Basketball activities highlight first two days of B.LEAGUE FINAL WEEK in MANILA 2026

3x3 at the Fashion Hall

Filipino ballers have spent the last couple of days balling at the special 3x3 halfcourt installed inside the SM Megamall's Mega Fashion Hall in the last couple of days for the B.LEAGUE FINAL Week.

Aside from the press conference that highlighted the opening of the activation last Thursday, the sprawling venue hosted 1-on-1 action, with Ray Parks, who had just concluded his club stint at Osaka Evessa, as a special guest, while Friday saw Francis Lopez of Nagoya Fighting Eagles check out 3x3 action, called the Yanmar Hanasaka B. Hope Asia 3x3 Challenge 2026.

Action featured eight teams that each featured male and female players, as they battled it out all afternoon and evening for some inclusive and thrilling competition.

The on-court action served as a neat appetizer for the upcoming Resona Group B.LEAGUE Championship 2025-26 final between upstart Nagasaki Velca and traditional contender Ryukyu Golden Kings, with the first two of potentially three finals matches taking place at the Yokohama Arena for the next couple of days.

Fans can still check out the action at the Mega Fashion Hall, as a live viewing party will take place for Game 1 and Game 2 at the venue, before it turns into a basketball clinic afterwards, in conjunction with B. Hope Asia.

Saturday's clinic is supported by Toyota and will feature Kiefer Ravena, while younger brother Thirdy will be present for Sunday's festivities, which is supported by Nissei.

Aside from Yanmar, Toyota and Nissei, the B.LEAGUE Final Week is also supported by Meiji, JCB, Epson, Molten, and PGA Sompo.

For more details about top-flight Japanese club basketball, one can check out the freshly revealed B.LEAGUE Philippines page on Facebook (b.leagueofficiallphilippines), Instagram and TikTok (@b.league_ph).

Manila to serve as first overseas venue for B.LEAGUE games

B.LEAGUE heads to Manila

The Philippines once again gets thrown into the limelight for continental basketball, as the B.LEAGUE revealed that it will host its first-ever overseas games at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

As it marks the near-conclusion of its historic tenth season and its reboot into B.PREMIER next season, top-flight Japanese club basketball will feature two teams with confirmed Filipino representation on its rosters as Dwight Ramos and Levanga Hokkaido will go up against AJ Edu and Gunma Crane Thunders on September 9-10, called the B.LEAGUE Manila Games 2026. 

Ramos was present for the league's announcement on Thursday to mark the historic moment, as the press conference for the upcoming games took place at the start of the B.LEAGUE Final Week activation at the Mega Fashion Hall inside SM Megamall.

Representing the B.LEAGUE for this event was Nao Okamoto, with special guests Willie Marcial of the Philippine Basketball Association and Ryan Gregorio of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas. The B.LEAGUE Manila Games 2026 will take place in cooperation with the two entities concerned, with the support of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.

With the slogan, Two Nations, One Beat, it also highlights the strong ties the Philippines and Japan have with each other, as it marks the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Serving as official partners for this event are Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation, JCB International Co. Ltd., Nissei Co. Ltd., Yanmar Holdings Co. Ltd., and Meiji Co. Ltd., with SONAK Corporation and PGA Sompo Insurance Corporation as official suppliers.

In a message, B.LEAGUE Chairman Shinji Shimada shares, "We are truly delighted to host B.LEAGUE’s first-ever overseas games in the Philippines, a country filled with passion for basketball. The Philippines has produced more Asia Special Quota players for B.LEAGUE than any other country/region, creating a special bond between us. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone in the Philippine basketball community for their tremendous support in making this project possible, as well as to all the players who have served as bridges between our two nations."

He adds, "The games will be held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, a very special venue that hosted the Final of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, hosted by Japan and the Philippines. It is a great honor for us to stage B.LEAGUE games at such an iconic arena. We hope many fans will come to the venue and experience the excitement and appeal of B.LEAGUE firsthand."

The league says that ticketing details for the event are likely to be revealed next month. They also revealed an official link to the event at https://www.bleague.jp/manila-games/.

Filoil Preseason begins with Final Four rematches

Games Sunday
12 p.m. - LPU vs. Mapua
2 p.m. - UST vs. UP
4 p.m. - Opening Ceremonies
4:30 p.m. - NU vs. La Salle

FAMILIAR rivals headline the opening day of the 19th Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup presented by ABC Tile Adhesive on Sunday, rekindling Final Four flames and writing new chapters in their respective stories.

Reigning three-time preseason champion University of the Philippines begins its quest for redemption against last year's semifinal foe University of Santo Tomas at 2 p.m., to be followed with the main game featuring the UAAP Season 88 kings La Salle taking on a rebuilding National U at 4:30 p.m.

Newly-hired shot-callers Chito Victolero and Jamike Jarin, meanwhile, return to the collegiate scene as Mapua and Lyceum of the Philippines U raise the curtains at 12 p.m. at Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan.

Everyone's eyes will be on the Fighting Maroons, now armed with Veejay Pre, James Payosing, and Rainer Maga, as the Diliman crew try to upend the Growling Tigers, which will still parade Collins Akowe, Gelo Crisostomo, and Amiel Acido.

On the other hand, Mason Amos and Jacob Cortez are pressured to keep the Green Archers at the top as they brace for the challenge of the PJ Palacielo-led Bulldogs in this tilt which has Hanes, Buffalo's Wings N Things, Wallem, BDO, Akari, Smart, Molten, Reyes Barbecue, Nature's Spring, Tela.com Athletics, Brothers Burger, and Don Benito's as sponsors.

Meanwhile, Victolero is trotting out an essentially new Cardinals crew with rookie Froilan Reyes joining holdovers Ivan Lazarte and Yam Concepcion.

But awaiting them are the Jarin's Pirates which are welcoming back court general Mac Guadana in its fray.

The 19th Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup presented by ABC Tile Adhesive will be broadcasted live and free on PusoP.com.

Three newcomers build optimism heading into Filoil Preseason

NEW beginnings start at the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup.

And it's much the truth for three of collegiate basketball's newest shot-callers as they kickstart their preparations for their mother leagues in the 19th staging of the famed preseason league.

Chito Victolero, Jamike Jarin, and Tony Tan are all seeking to get their programs off and running as they get a first hand look at the competition they're about to brace for.

Victolero is actually returning to his alma mater Mapua after previously calling the shots from 2009 to 2012.

Times, though have changed, from Victolero's resume now adding a PBA champion coach to his name when he steered Magnolia to the Governors' Cup crown back in 2018, to the Cardinals reeling from a season where they got dethroned.

Without main man Clint Escamis, Mapua will now rely on holdovers MC Cuenco, Cyrus Nitura, Ivan Lazarte, and Yam Concepcion.

Jarin, on the other hand, is also making a comeback to the collegiate scene with Lyceum of the Philippines U.

His task, however, is shaping up to be an enormous one as the Pirates hope to rekindle the level of success he's had in the past, most notably when he led San Beda to the NCAA title in 2016.

And LPU means business in achieving that, with Mclaude Guadana returning to the team as he joins homegrown guards Matt Rubico and Greg Cunanan in this year's campaign.

Tony Tan, meanwhile, will be San Sebastian's fourth coach in as many years, with the once proud program hoping that this finally will be the right reboot for the team.

The Fil-Canadian coach is coming in with a lot of promise, one that is badly needed by the Golden Stags which have been in the league's cellar for the past three years.

San Sebastian is banking on new blood led by rookie Carlo Ynot and holdovers Polo Gabat and Christian Ricio for this rebuild as it hopes to erase the bitter memories of last year's winless run in the preseason.

B.League postseason slate and statistical awardees finalized

Considered as one of the top leagues in Asia, the B,LEAGUE is officially set to commence its postseason on Thursday, with the eight teams advancing into the quarterfinals of the Resona Group B.LEAGUE Championship 2025-26.

The top two teams of each conference advance, securing homecourt advantage as incentive. Meanwhile, the four teams with the next best regular record earned the remaining four berths as wildcards.

Matches are set to take place between May 7-11.

In just their fifth year in existence, Nagasaki Velca secured the top seed with a 47-13 record, thanks to their aggressive, fast-paced style of play. They will face off against Alvark Tokyo, the Emperor's Cup champions who dealt with injuries all throughout the campaign.

Serving as the second seeds are the defending champions Utsunomiya Brex, slated to face a Nagoya Diamond Dolphins side that struggled at the conclusion of the regular season.

Earning the third seed are Seahorses Mikawa, who nipped Ryukyu Golden Kings by a single game to earn homecourt advantage.

Capping the quartet of matchups is Chiba Jets and Gunma Crane Thunders. Both teams finished with 42-18 records, but the latter lost its two regular season meetings, thus seeding the fourth seed and homecourt advantage. This matchup also features the only two Filipinos to make it into the postseason in Quentin Milora-Brown for Chiba and AJ Edu for Gunma.

The winners of the quarterfinal series will advance into the best-of-three semifinals, which will take place on May 15-19, with the two finalists heading to Yokohama for the best-of-three finals the week afterwards.

In addition, the league officially revealed its first set of awardees, which are based from the statistics at the conclusion of the regular season.

Former NBA lottery selection Jarrett Culver of Sendai is the Resona Group B.LEAGUE 2025-26 scoring leader with his 26.5 ppg for the 89ers.

DJ Newbill of Utsunomiya is the assist king with 6.4 assists for the Brex, while Nagoya's Sean O'Mara is the rebounding leader with 10.4 for the Fighting Eagles.

Retaining the steals crown is Aaron Henry for the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins with 1.9 swipes, while David Nwaba is your swat king with 1.3 blocks.

The two awards rewarding marksmanship belong to Hyunjung Lee of Nagasaki Velca with his 47.9% shooting from beyond the arc, and Nathan Boothe and his 94.3% from the charity stripe for the 89ers.

As for the remainder of the awardees, they will be officially named on the B.LEAGUE AWARD SHOW 2025–26 slated to take place on May 29th and will be broadcast on the league's official YouTube page.

UP brings Filipino comics to life in successful streetdance title defense

c/o UAAP

University of the Philippines wove a pulse-pounding, comics-inspired epic on the UAAP streetdance floor, mesmerizing the eight-team field with a vivid, hero-laden showcase that celebrated the true spirit of Filipino pop culture.

The UP Streetdance Club kept the throne firmly in Diliman, clinching its second consecutive championship in the UAAP Season 88 Streetdance Competition in front of 4,515 roaring fans inside the Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City.

Under the guidance of head coach Ariel Alba once again, the Fighting Maroons unleashed a heroic spectacle to remain atop the UAAP collegiate streetdance summit, tallying 93.33 points built on 46.90 in artistry and 46.70 in execution.

“Well, actually, mahirap talaga mag-defend sa UAAP. I think ito ‘ata yung pinakamahirap na competition ngayon. Sobrang tight ng mga teams tapos parang last year, full props kami, tapos nagulat kami ngayon na full production na rin ang lahat,” Alba said.

“Props to this year na event kasi na-feel namin na nabibigyan yung value ng streetdance. Like other athletes, we train every day, we train so hard for this… Ngayon na merong sariling venue yung street dance, nakakatuwa. May value na kami doon sa UAAP na circle,” he added, as the Season 88 Streetdance Competition was held as a dedicated event for the first time in league history.

From classic Filipino OPM hits by Parokya ni Edgar to the original soundtracks of *Darna* and *Captain Barbel*, the UP Streetdance Club’s routine stood out—culminating in a finale where Zsa Zsa Zaturnnah, Captain Barbell, Darna, Gagambino, and Lastikman joined forces to battle henchmen clad in Venom-inspired outfits.

The victory marked UP’s fifth overall streetdance title, allowing them to surpass the De La Salle University Dance Company as the winningest dance crew in UAAP streetdance history.

For their commanding performance, the Diliman-based squad also received the MWell Power Move Award, bringing home a total of P50,000 in prizes along with MWell vouchers.

“For us, marami kaming natutunan from our seniors and mga alumni ng UP Streetdance Club. Over the years, nagbabago-bago yung method, pero naga-adapt kami over time. Yung strategy namin going into this year’s competition, na-adapt namin to the fullest,” team captain Angelo Bocobo said.

UST Prime, meanwhile, secured another runner-up finish with a traditional Chinese-inspired routine that earned 92.17 points and P30,000—46.30 in artistry and 46.70 in execution.

The DLSU Dance Company, showcasing a love-themed performance set to Ben&Ben’s hit song “Araw-Araw,” placed third and took home P20,000 after scoring 90.33 points, built on 45.50 in artistry and 45.40 in execution.

Just missing the podium were the Company of Ateneo Dancers and Adamson University Dance Company-Street, which ended tied for fourth place with identical scores of 89.83.

Completing the eight-team collegiate field were the National University Dance Company (89.00), the Far Eastern University Street Alliance (87.83), and the University of the East’s East Force Dance Company (79.67).

FEU, however, did not go home empty-handed, earning the Sunsilk Silky Sway Award along with P30,000.

Meanwhile, Adamson University Dance Company-Street refused to be denied in the high school division, clinching its first-ever UAAP streetdance crown with a Mexican-inspired performance that scored 88.17 points (44.70 in artistry and 44.00 in execution) and earned P50,000.

After settling for two consecutive runner-up finishes in Seasons 85 and 86 and a third-place finish in Season 87, Adamson finally broke through with an electric routine inspired by Disney’s *Coco*, along with songs from Bruno Mars and hip-hop group Migos.

The triumph added another feather to Adamson’s cap after its second-place finish in the Season 88 Cheerdance Competition last December.

“Sobrang hindi kami makapaniwala. Parang kami nananaginip kasi sobrang lino-long namin yung title na ito. Pero finally, nabigay na. I hope na sana nakita ng mga tao na deserve talaga namin yung title ngayon kasi pinaghirapan namin ito,” said Adamson head coach Michael Agas.

UST Galvanize, which missed the podium last year after winning the first four UAAP high school streetdance championships, returned to form with a runner-up finish, earning 86.83 points and P30,000 through a performance dedicated to the hits of Michael Jackson.

FEU-Diliman T.A.M. Streetz rounded out the podium with 85.50 points—narrowly edging NUDC-Nazalian Street’s 85.17—through a routine set to Ebe Dancel’s “Burnout.”

Rounding out the seven-team high school field were Ateneo, represented by Indayog ng Atenistang Kabataan (84.83), East Force Varsity (76.67), and the De La Salle Zobel Dance Crew (76.50).

Adding flair to the spectacle were intermission performances from the Legit Status Dance Crew—founded by Season 88 Streetdance Commissioner Vimi Rivera—and world-renowned Filipino dance group UPeepz.

NU secures return trip to Finals, ends UST's run

c/o UAAP

Games on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena
12 p.m.  – FEU vs NU (Men's Finals)
5 p.m. – DLSU vs NU (Women's Finals)

Second-ranked National University showed championship composure, unleashing an 11-3 finishing run to halt fourth seed University of Santo Tomas’ climb in the stepladder and secure a 20-25, 26-24, 26-24, 25-21 victory, booking its place in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Finals on Saturday.

Arah Panique and Vange Alinsug delivered the heavy blows in crunch time of the three sets NU won—all of them comeback wins—before a crowd of 14,334 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The back-to-back champions Lady Bulldogs will now gun for a third straight title against the De La Salle Lady Spikers, who swept the 14-game elimination round. NU, however, swept La Salle in last year’s Finals.

It will be the fourth Finals meeting between NU and La Salle in the last five seasons. Game 1 is set at 5 p.m. on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The Lady Bulldogs reached the championship round despite a challenging elimination campaign in the post-Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon era.

“We are just happy that we’re here, we did our best for today’s game, and we’re just going to prepare for the next one. It’s still the same for everyone. We prepare, we do our best, and hopefully we get the championship,” said NU head coach Regine Diego, who will face her former mentor Ramil de Jesus for the first time.

De Jesus has guided the Lady Spikers to 12 championships and will be making his 22nd Finals appearance for the Taft-based squad.

UST looked poised to extend the match to a fifth set after building an 18-14 lead in the fourth frame behind the efforts of Xyza Gula, Regina Jurado, and Jonna Perdido. However, NU refused to be denied, closing the door with a decisive surge.

Alinsug spearheaded the rally, scoring six points in NU’s 11-3 finishing run, with support from Chams Maaya, Camilla Lamina, and Alexa Mata. The Lady Bulldogs wrapped up the win in two hours and 25 minutes, securing their fifth straight Finals appearance.

Presumptive Rookie of the Year Sam Cantada, who tweaked her left ankle midway through the second set, returned in the fourth and provided steady service during NU’s late push.

“Very happy kasi lahat kami pinagtrabahuhan talaga itong game na ito. Very crucial do-or-die game, very happy ako sa performance ng team at sana tuloy-tuloy siya hanggang championship,” said Lamina, who orchestrated the offense with 34 excellent sets, while adding three points and six digs.

Panique, who anchored NU’s comebacks from 20-17 deficits in both the second and third sets, led all scorers with 23 points on 21 attacks and two blocks.

Last season’s co-Finals MVP Alinsug finished with 18 points, 10 of which came in the final set, alongside 16 receptions and seven digs.

Middle blockers Maaya and Mata also stepped up with 14 and 10 points, respectively, combining for nine of NU’s 12 blocks.

Shaira Jardio, co-Finals MVP last season, delivered 25-of-30 excellent receptions and 24-of-46 excellent digs in the victory.

On the other side, the Golden Tigresses, who survived two do-or-die matches to reach the stepladder finale, settled for third place for the second straight season.

It also marked the end of Detdet Pepito’s 11-year UAAP career with UST, capping a decorated run that includes six Best Libero awards (four in high school, two in college).

In her final UAAP match, Pepito tallied 23-of-47 excellent digs and 8-of-11 excellent receptions.

Jurado led UST with 19 points, including two blocks, along with 12 digs, while Poyos added 16 points, 13 receptions, and 10 digs despite limited action in the fourth set.

Perdido contributed 15 points, 21 receptions, and nine digs, while Cassie Carballo dished out 35 excellent sets to go with five points and eight digs.

Naga set for NBTC South Luzon Regional hosting in 2027 as part of Bicol's tweaks

c/o NBTC

NAGA is stepping up to the plate as the hosts for the 2027 NBTC South Luzon Regional Championship, with the hopes of revitalizing grassroots basketball in the Bicol Region.

“I think it's about time we have this program for the Bicol Region,” said NBTC program director Eric Altamirano during the launch on Friday at Buffalo's Wings N Things MAAX. “I’m delighted to have this leadership for Region 5. Launching a program is completely different from sustaining it and the challenge is not just how we start but how we continue and sustain it."

Longtime commissioner Allan Augusto is leading the Bicol Basketball Training Center as its area head and will be supported by program partners Pablo Roel and Tyrone Paul Weber.

“Masakit kasi sa part naming mga sports league sa Region 5 na pagdating sa South Luzon [Regional Championship], hindi na tayo manalo. Paano tayo makakarating ng National Finals at ano ba yung lunas sa problema? Nakita natin na kailangan magkaroon sa sustainability ng program," said Augusto.

Working with them are local commissioners Roland Jarque for Albay, John Salvador and Al Francis Requinta of Camarines Sur, Fidel Vegim of Catanduanes, Agustin Polo of Sorsogon, and Hurley Cleofe of Masbate, as well as consultant Bob De Vera, media partner Joe Osabal, technical head  Johannes Guerrero, assistant technical head Nobert Hayag, and technical consultant Emman Faraon as consultants.

Naga College Foundation was the last Bicolano team to reach the National Finals back in 2024, with the Tigers proudly representing Albay.

Bicol Basketball Training Center is also hopeful to produce the next Justin Arana, a native of Daet, Camarines Norte, as the group laid out a year-long plan to keep the basketball community in the region vibrant in the leadup to the 17th season of the Philippine national 19-under championship next year.

FEU authors return trip to the UAAP Men's Volleyball Finals

c/o UAAP

Amet Bituin delivered when it mattered most as top-ranked Far Eastern University survived a thrilling five-set escape against fourth-seeded Ateneo de Manila University, 25-23, 20-25, 16-25, 25-17, 15-12, to book its place in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Finals on Wednesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

After the Blue Eagles erased a 3-8 deficit in the fifth set to come within striking distance at 12-11, Bituin showed remarkable composure beyond his years. The 20-year-old outside hitter then came through with three consecutive crosscourt attacks that powered the Tamaraws to their second straight UAAP men’s volleyball finals appearance.

FEU will now await the winner between second-seeded National University and third-seeded University of Santo Tomas, with their match ongoing as of posting.

“Balikan natin yung whole duration ng match. Siguro masasabi ko na ito yung mae-expect sa semis, hindi ba?  Lagi natin sinasabi na this is the UAAP, at hindi napakadali manalo. Kung makikita naman natin yung adjustments ng bawat isa, masasabi ko na respetadong coach talaga si coach Vince [Mangulabnan],” Tamaraws head coach Eddieson Orcullo said.

After a dominant 25-17 win in the fourth set, FEU carried its momentum into the deciding frame, racing to an early 8-3 lead highlighted by a net touch error from Nigerian spiker Aimar Okeke and an off-the-block hit from Bituin.

Ateneo, however, refused to go down quietly, mounting a 6-2 run capped by back-to-back crosscourt hits from Okeke and a key block by Amil Pacinio on Bituin, cutting the deficit to just 12-11.

In the end, FEU held its ground, with Bituin once again stepping up by finishing the match with three straight crosscourt attacks to complete the comeback from a 1-2 set deficit.

The Blue Eagles were on the verge of forcing a rubber match after dominating the second and third sets, but FEU’s poise in the clutch proved decisive in sealing the reverse sweep.

“Kanina yung nasa isip ko lang nung last part na nung game, habang naglalaro kasi kanina, nagpa-pray ako sa utak ko na ‘Lord, bigyan niyo pa ako ng konting lakas para ma-push pa itong laro na ito, para ma-overcome itong laro na ito, at para makuha namin yung laro na ito,'" said Bituin, who finished with 12 points on 11 attacks and one block, alongside 10 excellent receptions and five excellent digs in the two-hour, two-minute marathon.

"Nagtiwala lang din ako sa mga teammate ko kanina at sa mga coaches, kung ano yung binibigay na instructions, sunod lang kami."

Dryx Saavedra led FEU with 14 points and three excellent digs, while Lirick Mendoza added 13 points built on 10 attacks and three blocks. Mikko Espartero contributed 11 points, 15 excellent receptions, and three excellent digs.

Team captain Ariel Cacao orchestrated the offense with 26 excellent sets, while Vennie Ceballos anchored the defense with 21 excellent receptions and 14 excellent digs.

FEU’s only loss of the season came against the Bulldogs in the second round, while the 25-time champions also swept the Golden Spikers in their elimination round meetings.

Meanwhile, in their first Final Four appearance since a bronze-medal finish in Season 81, the Blue Eagles settled for fourth place. Ateneo will also move forward without Season 85 Best Libero Lance de Castro and middle blocker Brian Castro heading into Season 89.

Okeke led Ateneo with 24 points on 22 attacks and two blocks, along with six excellent receptions and five excellent digs, while Ken Batas followed with 15 points on 11 attacks, two blocks, and two aces, plus 15 excellent receptions.

Jian Salarzon posted 12 points and 19 excellent receptions, while Rodge Alejos added nine points on six attacks and three blocks.

In their final game for Ateneo, Castro contributed seven points, while De Castro finished with 20 excellent receptions and six excellent digs.

Ateneo, La Salle remain undefeated in UAAP 3x3 Men's Basketball

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 Collegiate 3x3 Standings

Men’s 

Ateneo 3-0
DLSU 3-0
ADU 2-1
UP 2-1
FEU 1-2
NU 1-2
UE 0-3
UST 0-3

Women’s

UST 3-0
ADU 2-1
Ateneo 2-1
FEU 2-1
DLSU 1-2
NU 1-2
UE 1-2
UP 0-3

Defending UAAP Collegiate Men’s 3x3 champion De La Salle University and Ateneo de Manila University remained the only unbeaten teams after three games on Tuesday at Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque City.

The Green Archers routed the National University Bulldogs, 21-13, behind Luis Pablo, who led the charge with eight points and five rebounds. Doy Dungo and Jcee Macalalag added six and five points, respectively.

Meanwhile, the Blue Eagles cruised past the winless University of the East Red Warriors, 21-14, to share the lead with their archrivals in the tournament supported by Wilson Philippines and Ayala Malls and sanctioned by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

Andrew Bongo scored eight points, Shawn Tuano had seven, while Kyle Gamber chipped in five for Ateneo.

“We’re just trying to make the school proud. Too many years, even in 5-on-5, not even a Final Four placement,” said Tuano. “We’re just here, trying to bring something home and just trying to make the school proud.

“We have one goal in mind: bring home that gold. We want to bring that championship back to Ateneo; we will try to do that,” he added, noting that the last time Ateneo won the 3x3 crown was in UAAP Season 81, when the sport was still a demonstration event.

In other men’s games, Miguel Yñiguez and Noah Pacquiao delivered game-winners to lift University of the Philippines and Adamson University to a share of third place with identical 2-1 records.

For the second straight game, Yñiguez knocked down a game-winning deuce, lifting the Fighting Maroons past the Far Eastern University Tamaraws in overtime, 20-18. He finished with 10 points and 12 rebounds, while LA Andres added eight points.

On the other hand, Pacquiao drained a corner deuce — his 10th point of the game — at the buzzer to carry the Soaring Falcons to a 20-18 win over the still winless University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers.

FEU and NU slipped to 1-2 heading into Day 3 on Thursday.

Meanwhile, in the women’s division, the battle of unbeatens between the Growling Tigresses and the Lady Tamaraws turned into a lopsided affair, with UST cruising to a 13-2 win for its third straight victory.

Kent Pastrana led the way with five points and nine rebounds, Brigette Santos added four points, while Coi Danganan chipped in three in the rout.

“So lucky to be playing with her in her last tournament here in the UAAP,” said Fil-Australian rookie Erinn Mcalary on being able to team up with Pastrana before she moves on to the next chapter of her career. “It’s more motivation for us to play well in this tournament and hopefully win this to send her off properly.”

The loss dropped the Lady Tamaraws into a tie for second with the Blue Eagles, who defeated the Fighting Maroons, 14-8, and the Lady Falcons, who edged the Lady Archers, 19-17.

Kacey dela Rosa and Kai Oani scored all of Ateneo’s points with eight and six, respectively.

Elaine Etang poured in nine points in Adamson’s win, while Cheska Apag added six.

Meanwhile, the Lady Bulldogs notched their first win of the tournament despite fielding just three players, defeating the Lady Warriors, 19-16.

Aloha Betanio and Samantha Medina finished with eight and seven points, respectively, while Bonie Solis added four.

Tiger Cubs snap Baby Tams 24-game streak in UAAP U19 Boys 3x3 Basketball

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 High School 3x3 Basketball Standings

19U Boys’
UST 3-0
NUNS 2-1
FEU-D 2-1
DLSZ 2-1
UE 1-2
ADU 1-2
UPIS 1-2
Ateneo 0-3

16u Boys’
FEU-D 3-0
UST 2-1
Ateneo 2-1
DLSZ 2-1
ADU 1-2
UE 1-2
NUNS 1-2
UPIS 0-3

University of Santo Tomas took solo lead in the UAAP Season 88 19-and-under 3x3 basketball tournament after pulling off two thrilling wins on Tuesday at Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque City.

The Tiger Cubs ended the 24-game winning streak of defending champions FEU-Diliman Baby Tamaraws with a 21-18 victory to open their day, before following it up with a 21-16 win over the DLSZ Junior Archers. With those results, UST remained the only unbeaten team in the tournament, which is supported by Wilson Philippines and Ayala Malls and sanctioned by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

Kirk Cañete led the charge against FEU-D, going a perfect 4-of-4 from the field, including 2-of-2 from beyond the arc, finishing with 10 points, while Joaqui Ludovice added seven.

Ludovice then took over against DLSZ, finishing with nine points, while Jettlee Melano and Cañete chipped in five points apiece.

“Happy po kami as a team kasi nagtulong-tulungan kami. Lahat ito, pinaghandaan kami,” said Ludovice, the 5-foot-9 guard who is in Grade 11 but will age out of the league’s high school competitions in UAAP Season 89. “Pero hindi pa kami ganoon kasaya kasi hindi pa namin naabot yung pinaka goal namin, which is yung championship. Happy kami pero hindi pa kami kuntento.”

For Ludovice, winning the 3x3 tournament would be a perfect cap to their high school run after finishing sixth in the 5-on-5 competition last March.

“Sineseryoso namin ito kasi ito yung comeback namin from 5-on-5. UAAP pa rin ito at parehong championship pa rin ang pinaglalabanan dito,” said Joaqui, the younger brother of former San Beda Red Lion Yvan Ludovice.

The middle of the standings remains tightly packed, with FEU-D, National University Nazareth School, and De La Salle-Zobel all holding 2-1 records.

Cabs Cabonilas powered FEU-D with 11 points and 11 rebounds in a 21-13 bounce-back win over Ateneo.

Meanwhile, University of the Philippines Integrated School leaned on the duo of Jhustin Hallare and Bruce Tubongbanua, who both scored nine points, in a 22-20 stunner over NUNS. However, NUNS responded later in the day with a 21-11 rout of Adamson.

Niño Ferrer then scored a deuce in overtime to lift DLSZ to a 20-18 win over Ateneo, helping the Junior Archers rebound.

Adamson, UE, and UPIS are all at 1-2, while Ateneo remains winless in the division.

In the 16-and-under division, defending champion Ateneo—coming off a 21-17 win over UE earlier in the day—saw its 10-game winning streak snapped after FEU-Diliman pulled off a 21-15 victory.

Prince Cariño dominated the match, finishing with 13 points and eight rebounds.

The Baby Tamaraws also cruised in their first game of the day, defeating Adamson 21-13 behind nine points from Dwayne Enriquez and seven from Cariño to move to 3-0 in the division.

Ateneo, UST, and DLSZ are all at 2-1, while Adamson, UE, and NUNS sit at 1-2. UPIS remains winless.

The Junior Tiger Cubs also went 2-0 for the day, scoring wins over NUNS (21-16) and UPIS (21-13).

Miguel Jubilado and CJ Tabbuga scored eight and seven points, respectively, against the Bullpups, while Tabbuga added nine points and Dave Regala contributed seven points and nine rebounds against the Fighting Maroons.

DLSZ, which started the day with a 21-20 escape over UPIS, suffered a 19-15 upset loss to NUNS—the Bullpups’ first win of the tournament.

Junior Archers head trainer Joshua Webb said his squad needs to experience both highs and lows to grow in the competition.

“Just a few tweaks and adjustments here and there, but that’s going to come. 3x3 is a different animal from 5-on-5, and it’s our job to teach them that,” said Webb, a DLSZ legend and former Philippine-ranked 3x3 player during his stint with Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3.

The Junior Warriors finally broke through with their first win, edging the Adamson Baby Falcons 19-17 in overtime as James Mesa nailed the game-winning deuce.

The tournament will resume on Thursday, with the high school girls’ competition also set to begin on the same day.

Opening Ceremonies to mark start of 2026 edition of MPTC Tour of Luzon

 

The revival of the race of the summer continues as the 2026 edition of the MPTC Tour of Luzon gets kickstarted with the Opening Ceremonies and Team Presentations on Tuesday at CaSoBe in Calatagan, Batangas.

Dubbed as "A Heritage in Motion," 91 riders split into thirteen teams are set to display their shiny jerseys as an appetizer for the grueling road ahead, featuring fourteen stages traversing the biggest island in the Philippines.

Set to address them in the ceremony, which starts at 5pm, are Philippines Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio, and the tour's Chief Organizer and CEO Arrey Perez, which will also feature a message from Philippine Olympic Committee president and concurrently the head of PhilCycling, the national sports association for cycling, Abraham Tolentino, as well as opening remarks from NLEX Corporation president and general manager Luis Reñon.

In addition, gracing the event are Mediaquest Holdings Inc President and CEO Ricky Vargas, who also is a member of the Board of Directors for the tour's Organizing Committee, as well as Games and Amusements Board chairman Atty. Francisco Rivera, Calatagan Mayor Rico Puno and Cardinal Santos Medical Center president and CEO Raul Pagdanganan.

Also among the distinguished guests are noted cycling enthusiast and MMDA General Nicolas Torre III, who was one of the participants in Sunday's Heritage Race for cycling executives, and the family of the late cycling patron Albert Lina.

Aside for the messages, the ceremony will feature the handover of the MPTC Tour of Luzon Perpetual Trophy from inaugural champion MPTC DriveHub back to the organizers. In order to keep this trophy, they will need to win this upcoming edition and the next one after that.

Concluding the events on Tuesday will be a fireworks display on the shore off Balayan Bay.

Race proper begins on Wednesday with a festive and booming Grand Departure starting at 9am, with Stage 1 set to conclude at Tagaytay City. It is the lone stage in Southern Luzon with the start of Stage 2 taking place in Clark. In a tour first, it will feature a couple of Hors Category climbs, with one on the tenth stage from Candon City, Ilocos Sur to Bessang Pass in Cervantes, Ilocos Norte, as well as on the final stage from Lingayen Pangasinan to John Hay Hotels in Baguio City.

Returning to defend his individual crown and leading the foreign contingent in the tour is Joo Dae Young of Gapyeong Cycling Team, one of two Korean teams participating.

The rest of the foreign legion are comprised of Seoul Cycling Team, LCW UAE Cycle, CCN Factory Racing (Hong Kong), Ponti Wijaya Racing Team (Indonesia), and the Malaysian National Team.

Aside from the defending champions MPTC DriveHub, representing the Philippines are known continental players 7-Eleven CLIQQ Roadbike Philippines and Go For Gold Philippines, as well as Standard Insurance Philippines, DReyna Orion Cement Pro Cycling Team, Excellent Noodles, and Pangasinan Cycling Team.

The MPTC Tour of Luzon is co-presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, and supported by the MVP Group of Companies and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), while also aligned with the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee (NSTIAC). 

Details about the race are in the official website tourofluzoncycling.com and its corresponding Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/tourofluzoncycling.

Dela Rosa, Apag seek to build on FIBA 3x3 experience onto UAAP 3x3

c/o UAAP

Two weeks after making Philippine 3x3 history, Kacey dela Rosa and Cheska Apag return to familiar ground to lead their respective universities in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s 3x3 Basketball Tournament, which begins today (Monday) at Ayala Malls By The Bay.

Dela Rosa and Apag were part of the Gilas Women’s squad that captured silver in the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup. Dela Rosa, together with UAAP alums Afril Bernardino, Mikka Cacho, and Tantoy Ferrer, also helped the Philippines punch its ticket to the 3x3 World Cup.

“I’m super excited, of course. Coming from the FIBA Asia Cup and World Cup Qualifiers, I know I learned a lot from those tournaments, and you know I’m just excited to share it with my teammates on the court,” said Dela Rosa.

She will be joined by 5-on-5 Rookie of the Year Erica De Luna, Kai Oani, Lauren Lopez, and Hannah Lopez as Ateneo de Manila University opens its campaign against two former champions, University of Santo Tomas at 12:40 p.m., followed by National University at 3:20 p.m.

Now, Dela Rosa is focused on anchoring the Blue Eagles’ title-retention bid in the three-a-side game.

“Whenever I play naman, for Gilas especially, you know, for Ateneo, I’m super competitive talaga. Siguro kasi nakasanayan na talaga eh. I came from Chiang Kai Shek kasi, and I guess dun ko parang na-adapt yung mindset na ganun. Gusto ko lagi manalo or mag champion kahit anong team pa yan,” she added.

Adamson University’s Cheska Apag, meanwhile, will be joined by Elaine Etang, Jam Meniano, Niclen Manlimos, and Nadine Muñoz as they look to bounce back into podium contention after missing out last season.

The women’s division is expected to be highly competitive, with UST, NU, and University of the Philippines fielding loaded squads.

The Growling Tigresses, reigning 5-on-5 champions, will be led by Kent Pastrana, who will be representing UST for the final time in this tournament. She will be joined by Brigette Santos, Karylle Sierba, Coi Danganan, and Erinn McAlary.

UAAP Season 86 Girls' 3x3 MVP Cielo Pagdulagan will spearhead the Lady Bulldogs, alongside Dindy Medina, Aloha Betanio, Bonie Solis, and Samantha Medina, as NU looks to rebound after missing the podium last season.

Louna Ozar will lead the Cacho-trained Fighting Maroons and will be flanked by Camille Nolasco, Achrissa Maw, Shane Cunanan, and Marielle Vingno.

The rivalry clash between UST and NU is set for April 30 at 6 p.m.

On the collegiate men’s side, De La Salle University is eyeing a fourth straight 3x3 crown in this tournament supported by Wilson Philippines and Ayala Malls, and is sanctioned by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

Seniors Earl Abadam and Jcee Macalalag return, teaming up with reigning MVP Doy Dungo, EJ Gollena, and Luis Pablo.

“We take it with pride and honor to have the chance to bring La Salle a fourth 3x3 championship this year. This one will mean a lot to Jcee and me since it will be our last year playing and wearing a La Salle jersey,” said Abadam, who is aiming for his fifth overall UAAP title.

Last season’s silver medalists, the Growling Tigers, will bring back Amiel Acido, Gelo Crisostomo, and Ice Danting, along with rookies Carl Manding and Koji Buenaflor.

Crisostomo is currently in Sanya, China, representing the Philippines in the 3x3 competition of the 6th Asian Beach Games.

Last season's bronze medalists, the Soaring Falcons, will feature Allen Perez, AJ Fransman, Joshua Barcelona, Mat Edding, and Noah Pacquiao.

After finishing in the lower half of the standings last season, the Nico Salva-mentored Blue Eagles will field a deep lineup with Andrew Bongo, Shawn Tuano, Kyle Gamber, Alden Cainglet, and Thirdy Ebdane.

La Salle opens its title defense against Adamson at 2 p.m.

Cabs Cabonilas, the history-maker who won both regular season and Finals MVPs last March, will lead FEU-Diliman’s “three-peat” bid alongside Marc Burgos, JB Cagurungan, Sam Hall, and Adrian Alabagan.

The NU-Nazareth School Bullpups, looking to avenge their 5-on-5 loss to the Baby Tamaraws, will be composed of Kurl Figueroa, Miekho Natinga, Chad Cartel, Sofiane Bouzina, and Rhon-J Matias.

The Junior Growling Tigresses, meanwhile, like their seniors, are eyeing a “golden double” with Lea Pinuela, Katrina Insoy, Jesabel Anacan, Janice Oczon, and Sofia Petalcorin.

The Lady Bullpups, fielding Aubrey Lapasaran, Zaydhen Rosano, Ruiza Olmos, Queennie Cordero, and KJ Badajos, will look to spoil that bid.

In the 16-and-under division, 15-year-old reigning MVP Sky Jazul will lead Ateneo High School’s back-to-back title pursuit.

The elimination round runs from April 27 to May 2, with a break on April 29. The knockout stage will be held on May 3.

Second leg of PFA Open Tournament on tap this weekend

c/o Philippine Fencing Association

Fencers return to competitive action this weekend as the second leg of the Philippine Fencing Association (PFA) Open Division ranking tournaments commences inside the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Around 250 competitors are expected to take part, marking the continuation of the Dr. Celso L. Dayrit Memorial Fencing Championships, which also hosted the first leg of the PFA Cadet and Junior rankings last March.

The season-opening leg of the PFA Open last February set an early tone for what has become a tightly contested year, featuring national team regulars and elite club fencers battling for early control of the standings. While several familiar names claimed podium finishes, results across foil, épée, and sabre highlighted just how slim the margins have become at the highest level.

Nearly all medalists from the first leg are back in action, alongside competitors coming off recent campaigns in the UAAP Fencing Championships, the domestic Cadet and Junior leg, and international events such as the FIE Cadet and Junior Championships in Brazil. Those tournaments saw new contenders emerge and sharpened several athletes ahead of this key Open Division stop.

Also returning are members of the Philippine Modern Pentathlon Team, who figured prominently in the opening leg. Leading that contingent are Samuel German and Princess Arpilon, both aiming to build on previous medal finishes.

Competition begins on Saturday with Men’s Épée, Women’s Foil, and Men’s Sabre, before concluding on Sunday with Women’s Épée, Men’s Foil, and Women’s Sabre, as valuable ranking points remain up for grabs.

Canlas Fencing sets the table in PFA Cadet/Junior opener

c/o Philippine Fencing Association

Members of the Canlas Fencing community stepped up and showed out in the first leg of the Philippines Fencing Association's ranking tournaments for Cadet and Junior fencers last March 21-22 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

The competition, called the Dr. Celso L. Dayrit Memorial Fencing Championships, took place days after the conclusion of the UAAP Fencing Championships that was held at the University of Makati.

Leading the charge for the club are the Canlas sisters, with Nina netting two gold medals in Women's Epee and Nicol securing a gold and a bronze in Women's Sabre. The former dispatch a couple of Oblation Fencing competitors, Sophia Carig in the semifinals, and Faith Olemos in the final to claim the Cadet crown on Saturday, before defeating fellow Red Warrior Mika Ragot in the semifinals and Justa Sandoval of UP in the final for Juniors the next day.

As for the latter, she managed to defeat Liah Gillana in the semifinals, 15-7, avenging her defeat to the UST HS standout in the UAAP Girls Sabre semifinal a week earlier. Nicol then dispatched CF teammate Gabrielle Wynter Ang in the final, 15-12 for the Cadet crown.

She almost matched her sister's feat, but lost to Nadelle Turiano in the semifinals, 15-7. The Canadian-based fencer topped the Junior crown with a 15-13 win over Arianna Tiu of Republic Fencing.

All-CF match-ups also popped up on both days, with Oscar del Castillo defeating Franco Pediapco in the Cadet Men's Epee final, while it was a pure CF podium on Junior Men's Foil, with Nathan Canlas defeating Marcus Antonio Manuel in the final, 15-4. James Limuel Lim beat his fellow Red Warrior Brynt Gale for the bronze, 15-13.

Willa Galvez took advantage of Sophia Catantan incurring an injury during the knockout rounds to claim the Cadet Women's Foil title, dispatching Hagia Sophia del Castillo. With Catantan ruled out for the next day's Junior action, the younger del Castillo bounced back to top the action against Jodie Tan.

Other winners include Xavier's Gabriel Marcus Chua in Cadet Men's Foil, UST's Antonio Baydid in Cadet Men's Sabre, Matt Jacob Mayo in Junior Men's Epee, and Charles Babatio in Junior Men's Sabre.

The second leg of the Cadet and Junior ranking tournament is slated to take place next month.

Filoil preseason set for May 17 opening

Preseason basketball officially kicks into high gear next month, with the 19th edition of the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup set to open on May 17 at its hub, the Filoil Centre in San Juan.

Teams from both the UAAP and NCAA are set to tangle, with the champion to be crowned on July 18.

The University of the Philippines is seeking to claim its fourth straight title in this tournament, as it attempts to reclaim the UAAP men's basketball crown back from La Salle.

Even with the departure of its senior core, the Maroons will be ready for their title defense, led by its transfer standouts Veejay Pre, Rey Remogat, and Gani Stevens.

The Green Archers, fresh from their title exploits in dispatching UP in the league, will still have Jacob Cortez running the show, but expect some adjustments with the departure of Mike Phillips and Kean Baclaan. 

Set to make its return after sitting out the last few editions is Ateneo, which is set to parade a bunch of newcomers led by Kieffer Alas.

As for the NCAA, San Beda and Letran lead the way, while the College of Saint Benilde is also ready to impress. Jose Rizal University and Emilio Aguinaldo College, who have up-and-coming guards Sean Salvador and EJ Castillo, respectively, potentially surprising as they continue their preparations for the 102nd season of the Grand Old League.

The format from the past few seasons will be retained, as all UAAP schools will be placed in one group with the NCAA institutions on the other. After their groups go through a single round robin, the knockout rounds begin with the crossover quarterfinals.

A new element for this season is the appointment of BJ Manalo as the tournament's commissioner, supporting coaching legend Joe Lipa. The former La Salle collegiate standout is the latest addition to the tournament staff, which is still led by Virgil Villavicencio (chairman), Bert dela Rosa (deputy commissioner), Bennett Palad (tournament director) and Diana Layug (general manager). 

Manalo shares, "It's a wonderful privilege to be in touch with the current players and the current head coaches, and to have this chance to learn from coach Joe. This is special."

Supporting the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup are ABC Tile Adhesive, Hanes, Wallem, Molten, Reyes Barbecue, Nature's Spring, BDO, Akari, and Tela.com Athletics.

NU outlasts UST, secures semifinal berth

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball Standings

**DLSU 14-0

*NU 10-4

*AdU 9-5

^UST 8-6

^FEU 8-6

UP 5-9

Ateneo 2-12

UE 0-14

**Finals

*Stepladder

^Playoff

Games on Saturday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum

1 p.m. - NU vs UST (Men's Playoff for Second Seed)

3 p.m. - UST vs FEU (Women's Stepladder Stage 1)

National University secured the second seed and an outright berth in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball stepladder semifinals after a stirring reverse sweep over University of Santo Tomas, 19-25, 23-25, 25-18, 25-18, 15-13, on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Lady Bulldogs finished the elimination round with a 10-4 record, clinching solo second place and avoiding complications for the first phase of the semifinals.

De La Salle University is already waiting in the Finals after a perfect 14-0 elimination round, while Adamson University holds the third seed.

“I’m very proud of them because even though we were coming from a loss and we were fatigued already from that, we pushed through this game and locked in the second rank. Very happy. Hopefully dire-diretso na po ito hanggang dulo po,” said NU head coach Regine Diego.

Meanwhile, the Golden Tigresses dropped to 8-6, now tied with the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws for the fourth and final semifinal spot.

It was a day of reverse sweeps, as FEU earlier pulled off a 22-25, 23-25, 25-12, 25-21, 15-10 win over Ateneo to stay in the Final Four race.

UST and FEU will dispute the No. 4 spot on Saturday at the Big Dome.

Just when UST was on the verge of sealing a semifinals berth after taking the first two sets, NU regrouped and took the next two frames with identical 25-18 scores.

In the decider, NU led 11-7 before Avril Bron and Angge Poyos sparked a four-point run to tie the game at 11-all.

Both teams traded points over the next four exchanges to move the score to 13-all, before a crucial drop ball by Poyos narrowly went out, giving the Lady Bulldogs match point.

Captain Vange Alinsug then delivered the finishing blow, scoring through the UST blockers to seal the NU win after two hours and 23 minutes.

“Gusto lang po naming makabawi sa pagkatalo namin last game kasi ’yun ‘yung pinanghuhugutan talaga namin, ‘yung game na ’yun. Masaya lang din po kami kasi makikita naman po ‘yung team effort namin and teamwork po,” said Arah Panique, who vowed to bounce back after her net fault in the previous game against La Salle that cost NU the outright berth in the Final Four.

Panique made up for it with 24 points on 21 attacks, two blocks, and one ace, along with six digs. Sam Cantada also stepped up with 20 points on 15 spikes, three blocks, and two aces, plus 17 receptions and nine digs.

Alinsug contributed 13 points, 10 digs, and six receptions, while Chams Maaya, who was key in the fourth set, added nine points on four attacks, three aces, and two blocks.

Shaira Jardio anchored the defense with 33-of-46 excellent receptions and 16-of-33 digs, while Camilla Lamina orchestrated the offense with 24 excellent sets and five points.

For UST, Poyos led the way with 24 points, 15 receptions, and nine digs, while Regina Jurado added 21 points and 16 digs.

Cassie Carballo tallied 25 excellent sets, eight digs, and four points, while Detdet Pepito impressed with 20-of-22 excellent receptions and 16-of-32 digs.

Five-set drama keeps FEU postseason hopes alive in UAAP Women's Volleyball

c/o UAAP

Far Eastern University woke up just in time to outlast also-ran Ateneo de Manila University, 22-25, 23-25, 25-12, 25-21, 15-10, and keep its Final Four hopes alive in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Lady Tamaraws finished the elimination round with an 8-6 record and are now the biggest supporters of the NU Lady Bulldogs against the UST Golden Tigresses in their ongoing match as of publishing time.

An NU win would drop UST to an 8-6 record as well, tying it with FEU and forcing a playoff for the last Final Four ticket on Saturday at the Big Dome. A Golden Tigresses victory, however, will officially eliminate the Lady Tamaraws from contention.

“‘Yung first set hindi nag work ‘yung game plan namin… but ayun nga lesson namin ‘yung first two sets. Kailangang may mag-step up, kailangang may mag-embrace ng responsibility na iiwan ng mga seniors,” said FEU head coach Tina Salak.

FEU has now won its last eight meetings against Ateneo since Season 85 (2023), but the streak was threatened after KC Cortez steered the Katipunan-based side to a two-set lead.

The Lady Tamaraws regrouped and played with renewed purpose and determination, rallying to tie the match and force a fifth set.

In the decider, Ateneo handed the victory to FEU after committing three costly errors, while Melody Pons and Clarisse Loresco scored a point each to turn a slim 10-9 lead into a 15-10 win after two hours and 21 minutes.

“0-0 lang ang mindset kasi hindi pa po tapos ang laban (after the second set). Kailangan lang po naming bumalik, pusuan pa po ng mas angat pa,” said captain Gerzel Petallo, who delivered 17 points, 16 digs, and 11 receptions.

Lovely Lopez added 13 points and 26 receptions for FEU, while Kyle Pendon also produced 13 points on five attacks, six blocks, and two aces off the bench.

Loresco chipped in 10 points as well, while libero Marga Encarnacion capped her stellar elimination round with 15 digs and 12 receptions. Despite playing hurt, Tin Ubaldo still delivered 22 excellent sets and had two blocks.

On the Ateneo side, Dona De Leon continued to show the program’s bright future with 15 points on 11 attacks and four blocks, while JLo Delos Santos added 12 points, 11 digs, and seven receptions.

Rookie Ana Hermosura also contributed 10 points, along with 12 receptions and nine digs.

Setter Taks Fujimoto has exhausted her eligibility for the Blue Eagles, while head coach Sergio Veloso has also confirmed he will not return next season.

Ateneo finished in seventh place with a 2-12 record, its worst finish in the Final Four era.

Mangin powers into women's bantamweight gold medal match in UAAP Taekwondo

c/o UAAP

Tachiana Mangin showcased her pedigree and led the charge in kicking off the University of Santo Tomas’ redemption bid in style, advancing to the gold medal match of the women’s bantamweight (under-58 kg) division in the UAAP Season 88 Taekwondo Championships on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Malate, Manila.

The 2024 World Junior champion in the under-49 kg division dominated her two opponents in her UAAP debut, dispatching University of the Philippines’ Messiah Cruz, 2–0 (12–4, 10–2), in the quarterfinals before stamping her authority with another 2–0 romp over Far Eastern University’s Khira Duldulao, 21–3, 19–1, in the semifinals.

"Siyempre, masaya po na nakalaro na ako kasi before nung kakapasok ko pa lang po sa UST, pinapanood ko lang po 'yung mga seniors ko mag-compete. And isa rin sa mga nag-motivate sa 'kin is 'yung seniors ko po," said the rookie standout.

"I think lahat naman po kami naapektuhan sa bagong format, kaya equal footing naman po. Kaya after rin naman po ng UAAP last season, nag-adjust po agad kami at ginamit po naming advantage 'yung matagal na off-season para bumalik sa basic," Mangin added.

The 33rd Southeast Asian Games gold medalist will take on National University’s RJ Rae Arquion, who defeated Ateneo de Manila University’s Kenshin Rain Bonos, in the finals on Friday.

K-Ann Shane Gibaga joined Mangin in the Lady Jins’ quest for a bounce-back championship, pulling off a win by superiority in the sudden-death round of the finweight (under-46 kg) semifinal against NU’s Caitlyn Carlos.

Gibaga will face De La Salle University’s Jade Irish Papa, who defeated UP’s Shania Azarcon in straight rounds in the semifinals, for the gold medal.

The reigning champions, the NU Lady Bulldogs, also booked two tickets to Friday’s finals. Aside from Arquion, Rajany Santos clinched a spot in the flyweight (under-49 kg) gold medal match against UP’s Mikaela Sese.

Santos and Sese each needed just two rounds to secure their respective semifinal victories, defeating UP’s Yuhana Pardinez and Ateneo’s Sheean Dumat-ol.

On the men’s side, former champions NU set their own redemption campaign in motion, sending three jins to the finals: Kent John Banzon in the featherweight (under-68 kg), Carl Louie Ayaton in the welterweight (under-80 kg), and Cyvir Junio in the middle/heavyweight (over-80 kg).

Banzon defeated Ateneo’s Gabrielle Samson in the semifinals to arrange a finals showdown with UP’s Alexander Ogoy, who mounted a comeback against UST’s Aron Jay Bangayan in their own Final Four clash.

The two other finals featuring NU jins will both be against UST Tiger Jins.

Ayaton, who outlasted La Salle’s Nicolas Castillo, will face Michael Cadampog, who scored a come-from-behind win over UP’s Russel Villanueva. Meanwhile, Junio, who beat La Salle’s Marcus Delos Santos, will rekindle his rivalry with UST veteran Israel Cantos.

The final in the remaining weight class contested on Tuesday will feature La Salle’s Einz Alicayon against Ateneo’s Carl Williams.

Alicayon edged UP’s Arwyn Wagtingan in the semifinals, 2–1, while Williams pulled off a stunner against UST’s John Kim Pasion.

Similarly, it will be an all-NU-UST affair in the gold medal matches for the first three weight categories in the High School Girls’ division.

NU’s Keira Gonzales and UST’s Mitch Enriquez will clash for the under-44 kg gold. Rian Ramos of NU Nazareth School and UST’s Shay Cadilena will battle for the under-49 kg title, while NUNS’ Alyssa Garces and UST’s Ryzza Cadilena will contest the under-46 kg crown.

National Team stalwarts set early pace in PFA Open tournament

c/o Philippine Fencing Association

The quest to determine the best Filipino fencers in the country took place last Valentine's weekend at the Amoranto Stadium in Quezon City, as the Philippine Fencing Association held the first leg of its ranking tournaments.

As expected, members of the national team pool led the way in the competition, managing to earn their way to most of the final spots for each division.

Saturday saw our SEA Games individual medalists step up to the plate, with silver medalist Noelito Jose Jr claim the Men's Epee title against Samuel German, who is part of the national pool for Modern Pentathlon, 15-13.

Bronze Medalist Janna Catantan claimed the Women's Foil crown by defeating her younger sister Sophia, 15-9, while Eunice Villanueva topped fellow bronze medalist CJ Concepcion, 15-12.

Meanwhile on Sunday, bronze medalist Nathaniel Perez topped surprise standout Michael Nicanor, 15-12, for the men's foil title. Nicanor has been active more as a coach/mentor for Republic Fencing, but managed to dispatch national team pool members Marcus Manuel and Shawn Nicollei Felipe respectively in the quarterfinals and semifinals to set up his match against Perez.

Jylyn Nicanor topped her fellow national team member Queenie Dalmacio for the Women's Sabre crown.

Complementing the performance of German for Modern Pentathlon, is Princess Honey Arpilon. The former SEA Games medalist pulled off upsets against fellow Ormoc natives and UAAP individual champions Alexa Larrazabal in the semifinal and Juliana Gomez in the final to claim the Women's Epee title with 15-11 scorelines.

Other noteworthy performances during the competition include La Salle standouts Edan Ensamtan and Kurt Maruquez, Aubrey Fernandez of UST, Canada-based Nadelle Turiano, and Victoria Ebdane, both of whom represent Canlas Fencing.

In addition to the action on the piste, the PFA also honored last year's top fencers in all three levels (MiniMe, Cadet and Junior, Open).

The NSA will hold its second leg on April 25-26 at Rizal Memorial Coliseum as the Open portion of the Dr. Celso L. Dayrit Memorial Fencing Championships.

UAAP, PGTI set for golf introduction for Season 88

Golf is finally making its much-anticipated entry into the UAAP mainstream, debuting as a demonstration event this Season 88 – a significant step toward expanding the collegiate league’s program beyond its traditional core sports.

In partnership with the Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc., organizer of the Philippine Golf Tour, the Ladies PGT, the Junior PGT, and the Intercollegiate Tour, the UAAP is pulling out all the stops to ensure not just a successful debut but a compelling case for golf’s inclusion as a regular medal event in the near future. This collaboration reflects a shared vision: to elevate collegiate golf and create a sustainable competitive structure for student-athletes.

The milestone inauguration will take place on April 20 at The Country Club. Dubbed as the UAAP Golf Invitational, the 18-hole tournament is expected to draw key players from member schools, school representatives, and guests, underscoring the significance of this breakthrough moment.

Competition will be structured across multiple divisions. The men’s category will feature Classes A, B, and C, while players aged 60 and above will vie for the Seniors crown. The women’s division will have a single category, highlighting inclusivity while maintaining competitive integrity.

More than just a debut, golf’s inclusion as a special event this season signals the UAAP’s broader intent to diversify its sports portfolio and assess new events based on participation, competitiveness, and long-term viability. If the demonstration proves successful, golf could soon join the ranks of regular UAAP medal events.

This initiative aligns with the league’s efforts to build on the popularity of its established centerpiece sports – such as basketball, volleyball, and cheerdance – by introducing disciplines that offer different skill sets and career pathways.

Notably, several UAAP schools, including La Salle, Ateneo, and UST, have already participated in the ICTSI Intercollegiate Tour, providing a strong foundation of experience and talent heading into the UAAP setup. While ICTSI will continue to stage its intercollegiate event, UAAP golf will operate as a separate competition, with schools given the flexibility to field different teams in both tournaments.

Golf’s rising popularity in recent years further strengthens its case. ICTSI’s sustained efforts – through its professional circuit, ladies’ tour, and especially its junior development programs – have helped grow the sport nationwide. The Junior PGT, in particular, has cultivated young talent across Luzon and the Visayas-Mindanao regions, culminating in elite competitions such as the North vs South Finals.

Within this context, UAAP golf has the potential to become a crucial bridge in the athlete development pipeline. It can connect grassroots junior programs to the professional ranks, offering student-athletes a structured environment where they can refine their skills while pursuing academic goals.

Ultimately, UAAP golf represents more than just another addition to the calendar – it is an investment in the future of Philippine sports. By providing a competitive platform at the collegiate level, the league not only accelerates the sport’s growth but also empowers student-athletes to seriously consider professional careers.

If momentum continues, golf could soon evolve from a special event into a cornerstone UAAP sport – one that not only broadens the league’s appeal but also strengthens the country’s presence in the global golfing arena.

Cleantech set to support Filipino athletes in Olympic quest

PHILIPPINE Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and Cleantech chairman Luisito Mercado seal the partnership with (from left) Alexis Mercado, Gloria Mercado, Yeana Victoria Mercado, Francis Luis Mercado,  POC secretary-general Atty. Wharton Chan, Shylou Ortiz Luis and Philip Luis Mercado. POC Photo

THE Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and gas station company Cleantech sealed on Thursday a three-year partnership that runs through the country’s campaign in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Considered a first for the POC in collaborating with a fuel company for its mission and vision, the partnership was sealed between POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and Cleantech chairman Luisito Mercado on Thursday in a formal ceremony at the Century Park Hotel in Manila.

“Cleantech is now the POC’s official fuel brand partner and we’re so happy that they will support our national athletes,” said Tolentino, adding Cleantech’s support comes at the right time when Filipino athletes are gearing up for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games this September, Southeast Asian Games in Malaysia and the inaugural SEA Plus Youth Games the Philippine is hosting next year and the Asian Beach Games in Cebu in 2028.

“This is a valuable support,” Tolentino added.

Cleantech is a gas station company in partnership with Repsol established in November 2015 operating in Nueva Ecija and Pampanga with a mission to provide customers the “Sulit” feeling for every liter they spend.

“We believe in the potential of Filipino athletes and we want to be part of their journey especially in the Los Angeles Summer Olympics in 2028,” Cleantech Vice President for Finance Yeana Victoria Mercado said.

“We want to serve and help athletes through our social responsibility to fellow Filipino people and want to be with them,” said Yeana Victoria Mercado, adding that Cleantech’s support comes in the form of a P1-million-a-year cash sponsorship.

Cleantech is authorized to use the POC logo in its promotional campaigns and in return, the POC will include the company’s logo in all its platforms—including in social media and national team jerseys.

Also present in the contract signing ceremony were POC secretary-general Atty. Wharton Chan and Cleantech Director for Finance Alexis Mercado, Director Gloria Mercado, General Manager Francis Luis Mercado and Directors Philip Luis Mercado and Shylou Ortiz Luis.

Menta to sit out UP WVT season finale

 

Fabio Menta with Nina Ytang (c/o UP OASD)

NCAA women's volleyball champion consultant Aleksi Lahteenmaki will yet again serve as acting coach for the University of the Philippines women's volleyball team (WVT) in its match against University of Santo Tomas on Sunday to end UAAP Season 88.

Lahteenmaki, a Finnish player-turned-coach only 22 years old, will temporarily step into the post in lieu of Fabio Menta, who has asked permission to take care of his well-being for the meantime.

The UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development as well as main backer Strong Group Athletics have allowed Menta to tend to his health, but also made it clear he remains WVT head coach and may return whenever he sees fit.

For now, State U tries to close its campaign on a high note under the guidance of Lahteenmaki, who had just helped the Lady Knights to their first championship in 27 years.

"We hope coach Fabio feels better sooner than later, so for our last game this season, let's just all support coach Aleksi and the rest of our girls in trying to get us a season-ending win," said UP OASD Director Bo Perasol.

Lahteenmaki has been under Menta's tutelage since the former chose to begin his coaching career following the end of his tour of duty for Finland's under-18 national team. He is instrumental part of the championship run of Colegio de San Juan de Letran in the just-concluded NCAA Season 101 Volleyball tournament, assisting Mayeth Carolino.

Now, he will try to give Nina Ytang, Irah Jaboneta, and Joan Monares a fitting farewell to their collegiate careers.

Lady Spikers at cusp of completing elims sweep

c/o UAAP

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

De La Salle University moved on the cusp of the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Finals after overpowering also-ran University of the East, 25-20, 25-18, 25-15, on Wednesday afternoon at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.

The Lady Spikers stayed unbeaten at 13-0 and inched closer to their first elimination-round sweep since Season 76 (2014)—an achievement that would secure an outright Finals berth and trigger a stepladder format.

La Salle will aim to complete the sweep against modern-day rival and defending champion National University this Sunday, April 19, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay. The Lady Spikers won their first-round encounter against the Lady Bulldogs, 25-21, 25-19, 19-25, 25-17, last March 15 at the same Pasay venue.

La Salle was also able to insert substitutes Mikee Santos, Ella de Guzman, and Mikole Reyes, who all responded well in the straight-set victory.

“Siguro, hindi naman mawawala yung pressure pagdating sa amin. Siyempre, nandoon yung pressure na kailangang manalo, pero lagi namang pinapaalala ni coach na score at number lang ’yan. Kailangan mag-focus pa rin sa kung ano yung nasa harapan mo, which is yung NU ngayon, at one game at a time lang. Sana, hopefully, maganda pa rin yung mapakita namin na game against NU,” La Salle assistant coach Gian de Jesus said.

In the third set, the Lady Spikers turned a 4-4 deadlock into a comfortable 15-9 advantage, capped by three consecutive attacks from second-year outside hitter Shane Reterta.

From there, La Salle stayed firmly in control, with Angel Canino’s attack, a Kristine Iquio attack error, a Mikee Santos crosscourt hit, and a down-the-line conversion from De Guzman sealing the match in just 78 minutes.

In a tightly contested second frame, the Lady Spikers pulled ahead for a two-set advantage behind consecutive Lilay del Castillo blocks, a Canino backrow hit, and a quick attack by Amie Provido.

“That’s what the coaches are instilling in us—one game at a time. We don’t worry about this streak that we have and the 13-0; we worry about how we perform, and if we perform, of what we had done in training. Being disciplined in staying true to the system the coaches have taught us,” Laput said, who finished with 12 points on 10-of-20 kills, one block, and one ace alongside four excellent digs.

Canino also finished with 12 points on top of 10 excellent digs and seven excellent receptions. Del Castillo had nine points on five blocks and four attacks, while Provido supplied eight points on six attacks and two blocks.

Reterta posted an all-around stat line of five points, seven excellent digs, and seven excellent receptions, while Santos also added five points.

Meanwhile, the Lady Warriors remained winless through 13 games, extending their losing streak to 27 consecutive matches and moving on the brink of a second straight winless campaign in UAAP women’s volleyball.

Khy Cepada led UE in the loss with 13 points on 10 attacks, two aces, and one block, along with 10 excellent receptions and four excellent digs, while Bangayan added 10 points on eight attacks and two aces with six excellent digs.

Angge Reyes contributed 10 excellent digs and eight excellent receptions.

The Lady Warriors will look to break through against the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles this Saturday, April 18, at the same UST venue.

Second edition of NBA Rising Stars Invitational set this June

NBA Rising Stars Invitational

The National Basketball Association officially announced that it will bring back the NBA Rising Stars Invitational in a couple of months.

Launched last year, the second edition of the competition bringing together select 18-and-under boys' and girls' teams across the Asia-Pacific will take place at the OCBC Arena in Singapore this June 22-28.

In sharing the announcement, NBA Asia's Head of Southeast Asia Sheila Rasu notes, "The inaugural NBA Rising Stars Invitational set a benchmark for high-school basketball in Asia-Pacific.  As we return to Singapore for the consecutive second year, we look forward to delivering another unforgettable week of programming featuring some of the region’s best young talent, brought to life through the NBA’s signature mix of sports and family-friendly entertainment."

Done in collaboration with Sport Singapore (SportSG) and the Singapore Tourism Board, supported by the Karim Family Foundation, and operated by the event agencies of NBA Singapore, twelve teams each from the boys' and girls' division will tangle in round robin action before heading into the knockout phase.

Teams were selected with the assistance of the national basketball federations and leagues, as well as through local qualifying tournaments in Bangkok, Melbourne, Taipei, and Tokyo. As hosts, Singapore has been granted two teams in both divisions.

Aside from competition, players will also go through skill development sessions, social impact programming, and off-court activities promoting cultural exchange. Outstanding ballers will have the opportunity to attend future NBA basketball development camps, showcases, and programs.

Gracing the proceedings are Jeremy Lin and Lauren Jackson, with both set to interact with the participants throughout the week. The former shares, "I’m incredibly excited to be part of the NBA Rising Stars Invitational in Singapore.  There is so much young talent across Asia-Pacific, and I’m proud to be part of an event that shines a spotlight on some of the region’s top prospects.  Helping shape the next generation is a cause I’m deeply committed to, and I hope my journey encourages these rising stars to make the most of this opportunity and ultimately contribute to greater Asian representation at the highest levels of the game."

As for the latter, she says, "Last year’s NBA Rising Stars Invitational was a remarkable showcase of talent and determination, and I witnessed firsthand how much the stage and experience meant to the players.  I look forward to returning to Singapore this June and helping these amazing athletes continue their development."

Aside from the two champions, additional current and former NBA players will be heading to the Lion City for the event.

In addition to the action, the NBA Rising Stars Invitational will also have additional activations in place all week for fans, including community outreach initiatives, photo opportunities, authentic NBA memorabilia, player appearances and meet-and-greet sessions, exclusive clinics, as well as live entertainment and interactive fan experiences.

From the perspective of the hosts, SportSG Deputy Chief of Industry Development Group Dean Tan says, "The inaugural NBA Rising Stars Invitational in 2025 was an outstanding success, with 22 teams from 11 countries competing, more than 9,000 local and international spectators catching the action live, and many more watching online.  This year’s tournament builds on last year’s success and will be a platform that connects youths across borders and sharpens their skills, through high-level competition and elite mentorship from NBA talents and legends.  We look forward to witnessing students who have qualified through Singapore’s largest annual inter-school competition take centre stage alongside our region’s top youth talents, showcasing the next generation of top basketball players on home ground."

STB Director of Sports Lilian Chee adds, "We are delighted to welcome the return of the NBA Rising Stars Invitational to Singapore.  The tournament enhances Singapore’s vibrant events landscape and reinforces our position as a premier sporting destination.  We look forward to hosting the young athletes from across Asia-Pacific alongside their families and friends, as well as NBA players.  Beyond the competition, we hope they will create memorable experiences, forge meaningful connections, and draw inspiration from their time in Singapore."

For more details on the NBA Rising Stars Invitational, one can check out www.nbarisingstarsinvitational.com. The competition is also on Instagram and YouTube.