Preparations for Philippines hosting of FIVB Men’s World Championship ramped up

 

FIRST Lady Liza Araneta Marcos and William Vincent “Vinny” Araneta Marcos (seventh and sixth from left) with (from left) Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) vice president Ricky Palou and secretary-general Donaldo Caringal, Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard Bachmann, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, Volleyball World CEO Finn Taylor, PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara and national team mainstay Bryan Bagunas make the victory sign after the first organizational meeting for the world championship in Malacañang on April 30, 2024

With the calendar moving to 2025, preparations for the Philippines' hosting of the FIVB Men's World Championship have ramped up to another level.

Thirty-one of the world’s top volleyball nations in the 32-team roster will descend on Philippine soil for the September 12 to 28 world championship set at the SM Mall of Asia Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“This is the time when the preparations and organization start to be meticulous every single day, it’s the world championship year of the FIVB and as host country for first time—and solo host at that—the mission borders from an excellent to almost perfect hosting of the event,” said Ramon “Tats” Suzara, head of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation who in 2024 was elected president of the Asian Volleyball Confederation and executive vice president of the FIVB.

“We’ve done it before and we’re expected to do it again,” added Suzara, who was on top of the country’s co-hosting of the FIBA World Cup in 2023 as its chief implementor.

Adding confidence to a potentially best-ever edition of the FIVB MWCH 2025 is Malacañang’s commitment that was forged during the first top level organization meeting at the Palace on April 30, 2024, that was presided over by First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos and William Vincent “Vinny” Araneta Marcos, co-chair of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) with Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, also PNVF chairman emeritus, and Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.

The commitment was broadened in last September’s One-Year Countdown and Drawing of Lots at Solaire that was followed immediately by the “Concierto sa Palacio,” a night of music held at the Malacañang grounds with no less that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., First Lady Marcos and the young Marcos hosting top FIVB and LOC officials.

Then FIVB secretary-general now president Fabio Azevedo praised President Marcos and the First Family for their enthusiasm in volleyball and sports as a whole.

“It was fantastic to see how committed the President [Marcos] is in promoting volleyball and it’s as fantastic to see the volleyball euphoria in the Philippines,” said Fabio, who gifted President Marcos a painting by Slaven Dizdarevic, an Olympian decathlete from Slovakia, during the “Concierto.”

Government’s high-level involvement in the world championship also got rolling with the first Inter-Agency Technical Working Group Meeting initiated by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) last November at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

The Local Organizing Committee for the FIVB MWCH 2025 is also composed of Senator Pia Cayetano, Manuel V. Pangilinan, Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and PSC chairman Richard Bachmann.

Significant activities will precede the world championship, including the International Road Show spread over the first half of the year and Mascot Contest and Launch, Trophy Tour, Media Broadcast Conference, Team Managers Meeting, Test Event and 100-Day Countdown in June.

The Philippines is in Pool A with 11-time African champion Tunisia, current Africa titlist and Paris Olympian Egypt and 2024 Asian championship runner-up Iran.

World No. 1 Poland wisas in Pool B with Romania, Qatar and The Netherlands, while Volleyball Nations League champion France was grouped in Pool C with Korea, Finland and Argentina; the United States in Pool D with Colombia, Portugal and 2010 silver medalist Cuba; Slovenia in Pool E with Chile, Bulgaria and 2014 bronze medalist Germany; 2022 world champion Italy in Pool F with Algeria, Belgium and Ukraine; Libya, European league 2023 winner Turkiye and Canada in Pool G; and Brazil, 2024 Challenge Cup winner China, Czech Republic and Serbia in Pool H.

Thailand outlasts the Philippines to advance into AMEC final

c/o Philippine Football Federation

The Philippines were inches away from dethroning Thailand in the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024, and just minutes away from forcing penalties. But a dramatic Suphanat Mueanta goal deep in extra time put an end to the Filipinos’ Cinderella run in the competition.

“First, I’d like to congratulate Thailand on making the final. Second, I’m very proud of my players. We will come back stronger, I can promise you that. We came here to Thailand and we played against them face-to-face until the last minute,” said Head Coach Albert Capellas after the grueling 120-minute affair at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok.

Entering the match with a 2-1 advantage from the first leg, the Philippines started the contest full of confidence, able to dictate the game in front of the vibrant 31,000 in attendance. Jarvey Gayoso came close to a deserved opener, but his effort was denied by a goal-line clearance.

The seven-time champions eventually wrestled control as the half wore on, and found a breakthrough through captain Peeradol Chamratsamee in the 38th minute, who fired in the opener from a tight angle. That lead was doubled eight minutes after the break, with Patrik Gustavsson tucking away a well placed through ball.

Behind 3-2 on aggregate at that stage, the Philippines needed to find a goal to stay in the tie. They found that lifeline through Bjorn Kristensen, who fired in a beautiful low curling strike from outside of the box to restore parity in the tie. The Filipinos even went on to almost snatch another goal that would’ve sent the team through to the final.

From a dangerous cross in to the box, Amani Aguinaldo’s header forced a good stop from the keeper. The resulting rebound was fired unto the underside of the crossbar, with a third attempt struck goal wards, but deflected out for a corner kick. That unconverted scramble meant the match went into extra-time where Muenta’s heroics at the death ensured the Thais returned to the final.

“I think we played good in the first 20 minutes, and in the last 20 minutes. In the first half of extra time it was an equal game, but in the last 10 minutes we suffered. We couldn’t put pressure on the ball anymore and we allowed too many crosses. Next time we will learn from that lesson and we will come back stronger,” said Capellas, who finished the tournament with a record of two wins, three draws, and one loss. “We just arrived at this level. For a lot of years we couldn’t play these type of games — to fight until the last second against Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam. It’s the first time we are here after a lot of years. We have to learn from this experience. Thailand has been there a lot of years. For this generation of players, this is the first time. All I can promise is that we’ll learn from this and we’ll become stronger.”

Reflecting on a grueling campaign where the team played six games in 18 days, the Spanish tactician couldn’t help but feel a change is needed for future editions of the tournament.

“The competition I think has to be organized in a different way. Our players were completely destroyed physically. We have to take care of the players. They need more rest time in between games. This is not respect for the game, this is not respect to the players,” he said.

He also took time to thank all the support the team garnered over the last few weeks, including the over 10,000 that witnessed the Philippines beat Thailand at the Rizal Memorial Stadium just a few days ago.

“I hope all the Filipinos are proud and that they enjoyed [the efforts of] our squad. They fought a lot. And I hope we get the support from the federation, the government, and from people who love football, to help us grow football in the Philippines, so we’ll have more games like this,” he said. “Thank you very much to all the Filipinos, not only in the Philippines, but around the world. Now we have to move to the next level. We have to have a more powerful league. We have to develop the youth football. We need to invest, and we will come back stronger. We will work very hard to make it happen.”

“Now we know we can do it. We have a very bright future for the National Team of the Philippines for the next few years,” he concluded. The Philippine Men’s National Team will next see action in March, when the campaign to qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup begins.

Philippines at cusp of historic moment in AMEC

c/o Philippine Football Federation

The Philippines is one match away from making a first ever appearance in the final of the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup. Having made history by beating Thailand in Manila in the first leg, the Filipinos take a slim 2-1 advantage heading into Monday’s 9:00PM (PST) match at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok. The winner on aggregate after both legs will go through to face either Vietnam or Singapore in the final.

“I think it’ll be a very equal 200 minutes. I know that it’s about two games. We have to perform good again tomorrow if we want to go to the final. We know that we can make it difficult for Thailand. We have watched the [previous] game, we have made some adjustments to try to come here and make a good performance for our fans, our federation, and for our players, to show that we are making steps forward. We will try to reach the final for sure,” said head coach Albert Capellas.

Michael Kempter, who stepped out with the captain’s armband in the first leg, is under no illusions about the gravity of the task ahead and is expecting that the team will need to dig deep once again to overcome the seven-time champions.

“We know that Thailand is a very good team. We are very prepared for the game. We’re going to fight until the end like in Manila,” said Kempter. “We’re here to reach the finals. We believe in ourselves. We’re not done yet, the job’s not done. We’re here to make history for our country.”

Thailand are no strangers to overturning first-leg deficits, having successfully overcome a few en route to Southeast Asian supremacy. With their home fans behind them, Thai player Chalermsak Akkee suggested that the Filipinos’ tears of joy in Manila would turn into tears of agony on Monday night.

“There is no sport in the world that moves people more than football — maybe music, but not in sport. That’s why the fans now are starting to feel the hope. Tomorrow we will perform, and I’m sure our fans will not cry. They will feel very proud no matter if we win, if we draw, or we lose. I’m sure they will feel very proud,” said Albert Capellas in response.

A draw or a win for the Philippines will guarantee passage into the final, which will be played over two legs as well. Tonight's match will be aired LIVE on Matchday.ph.

Philippines claims home leg of AMEC semifinal

c/o Philippine Football Federation

In front of a boisterous Rizal Memorial Stadium crowd, the Philippine Men’s National Football Team made history on Friday night, defeating Thailand, 2-1, to seal the team’s first ever semifinal win in the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup, and a first victory in 52 years over the regional powerhouse. The win was sealed in dramatic fashion, with a last minute goal that ensured the Filipinos take the advantage heading into the second leg in Bangkok.

“I’m very happy for all the supporters, all the fans. I’m very happy for the players because they never give up. We played a very good 35-40 minutes against a very good team,” said Albert Capellas after the match. “In the second half we suffered more, conceded attempts that we shouldn’t have. But we handled it together. We never lost the hope because this team — they’re fighters, they believe — they fight so much for this country. I’m so proud for them. In the end I think we got what we deserved. I’m very happy.”

The Philippines got off to strong start, putting Thailand on the back-foot by keeping possession well and moving the ball quickly. 20 minutes into the contest, Sandro Reyes fired in a left-footed wonder strike to give the Philippines a deserved lead. The visitors responded right before the break though, with Suphanan Bureerat finishing off a counter attack to give Thailand a lifeline.

With a foot back into the game, the Thais emerged from the second half inspired, mounting numerous attacks that led to clear-cut opportunities. But after enduring a difficult half of pressure, the Filipinos dramatically turned the match around in the final minute. From a Zico Bailey free kick, Paul Tabinas cushioned the ball to Kike Linares for the game-winning goal.

“We knew how to suffer, we suffered the entire group stage,” said Man of the Match Sandro Reyes. “I think the group stage was a perfect practice for today because we suffered a lot, but we found a way to go through all those hurdles. We went through hell and we came out. Today was the same. The end of the first half, until the end of the game I think Thailand had plenty of chances. They were putting pressure on us. We couldn’t keep the ball. We were very tired. But we got out of hell and scored the last minute goal. The fans were amazing. They were with us until the end.”

“Since I started playing football at age four, Thailand has always been the team to beat. They’ve always been the strongest in Southeast Asia, so to beat them shows how far we’ve come,” he continued. “But the job isn’t even halfway done. We’ve got a very difficult job in the second leg coming up and we want to play a final here, so we’ll give everything to get that final here.”

Ecstatic about the historic win, Coach Albert Capellas believes there’s still plenty more to come from the Philippine Men’s National Football Team.

"I’m very happy for everyone who’s making a lot of effort inside of the federation — Freddy [Gonzalez], Mikkel [Paris], and all of the staff. You cannot imagine how much they work for this team. They need all the support from everybody because this is just the beginning, and we want to get better and better.”

The Philippines will look to seal the country’s first ever appearance in the competition’s final, when they will play Thailand in Bangkok on Monday, December 30, at 9:00PM.

Philippines ready for home leg of AMEC Semifinal

c/o Philippine Football Federation

Back in the semi-finals of the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup for the first time in six years, the Philippine Men’s National Football Team is eager to get off to a strong start in their two-legged tie versus regional powerhouse Thailand. The first match will be held at the Rizal Memorial Stadium on Friday night, December 27, 9PM, with the second leg to be played in Bangkok on the 30th.

Up against seven-time champions of ASEAN’s biggest stage, and a team ranked 53 places higher in the FIFA rankings, Philippine Head Coach Albert Capellas sees no reason to change the approach that got his team to the knockout rounds.

“It’s nice to be here again, it means we’ve qualified for the semi-finals. It’s very nice to see all of you again, and to have the chance to play two more good games,” said Capellas. “We have this rule that the most important game is the next game, and we won’t change that. We always prepare the games believing we can win. We know that Thailand is a very strong opponent, but we’ll attack with the s

ame mentality. This is the way that we’ve prepared for this game — exactly the same as all the other games.”

Bjorn Kristensen’s goal in front of 17,000 Indonesians was what sealed passage for the Filipinos into the semi-finals. The young striker is no stranger to Thailand, having opened his goal scoring account for the Philippines against Friday’s opponent a couple months ago.

“It will be a good game against a strong opponent. It’s what we live for, to play against good teams. Hopefully we can get the win in the first leg, and the hopefully the second leg also,” said Kristensen, scorer of two goals so far in this tournament.

The Filipinos will be without the services of Amani Aguinaldo due to suspension, as well as Patrick Reichelt, who recently announced his retirement from international football. The team will welcome back Santi Rublico, though, who bolsters the team’s options in attack.

“In this tournament we’re experts in finding the balance. It’s one of the keys of why we’re here today. We had to find the balance of the minutes we deliver to every player. Every player who got the chance delivered their best,” said Capellas, before adding, “Alone we cannot achieve anything, together we can achieve a lot of things. One of the strong parts of this group, is the belief that they have — they do everything together — and the effort that they make in every game. That means with or without Amani [and Patrick], that will not change.”

“With Santi, he could only join us if we made it to the semi-final stage and I’m very happy that the club allowed him to join us. He knows all the players, knows the system, and knows me very well. He has the same chances as everyone else to get minutes.”

Tickets to the Filipinos’ clash with Thailand are available on Ticketmax.ph. The game will be aired LIVE matchday.ph and on PTV Sports.

Ryukyu clinches EASL postseason berth

c/o EASL

It was a Merry Christmas indeed for the Ryukyu Golden Kings.

Last season's B.LEAGUE finalists clinched a spot in the postseason at the 2024-25 East Asia Super League by defeating the New Taipei Kings on Wednesday, 82-74.

Thanks to their 4-0 record in Group B, they are guaranteed to play in the Final Four, which is set to take place this March. The champion of this season will claim US $1 million, with $500,000 to the runner-up and $250,000 to the third place finisher.

American reinforcements Keve Aluma and Jack Cooley each netted double-doubles, with the former leading all scorers with 21 points and ten rebounds, while the latter grabbed a game-high fourteen boards to pair with his ten markers. Ryuichi Kishimoto chipped in twenty points to provide offensive support.

Now 4-0 in regular-season play, the Golden Kings clinched their postseason berth with two games to spare, becoming the first team this season to qualify. It marks consecutive seasons that a Japanese club side has reached the Final Four, following the title-clinching efforts of the Chiba Jets.

Ryukyu has had a winning tradition in the EASL, having claimed the first edition of the Terrific 12 back in 2018. They fell short in making the inaugural edition of the EASL Final Four with their 3-3 record to finish third in Group B. 

The Golden Kings will finish out action at Taipei against the Kings on January 8, before capping things out on January 22 against the Meralco Bolts at the PhilSports Arena.

LALIGA resumes annual Holiday Soup Kitchen tradition

c/o LALIGA

To commemorate the holiday season, LALIGA is once again holding soup kitchens in collaboration with the various Spanish City Councils and local soup kitchens.

Over a hundred such kitchens are in place at over forty cities, offering over twenty-three thousand meals on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, and Epiphany (December 24-25, December 31-January 1, January 6), ensuring that the less fortunate would be provided improved nutrition during the holidays.

Ongoing for the previous five seasons in conjunction with its clubs, LALIGA has made it a Christmas tradition to support those who need it the most. In addition, the league is also donating twenty-eight thousand scarves and hats to these soup kitchens.

“Once again, LALIGA and its Clubs are committed to helping the most disadvantaged during this special time of year, providing them with warm clothing and a Christmas-worthy meal”, explained Javier Tebas, President of LALIGA.

As such, LALIGA puts the power of our fútbol at the service of society through the values that unite us all, helping more people enjoy Christmas and underscoring its responsibility as a social agent.

Philippines secures AMEC semifinal spot

c/o Philippine Football Federation

Winless yet undefeated coming in to the Manahan Stadium, the Philippine men’s national football team (PMNFT) proved to Southeast Asia its winning mettle, scoring an all-important 1-0 victory over Indonesia and booking a semis ticket to close the 2024 ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup Group B competitions on Saturday in Surakarta.

The win marks the return of the Philippines to the ASEAN home-and-away semis, which it last achieved in 2018. The team will next face defending champion Thailand on December 27 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium (RMS).

This also marks the Philippines’ first win against Indonesia since 2014 and the first ever on Indonesian soil.

“I can’t begin to describe how I feel right now. It’s like, it’s just nice to be back. Nice to be back where we belong in the semifinals and the job’s not done yet,” said Philippine Football Federation (PFF) Director for National Teams Freddy Gonzalez.

“We played four games in nine days, so everyone was gassed, but these guys really dug deep and, you know, pulled off an amazing victory today that brought us back to the semifinals,” Gonzalez, a national team striker in the ’90s, added.

The Philippines’ patience in building up for the goal and weathering Indonesia’s intense attacks on their side paid off when Paul Tabinas earned a penalty, forcing a handball on Dony Tri Pamungkas to earn Bjorn Kristensen the winning goal in the 63rd minute.

The glorious goal came after a flurry of shots on goal by Indonesia starting in the latter part of the first half, backstopped by speedster Marcelino Ferdinan, who had three shots on goal saved by replacement keeper Quincy Kammeraad and one that hit the woodwork.

The Indonesian momentum came to a halt when skipper Muhammad Ferrari was booked for a red card for elbowing fellow skipper Amani Aguinaldo in the 43rd minute, limiting Indonesia to ten men throughout the match.

Kristensen had the final say of the first half with a header in front of goal that was saved by Cahya Supriadi.

Early in the second half, Hokky Brilliant and Achmad Syarif stepped up on offense but their shots were saved by Kammeraad.

After Kristensen’s goal, it was the Philippines’ turn to step on the gas, with substitute Uriel Dalapo released for a running strike that was saved by Supriadi in the 75th minute, while a similar counter by Jarvey Gayoso in the 85th minute was blocked by Muhammad Hannan.

The Philippines held the fort on defense despite 14 minutes of added time as Kammeraad had the last laugh, saving the outside shot on target by late sub Ronaldo Joybera, Jr.

“This is very emotional for us. There are no words,” said Aguinaldo who, alongside starting keeper Patrick Deyto, was part of the 2018 squad. “I am very happy to be part of this team, of this squad that has faced much difficulty from the past.”

“I think the coach told us today the last few games luck hasn’t been on our side and I think us as a team we created our luck today and this is something the country has been needing for a long time and this is just for the team and for the country and everybody,” said Man of the Match Kammeraad, who replaced an injured Patrick Deyto in the 4th minute.

The Philippines has not won against Thailand in head-to-head history and has only drawn twice.

In last October’s King’s Cup, PMNFT figured in a rain-soaked 1-3 loss against the world number 97, with Kristensen scoring his first international goal.

“I hope… we will have our fans behind at home. We will need them. We need full stadium and we will try to do our best to beat Thailand,” encouraged PMNFT head coach Albert Capellas, who is on his debut ASEAN Championship.

Philippine to give its all in final AMEC group stage matchup

c/o Philippine Football Federation

The Philippine Men’s National Football Team’s hopes of progress into the semi-finals of the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup™ 2024 hangs in the balance on Saturday night, when they face Indonesia, 9PM PST, at the Manahan Stadium. After three straight draws, nothing less than victory in Surakarta will be enough to give the Filipinos passage into the next round.

“We have played four games in a row with only two days in between [each match]. I think this is a disadvantage, but of course we will not use this as an excuse. Tomorrow we will perform. I know my players, I know they will deliver 100%,” said Head Coach Albert Capellas. “We will come here tomorrow to try to win the game. We need to win the game if we want to have a chance to qualify. I think we’re facing a very good team who are playing at home, in front of a big and passionate audience. It’s a team that we have to play very well against if we want to have a chance to beat them.”

Echoing Capellas’ thoughts, Sandro Reyes, who has been key figure in the Philippines’ midfield, believes that despite the grueling schedule, his teammates will be ready to perform at the level required.

“It’s difficult to understand how a tournament can be played with four games in 12 days, but like coach said we’re not using this as an excuse All of the players are fit, ready, no injuries. Everyone is excited and energized to give more than 100% tomorrow,” said Reyes.

In order to qualify for the semi-finals, the Philippines not only need to win on Saturday night, but Group B leaders Vietnam must not lose in their match versus Myanmar, which will be held simultaneously.

The Filipinos clash with Indonesia will be aired LIVE on One Sports, One Sports+, and on Matchday.ph. It will also be available on a delayed basis on the Philippine Men’s National Football Team Facebook Page, and on Pilipinas Live.

UE claims JHS basketball crown

c/o UAAP

AFTER 39 long years, a UAAP basketball championship is finally headed back to Recto.

University of the East seized the moment, dominating University of Santo Tomas, 78-47, in a winner-take-all Game 3 to clinch the first regular UAAP Junior High School Boys Basketball championship on Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

The last time UE celebrated a basketball championship was during UAAP Season 48 (1985) when its men’s basketball team, led by legends Allan Caidic and Jerry Codiñera, brought home the crown.

The Junior Warriors last tasted high school basketball glory in Season 44 (1981), under the guidance of coach Gabriel Reyala, with standout players like Codiñera, Modesto Hojilla, and the Longalong brothers.

“Finally, after how many years. It’s important for the school and the program. As I’ve said before, this would be enough na puntahan kami ng mga players. All of the teams namin sa basketball, puntahan na,” said Junior Warriors head coach Andrew Estrella.

The Junior Warriors had been dominant all season-long, absorbing only two losses: an 81-66 defeat to the FEU-Diliman Baby Tamaraws during the eliminations and a 98-84 setback in Game 1 of the Finals against UST.

However, UE turned the series around, solving the Tiger Cubs puzzle with a hard-fought 76-70 win in Game 2 to force the decider.

In Game 3, UE broke away as early as the second quarter.

After a 15-all deadlock in the opening period, Brian Orca and Ethan Oraa spearheaded a 19-point explosion for the Junior Warriors.

Meanwhile, Gab Delos Reyes anchored the defense, holding UST to just eight points in the quarter to secure a 34-23 halftime lead.

The momentum carried on, with UE unloading a telling 9-0 run to open the second half and led by as many as 33 points, 72-39, in what Estrella described as a “perfect game.”

“It’s a perfect game. The boys wanted it. They delivered. Sa gameplan namin, hindi sila bumitaw. In short, they wanted the championship and here it is,” said Estrella.

By the midway point of the third quarter, the UE community—led by school president Dr. Zosimo Battad—was already on its feet, dancing to the beat of the UE Drummers in celebration.

“This is so sweet. This is my first time in the UAAP. Credit to the UE community and, most especially, SGA, Boss Frank, Boss Jared, and Boss Jacob (Lao) for building this team,” said Estrella. “Three months of sacrifices. We went through adversities but we rose above it.”

Also present in the game was Derrick Pumaren, the coach who gave UE its first-ever boys' basketball title back in Season 35 (1972).

"We are thankful to Manong Derrick for motivating us with a speech before we headed to the court. Dun na-realize ng mga bata that they were playing for a higher purpose," said Estrella.

Delos Reyes, a lanky forward from San Beda-Alabang, was named Finals MVP after averaging 9.3 points, 14.3 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks in the series.

He capped his stellar performance in Game 3 with six points, 16 rebounds, and three blocks.

“Siyempre po ngayong Game 3, hindi namin inisip na wala si (Andwele) Cabanero. Naglaro lang kami ng tama at sinunod lang yung coaches,” said Delos Reyes.

Oraa led UE in scoring with 13 points, while Enrico Bungar chipped in 11.

Jared Ferreros contributed nine points, with Jolo Pascual and Orca adding eight apiece. Orca also pulled down eight rebounds.

UST struggled in the absence of Andwele Cabanero, who was suspended for Game 3 after striking Neil Garcia twice during a loose ball scuffle in Game 2.

Without the Mythical Team member to stabilize the Tiger Cubs, UST shot a dismal 20.5 percent from the field, including a woeful 1-of-31 from beyond the arc.

Dustin Bathan led UST with 16 points on 6-of-19 shooting, while fellow Mythical Team member Jhon Canapi managed just 11 points on 1-of-24 shooting.

Looking ahead, 10 of the 11 Junior Warriors will move up to the 19-and-under division next UAAP season, leaving Goodluck Okebata as the lone returning player for the Junior Warriors.

The work isn’t done for Estrella, who will assist Karl Santos in the UAAP Season 87 High School Boys’ Basketball Tournament, which tips off on January 19 at the same venue.

“I hope this inspires our 19-and-under team,” said Estrella.

The Scores:

UE (78) – Oraa 13, Bungar 11, Ferreros 9, Pascual 8, Orca 8, Garcia 7, Delos Reyes 6, Panganiban 6, Mesina 5, Dalosa 3, Okebata 2.

UST (47) – Bathan 16, Canapi 11, Jubilado 7, Javier 5, Villacarlos 4, Castro 2, Balague 2, Lim 0, Guerrero 0.

Quarterscores: 15-15, 34-23, 54-32, 78-47.

Philippines keeps AMEC semifinal hopes alive with draw against Vietnam

c/o Philippine Football Federation

The Philippine men's national football team's (PMNFT) third Group B fixture in 2024 ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup (AMEC) has resulted in another draw, 1-1, versus outright semifinalist Vietnam on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

This was the first point the Philippines has scored from Vietnam since the 2012 AFF Suzuki Cup, where the Philippines won, 1-0, courtesy of a Chieffy Caligdong late goal.

PMNFT has since lost six games against the ASEAN powerhouse until Wednesday's draw.

Homegrown star Jarvey Gayoso came from his wedding last weekend to electrify the Filipino crowd with his patented left-footed bomb in the 68th minute for the lead.

Scoring on his third international goal, the shot was built up by an Amani Aguinaldo long ball, targeting Javier Mariona, who headed the ball to Gayoso.

That could have been a 2-0 score for the Philippines as in the first half stoppage time, Bjorn Kristensen scored after being released by fellow Fil-Norwegian Adrian Ugelvik on the break but the starting forward was called for an offensive foul on his body-to-body with Viet Anh Bui Hoang, disallowing the goal.

"Today was a different game. Today was a 50-50 game. It was more of a battle," remarked national team coach Albert Capellas.

"We have to keep longer ball possession because when we put five passes between lines, we shouldn't have lost, if we could do that on the last five-seven minutes, we shouldn't have lost. But we are tired, the team was so tired, but they gave whatever they can," Capellas explained, alluding to his team's third game in seven days, which included travel to and from Vientiane.

Ngoc Tan Doan ultimately scored the upset goal in the 90+7 mark, finding an opening by crouching low to head in the right corner inswing.

When asked about conceding three goals from set pieces, Capellas responded: "I never will blame a player for a mistake. Never. All of them they have my hundred percent support. A player who does not play is a player who does not commit a mistake. Football is a game of mistakes."

"It's nothing about set pieces. It's about respecting the players who play," Capellas asserted.

For his part, Philippine Football Federation (PFF) President John Anthony Gutierrez expressed his full support for the team.

"As I've said on Tuesday, this will be a 50-50 game. This has not been the case against Vietnam since our peak years in terms of world ranking. Now that we are coming in at world number 149, it is astounding for us not only to draw against Vietnam, but to battle them possession by possession," Gutierrez said, pertaining to the possession share per official match report.

"We have to give credit to the coaching staff for that excellent second half adjustment that resulted in our goal. I also want to express my support for our homegrown keeper Patrick Deyto for those crucial saves that could have resulted in our elimination had he not played excellently," Gutierrez continued.

Hope is not lost for PMNFT (3 points) as it will head to Solo, in a must-win game against idle group runner-up and home team Indonesia (4 points).

The Philippines should also hope for at least a draw between Vietnam (7 points) and Myanmar (4 points) to advance.

LALIGA reaffirms commitment towards hate-free football with their Christmas 2024 campaign

c/o LALIGA

With the holiday season approaching, LALIGA reaffirmed its commitment to address hate with their Christmas 2024 campaign, using a message that children "see everything" due to their innocence.

This year's work to address and eradicate intolerant behaviour inside and outside of stadia has been highlighted with several key milestones, including a historic first-ever court conviction for racist insults that took place at the Mestalla, the impact of the MOOD tool in monitoring hate speech on social media, and the consolidation of agreements with the Ministry of Inclusion and with autonomous communities.

Thanks to the first conviction due to racist insults in a Spanish football stadium, it lays the groundwork for effective action against anyone attacking another's dignity. Such a ruling provides a paradigm shift in addressing hate speech through legal certainty, serving as a guide for future cases down the line. As such, a second legal judgment already was rendered this past September, consolidating the legal criteria on potential consequences regarding such behavior.

The collaboration with the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration over the use of MOOD, a pioneering tool for monitoring hate speech on social media, has made immediate dividends with a 45% drop in hate speech and a 90% drop in racist mentions compared to the end of last season. Such decrease illustrates the impact of coordinated actions and highlights the importance of technology in detecting and preventing intolerant behavior.

LALIGA has also forged closer ties with sixteen autonomous communities by sharing experiences and good practices to addressing racism and xenophobia on a regional level. 94 percent of the communities have already implemented specific measures in this area, proof of collective mobilization at all levels. Moreover, the involvement of clubs, security forces, athletes, media and political representatives has led to a stronger and more coordinated ecosystem against hate.

On its own over the past eight years, LALIGA has launched over seven hundred initiatives and projects connected with this cause at all levels, aimed towards education, raising awareness, and reporting. One such project is its Futura Afición program, which has been integrated into the FUNDACION LALIGA as it instills the values of respect and fair play from as early in the youth level and reinforce the message that the sport of football should lead the way with regards to integration, self-improvement and diversity.

In addition, LALIGA has taken this internationally by joining the Fit for Life alliance established by UNESCO, a global front in the fight against racism. Their domestic experience and track record in raising awareness, education, and generating tools to promote a fairer, more inclusive, and a more respectful sporting environment would come in handy in the larger sphere.

As the page turns to 2025, LALIGA remains committed to highlight football's role as a level for social change. LALIGA Director of Brand and Strategy Ángel Fernández shares, "These results aren’t the result of a one-off effort; rather, they stem from a constant and coordinated effort. We view football as an engine of social transformation that transcends the field of play. The Christmas 2024 campaign is an opportunity to return to a message that will be key in 2025: the fight against racism and hatred cannot be delayed and football, with its enormous power of influence, remains at the forefront of this fight. We will continue to work together with institutions and fans so that the new generations find in sport an inclusive, formative and fully respectful space."

In line with this, LALIGA will continue its efforts to secure a football free of all forms of hatred by promoting new projects and initiatives and by strengthening cooperation with the authorities.

Philippines ready for Vietnam test in AMEC action

c/o Philippine Football Federation

The Philippine Men’s National Football Team is gearing up to take on their biggest test in the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup™ 2024 campaign, when they take on Vietnam on Wednesday night, 9:00PM, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. The two-time champions and pre-tournament favorites currently hold top spot in Group B, and enter the contest fresh from victory over Indonesia.

“We are really looking forward to play against Vietnam - a good team. They are leading the group and from my point of view is the strongest team in the group and the team to beat. Tomorrow we have a fantastic opportunity to prove to ourselves that we’re able to beat these kinds of teams,” said Head Coach Albert Capellas

The Philippines drew their first two matches against Myanmar and Laos, and are now looking to utilize the energy of the home support to carry them against the Southeast Asian giants.

“We got two points in our first two matches, but we’re still very much alive in this tournament. We respect Vietnam, they’re a good team and viewed as favorites in this tournament, but we’re going to give a good fight and go for the three points,” said Alex Monis.

Tickets to the match are available at Ticketmax.ph. The game will also be aired LIVE on One Sports, One Sports+, and on Matchday.ph. It will also be available on a delayed basis on the Philippine Men’s National Football Team Facebook Page, and on Pilipinas Live.

Philippines with consecutive draws in AMEC play

c/o Philippine Football Federation

Sandro Reyes scored a late goal to ensure the Philippine Men’s National Football Team shared the spoils on Sunday night at the Laos National Stadium. Despite dominating the majority of the contest, the Filipinos settled for their second straight draw in the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup™ 2024.

“We didn’t attack well. We were very predictable with so many players behind the ball,” said Head Coach Albert Capellas after the match. “We weren’t brave enough to move the ball quicker and to play in between the lines, and for that I’m disappointed because, I know my team can play better.”

From the first whistle the Philippines showcased their ability to keep the ball and dictate possession, starving the hosts of any opportunities to threaten. Kike Linares and Michael Kempter came close from set pieces in the opening 20 minutes, but it was Laos to score first from a corner kick. 10 minutes from the break, against the run of play, Michael Baldisimo suffered the misfortune of turning the ball into his own net.

The Philippines emerged from half-time eager to restore parity. Laos remained stubborn, though, minimizing the visitors’ opportunities inside their box. With 15 minutes to go, their resistance was finally broken. Paul Tabinas found Sandro Reyes from a quick transition, and the young midfielder slotted the ball into the net to make it 1-1.

The Philippines came close to scoring a late winner. Alex Monis thought he’d found the go ahead just a few minutes after, but his clever finish was waved away for offside. Javier Mariona came close to being the hero as well right at the finish, but his low curling effort was tipped away by the goalkeeper.

“Today was a step backwards, but we need to move forward,” said Capellas.

The Philippines are back in action on December 18, 9PM, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, where they take on powerhouse Vietnam in their third match of the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024.

Jude Garcia claims back-to-back MVP titles

Jude Garcia (c/o Spikers' Turf)

For the second time in a row, Jude Garcia has been hailed as the Spikers’ Turf Most Valuable Player of the Conference. 

After winning the MVP in the 2024 Open Conference, the Criss Cross star followed it up with another spectacular Invitational Conference showing. 

Garcia, a 5-foot-11 outside spiker, led the country’s men’s premier league in scoring during the elimination round with 150 total points he made on 132 spikes, 14 kill blocks, and four service aces. 

The 26-year-old product of Far Eastern University was not just the highest pointer but he did it so efficiently, emerging as the top spiker with a 53.88 percent success rate while also excelling on floor defense, placing seventh in reception with a 47.28 percent efficiency rate. 

Meanwhile, King Crunchers’ newcomer Nico Almendras and Savouge Spin Doctors’ rising star Shawie Caritativo were named as the Best Outside Spikers - both their first recognition. 

Almendras ranked 11th in scoring with 85 points while also being second in service (0.27 per set), eighth in reception (45.40 percent), and ninth in spiking (40.59 percent). 

Caritativo, on the other hand, was eighth in scoring with 92 points, sixth in spiking with a 43.32 percent success rate, eighth in aces with 0.18 per set, and ninth in reception with a 42.53 efficiency rate. 

Gian Glorioso of Criss Cross and Giles Torres of Savouge bagged the Best Middle Blockers plum, both their first time. 

Glorioso and Torres were 1-2 in blocking department with 1.10 blocks and 0.74 per set, respectively, while also scoring well with the Spin Doctor making 97 points (seventh) and the King Cruncher tallying 83 points (12th). 

Dryx Saavedra of Far Eastern University-DN Steel copped the Best Opposite Spiker distinction after a standout performance, getting the second-most points with 133 and being third-most efficient in spiking with a 47.93 percent success rate. 

Completing the Spikers’ Turf Elite Team are Cignal’s Vince Lorenzo and Criss Cross’ Ish Polvorosa. 

Lorenzo was the Best Libero for topping the reception category with a 62.59 percent efficiency rate while also placing seventh in digs with 1.34 per set. 

Polvorosa, meanwhile, was second in setting with a 4.70 average per set. This is his second time getting the award after winning it in the 2016 Collegiate Conference when he was still with Ateneo de Manila University. 

Statistics used were only up to the end of the preliminary round.

UE forces JHS Finals decider

c/o UAAP

Game on Wednesday (TBA)

TBA - UE vs UST (JHS Finals Game 3)

TOP-SEED University of the East capitalized on an early ejection of Mythical Five member Andwele Cabanero, securing a 76-70 victory over University of Santo Tomas to force a winner-take-all Game 3 in the UAAP Season 87 Junior High School Basketball Finals on Sunday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

Cabanero was ejected at the 6:54 mark of the first quarter after striking Neil Garcia twice with a closed fist during a loose ball scuffle.

Despite the predicament the Tiger Cubs were in the Junior Warriors were still forced to battle against a resilient UST squad, which was fueled by the combined 62-point effort of Jhon Canapi, Miguel Jubilado, and Dustin Bathan.

As Game 3 approaches, the Junior Warriors are looking to end a 39-year UAAP basketball title drought, while the Tiger Cubs aim to capture their first UAAP high school basketball championship since Season 74 (2001).

Cabanero, who starred in the Junior Warriors' 98-84 Game 1 win with 21 points, 16 rebounds, and eight assists, will miss the decisive Game 3 due to his ejection in this game.

UE head coach Andrew Estrella expressed UE's determination, saying, "That’s the motivation: to bring UE another championship. As I’ve said, huwag kayo susuko ‘eh, and then we won, so bakit pa namin ibibigay ito? Ang dami na namin pinaghirapan, in and out the court, ito na ‘yon ‘eh. Bakit pa namin ibibigay ‘eh nandito na kami sa Game 3."

With 2:23 left in the game, UE had a slim two-point lead after a five-point spurt by Jolo Pascual and an inside basket from Gab Delos Reyes.

However, back-to-back layups by Jubilado and Canapi gave UST a 70-68 advantage with 1:44 remaining.

Canapi then committed three consecutive fouls, setting the stage for six straight free throws—four from Mav Mesina and two from Garcia—giving UE a 74-70 lead with 20.3 seconds remaining.

UST had a chance to close the gap, but Theodore Lim, who had taken most of Cabanero’s minutes, missed a crucial three-point attempt.

Mesina then hit two more free throws, sealing UE's hard-fought victory and keeping theirdream season alive.

"Ever since bata naman tayo, siguro kapag nagbbasketball, free throw is a common shot to make. I’ve made that shot more than a thousand times na, so what’s there to be scared about?" Mesina, a 14-year-old combo guard from Malabon, said.

Mesina bounced back from a tough Game 1 performance with 21 points on a perfect 7-of-7 from the free-throw line, adding five assists, four rebounds, and one steal. He had been limited to just nine points on 3-of-12 shooting and seven turnovers in Game 1.

Garcia contributed a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, along with one assist and one steal.

Delos Reyes also posted a double-double, tallying 11 points and a game-high 21 rebounds, while Pascual chipped in eight points, eight rebounds, and two assists.

Canapi, a Mythical Team member, paced the Tiger Cubs with 21 points and 11 rebounds while Jubilado also had 21 points with nine rebounds.

Bathan finished with 20 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and a steal as they look to erase this memory and complete the job on Wednesday.

The Scores:

UE (76) - Mesina 21, Garcia 13, Delos Reyes 11, Bungar 9, Pascual 8, Okebata 7, Ferreros 5, Oraa 2, Panganiban 0, Orca 0.

UST (70) - Canapi 21, Jubilado 21, Bathan 20, Castro 6, Lim 1, Balague 1, Villacarlos 0, Cabanero 0, Guinto 0.

Quarterscores: 21-19, 40-36, 56-53, 76-70.

Philippines seeking ASEAN ME Cup road victory at Vientiane

c/o Philippine Football Federation

The Philippine Men’s National Football Team are eager to get maximum points when they face-off against Laos on Sunday evening, 6:30PM PST, at the New Laos National Stadium. Having drawn their opener in the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup™ 2024, the Filipinos require victory in opposition territory in order to boost their chances of progressing into the semifinals of Southeast Asia’s biggest tournament.

“We had only two days of preparation, and one was for traveling, so we only have today to really prepare for the game. It’s a very short time, but of course we are professionals, so the players will deliver their best,” said Philippine Head Coach Albert Capellas.

“They are dangerous in front. Boundphachan [Bounkong] is a good player - dangerous. I expect they will try to find him as much as they can. That is part of what we have to try to do. — he cannot receive too many balls in good positions on the field. I also expect a team that will be aggressive. Even if they’ve had a long trip as well from Indonesia, we are more or less in the same position physically,” he continued “If we want to win this game, we’ll need to be good in offense, but also very organized in our rest defense so they cannot play quick counterattacks, which they do very well."

Laos enter the match full of confidence after managing an impressive 3-3 draw away from home against highly favored Indonesia in their last outing. Zico Bailey, who impressed in his first appearance in front of the Filipino fans, is expecting a tough challenge.

“We have a lot of respect for them, they have a lot of good players. They had a good result in their last match, so we’re not taking them likely. We’re just going to go over how we’re going to play, our tactics, the formation of the players, and we’ll give our best tomorrow,” he said.

The match will be available LIVE on Matchday.ph and on One Sports+. It will also be available on a delayed basis on One Sports, Pilipinas Live, and on the Philippine Men’s National Football Team’s Facebook page.

Collegiate Champions to be determined in the UAAP

c/o UAAP

Games today at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum

10 a.m. - JHS Boys' Basketball Individual Awarding Ceremony

11 a.m. – UST vs UE (JHS Finals)

1 p.m. – NU vs UST (Women Finals)

5:30 p.m. – DLSU vs UP (Men Finals)

DE LA SALLE guns for a second straight title, while University of the Philippines seeks to flip the script to reclaim the throne in Game 3 of the UAAP Season 87 Men's Basketball Finals before an expected jampacked crowd tonight (Sunday) at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Green Archers-Fighting Maroons championship goes for a decider for a second year in a row, as both teams will leave everything on the floor in the 5:30 p.m. contest to close out the year on a high.

Last year, the rubber match drew 25,192 fans -- a Big Dome record for basketball.

After dropping a 65-73 decision in the series opener, De La Salle's title-retention bid barely got a lifeline following a 76-75 Game 2 victory last Saturday.

Making its fourth consecutive Game 3 appearance, UP hopes to redeem itself from its two Finals defeats and secure the crown it last won in Season 84 (May 2022) ending a 36-year championship appearance.

The Green Archers, the fifth most successful team in the league, are eyeing their 11th title overall and the first back-to-back title run since completing a four-peat from Seasons 61 to 64 (1998 to 2001).

A title contender since Season 81 (2018) after decades of being perennial also-rans, the Fighting Maroons will shoot for a fourth championship.

For coach Topex Robinson, it's all about relishing the moment and not about thinking about De La Salle's future after the Finals.

"You know, we're just going to enjoy it. The crowd will be crazy, but that's what we're here for. You know, the reason why you play the Finals is for this kind of moment. You know, you prepare for those moments and nobody could take that away from you. So we just keep on enjoying it. We're just going to be approaching it the way we used to approach it," said Robinson.

"You know, this is the second time we're going to play in a Game 3 Finals, and at this point, we don't have to worry about it yet, but it's going to be an exciting ballgame. You know, whatever the result, it's, you know, it's all about the UAAP, how the branding was, you know, that's going to be good for, I guess, college basketball and Philippine basketball as well. So it's just going to be an exciting Sunday for everybody," he added.

The Green Archers will play Game 3 for a record 10th time. De La Salle is 5-4 all-time in winner-take-all games.

As UP stares in another do-or-die situation, coach Goldwin Monteverde simply wanted his troops to just focus and value every possession to get back on top.

"I guess, yung reality: Life goes on. Ganoon naman talaga ang buhay kung minsan it will go your way, it would not. Ang importante kunng ano ang ginawa mo to achieve ang gusto mong gawin. But then if you fall short siyempre… I think yung basketball is the perfect ano naman for them to be stronger, for them to learn. And definitely with this loss matututo kaming lahat," said Monteverde said.

"We’ll come back stronger Sunday. Basketball is basketball, di ba? Minsan mananalo. Minsan matatalo. Ang importante yung bangon. Alam namin na hindi pa naman tapos ang series. Alam namin na you know, we just have to keep our heads up," he added.

For a second straight women's Finals, University of Santo Tomas and National University face off in a no-tomorrow match at 1 p.m.

The Tigresses hope to reprise last year's epic championship comeback, while the Lady Bulldogs hope to get the job done after their bid to complete a perfect 16-0 season was foiled in last Wednesday's 68-78 defeat.

"Last year kasi we won the first game, then lost the second. I think, walang advantage or disadvantage na samin sa NU. We will just play harder para makuha namin yung Game 3. It's all in our mindset na we'll do our best para makuha namin ulit yung do-or-die game on Sunday," said UST coach Haydee Ong.

"Regardless sa Game 3, sabi ko nga sa mga bata, sobrang proud ako sa kanila, even in the first game kahit talo kami. Malungkot lang kami though walang regrets talaga. Even we're undersized, undermanned, no foreign student-athlete, pinakita ng mga bata na kaya namin," she added.

The Tigresses are gunning for a 13th championship and are eyeing to win consecutive titles since a four-peat from Seasons 50 to 53 (1987 to 1990).

The Lady Bulldogs seek to become the third-winningest program in the league by annexing their eighth crown overall.

UST eyes to bag the junior high school title and sweep top-ranked University of the East in Game 2 of the Finals at 11 a.m.

The Tiger Cubs seek to not only claim the first-ever regular UAAP JHS title, but to also put an end to a 23-year futility in UAAP high school basketball championships, which began in 2001 when they were led by Jun Cortez.

"Malaking bagay ito especially sa grupo namin, pati sa akin. Dahil nung 2001, Team B player pa ako ng UST, ‘yon yung time na nagchampion yung juniors. Ngayon, mas gusto ko makuha para naman matapos yung ilang years na hindi nagcchampion. Sana makuha na namin next game, magpprepare kami, papagalitan ko ulit sila, dapat huwag kami maging complacent. Viewing, lahat," UST head coach Noli Mejos said.

All games are available for free for local and international fans via the Pilipinas Live app. The games will be also broadcast live on free-to-air TV via One Sports (Ch. 6) and in high definition on the UAAP Varsity Channel (Ch. 263 on Cignal TV).

Ateneo, FEU set to dispute men's football crown

c/o UAAP

Match tomorrow at the Rizal Memorial Stadium

5 p.m. — Ateneo vs FEU (Men’s)

After a grueling campaign with 44 matches played across the elimination round and Final Four, Ateneo de Manila University and Far Eastern University have earned the right to face off for the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament championship tomorrow (Sunday)  at the historic Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.

Kick-off time is at 5 p.m.

Both teams enjoyed one win each over the other back in the elimination round.

The Blue Eagles prevailed 2-1 in the first round last October 6. On the other hand, the Tamaraws bounced back 1-0 in the second round last November 21.

Moreover, this is the second time in three seasons both teams have clashed for the gold with FEU emerging victorious 4-1 back in the Season 85 final on May 18, 2023.

Ateneo, which topped the elimination round with 28 points, booked its ticket to the big dance by edging fourth-seed University of Santo Tomas 2-1 last Sunday behind Leo Maquiling and Jet Dela Cruz’s goals. The Blue Eagles also have the division’s top two scorers, Dov Cariño and Maquiling, who have 11 and eight goals respectively.

JP Merida — now in his sixth final as the Blue Eagles’ mentor with championships won in Seasons 75, 79 and 81 — said it is back to the drawing board considering how Ateneo and FEU traded wins earlier this season and how both schools will be eager to reclaim lost glory.

“It's a tough game for me,” said Merida. “It’s an even (game). We won (in the) first round, we lost (in the) second round. For me, this is a good match. (We’re) looking forward to playing well of course.”

“On the opposite side, we are looking forward to FEU playing as well (as us). So right now, the best thing is to prepare. We need to go back to the screen to check their style going into  the very last game.”

Compared to Merida, this Sunday’s clash will be FEU coach Roman Oliver’s first trip to the UAAP men’s football final. However, this situation is nothing new for the Spaniard’s Tamaraws, who are on their third consecutive trip to the big dance.

FEU is coming off an intense and fight-marred 1-0 victory over the dethroned University of the Philippines, which saw Season 85 Rookie of the Year Karl Absalon score a 76th-minute winner and Fighting Maroons coach Popoy Clarino and Tamaraws defender Mel Anthony Baylon sent off for their roles in a first-half scuffle.

“Well, it's a very good feeling,” said Oliver. “It was a tough match (and a) very emotional match. We played the second half with all the best players. They fought like warriors so even I don't have to describe the feelings. (I’m) so happy, but now we have a final to prepare for next weekend.”

The Blue Eagles are gunning for their ninth championship in the men’s division. Ateneo last won the gold back in Season 81 at the expense of its archrival De La Salle University courtesy of striker Jarvey Gayoso’s late equalizer and Julian Roxas’ stoppage-time winner.

For the Tamaraws, it may not only be a 12th championship at stake by the time both teams face off on Sunday but also a collegiate double with the FEU Lady Tamaraws and De La Salle Lady Booters facing off in the final of the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Football Tournament on Saturday.

FEU, La Salle to dispute women's football title

c/o UAAP

Match on Saturday at Rizal Memorial Stadium

5 p.m. — FEU vs DLSU (Women’s Final)

For the fourth consecutive campaign, Far Eastern University and De La Salle University will face off in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Football Tournament championship late Saturday afternoon at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

The Final will kickoff at 5 p.m.

In their elimination round encounters, the two teams were evenly matched.

Judie Arevalo’s late equalizer salvaged a 1-1 draw for FEU on October 30, while an own goal from La Salle’s Chenny Dañoso handed the back-to-back defending champions a narrow 1-0 win on November 30.

The Lady Tamaraws, winners of the Season 85 and 86 titles, secured their finals berth with dominant performances in the elimination round, amassing 22 points from seven wins and one draw in just five matches.

Captain Inday Tolentin, the league's top scorer with seven goals, will lead the charge as FEU aims to continue its remarkable run.

Despite their recent dominance, FEU head coach Let Dimzon is cautioning her players against overconfidence, reminding them of the unpredictability of finals football.

“Kailangan lang talaga maging composed yung players, and again, they have to stay on the ground,” said Dimzon. “Di porket nakuha na namin from the last season and we were able to win the games last season. Kailangan pa rin we have to be focused and kunin kung ano yong objective namin for this season. Kailangan talaga mag-champion.”

Meanwhile, La Salle enters the final as underdogs. The Lady Booters finished second in the elimination round with 14 points from four wins, two draws, and two losses. However, they are coming off a surprising 1-0 loss to the UP Fighting Maroons last Saturday, which could serve as a wake-up call for the squad.

Lady Booters head coach Alvin Ocampo remains optimistic, emphasizing the importance of mindset over form as his team seeks its first championship since Season 81.

“So they have to put their mindset already that no matter what system you play, no matter what football you are doing, no matter what, it all boils down to who wants it more, right,” said Ocampo.

“Everything is mental. Everyone's playing football, but a mindset is a big factor in football. It’s a good matchup. The team is always tested as the players’ levels in the women’s division pick up every game.”

The Lady Tamaraws are chasing a historic 13th championship and their first three-peat since Seasons 75–77.

A win would also position FEU for a potential treble season, with the men’s team set to face Ateneo de Manila University in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Football Tournament final on Sunday, and their juniors team, FEU-Diliman, targeting a 13th consecutive crown in the High School Boys' Football Tournament this January.

On the other hand, the Lady Booters, led by rookie striker Dani Tanjangco with five goals this season, are determined to halt FEU’s title streak.

They aim to secure their 12th championship in the women’s division and prevent a third consecutive finals loss to their rivals.

Philippines draws Myanmar in AMEC 2024 opener

c/o Philippine Football Federation

The Philippine men's national football team saved a point in the opening game of the 2024 ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup Group B, tying Myanmar, 1-1, on Thursday at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Center forward Bjorn Kristensen sank his penalty kick in the 71st minute that he earned after getting deckes by Burmese goalkeeper Zin Nyi Nyi Aung.

The goal delighted the Filipino home crowd as it negated the early goal of Mg Mg Lwin, when he scored a free kick from 20 yards top of goal in the 20th minute.

It was a tense game from start to finish as the video assisted referee, being used in the ASEAN Men's Championship for the first time, disallowed a goal by Myanmar substitute Ye Yint Aung in the 63rd minute, as the passer, Lwin, was in an offside position.

"Myanmar has always been and is always a tough team in ASEAN," said Philippine Football Federation (PFF) President John Anthony Gutierrez.

"The last time we met them in 2021, it took a hat-trick by Bienvenido Maranon to beat them, 3-2," he continued.

"Nonetheless, we've played with better possessions even though we could not field some of our top men and your PFF is proud to have showcased this refreshing way of playing football in front of our kababayan. We are on course in improving our 2022 standing and hopefully, to be able to return to the semifinal," Gutierrez said.

The Philippines had chances to earn the three points late in the game, but dangerous strikes by newcomer Javier Mariona in the 81st minute and Paul Tabinas in the 86th minute were slightly off target.

Myanmar also had a chance to score a goal on-side but veteran goalkeeper Patrick Deyto made a clutch one-handed save on an on-target volley shot by Lwin in the 88th minute.

Central midfielder Zico Bailey unleashed a rocket from far range but his on-target shot was saved by Aung in the 90+5th minute while Michael Baldisimo skied the Philippines' final strike to close the game.

The Philippines will vie for a win as they visit Laos in Vientiane on Sunday, December 15.

"Sunday will be our best chance to get in the winning column and we call our kababayans in Laos to support our men's national team on Sunday," closed Gutierrez.

Victoria Sports Pro Cycling ready for 2025 season

VSPC

Victoria Sports Pro Cycling (VSPC), the Philippines’ premier pro cycling team, gears up to sustain their unstoppable 2024 momentum and accelerates into 2025 with the aim to conquer new international racing circuits to bring greater honor and pride to the country. 

Following an impressive streak of victories this year, the team is ready to take on the world’s toughest tracks. With the team’s powerful lineup of riders, VSPC is set to make history on the global stage. From local victories to international triumphs, the team has consistently proven their capability to compete and win against some of the world’s best.

Leading the charge on the local stage, Ean Cajucom took the top spot in the Ramos Cycling Race, bringing pride to Filipino fans at home. Overseas, Nicolas Sessler won the General Classification (GC) and also won the 2nd Stage at Oman’s Tour of Salalah, while Jeroen Meijers added to the team’s success with a 3rd-place result in Stage 4.

At the Trans-Himalayan Cycling Race in China, VSPC showed their resilience, with the team securing 5th place overall. Meijers ranked 6th in the General Classification (GC), and Cajucom delivered a standout 4th-place finish in Stage 3. In Japan, they continued to make headlines at the OITA Urban Classic, where Meijers clinched the victory in the Road Race and Cajucom secured 2nd in the Criterium. The Tour de Kyushu saw more solid performances, with Meijers finishing in the top 10 in Stage 1 and Sessler showing consistency in the GC.

These achievements highlight not just individual skills but also the strength of VSPC’s collective effort. Every race reflects the dedication and synergy of the team, from strategic planning to unwavering support for one another.

As VSPC looks ahead to 2025, with invitations to the United Arab Emirates and Greece for the first part of the season, they remain focused on pushing boundaries and inspiring Filipino cyclists to dream bigger. With teamwork at their core, the team is proving that Philippine pro cycling deserves a chance at the world stage.

Philippines ready to kick off its ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup campaign

The Philippine Men’s National Football Team are all set to begin their campaign in the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024, where they face Myanmar at 6:30PM on Thursday night. Four time semi-finalists on Southeast Asia’s biggest stage, the Philippines are eager to give the home fans plenty to cheer about at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.

PMNFT Head Coach Albert Capellas and goalkeeper Patrick Deyto expressed their excitement ahead of what’s expected to be a fiery affair in Manila.

“It's the first game of the tournament so it's always important. We want to set the tone in a positive way,” said Deyto. “It's a good opportunity for us to showcase how we have developed in the last few camps.”

“It’s always special to play for the country, with the national team, I'm always prepared and always ready to give 100% for whatever role I have,” said the 34-year-old shot-stopper, who made his debut in the competition in 2014.

When asked about his approach against the visiting Myanmar side, Capellas revealed: “We will try to keep the ball, we will try to dominate the game, try to win from minute one.”

Myanmar is coming off a 1-0 defeat at home to Indonesia, but Capellas is still wary of their threat, as he added: “I expect a team who, they try to do quick counter-attacks, that they try to bring the ball in front as quick as possible.”

The coach remained positive about the team’s progress even with only three games thus far, describing the recent friendly defeat to Hong Kong as just “one step backwards”, but ultimately a part of the process.

Deyto and Capellas both noted the importance of the 12th man backing the team at home. “We hope that a lot of people would come to support us. Of course, the 12th man always gives us extra energy, extra boost to create a good atmosphere in the stadium,” remarked Deyto.

Tickets to the Philippines’ ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2024 Group B opener are available on Ticketmax.ph. The match will also be available LIVE on Matchday.ph, and on a delayed basis on One Sports, One Sports+, Pilipinas Live, and on Philippine Men’s National Football Team’s Facebook page.

CHED organizes All-Star Basketball Friendship Games

CHED All-Star

A potential start to something big? The Commission on Higher Education is set to host a special three-day competition called the All-Star Basketball Friendship Games.

Set to take place starting this Wednesday at the Amoranto Sports Complex, it will feature four HEIs representing different leagues, in a showcase of skill, passion, and sportsmanship.

Representing National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (NAASCU) is its powerhouse St. Clare College, with Bicol-based Amando Cope College representing the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA). The University of Northern Philippines will be carrying the flag of the State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA), with the Pamantasan ng Lunsod ng Marikina of the Local Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (LCUAA) completing the field.

To spice things up, an Opening Ceremony is slated to take place at 8am, followed by an exhibition involving a selection from the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) against their counterparts from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

UNP and ACC will commence tourney proper at 1pm, followed by St. Clare and PLMar at 3pm.

Action resumes on Thursday with all four teams completing their round robins.

Serving as the morning doubleheader is UNP-St. Clare and ACC-PLMar, followed by UNP-PLMar and St. Clare-ACC in the afternoon.

The best two teams after this round robin will face off on Friday at 10am, with the other two teams tangling at 8am for third.

CHED chairman Prospero de Vera and Senator Bong Go are expected to be present for the event.

GMA Network has been tapped as the official partner of this event along with Design Express and Digital Out-Of-Home.

UP, NU seek to conclude collegiate basketball season

c/o UAAP

Games today at the SM Mall of Asia Arena

10 a.m. – UE vs UST (JHS Finals Game 1)

1 p.m. - Women's Basketball Individual Awarding Ceremony

1:30 p.m. – UST vs NU (Women Finals Game 2)

5 p.m. - Men's Basketball Individual Awarding Ceremony

5:30 p.m. – UP vs DLSU (Men Finals Game 2)

UNIVERSITY of the Philippines hopes to complete what it failed to do in the two previous UAAP men's basketball Finals, closing out the series and winning it all.

Coach Goldwin Monteverde knows that the Fighting Maroons have moved on with the previous episodes of heartaches as they endured.

After winning the Season 84 (2022) championship that ended a 36-year drought, UP lost the title to Ateneo in a rematch six months later and bowed to De La Salle last year, as it failed to sustain its series-opening victories.

"We never naman dwell on the past no? So right now, as I said, part of the process of winning a championship is you know, winning Game 1. So we got Game 1 right now so we’re gonna prepare for Game 2," Monteverde said.

"So we’re gonna do our best, lahat ng makakaya namin to get it, and when that game day comes, whatever comes our way, we’re gonna face the challenge there," he added.

The Fighting Maroons are bracing for a big Green Archers fightback and whatever in-game adjustments the defending champions will throw in Game 2 at 5:30 p.m. today (Wednesday) at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Behind one-and-done center Quentin Millora-Brown and graduating guard JD Cagulangan, UP used a strong third quarter and held De La Salle's reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao to a single point in the second half to pull off a 73-65 victory last Sunday.

It was the Fighting Maroons' fourth consecutive Game 1 Finals win.

Coach Topex Robinson hopes that the Green Archers would rediscover their system that installed the Taft-based squad as the No. 1 team in the eliminations.

"At this point, it's just a matter of us gaining a learning from this experience. The only thing that I told the team, there's a reason why this is a series you don't win a championship by winning one game, you need two games," Robinson said.

"So we still have a chance we’ve been in this situation before, we just have to keep on being positive and try to learn from this experience. Again that's a tough team we played, we just have to slug it out in the end," he added.

The Fighting Maroons are 0-4 all-time in Game 2s in the Final Four era.

UP hopes to become the first team since the 16-0 Ateneo squad in Season 82 (2019) to register a two-game Finals sweep.

A victory by the Green Archers will send the series to a Game 3 on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Meanwhile, National University hopes to complete a perfect 16-0 season and reclaim the women's throne against holders University of Santo Tomas at 1 p.m.

The Lady Bulldogs barely protected their unbeaten record, rallying from a 14-point second-half deficit to beat the Tigresses, 72-71.

As NU guns for its eighth title in nine seasons, coach Aris Dimaunahan is determined to accomplish its redemption tour.

"Talk about mindset, again our mantra since Day 1 is to and was to improve on the daily. We always want to get better than the day before, and that will still be our mantra, that will still be our mindset to get better from the next days before our next game so that we could be more ready come Game 2 and hopefully, we will play a lot better in Game 2 so that we could be nearing dun sa gusto naming destination this year," Dimaunahan said.

Coach Haydee Ong remains upbeat that UST will fight and live another day as her troops put up a gallant stand in the opener.

"Nothing to be ashamed of. The girls did very well and I'm so proud of them. Hopefully, manalo kami. Yung mga miscues namin sa defense namin, yun yung mga tatargetin namin for two more days. Kung ano yung mga kailangan namin gawin. And we'll be back stronger," Ong said.

Expect an intense showdown between the Lady Bulldogs' Camille Clarin and the Tigresses' Kent Pastrana, who battled tooth and nail this past Sunday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

In the junior high school division, University of the East and UST will clash in the division’s Finals opener to open the three-game championship slate at 11 a.m.

The well-rested Junior Warriors gained an early passage to the Finals after dethroning inaugural champions NUNS Bullpups, while the Tiger Cubs had to defeat Season 86 silver medalists FEU-D Baby Tamaraws twice to clinch the last Finals ticket.

For head coach Andrew Estrella, they are not only focused on their division’s glory, as UE looks to end a 39-year UAAP basketball title drought across all divisions.

“Right now, we are just thinking about the present. Siyempre, nandiyan yung other stuff na matagal na walang basketball championship and UE. That’s our motivation. We are also motivated to win a championship for Boss Frank, Boss Jacob and Boss Jared (Lao), especially, alam natin yung nangyari sa Benilde sa NCAA,” Estrella said.

UST head coach Noli Mejos, on the other hand, believes that it will take more than the Tiger Cubs star trio of Jhon Canapi, Dustin Bathan, and Andwele Cabanero to finally take down UE, citing the importance of team chemistry and doubled hard work in training.

While the Tiger Cubs lost both elimination matches to the Junior Warriors, UST came close to taking down UE with a narrow 78-80 defeat in their second-round encounter last October 30.

“Dadagdagan pa namin yung effort namin [against UE], especially on defense. Balik sa practice, viewing na naman. Kung nagawa namin dati na matalo sa kanila by two points, kulang yung effort namin at players noon, ngayon dadagdagan namin para manalo kami,” Mejos said.

All games are available for free for local and international fans via the Pilipinas Live app. The games will be also broadcast live on free-to-air TV via One Sports (Ch. 6) and in high definition on the UAAP Varsity Channel (Ch. 263 on Cignal TV).