UAAP retains Nunag, Lopa, Bienvenida as Commissioners

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines announced on Saturday that they are retaining the trio of Xavy Nunag, Mariana Lopa, and Marvin Bienvenida as the people tasked to oversee the basketball tournament for the upcoming 87th season of the league.

For Nunag, this would be his third straight season as the league's commissioner, with Lopa and Bienvenida in a deputy capacity and overseeing the women's and high school tournaments.

Also returning and assisting the three are Michael Villar and Lance Mandalano, who will act as the media consultant and admin personnel for the office.

Upon being re-appointed to the post, Nunag says, "Our primary objective is to continue raising the standards of amateur basketball. We aim not just to uphold the quality of play but also to enhance the caliber of our referees. By doing so, we ensure that every game is officiated with the highest standards, contributing to the overall growth of the sport in the country."

Preparations for 87th season have been in place since July with a more pro-active approach. The office has had visits to all eight member-schools to address concerns directly from the coaches. They have also have sent referees to officiate the friendlies and scrimmages that member schools organized in the run-up to the start of the season, which is on September 7.

Nunag adds, "This initiative is crucial not only for our coaches but also for our student-athletes. By allowing them to experience firsthand how games will be called this season, we help them adapt and prepare better."

The office will be busy with the sport in its different classifications all season, with the success of the inaugural edition of the junior high school (under-16) tournament earlier this year seeing them now take place alongside the collegiate basketball matches during in the first semester.

Bienvenida says about the JHS division, "Following the success of last season’s 16-under tournament, I’m thrilled that the boys will have the chance to play in big venues from a young age. This experience is invaluable for their development as players, giving them a taste of the big stage and preparing them for the next level."

The second semester will add the return of the high school girls division, which will coincide with their boys counterparts.

Lopa says about this particular development: "I am excited that girls’ basketball is making its comeback. This is an excellent opportunity for young female student-athletes to grow and develop their skills before progressing to the collegiate level. It’s a positive step forward for women’s sports within the UAAP."

Capping off the basketball portion of Season 87 is the 3x3 competition, which is currently scheduled to take place in May next year.

Suzara claims AVC presidency

Ramon “Tats” Suzara vowed to seize the opportunity and momentum to the hilt to take the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) to a new era following his election as president of the continental governing body for volleyball here on Friday morning.

Suzara will serve a four-year term as the ninth president and only the second Filipino—after Nemesio Yabut who was president from 1976 to 1979—of the AVC.

“The greatest boost shall be derived from the region’s grand tradition and rich history in volleyball,” Suzara said. “The legacy of inspiring wisdom and nurturing leadership of previous administrations will be carried on, even as the AVC story continues to unfold.” 

Suzara earned 48 votes to win by landslide over his lone opponent, Qatar’s Ali Ghanem Al-Kuwari, who had 15 out of the 63 total votes—20 were by proxy and Brunei and Mongolia were a no-show in the 25th AVC General Assembly, Congress and Election at the Grand Fourwings Convention Hotel in the Thai capital.

He succeeded Indonesia’s Rita Sibowo, who headed the organization for the past Olympic cycle from 2020 to 2024.

“I thanked everyone who have trusted me and as president, my work has just begun,” he said.

Suzara was accompanied in the Congress by his Philippine National Volleyball Federation chairman Dr. Arnel Hajan, vice president Ricky Palou and secretary-general Donaldo Caringal.

“Thank you very much my AVC family, to Mr. Ali [Ghanem Al-Kuwari] we will always be family,” he added.

FIVB President Ary Graça and director general Fabio Azevedo witnessed the exercise and later gave Suzara a warm congratulations along with Sibowo.

Suzara’s election came almost a year before a milestone solo hosting by the Philippines of the FIVB Volleyball Men World Championships in September next year.

“He is going to be a good president because Mr. Suzara is very professional for our sport,” Graça said.

Also elected in the AVC were first senior executive vice president Craig Carracher of Australia, executive vice president Mohamed Latheef of Maldives, secretary-general Hugh Graham of Cook Islands, treasurer Marina Tsui of Hong Kong and internal auditor Hasan Alfransiny of Bahrain.

Azkals set to for Asia 7s Football Championships participation

c/o Jihan Caparros

The Azkals is set for a revival.

With the monicker being shelved by the Philippine Football Federation, it is now set to return to the spotlight, as part of the emerging seven-a-side football scene.

This coming October at the EV Arena Elmina in Kuala Lumpur, the Azkals will be our representative at the Asia 7's Championships, the premier continental competition for this form of football.

It is the second edition of the event, with the inaugural campaign taking place at the McKinley-Hill Stadium in Taguig back in 2023. Japan emerged as champions, capping things with an undefeated record.

The Philippines, behind the efforts of Bienve Maranon and MJ Libre, finished third in the four-team competition.

For this campaign, which has now expanded to at least eight teams, including hosts Malaysia, China, Singapore, and Indonesia, the Philippines is going to rely on a few notable names. Acting as the head coach will be Hamed Hajimedhedi, whose Pampanga side claimed the inaugural AIA 7s Super League.

Serving as team skippers are two of the most notable names to play football for the Azkals: Misagh Bahadoran and Stephan Schroeck. Both players are excited for the upcoming opportunity to see action on the pitch.

Bahadoran says, "It has been years since I represented the country, but the desire to do so has always been there. It is a great honor for me to wear the national colors one more time."

Asia 7s Tournament Commissioner Anton del Rosario says about the growth of seven-a-side football, "The main goal is to make seven-a-side more accessible all over Asia. This competition can be as big as the Asian Football Confederation's tournaments and we just have to work extra hard to make this possible. The Asia 7s Championships is a positive step towards that direction."

In line with the revival of the brand, Schroeck says, "This is the next step in keeping alive the Azkals name, which has become synonymous with Philippine Football. It is very important to continue the Azkals legacy on how as the former minnows of Asian football, we were able to rise and overcome the challenges before. Hopefully by using the monicker again, we can once more inspire all aspiring football players in the country."

To field a competitive unit, the Azkals is set to hold open tryouts on September 8 at McKinley Hill Stadium. Once that is filled, they have plans of holding an exhibition against celebrities before they depart towards Malaysia for the championships.

NCAA reveales centennial theme and logo

 

c/o GMA

With the National Collegiate Athletic Association celebrating its centennial this coming season, the league revealed its logo and theme for this year, "Siglo Uno: Inspiring Legacies."

The theme aims for the Philippines' first athletic collegiate league to inspire legacies of sportsmanship, competitiveness, hope, valor, camaraderie, and power.

Attaching the "100" enables the NCAA to further showcases its longevity, solidity, adaptability, and strength as it continues to grow and evolve to the next century.

Serving as hosts for this season, Lyceum of the Philippines University seeks to highlight unity and collaboration, rather than competition, amongst its fellow member-institutions: Arellano University, Colegio de San Juan de Letran, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, Emilio Aguinaldo College, José Rizal University, Mapúa University, San Beda University, San Sebastian College - Recoletos, and University of Perpetual Help System DALTA

Management Committee Chairman and Lyceum representative Hercules Callanta says, "This season of the NCAA is truly a historic and remarkable one as we celebrate the centennial year of the country’s first athletic league. This year, we are focusing on inspiring legacies as we have come to achieve a century full of growth and development. The NCAA has completed 99 seasons, and as we begin a new chapter, we are staying strong and adaptable, still evolving onward to the next century."

GMA Network remains as the league's broadcast partner, and it is set to broadcast the league's opening on September 7 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The men's basketball matches are set to be shown LIVE five times a week on both GTV and Heart of Asia. Games are to be shown at noon onwards on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, with the ones on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 11am.

According to Senior Vice President and Head of GMA Integrated News, Regional TV, and Synergy Oliver Victor B. Amoroso, "GMA Network is both proud and honored to be part of the centennial season of the NCAA. The league has remained resilient and true to its core, transcending borders and inspiring legacies over the past decades. As the broadcast partner and home of the NCAA, we look forward to making this historic season truly remarkable and unforgettable, not just for the 10-member schools of the athletic association, but also for its supporters and viewers across the Philippines and overseas."

The league is set to have more development and innovations in the horizon, with more individuals will be molded to become future icons and legends, while at the same time, making history and inspiring legacies through the generations.

Fegidero selected as interim manager

Fegidero on the left. (c/o Philippine Football Federation)

The Philippine Football Federation released a couple more statement on Thursday, in light of Tom Saintfiet's departure from the team.

Senior National Teams Director Freddy Gonzalez released these two statements as follows.

On Tom, he adds, 

"We had a longterm contract with Tom, and had every intention of seeing it through.

That he came to me about the Mali job just as we're about to depart for the Merdeka Cup is obviously disappointing. But it made clear to me that his heart was already set elsewhere.

I have no interest in holding on to anyone who's not fully committed to the Philippines and our goals.

We need people who are all in. It's the only way we will succeed. That goes for the players, the staff, and most definitely our head coach. We intend to get that man on board very soon."

The Malian Football Federation had installed Saintfiet earlier on Thursday, as it kicks off its quest to qualify into the final stage of African Cup of Nations next year in Morocco. The Eagles are in Group I and will face off against Mozambique and Eswatini in this particular window.

As for the second statement, it says,

With the upcoming Merdeka Cup just days away, the Philippine Men’s National Football Team has tasked Norman Fegidero to take charge as interim Head Coach. For this camp only, he will be supported by coaching staff of the Philippine Women’s National Team, with Mark Torcaso, Andrew Durante, Sinisha Cohadzic, and Garrath McPherson all committing to join and support our men’s team during this campaign.

"Given the circumstances, we needed to act quickly. Norman was the assistant coach in the last four games and was the obvious choice to take charge in the interim. With some of our staff departing along with Tom, we needed to bring in additional support," said Director of Senior National Football Teams Freddy Gonzalez.

"Luckily for us, we have a great staff on the Women’s side that was more than willing to answer the call for this tournament. It’s unusual to see a crossover of staff from separate teams, but it’s a situation that required a novel solution. This temporary fix will give us much needed time to pin down a permanent head coach."

Torcaso and his staff are fresh from the conclusion of their training camp at Rizal Memorial last week, the first one since the installation of Gonzalez as the replacement of Jeff Cheng.

Fegidero has had previous experience handling the national team, steering them to a runner-up finish in the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup Qualifying in Iloilo. The Philippines defeated Brunei, 1-0, played to a goalless draw against Tajikistan, and won against Bhutan, 3-0.

Tom Saintfiet exits Philippine football

c/o Philippine Football Federation

Here is the official statement from the Philippine Football Federation as released Thursday morning.

Tom Sainfiet will be leaving his role as Head Coach of the Philippine Men’s National Team with immediate effect.

“From my first meeting with Tom this is something we had discussed that if a bigger opportunity came to him that I wouldn’t stand in his way. Tom came into the Philippine job with every intention of helping with our project, but his heart has always been in Africa. We thank him for his service and wish him well in his new role,” said Director of Senior National Teams Freddy Gonzalez.

The former head coach of The Gambia, Saintfiet returns to Africa to lead Mali.

“With the Merdeka Cup around the corner, and preparations for the Mitsubishi Electric Cup ramping up, we need to move on quickly from this. We are already looking at candidates to take on the Head Coach role. I’m confident in finding a man that will be committed to our vision,” said Gonzalez.

This follows the official announcement from the Malian Football Association of the hiring.

Far Eastern University claims United Women's Invitational Football League crown

Far Eastern University

Far Eastern University capped off a hectic day for the United Women's Invitational Football League, edging out Kaya FC-Iloilo, 1-0, in the final late Sunday night at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

Carmela Altiche scored the lone goal of the match in the 37th minute for the Lady Tamaraws, with Yasmine Elauria making a couple of key saves in the second half to stave off the PFF Women's League champions.

Speaking to the campus media outfit FEU Advocate afterwards, Altiche credit her teamnates for the goal. "Hindi lang po dahil ‘yon sa akin. It’s a team effort po (Nagtulungan po kami bilang koponan). Kung hindi naman dahil po sa teammates (mga kakampi) ko, hindi po kami maka[kukuha] ng goal. Though (Kahit na) ako ‘yung nakaiskor, I dedicated it [to] my teammates (nilalaan ko ‘yun para sa mga kakampi ko) po and (at) sa lahat po [ng sumusuporta]."

The win capped off an undefeated campaign for the UAAP champions, who are using the competition to help with their upcoming title preparations.

Altiche adds, "Masaya and dagdag ‘to sa motivation and preparation (panghuhugutan at paghahanda) namin towards (para sa) UAAP. Malaking bagay po siya kasi nakakapag-start (nakapagsisimula) na kaming ma-build (maitaguyod) ‘yung confidence and chemistry (lakas ng loob at samahan) namin. Kahit may lapses, we try to improve every training and every game (mga pagkukulang, sinusubukan naming mas gumaling sa bawat ensayo at laro),"

Finishing in third place in this tournament sanctioned by the Philippine Football Federation is Manila Digger FC, defeating the University of the Philippines, 1-0 earlier in the afternoon.

Recent acquisition and Philippines international Quinley Quezada scored the lone goal of the match via a 36th minute penalty.

Kicking off a long day of football was the third place match in the Plate Division, with the University of Santo Tomas emerging as 5-4 penalty shootout winners against Ateneo de Manila University. Tootchie Eval's 24th minute goal was canceled by Maria Gerona's equalizer in the 50th minute, setting up the shootout.

La Salle would win the Plate Division with an impressive 8-1 triumph over Tuloy FC.

Alisha del Campo locked up the Best Striker award with a four-goal performance, finished with six goals in the tournament. Arantxa Trebol, Danielle Tanjangco, Aliexa Casi, and Samantha Toledo each added a goal on a dominant performance.

In the other individual awards, Elauria was selected as Best Goalkeeper, with teammate Sarahgen Tulabing honored as the Best Midfielder. Hali Long of Kaya FC was picked as the Best Defender, while fellow national team callup Inday Tolentin was named as the competition's Most Valuable Player.

The inaugural United Women's Invitational Football League is a continuation of preparations for the upcoming UAAP for the participating universities, as well as for Kaya FC-Iloilo's foray into the inaugural edition of the AFC Women's Champions League, of which the squad has been slotted into Group B of the Group Stage.

AFF revises ASEAN ME Cup sked

A new schedule has been released by the ASEAN Football Federation for the upcoming 2024 edition of the ASEAN Mitshubishi Electric Cup.

The revision, according to the AFF, is based from recommendations made by several of its Member Associations, which at the end of the day would ensure optimum strength and performance of its national teams during the competition.

The qualification round, which is a two-legged competition between Timor Leste and Brunei Darussalam, remains as scheduled for October 8 and 15. The winner of this match will join Group A alongside Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Cambodia.

Group Stage matches will commence on December 8 and last until December 21.

For the Philippines, their matches are as follows:

December 12 vs Myanmar

December 15 vs Laos

December 18 vs Vietnam

December 21 vs Indonesia

Top two teams will advance into the two-legged semifinals, with one matchup having its games on December 26 and 29. while the other slated to play on December 27 and 30.

Winners will then face off in the final, which is also a two-legged fixture. The first leg takes place on January 2, with the second leg on January 5.

No confirmed kickoff times and venues were provided by the AFF, but Senior National Teams manager for the Philippine Football Federation Freddy Gonzalez says that they intend to have the PMNFT play its games at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium with a new turf.

Eraserheads highlights UAAP Season 87 Opening Ceremonies

c/o UP OASD

The University of the Philippines is pulling no punches as its prepares for the Opening Ceremonies of the 87th season of the University Athletics Association of the Philippines.

Serving as the hosts, the institution on Monday announced that the Eraserheads will serve as the headline act for the event, which will take place on September 7 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

The quartet of Ely Buendia, Raimund Marasigan, Marcus Adoro, and Buddy Zabala are set to share their iconic music with the UAAP community in the spirit of this season's theme of "Stronger, Better, Together."

Just a week earlier, the band was honored with the Gawad Oblation Award, the highest distinction that the university bestows on its alumni for their significant contributions and extraordinary service.

The band is the first confirmed act set to participate in the event, which is supported by Palawan Pay, Converge ICT Solutions, CDO Foodsphere, and Strong Group Athletics. Tickets for the event will be sold separately from the lone game scheduled at the historic venue, which will have the Fighting Maroons face off against their neighbors Ateneo de Manila University.

In making the announcement, UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development Director Bo Perasol says, "We're happy that the Eraserheads are going to share their magic with the UAAP as we start Season 87. Saktong-sakto yung mangyayaring ito sa theme natin for this season."

He adds. "They reached the top, disbanded, reunited, and now, full circle na sila sa homecoming nila sa UP and sa UAAP. They are true music icons and legends and our national pride."

The ramp up to opening day sees UP gift their fellow member universities a symbolic LED-let torch that is meant to be displayed throughout the season. Once the season concludes next year, it would then be taken off its perch, akin to how the Olympics does with the Olympic Flame.

According to Perasol, "Hindi ito yung traditional torch relay sa simula ng taon. Instead, we're passing on a torch to each of our member-schools in the spirit of friendship and kinship, reminding us of the harmony and cooperation that exists within the league."

Each of the institutions will also have a large canvas called "The Unity Wall," an art installation illustrating their own interpretation of this season's theme.

Perasol adds, "The artworks naman, although they're different, they will form a collective whole and deliver the same message. Parang ang UAAP lang. We're stronger, better, together not because we're all the same, but actually, dahil tayo'y may mga pagkakaiba-iba."

UP caps off UAAP Season 87 preparations in Taiwan

UP men's basketball team

The final phase of preparations for the University of the Philippines in their quest to reclaim the University Athletics Association of the Philippines is now set, with the Fighting Maroons already in the Taiwanese city of Keelung for a tournament.

UP is one of eight teams participating in the 2024 Interleague play, where they will face a variety of opposition from both Chinese-Taipei and Thailand, a couple of weeks before the start of the 87th season of the UAAP.

Matches in the single round-robin, week-long competition organized by the Chinese-Taipei Basketball Association will take place inside the Keelung Gymnasium, from August 24-31, with the Bangkok University of Thailand as the other visiting team.

Set to represent the hosts are the U22 Elite team, a representative from the Asian University Basketball Championships, the Bank of Taiwan, Changhua BLL, Taiwan Beer, and a TPBL squad.

After holding a couple of training camps in Serbia and Korea, this Taiwan trip is the third this offseason, as they try to claim their second UAAP title in the 21st century.

Notable holdovers JD Cagulangan, Harold Alarcon, and Francis Lopez will be complemented by a bevy of newcomers, led by Quentin Millora-Brown and Jacob Bayla, as well as Gani Stevens and Dikachi Udodo, both of which will try to fill the shoes left by Malick Diouf.

Head coach Goldwin Monteverde shares, "We are aware of the expectations, siyempre, and we welcome them naman, pero tayo naman, ever since, ang focus natin is getting better each game."

The team will arrive in time to start their preparations for the UAAP, which opens on September 7 at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

East Asia Super League Unveils 2024-25 Season Schedule

The schedule for the much-anticipated 2024-25 Season of the East Asia Super League was finally revealed, with the campaign set to tip off on October.

A double-header at the SM Mall of Asia Arena will serve as the league opener, called the EASL Tipoff and will feature the two Filipino squads.

Opening things up at 610pm is the matchup between the San Miguel Beermen and the Suwon KT Sonic Boom, followed by the Meralco Bolts against the Macau Black Bears at 810pm.

Overall, there are 34 matchups set to place across the region until February next year, which also will include the EASL Mid-Season Classic scheduled to take place in Macau on December 11. This particular doubleheader is highlighted by the Black Bears hosting the New Taipei Kings, with the matchup between the Sonic Boom and the Taoyuan Pilots preceding it.

The schedule was tweaked with the addition of two new squads in Macau and Hong Kong Eastern. As a result, there will be thirty games involved for each team, with virtually all group stage matches scheduled on a Wednesday. They also accommodated the upcoming FIBA international windows, which will the league will push pause for in mid-November and mid-February. It will also take a break to commemorate the Lunar New Year at the end of January.

League CEO Henry Kerins shares about the schedule, "The 34-game EASL season is the ultimate test in Asian club basketball. After an incredible performance during our first season in 2023-24, this is now understood by teams, players and fans alike. The EASL is ‘Where Champions Clash’, the pinnacle of professional basketball in Asia."

He adds, "Fans all across Asia, whether in person or via our expanded broadcast coverage for the 2024-25 season, will all get to experience the highest level of basketball played in Asia today; EASL's thrilling competition to become champion."

The ten teams are split into two groups of five teams.

Group A has B.LEAGUE champion Hiroshima Dragonflies, Korean Basketball League (KBL) ,runner-up Suwon KT Sonicboom, P. LEAGUE+ runner-up Taoyuan Pauian Pilots, Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup champion San Miguel Beermen, and the HKSAR champion Hong Kong Eastern

Group B has B.LEAGUE runner-up Ryukyu Golden Kings, KBL champion Busan KCC Egis, P.LEAGUE+ champion New Taipei Kings, PBA Philippines Cup champion Meralco Bolts, and Macau SAR champion Black Bears.

The two best teams of each group will advance to into the EASL Final Four championship weekend taking place this coming March 7-9, 2025.

UAAP, Akari form partnership to build league's future home

(L-R) UAAP executive director Atty. Rene Saguisag, UP Board of Managing Director Atty. Carlo Vistan, Akari legal counsel Atty. Jude Ocampo, Akari CEO Christopher Tiu, UAAP legal counsel Atty. Des Ukol, UAAP Season 87 Chairman Atty. Jijil Jimenez, Adamson BMD Fr. Aldrin Suan, CM

A box has been ticked for the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.

The league has formed a groundbreaking partnership with Akari Lighting & Technology Corporation, with the goal of establishing a state-of-the-art facility that can be called as the "Home of the UAAP." 

To highlight this momentous event, the UAAP and Akari held a memorandum of agreement signing at the Atencio-Libunao Hall inside the University of the Philippines Diliman campus on Tuesday morning.

Representing the league in the signing is this season's chairman and UP President Atty. Angelo Jimenez, with CEO Christopher Tiu serving as Akari's counterpart. Officials from both groups were also present to grace the event.

In highlighting the partnership, Tiu shares, "At Akari, we believe in building legacies that go beyond lighting solutions. This Home of the UAAP project is our way of supporting grassroots sports development, where young student-athletes can grow, excel, and shine on the national stage. I am honored that Akari is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of varsity sports in the Philippines."

He adds, "The partnership is driven by a mutual desire for both parties to collaborate and provide UAAP fans with a regular venue where games can be enjoyed and sportsmanship can be fostered."

From the league's perspective, Jimenez says, "We are incredibly thankful to Akari for this generous partnership. After years of dreaming and planning, the UAAP finally has a place to call home. This facility will not only host competitions but will also stand as a testament to the spirit of unity and excellence that the UAAP represents."

Executive Director Atty. Rene Saguisag Jr. adds, "The Home of the UAAP is not just for the league itself; it is for the student-athletes who represent the heart and soul of the UAAP. This is their home—a place where they can compete, grow, and thrive."

To be built inside the Bridgetowne property in Pasig and spanning 1.8 hectares, the six thousand-seat facility will serve as a central venue for most of the league's activities, with the vision of being the premier venue for its student-athletes to develop and excel.

In Tiu's words, "Our goal is to create a world-class sports venue that addresses the needs of the UAAP member schools and their athletes for all sports developmental requirements."

The need for a dedicated hub was something the UAAP acknowledged, given their growing demands as well as future aspirations.

In order to fulfill this objective, the league's Board of Trustees and the Board of Managing Directors assigned Fr. Aldrin Suan, CM, Adamson's BoMD representative and the league's president back in Season 85 to handle this responsibility.

He reflects on this moment, "Today's event is the result of a process that began with the UAAP's need and desire for a home, and Akari's vision of leaving a lasting legacy in the sports community. The concept evolved from Akari's desire to collaborate with the UAAP through merchandise licensing, which we launched last season, and has now blossomed into this groundbreaking partnership. Today, we celebrate the culmination of these efforts here at UP."

It will also offer additional amenities that would help enhance the overall experience for not just the UAAP community, but also for the general public visiting Bridgetowne for various reasons, a potential hub for community engagement.

Tiu also notes, "The home of the UAAP will be more than a sports structure; it will be a lifestyle complex that combines sports development activities with family and student recreation features."

Negotiations with Akari began in earnest back in March last year, with a concept design revealed a couple of months later from ASYA Design Partner headed by principal architect Albert Yu.

Construction is set to commence soon, with the venue set to be ready by the 90th season of the league.

UAAP eSports resume Tuesday

c/o UAAP

2024 UAAP Esports Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Standings

Group A:

NU 1-1-0 [4]

FEU 1-0-0 [3]

DLSU 0-1-0 [1]

Ateneo 0-0-2 [0]

Group B:

UST 2-0-0 [6]

AdU 1-0-1 [3]

UE 0-0-1 [0]

UP 0-0-1 [0]

Games today at the Hyundai Hall of Arete Ateneo

11 a.m. - UST vs UP (main stage)

11 a.m. - DLSU vs FEU (offstream)

1 p.m. - UE vs ADU (main stage)

3 p.m. - Ateneo vs DLSU (main stage)

5 p.m. - FEU vs NU (main stage)

5 p.m. - UP vs UE (offstream)

After a one-day break, the UAAP is set to resume its eSports tournament on Tuesday at the Hyundai Hall of the Arete building inside the Ateneo de Manila University campus.

The league will have its remaining pool play matches today before proceeds to the semifinals on Wednesday at the same venue.

Current Group B leaders the University of Santo Tomas are seeking to formalize a sweep as they face off against the University of the Philippines at 11am.

Adamson hopes to join the Teletigers in the crossover semifinals as they go up against the University of the East at 1pm.

Already eliminated from contention, hosts Ateneo seeks to end their campaign on a winning note against rivals La Salle at 3pm, with current Group A pacesetters National University hoping to lock in a spot against Far Eastern University at 5pm.

These four matches will be broadcast on the online platforms of One Sports, as well as on Pilipinas Live and the UAAP Varsity Channel.

The league has announced that the two matchups that were postponed on Sunday will also take place on Tuesday, but these will take place without a stream.

La Salle will play against FEU at 11am, with UP and UE facing off against UE at 5pm.

In addition, like what took place at the Valorant portion of the tournament, the UAAP is opting to not have a third place game, with the losing semifinalists tomorrow set to receive bronze medals.

Alas Pilipinas men off to promising start in run-up to FIVB Men's World Championships

MEMBERS of the Alas Pilipinas men pose with Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard Bachmann and Philippine National Volleyball Federation officials led by president Ramon “Tats” Suzara, secretary-general Donaldo Caringal, chairman Dr. Arnel Hajan, vice president Ricky Palou and directors Tonyboy Liao, Yul Benosa and Karl Jeffrey Chan II.

A HISTORIC bronze medal, two individual awards and the Alas Pilipinas men’s team is off to a strong start in a year-long preparation for the country’s solo hosting of the prestigious FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship next year.

Alas Pilipinas braved on with a crippled crew to clinch a first bronze medal in the Men’s Southeast Asia V. League first leg over the weekend with a squad of heroes rising to the occasion.

Sans injured Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo, Alas leaned on Kim Malabunga and Buds Buddin to take them to a podium finish and in return reap the fruits of their labor.

Malabunga was hailed as the Second Best Middle Blocker while the young Buddin, a National University varsity, earned the Second Best Outside Spiker honor.

But more than that, their gallant stand to history after a pair of fourth-place finishes gave Italian head coach Angiolino Frigoni a stepping stone in his debut tournament for the Philippines.

“It’s a bronze medal. It's better to start with a bronze medal than start without a medal,” said the grizzled coach with stints in the Olympics in his pocket with the Italy women’s team. “But for me, we are just starting, we only played in this competition this year,” 

Frigoni took over only last month and produced results right off the serve for the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) led by president Ramon “Tats” Suzara.

And it doesn’t end there. 

If anything, winning the bronze in the Southeast Asian level is just the beginning for an overall goal of molding the Filipino spikers to ready warriors against world superpowers a year from now.

“I am not thinking of the bronze, I am thinking on how to improve this team. To play in the next competition better together and with a better goal,” he said. “We’re still not on that level. We have to improve not just our skills, but also our mentality. We need experience. We need time. We need more matches.”

Meanwhile, Kissada Nilsawai was named the Most Valuable Player of the first leg as Thailand wiped out the opposition with a perfect campaign without yielding a set yielded in three matches entering the second leg in Indonesia, the winner of the inaugural edition last year.

Hendra Kurniawan (First Best Middle Blocker) and Dio Zulfikri (Best Setter) of silver medalist Indonesia, Thailand’s Napadet Bhinijdee (First Best Outside Spiker) and Tanapat Charoensuk (Best Libero) as well as Vietnam’s Pham Van Hiep (Best Opposite Spiker) completed the mythical team.

Gilas Women ready for FIBA Women's World Cup Pre-Qualifier participation

Gilas Women

The Philippines is set to make history again tonight, when its senior women's national team makes its debut at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Pre-Qualifying Tournament.

Ranked 40th in the world, Gilas Women earned their spot in the competition with their sixth place finish at the 2023 edition of the FIBA Women's Asia Cup.

The ladies have been bracketed into Group C, one of two groups slated to play in Kigali, Rwanda. Alongside them are three teams in the Top 25 in Brazil (8th), Hungary (16th), and Senegal (25th). Also playing in Kigali are four teams that comprise Group D: hosts Rwanda, Lebanon, Great Britain, and Argentina.

Acknowledged as likely underdogs in this competition, which offers a spot in the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament next year to the top finisher, the squad helmed by Patrick Aquino are aware that continuing improvements will entail facing off against top quality opposition.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Executive Director Erika Dy shares, "Moving up the rankings means we’ll have to learn how to step outside our comfort zone. Our Women’s Team has shown us they can be competitive in the region but there’s still a lot of work to be done to reach the next level. Joining competitions like this and going up against highly-ranked opponents will only make our players better and give our program a clear idea on what we need to do to get better."

Gilas Women will rely on a couple of National University alumnae to hold down the fort in Afril Bernardino and Jack Animam.

Aquino says about the former, "Known for her athleticism and relentlessness to win, Afril is one of the best players I have seen in the country. Her constant will to learn and determination to work harder than anybody else has made her who she is now."

As for the latter, she averaged a near double-double with ten points and 9.6 rebounds last June, helping the Philippines escape relegation into Division B.

Providing shooting and veteran leadership are Khate Castillo and Janine Pontejos, with a couple of players having US collegiate experience in Ella Fajardo and Stephanie Berberabe.

Fajardo leads the youth movement in the side, with half the team still playing collegiate basketball or about to make their debut there.

Fajardo is now a senior at Iona, with Kristan Yumul spending her freshman season last year in the NAIA with Westmont College. Naomi Panganiban is an incoming freshman at San Diego State.

In UAAP Season 86, Lou Ozar helped power the University of the Philippines back into the postseason, and she now will get help with Camille Nolasco for this coming campaign. Serving as a potential foil there is last season's Most Valuable Player Kacey dela Rosa of the Ateneo de Manila University.

The Philippines will face off against Brazil on August 19 at 8pm. This will be followed with a showdown against Hungary on August 20 at 11pm. They cap off their group stage assignment against Senegal on August 22 at 5pm.

All of the games will be shown on FIBA's YouTube channel.

Letran, LSGH, Mapua, Ateneo, Xavier make NGBL debuts

The remaining teams participating in the Next Generation Basketball League (NGBL) will be making their debuts this weekend.

For Saturday, action will take place at the MGC Gym in Taguig, with Mapua set to tangle against La Salle-Greenhills at 9am.

It will be followed by Letran against Lyceum at 11am, which will serve as Willie Miller's coaching debut for the defending NCAA champions. The PBA/MBA legend replaced Allen Ricardo, who has been elevated from coaching the Squires to handling the Knights for the upcoming centennial season of the Grand Old League.

The last team in Group B to make its debut will be MGC New Life Christian Academy, as the Fil-Chinese school will tangle against Arellano at 1pm.

The Braves are seeking to bounce back from their narrow 70-72 defeat against San Beda last week. Johnray Ladica contributed eighteen points, seven rebounds, and a couple of steals in the loss. John Axel Mendoza and John Denver Baluyot each added twelve markers.

On Sunday, action will return to the Tanduay Gym, as Jesuit-educated institutions Ateneo and Xavier match up to complete the debuting teams in the fourteen-team league by serving as the final game in its  scheduled tripleheader at 1pm.

Opening things up is Jose Rizal University against NU-Nazareth School at 9am. Both teams seeking to improve after getting nipped respectively by the University of the East and the University of Perpetual Help System with identical 74-75 scores.

Nino Ferrer took charge for the Light Bombers with twenty points and six assists against the Junior Warriors, while incumbent UAAP HS MVP Collins Akowe padded the stat sheet for the Bullpups with sixteen points, ten rebounds, an assist, a couple of steals, and three blocks.

At 11am, San Beda seeks their second win against Far Eastern University. MJ Vailoces led the charge for the Red Cubs with fourteen points and seven rebounds, as well as three steals. Francis Dollente and Laurence Batongbakal both chipped in thirteen markers.

As for the Baby Tamaraws, they hope to have a better result after being housed by the University of Santo Tomas, 57-76. Khean Esperanza was the lone bright spot in their defeat with eighteen points.

All matches are slated to be shown on the online platforms of the league.

Alas Pilipinas snags inaugural men's SEA VLeague triumph

c/o SEA VLeague

History is finally achieved on Friday night, as the Philippines finally secured a victory in the Southeast Asian VLeague at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Alas Pilipinas earned the win after a 25-21 25-22 18-25 25-23 result against Vietnam, a matchup that lasted over 130 minutes, and is a statement triumph for the side under new head coach Angiolino Frigoni.

The Italian mentor shared afterwards, "Everybody has to be ready, we play with the players, not with the name on the shirt. The players have to play, it doesn’t matter if it’s their first time on the national team, for me it doesn’t matter."

Bryan Bagunas led the way for the Philippines with fifteen spikes, a couple of blocks and a couple of aces. Nine of his points came in the first set as he got things going.

He would find help in a fellow National University standout in Michaelo Buddin, as Buddin finished with nine spikes, three blocks and a couple of aces, with half of his fourteen points coming in the second set.

NCAA standout Louie Ramirez contributed eleven spikes.

Pham Van Hiep and Duong Van Tien each scored fifteen points to lead Vietnam, with Nguyen Ngoc Thuan adding fourteen himself.

Vietnam seeks to bounce back against Thailand on Saturday afternoon, with Alas Pilipinas hoping to make it back-to-back wins against Indonesia at 6pm.

Thailand impress in SEA V.League opener

Thailand opens the 2024 edition of the men's Southeast Asian Volleyball League on Friday with a straight sets victory over Indonesia at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, 25-21 25-23 25-20.

Thungkham Chaiwat led the charge for the Thais with nine spikes, three blocks, and an ace, teaming up with Nilsawai Kissada in forming a solid net defense.

Kissada would finish with eleven points, four of which came from blocks. The two combined to contribute half of Thailand's fourteen blocks in the match that lasted just over an hour and a half.

Bhinijdee Napadet also tacked on eleven markers for the Thais, who could only muster a silver and a bronze in the two legs that took place last year.

24-year-old opposite hitter Anggara Agil Angga led the charge for Indonesia, who won both legs last year, with fifteen spikes, a couple of aces, and a block.

The aforementioned net defense proved to be an obstacle they could not overcome, with the duo of Kurniawan Hendra and Putrama Fahri Septian combined to produce just thirteen points.

Thailand will look to make it 2-0 in this leg hosted by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation against Vietnam on Saturday afternoon, while Indonesia seeks to bounce back against Alas Pilipinas this evening.

adidas, ASEAN Football Federation form partnership for ASEAN United FC competitions

[L-R] Thibault Durand, Senior Vice President & General Manager for adidas South East Asia and Major General Khiev Sameth, President, AFF

The ASEAN Football Federation forged a partnership with adidas this week, allowing the latter serve as the Official Performance Partner for its four competitions that are under its ASEAN United FC umbrella: the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup, the ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup, the ASEAN Women's Championship, and the ASEAN U-23 Championship.

Brokered and arranged by the AFF's exclusive commercial partner SPORTFIVE, the partnership allows adidas to provide an unmatched and unforgettable experience for its players and fans, thanks to the latter's experience in the sport and commitment to innovation.

adidas will serve as the official match ball for all four ASEAN United FC competitions, as well as take care of the ball kids and serve as the kit supplier for the referees. This highlights the long-standing commitment of the brand with regards to inclusivity in sports for all athletes, thanks to their steadfast support for championships in both the youth level as well as with women.

Said partnership was formalized in a private ceremony at the Sunway Resort Hotel in Kuala Lumpur. Gracing the event are Thibault Durand, Senior Vice President & General Manager for adidas South East Asia, Major General Khiev Sameth, President, AFF, Winston Lee, General Secretary, AFF, and Seamus O’Brien, President and Chairman of the Board, SPORTFIVE Asia. Also present were a few football luminaries: Steffi Sidhu Kaur, Captain of the Malaysian Women’s National Football Team, Nicholas Swirad, Centre-back for the Kuala Lumpur City FC, Irfan Bachdim, former striker for the Indonesian Men’s National Team and the legendary Safee Sali, former Captain of the Malaysian Men’s National Football Team.

In forming this partnership, Durand says, "We are thrilled to partner with the AFF, an organisation that shares adidas’ passion for developing the game of football in South East Asia. This partnership goes beyond the tournaments and as partners we are committed to inspiring the next generation of footballers and fans across the region while bringing more youth into sports."

Sameth adds, "adidas is renowned throughout the world for their storied history in football and creating innovative partnerships.  We are proud to partner with adidas to grow our beautiful game and each of our four marquee events.  We also look forward to working with adidas and our Commercial Partner SPORTFIVE to develop unique engagement programmes to enhance fan experiences, celebrate our diversity and continue strengthening the unity of our ASEAN community of hundreds of millions through the sport that unites us all."

O'Brien concludes, "SPORTFIVE has enjoyed collaborating with adidas on football properties throughout the world for decades.  We are now delighted to have formed this significant partnership between the AFF and adidas in ASEAN, one of the world’s fastest growing consumer markets, where football is the number one sport.  As Official Performance Partner, adidas brings the dynamic spirit of its brand and football expertise which will undoubtedly help to elevate ASEAN football from the grassroots to elite levels and ensure that its football community of players and fans continues to thrive."

The event also served as the launch for the official match balls to be used for the ME Cup and the inaugural Shopee Cup.

Januarius Holdings, Inc. renew UP partnership

The University of the Philippines continues its buildup both on and off for the 87th season of the UAAP, as it renews its partnership with Januarius Holdings Inc.

JHI and its subsidiary STATS Technical Sportswear have been committed supporters of the UP Men's Basketball Team since Season 80, with the latter acting as the squad's official outfitter, a role they retain with the recommitment.

A new element in their partnership allows the team to use STATS' Vald performance equipment, allowing the staff to have accurate assessments of each individual player's progress, which will inform them on potential decisions they have to make.

The group has served as the team's sponsor with their overseas trips, including the ones held in Serbia, Korea, the United States, and Japan.

Representing JHI in the signing ceremony last August 16 at the Executive House inside the Diliman campus is chairman and CEO JJ Atencio, with UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development director Bo Perasol, nowheretogobutUP chair Jed Eva and UPMBT manager Atty. Agaton Uvero also present.

Atencio shares, "It has been gratifying to see how the players are preparing for Season 87 with their recent training camp in Korea where they faced the top ball clubs there. We want to keep them battle-ready physically, mentally, and emotionally. That’s why we decided to also provide them with a state-of-the-art equipment that will help manage and improve their performance and well-being."

The ceremony also bore witness to Atencio announcing a partnership with the OASD to provide training and game jerseys to other varsity teams in the program.

Perasol notes, "First of all, we want to thank JJ for continuing to believe in our basketball program and for supporting the Fighting Maroons all these years. Now, he has even extended his support to other UP varsity teams. We have seen how big the impact is on our players and teams to have the backing of sponsors like JJ and the support of the community. Our teams will be so proud to wear those uniforms and represent the university in the UAAP and other tournaments. We are all grateful to JHI and STATS for the help they extend to our athletes."

For the team's perspective, Uvero adds, "JJ Atencio has long been a believer and a partner of the Fighting Maroons. He’s been supporting the team’s overseas camps since 2017 and we appreciate him very much. He is not just a supporter, he is a treasured friend."

La Salle, UST seek inaugural UAAP ML:BB crown

Games Saturday at the Hyundai Hall, Arete Ateneo

10 a.m. - DLSU vs NU (Group A)

11:30 a.m. - UE vs UST (Group B)

1 p.m. - Ateneo vs FEU (Group A)

2:30 p.m. - AdU vs UP (Group B)

The rivalry between the University of Santo Tomas (UST) and De La Salle University (DLSU) is set to reignite as the UAAP Esports Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Tournament kicks off Saturday at Hyundai Hall, Arete Ateneo in Quezon City.

However, the two teams will have to go through the rest of the field before getting to face off.

La Salle will kick off its UAAP Esports MLBB campaign against National University at 10:00 a.m. in Group A. Meanwhile, UST will debut against the University of the East at 11:30 a.m. in Group B.

In other Group A action, Ateneo will face Far Eastern University at 1:00 p.m., while Adamson will go up against the University of the Philippines to close out the day at 2:30 p.m.

UST's Teletigers are coming into the tournament with momentum, having recently won the Smart University Clash 2024 championship.

They also claimed the Alliance Games Metro West title, where they bested formidable opponents, including DLSU's Viridis Arcus, the FEU Tamaraws Esports, the UE Zenith Esports, the Adamson Falcons, and NU Bulldogs.

Despite their success, UST knows the competitiveness of the UAAP and refuses to let their guard down.

"I think La Salle is one of the top contenders. They have some really good players and have been winning for some time in the collegiate scene as well," said Ignacio, an alumnus of UST who is currently part of the casting talent pool of the MLBB Professional League (MPL) Philippines.

"We're really training hard. We're continuously studying the game, especially may recent patch na kaka-implement lang. That is where we get our confidence in believing that we have what it takes to take the crown."

DLSU’s Viridis Arcus, long considered kings of the MLBB collegiate scene, took major championships in 2023 before UST dethroned them earlier this year.

However, La Salle reclaimed supremacy just two weeks ago, winning the Collegiate Center for Esports Season 4 title.

With their recent success, they remain a formidable force, especially with former MPL Philippines player and Southeast Asian Games gold medalist Kenneth Villa now at the helm.

The stakes are high, with the top two teams in each pool advancing to the Final Four on Wednesday, August 21.

Catch all the action on One Sports’ YouTube channel, Pilipinas Live, the Varsity Channel, and One Sports.

La Salle to face UP, UST battles Ateneo in UAAP VALORANT Final Four

c/o UAAP

2024 UAAP Esports VALORANT Standings

Group A:

DLSU - 9pts (3-0-0)

Ateneo - 4pts (1-1-1)

AdU - 4pts (1-1-1)

FEU - 0pts (0-0-3)

Group B:

UST - 7pts (2-1-0)

UP - 7pts (2-1-0)

UE - 1pt (0-1-2)

NU - 1pt (0-1-2)

Games Friday at Hyundai Hall, Arete Ateneo

10 a.m. - DLSU vs UP (Semifinals)

1 p.m. - UST vs Ateneo (Semifinals)

4:45 p.m. - Grand Finals

De La Salle University and University of Santo Tomas secured the top seeds in their respective groups after going undefeated in the group stages of the 2024 UAAP Esports VALORANT Tournament on Thursday at Dark League Studios in Pasig.

The DLSU Viridis Arcus will face the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons in one of the crossover semifinals at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, while the Teletigers Esports Club of UST will battle the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the other semifinal matchup set for 1 p.m.

The games will return to Hyundai Hall, Arete Ateneo in Quezon City. Games will be streamed on One Sports' YouTube channel and Pilipinas Live and air on the Varsity Channel and One Sports.

La Salle, represented by Lucas Gruenberg, Miguel Fernando Dy, Aaron Francis Sablay, Gerardo Luis Corpus II, and Lance Elmo Gacayan, dominated Group A with commanding victories over Ateneo, Adamson University, and Far Eastern University. Despite coasting through their first two games, the Viridis Arcus faced a brief scare in Game 2 against Adamson, trailing 5-3. However, they quickly regrouped to secure a decisive 13-8 victory, completing a flawless group stage campaign with three straight series wins.

"At first, ino-overthink namin yung ginagawa ng Adamson. Pero ang naging response namin is magfocus sa kung ano yung nangyayari sa game. We didn't do anything special. Whatever the info is, dun na tayo. Pagod din kami eh. They pulled through naman," explained La Salle coach Xavier Juan of their Game 2 match against Adamson.

Juan also mentioned that the cancellation of games on Day 2 of the competition last Wednesday forced them to prepare for two matches on the same day, adding to the team's challenges.

"Dapat one game per day eh pero naging two. So kailangan namin magprepare ng two games in one day. Wala kami masyadong tulog. Since 12 midnight gising na ako eh. Di pa ako nakakatulog kasi nagpe-prepare kami for both games," Juan said.

"Yung tech issues, normal talaga yan sa esports eh. Di naman ako galit sa tech issues. Ganun naman talaga dito. Hassle lang," he lamented.

Ateneo, composed of Joaquin De Guia, Juancho Garcia, John Michael Amador, Christian Owen, Joaquin Antonio, and Juan Antonio Rosales, clinched the final semifinal spot in Group A, thanks to a superior round differential over Adamson.

UST, bannered by John Matthew Cuaresma, Damien Joshua Santos, Carl Angelo Baldovia, Nathan Kyle Manuta, Angelo Kyan Ysibido, and Erl Adrik Mariano, secured the top seed in Group B through a tiebreaker after tying UP, composed of Lance Veyonce Clemente, Nathan Gabriel Danac, Jose Benedicto Dasas, Rafael Anton Somera, Cyrus Toring, and Paul Julian Uson, in total points and their head-to-head result. Both teams finished with seven points after splitting their matchup.

"Medyo rough yung start namin. Possibly due to scheduling concerns kasi dire-direcho, ang tagal nung mga tech pauses. May mga technical difficulties so hindi namin nalalabas kung paano namin nilalaro yung dapat naming laruin, katulad ng mga pinractice namin. Kasi may mga factors like yung sounds din na naririnig sa may Arete. Hindi siya ganun ka solid kasi in-ear tapos hindi ganun kaganda yung noise cancellation ng headset. Yung lag din," said UST coach Brent Froilan Santiago.

"Hopefully, pagdating ng playoffs, mas makapaglaro kami nang maayos. But team-wise, feel ko nagkakaroon ng malaking pressure kasi dati hindi naman namin nirerepresent yung UST as UST. Pseudo-esports org lang kami dati kasi lumalaban lang kami as Teletigers. Pero now, since UST na yung dinadala nila, mas malaki yung pressure. Mas kinakabahan sila. Kelangan din mas mag-act sila as professional, di na pwede yung katulad dati kasi buong UST na yung dinadala namin," Santiago added.

Due to the connectivity issues that occurred last Wednesday, the UAAP decided to cancel the bronze medal match. Instead, the losing teams in the semifinals will both be awarded bronze medals.

Paolo Medina claims inaugural UAAP NBA2K24 title

c/o UAAP

Paolo Medina, who once celebrated from the sidelines as a student-manager during Ateneo de Manila University's UAAP Season 85 men's basketball championship, has now carved his own legacy.

On Thursday evening, in front of a raucous pro-Ateneo crowd at the Doreen Fernandez Black Box, Areté Ateneo, Medina delivered a stellar performance, defeating De La Salle University’s Kegan Yap in a tense three-game series, 2-1, to claim the inaugural UAAP Esports NBA2K24 championship.

“To be the first champion, I am very blessed. I feel I made a mark that will forever be there. I am grateful for this opportunity,” said Medina, a 22-year-old BS Information Technology Entrepreneurship student.

Medina’s journey to victory began with a strong showing in Game 1, where he used the San Antonio Spurs to defeat Yap's Chicago Bulls, 77-75. However, Yap bounced back in Game 2, leading his LA Clippers to a 93-89 victory against Medina's Sacramento Kings, forcing a decisive Game 3.

In the final game, Medina chose the Oklahoma City Thunder and secured a 74-63 win over Yap's LA Lakers, clinching the championship.

During Game 3, Medina dominated right from the start, establishing a 25-15 lead in the first quarter and never allowing Yap to close the gap. At one point, his lead stretched to as much as 20 points at the start of the fourth quarter, 66-46, before he calmly waited for the final buzzer to seal the win.

Medina’s run to the title was unexpected, as he entered the semifinals as the second seed in Pool A.

His path to the championship included a 2-0 sweep over the University of Santo Tomas' Daemiel Argame in the semifinals, with scores of 96-92 and 119-81.

Reflecting on his journey, Medina admitted it wasn't an easy path.

"Not gonna lie, coming into the tournament, I felt very confident. But then, on the first day of the group stage, I lost my game against UST, and then later that same day, I lost against UP. So, it wasn't a cakewalk. It wasn't an easy path to the finals," recalled Medina, who finished the pool phase with a 5-2 record.

Ateneo Blue Eagles head coach Nite Alparas expressed immense pride in Medina's performance throughout the UAAP Esports tournament.

"Honestly, sa six months na nag-training kami, parang two months ago sinabi ko sa kanya na, 'We are 100-percent ready to compete sa UAAP.' Nangyari nga, nag-champion kami," said Alparas.

"Sobrang confident ako kay Paolo kase simula February nakita ko siya. Nakita ko yung growth niya, development niya as a player. Sabi ko, 'Pagaling ka nang pagaling. Nagi-improve ka, lahat ng sinasabi ko sa'yo naa-absorb mo. Tina-try mo yung new things. Hindi ka takot magkamali,'" he added.

Meanwhile, Yap’s path to the finals involved a hard-fought battle against top seed Erix Delos Reyes of the UST Teletigers in the other semifinals, where he triumphed 2-1 (65-53, 72-83, 88-67).

In Game 1, Yap used the Boston Celtics to defeat Delos Reyes' LA Lakers, 65-53. Despite Delos Reyes' strong response in Game 2, tying the series 72-83, Yap emerged victorious in Game 3, securing his spot in the finals and sending Delos Reyes to the bronze medal match against Argame.

In an all-UST bronze medal match, Erix Delos Reyes defeated Daemiel Argame in straight games, 2-0 (72-63, 71-57).

NBA2K24 semis set for UAAP eSports

c/o UAAP

UAAP Esports NBA2K24 Standings

GROUP A:

UST 6 -1

Ateneo 5 - 2

UP 5 - 2

FEU 5 - 2

DLSU 3 - 4

ADU 2 - 5

UE 1 - 6

NU 0 - 6

GROUP B:

UST 7 - 0

DLSU 6 - 1

Ateneo 4 - 3

UE 3 - 4

FEU 3 - 4

NU 3 - 4

ADU 1 - 6

UP 1 - 6

Games Thursday at the Doreen Fernandez Black Box:

10 a.m. - UST A vs La Salle B (Final Four)

12 p.m. - Ateneo A vs UST B (Final Four)

3 p.m. - Battle for Third

5 p.m. - Finals

The University of Santo Tomas seeks to lock in a 1-2 finish when the NBA2K24 event of the UAAP eSports tournament kicks off its postseason on Thursday morning at the Doreen Fernandez Black Box at Areté inside the Ateneo de Manila University campus..

Represented by the Teletigers eSports Club, the Growling Tigers topped both groups at the end of pool play, with Erix Daniel Delos Reyes topping Group A at 6-1 and the duo of Gideon Marty del Val and Daemiel Erzbet Argame combining to finish Group with an undefeated record after seven matches.

UST's lone blemish in pool play came against the University of the Philippines, with the Maroons winning 48-35.

NBA2K head coach Augusto de Jesus III expressed joy in seeing both of his teams advancing into the next round, which will use a best-of-three format. He hopes for the possibility of seeing them face off in the finals, adding, "Mas magiging masaya ako kapag magkatapat ang both UST sa finals. Doble yung saya. Kaya mamaya, plano namin na mag-practice na sa mga malalapit na hotel dito, wala nang uwian."

Serving as the foil for such a prospect are the duo of Justin Carl Lagac and Paolo Jesus Medina of Ateneo de Manila, as well as Kegan Audric Yap of De La Salle University.

The Blue Eagles secured the second spot in Pool A through a superior quotient against UP and Far Eastern University, with all three teams toting a 5-2 record. Ateneo advanced with a +22 quotient, compared to 0 for the Maroons and -22 for Tamaraws eSports.

Yap finished second in Pool B with a 6-1 record for Viridis Arcus eSports. His head coach Rial Polog Jr. is confident that he can pull off the upset.

Polog shares, "Yeah, I am confident (mag-champion) kasi yung nakapasok sa playoffs ay team captain namin. So, I am super confident na makuha [namin] yung championship."

Yap and delos Reyes will kick off the semifinal matches at 10am, followed by Lagac/Medina against del Val/Argame at noon.

The winners will face off in the final at 5pm, with the third place game slated at 3pm.

All matches will be shown on the social platforms on One Sports, as well as on Pilipinas Live.

beIN locks in LALIGA rights in Philippines, others

LaLiga

The Philippines will not have to make a switch when it comes to watching the best clubs in Spain.

beIN Media Group announced this week that has entered into an agreement with LALIGA, ensuring that beIN Sports will remain as the home of Spanish football until 2026-27 in the Asia-Pacific (including the Philippines).

The group has held the rights for LALIGA since 2015 in the region.

In making the announcement, beIN Media Group CEO Yousef Al-Obaidly shares, "We are delighted to extend our contract with LALIGA with two significant multi-year deals across 34 countries. As long-term, committed partners of LALIGA, we are proud to help Spanish football grow worldwide through our world-class broadcasting and our significant and dependable investment. This major deal is further testament to beIN’s considered and consistent strategy to deliver growth as one of the leading sports, entertainment and media groups in the world."

LALIGA President Javier Tebas adds, "At LALIGA we always look for best-in-class partners to deliver Spanish football to fans everywhere. Our relationship with beIN has been essential for us in order to ensure people in MENA and APAC regions to be able to enjoy a unique competition as LALIGA to the fullest. We are sure that the next seasons are going to be unparalleled ones for our fans across the region."

The season commences on August 15, and includes a bunch of interesting storylines, with Real Madrid hoping to successfully retain their title, doing so with their newest signing Kylian Mbappé. FC Barcelona has a new manager in tow with Hansi Flick, and last year's surprise side Girona seeking to improve on their run as they make their Champions League debut.

beIN will have rights to all 380 matches, including the two ELCLÁSICO meetings of Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. Some of the stars of the recent-played Euros and Olympics also play in LALIGA, including the likes of Nico Williams, Martin Zubimendi, and Dani Olmo, among others.

In addition to the broadcast deal, both groups are also partners in addressing audiovisual fraud, having worked on blocking illegal streaming sites as well as taking down an illegal IPTV service in the Middle East, as well as periodic administrative blockades with their partners in Indonesia and Malaysia.

They also will continue to work closely in the fight against piracy and addressing trends.

Technical Difficults mar UAAP VALORANT action

c/o UAAP

2024 UAAP Esports VALORANT Standings

Group A:

DLSU 1-0-0 [3pts]

ADU 1-0-0 [3pts]

Ateneo 0-0-1 [0pts]

FEU 0-0-1 [0pts]

Group B:

UP 1-0-0 [3pts]

UST 1-0-0 [3pts]

NU 0-0-1 [0pts]

UE 0-0-1 [0pts]

Games Thursday at Dark League Studios (Closed Door)

11 a.m. - UE vs UP and DLSU vs FEU

1 p.m. - NU vs UST and AdU vs Ateneo

3:30 p.m. - AdU vs DLSU and NU vs UE

5:30 p.m. - Ateneo vs FEU and UST vs UP

The second day of the Valorant portion of the inaugural UAAP was affected by internet connectivity issues, which saw only one completed game for one match during the whole duration at the Hyundai Hall of the Arete building inside the Ateneo de Manila University campus in Quezon City.

Game 2 of the matchup between UST and UP had been halted, with both teams tied at 11. The Fighting Maroons had claimed Game 1 in overtime, 14-12.

eSports Commissioner Monique Monasterio and league operations head Ades Amorato, in coordination with the league's broadcast partner Cignal, announced the postponement of the remaining matches on Wednesday, five hours after the action was halted.

The league has since announced that the remaining group stage matches will be held behind closed doors at the Dark League Studios on Thursday, with no confirmation as to where the playoffs will take place.

Matches will still be shown on the official platforms of One Sports and the UAAP Varsity Channel, as well as Pilipinas Live.

A UP victory over UST in Game 2 would have moved them into solo first in Group B, otherwise, it would keep them in level terms with the Teletigers.

La Salle and Adamson both won their opening set of matches to set the pace in Group A.

East Asia Super League expands to 10 teams with Hong Kong Eastern and Macau Black Bears addition

HK Eastern and Macau Black Bears

The East Asia Super League is ready for expansion.

Two more teams are set to participate in the upcoming 2024-25 season, raising the number of participants to ten and making things more interesting in the biggest regional club basketball competition in East Asia.

Joining the eight teams who have earned their spots are Hong Kong Eastern and the Macau Black Bears, providing a Chinese presence in the competition.

The former is one of the most storied teams in the Crown Colony, and is its domestic champion, winning their third A1 Division title last year. They also have had continental experience through the ASEAN Basketball League, winning the competition in 2016-17 and 2023.

Hong Kong Eastern Team Leader Mr. Wilson Choi said, “Hong Kong has been striving hard for a professional basketball team to represent the city at the highest level. Now, Hong Kong Eastern will do that, as we take on East Asia’s best teams in the EASL 2024-25 Season. Eastern wants to be a major force in Asian basketball and to put Hong Kong on the map as a basketball powerhouse.”

The latter is the first-ever professional team from the former Portuguese colony, and is the defending Macau Basketball League champions. Like HK Eastern, they have previous continental basketball experience through both the ABL and the recently-held The Asia Tournament.

General Manager Lukas Peng says, "The Black Bears showed their strength in the ABL in recent years. We are investing so we can compete more strongly and challenge the best teams in Asia in EASL. We are proud to represent Macau and the wider Greater Bay Area in the EASL 2024-25 Season."

Eastern has been slotted into Group A, where they will play against B.LEAGUE champions the Hiroshima Dragonflies, Korean Basketball League (KBL) runners-up the Suwon KT Sonicboom, P. LEAGUE+ runners-up the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots, and PBA Governors’ Cup champions the San Miguel Beermen.

The Black Bears, on the other hand, are allocated onto Group B,  in which they will play against B.LEAGUE runners-up the Ryukyu Golden Kings, KBL champions the Busan KCC Egis, P.LEAGUE+ champions the New Taipei Kings, and PBA Philippine Cup champions the Meralco Bolts.

In making this announcement, EASL CEO Henry Kerins says, "EASL is getting bigger and it’s getting better. It was always our ambition to expand and bring in more leagues, representing more regions in Asia. We have accelerated those plans due to the strong demand from the regional leagues to join, and their readiness to do so."

He adds, "The 2024-25 Season now includes two powerful teams from two amazing cities, in one of the biggest basketball markets in the world – China’s Greater Bay Area. Both teams have great ownership and ambitions to be major brands in Asian basketball. Fans are in for incredible clashes next year as Hong Kong Eastern and the Macau Black Bears take to the court against our existing line-up of amazing teams from Chinese Taipei, Japan, Korea and the Philippines."

Victoria Sports Pro Cycling Team set for Asian conquest

Victoria Sports

With the European campaign in the books, Victoria Sports Pro Cycling is set to continue representing the Philippines in the international scene of professional cycling.

Composed of Filipino riders Pako Ochoa, Daniel Ven Cariño, Edson Corbadora, Ean Cajucom, Ismael Grospe Jr., Kenneth Maramba, Miguel Omerga, Alexis Pagara, and Nichol Blanca Pareja, they are supplemented by seasoned international cyclists Jeroen Meijers from the Netherlands, José Mendes from Portugal, Edgar Nieto from Spain, and Nícolas Sessler from Brazil.

VSPC has seen some semblance of success in their recent competitions.

Pareja claimed the Individual Time Trial stage of the 2024 edition of the PhilCycling National Championships for Road, while Pagara finished third.

In the Tour de Taiwan, Meijers claimed fourth spot on its opening stage, with Sessler putting forth quality times at the Volta NXT Classic.

At the Belgrade - Banja Luka race, Sessler finished fourth on its third stage, while ending up eventually at that position in the General Classification.

Felipe claimed the King of the Mountain title in Stage 1B of the International Tour of Hellas, eventually yielding a 19th place finish overall. Meanwhile, Sessler, Mendez, and Nieto very much accounted for themselves with respectable results at the 6th Grande Prêmio Internacional Beiras e Serra da Estrela.

Lastly, the Lumba Tamo Zambales 2024 bore witness to Cajucom clinching the 150km Road Race category.

Looming in the horizon are a few races for VSPC. They will be in China for the Trans-Himalaya Cycling race on August 21-25, with Meijers, Ochoa, Nieto, Cajucom, Corbadora, and Maramba in tow, followed by the Tour of Routhe Salvation on August 30 - September 2. For this race in Turkey, it will be Sessler, Mendes, Nieto, Pareja, Pagara, and Carino, as well as Marcelo Felipe.

VSPC is also scheduled to participate in a couple more races next month: the Tour of Salalah in Oman on September 8-11 and the Oita Urban Classica Road Race on September 28.

Ochoa shares about their upcoming schedule, "We know that we have a challenging road ahead but we have a team that is determined to follow the footsteps of other great Filipino athletes and show that we can compete at the highest level."

Building on these successes, Victoria Sports Pro Cycling looks forward to the road ahead in 2025 and beyond, thanks to their tactical brilliance and signature determination.

For updates on the VSPC team and their international competitions, follow the Victoria Sports Pro Cycling on Facebook.