Sean Franco commits to the University of the Philippines

c/o NCAA

The University of the Philippines lands a key commitment for its upcoming collegiate campaign, as Arellano University high school standout Sean Franco is set to join the program, as announced by the Office for Athletics and Sports Development.

The nineteen-year-old was named as the NCAA Season 101 Juniors Basketball Most Valuable Player, leading the Braves with an near-double-double average of 16.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists, while also being named as the last two seasons as its NCAA Juniors Defensive Player of the Year.

With Franco in tow, Arellano managed to carve their way into the finals this past season, losing to eventual champion Letran.

According to head coach Goldwin Monteverde, "Makakatulong agad sa’tin si Sean kasi nakita naman natin how he led yung Arellano in his last year. Kahit natalo sila sa finals, he didn’t stop working."

The 6'2" wing will be immediately eligible as a true freshman starting this coming season and is set to have a full five-year eligibility.

Franco is the latest a bumper crop of players the Fighting Maroons will have for this year, led by former UAAP Rookie of the Year Veejay Pre and former NCAA Finals MVP James Payosing, among others, as they seek to collectively replace the quintet of Gerry Abadiano, Harold Alarcon, Janjan Felicilda, Terrence Fortea, and Reyland Torres in their quest for a third title this decade, and a sixth straight finals berth.

NU remains undefeated in UAAP Season 88 Baseball

c/o UAAP

Games on Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium

7 a.m. – AdU vs DLSU
* NU vs UST
* UP vs Ateneo
(* – Rule of succession)

NATIONAL University cruised to its third straight win and retained the solo lead in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Baseball Tournament following a 13–5 romp over Adamson University, Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate, Manila.

The defending back-to-back champions remained the only undefeated team in the field at 3–0.

Rivals De La Salle University and Ateneo de Manila University are disputing the solo second spot, both holding a 1–1 win-loss record as of this writing.

Just as NU dominated its first two assignments, it was the Bulldogs’ defense that powered yet another victory.

After allowing one run in the top of the second inning, NU’s defense silenced the Soaring Falcons for the next four innings, holding them scoreless despite hits from Kean Matanguihan and Laurence Mercado, as pitcher Hilario Espina III stood firm.

The third-year hurler finished with just that lone Adamson run over six innings, allowing four hits and striking out two batters.

With their signature defense in full effect, NU’s offense eventually took over, extending the lead to 11–1 by the seventh inning, threatening to end the game early.

“These are mature players; so, tini-treat ko sila as mature people. Alam ko naman na mafi-figure out nila ‘yung game. Sabi ko nga sa kanila sa huddle, even though humahabol ‘yung Adamson, gusto kong maranasan nila ‘yon,” said head coach Romar Landicho, expressing his trust in his wards despite the late Adamson run.

“Kasi hindi naman lahat ng game madali. So, kailangan rin naming ma-experience ‘yung gano’ng situtation para at least masanay sila,” the champion mentor added.

Aaron Detoito once again led the offense, finishing with two hits and three RBIs in this statement win. Kevin Maulit had another multiple-RBI outing, ending with two RBIs after his double to the right-field line in the sixth inning, which all but sealed the result.

The Bulldogs will face the UST Golden Sox next, with the contest scheduled for Sunday’s second game.

Adamson, however, refused to go down quietly, mounting a late surge in the seventh inning with four runs on five hits against R-Kenshin Clamor and Gio Gorpido.

Ivan Jonson came off the bench to deliver a two-RBI double to start the rally, while fellow substitute Zerge Madarimot added another RBI, scoring Leonel Matanguihan to cut the deficit to 11–5.

Madarimot later crossed the plate on a play involving James Nisnisan, but that was all the Soaring Falcons could muster, going scoreless in the final two innings.

Adamson will try to bounce back against the DLSU Green Batters on Sunday’s opening game at 7 a.m.

Teams    1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8    9    R    H    E
AdU    0    1    0    0    0    0    4    0    0    5    10    3
NU    0    3    0    3    0    5    2    0    x    13    10    2

UP snaps losing skid in UAAP Baseball, crushes UST

c/o UAAP

Games on Sunday at Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium

7 a.m. – AdU vs DLSU
* NU vs UST
* UP vs Ateneo
(* – Rule of succession)

UNIVERSITY of the Philippines snapped a four-game skid dating back to last year with a dominant 24–7, six-inning rout of University of Santo Tomas on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate, Manila.

After a heavy loss to defending champions National University Bulldogs, the Fighting Maroons finally broke through the win column for the first time since April 13, 2025, and evened their tournament record with UST at 1–1. The tournament is held in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission.

Following a rough start—allowing four runs in the first inning—UP exploded for 10 runs in the second and never looked back, securing their breakthrough victory.

Back-to-back hits from VJ Mangahas and John Mark Natawan signaled the Fighting Maroons’ offensive surge.

Two consecutive walks issued by UST reliever Prince Harry Geronimo loaded the bases, setting up the first run.

Further hits from Aaron Nicha and Eman Javier, coupled with two additional UST fielding errors, turned that initial run into a six-run advantage, putting UP ahead 10–4.

“Yung first two games talaga is talagang top teams eh, pero nakita ‘yung kaya ng mga bata. Ito na, kaunting pep talk, kaunting changes sa batting lineup, kaya ito, medyo maganda na ‘yung naging result. Ang importante rito, nagiging matured na, pero mga bata talaga ‘tong players natin. Pero nakita mo na may potential talaga; kailangan lang nila ng teamwork. Darating tayo dyan,” said Iking Jimenez, now in his second year as head coach.

UP didn’t stop at a four-run cushion.

The Fighting Maroons added 14 more runs over the next four innings, putting the game well out of reach. Javier finished with three hits and six RBIs, while Nicha also recorded three hits and drove in five runs. LM Basañes contributed three hits, two of which came in the latter innings.

Daniel Badrina relieved rookie Bokie Claro and stabilized the Fighting Maroons’ defense, limiting UST to just two more runs after taking the mound. The third-year pitcher struck out five batters in his stint.

UP will aim for back-to-back wins when they face Ateneo de Manila University in the third and final game of the series on Sunday.

“Ando’n na ‘yung teamwork; tulung-tulong lang talaga. Yung pitchers na nakita niyo naman, si Badrina, ang ganda ng pinukol. Yung pitcher natin na rookie, si Claro, first batter na strikeout niya, pero nawala sa focus. So, kaunting adjustment pa, usap pa sa mga rookies,” added Jimenez.

UST got off to a dream start with four runs in the opening inning, capitalizing on rookie Claro’s nerves in his UAAP debut. A single from Marvin Trillana put additional pressure on UP’s defense, which eventually allowed three more runs off a Ybbrahim Degollacion hit.

No Thomasian batter had more than one hit, with Trillana the lone contributor of runs, driving in three.

Four UST pitchers tried to halt the Fighting Maroons’ offense, but their efforts fell short, with Cedrick Marquez taking the brunt of the scoring after allowing 14 runs.

The Golden Sox will aim to bounce back against the Bulldogs in Sunday’s second game, following the opener between Adamson University Soaring Falcons and De La Salle University Green Batters at 7 a.m.

TEAMS    1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8    9    R    H    E
UP    0    10    4    1    5    4    x    x    x    24    15    3
UST    4    2    0    0    0    1    x    x    x    7    5    12

UST takes early lead as UAAP Women's Tennis commences second round play

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women's Tennis Standings
UST 4-1
UP 3-1
NU 3-2
DLSU 2-3
Ateneo 0-5

Men's Ties on Wednesday at the Colegio San Agustin-Bulacan Tennis Court
7:30 a.m. - UP vs. UE
7:30 a.m. - Ateneo vs. UST
7:30 a.m. - AdU vs. DLSU

Defending champion University of Santo Tomas opened the second round of eliminations in commanding fashion, toppling Ateneo de Manila University, 4-1, to take the lead in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Tennis Tournament on Sunday at the Colegio San Agustin-Bulacan Tennis Court here.

With the victory, the Female Tennisters improved to 4-1, sharing first place with the Fighting Maroons, who trail one tie due to a bye.

Judy Padilla and Princess Nichole Dela Rita clinched the tie with a dominant 6-0, 6-0 win over Zaina Omar and Eloh Castolo in first doubles, marking their fourth consecutive victory.

“‘Yung start ng NU [tie], doon na nagkasunod-sunod ‘yung wins namin. And yung performance ng mga teammates ko, nag-improve naman and wala rin silang sinayang and pinrove din nila na kaya namin,” said Dela Rita.

“Defending champion man kami, malakas talaga pressure [sa amin], lalo na ‘yung mga ibang teams na gusto ring makuha [‘yung title]. Same page lang naman kami, same goal na sana makuha namin ngayon. Basta puso lang naman and walang sasayangin na points and games. Lumalaban naman kaming lahat.”

Last season's co-MVP Kaye Emana stormed through first singles with a 6-0, 6-1 win over Angela Buyante, giving UST the early momentum. Mica Emana then carried that energy to second singles, overcoming Casey Padilla 6-3, 6-2, putting the tie firmly in the Lady Tennisters’ hands.

UST pair Justine Maneja and Christine Gulagula held steady in second doubles, pulling through with a 6-3, 7-5 victory over Althea Martirez and Chelsea Roque. Althea Ong later battled back from a set down, turning away Kaye Mustaza, 2-6, 7-6(1), 6-2, to secure Ateneo’s lone point.

Meanwhile, National University bounced back against first-round tormentor De La Salle University, carving out a 3-2 victory to notch back-to-back wins and climb to solo third with a 3-2 record in the tournament.

Adeline Abadia and Rovie Baulete weathered the pressure in second doubles, outlasting Annika Diwa and Guysie Garrido, 7-5, 4-6, 10-6, to give the Lady Bulldogs the overall victory.

NU's Elsie Abarquez opened the tie in commanding fashion, not yielding a game in a 6-0, 6-0 rout of Bea Gomez in first singles.

Lady Tennister Maikee Vicencio countered in second singles, handling AJ Acabo 6-2, 6-2, to pull DLSU back on even footing.

Juliana Carvajal and Kolin Cornell swung the advantage back to the Lady Bulldogs with a 6-1, 6-3 triumph over Amor Idjao and Chelsea Bernaldez in first doubles.

Still, Lady Tennister Angeline Alcala refused to let the tie slip away, overcoming JM Carcueva 6-3, 6-3 in third singles to push the tie to a rubber.

The Lady Tennisters slipped to 2-3 in fourth place, while the Blue Eagles continue to search for their first win in the five-team event.

PSC chair Pato Gregorio named guest of honor at SAC Awards

PSC Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio is the guest of honor and keynote speaker of the 40th SAC-SMB Cebu Sports Awards on March 8 at the Ayala Center Cebu Activity Center.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio will grace the 40th Sportswriters Association of Cebu-San Miguel Brewery (SAC-SMB) Cebu Sports Awards as guest of honor and keynote speaker of the milestone event slated on March 8 at the Ayala Center Cebu Activity Center.

It's a sweet homecoming of sorts for Gregorio, who lived in Cebu for six years from 2000 to 2006 as General Manager of Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino and as chairman of the Cebu Visitors and Convention Bureau promoting the province as a sports tourism destination.

An established businessman, hotelier, and sports executive, the 58-year-old Gregorio is the 13th chairperson of the PSC, a government agency responsible for the country's sports development.

Before reaching the top echelon of leadership in Philippine sports, Gregorio has held various positions and major roles, including as president of the Philippine Rowing Association where Filipino rowers qualified for the 2020 Tokyo and 2024 Paris Olympics.

Additionally, Gregorio once served as secretary-general of the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP), chairman of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) during the league's 2014–2015 season, and member of the Executive Board of Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).

Furthermore, he helped in sports marketing initiatives with Smart Communications and led DuckWorld PH, a sports management firm that relaunched the "Tour of Luzon" cycling event.

After being appointed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as PSC chairman in July 2025, Gregorio's administration focused on athlete welfare, strengthening sports facilities, professionalizing sports governance, and boosting sports tourism.

He was later appointed to head the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee under Administrative Order 38 signed by President Marcos, integrating sports with tourism promotion.

Under his watch, the Philippines hosted and made bids for major international sports events, including volleyball, gymnastics, surfing, futsal and tennis competitions.

Just a few weeks ago, Gregorio was honored as "Executive of the Year" by the Philippine Sportswriters 
Association (PSA) for his early achievements as PSC chief.

Gregorio's presence will surely add glitz to the forthcoming SAC Awards, especially in inspiring the outstanding Cebuano athletes to strive even further in pursuit of excellence in their respective fields.

PSC receives Manny Pacquiao memorabilia for its Museum

Pacquiao to the President (c/o PSC)

A few items that were part of Manny Pacquiao's historic career are set to be donated to the Philippine Sports Museum.

The handover took place on Tuesday at the facility, located within the Philippine Sports Commission's complex in Pasig City, with Pacquiao himself turning them over to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.

First Lady Liz Araneta-Marcos, PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio, and Philippine Paralympic Committee president Michael Barredo also graced the proceedings. Also present are the PSC's Commissioners in Bong Coo, Fritz Gaston, and Walter Torres, as well as its Executive Director, Atty. Guillermo Iroy.

These artifacts from Pacquiao's Hall of Fame career are added to the permanent collection of the Museum, as it reaffirms its commitment to safeguard the athletic legacy of the Philippines and celebrate the Filipino's sporting achievements, inspiring the current and future generations of citizens and athletes.

Among the items headed to the PSM are the fight trunks from his title fights against Miguel Cotto in 2009 (where he claimed his seventh world title in a seventh different weight division), and Antonio Margarito in 2010 (where he became the first and only fighter to win world titles in eight separate weight classes). He also is sending a championship belt from the World Boxing Council, which is a globally recognized emblem of excellence that not only represents victory but also a legacy defined by resilience, courage, and reinvention.

In receiving these items, Gregorio shares, "We commit Manny Pacquiao's legacy to national memory to inspire and ignite future champions. Your sweat. Your tears. Your blood. Your life. We can never thank you enough."

He adds, "The legend of Manny Pacquiao put the Philippines on the world map. He made the world look at us with awe and respect. This is our narrative as a nation: a story of grit, sacrifice and courage--violent but truthful and, in the end, triumphant."

And in line with Marcos receiving these artifacts himself directly from Pacquiao, Gregorio concludes, "When the President recognizes and memorializes an athlete, he places sports at the center of nation-building--this appeals to the heart and nobility of athletes across the nation."

Recognized globally as the only eight-division world champion in boxing history, Pacquiao captured world titles across multiple weight classes, redefining the boundaries of the sport while elevating Philippine pride on the international stage.

These memorabilia represent more than milestones in a boxing career — they embody moments when Filipino determination, discipline, and excellence resonated across the world.

The ceremonial handover further affirms the Museum’s role as a custodian of collective and cultural memory — transforming extraordinary individual triumphs into enduring sources of national pride and inspiration.

Francisco anchors UP shutout against Ateneo in softball opener

c/o UAAP

Martine Francisco fueled a massive opening-inning outburst as the University of the Philippines set its redemption bid in motion with an 11-0, four-inning rout of Ateneo de Manila University on Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate, Manila.

The fourth-year first baseman delivered two hits and drove in two runs in the first frame, jumpstarting the Fighting Maroons’ campaign to end three straight bridesmaid finishes.

Francisco opened the scoring with a single to center field that brought home Jaja Pascual. She then followed it up with a double to left field in her second at-bat of the same inning, allowing team captain Nickole dela Cruz to score as UP seized full control early.

Rookie Sathia Romero-Salas, a product of Imagine Learning Excellence Academy, provided the biggest spark of the game. She led off for UP with a triple to center field, igniting the offense as the Season 85 to 87 runners-up never looked back despite going quiet in the next two innings.

The right fielder later stretched the lead to seven runs in the opening frame with a sacrifice fly to right field that plated Reuel Caoagdan.

"First game, may mga kaunting ano 'yan, nine-nerbyos, pero na-pack up naman nila. Maganda naman 'yung hitting kaya masaya ako do'n sa start namin sa offense. Sa pitching, ok rin naman; gano'n din sa defense," said UP head coach Ron Pagkaliwagan.

"As a rookie maganda, kasi unang palo (ni Sathia), triple agad. So, expected naman namin 'yon, kasi kung anong pinapakita nila sa training, hopefully, lumabas naman sa laro."

Pagkaliwagan now hopes to keep UP in top form as the team prepares for its showdown against De La Salle University next Tuesday at 11 a.m. The Lady Batters previously absorbed a 2-1 loss to the University of Santo Tomas Softbelles after taking a one-run lead in the third inning.

"Kailangan naming paghandaan 'yung La Salle. Magaling rin 'yung team ng La Salle; although, lahat naman ng team may laro, so, kailangan namin silang paghandaan, one game at a time lang," said the fourth-year mentor.

"Basta lumabas kung ano 'yung ginagawa nila sa training, lumabas lang during the game, happy na ako do'n."

In the circle, KC Valino and Joy Laurente combined to shut down Ateneo across four innings.

Valino nearly kept a perfect slate if not for UP’s lone error — a fielding miscue by shortstop Aila Subaldo that allowed Katrice Ditchon to reach first base. The senior ace still struck out six of the seven batters she faced.

Laurente, meanwhile, retired three Blue Eagles in her UAAP debut, capping the game with a strikeout of Andrea Daquigan.

Marvelous Romano absorbed the loss for Ateneo after surrendering 11 runs on nine hits before Ditchon came in to record the final three outs in the third inning.

The Blue Eagles will look to snap their nine-game losing streak dating back to Season 86 (2024) when they face the same DLSU squad on Saturday at 11 a.m.

Team    1    2    3    4    5    6    7    R    H    E
Ateneo    0    0    0    x    x    x    x    0    0    1
UP    1    1    0    0    x    x    x    11    9    1

Familiar names atop Criterium portion of PhilCycling Road Nationals

PhilCycling National Championships

NATIONAL athletes Ronald Oranza and Jude Gabriel Francisco and Filipino-American Mary Joyce Monton dominated the Criterium races to kick start action in the PhilCycling National Championships for Road 2026 on Monday in Tagaytay City.

Oranza topped the Men Elite category, Francisco ruled the Men Under-23 and Monton, racing out of Los Angeles, was the best in Women Elite of the championships organized by the PhilCycling, headed by Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.

Edson Corbadora and Ronnilan Quita completed the Men’s Elite podium of the event raced over a 2.2-km circuit that started and finished at Tagaytay City’s Praying Hands Momument, with Marvin Mandac and Mark Alex Baruelo finishing 1-2 in the Under-23 race.

National team mainstays Maritoni Krog and Phoebe Salazar wound up behind Monton in the race presented by Standard Insurance, MVP Sports Foundation and the Philippine Sports Commission and supported by Tagaytay City Mayor Brent Tolentino and the Tagaytay CT Velodrome.

Rayven Joy Valdez, Althea Campana and Angeline Elvira reigned supreme in Women’s Under-23 of the race also backed by Excellent Noodles and 7-Eleven Philippines.

The Junior races saw CJ Cabreros, Kylle Flores and Piolo Calimlim completing the Men’s podium and Maria Louisse Criselle Alejado, Althea Nicole Coronado and Eloiza Pajarito winning the Women’s contest.

Among the other winners in the Youth categories were: Men (12-13)— Mark Terrence Orcino, Ren Axcel Pecson and Johnzoe Canasa; (Women 14-15) Allaeza Mae Gulmatico, Alessandra Nicole Paras and Princess Jaydee Pancho; and Men (14-15) Jannshen Sta. Juana, Jyohan Toledo and Louie Jerome Murillo.

Still to be contested are the Individual Time Trial and Individual Road Race events starting Tuesday until Friday.

UAAP set for softball kickoff

Will it be lucky No. 13 for Adamson University?

Adamson University kicks off its quest for a record-setting 13th UAAP Softball title on Tuesday, as Season 88 opens at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate, Manila. The Lady Falcons, aiming for a historic 13-peat, face a season of high expectations and tough competition.

Despite losing four key players from last season—captain Remelie Herrero, Alaiza Talisik, Aliza Pitchon, and MJ Maguad—Adamson still boasts a formidable roster.

With pitchers Glory Alonzo, last season’s Finals MVP, and April Minanga leading the way, the reigning champions remain the team to beat.

For Lady Falcons head coach Ana Santiago, the pressure is undeniable, but she believes her players are ready to rise to the challenge.

"Sabi ko nga sa mga players ko, itong season na 'to hindi magiging madali para sa amin. And every year naman may pressure talaga eh, kailangan talaga parati is kung paano iha-handle 'yang pressure especially after apat na key players 'yung nawala sa 'min," said Santiago, the concurrent head coach of the RP Blu Girls.

After an opening-day bye, the Lady Falcons will begin their campaign on Saturday against University of Santo Tomas at 9 a.m., in a tournament held in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission.

UST, meanwhile, will launch its redemption bid with a rematch of last year’s third-place playoff against De La Salle University on Tuesday at 9 a.m.

Runners-up University of the Philippines, chasing their first title in three seasons, will rely on reigning MVP Nickole Dela Cruz, alongside Jaja Pascual and KC Valino, when they face Ateneo de Manila University at 11 a.m.

Returning as tournament commissioner for the first time since Season 81 (2018), Jun Veloso expects fierce competition this year despite Adamson being the favorite.

"Adamson will be there, I would have to agree with that. Pero tama rin na 'yung evolution ng players, medyo maganda na rin ang recruitment ng mga schools. Plus, mas maganda, mas higher 'yung competition," said Veloso, former operations manager of the Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines.

Southridge completes HS Baseball finals sweep, becomes first guest school to hoist a UAAP title

c/o UAAP

PAREF Southridge School made UAAP history, Monday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.

The Admirals became the first-ever guest team to win a UAAP title, claiming the Season 88 High School Baseball Tournament with an 11-1 victory in Game 2 of the Finals against the De La Salle Zobel Junior Green Batters.

It was a dream run for Southridge, which was on the brink of elimination with three games left in the season. The Admirals won all three before ousting National University Nazareth School in a playoff, 6-3.

Southridge head coach Bocc Bernardo emphasized that confidence would be key to winning the championship, and the team used last Saturday’s 15-2 victory in the series opener to fuel their come-from-behind win, though they remained cautiously optimistic.

"The important thing I told them from the last game: there was nothing yet to celebrate. Just to make it short, I told them, the hardest game to win is the close-out game," said Bernardo, a former Southridge standout and catcher for Ateneo de Manila University during its UAAP Season 75 championship run.

"Whatever we did last Saturday will not make us win the game on Monday. It's another game, it's another story to unfold, so we have to play hard. We were able to execute the gameplay that we needed to do."

Down a run after the first three innings, the Admirals found their rhythm in the fourth and never looked back, capturing the first-ever championship by a guest team in the league—and Southridge’s first in any sport.

A three-run rally in the sixth inning extended their lead to 5-3, proving decisive in the final result. Luis Chavez drove in Joaquin Salvador, who earlier hit a double to left field, before scoring himself on an Alessandro Villarosa hit to right field.

All this offensive composure stemmed from the steady performance of starting pitcher and eventual Finals MVP Amiel Belgar.

Belgar, who also pitched a complete game in the series opener, delivered another no-relief effort, allowing just four hits and a solitary run from the Junior Green Batters.

"It's not the switch, but it's about the stability of Amiel on the mound. I think we had three errors that could have helped La Salle—actually, it was Tapia and Veloso who were hitting—of course, kaming mga coaches had the confidence to give it to Amiel. He asked for it, he asked for this game. I was actually weary because I know he's tired, and his teammates were like, 'Coach, we are more confident on defense if Amiel is on the mound.' I heard them, and Amiel was able to prove himself," Bernardo said.

With their ace on point, the Admirals’ batters found their stride, tallying 10 hits in the contest. Chavez led the charge with two hits that produced two RBIs, while Villarosa, also a graduating senior, had three hits and one RBI, scoring Chavez.

Joaquin Salvador and Matt Genota combined for three hits, helping Southridge reach this historic milestone.

The Junior Green Batters initially took the lead with a run in the third inning, capitalizing on a rare walk off Belgar to Carlos Zulueta. A series of errors allowed the run, but it remained the only blemish on Southridge’s otherwise dominant defense.

DLSZ, the league’s most decorated team with four titles, managed only four hits, with Juancho Gatmaitan accounting for two. Laurence Valeros (ERA 4.849), the season’s Best Pitcher, entered in the sixth inning but could not contain the Admirals’ rally.

Southridge also celebrated JC Basañes as Best Hitter (.441 batting average) and Genota for Most RBIs with 11. The Junior Green Batters’ Aljun Tapia earned Most Home Runs with one.

National University Nazareth School finished third, led by John Denrick Plaza, the Season’s Most Valuable Player, while defending champion University of Santo Tomas ended fourth, with Van Joshua Ibabao taking Most Stolen Bases (16).

TEAMS    1    2    3    4    5    6    7    8    9    R    H    E
DLSZ    0    0    1    0    0    0    0    0    x    1    4    13
SOUTHRIDGE    0    0    0    1    1    3    1    5    x    11    7    4

Tagaytay to host PhilCycling Road Nationals

Mark Arvin España Armendez atop the podium during the 2023 Batang Pinoy Nationals in Tagaytay City in 2022

THE PhilCycling National Championships for Road 2026 kicks off in Tagaytay City on Monday with a Masters category now part of the program and the Men Junior category being named after a young and promising rider from Pangasinan who lost his life last January.

Gone too soon was Mark Arvin España Armendez, who was a two-time Batang Pinoy gold medalist in road (Vigan 2022 and Tagaytay City 2023), as well as in the National Championships last year in Tagaytay.

The 18-year old cycling prospect passed away last January 22 while fishing using an improvised electric devise in a swamp behind their home in Barangay Palina East in Urdaneta City.

Competitions in the event, presented by Standard Insurance and the MVP Sports Foundation will be in Men and Women Criterium, Individual Time Trial and Individual Road Race in the Youth/Junior (12-13, 14-15 and 16-17-18), Under-23 and Elite.

There will be seven age groups in the Masters races of the event, which has the traditional support of the Tagaytay City LGU, led by Mayor Brent Tolentino. Winners will secure endorsements from the PhilCycling to the Asian Cycling Confederatiion Road Championships and all other UCI-sanctioned races.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, also head of the PhilCycling, hailed a big turnout of more than 300 riders in both genders, especially in the youth category.
“This is grassroots development at work,” Tolentino said.

The Nationals are in consonance with Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick “Pató” Gregorio’s emphasis on grassroots development.

UST upends NU in UAAP women's tennis final rematch

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women's Tennis Standings
UP 3-0
UST 2-1
DLSU 2-1
NU 1-2
Ateneo 0-4

730am Men's Ties on Wednesday at the Colegio San Agustin-Bulacan Tennis Court
Ateneo vs. DLSU
UE vs. NU
UP vs. UST

In a rematch of last season’s championship showdown, defending champion University of Santo Tomas overpowered National University, 4-1, to claim a share of second place in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Tennis Tournament on Sunday at the Colegio San Agustin-Bulacan Tennis Court here.

The tie was decided in the second doubles match, where Minette Bentillo and Justine Maneja fended off a late surge from Kolin Cornell and Juliana Carvajal to secure a 6-3, 7-5 victory and seal the triumph for the Female Tennisters.

“Ang motivation lang namin is no matter what happens, win or lose, do your best. A mistake is a mistake, so just play your game na lang,” said Maneja.

“Itong match na ‘to, actually it's a nostalgic experience, and it brings back memories from the last season. This was the goal that we wanted for last year, and we will just keep continuing it until we reach the finals.”

With the win, UST improved to 2-1, tying idle De La Salle University for second place, while the Lady Bulldogs absorbed their second straight loss to drop to 1-2 in fourth.

Kaye Emana set the tone for UST with a commanding 6-4, 6-2 victory over JM Carcueva in first singles.

National University responded in second singles, as Elsie Abarquez pulled through with a 6-2, 6-4 win against Mica Emana to keep the Lady Bulldogs in contention.

With the tie knotted at 1-1, Kaye Mustaza stepped up and delivered a 6-1, 6-3 triumph over AJ Acabo to put UST back in front.

Although the outcome had already been decided, Judy Padilla and Princess Dela Rita stayed composed in first doubles, outlasting Rovie Baulete and Adeline Abadia, 6-4, 4-6, 10-2.

Meanwhile, University of the Philippines extended its unbeaten run to three matches with a dominant 5-0 sweep of winless Ateneo De Manila University, maintaining its hold on the top spot in the tournament, which is also supported by Wilson.

Marielle Jarata and Sydney Enriquez made quick work of Zaina Omar and Eloh Castolo, posting a flawless 6-0, 6-0 victory in second doubles to clinch the tie for the Fighting Maroons.

Earlier, Jufe Cocoy opened the scoring with a 6-1, 6-1 win over Angela Buyante in second singles, while Paula Uy followed with a hard-earned 6-1, 7-5 victory against Padilla in third singles.

Maria Divinagracia continued her strong form in first singles, edging Althea Ong, 6-1, 7-6(3), to keep Ateneo at bay.

Joshea Malazarte and Glydel Guevarra then put an emphatic end to the contest, sweeping Chelsea Roque and Althea Martirez, 6-0, 6-0, in first doubles.

Adamson fends off UE for a bounce back win in UAAP Season 88 Women's Volleyball

c/o UAAP

 

Games Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena
9 a.m. - Ateneo vs UP (Men)
11 a.m. - UST vs DLSU (Men)
1 p.m. - Ateneo vs UP (Women)
3 p.m. - UST vs DLSU (Women)

Adamson University shrugged off a third-set slip against the University of the East to secure a 25-15, 25-18, 21-25, 25-18 bounce-back win in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday.

The Lady Warriors built a 9-5 lead in the third set thanks to strong starts from Khy Cepada and Bea Zamudio, but Abby Segui, Frances Mordi, and Lana Barrera answered for the Lady Falcons with a 10-2 run, giving UE a 15-11 lead.

Adamson, however, allowed UE to come back from 13-17 down, committing five straight errors that tied the set at 18-all. Cepada, Zamudio, Van Bangayan, Eljane Nogueras, and Shania Olmoguez then carried the Lady Warriors to a 25-21 win, forcing a fourth set.

The Lady Falcons regained their composure in the fourth as Shaina Nitura entered the court earlier than in the third set, where she had come in at 18-all.

“Very important win kasi ‘yung mga susunod na laban namin mabibigat na rin na schools so we needed this win kahit na nagkulang kami nung third set, regroup ulit at nakuha namin ‘yung panalo,” said Adamson head coach JP Yude after the one-hour, 45-minute match.

The Lady Falcons improved to 2-1, while the Lady Warriors remained winless in three games.

Nitura finished with 19 points on 19-of-35 spikes, alongside 13 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions, helping Adamson dominate in spiking (52-37), blocking (12-3), and service (8-4).

“Ngayon talaga wini-work on namin ‘yung chemistry namin na mabuo plus ‘yung errors talagang nagha-highlight sa amin. We’re gonna go back to training and trabahuhing mabawasan or better hindi magkaerror sa simpleng baga,” said Nitura, as Adamson committed 32 errors, nine more than UE.

After scoring just nine points combined in the first two sets, Nitura seemed on track for a UAAP career-low, but she extended her double-digit scoring streak in the third set as a substitute and added eight kills in the fourth.

Frances Mordi contributed 19 points, nine receptions, and seven digs, while middle blockers Eloi Dote and Lhouiz Tuddao added eight and seven points, respectively. Playmaker Fhei Sagaysay tallied 15 excellent sets along with 10 points on five aces, four attacks, and one block.

Adamson will aim for a second straight win on March 1 against Far Eastern University at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, while UE will try to end a 17-game slide next Saturday against University of Santo Tomas at the Quadricentennial Pavilion.

For the Lady Warriors, Zamudio led with 14 points, 13 digs, and nine receptions, while Cepada and Bangayan added 11 points each. Angge Reyes contributed 16 digs and 11 receptions.

Postseason cast for UAAP HS Beach Volleyball formalized

It’s the same cast in the girls’ division of the UAAP high school beach volleyball tournament.

Adamson University, National University Nazareth School, and Far Eastern University-Diliman secured victories on Friday to join the University of Santo Tomas in the semifinals at Sands SM By The Bay.

The Baby Falcons’ Maegan Pineda and Ella Gonzalvo defeated UP Integrated School’s Anya Capus and Niña Abad, 21-9, 21-5, and De La Salle-Zobel’s Aislinn Alemaña and Tessa Bonafe, 21-11, 21-10, improving their record to 5-1.

Back-to-back title-seeking Bullpups also rose to 5-1 as Faith Mangyao and Alaiza Candelario toppled University of the East’s Janella Mangahis and Nicole Agustin, 21-13, 21-8.

The Baby Tamaraws claimed the last Final Four spot, as Franz Premaylon and Alexa Amana defeated DLSZ’s Alemaña and Bonafe, 21-16, 21-12. Premaylon and Claire Bongo later sealed their place by sweeping Ateneo’s Louise Atienza and Ainsly Santiago, 21-13, 21-11.

The Fighting Maroons and the Junior Lady Spikers bowed out of contention, finishing with identical 2-5 records.

University of Santo Tomas moved closer to a perfect seven-match sweep after Cheng Dadang and Angelica Del Mar overpowered UPIS’ Capus and Abad, 21-7, 21-9. UST will aim for a flawless 7-0 campaign against NUNS at 7 a.m. Saturday.

On the boys’ side, the race for the final two semifinals berths remains wide open.

Adamson secured a playoff spot with a 4-2 record after Brice Malinao and James Bernabe edged UPIS’ Marco Bamba and Prince Jimenez, 21-17, 12-21, 15-6, and then overcame UE’s Mharl Dullete and Emman Marcelino, 25-23, 21-16.

FEU-D’s James Coronel and Kenneth Maliwanag stayed in contention by defeating DLSZ’s Luis Papa and Brett Urriquia, 21-11, 21-14, and UPIS’ Bamba and Jimenez, 21-15, 17-21, 15-12.

The Baby Tamaraws are now tied with the Junior Warriors at 3-3, just one game behind the Baby Falcons.

Friday’s 10:45 a.m. match between Adamson and FEU-D, followed by a 2:45 p.m. clash between UE and Ateneo, will determine the three teams’ Final Four fates.

Defending champion UST and NUNS will battle for the No. 1 ranking at 10 a.m.

JP Apidian and Karl Escobal gave the Tiger Sands a 6-0 record after dominating Ateneo’s Xavier Castillo and Miguel Avendano, 21-4, 21-8.

The Bullpups also extended their unbeaten streak to six matches as Ronnie Millan and Kian Tan defeated DLSZ’s Papa and Arguelles, 21-13, 21-13.

Meanwhile, the Fighting Maroons and the Junior Green Spikers fell to 1-5.

Top NBA players, teams remain best-selling merchandise sellers in the Philippines

As of January 15

Superstars and big-ticket teams remain the top-selling merchandise sellers in the Philippines, based on the data the NBA shares heading into January 15.

The Lakers remain the top dog in the team merchandise sales, with its top player, Luka Dončić, being the top jersey seller, ahead of the new generation of ballers like Victor Wembanyama (2nd) and Anthony Edwards (3rd). Teammate LeBron James remains in the top five in fourth, with Steph Curry completing the quintet.

Even though they are currently sidelined due to injuries, the trio of Ja Morant (6th), Jayson Tatum (8th), and Kyrie Irving (10th) remain popular in the archipelago as top-ten jersey sellers, with Nikola Jokić (7th) and Jalen Brunson (9th) also present.

Traditional big market teams still rule the roost with regards to merchandise, with the Chicago Bulls in second place behind the Lakers. Completing the top five are the Golden State Warriors, the Boston Celtics, and the New York Knicks. 

Fans can still express their support towards their favorite team domestically by checking out the official NBA Stores located at SM Megamall, the SM Mall of Asia, and the GH Mall, as well as online via nbastore.com.ph.

Palawan Group of Companies commits to support UP Women's Volleyball

Kianne Olango and Joan Monares with the PalawayPay app

The Palawan Group of Companies expands its support within the University of the Philippines athletics program, adding the university's women's volleyball team as another vehicle towards advancing youth development and sports excellence via its digital wallet platform PalawanPay. 

In establishing this new collaboration, PGC reinforces its long-standing position that athletics serve as a powerful force for nation-building as it shapes and molds the Filipino youth, one of their key pillars for its Corporate Social Responsibility.

Such a partnership allows PGC to deliver practical resources addressing the team's daily needs, athlete welfare, and long-term sustainability, allowing the management and coaching staff to focus on training and wholistic player development to foster their growth both on and off the court, as they represent UP with pride, honor, and excellence in competition.

In making this announcement, Chief Marketing Officer Bernard V. Kaibigan shares, "As a UP alumnus and a volleyball enthusiast, I am proud that PalawanPay will continue supporting the team for many seasons to come. UP has always represented the best of Filipino talent: intelligence paired with integrity, excellence grounded in service. The UP Women’s Volleyball Team embodies this spirit. You ladies are  strong, determined, disciplined, and you deserve to be supported and celebrated."

From the team's perspective, they are very much appreciative of their trust and support as a valued sponsor and steadfast partner. They note that "Three years ago, we started this program with a simple but powerful vision: ‘To grow, to compete, and to win.’ It’s something sustainable for our student-athletes. Today, that mission continues to come to life because of partners like you who believe in developing talent, character, and excellence."

PGC has been supportive of the University of the Philippines' athletics program since 2019, led by its founders Bobby and Angelita Castro, whose children are all alumni of the institution. 

Initially bolstering the men's basketball program and seeing it grow into its current status as one of the best collegiate teams in the country, they have since expanded their support into swimming and judo, with the former already netting a UAAP championship in the women's division last November.

In addition to providing resources, guidance, and encouragement to these programs, they have also been a key partner whenever UP holds certain celebrations, like their Champions' Thanksgiving Dinner.

In ensuring that student-athletes have the tools, guidance, and encouragement necessary they need to thrive, this new wrinkle in the partnership between PalawanPay and UP fosters a culture of excellence, perseverance, and leadership that shapes athletes into role models both on and off the field.

Cantada impresses in collegiate debut, leads NU to kick off title defense

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Standings
ADU 1-0
DLSU 1-0
UP 1-0
NU 1-0
UST 0-1
UE 0-1
FEU 0-1
Ateneo 0-1

Games on Wednesday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion
9 a.m. - AdU vs NU (Men)
11 a.m. - AdU vs NU (Women)
3 p.m. - UE vs FEU (Men)
5 p.m. - UE vs FEU (Women)

Sam Cantada lived up to the hype as National University opened its 'three-peat' bid with a thrilling 25-23, 25-19, 23-25, 26-24 victory over University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball Tournament.

The Lady Bulldogs and the Golden Tigresses delivered a gripping showdown in front of 15,215 fans at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday.

Cantada, the Season 87 High School Girls’ Volleyball MVP, spearheaded NU’s comeback from a 16-20 deficit in the fourth set, scoring seven of the team’s final 10 points — including three aces — to seal the win in two hours and 15 minutes.

“Sa totoo lang, I know a lot of people na chamba ‘yung kay Sam but I’ve seen it so many times already so it’s her. It’s her character, she’s a really good fighter lalo sa crucial games so I didn’t doubt her and I was so sure that she’s going to make it hanggang sa dulo,” said head coach Regine Diego, who secured a victory in her coaching debut for NU.

The Golden Tigresses were still in control at 23-19 before Cantada ignited NU’s decisive run. She began with a sharp crosscourt kill, then fired back-to-back aces to pull the Lady Bulldogs within one, 22-23.

Vange Alinsug tied the match at 23-all with an off-the-block hit, before Cantada unleashed another ace to hand NU the match point, 24-23.

Although Angge Poyos kept UST alive with a point to extend the set, Alinsug responded with a hit that grazed the blockers’ fingers. Poyos’ ensuing attack sailed out, sealing the victory for the Lady Bulldogs.

“Nasa utak ko lang po tinitesting ako sa training ang pangit po ng mga serve ko, inconsistent ako. Tumatak lang sa isip ko na kailangan kong i-overcome yun, kailangan kong ilaban ito kasi nakikita ko po sa teammates ko na nilalaban po nila,” said Cantada, who finished with a game-high 21 points built on 17 attacks, three aces, and a block, along with 14 excellent receptions.

Alinsug added 18 points, while Arah Panique chipped in 15 markers despite not seeing action in the fourth set.

Shaira Jardio also stood out defensively with 20 excellent receptions and 14 excellent digs.

Up next for NU is Adamson University on Wednesday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

Poyos led the Golden Tigresses with 18 points on 15 attacks and three blocks, while Xyza Gula contributed 10 points and five digs.

Rookies Julia Balingit and Avril Bron also scored 10 points apiece in the loss.

UST will have a week to regroup before facing De La Salle University next Sunday at the same Pasay venue.

Adamson dominates Ateneo in straight sets to open campaign

c/o UAAP

Games on Wednesday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion
9 a.m. - AdU vs NU (Men)
11 a.m. - AdU vs NU (Women)
3 p.m. - UE vs FEU (Men)
5 p.m. - UE vs FEU (Women)

Adamson University stormed past Ateneo de Manila University in straight sets, 25-19, 25-18, 25-10, to open their UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball campaign with authority on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

With a two-set lead already in hand, the Lady Falcons left no room for doubt in the third set, launching an 8-0 run behind Fhei Sagaysay’s consistent serving and the attacking prowess of Frances Mordi.

Shaina Nitura then took over, powering Adamson to a commanding 16-1 lead by the second technical timeout, effectively putting the match out of reach.

“‘Yung instruction is to continue, keep going lang talaga. Kumbaga, it’s not a safe lead pa rin kasi ‘di pa natatapos 'yung game. So stick to the system, stick pa rin sa instructions so ayun nga keep going,” said Lady Falcons head coach JP Yude after the 79-minute rout.

Adamson displayed dominance across all facets of the game, outmatching Ateneo in spikes (39-18), blocks (12-2), and service aces (7-3). Even their 24 errors did little to slow down the Lady Falcons’ momentum.

Season 87 Rookie of the Year Nitura led the team with 16 points, while Nigerian wing spiker Mordi contributed 14 in the win.

“Gumaan po siya for us, collective effort na for us. Kapag off man ako, meron na siguradong sasalo sa akin,” said the history-maker Nitura on the Lady Falcons’ retooled roster.

Fhei Sagaysay added 13 excellent sets and a match-best three service aces, while rookies Abby Segui and Eloi Dote chipped in eight and seven points, respectively.

Adamson now faces its first major test when defending champion National University visits on Wednesday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

For Ateneo, Alex Montoro led the Blue Eagles with five points, as head coach Sergio Veloso struggled to find the right player combinations on the court.

The Blue Eagles will aim to bounce back next Sunday against University of the Philippines at the same Pasay venue.

Philippine Fencing Association set to host 1st Leg of Senior Rankings

c/o the Philippine Fencing Association

With minor club-related competitions having kicked off fencing in the Philippines for 2026, the Philippine Fencing Association ratchets things up with the commencement of its rankings tournaments.

The Amoranto Sports Complex in Quezon City will serve as the host venue for the first leg of its senior tournaments, which will take place this Saturday and Sunday, February 14-15. Previous legs last year had taken place in a variety of venues, from the Quantum Skyview at Gateway Mall 2, to the Alabang Town Center, at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila, the PhilSports Arena in Pasig, and capping off at the Ormoc Superdome in Leyte last June.

Saturday will feature Men's Epee in the morning, followed by Women's Foil and Men's Sabre in the afternoon. Sunday will then have Women's Epee, Men's Foil, and Women's Sabre. 

Being the first major senior-level event of the year, it is expected to set the competitive tone for fencers across the country aiming to climb the national rankings and secure momentum early in the season, with the subsequent legs coming in the next few weeks and months. Over three hundred have expressed their intention to participate this weekend.

The PFA views these legs as an opportunity to identify new talent to add onto its pool of candidates, as well as serve as a gauge to check on its current ones, led by SEA Games individual silver medalist Noelito Jose and bronze medalists Nathaniel Perez, Janna Catantan, Eunice Daniel Villanueva, and CJ Concepcion. Also, the NSA is set to participate in international competitions all year long, with a few already involved in recent tournaments abroad.

In fact, all locally-based fencers who went to Thailand for the SEA Games are expected to play this weekend, with US-based Sam Catantan and Charmaine Andres not in the current field.

With the upcoming UAAP season coming in a few weeks, the tournament is set to serve as a preview of some of the best student-athletes to take the stage. Participants from all five regular member schools are represented, including all six individual gold medalists from last season, aside from the potential addition of guest school PAREF-Southridge and their cadre of student-athletes making their league debut.

Action on the piste will also feature outstanding youth standouts in cadet and junior levels, a few of whom will be headed to Jakarta for the Asian Cadet and Junior Championships next week. Some of these fencers got their preparations underway with their participation in recent age-level tournaments hosted by a few clubs in the run-up to the first leg, whilst others visited camps abroad to gain much-needed experience and reps, as they prepare for the PFA's opening leg of the Cadet and Junior Tournaments next month.

In addition, the outstanding fencers from last year's rankings in all categories are slated to be honored on both days, with the men taking their turn on Saturday and the women the next day. 

With the start of the senior ranking season, the competition not only energizes athletes but also invigorates local clubs, coaches, and supporters. Activities from both the PFA and the different clubs/schools provide continuous competitive opportunities across age groups, ensuring that the sport’s development pipeline remains active and robust.

For seasoned athletes, this event is a chance to reaffirm their dominance, and for younger competitors moving up the ranks, it is a proving ground—a moment to challenge the veterans and announce their arrival.

Spectators and supporters can expect two days of high‑level fencing filled with strategy, speed, and determination as the Philippine fencing season officially kicks off in Quezon City.

Collegiate Volleyball set to commence UAAP Season 88 collegiate second sem action

c/o UAAP

The second semester of the UAAP Season 88 calendar fires off on Saturday, February 14, with a blockbuster opening weekend in the Collegiate Volleyball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The women’s competition begins at 1 p.m. with the University of the Philippines set to showcase transferees Casiey Dongallo and Jelai Gajero alongside super seniors Nina Ytang and Irah Jaboneta against rebuilding University of the East.

At 3 p.m., reigning MVP Angel Canino leads De La Salle University as the Lady Spikers launch their redemption bid against Tin Ubaldo and Far Eastern University.

The men’s division will feature the same pairings earlier in the day, with matches scheduled at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Action continues on Sunday as double champion National University begins its title defenses against University of Santo Tomas, with the Bulldogs facing the Golden Spikers at 11 a.m. and the Lady Bulldogs taking on the Golden Tigresses at 3 p.m.

In the women’s curtain-raiser on Sunday, Shaina Nitura and Adamson University square off against Ateneo de Manila University at 1 p.m.

“As we open the second semester of UAAP Season 88, we are filled with excitement to once again witness our student-athletes compete at the highest level of collegiate volleyball. This season’s theme 'Strength in Motion, Hope in Action' reflects the purpose that our student-athletes bring onto the court—moving forward together while inspiring hope within our schools and communities," said UAAP Season 88 president Fr. Rodel Casancio, OP.

As the UAAP's broadcast partner, Cignal continues to provide opportunities for UAAP student-athletes through its live game coverage and shows.

All matches will air live on free-to-air television via One Sports every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. Games will also be broadcast live in high definition on the UAAP Varsity Channel and streamed via the Pilipinas Live app, which will offer video-on-demand access for UAAP fans around the world.

For its studio coverage, Cignal TV will also feature a lineup of homegrown analysts representing their respective schools, with Chiara Permentilla for Adamson, Erika Raagas for Ateneo, Aleiah Malaluan for La Salle, Max Juangco for Far Eastern University, Erin Pangilinan for NU, Shaya Adorador for UE, Nica Celis for UP, and Maji Mangulabnan for UST as part of the show 'Starting Lineup.'

“Cignal is excited to welcome back Alas team captain Jia De Guzman and three-time UAAP champion Tin Tiamzon to our broadcast team,” said Cignal Head of Sports Content Mico Halili.

“Jia and Tin rejoin our roster of live game analysts comprised of current PVL stars and school legends, all homegrown from the UAAP. We’re also excited to launch the new season of The Bounce on Pilipinas Live hosted by UAAP stars Jen Nierva, Julia Coronel, and Kennedy Batas.”

Also scheduled for the UAAP Season 88 second semester are the 19-and-under basketball tournament, high school boys’ football, high school beach volleyball, tennis, men’s and boys’ baseball, softball, fencing, judo, taekwondo, rapid chess, esports, 3x3 basketball, and the demonstration event golf.

UAAP Executive Director Atty. Rene Saguisag Jr. emphasized the league’s continued commitment to holistic student-athlete development across multiple disciplines.

“Beyond volleyball, the second semester of UAAP Season 88 showcases the breadth of opportunities for our student-athletes to grow, compete, and represent their schools with pride," said Atty. Saguisag.

"Each sport reflects our mission of nurturing excellence, character, and sportsmanship—ensuring that the UAAP remains a platform where strength is translated into meaningful action both on and off the playing field.”

Philippine Sports Hall of Fame seeking nominations

The quest to find the next set of Hall of Famers is now officially in motion, as the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame has opened the field for nominations for its fifth batch of honorees.

Individuals and organizations are invited to nominated deserving sports icons that has helped shaped the country's sporting history.

In making the announcement, the PSHOF shares,  

We have the honor to inform you that nominations for the 5th Enshrinement of the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame (PSHOF) are now officially open.

The PSHOF, institutionalized through Republic Act No. 8757, aims to recognize and enshrine outstanding Filipino athletes, coaches, and trainers who have brought great distinction and recognition to the country through their exceptional achievements in sports.

In this regard, we respectfully invite your esteemed office to endorse and submit nominations for consideration.

Nominees should fit the following criteria, with the achievements fitting in-between 1924-2014:

Athletes

• Can be amateur or professional, with para-athletes also eligible
• Has to be retired from active international competition
• Gold Medalist in any Southeast Asian Games or at least a Silver Medalist in any Asian Games or Asian Cup or regional games or at least a Bronze medalist in any Olympic or World Games; or a titleholder or World Champion in any professional or amateur sports competition.
• Athletic Performance should have a wide, historic and unprecedented global impact.
• Candidates should have unquestionable integrity either local or abroad, before and after the event.

Coaches

• Candidates should have unquestionable integrity either local or abroad, before and after the event.
• Can be either a coach or trainer, amateur or professional
• Has to be retired from actively coaching or training competitors internationally 
• Has coached or trained a Gold medalist in any Southeast Asian Games or at least a Silver Medalist in any Asian Games or Asian Cup or regional games or at least a Bronze medalist in any Olympic or World Games; or a titleholder or World Champion in any professional or amateur sports competition.

Nominations can be coursed through email at halloffame@psc.gov.ph, with a deadline of submission scheduled this March 15.

The last batch featured these highly-esteemed individuals

• Paulino Alcantara (football)
• Eric Buhain (swimming)
• Dionisio Calvo (football / basketball)
• Arianne Cerdena (bowling)
• Robert Jaworski (basketball)
• Gertrudes Lozada (swimming)
• Elma Muros-Posadas (athletics)
• Rogelio Onofre (athletics)
• Leopoldo Serrantes (boxing)
• Roel Velasco (boxing)

For more details one can check the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame website.

Bullpups stun Ateneo to earn share of second in High School Basketball

c/o UAAP

Games on Sunday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium
8 a.m. - Ateneo vs UST (Girls)
10 a.m. - Ateneo vs UE (Boys)
12 p.m. - AdU vs FEU-D (Boys)
2 p.m. - NUNS vs UST (Boys)
4 p.m. - UPIS vs DLSZ (Boys)

Shaun Lucido caught fire from beyond the arc at the perfect moment as National University Nazareth School exacted revenge against Ateneo de Manila University, 81-78, to climb to a share of second place in the UAAP Season 88 Boys’ Basketball Tournament on Sunday afternoon at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

Trailing by three at 74-71 with 1:55 left, Lucido — who had missed his first four three-point attempts — sank two consecutive triples that propelled the Bullpups to a 77-74 lead with less than a minute remaining, effectively completing NUNS’ comeback from a lopsided 63-86 first-round loss to the Blue Eagles last January 22.

It was a day of comebacks, as co-captain Charles Esteban and Nigerian center Ola Ajani rallied defending champion University of Santo Tomas in the clutch to stun the University of the East, 60-57, marking a strong return to the win column.

With the results, NUNS and Ateneo are now tied at second in the standings with identical 6-2 records, while UST tied UE for sixth place with 3-5 slates.

Far Eastern University-Diliman, which ended the first round with a 6-1 slate, is currently facing De La Salle-Zobel as of publishing.

“Alam ko struggling siya ‘eh — 0-of-4 sa three-points — sabi ko lang sa kanya, itira niya lang, papasok din yan. Timely baskets, back-to-back three-points, ‘yon yung nagdala sa game namin — yung tapang niya,” Bullpups head coach Kevin de Castro said.

 “Shaun is Shaun ‘eh, given na ‘yon. Siya talaga yung primary guy namin sa offense, pero kailangan niya matutunan dumepensa,” he added.

The Blue Eagles had stayed in control earlier as two Ziv Espina layups and a Renzo Gatmaitan triple built a 73-66 lead with 5:55 left. But the Bullpups, behind a Mot Matias layup and a Chad Cartel triple, cut the deficit to 73-71 with 3:46 remaining.

With Noah Banal making only one of his three free throws, Lucido seized the moment, hitting back-to-back triples that gave NUNS a crucial 77-74 lead with 46.7 seconds left.

From there, the Bullpups played the foul game, with Matias, Lucido, and Corian Cabantog each converting a free throw to seal the final score and NUNS’ sixth win in eight games.

Lucido led NUNS with 23 points, eight rebounds, and two assists, while Malian center Moussa Diakite contributed a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds, plus one steal. Cartel added 12 points, five rebounds, three assists, and one steal, while Kurl Figueroa chipped in 10 points, six rebounds, and one steal. Matias nearly posted a double-double with nine points, nine rebounds, four steals, and two assists.

For Ateneo, Ziv Espina paced the team with 18 points, one rebound, one assist, one steal, and one block, while Unri Madrangca scored 18 points on six triples, adding three steals, one block, and one rebound. Banal finished with 15 points and four rebounds, while Nigerian center Jude Eriobu posted a double-double of 13 points and 13 rebounds with five blocks.

In the earlier game, the Junior Warriors appeared poised to dominate the Tiger Cubs, as two triples from Jamal Diaz gave UE a nine-point, 54-45 lead with 6:30 remaining. But UST showed its championship poise in the clutch.

Esteban scored four points before Jetlee Melano made back-to-back layups, and team captain Kirk Canete converted a triple to pull the Tiger Cubs within 57-56 with 78 seconds left.

Esteban’s heroics continued, as he made another layup and forced a turnover on UE’s Ethan Aguas with 31.9 seconds left, setting up Ajani for a dagger floater that extended UST’s lead to 60-57 with 9.5 seconds remaining.

The Junior Warriors had a chance to force overtime, closing the game with a 15-3 run, but Aguas and Mhico Abellar missed separate attempts for the game-tying triple. The victory boosted UST’s Final Four hopes.

“Very satisfied ako na nakuha namin yung panalo, and nag-step up si Ola and si Charles, kasi sabi ko nga, missing link talaga sila doon sa veterans ko nung first round. Sa second round, good start pinakita nila kaagad na kailangan nila tumulong at kaya nila tumulong,” Tiger Cubs head coach Manu Iñigo said.

Ajani finished with a dominant double-double of 13 points and 16 rebounds, plus one steal and one block, while Esteban had 11 points, three rebounds, two steals, and one block. Simon Pulongbarit added 10 points, four rebounds, and one steal, and Melano contributed nine points, three steals, two rebounds, and one block. Canete ended with six points, six rebounds, four assists, and four steals.

For UE, Diaz was the only double-digit scorer with 14 points, five rebounds, and three steals, while Abellar finished with eight points, two rebounds, and one assist. Aguas was limited to six points on 2-of-7 shooting with nine rebounds, while Sizco Roquid was held scoreless on four attempts but added eight rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block.

The Scores:

First Game:

UST (60) - Ajani 13, Esteban 11, Pulongbarit 10, Melano 9, Canete 6, Canapi 5, Ludovice 3, Bathan 3, Sta. Maria 0, Lapastora 0, Vidanes 0, Candare 0, Bohol 0.

UE (57) - Diaz 14, Abellar 8, Timbol 7, Aguas 6, Pascual 6, Edoukou 5, Lorenzo 5, Braga 4, Bual 2, Roquid 0, Delos Reyes 0, Oraa 0.

Quarterscores: 12-22, 27-31, 43-48, 60-57.

Second Game:

NUNS (81) - Lucido 23, Diakite 16, Cartel 12, Figueroa 10, M. Matias 9, Cabantog 6, Bouzina 3, Juan 2, R. Matias 0, Natinga 0.

Ateneo (78) - Espinas 18, Madrangca 18, Banal 15, Eriobu 13, Leal 9, Gatmaitan 3,Kallos 2, Kaw 0, Lacsamana 0.

Quarterscores: 21-22, 45-47, 62-66, 81-78.

Disney+ set to broadcast the 2026 Ruffles® NBA All-Star Celebrity Game in the Philippines

A powerhouse lineup of stars from the worlds of music, film, TV, and sports, including Disney, Marvel, MLB, NFL, and more, will hit the hardwood at the 2026 Ruffles® NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, as the NBA today unveiled the official rosters for the annual showcase. The game tips off Saturday, February 14, at 8:00 a.m. (Philippine Time) from the Kia Forum in Inglewood, Calif., streaming live and on replay exclusively on Disney+.

Blending pop culture and basketball, the Celebrity Game remains one of All-Star Weekend’s most anticipated entertainment events.

Player rosters for the 2026 Ruffles® NBA All-Star Celebrity Game will include: actor, writer and producer Keegan-Michael Key, multi-platinum rapper and Indian entertainment icon Badshah, multi-platinum producer and DJ Mustard, multi-platinum rapper GloRilla, NBA legend and champion Jeremy Lin,  ABC’s “The Bachelorette” and Hulu’s “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star Taylor Frankie Paul, “Love Island” standout Nicolas Vansteenberghe, ESPN Senior NBA Insider Shams Charania, Los Angeles-native and All-Pro NFL wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, six-time NFL Pro Bowler and Los Angeles Chargers star Keenan Allen, Brazilian soccer legend and two-time FIFA World Cup champion Cafu,  creator and co-founder of Dude Perfect Cody Jones, social media creator and basketball personality Jenna Bandy, singer-songwriter and viral hitmaker Adrien Nuñez, 7-foot-6 former NBA player Tacko Fall, Phoenix Suns Chairman and Governor Mat Ishbia and Charlotte Hornets Co-Chairman and Governor Rick Schnall.

Emmy-winning actor and reigning Ruffles® NBA All-Star Celebrity Game MVP Rome Flynn, Marvel’s “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” and upcoming “Avengers: Doomsday” actor Simu Liu and seven-time Olympic medalist sprinter Andre De Grasse will return for their second Celebrity Games, while Chinese actor and singer Dylan Wang and NBA legend and champion Jason “White Chocolate” Williams return for their third.

Key, Flynn, Wang, Charania, Bandy, Schnall, Fall, Lin, Glorilla, Cafu, and St. Brown will be coached by two-time NBA MVP and NBA champion Giannis Antetokounmpo along with his brothers Thanasis and Alex Antetokounmpo, and by former MVP, four-time World Series Champion and Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts.

Liu, Jones, Badshah, de Grasse, Paul, Ishbia, Williams, Vansteenberghe, Mustard, Nunez, and Allen will be coached by world-renowned NBA shooting coach Lethal Shooter, Emmy®-winning actor and comedian Anthony Anderson and one of the NBA’s top player development trainers Chris Brickley.

Fans will be able to see and hear Monica McNutt as the host for this event, and will conduct interviews with the participants and other event attendees, while Mark Jones and Richard Jefferson are set to call the action.

In addition, this year’s Celebrity Game will also feature a special halftime performance by five-member K-pop group CORTIS, marking the first-ever halftime Celebrity Game performance by a K-pop artist.  CORTIS was recently named part of the NBA’s “Friends of the NBA” program, the league’s official network of celebrities and influencers across Asia.

The 2026 Ruffles® NBA All-Star Celebrity Game streams exclusively on Disney+, bringing together basketball, celebrity culture and live entertainment.

For the full NBA on Disney+ game schedule and updates, visit www.disney.ph/NBA.

Lady Bullpups snap UST's 10-game streak, completes first round sweep

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 Girls' Basketball Tournament
NUNS 3-0
UST 2-1
DLSZ 1-2
Ateneo 0-3

After four lopsided and heartbreaking losses, National University Nazareth School finally cracked the code in solving defending champion University of Santo Tomas.

The Lady Bullpups stormed out of the gates by scoring the first 16 points of the game and later weathered anxious moments in the third period to secure a breakthrough 74-62 victory over the Junior Growling Tigresses, to sweep first round of the UAAP Season 88 Girls’ Basketball Tournament on Sunday afternoon at the Adamson Gym in Manila.

Prior to the contest, NUNS — which joined the division in Season 87 — had absorbed four straight losses to UST in UAAP girls’ basketball, with an average losing margin of 16.5 points per game.

More importantly, the triumph kept the Lady Bullpups on top of the four-team field with a pristine 3-0 win-loss record, while also snapping UST’s (2-1) 10-game winning streak dating back to its perfect championship run in Season 87.

“Yung dinedevelop ko kasi sa mga bata, yung pagiging mature nila — ’yon yung kailangan namin. Kailangan kung ano yung mga lapses namin last year, ’yon yung mga kailangan namin tuunan ng pansin para makuha namin ito — at nakuha nga,” NUNS head coach Ai Lebornio said.

“Yung lahat ng experience namin from Brunei to Manila Meet to mga tune-up games namin, binalik ko sila doon after ng third quarter ’eh. Nakuha namin yung kumpyansa namin doon dahil walang imposible hangga’t may oras,” she added.

Aubrey Lapasaran and Zaydhen Rosano set the tone early as NUNS raced to a 16-0 lead and built a comfortable 47-30 advantage at halftime.

The Lady Bullpups hit a rough patch in the third quarter, however, as they allowed the Junior Golden Tigresses to pour in 26 points while being limited to just eight on 2-of-12 shooting, entering the fourth quarter trailing by one, 66-65.

UST appeared poised to extend its momentum by scoring the first four points of the payoff period, but NUNS refused to let a historic breakthrough slip away.

The Lady Bullpups responded with a decisive 13-point run — highlighted by back-to-back Rosano layups and a KJ Badajos floater — to reclaim control and build a 68-60 cushion with 4:46 remaining.

From there, UST struggled to find answers against NUNS’ late surge, as the Lady Bullpups tacked on six more points — capped by two consecutive Bri Katigbak layups — to seal the comeback victory and the final scoreline with 29.9 seconds left.

Lapasaran led the charge for the Lady Bullpups with 17 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals, while Rosano delivered a stellar all-around performance of 14 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, and five steals.

Badajos added 11 points, five rebounds, and three assists, while Ruiza Olmos and Katigbak contributed eight and seven points, respectively.

On the other side, Pia Petalcorin was the lone double-digit scorer for the Junior Growling Tigresses, finishing with 15 points on 5-of-12 shooting to go along with two rebounds and one steal.

Season 88 Elite Team member Riri Perez was held to eight points on 1-of-14 shooting with four turnovers, while Indonesian center Koukou Talla tallied eight points, 11 rebounds, one steal, and one block.

The Scores:

NUNS (74) - Lapasaran 17, Rosano 14, Badajos 11, Olmos 8, Katigbak 7, Singson 6, Mallari 4, Agad 4, Sales 2, Onate 1, Luzana 0.

UST (62) - Petalcorin 15, Pinuela 8, Perez 8, Talla 8, Oczon 6, Anacan 6, Labay 4, Insoy 4, Abrantes 3, Townes 0, Hew 0.

Quarterscores: 24-9, 47-30, 55-56, 74-62.

Adamson ends Ateneo undefeated run in UAAP HS Basketball

c/o UAAP

Games on Sunday at the Adamson Gym

8 a.m. - Ateneo vs UPIS (Boys)
10 a.m. - FEU-D vs AdU (Boys)
12 p.m. - UE vs DLSZ (Boys)
2 p.m. - UST vs NUNS (Boys)
4 p.m. - UST vs NUNS (Girls)

Jarl Artango and Chrys Gomez came through in the clutch as Adamson University stunned erstwhile-unbeaten Ateneo de Manila University, 77-73, to notch its third win in the UAAP Season 88 Boys’ Basketball Tournament on Thursday morning at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.

Gomez sank a timely midrange jumper that pushed the Baby Falcons’ lead to 76-70 with 2:09 remaining, setting the stage for consecutive turnovers by the Blue Eagles. Artango then sealed the upset with a dagger free throw at the three-second mark.

Meanwhile, Cabs Cabonilas put on a dominant display, tallying 21 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two blocks as Far Eastern University-Diliman cruised to its fourth straight win with a 79-61 dismantling of De La Salle Zobel.

The contrasting victories leave FEU-D sharing first place with Ateneo, both holding 5-1 records, while Adamson returned to the win column emphatically, improving to 3-3 in their penultimate first-round outing.

“The game plan today was to limit their import, kaya lang 27-27 pa rin ‘eh. Ang back-up plan lang namin was to try to limit their other players, we were able to do it naman. Offensively, sabi ko lang attack, attack, attack palagi,” Adamson head coach Mike Fermin said.

“This win comes with maturity talaga. We’re just pounding them and instilling in them na dapat every game or every training, you treat this like your last. Ang lagi lang namin iniisip, wala kami sa top four ngayon. ‘Yon nag-ffuel sa amin to be better,” he added.

Ateneo had clawed back from a 53-39 deficit to trail 61-58 heading into the fourth quarter. But the Baby Falcons opened the payoff period with a decisive 10-4 run — capped by a floater and two free throws from Artango — to restore a 71-62 lead with 6:13 left.

The Blue Eagles stayed within striking distance, as Jude Eriobu’s free throw, a Jay-M Leal layup, and a Noah Banal triple cut the gap to 76-73 with 2:12 left. Adamson, however, leaned on its defensive identity in the endgame to deny Ateneo any further comeback.

After Banal and Leal missed separate three-point attempts, Artango stole the ball from Ziv Espinas, and Noah Bautista followed with a pickpocket against Banal, keeping the pressure on. Ateneo resorted to fouling, with Artango sinking his first free throw before intentionally missing the second to prevent the Blue Eagles from gaining another clear shot from beyond the arc.

Artango finished with 24 points, five rebounds, four assists, and three steals, while Gomez contributed 13 points, five steals, two rebounds, and one assist. Bautista added 10 points, five rebounds, three blocks, two assists, and one steal, with Mac Jenodia and Fran Flores chipping in eight points each in the hard-fought victory.

For Ateneo, Eriobu led the way with 27 points, 27 rebounds, four blocks, and one steal, followed by Banal with 11 points, six rebounds, and one assist. Espinas added 11 points and seven rebounds, while Leal contributed nine points, five assists, four rebounds, one steal, and one block.

In the earlier game, De La Salle Zobel had erased an early 27-10 deficit to trail 41-33 at halftime, but FEU-D responded with a dominant third quarter. JB Cagurungan opened the second half with eight straight points before Cabonilas, Marc Burgos, and Khean Esperanza led a 22-4 run to stretch the Baby Tamaraws’ lead to 63-37.

That third-quarter surge proved decisive. A five-point spurt from Cabonilas, including a triple and putback, along with a Cagurungan three-pointer and Esperanza layup, kept the Junior Archers down 73-57 with 3:01 remaining.

“They made a run, pero I think we did our job defensively. Medyo nawalan lang ng discipline because we had a lead. Medyo nawalan kami ng discipline on shot attempts and selection. Nung third quarter, binalikan namin ‘yon na we have a good lead, kaya we cannot keep on shooting,” FEU-D head coach Mike Reyes said.

Burgos finished with 11 points, three rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block, while Cagurungan added 11 points on three triples, with five rebounds and one block. Esperanza contributed 10 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and two steals, while Pat Sohm rounded out FEU-D’s balanced attack with six points and three rebounds.

For DLSZ, Maco Dabao was limited to 16 points on 6-of-21 shooting but added six rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block. Nigerian center Yusuf Mikailu delivered a double-double with 11 points, 16 rebounds, five blocks, and one steal.

The Scores:

First Game:

FEU-D (79) - Cabonilas 21, Burgos 11, Cagurungan 11, Esperanza 10, Sohm 6, Raneses 4, Hall 4, Carino 4, Gaye 4, Alagaban 4, D. Santos 2, J. Santos 0, Enriquez 0, Dagcutan 0.

DLSZ (61) - Dabao 16, Mikailu 11, Favis 7, Arejola 5, Borrero 5, Ferrer 5, Atienza 4, Llamas 4, Luna 3, A. Alpapara 1, O. Alpapara 0, Reyes 0, Tan 0, Dimayuga 0.

Quarterscores: 21-10, 41-33, 63-41, 79-61.

Second Game:

AdU (77) - Artango 24, Gomez 13, Bautista 10, Jenodia 8, Flores 8, Frogoso 6, Iledan 4, Babad 3, Garcia 1.

Ateneo (73) - Eriobu 27, Banal 11, Espinas 11, Leal 9, Madrangca 5, Gatmaitan 4, Kaw 4, Kallos 2, Lacsamana 0, Reyes 0, Jazul 0.

Quarterscores: 22-26, 47-36, 61-58, 77-73.