UP boosts ceiling with Ka, Francis commitments

Kennan Ka (c/o UP WBT)

Lack of size has been addressed for the University of the Philippines women's basketball team (WBT) with the entry of a Fil-Am one-and-done player and a new Nigerian foreign student-athlete.

Six-foot Kennan Ka and 6-1 Blessing Chuole Francis have arrived to add much-welcome height for the Fighting Maroons in the oncoming UAAP Season 89.

The 22-year-old Ka recently starred for Long Beach State before committing to play one season for State U. Despite the San Diego, California native's size, she actually also brings ballhandling and playmaking to complement stalwarts Louna Ozar, Camille Nolasco, and Kaye Pesquera.

Francis, age 21, is then a traditional inside presence who finally fills the space once occupied by former Rookie of the Year Favour Onoh, who powered UP to a playoff berth in Season 86.

"Talagang big boost sila sa atin because, as we all saw, height is what we had been lacking in the last two years," said first-year head coach Eric Altamirano.

Francis will join forces with veterans Achrissa Maw and Ninay Tapawan up front, as the Fighting Maroons try to get back into the Final Four picture after fifth and seventh-place finishes in the past couple of seasons.

For her part, Ka will also provide valuable experience for a maroon-and-green side ushering in a new era under the watchful eye of a school legend who once led its men's basketball team to a title.

"We have high hopes for the upcoming season, but at the same time, we know how competitive the field is. So the first thing we want to do is just to compete," said Altamirano, who teamed up with the likes of Benjie Paras and Ronnie Magsanoc in UP's 1986 championship.

Catantan defeat concludes individual portion of FIE World Championships for the Philippines

Photo as shared by Lee Ergina

Samantha Kyle Catantan's R64 defeat to Canadian fencer Jessica Guo concludes the participation of the Philippines in the individual portion of the FIE World Championships taking place at the AsiaWorld Expo in Hong Kong.

Guo, a two-time NCAA champion in women's foil for Harvard, started off strong and never looked back, erecting an 8-2 lead. Whilst Catantan managed to whittle down the deficit to as low as two, the Canadian managed to settle things down and take control for an 15-8 victory in the round of 64.

As a result, the Penn State standout finished in 52nd place.

Catantan shared her thoughts through an instagram story, "Ending the individual season with a tough loss today, with lots of reflection and adjustments for the next season. We're slowly building up again and can't wait to start the next one with hopes to compete a full season for the first time."

The former UAAP high school Most Valuable Player for the University of the East and QC SEP alumna adds, "Deeply grateful to everyone who made my comeback at World Champs possible, you know who you all are."

Claiming the individual titles in all disciplines are as follows

Men's Foil

Alexander Choupenitch (Czechia), Filippo Macchi (Italy), Daniel Dosa (Hungary) & Kazuki Iimura (Japan) 

Women's Epee

Sera Song (Korea Republic), Giulia Rizza (Italy), Barbara Brych (Poland) & Junyao Tang (China PR) 

Men's Epee

Lucas Malcotti (Switzerland), Davide Di Veroli (Italy), Khalifah Alomairi (Saudi Arabia) & Masaru Yamada (Japan) 

Women's Sabre

Larissa Eifler (Germany), Sara Balzer (France), Toscane Tori (France) & Sugar Katinka Battai (Hungary) 

Women's Foil

Martina Favaretto (Italy), Arianna Errigo (Italy), Alina Poloziuk (Ukraine) & Yuka Ueno (Japan) 

Men's Sabre

Pavel Graudyn (Russia), Gyeongdong Do (Korea Republic), Mohamed Amer (Egypt) & Radu Nitu (Romania) 

Action now heads towards team play with the Men's Foil and Women's Epee squads taking to the piste starting Tuesday morning. Men's Epee and Women's Sabre follow on Wednesday, with Women's Foil and Men's Sabre concluding the competition on Thursday.

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.

San Beda, JRU secure Filoil Preseason finals berths

c/o Filoil

 

Game on Tuesday
4 p.m. - Hanes 3-Point Shootout
(Game 1 of Best-of-3 Finals)
5 p.m. - JRU vs. San Beda

WHEN the dust settled, San Beda and Jose Rizal University turned out to be the last two teams standing in the 19th Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup presented by ABC Tile Adhesive.

The Red Lions and the Heavy Bombers stunned their fancied foes on Sunday at Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan to arrange the first ever all-NCAA championship duel in the famed preseason league.

San Beda played inspired basketball and dethroned the defending three-time preseason champion University of the Philippines, 93-72, while JRU was in full control against Letran to earn the 82-73 victory.

Game One of the best-of-three finals series starts this Tuesday at the same venue.

Fighting Maroons-turned-Red Lions RC Calimag and Aldous Torculas were men on a mission in the contest as the Mendiola side shot a blazing 16-of-33 clip from downtown to eliminate State U from the competition and reach the championship for the first time since 2019.

Calimag caught fire early and commandeered San Beda's 12-0 start before finishing with 27 points built from six treys, as Torculas did a little bit of everything with his 14 points, three rebounds, and two assists.

Dom Sarigumba also chimed in 17 points, seven assists, and two boards, Penny Estacio got 11 points and six assists, and Zed Etulle nabbed a double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds in the win 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.

More than the triumph, however, it was an emotional victory for San Beda which dedicated the game to the late JV Gallego who tragically passed away on Saturday.

"[Gallego] embodied sacrifice and he's such a great inspiration for the team in terms of staying ready," said assistant coach Andre Santos. "The guys played inspired basketball, they played for something greater than themselves and the team, and they played for JV."

Ex-Red Lion James Payosing topped UP in the loss with 10 points and seven rebounds.

Defense, meanwhile, did the trick for the Heavy Bombers with Chris Hubilla and Allan Laurenaria leading the charge in stifling the red-hot Knights.

Hubilla uncorked 22 points, eight rebounds, and three steals, as Laurenaria recorded 11 points and 10 boards.

But it was Lawrence Mangubat who outplayed his counterparts with 19 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

Titing Manalili, however, kept Letran fighting as the Knights rallied from 23-points down and hit back-to-back threes to cut the deficit down to six, 79-73, with 44.0 seconds left.

But JRU did just enough in the endgame to pull off the win and enter the preseason finals for the first time since 2006 -- when the tournament was still named the Homegrown Cup and it settled for runner-up honors against La Salle.

"Sinasabi ko naman sa kanila na trabahuin nila ng tama and ito ngayon yung naging resulta," said coach Nani Epondulan.

Manalili shouldered the load for the Knights with 28 points, nine assists, and six rebounds.

The Scores:

First Game:
JRU 82 - Hubilla 22, Mangubat 19, Laurenaria 11, Salvador 11, Garupil 6, Eligado 6, Lozano 3, Panapanaan 2, Herrera 2, Garcia 0, Masiglat 0, Duque 0, Palis 0.
LETRAN 73 - Manalili 28, Estrada 12, Diamante 12, Buensalida 7, Santos 7, Cargo 4, Gammad 2, Siena 1, Sison-Walker 0, Hugo 0, Montecillo 0, Villanueva 0.
Quarters: 23-16, 47-36, 66-50, 82-73.

Second Game:
SAN BEDA 93 - Calimag 27, Sarigumba 17, Torculas 14, Estacio 11, Etulle 10, Bonzalida 8, Hawkins 2, Puno 2, Songcuya 2, Jamora 0, Jalbuena 0, Ugaddan 0.
UP 72 - Pre 10, Alter 10, Payosing 10, Poyos 9, Stevens 8, Palanca 8, Yniguez 8, Dimaculangan 4, Ogana 3, Bayla 2, Remogat 0, Andres 0.
Quarters: 24-15, 37-35, 68-48, 93-72.

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.

Organizers hail successful fifth edition of Vermosa Green Run

Vermosa Green Run

The Vermosa Green Run returned for its fifth edition on Sunday, June 28, attracting more than 2,000 runners and their dogs at the Vermosa Estates in Imus, Cavite.

Participants in the five-tiered dawn run consisted of running enthusiasts, run club members, elite runners and fun runners as well as the media running community. Edgardo Panopio and Lorely Magalona won gold in the 21K category; Jomm Lacanilao-Gay and Patrice Quiday ruled the 10K run; John Mark Balogo and Ira Alvaro finished first in 5K, Jessi Valentine and Danielle Sophia topped the 3K category, while Moises Calastravo and his dog, Onzi made their mark in the 1K Dog Run.

Participants were encouraged to donate used plastic bottles as part of the Run. These would be turned over later to the Makati Development Corporation (MDC) for upcycling into eco-bricks that would support sustainable construction at Ayala Land projects. 

The runners’ singlets, finisher shirts and dog bandanas were manufactured entirely from recycled PET bottles as well, turning plastic waste into premium sportswear.

"We wanted our runners to experience sustainability both literally and symbolically. This year, we offered a discount for donating used PET bottles, and the community supported this! Celebrating our landmark fifth consecutive year, the energy across our 3K, 5K, 10K, 21K tracks, and 1K Dog Run was unmatched. Seeing families, elite athletes, and pet lovers come together at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub shows that our community's passion for fitness is deeply intertwined with environmental action,” said Lani Tan, General Manager of the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub, where the Run took place.

“Looking ahead, our goal is to continue scaling this impact. While Vermosa remains our flagship home because of its expansive, nature-forward open spaces, we are constantly exploring deeper corporate and community partnerships. We want to bring more runners into the fold each year, proving that active, high-performance lifestyles can be completely sustainable," Ms. Tan shared.

Runs for the environment, such as the Vermosa Green Run help save the planet by raising crucial funds for ecological projects, promoting sustainable habits and directly supporting initiatives like tree planting.
This year the Vermosa Green Run encouraged corporate and group registrations, inviting groups of 10 to participate and automatically become part of Haribon Foundation’s Forests for Life Movement. The Haribon initiative supports native tree planting and forest restoration projects in partner communities nationwide by bringing  together individuals, organizations, and local communities to restore degraded forests using a science-based rainforestation approach focused on planting and nurturing native tree species.

"Our partnership with the Haribon Foundation is a cornerstone of why we do this. Over the past few editions, the funds raised have gone directly into Haribon's Adopt-a-Seedling and rainforestation programs. For this milestone 5th edition, we were overwhelmed by registrations where we attracted many groups of 10. That means hundreds of new native trees will be nurtured directly because of our runners’ strides today. Crossing the finish line is fantastic, but knowing your team left a lasting ecological legacy is the real victory," said Letty Oh-Naňagas, Vermosa Marketing Manager.

Beneficiaries of The Green Run at Vermosa 2026 are Haribon Foundation, Takbo Kabitenyo and Pawssion Project as the expression of its advocacy for ecosystem conservation, an active lifestyle and youth sports development, and animal welfare.

Supporters of the fifth edition of the Vermosa Green Run are Oishi, Merrell, Pocari, Salonpas, Booster C, Fitbar, Gatsby, Milo, Apex, Topbreed, Dunsk Kuhner, Baby Boo, Chef Special, Entrée Gourmet Pet Treats, Saint Roche, The Gourmet Specialist, Zert, and Wonderpaw.

Hou Chon secures EASL berth

Macau will have new representation at the upcoming East Asia Super League season, with Hou Chon Basketball Club becoming the Special Administrative Region's champion.

In celebrating their achievement, team owner Jeff Cheong shares, "It is an honor for Hou Chon Basketball Club to compete in EASL for the 2026-27 season. Qualifying for EASL is an important opportunity for our club and our players. It means that we will truly represent Macau SAR in Asia’s premier basketball league, bringing our local players onto the international stage to compete and learn alongside world-class powerhouses. This is not only an honor for Hou Chon, but also a crucial step forward in the internationalization of Macau SAR basketball."

From the league's perspective, EASL CEO Mark Kerins notes, "We're pleased to welcome Hou Chon Basketball Club to EASL for the 2026-27 season. Macau SAR has become an important part of EASL over the past several years, both as a host market and through its clubs. We look forward to seeing Hou Chon represent Macau SAR and compete on the regional stage."

Founded in 2012, Hou Chon BC reached the mountaintop at the All-Macau Basketball Silver Medal League in clinching the 2026 Senior Division championship, becoming the second club in the region to secure this level of continental play, following the Macau Black Bears in the last couple of seasons.

Hou Chon's qualification brings the number of confirmed teams for the 2026-27 EASL season to 11 across six territories. Clubs from Japan, Korea, Mongolia, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR have secured their places, with additional teams to be confirmed in the coming weeks.

Hong Kong Eastern locks in EASL berth

Eastern is back in the EASL

Hong Kong Eastern secures continental basketball once again, securing their East Asia Super League berth for the third straight year in becoming the 2025-26 HKA1 Division champions.

The side dispatched Chun Lung and South China Athletic before defeating Tycoon Basketball Team in a best-of-seven Finals series. Dominic Gilbert averaged 21.3 points and 8.7 rebounds this season, in which he was named as the Finals MVP.

Aside from Gilbert, notable names anchoring Hong Kong Eastern's ascent include Cameron Clark, Chris McLaughlin, and Glen Yang. 

EASL Chief Executive Officer Henry Kerins says about this development, "Hong Kong Eastern has been a tremendous addition to EASL, and we’re excited to welcome them back for the 2026-27 season. They’ve continued to prove they are a tough opponent for teams at the highest level, even as our league expanded and the competition became stronger. We’re proud to have Eastern representing Hong Kong SAR on the international stage and look forward to another exciting season together."

For the team's perspective, Hong Kong Eastern Team Leader Wilson Choi shares, "EASL has been an incredible platform for our club, and competing internationally over the past two seasons has helped us grow a lot as a team. Playing against some of the best clubs in Asia has given valuable experience to both our younger and veteran players, and we believe that experience has helped raise our level domestically in the HKA1. Each EASL season continues to become more competitive, and we’re excited for another opportunity to test ourselves and show Asia what Hong Kong Eastern is about."

The team hopes to improve on last season's performance, which saw them win just twice in pool play, one less than the previous season where they just missed out on the postseason in Macau. 

Eastern becomes the 10th team confirmed for the 2026-27 EASL season, joining Nagasaki Velca (B.LEAGUE), Ryukyu Golden Kings (B.LEAGUE), Alvark Tokyo (B.LEAGUE), TSG GhostHawks (P. LEAGUE+), Taoyuan Pauian Pilots  (P. LEAGUE+), Taipei Fubon Braves  (P. LEAGUE+), Goyang Sono Skygunners (KBL), Busan KCC Egis (KBL) and Xac Broncos (MBA “The League”).

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.

Irish Coquia commits to UP

c/o UP OASD

As the University of the Philippines men's basketball team ramps up its preparations for a redemption campaign in UAAP Season 89, the groundwork for its future also continues to be laid.

The Fighting Maroons have secured the commitment of Fil-Canadian guard Irish Coquia, with the former U.S. NCAA Division 1 talent set to bolster their backcourt come Season 90.

Coquia is a 6-foot-1 playmaker who last suited up for the University of New Orleans following a standout stint for U.S. NCAA Division 2 side Simon Fraser University. Prior to his collegiate exploits, he emerged as one of British Columbia's top high school players, averaging 35 points while leading his team to a provincial championship and earning MVP honors.

Turning 21 in September, he will undergo one-year residency before being eligible for two seasons of play for State U.

Coquia's arrival comes just as UP begins planning for a transition at guard, with veterans Rey Remogat and Rain Maga set to exhaust their eligibility after Season 89. After developing within the program for the next year, he will join forces with Fil-Am Joaquin Tovera in a dynamic backcourt.

"Together with our other recruits, makakatulong si Irish sa atin, especially to ensure na tuloy-tuloy lang tayo pagkatapos ng playing years nina Rey at Rain," said head coach Goldwin Monteverde.

This commitment also serves as homecoming, with the newest Fighting Maroon tracing his roots to Dagupan City, Pangasinan. His uncle, multidisciplinary communicator Rex Laguerta, also studied at UP Open University from 2019 to 2024.

The maroon-and-green is in the midst of its most consistent contention yet, coming off its fifth straight finals appearance, highlighted by two titles in Seasons 84 and 87.

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.