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.

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.

Adamson extends softball dynasty with 13th straight title

c/o UAAP

The longest active championship streak in UAAP collegiate events continues for a 13th consecutive season.

Adamson University captured the record-extending title with another 5–0 victory over the University of the Philippines, completing a two-game sweep of the UAAP Season 88 Softball Finals on Friday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate, Manila.

The Lady Falcons have now overtaken Far Eastern University as the winningest squad in the sport, breaking the deadlock with their league-best 21st championship.

The Lady Falcons also won 5-0 in last Monday's opener.

The San Marcelino-based squad used a strong start to fuel this historic victory.

“Siyempre, grateful and super happy no. And siyempre, thank you, Lord. Pinagdasal namin ‘to, pinagdasal ng players ‘to. And talagang I’m so, so proud sa lahat ng aking players; kasi nung tinanong ko sila bago mag-start ang season kung ano ang gusto nilang makuha. Nung sinabi nila sa ‘kin na gusto ulit nilang mag-champion para matuloy nila ‘yung legacy, sinabi ko sa kanila, being a champion is not easy, so you must be prepared sa lahat ng preparations na gagawin natin,” said long-time head coach Ana Santiago in this milestone for the program.

“Kasi, if you want to become a champion, then we will practice like a champion. And super happy ako na nag-step up ‘yung mga nawalan namin ng positions, nag-step up talaga ngayon. And kahit mga bata pa sila, pinakita nila na deserving sila this season.”

Down to one out in the first inning, Reyae Villamin sent a deep fly ball to right field that could have been an easy catch for UP’s Sathia Romero-Salas.

Instead, the rookie Fighting Maroon misplayed the catch, allowing Roma Mae Cruz to score the go-ahead run. Villamin was then rewarded with a run of her own after another defensive error from left fielder Laica Atlas drove in the second run.

Mae Langga, the season’s Best Hitter (BA .480) and Best Slugger (SA 1.040), then delivered her lone hit of the day—a triple down the right-field line past Romero-Salas—to spark the third-inning rally.

The eventual Season 88 MVP and Adamson team captain then extended the lead to three after a sacrifice hit to right field from Villamin.

Three straight hits from Mea Tubongbanua, Jhaycel Roldan, and MJ Libaton produced two more runs, which ultimately stood as the final score as the Adamson defense shut down UP.

“Iba talaga na nag-level up ‘yung kanilang laro. Pero sinabi ko nga sa kanila, at the end of the day, whatever you get this season, be proud of yourselves, kasi kayo ang dahilan kung bakit tayo mag-chachampion,” Santiago, the concurrent Blu Girls head coach, added.

The Fighting Maroons had a chance to get on the scoreboard after back-to-back hits from substitutes Erika Ocampo and Airess Libaton, but Glory Alonzo eventually struck out Cali Adriatico for the second out.

Alonzo, who was named the season’s Best Pitcher, then induced a long fly ball from graduating Reuel Caogdan that Villamin easily caught for the final out, sealing the shutout and the dynastic championship for the Lady Falcons.

Alonzo finished with five strikeouts in the clincher.

“Sabi nila malas raw ‘yung 13, pero pinatunayan namin na hindi, this is our lucky 13th. And nataon pang Season 88, masaya lang ako na bumalik pa ako. No regrets,” said the graduating senior, who ended her UAAP career with back-to-back Best Pitcher awards and two Finals MVP plums.

After two complete-game shutouts in the Finals, Alonzo ended her UAAP career with another Finals MVP plum, replicating what her Season 77 seniors achieved against the same UP squad (winning both games via 6–0 and 10–0 routs).

Langga also collected the awards for Most RBIs (13) and Most Home Runs (3) in her final season for the now 21-time UAAP softball champions.

University of Santo Tomas finished third for the fourth straight season, with freshman standout Anna Rose Macatbag winning Rookie of the Year honors.

De La Salle University’s Cassandra Inot claimed the Most Stolen Bases award with six.

Team    1    2    3    4    5    6    7    R    H    E
AdU    2    0    3    0    0    0    0    5    8    0
UP    0    0    0    0    0    0    0    0    4    3

La Salle fends off FEU to earn twice-to-beat advantage

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball Standings
**DLSU 11-0
NU 8-3
UST 7-4
FEU 6-5
AdU 6-5
UP 5-6
Ateneo 1-10
UE 0-11
**Twice-to-beat

Games on Saturday at the Filoil Centre

9 a.m. - Ateneo vs DLSU (Men’s)
11 a.m. - Ateneo vs DLSU (Women’s)
3 p.m. - UST vs AdU (Men’s)
5 p.m. - UST vs AdU (Women’s)

De La Salle University averted disaster against Far Eastern University, eking out a 25-17, 25-22, 23-25, 19-25, 15-10 victory to stay perfect and secure a twice-to-beat incentive in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Final Four on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Now sporting an 11-0 record, the Lady Spikers still have bigger dreams as an elimination round sweep would give them an outright Finals berth.

“Unang-una, nung fifth set, sinabihan lang sila ni Coach Ramil na balik, kalimutan yung nangyari sa third set at fourth set, balik kung ano yung inumpisahan namin. Sumunod lang sila sa kung ano yung gustong mangyari ni coach, kaya ayun, nakuha yung fifth set,” said La Salle deputy coach Noel Orcullo.

But for the Lady Spikers to remain undefeated, they needed grit and poise as the Lady Tamaraws staged a furious comeback.

La Salle was two points away from sweeping the match at 23-20 when FEU rallied with five unanswered points, fueled by three errors, a block by Tin Ubaldo, and an ace to stay alive.

The Lady Tamaraws carried that momentum into the fourth set, building a lead as high as 23-13 to force a decider.

In the fifth set, the Lady Spikers found a second wind as seniors Angel Canino, Amie Provido, and Shevana Laput led their team to the win after two hours and 27 minutes of play.

With FEU closing in after back-to-back points at 9-11, Provido, Laput, Canino, and sophomore Shane Reterta combined for a 4-1 finishing run to keep La Salle’s record intact.

“Itong match na ‘to, sobrang grateful kami kasi napanalo namin, pero I think, kailangan din talaga tingnan namin kung ano ang nangyari sa game na ‘to. Hindi lang yung result kasi madami kaming mga lapses talaga as a team na pwede namang maiwasan, so, more on balik kami doon sa basic,” said Canino, who finished with 24 points, 14 digs, and 10 receptions.

Laput added 25 points and seven digs, while Provido came up huge with 17 points on 10 attacks, six blocks, and an ace.

Rookie playmaker Eshana Nunag continued to impress with 32 excellent sets as the Lady Spikers dominated in attacks and blocks, 58-50 and 17-11, respectively, while the Lady Tamaraws controlled the service department, 9-3.

La Salle will next face Ateneo de Manila University on Saturday at the Filoil Centre before closing the second round against University of the East on the 15th and defending champion National University on the 19th.

Meanwhile, the Lady Tamaraws absorbed their second straight defeat, dropping to 6-5 and tying with the Adamson Lady Falcons for fourth place.

Lovely Lopez led FEU with 16 points and 24 excellent receptions, while Gerzel Petallo returned after missing three games due to a right shoulder injury and contributed 14 points, 18 receptions, and nine digs.

FEU will look to regain its winning form on Sunday against University of the Philippines at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

China dominates as Asian Track Cycling championships concludes

PHILCYCLING president Bambol Tolentino awards medals to winners from Kazakhstan. (c/o PhilCycling)

China came, competed and conquered with host Tagaytay City and the Philippines emerging as co-big winners in the 45th Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC) Track Cycling Championships and 14th Asian Para Track Cycling Championships that ended Tuesday.

“The Philippines—and specifically the Tagaytay CT Velodrome—now have its own niche in the global track cycling map,” said Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino on Wednesday, the day after the championships concluded with China running away with a dominant 18 gold medal haul and Uzbekistan scooping 17 golds to rule the para cycling competitions with a flourish.

The Tagaytay CT Velodrome will turn only a year old from its inauguration in June last year but made one gigantic pedal to be on the world cycling map following the hosting of the Asian championships which featured close to 600 world-class athletes—many from top tier—from 16 nations.

“We are now in the company of the global destinations for competitions and training in the track community and the next big step is to continue the momentum, not only in hosting international events but to go full throttle on developing our very own track cyclists,” Tolentino said.

Tolentino, also the president of the Philippine Olympic Committee, tempered expectations by declaring the country’s track program is “starting from scratch” but stressed that this year’s continental championships are expected to trigger enthusiasm for the discipline—both athletes, public and sponsors.

“It’s a long 31 years between hostings—1995 at the now gone Amoranto Velodrome and 2026 here at the Tagaytay CT Velodrome—it’s historic,” added Tolentino as he thanked the Philippine Sports Commission, MVP Sports Foundation, Sports Plus PH, Toyota and Peak for supporting the event.

Tolentino underscored the bronze medal clinched by Patrick Gerard Lee in para men elite scratch race and the new national record in the flying 200 meters registered by Zedrick Ivan Honorica point to a bright future for Philippine track cycling.

“Yes, a Filipino rider can in track cycling,” said Tolentino, who rewarded both with cash bonuses before the championships closed on Tuesday.

Up next for the Tagaytay CT Velodrome?

“It’s a list—from completing track equipment to regularly hosting local, national, inter-club and international championships,” he said. “This was a dream that came to reality, and we’ll continue to progress on that reality.”

No less than ACC president Dató Amarjit Singh Gill showered Tagaytay City and Tolentino with accolade for hosting the event that also drew praises from athletes, coaches and team managers for the successful championships—both on the sporting aspect and the city’s hospitality.

China, meanwhile, was way up the medals race after the smoke of competitions cleared with its haul of 18 of the 44 gold medals that were at stake with its juggernaut also clinching 10 silvers and one bronze.

Japan—still trending by showcasing track bikes that cost P7 million apiece—ran second with 7-7-10 gold-silver-bronze, followed by South Korea with 5-9-7, Kazakhstan 4-5-2 and Chinese Taipei with 3-4-5.

Hong Kong China and Uzbekistan got three gold medals each and Malaysia has two, India and Singapore got one silver apiece and Indonesia two bronzes to make the count—the rest didn’t medal.

Uzbekistan complimented its 17 gold medals—out of the 48 events—with 10 silvers and seven bronzes to dominate the para cycling competitions over Malaysia (9-6-2), South Korea (9-1-3), Japan (7-2-3) and United Arab Emirates (3-5-2).

Philippine Sports Institute and Tour of Luzon launch webinar series

Tour of Luzon

THE MPTC Tour of Luzon 2026 strengthens its commitment to athlete development and race excellence through a collaboration with the Philippine Sports Institute (PSI) through a five-leg webinar series designed for participating cyclists and coaches starting on April 6.

“The webinar will focus on the practical strategies to enhance training, race day performance and recovery, which provides the additional layer of support for the participating teams,” said Pearl Managuelod, Institute Director of the Philippine Sports Institute.

As the Philippine Sports Commission’s (PSC) sports science and training arm, PSI delivers programs designed to empower coaches, enhance high-performance development and support the holistic well-being of athletes.

“We are very glad that the PSC, through PSI, extends this kind of partnership with us. We are continuously evolving,” said Arrey Perez, MPTC Tour of Luzon CEO and Chief Organizer. “Year in and year out, we see new partners, upgrading not only the actual race but also the holistic safety and well-being of the athletes.”

Each session runs for up to 75 minutes and the topics include the Physiological Demands of Competing in Heat and Humidity, Hydration and Nutrition Strategies for Maximum Performance, Training Load Management and Recovery for Multi-stage Races, Mental Toughness and Team Communication and Anti-Doping.

The initiative marks the beginning of a broader collaboration between the MPTC Tour of Luzon 2026 and the PSI, which extends beyond the virtual sessions into comprehensive on-ground support in all 14 stages of the race set April 29 to May 13.

Services include sports programs featuring hydration monitoring, individualized fueling plans, and education aligned with anti-doping standards, as well as sports psychology support through daily consultations and athlete care.

In addition, sports physiotherapy services are provided, including injury prevention screening, recovery treatments and coordination with the medical team.

With this collaboration, the MPTC Tour of Luzon 2026 reinforces its vision of delivering a premier cycling competition while fostering a safer, more advanced, and athlete-centered sporting environment in the Philippines.

NCAA set to hold Volleyball finals at Rizal Memorial

A fierce championship showdown takes center stage once more as the Benilde Lady Blazers and the Letran Lady Knights face off in Game 1 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 101 Volleyball Tournament Finals this Sunday,  April 5, at 12 p.m., straight from the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Fans can catch the thrilling action live on GTV and Heart of Asia, with a simulcast available on the official social media pages of GMA Sports and NCAA Philippines.

The defending champions and five-peat seeking CSB Lady Blazers locked in their Finals spot earlier on March 25, sweeping the Perpetual Lady Altas, 25–18, 26–24, 25–21, in their semifinal series. Anchoring the dominant run were ace volleybelles Zam Nolasco, Chenae Basarte, and Cam Bartolome.

The Letran Lady Knights, on the other hand, return to the Finals after overpowering the San Beda Red Lady Spikers in a four-set semifinals victory (25–18, 25–19, 23–25, 25–21) last March 28. Leading the charge were top players Judiel Nitura, Vanessa Sarie, and Lara Mae Silva. 

The best-of-three Finals series schedule is as follows: April 5 (Game 1), 12 p.m. on GTV and HOA; April 8 (Game 2), 2:30 p.m. on GTV and HOA; and April 10 (Game 3, if necessary), 3 p.m. on HOA. 

Meanwhile, the NCAA Season 101 Men’s Volleyball Tournament continues to heat up as the Mapúa Cardinals and The Benilde Blazing Spikers battle for the championship in their own best-of-three series. Don’t miss the action on April 5 (Game 1), 3 p.m. on HOA; April 8 (Game 2), 11 a.m. on HOA; and April 10 (Game 3, if necessary), 12 p.m. on HOA. 

Catch the livestream on the NCAA Philippines website (www.gmanetwork.com/ncaa), NCAA Philippines Facebook page and YouTube channel, and GMA Sports' social media accounts. Global Pinoys can catch all the action via the international channel GMA News TV. 

For more updates on NCAA, visit its official website www.ncaa.com.ph.

ACC prexy praises Track Cycling Championships hosting

PHILCYCLING president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino (left) receives a plaque from Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC) president Dató Amarjit Singh Gill (c/o PhilCycling)

The Philippines is now playing a major role in the development of track cycling in Asia with Tagaytay City and PhilCycling’s hosting of the 45th Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC) Track Cycling Championships and 14th Asian Para Track Cycling Championships.

“The Philippines is playing a major role in the development of track cycling in Asia,” said ACC president Dató Amarjit Singh Gill on the sides of the Gala Night celebrating the ACC’s 33rd foundation anniversary on Monday night at the Sigtuna Hall beside City Hall here.

“What I see is a nation stepping up—investing in world-class facilities, including a 250-meter indoor, homologated velodrome,” said Gill, also a vice president of the International Cycling Union. “This clearly places the Philippines among the emerging forces in cycling in Asia.”

Gill commended the leadership of PhilCycling president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and his vision in bringing to life the ACC track championships supported by the  Philippine Sports Commission, MVP Sports Foundation, Sports Plus PH, Toyota and Peak.

“I want to congratulate President Bambol Tolentino for his leadership, his foresight and his vision to make this happen,” he said. “Well done the Philippines.”

The brand-new Tagaytay CT Velodrome sits adjacent to another UCI-standard BMX track which was built for the country’s hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

“So far, so good and in terms of hosting, we’re on cloud nine,” said Tolentino, also the president of the Philippine Olympic Committee. “Thank you to everyone who supported us. This is world-class and to host an international event right away makes it even more special.”

Meanwhile, powerhouse China bolstered its medal haul with four more gold medals on Monday to create more separation in the overall medals race with 17 golds, nine silvers and one bronze medal.

A far second was Japan with 5-7-9 (gold-silver-bronze), followed by South Korea (5-7-6), Chinese Taipei 3-3-5, Hong Kong China 3-1-10, Uzbekistan 3-1-4, Kazakhstan 2-5-1 and Malaysia 1-4-1.

India and Singapore has a silver medal each, Indonesia a bronze while the other teams in the 16-country championships have yet to medal.

Sichen Huang ruled the junior men omnium, Zhengyu Pei delivered in elite men individual pursuit, Haijiao Sun added another in elite men scratch race and Liying Yuan topped the women elite sprint for China on Monday.

The other gold medalists included Kaiya Ota of Japan in elite sprint, Sze Wing Lee of Hong Kong in elite women scratch race, Sawda Hasbullah of Malaysia in junior women 1-km time trial, Seokhyeon Yun of Korea in junior men 1-km time trial and Ekaterina Makarochkina of Uzbekistan in junior women omnium.

Japanese sets first Asian record at ACC Track Championships

Kaiya Ota is smiling his way to victory over China’s Li Zhiwei in the elite men sprint final. (c/o PhilCycling)

Japan’s Kaiya Ota earned his niche in the Tagaytay CT Velodrome by setting a new Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC) Track Cycling Championships elite men sprint record in the qualifying round before eventually winning the gold medal with relative ease.

Ota clocked 9.348 seconds in Sunday’s qualifiers to smash the previous Asian mark of 9.350 seconds he himself set at the Paris Olympics in August 2024.

The two-time Asian Games gold medalist went on to win gold but was unable to submit a better time at 9.575 seconds on Sunday, but good enough t deny China’s Li Zhiwei (9.926) an upset ride.

Ota’s fellow Japanese Olympians also stamped their class in elite men and women Madison in the championships hosted by the PhilCycling and Tagaytay City and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, MVP Sports Foundation, Sports Plus PH, Toyota and Peak.

Eiya Hashimoto and Kazushige Kuboki produced a masterful performance in winning the elite men Madison gold with 104 points—Kazakhstan’s Ilya Karabutov and Ramis Dinmukhametov settled for the silver medal with 82 points and Hong Kong’s Tsu Wai Chu and Kai Kwong Tso completed the podium with 65 points.

Mizuki Ikeda and Maho Kakita claimed gold for Japan in the women’s race with 53 points, beating China’s Xianbing Gong and Menghan Zhou who bagged silver with 40 points and Hong Kong’s Sze Wing Lee and Wing Yee who got bronze with 31 points.

China, meanwhile, continued to lord it over the 16-nation will also celebrate the ACC’s 33rd foundation anniversary on Tuesday (March 31), the last day of the competitions.

The Chinese got 13 gold and six silver medals, followed by the Japanese with four golds, six silvers and seven bronze medals.

In men junior keirin, Yi Kuan Lin of Chinese Taipei won gold in men’s junior and Hyerin Park of South Korea dominated the women’s race of Keirin.

Top local rowers emerge in 2026 PRA Indoor Meet

c/o PSC

After two days of intense competition, the Philippine Rowing Association (PRA) honored the elite rowers who triumphed during the 2026 PRA Indoor Meet presented by the Philippine Sports Commission on Sunday, March 29, at the University Hotel, UP Diliman in Quezon City.

With a surge of entries in this year’s edition, the tournament witnessed the best of the best step into the podium.

In the men’s open solo 1000 meter (m) event, Leo Lope Franco successfully defended his title after clocking in 3:06.0 seconds,  dominating John Martin De Jesus (3:09.2), and Vincent Chua (3:17.0).

The businessman shared that this is his “side quest” and snatching the gold for the second-straight year was tough.

“I feel very fulfilled. Of course, defending this title did not come so easy. I actually trained quite a lot because I really thought that this year's competition will be a lot tougher and tighter and there's gonna be a lot of players from different sports coming in,” he shared.

Playing as a varsity of rowing for the Ateneo de Manila University before, Lopefranco shared how the sport already grew.

“With all the numbers you see in rowing, it just shows how honest it is, you know. It will really measure your technique, how strong you are, how fast you are, how much you can maintain that kind of power all throughout the whole race and you don't gas out, you know, at the last 300 meters, right? So, yeah, it's really a sport that requires a lot of time and dedication.”

The women’s edition saw Madelyn Veluz tapped in first with a time of 4:08.4 seconds, while Alexandria Muyot was just a second shy after finishing 4:09.6, to place second. Kat Santos rounded out the podium in 4:15.7.

In the Under-21 men’s division, Stephen Andre Trovela topped the field with 3:16.6. Clark Tito placed second at 3:21.0, and Miguel Cuales secured third with 3:21.5.

Standout Andrea Daquigan finished first in 3:55.6, in the U21 women’s division.  Jasmine Regio followed at 3:56.2, while Ashley Dy claimed third place with 4:09.9.

47-year-old Rolando Isidro snatched a gold medal in the master men’s 500m event with a time of 1:33.3.

Jose Galvadores (1:34.7) took the silver , and Joel Bagasbas (1.35.1) secured the bronze, all within a tight margin.

Joni Muyot took control in the women’s 500m event after tallying

Experience was on full display as Joni Muyot won the event with a time of 2:01.0 as Lovely Camino followed in 2:05.6, while Ma Cecilia Vasquez finished third at 2:05.7 in a close battle for second and third.

In the group event, Grail x Maharlika (B) emerged victorious after finishing in 6:46.7 in the novice mixed team relay 2000m event.  PROGYM B followed closely at 6:51.7, while Grail x Maharlika (A) secured third in 6:53.7.

Grail x Maharlika B is composed of Vince Quedangan, Ray Andrew Buensuceso, Hannah Donato and Juliana Elaria; PROGYM B bannered Efreihm De Guzman, Paolo Lagonoy, Sabrina Tabeta and Martha Malabanan; Grail x Maharlika A showed Bon Jovi Bernardo, Adolfo Pe, Kimberly Bernardo, and Alyssa Marie Reyes.

Closing out the event, the Advanced Mixed category featured top-tier performances but ART V1 dominated with a winning time of 6:36.0, followed by ART V2 in 6:54.3. OAR Siargao completed the podium at 6:55.9.

ART V1 rowed its way to gold with Jasper Brent Go, Roperto III Dungca, Stephanie Domingo and Veramae Cabato; ART V2’s Jonathan Reyes, Tomas Romano, Ashley Dy, and Jasmine Regio clocked a time enough for silver, OAR Siargo is composed of, Vincent Chua, Arjun Ortohan, Madelyn Veluz, and Grace Secadron.

Rolando Isidro punches two Final entries in 2026 PRA Indoor meet

Isidro on the winning podium (c/o PSC)

FOR the love of the game, 47-year-old Rolando “Sid”  Isidro was the only athlete to compete in three separate events in the 2026 Philippine Rowing Association (PRA) Indoor Meet presented by the Philippine Sports Commission at the University Hotel, UP Diliman in Quezon City. 

After a decade-long stint with the national team from 2004–2013, Isidro displayed his strength and power as he secured Final spots in the Masters 500 meter (m) and Novice 2000m relay, despite being disqualified from the Open 1km.

“Hindi kasi sa akin, ini-enjoy ko na lang. Noong nag-entry ako ng Masters, nakita ko may Solo na 1km. Tutal nandito na rin naman na ako, naghanap naman na ako for Relay. Kaya nung may nakuha na ako na slot, sabi ko sige,” he shared. 

“Sinusubukan ko lang din ‘yung sarili ko. Gini-gauge ko lang.”

Still rowing with the Philippine Coast Guard, Isidro showed confidence on his two Final events in the competition. 

“Sa Masters, ibibigay ko na lang ‘yung best ko. Kasi ‘yun naman ‘yung ginusto ko, so kailangan podium. Sa Novice naman, siguro… Mga friend ko mga kasama ko pero ‘di kami nag-eensayo, pero gagawin ko na lang din ‘yung best ko kasi ako lang ‘yung last rower na papasok.” 

Isidro, will try to top fellow finalists Christopher Skuse, Bennis Caw, Jude Galvadores, and Jayson Tan in the Masters 500m. 

For his Novice event, he is teamed up with Tall & Furious, fighting for the podium against Grail X Maharlika (Team A and B), Team RexDu, and ProGym B. 

In the Under-21 Men’s Open 1000m race, Kent Francis Chua, Jessie Macawile, Elijah Fernandez, Zydrhyx Kyl Honrubia, Stephen Andre Trovela, and Emman Pilar will all clash for a medal spot. 

The seniors edition for the 1000m race will see a heated action as Marc Belando, Eron Castellon, Jay Mhar Aicala, John Martin De Jesus, Vincent Chua, and Reymart Nevado dash for a Top 3 finish. 

In the women’s division, Lane 1 Maria Krishna Datu aim to snatch a gold medal finish against tough foes Maribeth Taranto, Alexandra Muyot, Kat Santos, Mary Grace Secadron, and Carla Elizaga in the Women’s Open 1000m.

Lee earns first medal for Team Philippines in Para Track Championships, Honorica sets Philippine record

Patrick Gerard Lee (c/o PhilCycling)

Patrick Gerard Lee put the Philippines on the medals board with his bronze medal in men C5 scratch race of para cycling in the Asian Cycling Confederation Track and Para Track Cycling championships on Sunday at the Tagaytay CT Velodrome.

It was the first medal for the Philippines in the annual championships hosted this year by the PhilCycling and Tagaytay City—and the first continental exposure of the national para cycling team.

As importantly, Lee earned points for qualification to the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics.

But before Lee turned the crowd inside the Tagaytay CT Velodrome into a frenzy, a FoodPanda delivery bike rider—Zedrick Ivan Honorica—set a new Philippine record in men elite sprint using the same bike he uses in plying his trade.

Honorica’s bike? A Brain frame that costs P2,500 and a wheel set worth P12,000 which he raised from delivering food—a bicycle that astronomically pales to the equipment used by the elite countries’ riders, some breaching P7 million.

“I pushed and pushed myself, it’s a very tough race,” said Lee, 21, who lost his right forearm from under the elbow in a meat grinder at his aunt’s stall at Marilao Market when he was five years old.

“I’m really very happy because it’s for our country,” added Lee, who’s set to race again on the last day Wednesday of the championships supported by Tagaytay City Mayor Brent Tolentino and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MVP Sports Foundation, Sports Plus PH, Toyota and Peak.

Uzbekistan’s Azimbek Abdullaev won the gold medal and Japan’s Ruito Kameda secured the silver but with a tough challenge from Lee—the result went down to the photo finish.

Another Filipino, Joel Inn Tacutaco, finished fifth in the 14-rider race.

Honorica? He’s not your ordinary elite cyclist—literally, he came out of nowhere.

“I race in ‘bente-bente, nothing more,” said the 21-year-old who broke the national record his fellow Marikeño and many-time tour champion Jan Paul Morales set in the Doha 2006 Asian Games.”

“I wasn’t aware of the national record, but I know Kuya JPM [Morales], him being a champion … he doesn’t know me, though,” he added.

Honorica said he’s an accidental member of the national team in the Asian championships.

“I saw a post on Facebook by national coach Gil [Virgilio Espirutu) on an invitation for a power test [informal tryouts], and I was second best … that was only last January,” he said.

Honorica clocked 10.865 seconds, beating Morales’s 20-year-old record of 11.42 seconds.

The effort landed him in 21st out of 22 riders in the event won by Japan’s Kaiya Ota in 9.348 seconds, also shaving a fraction from his previous best of 9.350.

Delgaco pleased to see rowing's growth in the Philippines

Joanie Delgaco during the 2026 PRA Indoor Rowing Meet (c/o PSC)

First Filipina Olympic rower Joanie Delgaco shared her joy in seeing how much the Philippine Rowing Association (PRA) has grown from its once-small community.

The 2025 SEA Games gold medalist competed in an exhibition match alongside teammate Kristine Paraon, with whom she shared the podium—and fellow national athletes, Cris Nievarez, Edgar Ilas, Van Maxilom, and Ronnie Peñaredondo in the 2026 PRA Indoor Meet supported by the Philippine Sports Commission at the University Hotel, UP Diliman in Quezon City.

Delgaco shared that the tournament has seen a major boost in attendance jumping from a handful of participants last year to more than 100 entries in the current edition.

“Dati, nag-simula pa kami sa maliit na [space]. Ngayon, mas nakilala na ‘yung rowing, marami nang nakakakilala, and marami na rin na-eenganyo sa rowing. Ngayon, nakikita ko po na nag-eenjoy po talaga sila,” she said.

Paraon also shared her delight at the high volume of entries for the 2026 PRA meet.

“Happy ako na mas nakikilala pa ‘yung rowing sa Philippines. Sobrang saya ng PRA talaga, marami nang sumasali sa meet, hindi kagaya noon. Mas known na ‘yung rowing, and sana mas marami pa talagang sumuporta,” the 2023 World Rowing Indoor Champion said.

“Sana marami pang sumuporta and sumali sa rowing, open lang ‘yung PRA sa gustong mag-try,” she added.

Scheduled for March 28–29, the two-day 2026 PRA Meet acts as the primary recruitment test for national team selection.

Foreign coach Aliaksandra Tsekhanovich, three months in with the Philippine rowing team, aims to strengthen the athletes' holistic conditioning. She praised the current event as a start toward for Filipino rowers.

“I think we need to establish more rowing clubs in the regions—just in general. We need to really make rowing accessible for everyone. The Philippines is surrounded by water and there are so many places to row,” she said.

“We just have to grow the sport, do it right, and provide more access so people can learn about it. We need to make it more popular so people can actually visualize themselves rowing,” she added.

Krog narrowly misses podium finish in Asian Track Championships

MARITANYA KROG keeps pace with riders from China, South Korea and Malaysia early in the women junior elimination race (c/o PhilCycling)

The Chinese juggernaut continued its dominance in the Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC) Track and Para Track Championships but it was young Maritanya Krog who captured the hearts of everyone at the Tagaytay CT Velodrome.

Krog, 17, is entirely a neophyte on a velodrome like everyone else on the national team, but provided a glimpse of how Philippine track cycling’s future would be—she finished fourth in the women junior elimination race on Friday—a tad so short of the podium.

“It’s a great honor and achievement for me to be in the top four, not only because it’s my first time , but also because we had very little preparation for the championships,” said Krog, a successful junior road rider with numerous gold medals at the PhilCycling Nationals and Batang Pinoy program.

“I’m very thankful to everyone who supports me–especially my mother, my siblings and my coaches,” added Krog, daughter of former road and track national rider and now national team coach Marita Lucas. “ I’m also grateful to PhilCycling, PSC and the POC.”

Krog got the boot from Indonesia’s Alegya Keiko Hendranaya in the women junior elimination race dominated by China’s Ding Aonan with South Korea’s Lee Yun Ji getting silver.

“I was very nervous during the race because I knew I could be eliminated anytime,” Krog said. “But I kept pushing myself to stay close to the front and gave it my best.”

That was the closest to the podium finish so far by any of the 30 national track and para track athletes entered by the PhilCycling, headed by Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, in the championships hosted by Tagaytay City and Mayor Brent Tolentino and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MVP Sports Foundation, Sports Plus PH, Toyota and Peak.

Wu Junjie and Ning Chen stamped their class in the elite omnium events for China, which widened its gap in the medals race with 10 golds and five silvers—seven more golds than South Korea (3-4-3 gold-silver-bronze) and eight more than Chinese-Taipei (2-2-3).

Kazakhstan (2-0-0) and Japan (1-4-7) rounded out the top five in the medal tally with only track powerhouse Malaysia breaking into the gold medal column with one complimented with two silvers and one bronze.

Junjie amassed 141 points to outclass Chinese Taipei’s Li Jing Feng (125 points)and Japan’s Tetsuo Yamamoto (125 points).

“We just need to stay focused on the competition and give our best,” Junjie said.

Chen, meanwhile, tallied 144 points for the gold, followed by Hong Kong’s Sze Wing Lee (126) and South Korea’s Jieun Shin (124).

Malaysia (4-3-1) and Uzbekistan (4-1-2) were 1-2 in the medals race in para cycling, followed by Japan (2-0-0), South Korea (1-1-0) and Indonesia (1-1-0).

Kazakhstan shone in the women’s junior Madison behind Aruzhan Kabdulova and Anel Tashbay (105 points), while Uzbekistan’s Ekaterina Makarochkina and Nadejd Barteneva finished second with 64 points and Chinese Taipei’s Ting Wen Chen and Tse Ning Chen wound up third.

Adamson completes second round sweep in UAAP softball

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 Softball Standings

*AdU 7–1
*UP 6–2
UST 5–3
DLSU 2–6
Ateneo 0–8

* – Finals

Finals-bound Adamson University pulled through past De La Salle University, 3–1, to complete a second-round sweep of the UAAP Season 88 Softball Tournament on the final day of eliminations Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate, Manila.

The Lady Falcons secured the top seed for their fourth straight championship showdown against the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, who earlier defeated the University of Santo Tomas Tiger Softbelles, 5–3, to claim the other finals ticket. Adamson finished the eliminations with a 7–1 win-loss record, relying on a masterclass in defense to take the victory.

“Maganda ‘yung naging response nila. Nakita ko naman ‘yung improvement nila — ‘yung mindset and approach nila, may mga changes. And at the same time, may mga nag-step up na rin. Importante ‘yan kasi ‘tong championship, medyo mahirap-hirap,” said head coach Ana Santiago, as her squad officially entered their 11th straight UAAP Finals appearance.

“Alam naman natin ‘yang UP; may hunger na rin ’yan eh. Kami naman, siyempre, kailangan naming ma-defend ‘yung title namin. It’s everybody’s ball game, hindi natin alam kung sino [mananalo]. Pero ang ano ko lang sa mga bata, ilaban muna nila ‘yung game and don’t think about the outcome,” the legendary mentor added.

Adamson started strong on offense, scoring one run in each of the first three innings. Neomay Mahinay finished with two hits and scored two of those runs.

The fourth-year standout hit a lead-off single to left field in the first inning before coming home on another hit to the same side from captain Mae Langga. Mahinay then drove in the Lady Falcons’ third run with a massive triple from Mea Tubongbanua in the third inning.

Earlier, last year’s Rookie of the Year Jhaycel Roldan doubled the advantage when her double to center field was converted into a run off a hit from MJ Libaton.

Mahinay ended the game with three of Adamson’s eight hits to lead the offense, while Langga, Mahinay, and Libaton each recorded one hit and one RBI.

With offense slowing down in later innings, Adamson leaned on its defense to secure the win, powered by its top-tier pitching staff.

Season 85 MVP Glory Alonzo started the strong defensive effort with a two-hitter shutout over three innings. April Minanga and Maryjoy Alpitche combined for a four-hitter, allowing just one run in relief.

Heading into a familiar matchup against UP in the Finals, Santiago wants her team to continue building on the improvements she saw in their lone loss against the same squad.

“Huwag nilang i-pressure ‘yung sarili nila. I told them to play freely; so, whatever it is, ang importante is ibigay nila lahat ‘yung meron sila,” Santiago, who also coaches the Blu Girls, shared.

The Lady Batters came alive in the fifth inning with two consecutive hits from April Gonzales and Julianne Moral. Cassandra Inot cut the deficit to two after driving in Gonzales, but Czarina Eder and Tiff Labargan could not extend the rally as Adamson’s defense closed the frame with two quick outs.

La Salle finished in fourth place for the third consecutive season.
TEAMS    1    2    3    4    5    6    7    R    H    E
AdU    1    1    1    0    0    0    0    3    8    1
DLSU    0    0    0    0    1    0    0    1    6    1

SBP announces Pat Aquino's departure from Gilas Women coaching duties

Gilas Women

A new era has dawned in Philippine basketball, as the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) announces on Saturday that it will conduct a search for a new senior women's national team head coach.

After more than a decade of serving as the mentor for Gilas Pilipinas Women, Patrick Aquino is moving into a new role with the federation, with the focus centered towards talent identification and grassroots development on the girls’ side, along with Program Director Norman Black.

“The SBP thanks coach Patrick Aquino for everything that he has done for the program and for all his efforts in the development of women’s basketball in the country,” said SBP President Ricky Vargas. “But now it’s time to move forward and do more for Gilas Pilipinas Women and the entire women’s basketball community in the country.”

He adds, "The landscape of women’s basketball is changing as we’re seeing Filipina talent sprouting from all over the world. The talent of our Filipina players is also being recognized as doors are opening for them all over the world. We need to harness all of this into our team. This is a crucial period where we really need to invest in the growth of our women’s program as we look forward to hosting the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup in 2027."

In concluding his statement, Vargas shares, "The SBP believes that our Filipina basketball players are good enough not just to be on the same court as these world-class teams, but good enough to beat them. This is why the federation is committed to investing more in our women’s program, and it will start with our search for a new Gilas Pilipinas Women head coach."

It was under the auspices of Aquino that Gilas Women made its historic ascent to its current heights. The Philippines claimed its first three gold medals at the Southeast Asian Games for women's basketball, including the latest edition in the just-concluded edition last year in Thailand. At the same time, Gilas Women and Gilas Youth have secured and retained their spots in Division A at the continental level.

With the search underway, the SBP will leave no stone unturned to find Aquino's successor. According to Executive Director Erika Dy, "We’re going to have a thorough process to determine who will lead Gilas Pilipinas Women moving forward. We don’t have clear prospects yet, but the search begins now."

She adds, “We’re not limiting ourselves to looking for local coaches, as our plan is really to land the best option possible. If that means hiring from abroad, that’s what we will do.”

The Philippines is fresh from their participation in the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Lyon, where they finished with a 1-4 record, losing their matches against France, Germany, Nigeria and Korea Republic, before wrapping up their campaign with a victory against Colombia.

Even with their elimination from participation in next year's World Cup in Germnay next year, the country still has an active calendar ahead, with their upcoming stints this August for the FIBA Women's Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament and the Asian Games in Japan this September.

Kieffer Alas selected as the first four-time NBTC All-Star

Kieffer Alas

Ateneo-commit Kieffer Alas will be playing his last game in the Smart-NBTC National Finals presented by SM on Saturday.

Since 2023, the former Gilas Pilipinas Youth mainstay and UAAP boys' basketball MVP has been a fixture in the annual showcase of the top young talent in the Philippines, but he now takes the next step in his promising career, committing to the Blue Eagles starting Season 89.

Alas moves up to the next level as the first and only four-time NBTC All-Star - one-upping Kai Sotto who was hailed as one of the best under-19 players thrice when he was still a Blue Eaglet.

"Thank you very much to NBTC. It will forever be an honor to have had the chance to play here for the last three years," said the 6-foot-2 guard, who was also the youngest player to be named NBTC All-Star as a 16 year old.

Unlike years past, Alas had to wait a little longer to seal his spot, as he was not part of the 2026 NBTC 24 due to his stint in the U.S. playing for Utah Prep.

The now-18-year-old, though, dropped 30 points in his second game in this year's National Finals for Phenom NZ Blue Fire in their 87-78 triumph over Urbana Studios x San Beda.

That effectively saved his seat on Team Heart captained by NBTC 24 No. 1 player Cabs Cabonilas (FEU-Diliman), alongside another Baby Tamaraw in Marc Burgos, Jay-M Leal (Ateneo), Kirk Cañete (UST), Bruce Tubongbanua (UPIS), Mark Esperanza (San Sebastian), Justin Cargo (Letran), Ray Ladica (Arellano), Lian Basa (SHS-Ateneo), Jhon Lord Cruz (North Luzon), Duke Solon (Mindanao), and Zedrick Castillo (South Luzon).

Their other additions are Arellano's Aaron Manansala, Fil-Nation Select LA's Joaquin Tovera, and Fil-Nation Select USA's Blaze Johnson.

Alas will play against former De La Salle Zobel teammate and second-ranked NBTC 24 player Maco Dabao, NCAA juniors MVP Sean Franco (Arellano), Mot Matias and Shaun Lucido (NUNS), Jarl Artango (Adamson), Noah Banal (Ateneo), Nathan Egea (Letran), Andrei Ugaddan (San Beda), Josef Calo-oy (LSGH), Kelly Coronel (EAC), Henry Suico (SHS-Ateneo), and J Lord Pepito (Visayas).

Team Hustle will be reinforced by UST's Joaqui Ludovice, Off-Campus Residences x Toyomoto's Rene Baterbonia, Fil-Nation Select USA's Quali Giran, and D'Generals x Dynamix Creative's Ruzzel Del Poso.

Side events before the All-Star Game tipping off at 5 p.m. will also feature the Skills Challenge with Ludovice, Suico, Christian Bustillo, Ahmed Aduan, Mark Clarence Piana, Jhillian Palis, Riley Santa Juana, and Ezekiel Emnace; the Shooting Stars with Team Manila (Lorenz Aben Cinco, Adiam Larosa, Benedict Gaytos, Gian Gamala), Team Global (Lawrence Orvile Mandalano, Keith Solis, John Lee Torres, Khyle Justin Capanzana), Team North Luzon (Jairus Armendez, Rion Cyryll Burgos, Mark Den Cruz, Mark Khelvin Macalinao), Team South Luzon (Jayber Stephen Castillo, Tristan James Catucod, Godwin Virrey, Mike Laurence Barrot); Team Visayas (Luke Brent Dy, Krstc Da Silva, Jim Corpuz, Aldwin Calumpang Yso); and Team Mindanao (Joseph Dumdum, Van Ian Monteza, Rhysus Rafael Bajenting, John Rhey Mark Calumba); And the Three-Point Shootout with Del Poso, Miekho Natinga, Froilan Reyes, Justine Dave Batibot, John Rex Villanueva, Jobert John Pastias, Matt Jerrick Cayetano, Ethan Reytomas, and Trey Pinkard.

Contenders emerge in ACC Track Championships

Bonzo and the rest of the Philippine contingent fell short of podium finishes but displayed determination and resilience against world-class competition (c/o PhilCycling)

The big guns from elite cycling countries didn’t disappoint as the country’s first-time hosting of the Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC) Track and Para Track Championships got into the groove after two days of intense action at the Tagaytay CT Velodrome.

Olympian Eiya Hashimoto of Japan topped the men’s elite elimination race and Sze Wing Lee of Hong Kong dominated the women's race late Thursday in the championships organized by the ACC, hosted by the PhilCycling and Tagaytay City and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission.

Hashimoto showed he doesn’t only have the speed but the endurance as well in ruling the 14-cyclist men elite elimination race that included returning Mark Julius Bonzo, who held fort and exited at No. 11 in one of most interesting events in track cycling.

A three-time Asian Games gold medalist and 14 times winner of the Asian championships winner, Hashimoto later had good words for both the Filipino cyclists and organizers.

"The Philippine team looks good," Hashimoto, 32, said in halting English. "With the right environment and continued development, especially in the early stages of track cycling and rider development. I'm really looking forward to seeing the Philippine riders improve next year.”

China’s Junjie Wu secured the silver medal, while Uzbekistan’s Nikita Tsvetkov took the bronze in the elimination race of the championships supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, MVP Sports Foundation, Sports Plus PH, Toyota and Peak.

Bonzo, 36 and a former road national cyclist, stood his ground and was eliminated ahead of more experienced rivals Joe Lau of Malaysia, Harshveer Singh Sekhon of India and Manssour Ameen Alhayyan of Saudi Arabia.

Chinese-Taipei’s Sze Wing Lee showcased her strength and endurance to beat China’s Ning Chen and Japan’s Misaki Okamoto for the gold medal in the women elite elimination race.

Angeline Elvira refused to cower against the elite women’s field and also placed 11th out of 13 participants in the women’s contest of the championship hosting that drew positive remarks from International Cycling Union officials managing the races.

“It’s an ideal championship scenario,” said Frederick Chan, head of the timing and results team and also an international commissaire from Hong Kong. “The race operations have gone smoothly without any intervention or hitches and the host organizer and federation have been outstanding.”

It’s the country’s first time to host the continental championships since 1995 when the event was staged at the Amoranto Velodrome in Quezon City and PhilCycling president Abraham Tolentino, also head of the Philippine Olympic Committee, tempered expectations from the national riders.

“We’re starting from scratch and we’re learning,” said Tolentino, also head of the Philippine Olympic Committee.

South Korea’s Hyerin Park won the women junior sprint gold medal, beating Malaysia’s Nur Umairah Qhaisara Zilfikha Razar in the final, while her compatriot Yunchae Kang defeated another Malaysian, Sawda Hasbullah, in the battle for the bronze medal.

“I just trained hard. I didn’t expect to win or even reach the podium,” said Park.

China’s Liying Yuan dominated the women elite keirin at the expense of teammate Lijuan Wang with Japan’s Haruka Nakazawa completing the podium.

In the men’s junior sprint, Yi Kuan Lin of Chinese Taipei clinched the gold medal over Japan’s Daiya Yamazaki in the final.

Another Chinese Taipei rider, Zi Qi Wei, earned bronze by overcoming Korea’s Hajin Jeon in the third-place match.

China added to its medal haul in the men’s elite keirin, with Han Xie winning the gold and Zhiwei Li taking the silver. Chinese Taipei’s Shih Feng Kang settled for bronze.

Bullpups force decider in UAAP HS Boys Basketball Finals

c/o UAAP

Game on Monday at the Blue Eagle Gym
3 p.m. - FEU-D vs NUNS

Shaun Lucido refused to let National University Nazareth School go down without a fight.

The 6-foot, Grade 11 guard dropped 25 points, leading the Bullpups to an 80-59 win over the Far Eastern University-Diliman Baby Tamaraws and forcing a winner-take-all match in the UAAP Season 88 High School Boys’ Basketball Tournament on Thursday at the Blue Eagle Gym.

Lucido, the inaugural MVP of the Junior High School tournament back in UAAP Season 86 (2024), got off to a scorching start, scoring eight points in the first 10 minutes.

By halftime, he had already poured in 17 points on five triples, helping the Bullpups take a lead that reached as high as 45-29.

“Sobrang gutom na gutom kami kasi matagal na po talaga naming pinagtratrabahuan ito,” said Lucido, an 18-year-old native of Legazpi City, Albay. “Tatlong sunod na finals appearances na kami, natalo kami sa unang dalawa.

“Talagang motivation namin is bigyan si coach (Kevin de Castro) ng championship at para rin kay Sir Fulton (Sy, former team manager).”

The decider is set on Holy Monday at the same Katipunan venue.

In the second half, the rest of the Bullpups followed Lucido’s lead, firing on all cylinders to keep FEU-D at bay.

Malian big man Moussa Diakite, the division’s Rookie of the Year, delivered a thunderous jam to give NUNS a 77-57 lead with 2:09 remaining. In a tribute to NU great Danny Ildefonso, Diakite celebrated with a “raise the roof” gesture, thrilling half of the 2,105 fans in attendance.

Diakite finished with 10 points, 14 rebounds, and three blocks. Kurl Figueroa added 10 points and seven rebounds, Corian Cabantog contributed nine points and eight boards, while Mot Matias orchestrated the offense with 10 assists and five points.

“Actually, coming into this game, sabi ko sa mga players ko, naubusan ako ng motivation sa inyo, si Lord na bahala mag-motivate sa inyo,” said De Castro, who suffered Game 3 heartbreaks against Adamson in Season 86 and UST last year. “So, very thankful ako, and credit sa coaching staff na meron ako. Talagang grabe yung inputs nila at the same time yung mga players.”

Cabs Cabonilas, the reigning MVP of the division who posted 19 points, 16 rebounds, and two blocks in FEU-D’s 77-73 Game 1 win last Sunday, added 18 points, 12 rebounds, two steals, and two blocks in Game 2.

Kean Esperanza, who overcame a first-half injury, was the other Baby Tamaraw in double figures with 13 points.

Assan Gaye and Sam Hall, who scored 12 points each in Game 1, were limited to just three and one point, respectively.

The Scores:

NUNS 80 - Lucido 25, Diakite 10, Figueroa 10, Cabantog 9, Cartel 8, Natinga 6, Matias M. 5, Juan 4, Matias R. 3, Bouzina 0, Celiz 0, Timbang 0, Tulabut 0.

FEU-D 59 - Cabonilas 18, Esperanza 13, Burgos 8, Cagurungan 4, Cariño 4, Sohm 4, Gaye 3, Enriquez 2, Hall 1, Santos J. 1, Santos 1, Rañeses 0, Alagaban 0, Dagcutan 0, Dulin 0.

Quarterscores: 18-14, 45-31, 63-51, 80-59.

Tagaytay CT Velodrome secures UCI certification

THE Philippines’ Marlen Marasigan, Althea Campaña and Angelina Elvira compete in the women junior team elite race. (photo c/o PhilCycling)

China, Chinese-Taipei and South Korea emerged as dominant forces in the Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC) Track and Para Track Championships as the International Cycling Union (UCI) certified the Tagaytay CT Velodrome as a Category A facility.

“We are now officially a UCI track destination,” said PhilCycling president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino on Thursday. “With a Category A homologation, we can now host world cups and even the world championships.”

The homologation certificate—signed by  UCI Track and Indoor Cycling Manager Jessika Grand Bois—came a day before Wednesday’s opening of the 16-nation, 600-athlete championships that the country is hosting for the first time in 31 years.

China, meanwhile, proved unstoppable in winning the sprint gold medals in men and women elite with Chinese-Taipei ruling the men’s junior team sprint race and South Korea bringing home the mint in women’s junior team sprint.

China clocked 42.981 seconds late Wednesday with Japan failing to finish and Hong Kong snatching silver, a feat matched by the Chinese women, who pedaled to the gold in 46.806 seconds over Malaysia and South Korea.

Yun Chieh Tsai, Yi Kuan Lin and Zi Qi Wei delivered a near-perfect ride for Chinese Taipei with a 45.314-second nail-biting finish for the gold medal—they beat the Koreans by 12 thousands of a second in the final.

Korea’s young riders delivered a commanding performance of 50.076 seconds to win the team sprint event over India and Malaysia.

Kazakhstan executed a near flawless race to earn gold, followed by Chinese Taipei and Uzbekistan in the team pursuit, which the Chinese elite team also ruled in 3:48.14, maintaining a relentless tempo against Japan.

Team Philippines, on the other hand, went through its baptism of fire right at home—a performance that’s expected of the inexperienced team competing in a world-class competition.

“The disappointments are expected, but the good thing about the team is that the riders bettered themselves from training,” said PhilCycling track coach Virgilio Espiritu.

Plunging to early action in the championships were the men junior team sprint riders Prince Andrei Pedragosa, Asher Job Albo and Kaizel Jizmundo, while Marlen Marasigan, Althea Mae Campana and Angeline Elvira carried the fight in the women’s contest.

Matt Andrei Gonzalo, Archie Cardana and Marcus Gabriel Ricalde raced in the men elite team sprint race.

ACC Track Championships and Para Track Championships successfully launched in Tagaytay

THE Asian track cycling championships are on with (from left) Tagaytay City Mayor Brent Tolentino, Philippine Paralympic Committee president Mike Barredo, Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio, Philippine Olympic Committee and PhiCycling president Abraham Tolentino, Asian Cycling Confederation president Dato Amarjit Singh Gill, Uzbekistan Cycling Federation secretary-general Khurshid Atakulov Bakhodirjanovich (partly hidden) and Saudi Cycling Federation President Abdulaziz Al-Shahrani declaring the competitions open at the Tagaytay CT Velodrome on Wednesday. (Photo c/o PhilCycling)

THE Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC) Track and Para Track Championships got off to a rousing start on Wednesday at the Tagaytay CT Velodrome with close to 600 cyclists from 16 countries in full harness to earn titles as continental champions.

For Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, the country’s track program “is starting from scratch” amid the event’s magnitude that, admittedly, Filipino riders aren’t expected to medal.

“I don’t expect any medal or podium finish here for our track cycling team,” said Tolentino, president of both the Philippine Olympic Committee and PhilCycling. “We’re starting from scratch … we’re still calibrating and adjusting.”

“So we will learn, little by little, and we will soon learn it,” he added.

For Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio, the championships are a dream come true—both for the country and Tolentino.

“It’s a dream come true for President Tolentino, and for the country,” Gregorio said in his speech during the well-attended, lively and colorful opening ceremony ahead of the actual races at the velodrome’s infield.

The Tagaytay CT Velodrome is a world-class cycling facility that replaced the then iconic but now demolished Amoranto Velodrome in Quezon City—a facility that served cycling since the 1960s until Tolentino built a UCI-standard track at the heart of Tagaytay City that’s now rising to become the country’s “Olympic Center.”

ACC president Datu Amarjit Singh Gill put authority and prestige to the occasion, alongside Mayor Brent Tolentino, Philippine Paralympic Committee president Mike Barreto, Uzbekistan Cycling Federation secretary-general Khurshid Atakulov Bakhodirjanovich) and Saudi Cycling Federation president Abdulaziz Al-Shahrani.

Joining them were PSC commissioners Walter Torres and Eduardo Hayco, Tagaytay City Vice Mayor Agnes Tolentino, former Cavite governor Athena Tolentino.

“We finally hosted this event after 31 long years. And it is really a dream come true for Philippines sports,” Tolentino said. “We are thankful to ACC and UCI for helping us.”

Top Flight Sports Canada earns Division 2 spot in NBTC National Finals classification phase

c/o NBTC

Top Flight Sports Canada kickstarted its Division 2 reclamation bid in resounding fashion, waylaying Batang Europa Scandinavia, 99-48, in the classification round of the 2026 Smart-NBTC National Finals presented by SM Supermalls on Tuesday at SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Robyn Florendo flourished with 20 points and four rebounds, Jemuel Castro added 13 points, and Malcolm Tyler nabbed a double-double of 12 points and 11 boards in the blowout to put behind the Fil-Canadian's losses in the first two days.

The day which divided the house into Divisions 2 and 3 also saw a few blowouts.

De La Salle Zobel bounced back with the most lopsided victory of the season after a 77-point blowout win against Gladiators Germany, 108-31, at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Maco Dabao, NBTC's no. 2-ranked high school player, had a solid outing of 21 points, five rebounds, and four assists to steer the Junior Archers to Division 2.

Sequioa Hotels Camp NZ also drowned Maharlika Malta by 65 points, 137-72, behind Aidan Macasero's 25 points.

Roderick Cambarijan also exploded for 20 points in Magis Eagles Cebu Landmasters' 107-66 rout of Canada Central Hoops Nation.

And Urbana Studios x San Beda Red Cubs got their groove back with an 84-76 win over Loverz Gadgets Zambo Sur after Adiam Larosa's 30 points from eight triples.

With all 48 teams already being grouped into the three divisions, the Philippine national 19-under championship shifts into high gear with the Supreme 16 as the knockout rounds begin on Wednesday at SM Mall of Asia Arena, Ninoy Aquino Stadium, and Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Here are the schedules for Wednesday's games :

SM Mall of Asia Arena
8:00am - Sequoia Hotels Camp NZ vs Playtown Exclusive
9:30am - RSY Group of Companies vs Oasis Ballers Eastern Samar
11:00am - DLSZ Junior Archers vs Mapua Red Robins
12:30pm - Magis Eagles Cebu Landmasters vs Urbana Studios x San Beda
2:00pm - North Luzon D'Generals vs Arceegee - St. Clare
3:30pm - Fil-Am Nation USA vs Homegrown Australia
5:00pm - Letran Squires vs FilNation LA
6:30pm - Off-Campus Residences x Toyomoto vs D'Generals x Dynamix

Ninoy Aquino Stadium
8:00am - AG Sports Apparel Laguna vs Top Flight Sports Canada
9:30am - Crossover Canada vs Bayanihan Elite UK
11:00am - Tumakbo USA vs Marlins Bulacan
12:30pm - MIC Australia Scope Med vs For The Win
2:00pm - Yes Mariveles vs USJR Jaguars
3:30pm - Phenom NZ Blue Fire vs UE Junior Warriors
5:00pm - Batangas Mustangs vs Arellano Braves
6:30pm - Batang Tiaong RJ MEA vs UST Tiger Cubs x D'Generals

Rizal Memorial Coliseum
8:00am - Proudly Pinoy Italy vs CCDC Admirals
9:30am - Western Sydney BA vs Batang Europa Scandinavia
11:00am - BBA Australia vs AUBA Perth
12:30pm - Don Bosco Greywolves vs Fil-Euro NextGen Belgium
2:00pm - Fil-Euro Nation UK vs GM Botor x Troops Hoops
3:30pm - Loverz Gadgets Zambo Sur vs Canada Central Hoops Nation
5:00pm - Gladiators Germany vs Liceo de Cagayan U Titans
6:30pm - Canterbury Ballers Club vs Maharlika Malta

New icons to shine in Philippine Sports Hall of Fame

In photo: (L-R) Vovinam Federation of the Philippines secretary general Jose “Jop” Malonzo, Xavier Virata of Ayala Foundation Inc., PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio, POC President Bambol Tolentino, GAB Chairman Atty. Francisco Rivera, and Pilipinas Curling secretary general Jarryd Bello.

The distinguished Philippine Sports Hall of Fame will welcome its fifth batch of inductees on May 20 at the historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum, a venue steeped in the nation’s athletic heritage.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick Gregorio and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino spearheaded the seven-man selection committee, which led the search for the latest additions to the growing roster of legendary Filipino sports figures.

Established in 1999 under Republic Act No. 8757, signed by then-President Joseph Estrada, the Hall of Fame was created to immortalize Filipino sporting excellence and inspire future generations.

Joining Gregorio and Tolentino in the screening process held Monday at the PSC media conference room were Games and Amusement Board Chairman Atty. Francisco Rivera, Xavier Virata of Ayala Foundation Inc., Vovinam Federation of the Philippines secretary general Jose “Jop” Malonzo, and Pilipinas Curling secretary general Jarryd Bello.

The panel carefully selected the new enshrinees from a nomination pool of 75 distinguished athletes and coaches.

Before the committee’s final verdict, a review panel of veteran sports journalists evaluated the nominees.

Among them were Quinito Henson (Philippine Star), Al Mendoza (Business Mirror), Dodo Catacutan (Spin.ph), Jun Lomibao (Business Mirror), and Ignacio Dee (Manila Standard), who ensured that the accomplishments of each nominee were meticulously dissected and that the stringent criteria for Hall of Fame enshrinement were faithfully upheld.

Since its inaugural induction in 2010, the Hall of Fame has enshrined 47 icons of Philippine sports. The first batch included Simeon Toribio, Miguel White, Caloy Loyzaga, Ceferino Garcia, Pancho Villa, Gabriel Elorde, and Teofilo Yldefonso.

Subsequent classes honored names such as Mona Sulaiman, Eugene Torre, Olivia Coo, Lydia de Vega-Mercado, Paeng Nepomuceno, Robert Jaworski, Roel Velasco, Leopoldo Serrantes and Paulino Alcantara, among others.

Eligibility for enshrinement is reserved for Filipino athletes, coaches, and trainers who have achieved podium finishes in the Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games, Olympic Games, or World Championships, or who have earned world titles in professional or amateur competition.

As the Hall of Fame prepares to immortalize another generation of Filipino sporting greats, the May 20 ceremony promises not only to celebrate individual achievement but also to reaffirm the enduring legacy of Philippine sports on the global stage.