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.

UP batters Ateneo, sets up weekend duel vs UST

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 Softball Standings
*AdU 6–1
UST 5–2
UP 5–2
x - DLSU 2–5
x - Ateneo 0-8

* - Finals
x - Eliminated

Games on Saturday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium
9 a.m. - UST vs UP
11 a.m. - DLSU vs AdU

University of the Philippines set up a clash for the last UAAP Season 88 Softball Finals berth against University of Santo Tomas after dismantling Ateneo de Manila University, 16-1, in just four innings on the penultimate day of eliminations, Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium in Malate, Manila.

The Fighting Maroons will take on the Tiger Softbelles on Saturday at 9 a.m. in their last elimination round assignment, with the winner advancing to face reigning 12-time champions Adamson University Lady Falcons in the championship series.

Adamson had earlier secured its 11th consecutive Finals appearance by defeating UST, 3-0. The Lady Falcons captured the first two titles of their long reign via 10-0 sweeps in the elimination rounds.

UP, aiming for a fourth straight Finals appearance, unleashed a barrage of big hits in the second inning and never looked back. Fourth-year standout Danica Aquino highlighted the team’s dominance with an inside-the-park home run.

Jaja Pascual could have recorded the Maroons’ first official home run of the season in the same inning, but it was nullified after she passed preceding runner Sathia Romero-Salas on the way to second base. The two RBIs still counted, as Drel Gonzales and Romero-Salas crossed home plate to extend the lead to four.

After an hour-long discussion regarding Pascual’s play, Aquino responded with a line drive down the right-field line for a solo home run — the senior left fielder’s only hit of the game.

“Nasa padulo na tayo ng tournament, so ang pinaghahandaan rin talaga namin ay ‘yung last game against UST. Ito kasi ang ginamit din namin as preparation para do’n sa last game. So, hopefully, lahat mag-deliver do’n sa last game,” said head coach Ron Pagkaliwagan.

“Big lesson sa ‘min talaga ‘yung mga mistakes namin nung nakaraang laro namin against Adamson. Ready naman sila; it’s part of the game, eh, may nagkakamali. Hopefully, maka-recover lang. Ika nga, you learn from your mistakes, and it’s part of the game,” added the fifth-year mentor.

Generose Torremocha and Laica Atlas each contributed for two innings, combining for one hit and two RBIs apiece as the sixth batter of the Maroons’ lineup. Pascual still finished with three RBIs from a single and a sacrifice hit.

Diane Pasco earned the win despite allowing a lone earned run in the second inning for Ateneo on four hits. Joy Laurente closed the game, holding the Blue Eagles scoreless on a single hit in the final two innings.

Pagkaliwagan emphasized that the key to winning the crucial playoff against UST lies in execution.

“Gusto ko lang makita ‘yung talagang laro ng taga-UP na lahat ibinibigay. And sa tingin ko naman lahat ‘to magde-deliver this coming Saturday, kasi talaga namang nag-prepare kami for this game,” he said.

The Blue Eagles made one last push in the second inning, breaking through Pasco’s defense with two hits and a run. Jeanne Yap hit a slow grounder to the middle for a triple and later scored on a single from Marvelous Romano.

Katipunan-based Ateneo added three more hits, including one from graduating senior Rizellejoy Bulatao, but UP’s defense ultimately held firm for the win. Bulatao and Ashlee Tuprio rounded the bases one final time for the Blue Eagles.

Ateneo, which has yet to register a win since Season 85, closed the season with an 0-8 record — marking its 16th straight defeat.

TEAMS   1    2    3    4    5    6    7    R    H    E
UP           3    5    1    1    6    x    x    16    11    3
Ateneo    0    1    0    0    0    x    x    1    5    4

Asian track championships fire off Wednesday (March 25) in Tagaytay City

ASIAN Cycling Confederation (ACC) president Dato' Amarjit Singh Gill and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick Gregorio lead a list of distinguished sports officials for the opening ceremony of the 45th Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC) Track Cycling Championships and 14th Asian Para Track Cycling Championships on Wednesday (March 25) at the Tagaytay CT Velodrome.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Abaham Tolentino will join Gill and Gregorio in opening the championships that the country is hosting for the first time since the 1995 edition of the annual event at the brand-new Tagaytay CT Velodrome—a UCI-standard 250-meter indoor track facility.

“This is the biggest international track cycling event that Tagaytay City, and the country for that matter, is hosting in three decades,” said Tolentino, also the president of the national sports association of cycling, PhilCycling.

“In terms of participation, we also have one of the biggest in ACC track championships history,” added Tolentino.

The opening ceremony is set at 9 a.m. and the first event starts at 10 a.m. among the more than 600 athletes from 16 Asian countries competing in track and para track.

Mayor Brent Tolentino of host Tagaytay City is supporting the championships along with the PSC, MVP Sports Foundation, Sports Plus PH, Toyota and Peak.

The Asian championships offer 44 gold medals, while 30 golds are staked in the para track competitions that will be held simultaneously until March 31.

Competitions in the ACC championships will be in individual and team pursuit, sprint, keirin, elimination race, omnium, points race, scratch race, Madison and 1-kilometer for both men and women categories.

The events in the para track cycling competitions are the individual pursuit, 1,000 meters time trial, sprint, elimination, scratch race and mixed team and tandem sprints.

The participating countries are Chinese-Taipei, Hong Kong-China, Indonesia, India, Japan, Kazakhstan, Macao-China, Malaysia, China, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan and host Philippines.

Alas stalwarts anchor NU triumph over FEU

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Standings
FEU 8-1
NU 7-2
UST 5-3
Ateneo 4-4
DLSU 4-4
UP 3-6
AdU 2-6
UE 1-8

Games on Wednesday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum
9 a.m. - UST vs DLSU (Men)
11 a.m. - AdU vs Ateneo (Men)
1 p.m. - UST vs DLSU (Women)
3 p.m. - AdU vs Ateneo (Women)

Alas Pilipinas members Leo Ordiales and Michaelo Buddin took matters into their own hands to ensure a traditional Final Four format in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Tournament.

Six-peat-seeking National University delivered a statement 28-26, 17-25, 24-26, 25-11, 15-8 victory, handing Far Eastern University its first loss of the season on Sunday in front of a roaring crowd at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Bulldogs improved to 7-2, closing the gap on the Tamaraws, who dropped to 8-1 but remained in first place—now just one game ahead of NU.

Buddin and Ordiales powered NU’s comeback, dominating the final two sets to overturn FEU’s 2-1 set lead.

“Good game talaga. Both sides naman sobrang ganda ng pinakita,” said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin. “Pagdating sa dulo, natiyaga and ‘yung pasensya ni Buddin lumabas, naging maganda ‘yung resulta ng game.”

Buddin scored 14 of his 25 points in the last two sets, while Ordiales delivered 13 of his career-high 30 points in that same stretch.

With the fifth set tied at 7-all, Buddin and Ordiales took control.

Buddin ignited NU’s finishing run with a checked ball, before setter Greg Ancheta raised the energy with a solid block on Amet Bituin. Buddin followed it up with three straight points, then Ordiales took over, firing three of his own to cap off a dominant 8-1 closing run for NU, sealing the win in two hours and three minutes.

“’Yung decision-making namin, sobrang dami naming iniisip, parang nawawala kami sa sistema. Nung fourth and fifth set, ibinalik lang namin, sinunod lang namin ulit ‘yung sistema, and maganda naman ‘yung result,” said Ordiales.

Ordiales finished with 24-of-48 attacks, three blocks, and three service aces, along with six digs.

Buddin added 19-of-33 attacks, three blocks, and three aces, along with eight excellent receptions, while Jade Disquitado also shone with 12 points, 33-of-59 excellent receptions, and seven digs.

Jimwell Gapultos contributed 12 excellent receptions and 11 excellent digs, while Ancheta orchestrated the offense with 34 excellent sets and added three blocks.

NU looks to sustain its momentum on Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion against Ateneo de Manila University.

Mikko Espartero led FEU with 22 points on 18 attacks and four blocks, along with 21 excellent receptions.

Dryx Saavedra added 18 points but cooled off after scoring nine in the opening set, while Lirick Mendoza was limited to 10 points, all coming in the first three frames.

FEU aims to bounce back next Sunday against University of Santo Tomas on its home court.

PAREF-Southridge formalizes postseason cast in UAAP HS Football

c/o UAAP

UAAP Season 88 High School Boys' Football Tournament Standings

**FEU-D 31(+30)
**UST 28 (+13)
*DLSZ 20(+5)
*Southridge 17 (+2)
xAteneo 16 (-5)
xAdU 6 (-15)
xClaret 3 (-30)

**-Twice-To-Beat
*-Final Four

The stars aligned for PAREF Southridge, as they secured a return to the UAAP High School Boys’ Football Final Four for the second straight season.

Starting the last elimination round matchday with a 3-1 victory over De La Salle Zobel, Southridge’s hopes and prayers were answered in the next match as University of Santo Tomas edged Ateneo de Manila University 2-1 to book the Admirals their place in next week’s semifinals, Saturday at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.

Southridge fulfilled its role in the equation by dispatching La Salle in the opening match of the triple-header. The result marked a departure from their first-round encounter, which ended in a 1-1 stalemate on February 17.

Admirals winger Francis Poticano led the charge, breaking the deadlock in the 23rd minute before sealing the win in the 77th. Forward Kale Javier added the team’s second goal in first-half stoppage time (45+4) with a strike from outside the box.

La Salle striker Jayden Gayoso pulled one back for the Junior Green Booters in the 56th minute, heading in an assist from teammate Duke Punzalan, but it proved insufficient to spark a comeback.

“First of all, I would like to thank God for this victory,” said Southridge’s Ghanaian coach Sam Bonney. “The mission was clear. We came here to win because we know we are in a bad spot—if I may put it that way—because we want to be in the Final Four. So at the end of the day, a win will grant us that one, but of course we have to wait for this UST against Ateneo game also to know that we are secure in the Final Four.”

As the Admirals remained in the stands, the Junior Golden Booters delivered at the Blue Eagles’ expense, even with the defending champions having nothing at stake.

Midfielder Al Orteza set the tone for UST, finishing clinically in the 27th minute to open the scoring. Ateneo’s woes deepened in the second half as Joshua Balliner doubled UST’s lead in the 57th minute.

The Blue Eagles attempted to force a playoff for the final semifinal berth by pushing for an equalizer. Tiago Remulla gave Ateneo hope in the 60th minute, heading in a corner kick from Manu Simpao. Simpao and Andres Dumlao later had free-kick opportunities amid Ateneo’s late surge, but both efforts missed the target.

For Junior Golden Booters assistant coach David Basa, securing the win — UST’s second over Ateneo this season after a 3-0 victory on January 31 — was crucial in building momentum heading into next Saturday’s semifinal clash against the Junior Green Booters.

“Yun kasi yung pagpunta namin sa game—hindi namin tine-take for granted,” said Basa. “Gusto namin makuha yung momentum papunta sa semifinals kaya ayaw namin magpatalo. Kahit ni-reserve namin ang mga may yellow card at 'di namin sila sinugal, sinabi namin sa boys na play to win pa rin. Kailangan yung attitude at character nandun at 'di mawawala.”

Far Eastern University-Diliman, which capped off the eliminations with a 5-1 win over Adamson University, enters the postseason as the top seed with 31 points.

FEU-D will face fourth-seeded Southridge (17 points), while second-seeded UST (28 points) and third-seeded La Salle (20 points) square off in the other semifinal.

As the higher seeds, the Baby Tamaraws and the Junior Golden Booters hold a twice-to-beat advantage over the Admirals and the Junior Green Booters, respectively, when they clash next Saturday at the same venue.

Meanwhile, braces from Thomas Baylon and Jerriemy Biton powered FEU-D's rout of Adamson.

The match was tied at 1-1 at halftime after Tristan Alkuino’s own goal in the 23rd minute handed the Baby Tamaraws an early lead, before Baby Falcons striker Josh Año equalized in the 45th minute.

Baylon (51’, 56’) and Biton (53’, 59’) then combined for four goals in an eight-minute blitz to secure a convincing win for FEU-D. The result also completed a season sweep for the Baby Tamaraws, who previously defeated the Baby Falcons, 5-0, in the first round on January 17.

“Masaya siyempre. Pinaghirapan yung goals na yan,” said FEU-D coach Jake Morallo. “In the first half, medyo again, out of connection, out of focus — maybe nawawala sila sa roles nila bawat isa, so this is why I think 'yun lang ang nakuha sa first half. But in the second half, I think it was a good adjustment.”

“I think maganda yung adjustment ng bawat isa. As we saw, maraming rookies ngayon na nabigyan ng chance, and I think they deserved it this time. Masaya ako na may mga players na nag-step up.”

Rounding out the standings are Ateneo (16 points) in fifth place, followed by Adamson (6 points) and Claret (3 points).

UP ends decade-long finals drought in men's tennis, NU forces Sunday decider vs UST

c/o UAAP

Tie on Sunday at the Colegio San Agustin-Bulacan Tennis Court
7:30 a.m. - NU vs UST (Men's Final Four)

University of the Philippines booked its long-awaited return to the Finals, while National University kept its title defense alive by forcing a rubber match in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Tennis Final Four on Saturday at the Colegio San Agustin-Bulacan Tennis Court here.

The Fighting Maroons defeated the UE Red Warriors, 3-2, to advance to their first Finals appearance since UAAP Season 78, while defending champions Bulldogs swept the UST Male Tennisters, 3-0, setting up a do-or-die clash on Sunday at 7:30 a.m.

UP relied on the heroics of Raymund Goco and Andrei Jarata to secure the first Finals berth in this tournament, supported by Wilson Philippines.

Locked in a tense early exchange, Goco and Jarata seized control when it mattered most, defeating Kian Sanchez and Mark Dave Palanas, 6-3, 6-2, in second doubles to clinch the victory for UP. The pair surged ahead with a 5-1 run and held their nerve in the next game to seal the match.

“Sobrang thankful kami sa naging result against UE nitong semis game namin. Sobrang happy kami nakuha namin after a decade, nabalik namin ‘yung finals appearance sa UP,” said Goco.

“Siyempre, sa doubles, more intense ‘yung game namin, tapos tiwala rin ako sa partner ko na si Andrei Jarata, na nagbigay sa akin ng lakas. Grabe ‘yung tiwala ko sa kanya on and off the court lalo na sa baseline. ‘Yung bola niya sobrang solid kaya thankful din ako sa partner ko," he added.

The Fighting Maroons wasted little time asserting their dominance, as Loucas Fernandez delivered a commanding 6-0, 6-0 sweep of Gerald Gemida in first singles. Miguel Iglupas followed with a 6-0, 6-4 victory over Marc Suson in third singles.

The Red Warriors found their footing in doubles, with Kent Morales and Allyson Cabanilla defeating Heinz Carbonilla and Stephen Catipon, 6-2, 6-2, in the first doubles match. JB Aguilar then fended off Lance Fernandez in second singles, 6-3, 5-7, 6-2, forcing a decider.

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs asserted dominance to keep their championship hopes alive.

With their season on the line, NU’s Angil Balaoing and Isaac Lim rose to the occasion, overpowering Al Zayeed Baid and Evan Bacalso, 6-2, 6-2, in first doubles, setting up a do-or-die showdown.

“Para sa amin, malaking adjustment po talaga kasi from last year, twice-to-beat kami, then ngayon hindi na. So more on pressure kami and siguro more on tiwala lang po kami talaga sa isa’t isa ngayon and siyempre kay God din po,” said Balaoing.

“Meron po kaming mga pinag-usapan. Nag-meeting po kaming teammates para po walang ma-down sa amin. Dapat stay up lang kahit anong mangyari. Kahit natalo kami sa playoffs, stay positive pa rin sa ano man ang mangyari, tsaka teamwork,” said Lim.

Andrei Padao made an early statement, overpowering Christopher Sonsona, 6-1, 6-2, in second singles to give NU a quick foothold in the tie.

Alexis Acabo followed, battling through a tight first set before taking control in the second to defeat Ericjay Tangub, 7-5, 6-2, and push the Bulldogs ahead.

On the other court, Sebastian Santos and Jules Lazaro traded sets, 7-5, 5-7, before the first singles match was abandoned.

PFA set to host Junior and Cadet portion of the Dr. Celso L. Dayrit Memorial Fencing Championships

James Limuel Lim c/o UAAP

The Philippine fencing community is gearing up for the return of one of its most anticipated youth competitions, with Dr. Celso L. Dayrit Memorial Fencing Championships launches its Junior & Cadet Edition on March 21 and 22, 2026 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

This annual tournament, which is part of the Philippine Fencing Association's ranking competitions for the year, honors the legacy of Dr. Celso L. Dayrit, a former Philippine Olympic Committee President and a major figure in the development of fencing in the Philippines and across Asia. His lifelong advocacy for grassroots and elite athlete development continues to inspire generations of Filipino fencers.

The opening leg of this year’s memorial series will bring together top Junior and Cadet fencers from fencing clubs, schools, and regional programs nationwide. Competitors will battle for ranking points and the opportunity to secure positions for upcoming national and international events.

With the tournament coming days after the holding of the successful UAAP Fencing Competition at the Makati Coliseum, it serves as a good opportunity for those who participated there to build on their experience.

Among those set to participate are both Juniors Rookies of the Year in Tin Morales and Matteo Canlas, as well as both Juniors MVPs in Sophia Catantan and James Limuel Lim, all of which will be part of the bumper contingent of the University of the East, which also includes Khiane Felipe, Brynt Gale, and Nina and Nicol Canlas.

Historic UAAP gold medalist for PAREF-Southridge Ecoy Fuentes is also set to join, as well as Liah Gilliana, who helped anchor the University of Santo Tomas to their first girls' division title.

Other fencers who recently took part in the UAAP that are expected to give it a go this weekend are the likes of Vito Coching and Martina Baccay of La Salle-Zobel, Gab Bunagan, Rana Rafael, Maiev Boy, Derek Perez and Matteo General of Ateneo, Antonio Baydid, Gasti Malinao, and Ian Miranda from UST, 

From the club scene, among those set to participate this weekend are the Del Castillo siblings Oscar and Hagia Sophia, Jacob Mayo, Franco Pediapco, Jodie Tan, Jada Divinagracia, Canada-based Nadelle Turiano, Tasha Martinez, Solana Trinidad, and Skye Ong.

Cadet action will take place on Saturday, starting at 9am, with Juniors taking to the piste on Sunday, also at the same time. 

Amatov Canlas departs from UE Fencing program

c/o UAAP

When the UAAP Fencing Championships concluded last Monday at the Makati Coliseum, the University of the East once again claimed three gold trophies, asserting its dominance in a sport the program helped build from scratch.

While UE did not sweep the event for the second consecutive season, the Red Warriors remain the benchmark in UAAP fencing—a legacy shaped almost entirely by one man: Amatov Canlas.

Nearly two decades since UE stormed the fencing scene, the men’s squad extended its reign to 12 straight titles, the women’s team secured its 16th championship, the girls’ team’s dynasty was trimmed to 11, and the boys’ unit stretched its league-leading streak to 14. All of this is a testament to Canlas’s vision and relentless dedication.

Monday, however, marked Canlas’s last day—at least for now—as head coach and program head of UE Fencing. Emotions ran high as he reflected on the journey.

“Sabi ko lang na ituloy nila ‘yung dynasty na sinimulan namin dahil hindi lang naman basta-basta ‘to eh. We started from nothing, malalim ‘yung ugat nung UE. Hindi ito basta-basta champion lang, talagang from sa ‘kin pa, hanggang sa ngayon, sa present, eh talagang natuloy ‘yung pagiging dynasty namin,” said the former Red Warrior standout.

“So, pag-alis ko, kung sino man ‘yung mga papalit na coach sa ‘kin, ituloy lang nila. And ang sabi ko, maging loyal sila sa UE kasi hindi rin naman sila magiging magaling kung hindi dahil sa UE. Kumbaga, pinaghirapan sila; hindi dumating nang magaling na eh; ginawa sila ng UE.”

For Canlas, the legacy extends beyond titles. He hopes the culture he built—discipline, respect, and dedication—continues to thrive even after his departure.

“Yung respeto at kung ano ‘yung sinimulan ng UE sa UAAP. Hindi pa naman ako nagsasabing tapos na ako; nag-try lang ako ng ibang opportunity. Malay natin di ba,” he shared.

Canlas has nurtured these athletes from a very young age, some from as early as eight years old, guiding them not just toward championships, but toward national and Olympic aspirations.

“Kita mo naman ‘tong mga ‘to; hindi ko lang naman tinuruan ‘to noong high school. Eight years old pa lang hawak ko na ‘yan. Talagang tinrain ko na ‘yan, at goal ko talaga is national team. Ang goal ko talaga ay makarating sa Olympics. Yan ang mindset ng mga players ko, especially ‘pag foil. Kaya kung makita mo buong-buo talaga sila,” he said.

Education has always been equally important to Canlas. He emphasizes discipline both on and off the piste, ensuring that talent is matched by responsibility.

“Tsaka nasa academics din ako. Bata pa lang talaga, tinuruan ko na kung paano ‘yung discipline, eh. Gano’n talaga ‘yung ano nila sa ‘kin: academics and discipline. Kaya nga ako naka-produce ng Olympian because of the discipline. Kaya dalawang dekada kaming nag-champion sa UE because of the discipline na ini-impose ko sa team.

“Napakaimportante sa ‘kin ang academics at discipline, lalo na ‘pag makita kong malaki ‘yung potential ng bata. Kailangang i-guide siya nang tama. Kasi sayang ‘yung talent ‘pag hindi siya ginuide ng tama. Yun rin ang maganda sa UE, ‘pag nagkaproblema ‘yung bata, tinatawag agad sa ‘kin ng College Secretary, ng High School Principal. Kaya nga hindi kami nahihirapan sa mga national team namin, kasi gano’ng naka-support ‘yung UE management.”

Canlas will be taking his expertise and family to Australia, leaving behind a dynasty and a thriving support system. His decision, however, is rooted in family priorities rather than personal ambition.

“Well, kung ako lang naman ‘yung kinuha, hindi naman ako pupunta kung ako lang namang mag-isa. Kaya ko tinanggap ‘to kasi sinama ‘yung pamilya ko. Kumbaga, do’n ko nakita na para sa mga anak ko ‘to, para sa family ko ‘to. Kasi ba’t naman ako aalis, eh comfort zone ko ‘to? Ok naman ‘yung buhay ko dito,” he said.

“Pero nakita ko ‘yung opportunity para sa mga anak ko, sa family ko, na ‘pag pumunta ako do’n, kasama sila. Kaya susubok ako kasi ang hirap namang tanggihan, parang no-brainer ka naman, lalo pa’t Australia. Alam naman natin sa Australia; nakita naman natin ‘yung quality of life do’n. Why not, hindi natin subukan, para sa future ng mga anak ko ‘to, hindi naman ‘to para sa akin,” said the future head of the Tizona Fencing Club in Melbourne.

Beyond UE, Canlas has also shaped Philippine fencing at large, mentoring national athletes and fostering a new generation of coaches and referees.

“Sa PFA, nag-iisip talaga kami ng mga coaching seminar. Mag-i-invite kami ng mga magagaling na coaches from other countries na dadalhin rito, para continuous ‘yung learning ng coaches. Kung ako talaga, mas magpupundar ako sa coach. Kasi ‘yung coach, ‘pag may magaling na coach, at aral ‘yung coach, makaka-produce ng magagaling na fencer ‘yan. ‘’Yun ang nakikita kong dapat gawin, makapag-produce ng maraming-maraming coach na magagaling… all weapons,” Canlas shared.

“PFA ang makakapag-decide diyan kasi sila ‘yung body. Pero diyan magsisimula ‘yan: magagaling na coach at magagaling na referee. Number one ‘yan, coach and referee. Dapat mag-tandem ‘yan, para makapag-produce tayo ng Olympian. Kasi ‘pag mahina ‘yung quality, madami lang tayo. Kaya ‘yan ang pinakamahalaga diyan, ‘pag may mga ganyang opportunity, gagaling talaga ‘yung coach."

Canlas leaves behind not just champions, but a culture, a discipline, and a standard that will continue to define UE fencing—and Philippine fencing—for years to come.

Brutal climbs, breakneck sprints highlight MPTC Tour of Luzon route

Tour of Luzon CEO and Chief Organizer Arrey Perez. Photo c/o ToL

Organizers have revealed the route of the 2026 edition of the MPTC Tour of Luzon, which will cover a distance of 1,815.80 kilometers split into fourteen stages and traversing thirteen provinces in Luzon.

According to CEO and Chief Organizer Arrey Perez, "It’s a balanced route for both climbers and sprinters," emphasizing its impending unpredictability.

He also adds, "Teamwork will play a crucial role in the race, with domestiques expected to take on the challenging task of bringing their respective teams into contention for the GC [general classification]."

This year's edition, dubbed as "A Heritage in Motion," and is once again presented by the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation, will kick off on April 29 at CaSoBe in Calatagan, Batangas for the lone southern leg, before it moves north the next day to Clark in Central Luzon. It will then traverse through the region and cross into the Cagayan Valley, before it moves west to the Ilocos Region and finishing at the Cordillera Administrative Region, specifically at Scout Hill within Camp John Hay in Baguio City on May 13.

In highlighting the degree of difficulty, Perez notes, "Just how tough and challenging the race is can be seen in the King of the Mountain (KOM) classification, which features 25 climbs,” Meanwhile, “As for the sprints, there are 16 in total, spread across the 14 stages," he shares.

The race stages are as follows:

• Stage 1, CaSoBe (Calatagan) to Tagaytay City (150.10 km)
• Stage 2, Clark to New Clark City (43.40 km, team time trial)
• Stage 3, New Clark City to Palayan City (140.10 km)
• Stage 4, Palayan City to Bayombong (165.80 km)
• Stage 5, Santiago City to Tuguegarao City (130.60 km).
• Stage 6, from Tuguegarao City to Pagudpud, (228.90 km, marked by two KOM points)
• Stage 7, Pagudpud circuit (22.90 km, Individual Time Trial), followed by a rest day.
• Stage 8 Pagudpud to Paoay (157.40 km)
• Stage 9 Laoag City to Candon City (142.60 km).
• Stage 10 Candon City to Bessang Pass in Cervantes, Ilocos Sur (131.20 km, includes a key climb).
• Stage 11 Candon City to San Juan (158.70 km)
• Stage 12 Agoo to Daang Kalikasan in Mangatarem (146.40 km).
• Stage 13 Lingayen–Binmaley Baywalk (20.00 km, Individual Time Trial).
• Stage 14, Lingayen to John Hay Hotels via Kennon Road.

Perez also noted that with multiple teams continuing to express interest in participating in the Tour, there is a potential of surpassing the 20-team benchmark—seven riders per team—for the tour.

Organizers shared that at least five foreign teams have confirmed their participation with registration.

Feedback from the local government units where the tour will pass through has been very much encouraging.

More details are set to be revealed in the next few weeks.