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.

Collegiate Press Corps set to hold Annual Awards Night

Collegiate Press Corps

The best and the brightest from the just-concluded 2023-24 athletic season will be given their due recognition by the Collegiate Press Corps at its Annual Awards Night.

Presented by the San Miguel Corporation, the event will take place at venue partner Discovery Suites Manila in Ortigas, Pasig, on June 17, with Jockey serving as a minor sponsor.

This year's edition reverts back to its normal edition of honoring the past season's achievements in both the UAAP and the NCAA, after having to honor three seasons last year as a result of the pandemic.

In addition, the CPC is adding a few more awards to recognize the achievements in women's basketball and men's volleyball, continuing its expansion and growth since the merger of the separate press corps of the UAAP and NCAA back in 2022.

Women's Basketball will match its men's counterparts by having its own Player of the Year, Mythical Five, and Coach of the Year, while Men's Volleyball will also have its own awardees for both leagues, with the growth of the sport reflecting in newer heights.

In total, 23 total awards will be handed out to the best of the best in collegiate basketball and volleyball.

NBA Finals serving a global celebration

Basketball is considered as the global game, and with the upcoming NBA Finals, it quite reflects that notion.

On the court, the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks combine to roster a NBA Finals-record thirteen international players, three more than the previous record of ten back in 2013. This is a reflection of the continued growth of the game globally, with 125 international players from forty countries making the opening night rosters.

Five come from the Celtics: Oshae Brissett (Canada), Al Horford (Dominican Republic), Svi Mykhailiuk (Ukraine), Kristaps Porziņģis (Latvia) and Neemias Queta (Portugal).

Eight come from the Mavericks: Luka Dončić (Slovenia), Danté Exum (Australia), Josh Green (Australia), Kyrie Irving (Australia), Maxi Kleber (Germany), AJ Lawson (Canada), Dwight Powell (Canada) and Olivier-Maxence Prosper (Canada; BWB Americas 2019; BWB Global 2020; NBA Academy Latin America).

In addition, a few of the Mavericks international players have participated in the Basketball Without Borders program, which is a collaborative grassroots effort between the NBA and FIBA: Green (BWB Global 2018), Lawson (BWB Americas 2017, BWB Global 2018), and Prosper (BWB Americas 2019, BWB Global 2020). Prosper, in fact, is a product of the NBA Academy Latin America before becoming a student-athlete in the US NCAA.

The 2024 edition, which is presented by YouTube TV, will reach fans in 214 countries and territories through a variety of platforms, coming in sixty languages.

Thirteen international broadcast networks are set to provide live on-site commentaries, including representation from Brazil, China, France, and Spain, among others. Expect these groups to have locally-relevant Finals programming alongside their in-language commentary.

The league will also have watch parties in place across certain venues worldwide, with places like Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Singapore, and South Africa. A few of these location might have an appearance by a NBA legend, as well as the hosting of youth basketball clinics.

On social media, the NBA is considered as a behemoth. Over 2.3 billion likes and followers worldwide across all of its league, team, and player platforms. 75% of that numbers comes from outside the United States. Video views from the league's social media platforms as well as on its app reached 26 billion.

Cignal, who is the NBA's broadcast partner in the Philippines, recently announced that it is set to broadcast the entirety of the NBA Finals on RPTV, starting with Game 1 earlier today.

Aside from RPTV, it is also set to broadcast the games on One Sports, NBA TV Philippines, and online via Pilipinas Live.

Philippines set for WCQACQ duel vs Vietnam

c/o the PMNFT

The Philippine Men’s National Football Team (PMNFT) returns to action in the FIFA 2026 World Cup Asian Qualifiers on Thursday night, June 6, when they face Vietnam at the My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi.

“We are well prepared. We made changes, with some new players,” said Head Coach Tom Saintfiet. “The Philippines and Vietnam have played 21 times, and Vietnam have won 18. We’ve won only twice, with the last one in 2012. Sure, Vietnam is the favorite, but we come here trying to get the three points. That’s the intention, even if we know it’ll be difficult.”

The PMNFT will feature 10 changes to the squad that was last assembled in March, with six players set to potentially make their debut for the Philippines. The team enter Thursday’s contest on the back of a training camp which began in Dubai on May 26. Having had extra time to prepare, 24-year-old Christian Rontini has confidence the team can step up to the challenge of facing a South East Asian giant in front of 40,000 of their fans.

“We’re playing in a World Cup Qualifier and we have no doubts, we are full of motivation. With Coach Tom in the last 10 days, our team has prepared well. With the new faces and the younger generation also now part of the senior team, we don’t have any excuses tomorrow — it’s a final. We are playing for the qualification and I’m very happy and excited to give everything for my nation, and hopefully we get the best from this game,” said Rontini.

Although the Philippines currently sit in last place in Group F with only a solitary point, a glimmer of hope remains that the team can still qualify into the next round of the World Cup Asian Qualifiers. There is, however, no margin for error, with maximum points required in the last two games. Vietnam will take confidence from their 2-0 victory at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in November last year, but the two sides will be different this time around, with the head coach of both teams only recently being appointed.

“Vietnam is a strong team in Asia, and one of the best in South East Asia. I love the style of Vietnamese football - speed, skills, combinations,” he said, “We know that maybe he’s (Kim Sang-sik) a little bit different - more defensive and organized coach - but we don’t know. Will he implement his style or implement the style of the past? For us, we know how Vietnam of the past played, and we know the qualities of the new coach, but it’s difficult to say what will happen.”

Kickoff of the match will be at 8pm PH Time. The game will be aired on One Sports, One Sports+, Pilipinas Live, and will be streamed live on the Facebook page of the Philippine Men’s National Football Team.

“For tomorrow, expect a very intense and exciting game,” said Rontini. “We know they have very good qualities in terms of speed and technique. But we also have our speed and our heart to play for our nation. Tomorrow will be a 50-50 game. I know people think that Vietnam is strong and everything, but we will put in our work. We will give everything from the first minute until the final whistle. We don’t play for a draw or for a loss, we play only to win. That’s it.”

Oba-ob advances in his PBO opener

Rabie Jayson Oba-ob

Top seed Rabie Jayson Oba-ob opened his campaign at the 2024 Philippine Badminton Open with a smooth 21-16 21-8 victory over Kirk Nathan Abarquez on Wednesday at the First Pacific Leadership Academy Badminton Center in Antipolo.

Representing the Philippine Air Force, the Zamboanga native needed just 29 mins to dispatch Abarquez, who is set to join La Salle for the upcoming collegiate campaign.

Oba-ob overcame a slow start to claim the first set, trailing 3-11 heading into the first interval of the Philippine Super 500 tournament.

The 31-year-old National University alumnus shared afterwards, "Nag-prepare naman po ako for this tournament pero no pressure naman po sa 'kin. One reason na no pressure is wala naman na po ako sa national team. I just gave my best po."

He will face off in the next round on Thursday against Luis Bernie Comiso, as the University of San Carlos standout defeated Liam Johan Cack, 21-18 21-9.

Other notable matches slated to take place late Wednesday includes a potential UAAP preview with Jelo Albo of the University of the Philippines facing Lance Vargas of Ateneo de Manila for a spot in the third round.

Defending champion Mark Velasco of Smash Pilipinas kicks off his title defense on Thursday, as he awaits the winner of Rodolfo Rodin Kean Gaminde or Tristan Troy Magango.

Also set to take place on Thursday is the matchup between fourth seed John Christian Yabut and Jamil Arend del Rosario. The latter emerged as a 21-10 21-5 winner over Joshua Martinez.

The PBO is backed by Smart, Mizuno, the Philippine Sports Commission, and the MVP Sports Foundation. It is also sponsored by Jollibee, Chowking, and FPLA, as well as presented by Maynilad, MWell, and Cignal.

Men's doubles and Women's singles matches are pegged as well to commence on Thursday at the same venue.

Velasco, De Guzman set for Philippine Badminton Open title defense

Mark Velasco

The tournament that determines who are the best Filipino shuttlers in the country starts on Wednesday, with the 2024 edition of the Philippine Badminton Open commencing action at the First Pacific Leadership Academy Badminton Center in Antipolo City.

A Philippine Super 500 tournament, the PBO boasts of a PhP 1,000,000 prize pool, with PhP 100,000 allocated for the singles champions and PhP 50,000 goes to the runners-up. PhP 15,000 awaits the losing semifinalists.

In doubles, champions get to split PhP 120,000, while PhP 60,000 goes to the runners-up. Losing semifinalists get to take home PhP 30,000.

Day 1 action will feature all men's singles matches, with defending champion Mark Anthony Velasco earning a first round bye. Top-seed Rabie Jayson Oba-ob also earned a bye and will face the winner of Mark Arki Enseñado or Kirk Nathan Abarquez in the next round.

Women's singles champion Mika de Guzman will open her campaign on Friday, having earned a first round bye. She awaits the winner of Danice Jhean Colao and Mia Manguilimotan, which takes place on Thursday.

In doubles, Smash Pilipinas standouts Julius Villabrille and Nicole Albo are set for their respective title defenses.

The duo will kick off its mixed doubles retention campaign on Saturday against Bien Miraflor and Rhafi Santos on Saturday, but much earlier on that with their respective partners in men's and women's doubles.

Villabrille teams up with Solomon Padiz Jr, while Albo joins forces with Lea Inlayo, as each pair will start their quest on Friday.

The PBO is backed by SMART, Mizuno, the Philippine Sports Commission, and the MVP Sports Foundation. It is also supported by Jollibee, Chowking, and the First Pacific Leadership Academy, while Maynilad, MWell, and Cignal serving as presenters.

Matches will be shown on the Facebook pages of SMART Sports, Puso Pilipinas, and the Philippine Badminton Association, with Cignal also set to broadcast the matches on June 11, which will take place at the Gameville Ball Park in Mandaluyong City.