Vikings FC acquires Maharlika FC

c/o Vikings FC

Vikings FC shared their English language release of their decision to take over PFL side Maharlika FC. Details can be read below.

Taiwanese football club Vikings FC (VFC) has officially completed the acquisition of 100% ownership of Philippine club Maharlika FC, marking a new era for the team as it looks to elevate its performance in the Philippines Football League (PFL) where it currently sits at 9th place as the first round ends.

Under the terms of the acquisition, Vikings FC will take full control of Maharlika FC's operations, ensuring financial stability and strategic development as the club moves forward. Maharlika will be retaining its players on contract, while welcoming a significant number of players from VFC on loan.

Strengthening the Squad with VFC Players

To reinforce Maharlika FC’s roster for the remainder of the season, Vikings FC will loan several key players to the club, bringing experience and skill to enhance Maharlika’s competitiveness in the PFL, whilst providing the Taiwan players valuable game experience. The loaned players will integrate into the squad immediately, with the goal of boosting the club’s performance and securing positive results in the league.

Speaking on the acquisition, Chen,Huang-Teng, Vikings FC's team leader, stated: 

"We are excited to embark on this new journey with Maharlika FC and to contribute to the growth of football in the Philippines and Taiwan. Our immediate focus is to strengthen the squad through the loan of our talented players and to work closely with the team to achieve their goals for the remainder of the season. We believe this partnership will bring mutual benefits and elevate the level of football in both Taiwan and the Philippines."

Maharlika FC’s former owner, Anton del Rosario, also expressed his optimism for the club’s future:

"We are thrilled to see Maharlika FC take this next step under the leadership of Vikings FC. This transition ensures the club's continued growth and stability, and we are confident that the support from Vikings FC will help the team reach new heights in the PFL."

A New Vision for Maharlika FC

With Vikings FC at the helm, Maharlika FC will undergo strategic enhancements aimed at improving player development, operational efficiency, and fan engagement. The club will continue to play its home matches in the PFL while adopting best practices from VFC’s successful football model in Taiwan.

They have appointed as Head Coach Jung Donggyu, former Korea Youth National Team player and AFC “A” license holder. As a collegiate player Coach Donggyu won multiple championships with the Far Eastern University and most recently served as an assistant coach at Stallion Laguna FC.

The Vikings FC management is committed to upholding the values and heritage of Maharlika FC while introducing modern techniques and resources to advance the club’s competitiveness both domestically and regionally.

Fans can expect exciting updates as Vikings FC works towards revitalizing Maharlika FC’s brand and performance on the pitch. For viewers in Taiwan, they can watch Maharlika FC’s matches live on matchday.ph.

Key Korean appointment seen to help PNVF drive needed attention for Men's World Championship

PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara and Jeon Yongjun (fourth and fifth from left) with PNVF secretary-general Donaldo Caringal (right) and marketing head Raoul Floresca (fourth from left) and top officials of the NEOCOLORS P&A Inc. in Seoul

Expect a slight Korean touch for the upcoming FIVB Men's World Championship later this year.

Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Ramon Suzara appointed Jeon Yongjun as the Director of Marketing and Public Relations of the Local Organizing Committee for the event, which takes place in September at both the SMART-Araneta Coliseum and the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Suzara made the announcement during an official visit he made in Seoul last week, as one of his responsibilities as both the Asian Volleyball Confederation president and the FIVB executive vice president. Accompanying him in the visit is PNVF secretary-general Donaldo Caringal and marketing head Raoul Floresca.

He shares about the appointment, "We wish to create opportunities for South Korea in the world of volleyball," noting that Jeon is expected to integrate Korean marketing and promotional strategies towards the MWCH, with the idea that companies would utilize pop culture to help influences consumer behavior, especially with Korean participation in the competition.

Suzara adds that his role is "pivotal in driving the success and visibility of the prestigious event," and notes that Jeon was recommended by NEOCOLORS P&A Inc. Chief Development Officer Choongwon Su, the exclusive advertising agency and promoter for South Korean and a major partner with the PNVF. The Korean will be the latest addition to the LOC currently co-chaired by William Vincent Araneta Marcos, Alan Peter Cayetano, and Cristina Garcia Frasco. The LOC is seeking to build on the previous edition's reach of 1.5 billion views on television as well as online, which made it the biggest volleyball event in history.

Slotted in Pool C with France, Argentina, and Finland, Korea is one of the teams considered to be one of the fan favorites for the hosts. According to Suzara, "Filipinos are excited to watch the South Korea National Team and will be equally excited to welcome Korean brands," and is potentially eyeing a popular K-Pop Group to make an appearance in the Opening Ceremonies.

He concludes, "The world championship is a big opportunity for the Asian and Korean companies to be known to the billions of viewers around the world and to expand their businesses to the Philippines and Southeast Asia."

EZ Jersey-Doc Boleros claims NBTC North Luzon Regional crown

courtesy of Bon Arevalo/NBTC

CAMANAVA remains the Kings of the North.

EZ Jersey-Doc Boleros swept their way to the 2025 edition of the SMART-NBTC North Luzon Regional Championship, completing their undefeated run with an 87-72 victory over Luid Kapampangan on Sunday at the Central Luzon State University Gymnasium at the Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija.

Kenneth Avila was named as the Regional Most Outstanding Player for his performances throughout the tournament, capped off by an eleven-point, six-rebound, two-assist, and three-block stint in the final to ensure a seven-match sweep.

The boys from the northern part of NCR used a strong start to establish themselves and never looked back. Bobet Monterozo scored nine of his thirteen points in the opening period to help his team erect a 28-14 lead after the first quarter.

Ace Baldomero and Richmond Montejo both contributed eleven points each, as they matched last year's feat of Yengskivel Sportswear in becoming both the champions of CAMANAVA and the North Regional.

Although they fell short in the final, Nikko Tipino led Luid Kapampangan with seventeen points and four boards, while Alexis Riño tacked on fifteen points, five boards, and six assists for the Pampanga powerhouse.

Also earning their spots at the National Finals as Regional Wildcards are DPR Aviation College from Plaridel, Bulacan, and i-Achievers Modern College.

The former earned their ticket with a 94-84 victory over Ilocos side Nagbukel National High School. Yhano Micorhain Lacsarum drilled six treys on his way to finishing with 24 points in the matchup.

As for the latter, the squad from General Mamerto Natividad dispatched fellow province-mates Nueva Ecija D'Generals, 84-83. Blyz Taculad completed their comeback from being down twelve in the final five minutes with his tip-in with six seconds remaining.

Joining Avila in the All-Regional team are Rino, Thyrone Barcena (Nagbukel), John Lord Cruz (DPR), and Rain Martin (D'Generals).

Regional action continues in the tournament presented by SM Supermalls and Playtime Cares, and supported by Adidas, Molten, Swish, and JProject, as it is the turn of the Mindanao leg to take the spotlight on February 6-9 at Oroquieta City.

UAAP girls' basketball returns after five-year hiatus

c/o UAAP Media Team

Games on Thursday at the Filoil Ecooil Centre

8 a.m. - DLSZ vs NUNS (boys)

10 a.m. - UE vs ADU (boys)

12 p.m. - Ateneo vs FEU-D (boys)

2 p.m. - UPIS vs UST (boys)

4 p.m. - NUNS vs Ateneo (girls)

FOR the first time in five years, the University Athletic Association of the Philippines is bringing back the girls’ basketball tournament.

The inaugural tournament, held during UAAP Season 82, concluded with Adamson University and the University of Santo Tomas being declared co-champions after the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the winner-take-all Game 3 of the Finals.

This season, UST will return alongside Ateneo High School, De La Salle-Zobel, and National University Nazareth School for this demonstration event, which tips off on Thursday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

NUNS head coach Camilla Escoto, a former women’s basketball player, expressed her excitement about the tournament’s comeback.

“Very happy and very excited about it kasi I believe, we just need to start somewhere and it will start growing. Ganun ang women's basketball eh. Bigyan mo lang ng platform and they will perform and start becoming more. Although there are only four teams pa lang for this season, it’s a good start. We just really need to start,” said Escoto, who led NUNS to victories in the National Basketball Training Center’s girls’ division and the UAAP girls’ 3x3 tournament last year.

NUNS will begin its campaign against Ateneo at 4:00 p.m. The girls’ games will follow the boys’ games on each game day, scheduled on Sundays and Thursdays.

Junior Growling Tigresses head coach Arsenio Dysangco emphasized the importance of having a high school division in the UAAP to ease the transition of student-athletes to the collegiate level.

“I am extremely delighted that after a four-year hiatus, our young girls finally have their own tournament to showcase their talents. This tournament is also critical in the development of women’s basketball because starting them early gives them a better chance at reaching their fullest potential as basketball athletes,” said Dysangco, who has served as a long-time deputy for Growling Tigresses head coach Haydee Ong.

“As for our girls’ basketball team, we just want them to always play to the best of their ability, with passion and heart, and represent our beloved university well. Our mainstays Grachelle Boteros and Barby Dajao from Bacolod serve as the pillars of our program. They will try and lead our team this coming season,” he added, as UST prepares to face DLSZ on January 26.

Several prospects from UAAP Season 82 have already made their mark in collegiate basketball.

Inaugural MVP Cris Padilla, along with Kat Agojo, is leading the charge for the Lady Falcons. Brigette Santos and Nicole Danganan have excelled with the Growling Tigresses, while Katelyn Cancio is thriving as a homegrown Blue Eagle. Former Jr. Tigress Rachel Lacayanga has also found her place with the University of the East.

Ateneo head coach PJ Navarro expressed optimism about his team’s debut.

“I expect lots of positivity and I am enthusiastic for our girls going into this tournament. I am hopeful they are able to execute well in the games what we have been training these past months. Team captains Chesca Pangilinan and Jian Exconde, along with Tyler Templo, Matia Molina, and Cheska Gozum, are our players to watch out for,” he said.

Junior Lady Archers head coach Louie Fernandez echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the tournament's significance for talent discovery and development.

“This is very important. Aside from WNCAA, this is a great avenue for the girls to show that they can play basketball, especially at the high school level. As young as 12, 13, or 14, we can discover talent here. They will be prepared for bigger leagues in the future. The whole women’s basketball community will benefit a lot, and also the Gilas program,” said Fernandez, whose team will be led by Naima Navarro, Aveh Cordero, and 14-year-old prodigy Sofia Martinez.

For Escoto, the return of the tournament marks a milestone for women’s basketball.

“Napakalaki! Honestly, nakakataba ng puso. I've been here for a while already, even during the time na halos wala pang tournaments and support for women’s basketball, and to see and have all of it now, it’s overwhelming,” said Escoto, whose Lady Bullpups will be led by Gilas Girls standouts Aubrey Lapasaran and Ashlyn Abon.

“Of course, all of this won’t be possible without the people working so hard to make it happen—Gilas Women’s program with Coach Pat Aquino’s success, Atty. Mariana (Lopa) tirelessly serving women’s basketball, and all the players elevating the game. This is what makes women’s basketball exciting. Every year, iba iba yung story and they’re all very colorful and inspiring to see,” she added.

Katipunan schools stumble in UAAP HS Basketball opener

c/o UAAP Media Team

UAAP Season 87 Boys Basketball Tournament Standings

NUNS 1-0
UE 1-0
FEU-D 1-0
DLSZ 1-0
UPIS 0-1
Ateneo 0-1
ADU 0-1
UST 0-1

Games Thursday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre

8 a.m. – DLSZ vs NUNS (Boys)
10 a.m. – UE vs AdU (Boys)
12 noon – Ateneo vs FEU-D (Boys)
2 p.m. – UPIS vs UST (Boys)
4 p.m. – NUNS vs Ateneo (Girls)

UNIVERSITY of the East spoiled the head coaching debut of Ford Arao, taking down Ateneo de Manila University with an 88-80 victory to open its campaign in the UAAP Season 87 Boys Basketball Tournament on Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Second-year guard Kristoper Lagat shined to give the Junior Warriors a fitting opening to their campaign, contributing 16 points on 6-of-8 shooting to go along with six rebounds, one steal, and one block.

In the last game, De La Salle Zobel dashed University of the Philippines Integrated School’s efforts to score its first victory in over a year, leaning on the clutch heroics of Kieffer Alas and Bonn Daja in overtime to claim a gritty 79-77 win.

With the win, UE’s pursuit to break a 22-year Final Four and title drought is off to the right start under the guidance of second-year head coach Karl Santos.

“Isang pamilya kami ‘eh… Mas gutom kami ngayon kasi as much as possible, gusto namin na since nakuha na ng 16-under, kami naman. We know it’s gonna be hard, but motivation din sa amin ‘yon na may 20+ years drought, secondly, nagchampion yung 16-under team namin,” Santos said.

A blazing start to the payoff period allowed UE to establish an 11-point cushion, 80-69, with 5:45 left after a floater by Xedric Diaz and a top of the key triple from Lagat.

However, a quick seven-point spurt from Ziv Espinas and Alfonso Tan trimmed Ateneo’s deficit to four with less than 2:30 remaining.

The Junior Warriors’ comfortable start to the fourth quarter paid dividends as they withstood the Blue Eagles’ late rally, sealing the opening day victory with a layup from Diaz and two inside hits from Lance Sabroso to gain an 86-76 lead with 1:07 left.

In UE’s opening day triumph, Sabroso chipped in 14 points, eight rebounds, and two steals, while Louie Bual contributed 12 points, four rebounds, three assists, and one steal. Martin Almanza was the fourth Junior Warrior in double figures with 11 points, three steals, and two assists.

Meanwhile, after being limited to 10 points on 4-of-17 shooting in regulation, Alas went off in overtime by contributing six of seven Junior Archers points to go along with two rebounds in the extra period.

DLSZ took advantage of the absence of UPIS topscorer Bruce Tubongbanua in overtime, who was fouled out at the 4:36 mark, while limiting the Fighting Maroons to a woeful 1-of-6 shooting in the process.

After Jhustin Hallare trimmed the lead to one with a floater at the 2:18 mark, Alas and Daja connived for a four-point spurt, built on a triple and a free throw, respectively, to give the the Junior Archers a 79-74 cushion with 1:23 remaining.

A quick three-point spurt from Rocco Melicor kept UPIS in the 79-77 contest with 26.4 seconds left, but Season 86 Rookie of the Year Nathan Egea’s triple-double outing was spoiled as his potential game-tying layup was blocked by Daja at the buzzer.

The Fighting Maroons last won a game across both the U-19 and U-16 divisions last January 14, 2024, where they triumphed over the Junior Warriors with an 80-71 decision.

“We were expecting UP to be really hungry for a win, and then they have a new system and a new coach, so it’s really a new UP team that we’re seeing… But it’s a good win, we’ll take whatever win we can get. First game jitters were there, but good thing we held on,” DLSZ head coach Boris Aldeguer said.

Daja ended the day with a crucial double-double effort of 21 points and 15 rebounds to go along with two steals, one assist, and one block. Alas, who played his first formal game since spraining his ACL last June, tallied 16 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, and one block.

Maco Dabao chipped in 15 points to go along with five rebounds, three steals, one assist, and one block.

Ateneo center Jay Leal tallied 19 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and one block in the losing effort, while Tan scored 18 points to go along with four rebounds, four assists, and one steal.

Espinas chipped in 12 points, six rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block, while Chris Urbina nearly tallied a double-double with eight points, 10 assists, four rebounds, and three steals.

Egea paced UPIS in the loss with a triple-double effort of 14 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists to go along with three steals, while Tubongbanua powered its scoring punch with 19 points to go along with nine rebounds, two steals, and one block.

Melicor tallied 15 points, eight rebounds, and one steal, while Jaime Gomez de Liaño chipped in 11 points, 14 rebounds, two assists, and one block.

The Scores:

Third Game (Boys)

UE (88) – Lagat 16, Sabroso 14, Bual 12, Almanza 11, Bana 8, Diaz 7, Lorenzo 7, Alejandro 4, Chua 2, Aguas 2, Timbol 2, Cuevas 2, Dahino 1, Farochilen 0.

Ateneo (80) – Leal 19, Tan 18, Espinas 12, Urbina 8, Delos Santos 8, Lacsamana 8, Gatmaitan 4, Reyes 2, Aquino 1, Kallos 0, Asistio 0, Ymasa 0.
Quarterscores: 25-24, 44-47, 69-62, 88-80

Fourth Game (Boys)

DLSZ (79) – Daja 21, Alas 16, Dabao 15, Favis 7, Espinosa 5, Atienza 4, Lopez 4, Reguera 3, Tailan 2, Mben 2, Arejola 0, Alpapara Jo. 0, Alpapara Ja. 0, Borrero 0.

UPIS (77) – Tubongbanua 19, Melicor 15, Egea 14, Gomez de Liaño 11, Hallare 11, Uvero 7, Coronel 0, Hernandez 0.
Quarterscores: 14-14, 31-31, 52-56, 72-72, 79-77

FEU-D stuns defending champ Adamson in opener

c/o UAAP Media Team

Games Thursday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre

8 a.m. – DLSZ vs NUNS (Boys)
10 a.m. – UE vs AdU (Boys)
12 noon – Ateneo vs FEU-D (Boys)
2 p.m. – UPIS vs UST (Boys)
4 p.m. – NUNS vs Ateneo (Girls)

CABS Cabonilas and Far Eastern University-Diliman gave head coach Denok Miranda a winning debut, overcoming a late rally from defending champion Adamson University to secure a 75-71 victory in the UAAP Season 87 Boys Basketball Tournament opener on Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Cabonilas, a member of the Gilas Youth team, showcased his national team experience by delivering an impressive double-double performance of 25 points and 17 rebounds, along with four assists and four steals.

“Nag-stick lang kami sa game plan. Kung ano yung game plan namin sa practice, adjust lang ng onti kasi may kumpyansa naman ako dito sa mga bata ko na maoovercome nila. Yung mga naexperience namin over the past seasons and session sa ensayo, nakatulong ‘yon para sa pagbawi namin ngayong season,” said Miranda, the former head coach of the FEU Tamaraws.

Meanwhile, reigning MVP Colins Akowe put on a dominant display for National University-Nazareth School, registering a monstrous double-double of 21 points, 26 rebounds, and four blocks to power the Bullpups to a 71-60 wire-to-wire win over University of Santo Tomas.

Adamson staged a 16-5 run to close the third quarter with a 46-43 lead.

However, FEU-D countered with a decisive 19-4 surge in the final period, building a commanding 62-50 cushion with 5:52 left.

The Baby Falcons clawed back behind Mark Esperanza, Henry Penafiel, Earl Medina, and CJ Umali, cutting a 12-point deficit to just one, 70-69, with 1:37 remaining.

Cabonilas, however, delivered in the clutch, scoring four of the Baby Tamaraws' final five points, highlighted by a crucial three-pointer and a free throw that sealed their opening-day win.

The rebounding battle proved to be the key difference, with FEU-D dominating the boards 52-38.

Marc Burgos provided strong support for FEU-D with a double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Liam Salangsang added an all-around effort of 17 points, two rebounds, two steals, and one assist.

NUNS, later in the day, raced to a commanding 48-27 halftime lead against UST.

The Tiger Cubs mounted a spirited second-half comeback, trimming the deficit to just 10, 65-55, with 5:52 left in the game.

However, Akowe’s timely layups gave the Bullpups breathing room, pushing their lead to 69-58 with 2:16 remaining.

A layup from Carl Alfanta and a crucial turnover by Tiger Cub Charles Bucsit in the final 30 seconds secured the Bullpups' victory.

Akowe, who set the boys’ high school rebounding record of 29 last year, continues to dominate.

“Wala na ako mahihiling [kay Colins] ‘eh, alam ko naman na trinatrabaho niya, nagiimprove siya. Pero you have to get this right coming into college. Kung saan ‘man siya maglalaro sa college, this is the time na you have to enhance yung mga kulang mo pa coming into college,” said NUNS head coach Kevin de Castro.

Alfanta contributed 15 points, two rebounds, two assists, and a steal, while Jid Locsin tallied six points, eight assists, and eight rebounds in the win.

For Adamson, Esperanza stood out with 19 points, six assists, five rebounds, and three steals, while Medina added 14 points, seven rebounds, three steals, one block, and one assist.

Penafiel shone in his debut, scoring 12 points on 4-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc, with two rebounds and one assist.

In UST’s opening-day loss, Bucsit led with 15 points, five rebounds, and four steals, while Charles Esteban contributed 13 points, nine rebounds, and a block.

Wacky Ludovice added nine points, seven assists, and six rebounds.

Racine Kane, in his UAAP debut, was limited to eight points on 3-of-15 shooting but contributed 10 rebounds, five steals, four blocks, and two assists.

The Scores:

First Game

FEU-D (75) – Cabonilas 25, Burgos 19, Salangsang 17, Pascual 8, Raneses 2, Castillejos 2, De Guzman 2, Godoy 0, Hall 0, Gemao 0, Maierhofer 0, Esperanza 0.

AdU (71) – Esperanza 19, Medina 14, Peñafiel 12, Perez 7, Umali 7, Matillano 4, De Jesus 4, Sajili 2, Abayon 2, Tumaneng 0, Artango 0.
Quarterscores: 17-10, 31-26, 43-46, 75-71.

Second Game

NUNS (71) – Akowe 21, Alfanta 15, Napa 8, Locsin 6, Natinga 5, Figueroa 4, Cartel 3, Palanca 3, Nepacena 2, Solomon 2, Matias 1, Usop 1.

UST (60) – Bucsit 15, Esteban 13, Ludovice 9, Kane 8, Catalan 8, Buenaflor 3, Cañete 2, Manding 2, Cinco 0, Vidanes 0, Acido 0, Solon 0.
Quarterscores: 23-8, 48-27, 60-48, 71-60.

FEU-Diliman show championship form in HS Football opener

c/o UAAP Media Team

UAAP Season 87 High School Boys' Football

FEU-D 3 pts (+6)

UST 3 pts (+3)

DLSZ 3 pts (+1)

Ateneo 0 pts (-1)

SRG 0 pts (-3)

CSQC 0 pts (-6)

Matches on Saturday at the UP Football Stadium

2 p.m. - CSQC vs Ateneo

4:30 p.m. - SRG vs FEU-D

7 p.m. - DLSZ vs UST

FAR Eastern University-Diliman and University of Santo Tomas kicked off the UAAP Season 87 High School Boys' Football tournament with dominant victories over guest schools Claret School of Quezon City and PAREF Southridge, respectively, on Saturday at the UP Football Stadium in Quezon City.

The Baby Tamaraws began their quest for a 13th consecutive UAAP championship with a commanding 6-0 win over the Red Roosters, marking a historic day for the league.

Meanwhile, James Sunog and River Solis led the Junior Golden Booters to a 5-2 victory over the Admirals as they began their redemption bid after last season's runners-up finish.

This was the first time that guest teams were allowed to participate in any UAAP sport.

FEU-D, one of the longest-standing teams in the UAAP, showcased its attacking prowess, scoring four goals from different Tamaraws to take a 4-0 lead at halftime.

"Medyo struggle rin talaga kasi every year maraming gruma-graduate, so maraming bago at maraming kailangang sumabay. I think right now this Season 87, prinepare naming lahat mula sa attacking, defending, at pati 'yung pace naming sa field. We're very happy, kami ni Coach Paolo (Bugas), na nakuha naming 'yung galaw namin. Yung winning mentality andoon, so masaya kami sa pinakita ng mga boys ngayon," said Baby Tamaraws head coach Jake Murillo.

Czam Acuesta opened the scoring with a goal just three minutes into the match.

A swift counterattack saw center-back James Torres and striker Arvin Alayon Jr. each score before the 20th minute, and Jerriemy Biton added another goal to give the Baby Tamaraws a comfortable 4-0 cushion at halftime.

Despite the efforts of Tacardon brothers Filbert and Filmar, who used their speed to challenge FEU-D's defenders, Torres and the rest of the backline turned defensive stops into offensive runs to secure decisive goals.

After a long spell of attacking plays in the second half, winger Joerby Anito opened the floodgates with a fifth goal for the Baby Tamaraws.

Goalkeeper Gianne Abara made a key stop against Filbert Tacardon to preserve the shutout, and an 80th-minute strike from Edgar Renopal sealed a statement win for the defending champions.

"Mas maraming games na ang UAAP juniors, and at the same time, parang nag-iinvite tayo sa community natin sa football. It is growing and it's getting more competitive. Nabigyan natin ng chance 'yung iba na magpakilala. Start pa lang ng season, so marami pang paghahandaan against the other teams," said Murillo, a former FEU standout.

After reaching the final for the first time last season, UST showed its intentions early in its match against Southridge.

"From last year Final, hanggang ngayon, 'yun na yung target namin is mag champion so nag-prepare talaga kami na mameet yun," said assistant coach David Basa.

Southridge goalkeeper Juan Paolo Tansingco initially stood strong, but eventually succumbed to the relentless pressure from UST.

Sunog broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute with a goal from a well-executed buildup, followed by Solis doubling the lead four minutes later.

The two then completed their braces, with Sunog scoring in the 40th minute and Solis adding another in the 43rd minute, extending the lead to 4-0 by halftime.

Joshua Balliner sealed the Junior Golden Booters' first win of the season with a stunning strike in the 67th minute, restoring their four-goal cushion.

Southridge managed to avoid a shutout just before the break with a free-kick goal from Francis Poticano, and Joziah Rance added another with a well-timed finish in the 71st minute, leaving the final score at 5-2.

"Nung sa practice game namin (friendlies), nagtutulungan naman kami parang ni-ready namin yung team namin na pwede kami mag-grow at mag-improve. Well, sa players, marami silang magagaling na players physically; malalakas yung ang sinabi namin sa players namin na 'yung contact (i-take advantage)," said Basa, a former Golden Booter.

Meanwhile, De La Salle-Zobel joined the day's victors with a 1-0 win over archrival Ateneo, thanks to a header from Brycen Padauan just four minutes into the second half.

"It was a good win. We played them a few weeks before the UAAP and we lost 2-0 to them because it was a friendly game. So, I guess we wanted (the win) more. You know, we wanted it more than anything because last season, our last game was against them and we lost 1-0. We lost one zero to them, so I think it's a sweet victory," said head coach Ayi Nii of his team's first victory of the year.

The Blue Eagles had several chances to score, but the Junior Green Booters' defense, anchored by second-year goalkeeper Jacob Salavante, held firm to secure the win after 90 minutes.