Sam Catantan advances into second phase of World Championships

Sam Catantan vs Sophia Glasson (c/o FIE)

Just one Filipino made it completely out of the first phase of the individual portion of the FIE World Championships being held at the AsiaWorld Expo in Hong Kong this week.

Samantha Catantan on Friday pulled off the achievement, defeating Sophia Glasson, 15-13, in her second round match in the women's foil division to earn the right to play this Monday at the same venue.

The Penn State standout had won four matches in pool play to earn a first round bye this morning, setting up her matchup against the Australian later in the afternoon.

With the victory, she'll face off against Jessica Guo in the third round.

A couple more fencers barely missed in joining Sam in earning a second day of individual work. Her younger sister Sophia also secured four victories in pool play to also earn a first round bye, but the UAAP Season 88 High School Most Valuable Player suffered a 12-15 defeat to Anabella Acurero Gonzalez of Venezuela to fall short of that achievement.

Back on Wednesday, Nathaniel Perez also was a victory short of making it to a second day, earning that with a 15-12 win over Borys Budovskyi of Canada in the men's foil program before bowing out with a 4-15 defeat to his Belgian opposition Oscar Geudvert.

Five additional fencers were able to advance into the knockout rounds, with Ivy Dinoy, Hanniel Abella, and Juliana Gomez of women's epee, as well as Jian Miguel Bautista of men's epee exiting after the first round, while Noelito Jose, Jr. lost in the second round after earning a first round bye.

The rest of the Philippine contingent (Shawn Felipe, Louis Shoemaker, and Sammuel Tranquilan for men's foil, Alexa Larrazabal in women's epee, Sean Lauron and Lee Ergina for men's epee, Janna Catantan and Nana Carbonell for women's foil, and the entire sabre unit comprised of Arianna Tiu, Queenie Dalmacio, Kaikaku dela Serna, Jylyn Nicanor, CJ and Anthony Concepcion, Eunice Daniel Villanueva, and Khiane Felipe) were unable to advance out of the pool play.

Meanwhile, Ashley-Mae Harrison also fell short of making the second day of action. The former Philippine national team fencer now representing Australia made it past pool play last Wednesday, but lost in the first round to Liv Olsson of Sweden, 15-8.

The conclusion of the individual portion of the World Championships will take place starting Saturday, with the Opening Ceremonies slated in the afternoon.

After Catantan's involvement on Monday, the Philippines will be back in action on Tuesday with the start of the teams component of the week-long competition.

JRU claims historic Filoil Preseason crown

Lawrence Mangubat c/o Filoil EcoOil Sports

Jose Rizal University may have just delivered the loudest statement even before the start of the NCAA season.

And if the Heavy Bombers would have it their way, this may very well be a preview of their dream coronation.

With heroes aplenty, JRU came through with a 74-67 Game Two victory to sweep San Beda and capture the 19th Filoil Ecooil Preseason crown on Thursday.

Lawrence Mangubat was the main stabilizer for the Kalentong crew, dropping 27 points, three rebounds, and three assists including the game-sealing freebies with 10.5 seconds left in front of a raucous crowd inside Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan.

"Ayaw ko lang matalo," admitted the shifty guard who was named as the ABC Heavy Duty Tournament MVP.

But it was Mythical Team member Chris Hubilla who typified the mighty defense that enabled the Heavy Bombers this run to the top, with his block on Daniel Marcelo in the final minute all but snuffing the hopes out of the Red Lions to cap off his solid 8-point, 8-rebound, and 5-assist night.

Aside from the two though, coach Nani Epondulan flaunted the depth of this roster with numerous players stepping up in this clincher.

Stephen Garupil buried two crucial treys in the fourth that kept San Beda at bay for his nine points, Jahmir Eligado made the most of his suprise start and went a rebound shy of a double-double with his 10 points and nine boards, and Don Benito's Defensive Player Allan Laurenaria was in his element to rack up nine points, four boards, and two steals.

"From the start, yun naman ang tinatrabaho namin. Mentally naiready namin sila," said Epondulan.

Mangubat and Hubilla were joined by San Beda's Aldous Torculas, Letran's Titing Manalili, and University of the Philippines' Veejay Pre in the Mythical Team.

It's a sweet victory for JRU which only lost once this preseason and owned the number of San Beda, winning all of their three meetings in this tilt which has Hanes, Buffalo's Wings N Things, Wallem, BDO, Akari, Smart, Molten, Reyes Barbecue, Nature's Spring, EO Executive Optical, FWD Insurance, Tela.com Athletics, Brothers Burger, B’lue Vita Boost, Mejos Lechon Cebu, and Don Benito's as sponsors.

The Heavy Bombers were also finally able to lift the trophy after settling for runner-up honors way back in the inaugural tourney in 2006.

Zed Etulle paced the Red Lions in the losing cause with 14 points and four boards, as Torculas only had 13 in a tough 3-of-11 shooting from the field.

The Scores:
JRU 74 -- Mangubat 27, Eligado 10, Laurenaria 9, Garupil 9, Hubilla 8, Salvador 5, Masiglat 3, Palis 2, Panapanaan 1, Garcia 0, Herrera 0.
SAN BEDA 67 -- Etulle 14, Torculas 13, Marcelo 11, Puno 8, Songcuya 7, Bonzalida 6, Hawkins 5, Sarigumba 3, Estacio 0, RC. Calimag 0, Jamora 0, Ugaddan 0.
Quarters: 14-13, 29-28, 52-40, 74-67.

adidas launches Peach Package promo

In line with Anthony Edwards coming to the Philippines later this year, adidas revealed a new Peach Package promo that gives fans the chance to win big for every eligible purchase.

Launched last July 3 and lasting until the end of the month, shoppers who purchase either an Anthony Edwards 2 or Believe That 1 pair from participating adidas branches and the following partner retailers: Foot Locker, Toby’s Sports, Planet Sports, Sports Central, Robinsons Department Stores, SM Department Stores, and ABC Mart, will earn raffle entries for a shot at one of nine Peach Packages.

Each Peach Package contains a curated collection ideal for fans who are looking forward to his visit next month: a PlayStation 5 Slim Disc Edition, Airpods 4, Large Travel Luggage, adidas Sports Sunglasses, Believe That. 1 Shoes, Believe That Tee, and one (1) VIP Ticket to the Anthony Edwards Fan Festival.

Those who purchase the AE2 will have two raffle entries, while a Believe That 1 pair nets a raffle entry.

Only Philippine residents aged 18+ are eligible for the promo, which you can check on adidas Philippines’ socials for more details and T&C’s.

UAAP grants deadline extension for Ateneo

In a statement released on Tuesday night, the UAAP granted an extension to Ateneo de Manila University with regards to its submission of its findings in light of the incident in Dipaculao, Aurora last month.

Statement reads as follows. 

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines has granted Ateneo de Manila University’s request to extend the deadline for the submission of its official findings on the June 8, 2026 incident in Dipaculao, Aurora, from July 15 to July 24, 2026.

All previously announced preventive measures remain in effect during the extension period, including the barring of the concerned members of the Ateneo coaching staff from all UAAP-related activities.

Ateneo requested the extension before the original deadline to complete its internal investigation and submit its report. The UAAP Board approved the request during its meeting.

Any determination of accountability will be based on the findings of the appropriate government agencies, Ateneo’s independent fact-finding body, and the UAAP, in accordance with the UAAP By-Laws and applicable rules and regulations.

UP, La Salle duel for Filoil Preseason top seed

Games on Monday
1 p.m. - Mapua vs. Perpetual
3 p.m. - San Beda vs. Letran
6 p.m. - UP vs. La Salle

NEW age rivals cross paths anew this Monday as University of the Philippines and La Salle collide in the 19th Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup presented by ABC Tile Adhesive at Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan.

And their duel couldn't have come at a better time with high stakes hanging in the balance for the last three days of eliminations of the premier preseason league.

For the 4-0 Fighting Maroons, a win solidifies its position at the top of the UAAP Group ahead of the crossover quarterfinals and you bet, Veejay Pre, Rey Remogat, and James Payosing are determined to reinforce their position at the top of the table.

The Green Archers, on the other hand, are the hottest team in their bracket winning four straight to go up at 4-1, and Jacob Cortez, Mason Amos, and Vhoris Marasigan are all motivated to continue the defending UAAP champions' mastery against their foes from Diliman.

Moreover, a victory in the 6 p.m. game can force a tie for first with idle National U (5-1), all of which are still awaiting their playoff dates from the opposite bracket in this tourney which has Hanes, Buffalo's Wings N Things, Wallem, BDO, Akari, Smart, Molten, Reyes Barbecue, Nature's Spring, EO Executive Optical, FWD Insurance, Tela.com Athletics, Brothers Burger, B’lue Vita Boost, Mejos Lechon Cebu, and Don Benito's as sponsors.

But it's not the only rivalry game in the day's slate.

Letran and San Beda, both sporting 6-1 records, add another chapter to their storied battles in another Finals rematch from the last collegiate season come 3 p.m.

Titing Manalili has been the engine that has kept the Knights winning as they have emerged victorious in their last six outings, one that they want to sustain heading into the quarters.

Aldous Torculas, on the other hand, is just as stupendous for the Red Lions as he has been the absolute leader for this Mendiola pack.

Playoff-bound Mapua (6-1) also takes on also-ran Perpetual (3-4) in the 1 p.m. curtain raiser of this triple-header.

PFA Open Senior Ranking Series resumes with third leg at Rizal Memorial

The Philippine National team at the Asian Fencing Championships last June

The Philippine Fencing Association’s senior ranking season returns to the strip this weekend as the third leg of the 2026 PFA Open Ranking Tournament takes place on July 4 and 5 at Rizal Memorial.
The two-day competition marks another important stop in the national ranking calendar, with fencers across foil, epee, and sabre expected to chase valuable points, podium finishes, and positioning in the race for year-end standings and national team consideration.

Second leg set the tone

The second leg last April 25 and 26, also held at Rizal Memorial, continued the Dr. Celso L. Dayrit Memorial Fencing Championships and drew around 250 competitors, underscoring the depth of the Open Division field. It followed a season opener that saw national team regulars, elite club fencers, and Modern Pentathlon standouts battle for early control across foil, epee, and sabre.

Nearly all of the early medalists returned for that April stop, while fencers fresh from UAAP, cadet and junior, and international campaigns added to the level of competition. That mix of proven names and rising challengers helped sharpen the ranking race heading into this weekend’s third leg.

Ranking points take center stage

Coming after the opening senior ranking leg at Amoranto Sports Complex in February and the second leg at Rizal Memorial in April, the third leg now gives competitors a timely opportunity to build on recent momentum, defend early gains, or make a decisive move up the leaderboard.

With the PFA calendar listing two more senior stops later in the year, including the fourth leg in September and the Philippine Open International in October, every direct elimination win this weekend could carry added weight in the broader ranking picture.

Storylines to watch

Among the key storylines will be how the early leaders respond under renewed pressure, particularly with the season now moving past its halfway point for the senior circuit. The third leg traditionally serves as a proving ground for contenders who have already built momentum, while also opening the door for emerging names from clubs and school-based programs to break through.

The event also provides another high-level test for fencers sharpening their form in a busy domestic calendar. Beyond individual medals, the weekend will be a gauge of consistency, depth, and tactical maturity as athletes navigate pool bouts and knockout rounds against familiar rivals and rising challengers.

Members of the national Team, fresh from their exploits in the Senior Asian Fencing Championships in New Delhi, are set to participate. All but two from that pool are set to compete, including Penn State standout Sam Catantan, and Sean Lauron, who was a late scratch in New Delhi and was not able to participate.

Also set to join in are members of the Modern Pentathlon pool, led by Princess Honey Arbilon.

Rizal Memorial back as fencing hub

Rizal Memorial continues to serve as a central venue for the PFA’s 2026 competitions, hosting multiple ranking legs across senior, junior, cadet, minime, veteran, and recreational divisions. Its return as host for the third senior leg reinforces its role as one of the key stages for the country’s competitive fencing scene.
For athletes, coaches, and clubs, the July 4-5 tournament is more than another weekend competition. It is a chance to measure progress, test adjustments made from previous legs, and build confidence heading into the final stretch of the senior ranking season.

Momentum up for grabs

As the national rankings tighten and the calendar moves deeper into the year, the third leg of the PFA Open Ranking Tournament is expected to deliver another competitive weekend of Philippine fencing. For the country’s top senior fencers and those hoping to join them, Rizal Memorial will once again be the place where form, focus, and ranking ambitions are put to the test.

NBA launches new Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA app

Jr. NBA app (c/o NBA)

In a move to further build on its grassroots development, the NBA recently launched the My Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA app, a unified global digital hub tailored for program participants, coaches, referees, parents, as well as competition managers and operators.

With the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA program spanning across over 190 countries and territories worldwide, the app, which is available as a free download on both the App Store and Google Play, will be its primary digital destination and one-stop-shop.

Organizers will find the key tools and resources needed to oversee a Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA program on the app, including competition management, registration and data features, live game streaming, and integrated communication capabilities. In addition, it can support multiple languages, as well as handle geo-targeted content, and both app and web-based access.

The key features of the app include:

• Competition Management: Program operators can manage schedules, standings, results, brackets, box scores, play‑by‑play and multimedia galleries all in one place.
• Live Streaming: Coverage of Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA leagues and tournaments.
• Registration Hub: Simplified sign‑ups, waiver processing and participant tracking.
• Communication Tools: Direct updates for participants, parents, coaches, referees and organizers.
• Event Information: Centralized access to Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA events and activities, including program entry.

Considered as the NBA's global youth basketball program, the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA aims to teach fundamental skills and core values of the game, specifically teamwork, respect, determination, and community, at the grassroots level in an effort to help enrich the youth basketball experience for players, coaches, and parents. To do this, it updated its curriculum, now featuring a games-based approach, with over a hundred new activities across 48 practice plans, using small-sided games to boost player engagement and decision-making.