 p.m. - NU vs Ateneo

ADAMSON University kept its '11-peat' hopes alive in style, routing the University of the Philippines, 15-2, in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 86 Softball Finals on Saturday at the latter's home field in Diliman, Quezon City.

The Lady Falcons, who suffered their first defeat of the season in Game 1 in a 3-2, eighth-inning heartbreaker, stormed right out of the gates to force a rubber match on Wednesday at 4 p.m.

Jeelyn Pajotal, designated player for reigning MVP Glory Alonzo, started the very first offensive inning for the holders with a hit to the left side.

Three more hits against UP's ace KC Valino, matching Game 1's total for AdU, eventually led to four runs that set the tone for the subsequent result.

"Lumabas 'yung palo nila kasi nung Game 1, sobrang off kami eh," said Lady Falcons' long-time head coach Ana Santiago.

"Napag-usapan rin namin kung ano 'yung mga mali namin at sinabi ko rin sa kanila, 'If you want, you have to get this another chance'," the concurrent RP Blu Girls head coach continued.

The Fighting Maroons averted a shutout with two runs manufactured in the fifth and sixth innings, capitalizing on a few miscues by Alonzo.

A double from Danica Aquino, accompanied by a passed ball, saw Generose Torremocha stop a potential regulation game after five frames, before two hits allowed Kate Nueva, who pinch ran for a hit-by-pitched Nickole Dela Cruz, to double UP's output.

It was just a case of delaying the inevitable as the Lady Falcons soared in the final inning against the Fighting Maroons.

Mary Jane Libaton shook off substitute shortstop Jamm'n Joyce Rasco with a hit before Khrisha Cantor forced the senior UP fielder to commit an error.

Aliza Talisik then loaded the bases on four balls from Dianne Pasco, eventually leading to the final seven runs of the game as Libaton got two of her three hits in the said frame.

Adding to the Adamson onslaught were three more hits from MJ Maguad, but it was the insertion of Pajotal, who had two hits, which proved to be the difference in the squad's huge 20-hit outing.

"Tabla uli 'yan, so everybody's ball game uli 'yan. So, we'll have to prepare lang," Santiago shared on the squad's outlook for that do-or-die Game 3.

The Lines:

TEAM 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E

ADU   4 0 2 1 0 1 7 15 20 1

UP       0 0 0 0 1 1 0 2 4 4

Adamson keeps postseason hopes alive

c/o UAAP

Adamson University revived its flickering Final Four hopes by surviving the University of the Philippines in a thrilling match, with scores of 25-17, 23-25, 20-25, 25-23, 15-13 in the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila on Saturday.

All it took was a cool and calm timeout by head coach JP Yude late in the fourth set, and a lot of grit and fight in the decider for the Lady Falcons to reach for the skies again after a nightmare six-game slump, improving their record to 3-8 at solo sixth.

However, a Far Eastern University win in its last four games will complete the Final Four cast.

“Sabi ko sa mga bata kailangan trabahuhin talaga always, na huwag tumigil every time kasi wala namang imposible kung gugustuhin talaga nila, yung willingness talaga na manalo,” said Yude.

The Fighting Maroons threatened to send Adamson into a seventh-straight loss with a 22-20 lead in the fourth then came the timeout that lit a fire in the Lady Falcons.

Barbie Jamili, May Ann Nuique, and Ayesha Juegos worked double time to overturn that deficit into a 25-23 fourth-set escape.

Then in the fifth, it was the closest of battles as Jewel Encarnacion, Joan Monares, and Niña Ytang answered every Adamson point to force a 13-all tie.

In the ensuing play though, Abi Goc committed a costly service error that the Lady Falcons capitalized on as Jen Villegas blocked Irah Jaboneta in the following play for the Adamson win in two hours and 33 minutes.

Jamili led the Lady Falcons with an all-around showing of 16 points, 14 excellent receptions, and 11 digs, while Nuique backed her up with 15 points.

Villegas and Red Bascon chipped in 12 and 10 points as well as they enjoyed 35 free points from UP.

“Sobrang saya lang kasi sunod sunod po yung talo, masakit para sa amin. Itong panalong ito emotional lang kami lalo na yung mga senior,“ said an emotional Karen Verdeflor, who had a defensive masterclass of 25 digs and 15 receptions.

Adamson’s next game will be on Wednesday against defending champion De La Salle University at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

Ytang led all scorers with 17 points as the Fighting Maroons sagged to their fifth straight loss, sinking to 1-11.

Monares and off-the-bench Jewel Encarnacion each delivered 16 points while Steph Bustrillo poured 10 points across three sets.

UP will be back next Saturday against FEU at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

UP ends winless spell in men's volleyball

c/o UAAP

University of the Philippines is winless no more, quashing Adamson University in four sets, 19-25, 25-23, 25-23, 28-26, in the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Volleyball Tournament on Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

The Fighting Maroons finally entered the win column in their 12th try for a 1-11 record, also ending a 15-game losing spell dating back to last season.

“It was very good for us. It was our first win and I think the introduction of a new system and culture to the team were the ones that brought us to where we are now,” said Vip Isada, who returned to coaching UP's men's volleyball team this season after relinquishing his post after Season 75 (2012-13).

This is Isada's first win with UP MVT since defeating University of the East in five sets during the last game of the elimination round of Season 75.

The Fighting Maroons needed all the stops they could get in the fourth to end the match in two hours and three minutes.

Back-to-back blocks by Leo Coguimbal and Jude Aguilar on Louis Gamban put the Soaring Falcons ahead at 26-25.

Then UP team captain Dan Nicolas equalized with a quick kill followed by lefty Brian Chavez’s right-hand tip that dropped for the Fighting Maroons’ match point, 27-26.

Dan Gutierrez almost retaliated for Adamson but his follow-through on his spike forced him to touch the net to give UP the win.

“Sobrang saya kasi para sa amin lahat ng oras namin ikino-commit namin sa training. Masaya na makita yung fruit ng paghihirap namin,” said Jaivee Malabanan, who led UP with 17 points, 19 receptions, and nine digs.

Clarence Santiago orchestrated the Fighting Maroons’ offense splendidly with 26 excellent sets, along with seven points, resulting in four players in double figures.

Angelo Lagando and Gamban each finished with 13 points while Nicolas had 12 for UP, which looks to continue its strong finish to the season next Saturday when it faces Far Eastern University at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

Marc Paulino paced Adamson with 20 points, Francis Casas added 18, while Coguimbal and Aguilar managed 12 and 11, respectively.

The Soaring Falcons slumped to their third consecutive defeat for a 4-7 card, seeing their Final Four chances dimmed. A win by both the De La Salle University Green Spikers and the University of Santo Tomas Golden Spikers will shut the door on their Final Four hopes.

Adamson seeks to stop its skid on Wednesday against La Salle at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

FEU, UST revisit rivalry

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 86 Collegiate Volleyball Standings

Women

*UST 10 1

*DLSU 9 1

*NU 9 2

FEU 6 4

Ateneo 3 8

UE 2 8

AdU 2 8

UP 1 10

Men

*FEU 9 1

*NU 9 2

DLSU 7 3

UST 7 4

Ateneo 5 6

AdU 4 6

UE 1 9

UP 0 11

*Final Four

Games today at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium

10 a.m. – AdU vs UP (Men)

12 noon – FEU vs UST (Men)

2 p.m. – AdU vs UP (Women)

4 p.m. – FEU vs UST (Women)

Far Eastern University is eager to secure a spot in the Final Four of the UAAP Season 86 Women's Volleyball Tournament as it aims for a major upset against league-leading University of Santo Tomas today (Saturday) at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

With a 6-4 record, the Lady Tamaraws can end three seasons of no semifinals action with a win against the Golden Tigresses, whom they pushed to a five-set marathon in the first round before ultimately succumbing.

UST (10-1), De La Salle University (9-1), and National University (9-2) have already secured their tickets to the postseason.

Their 22-25, 21-25, 25-23, 25-20, 15-7 stinging loss to the Golden Tigresses would be their main motivation coming into their 4 p.m. clash, according to Lady Tams head coach Manolo Refugia.

"Siguro mas gutom kaming bawian talaga si UST kasi 'yung naramdaman ng mga players noong natalo talaga kami, syempre, masyadong heartbreaking 'yun kasi up by two kami," said Refugia.

UST is hopeful that Angge Poyos is ready to play today, after sitting out their victory against the University of the Philippines this past Wednesday due to dehydration.

Stepping in the freshman's place are the duo of Jonna Perdido and Regina Jurado, who produced 24 points each against the Fighting Maroons.

"Yung old rivalry ng FEU at UST hindi pa rin nawawala yan kaya definitely magiging neck-to-neck at nail-biting 'yung bakbakan nito especially may gusto rin silang patunayan kasi nandoon sila sa top four," said long-time UST coach Kungfu Reyes.

In the other women's volleyball matchup, Adamson University and UP aim to halt their respective skids in the 2 p.m. collision.

The Lady Falcons (2-8) have dropped their past six games to be at the brink of postseason elimination, while the Fighting Maroons (1-10) have suffered defeats in their previous four games.

Adamson got the better of UP in their first-round face-off, 25-22, 25-22, 28-26.

In the men's division, the Tamaraws seek to strengthen their position at the top of the table at 12 p.m. against the Golden Spikers, who are looking to secure at least a playoff for a Final Four spot.

Kicking things off at 10 a.m. will be the Soaring Falcons trying to breathe life into their dwindling playoff chances against the winless Fighting Maroons.

Air Force seeks PFL redemption against One Taguig

c/o Pat Reyes

Air Force seeks to bounce back when it takes on One Taguig FC when the Philippines Football League resumes action this weekend.

The Airmen take on OTFC to kick off Saturday action at 3pm, fresh from a 7-0 battering by Mendiola, whilst Taguig is coming off a 4-1 victory over newcomers Manila Montet FC on Sunday night.

Even with the lopsided defeat, the squad remains in good spirits. They managed to have chances to break through against Mendiola, although they were unable to convert.

Stephen Obero and Karl Bronda both threatened the Mendiola goal in the first half. A few minutes before half time, Jed Delariarte nearly scored off a free kick only to see the ball hit the crossbar.

In the second half, Jan Estampador sent a shot inches over the bar, and Jan Delariarte, Jed’s brother, also had shots on goal as did substitute Jomar Lestingio, who forced a save from the Mendiola goalkeeper.

The outcome could have been worse, but keeper Zaldy Abraham managed a few class saves, including a leaping parry to deny Mendiola striker Seyedsajad Mohebizadeh.

Erwin Oro, who shares coaching responsibilities with Joebel Bermejo, shares, "Mataas pa rin ang morale ng mga bata. We are working hard sa training to make adjustments sa next game against Taguig."

Air Force will be tangling against a One Taguig side that is newcomer "in name" only. A lineup that features a few familiar names in Kevin Ingreso, Stephan Schroeck, Arnel Amita, Jordan Jarvis, Yrick Gallantes, and Quincy Kammeraad, among others, they defeated their fellow newcomers on Sunday night, although it took them a while to break through.

The match is set for streaming both on the league website, as well as through its Youtube channel. Tickets available via TicketMax or at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium, with the Grandstand costing PhP 150.

You can check out more updates from the team through its Facebook page.

PUMA reveals SCOOT ZEROS x CHEETOS® Collection via Foot Locker Philippines

Scoot Zeros x Cheetos

Recently, PUMA held an exclusive launch of the SCOOT ZEROS x CHEETOS® SS2024 collection at the Greenhills Mall branch of Foot Locker in San Juan, revealing the collaboration between PUMA and Scoot Henderson of the Portland Trailblazers.

In partnership with Foot Locker Philippines, PUMA put forth a special in-store experience for attendees at the event, with the presence of fun booths to try things. This partnership highlights both parties commitment to each other in being able to deliver top-tier products and experiences to Filipino sportswear enthusiasts.

Hosted by Migs Bustos and with DJ Rammy Bitong handling the 1's and 2's, people got a chance to take a photo beside the Giant Cheetos Bag, as well as exchanged pics for prizes at the Snap & Win station.

Those who think they got the skills can shoot hoops at the Shoot Like Scoot booth, as well as check out the Basketball Arcade. And for those who purchased PUMA items during the day can play Jenga Agenda, but those who purchased items from the SCOOT ZEROS x CHEETOS® collection can step inside the Get Those Cheetos Wind Machine booth, in which they can get a chance to grab free items.

The Scoot Zeros features a synthetic, mesh, and textile upper, PROFOAM EVA midsole for instant cushioning, Formstrip lockdown support, and full-coverage rubber outsole with an anti-slip traction pattern. As for the design, it is inspired by their partnership with CHEETOS®, and of course, the addition of Scoot's personal logo.

Fans can still purchase the PUMA SCOOT ZEROS x CHEETOS at either select PUMA stores nationwide, or online for just PhP 5,900.

“Game On!” podcast airs beginning April 12

Ang dating palabas sa telebisyon, ngayon nasa podcast na.

GMA Integrated News, in collaboration with GMA Regional TV and Synergy, is putting forth its inaugural sports podcast, "Game On!." 

Hosted by the trio of Martin Javier, Anton Roxas, and Martin Antonio, Game On! will be chock full of stories, interviews, and special features on a variety of athletes, coaches, and sports luminaries.

The first episode is set to be released on April 12, with new episodes to be released every Friday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and other social media platforms.

With this announcement, Senior Vice President and Head of GMA Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy Oliver Victor B. Amoroso says, "We are very much thrilled to be launching the newest player in the podcast community and GMA Network’s first-ever sports podcast, “Game On!” As we keep with the technological trend, we are exploring to present sports in a more exciting and entertaining way."

He adds. "We invite all sports enthusiasts to join the country’s most trusted sports personalities Martin, Anton, and Hammer in promoting Philippine sports and the Filipino athletes. They will surely make sports a lot more fun and interesting as they discuss the latest sports trends and leagues, and interview athletes, coaches, and more."

It's a new element on Javier's plate, which already includes a segment within GMA's flagship news broadcast, 24 Oras, via "Game Changer." Martin shares about Game On!, "Sports talk like you’ve never had it before. “Game On!” podcast will bring fun and meaty conversations with your favorite personalities in sports."

For Roxas, this is an opportunity where he can chime and discuss the latest trends in sports, having spent countless years as a sports commentator. He says, "With this new platform, we hope to entertain, inform and bring people closer to their favorite sports personalities in a way that’s uniquely ours."

With his experience on the court, the man dubbed as "Coach Hammer" will be able to share his sports knowledge and background. The former Red Lion shares, "Game On” podcast will be a deeper and more fun discussion of things in and around sports."

The "Game On!" podcast is one of the newest initiatives coming out of the GMA Integrated News Digital Strategy and Innovation Lab (DigiLab).

UP snaps Adamson winning streak in softball finals opener

c/o UAAP

Game on Saturday at the UP Baseball Field

4 p.m. - UP vs Adamson (Finals Game 2, UP leads series 1-0)

Game 1 of the UAAP Season 86 Softball Finals provided some drama at the UP Baseball Field, as the University of the Philippines outlasted Adamson in eight innings, 3-2.

With the extra innings rule in place putting a runner on second base, Danica Aquino fires an RBI double  off April Minanga to send Generose Torremocha home to break a 1-1 tie.

After a fielder's choice that moved her to third, Joyce Rasco would contribute an RBI single allowing Aquino to score the third run of the match.

Armed with a two-run lead, the Fighting Maroons rode on the arm of its ace, KC Valino to finish things off at the bottom of the eighth inning.

Adamson managed to pull a run back after a two-out RBI double from MJ Maguad, but Valino forces a Roma Jane Cruz pop fly to Francisco to end the game and snap their winning streak at fifteen matches dating back to last season.

The San Miguel National High School product completed the game with just four hits and issuing six strikeouts. She shared, post-game, "Nag-flash sa 'kin mukha ng papa ko nung may naka-hit nung dulo. Parang ang sabi niya, 'Ayusin mo bato mo.' So, inisip ko kailangan kong i-sakto bato ko kundi magagalit siya."

Valino adds about what they need to clinch the title, "Last na eh, kailangang ibuhos namin to lahat sa Sabado."

UP gave up the opening run of the game on a couple of miscues, with Aquino mishandling the ball that allowed Remelie Herrero to be safe at second, and followed that with an errant throw from Valino allowing Herrero to touch home from second base.

The Maroons could have had a chance to equalize in the sixth inning, but Angel Pascual was called out on third after the Lady Falcons secured the out on a relay throw.

However, they finally got an equalizer in the final inning in regulation, as Martine Francisco's RBI single scored Algrace Adajar from second.

Adamson could have clinched the game at the bottom of the seventh, with a sacrifice bunt and a sacrifice fly able to move a runner onto third base, but Valino forces a flyout from pinchhitter Feelyn Pajotal to send things into extras.

UP head coach Ron Pagkaliwagan says about they ground this out, "Ang sinabi ko lang sa players ko is, 'Don't dwell on the call. Judgment call 'yun.' Ni-remind ko lang sila na last innings, hangga't sa last out, walang bibitaw kasi ito 'yung pinaghirapan namin buong year."

Game 2 of the Finals is slated on Saturday afternoon at 4pm, with the match streamed through Pilipinas Live.

The Maroons will have a chance to win their first softball title since Season 70, and fifth overall.

The Lines:

TEAM 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8  R H E

UP       0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2   3 8 2

AdU    0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1   2 5 1

UST solidifies postseason case in men's volleyball

c/o UAAP

The University of Santo Tomas bolstered their quest to secure a top-four spot in the UAAP Season 86 Men's Volleyball Tournament Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, dispatching the University of the Philippines, 25-13 25-22 25-21.

Josh Ybañez led the charge yet again in the straight sets victory, contributing 21 spikes, a couple of aces, while also tacking on five digs and ten receptions.

Gboy de Vega added thirteen points and eleven receptions, most of them coming in the second set.

Assistant coach Ben Mape shares, post-match, "Yung nangyayari sa team namin medyo nakukuha na namin yung rhythm kasi yun yung naging problema namin nung first round. This time, napag-aralan na namin yun during the break so na-focus namin yung communication with each other."

Lasting just 81 minutes, their third consecutive victory puts UST at 7-4, temporarily 1.5 games ahead of Ateneo, with the Blue Eagles currently in match against National University.

Looming ahead this coming Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium is a matchup against league-leading Far Eastern University.

Mape says about this matchup, "Hindi namin ini-aim na bumawi. Ang ini-aim namin ay iperform ng mga bata yung best performance na meron sila kasi kailangan mapapunta kami sa position na makakapunta kami sa semis." The Golden Spikers lost their first round meeting against the Tamaraws in five sets.

As for the Fighting Maroons, they absorbed their 15th consecutive loss dating back to last season, dropping to 0-11 in this tournament.

Angelo Lagando paced the Diliman-based side with twelve points, while Jaivee Malabanan had ten points, nine receptions, and four digs.

Already eliminated from contention, UP will attempt to secure their first win on Saturday against Adamson University, who currently stands at 4-6.

UAAP Softball Finals set

c/o UAAP

Game today at the UP Baseball Field

4 p.m. - Adamson vs UP (Finals Game 1)

Adamson University begins its quest for another title defense this Wednesday afternoon, as Game 1 of the UAAP Season 86 Softball finals takes place at the UP Baseball Field.

The Lady Falcons completed a sweep of the double round-robin eliminations, extending their winning streak to fifteen matches, dating back from last year.

Seasoned mentor Ana Santiago says, "... Basta kami, lalaban kami ng honest na laro at pinakita namin 'yung kanina. We'll prepare for the Finals and lalaban lang kami."

The defending champions have Finals MVP Glory Alonzo and rising pitcher April Minanga as options on the mound, while providing the bats are Angelu Gabriel and Khrisha Cantor.

Serving as the foil is sub-hosts the University of the Philippines, who needed a walkoff 3-2 victory in the playoff against the University of Santo Tomas. The Fighting Maroons are back in the finals again after falling short last season, hoping things will be different this time.

Mentor Ron Pagkaliwagan shares, "This is the break we have been waiting for. This is what we have worked for the whole year; this is the fruit of our hard labor. We'll get ready and let's see sa Finals."

UP will rely on last season's MVP Nickole dela Cruz and Danica Aquino to jumpstart their offense with KC Valino to backstop their pitching.

The finals will be streamed LIVE on Pilipinas LIVE.

FEU extends men's volleyball winning streak to five

c/o UAAP

Five straight wins for Far Eastern University, as they took care of Adamson in just 75 minutes on Tuesday morning at the SMART Araneta Coliseum, 25-17 25-17 25-22, for the UAAP Season 86 Men's Volleyball Tournament.

The Tamaraws took care of the first two sets with ease before outlasting the Soaring Falcons in the final set to secure their ninth win in ten matches, reducing their magic number to just one match to locking in a postseason berth.

Head coach Eddieson Orcullo shares, "Yung service receive, service reception saka yung blocking. ‘Yun ang talagang finofocus naman nang maigi. Sa part ng Adamson, nakita niyo naman hanggang sa huling set talagang nilalaban nila na makuha nila yung match today."

He adds, "Yung game talagang pinaghahandaan namin every single match na mangyayari sa amin. Yung nangyari sa Adamson na game, talagang inaral naman nang maigi yun eh kasi yung coaching staff nila talagang sasabihin natin na ang hirap talunin ni Coach George (Pascua) eh."

Either an Ateneo defeat Wednesday against National University or a win against the University of Santo Tomas on Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium will be enough to secure their ticket.

Adamson had a chance to extend the match into a fourth set, reducing the deficit to 23-22 after a successful block touch challenge, but FEU answered back with a successful challenge of their own in the next point, calling a centerline fault on Joel Menor's attack, pushing them into match point.

Vincent Nadera would finish things with a combination play to secure the victory.

Martin Bugaoan led the Tamaraws in scoring with nine attacks and two blocks. Jayjay Javelona and Andrei Delicana each contributed nine points, with Zhyrdryx Saavedra adding eight points.

Setting the tempo was Ariel Cacao with his seventeen excellent sets.

For Adamson, Marc Paulino topscored with seven points and thirteen receptions. Menor and Jude Aguilar chipped in six markers each.

The Falcons dropped to 4-6 this season, with a chance to improve against the University of the Philippines on Saturday morning.

UP makes return trip to finals on Danica Aquino walkoff

c/o UAAP

Game on Wednesday at the UP Baseball Field

4 p.m. - AdU vs UP (Softball Finals Game 1)

Danica Aquino drove in a clutch triple that sent the University of the Philippines to a walk-off victory of 3-2 against the University of Santo Tomas, clinching a second straight UAAP Softball Finals appearance on Saturday at the UP Baseball Field.

The former national team upstart got her biggest hit of the game with the encounter threatening to go into extra innings at two runs apiece.

With a 1-1 pitch count against her erstwhile Blu Girls teammate Kikay Palma, Aquino, UP's left fielder, made timely contact with the ball and sent it to deep left-center, evading her opposite number, Erika Fernandez. Rookie Angel Pascual then wasted no time with a huge hit to the middle to score her senior.

"Ito na 'yung break na hinihintay namin. Sabi ko sa kanila, this is what we're working for the whole year; this is the fruit of our hard labor," said head coach Ron Pagkaliwagan.

The best-of-three Finals rematch between UP and Adamson University starts on Wednesday at 4 p.m. at the same Diliman field.

The Fighting Maroons took control of the early innings with captain Nickole Dela Cruz hitting a double to send Pascual home to start the scoring in the first inning.

UST had a quick reply with Lyca Blanco scoring a solo homer to level the game in the immediate following half-inning.

The home side broke the ice in the third frame, almost breaking the game open with several bases-loaded situations, but only managed to score a solitary run, maintaining a marginal 2-1 cushion that held up until the seventh inning.

The defensive stance from both sides, especially that of the Tiger Softbelles in the bottom of the sixth, ignited a sense of urgency from the España-based side.

Shyla Celis got her second hit of the battle—a single to the middle of the field—putting a runner on base as Tin Bautista sent her catcher home for the tying run.

That turned out to be the trigger for UP's counter-heroics, as after KC Valino retired the side in the last inning with her third strikeout of the day, it led to a huge confidence booster for Aquino and Pascual.

Palma, Celis, Bautista, and Charlotte Sales made their final rounds of the bases for the back-to-back bronze medalists, UST.

Now back in the Finals, the Fighting Maroons will look to be ready for another battle with the 10-time champions, the Lady Falcons.

"Let's see kung anong mangyayari sa Finals, pero ang sure is lalaban kami," Pagkaliwagan, who was surprisingly lost for words, curtly ended.

The Lines:

TEAM 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 R H E

UST  0 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 6 3

UP   1 0 1 0 0 0 1 3 8 0

UST outlasts UP in UAAP baseball playoff

c/o UAAP

Games on April 14 at the UP Diliman Baseball Field

3:00 p.m. - DLSU vs UST

6:00 p.m. - NU vs Ateneo

The last postseason ticket has been issued, and it belongs to the University of Santo Tomas, who clinched it on Saturday with a 15-11 victory over the University of the Philippines in a playoff at the UP Baseball Field inside the Diliman campus in Quezon City.

"Salamat sa Panginoon dahil binigyan kami ng suwerte. Pero 'yung mga bata nag-deliver, talagang pinaghirapan nila ang opensa namin," says long-time mentor Jeffrey Santiago.

A strong start allowed the Golden Sox to establish the lead, scoring eight runs in the first couple of innings and forcing the Maroon batters to dip into their bullpen early after allowing seven hits.

UP's ace Kobe Torres managed to quell the surge, but UST would have an answer by the fourth inning, capitalizing on errors to score five more runs to make it a 13-0 lead.

However, the Maroons channeled their inner fight and battled back. Ian Mercado blasted an inside-the-park grand slam to instill some hope in the bottom of the fourth.

They would channel seven more runs in the next three innings, slicing the deficit to three heading into the ninth, 14-11.

However, Jesus Cabigao stepped up for the Golden Sox in relief, allowing five hits and stranding seven runners to hold things down.

Santiago shares about his reliever, "Si Jesus, 'yung reliever namin, bumalik na sa kanyang kondisyon. Buhay na siya! Siya ang bumuhay sa amin. Tapus na ang Holy Week kaya nabuhay muli si Jesus!"

The final sequence saw Torres hit a grounder to second, with Justine Rosales able to force out Val Mangahas. The reigning league Most Valuable Player then made a beautiful throw to Alwyn Pinero at first to complete a game-clinching double play

UP, who lost in the finals last season, finishes in fifth place.

UST is set to face off against the defending champions La Salle in the Final Four, in which the format is set to make a comeback this season.

When asked about the upcoming matchup, Santiago says, "Nung nakaraang laro, panalo na kami nun kaya lang nag-error. Sana manalo kami."

The Lines:

TEAM. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9  R  H  E

UST     5 3 0 5 0 1 0 0 1  15 17 5

UP     0 0 0 4 5 1 1 0 0. 11 11  3

Air Force set for return to competitive club football

c/o PAF

When the Philippines Football League opens its campaign on Saturday, one of the games scheduled will feature the comeback of a historic club onto the competitive scene.

At 530pm, Philippine Air Force FC kicks off against Mendiola FC 1991 at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

A purely homegrown unit devoid of foreigners, the Airmen will rely on a combination of experienced veterans and up-and-coming youngsters, coached by Joebel Bermejo.

Serving as the team captain is Barotac Nuevo native Antonio Albor, alongside fellow veterans Romeo Martinez, Glenn Bulaquina, Rodolfo Bebanco, Jake Hugo, Jomar Lestingio, and Geve Roy Cadiz.

Adding fresh blood to the side are a few alumni of the University of Santo Tomas in Zaldy Abraham, Darwin Busmion, and Karl Bronda.

Most of the team are enlisted personnel, but they have added a few civilians with the vision that they would eventually join the Air Force. Among them are the Delariarte brothers: Jed who plays up front, and Jan, who plies his trade in the midfield. Jev Estampador provides an imposing presence, while youth is served with the likes of Kernelle John Velasco, Kent Guevarra, Eric Mauring, and Patrick Salenga.

Bermejo believes that Air Force has something to prove in this upcoming competition.

The former Philippine international shares, "Bilang isa sa mga all-Filipino teams sa liga, malaking bagay para sa amin na maipamalas ang kakayahan namin at mapatunayan ang kalidad ng mga player na nagmula sa grassroots."

He adds, "Ito kasi ang isa sa mga paraan para masukat ang galing ng Pinoy sa larangan ng football, at ipakita namin na kaya natin makipagsabayan sa mundo."

To prepare for their return, the squad claimed the Jerry Treñas Dinagyang Cup back in January, and also finished runners-up in a tournament featuring the Armed Forces sides and other government agencies back in October.

After playing Mendiola, Air Force is slated to face these teams for the rest of the month at Rizal Memorial: One Taguig FC (13), United City (21), and Tuloy FC (28).

Plans are in place for the team to travel to Iloilo next month for a true road matchup against Kaya FC-Iloilo.

Helping boost the team is major sponsor Elan Vita Diagnostic Solutions of Engr. Keith Buyco, while also being fully supported by Philippine Air Force Commanding General Lieutenant General Stephen P. Parreño.

Acting as team manager is Brigadier General Dennis Estrella and assisted by Colonel Erwin G. Solomon, with Lieutenant Colonel Neil P. Dela Cruz serving as the officer-in-charge.

Samsung collaborates for Galaxy Watch Earth Day Run 2024

Earth Day run

Samsung Philippines in partnership with RunRio, is inviting you to take a collective step towards a greener, more sustainable planet by joining the Galaxy Watch Earth Day Run 2024.

Happening on April 21 at the SM Mall of Asia Complex, Galaxy Watch Earth Day Run 2024 advocates for the preservation of our planet, recognizing the urgent need to address pressing environmental challenges. The run aims to shed light on critical environmental issues and to encourage and promote sustainable practices, eco-friendly choices, and responsible consumption, recognizing that small actions collectively contribute to significant positive impacts.

Runners can track their progress during the race in style with Samsung’s latest fitness tracker and avail of the limited edition Galaxy Fit3 Bundle, which offers 30% off on the race registration fees and the Galaxy Fit3. The bundle packs are priced at P3,899 for the 21K with a Galaxy Fit3, P3,479 for the 10K with a Galaxy Fit3, and P3,339 for the 5K and a Galaxy Fit3!    

This year’s run offers three categories: 5K, 10K, and 21K, allowing Filipinos to translate their love for Mother Earth into action. Registration fee is P2,000 for the 21K and is open for participants aged 18 years old and above, with runners receiving a race singlet, race bib, a loot bag from Samsung, a hydration bottle, and a finisher’s shirt and medal.

Meanwhile, the registration fee for the 10K is at P1,400 and is open for participants aged 16 years and above, while the fee for the 5K category is at P1,200 and is open for participants 13 years and above. Runners in these categories will receive a race singlet, race bib, a loot bag from Samsung, a hydration bottle, and a finisher’s medal.

Interested participants can register online via www.earthdayrun.org.

This partnership is very much in line with Samsung’s continued commitment to sustainability. The company strives to build sustainability into its product and technology experience and empower people in their own sustainability journey.

“Changes start from small steps but when we all come together, we can make a real difference. That is why Samsung and the Galaxy Fit3 are delighted to be a partner in this year’s Galaxy Watch Earth Day Run. We not only want to encourage Filipinos to take that step to live a healthier lifestyle but to also join activities that support environmental sustainability,” shared Blue Avelino, Samsung Philippines Head of Mobile Experience.

The Galaxy Fit3 is Samsung’s latest wearable device, boasting an aluminum body with a wider display, making it easier for users to keep track of their health and wellness data — from daily workouts to peaceful sleep — straight from their wrists, around the clock. It’s also lightweight and sleek with a comfortable fit and offers over 13 hours of battery usage in one single charge, making it ideal for everyday use. 

With the Galaxy Fit3, users can track over 100 types of workouts anytime, anywhere, and review their exercise records easily, encouraging them to stay motivated to achieve their goals. It also features a 5ATM rating and IP68-rated water and dust resistance, meaning users can enjoy outdoor activities in a variety of environments.

Going beyond exercises, the Galaxy Fit3 gives users an even deeper understanding of their overall health, by delivering health metrics that include heart rate and stress levels and even comes with sleep monitoring tools and Sleep Coaching to help users achieve better rest.

With the Galaxy Fit3, you can take steps both in your fitness and sustainability journey this Earth Day. So put on your running shoes and become part of the movement for a more sustainable future by joining the Galaxy Watch Earth Day Run 2024.

To know more about the Galaxy Fit3, visit: https://www.samsung.com/ph/watches/galaxy-fit/galaxy-fit3.