Philippine Olympic Committee formalizes partnerships with SportsPlus, SMART

(From left to right) Karate Pilipinas President Richard Lim, SportsPlus Head of Partnerships James da Costa, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, PLDT_Smart Communications First Vice President Jude Turcuato

SportsPlus, the No. 1 sportsbook in the country and a trusted PAGCOR-regulated platform, has officially entered into a four-year partnership with the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) from 2025 to 2029, providing crucial support leading up to and through the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as Official Gaming Partner. Smart Communications, Inc. will serve as the Official Connectivity Partner, providing telecommunications support for the initiative.

The partnership – signed by Mr. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, President of the POC; Mr. Jude H. Turcuato, First Vice President and Head of Sports at PLDT/Smart; and Mr. James da Costa, Head of Partnerships of SportsPlus – was officially sealed during a contract signing held on September 17, 2025, at Gameville Ball Park in Mandaluyong City.

The contract signing marked SportsPlus’ commitment to POC in giving Filipino athletes the tools, support, and visibility they need on their journey to the world’s biggest sporting stages. This includes essential athlete support, from training resources to connectivity tools - with Smart providing the products and services that keep athletes connected to their families, coaches, and fans throughout their training and competitions.

For SportsPlus, this partnership shows its strong commitment to Philippine sports, providing steady and meaningful support that helps athletes train, compete, and shine on the world stage. By working closely with the POC, SportsPlus aims to share more athlete stories, bring fans closer to the action, and promote the pride of Philippine sports here and abroad. Over the next four years, SportsPlus will invest in projects that keep athletes engaged with their fans – from digital campaigns and athlete stories to send-off events before major competitions. These efforts are designed to celebrate Filipino sporting excellence while inspiring the next generation of athletes to dream big.

As part of its athlete-first commitment, SportsPlus also recognized the outstanding performance of the country’s medalists from The World Games held in Chengdu, China  – Aislinn Yap, Carlos Baylon Jr., Kaila Napolis, and Chezka Centeno. SportsPlus will award each of them an iPhone 17 to help them stay connected as they continue to represent the Philippines.

“SportsPlus is more than a partner—we are a dedicated supporter of the exceptional talent and spirit of the Filipino athlete.  From grassroots development to the professional ranks and onto the world stage, SportsPlus is committed to standing with athletes every step of the way,” said SportsPlus Head of Partnerships James da Costa. “This partnership  is our pledge to provide the support, visibility, and resources they need to excel and bring pride to the nation.”

POC President Bambol Tolentino shared, "This collaboration with Smart and SportsPlus is a big boost for our athletes. The most important thing is preparation in all our undertakings, and these partnerships provide exactly that. With partners who are truly passionate about Philippine sports, we may not just bring home two medals like we did in the Paris Olympics  — we can achieve even more."

“Through this partnership with SportsPlus and the Philippine Olympic Committee, Smart will ensure that our athletes are connected, whether it's by providing world-class connectivity for training, live streaming sports content, or keeping our national athletes in touch with their families and supporters, especially when they compete abroad,” added Smart Communications, Inc. First Vice President and Head of Sports Jude H. Turcuato.

PFF counting on government support for successful FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup hosting

FIFA Council Member Mariano V. Araneta, Philippine Sports Commision Chairman Patrick Gregorio, Philippine Football Federation President John Anthony Gutierrez (c/o the PFF)

In addressing those present during the FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup draw last September 15 at the BGC Arts Center, Philippine Football Federation President John Gutierrez expressed his gratitude to the Philippine government for their support for the competition.

Gutierrez says, "Together with FIFA Council Member Mariano V. Araneta, we at the Philippine Football Federation are very grateful to the Philippine Government for making the hosting of the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup 2025 possible. We thank his Excellency President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for believing in the legacy that this hosting will bring to our country; Philippine Sports Commission, especially its Chair, Mr. Patrick Gregorio, for the pro-active support and championing this event as a major boost in sports tourism, and Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino for his endorsement,.  Without this, the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup Philippines 2025 would probably be just a dream."

This was made possible through Administration Order No. 35, which Marcos Jr. authorizes the the establishment of an Inter-Agency Task Force that would ensure a successful hosting of FFWWC 2025, under the leadership of the PSC. Said task force will be responsible for coordinating the efforts of the various government agencies, local government units, and private stakeholders involved in the planning, organization, and implementation of the inaugural edition of the tournament.

Gutierrez very much appreciates the efforts of the PSC in leading the task force. He says, "I cannot emphasize enough the crucial part that PSC and Chair Patrick Gregorio play in our country’s hosting of the FFWWC. Their support has been key to bringing a world-class international tournament that is the FFWWC."

The recently-concluded draw was the latest major endeavour of the task force, which drew attendance from FIFA officials, representatives from the sixteen participating nations, members of the media, as well as the special guests for the occasion, Hali Long, Vanie Gandler, Croatia women's national futsal team head coach, Tihana Nemčić Bojić, and Brazilian futsal legend Falcão.

Whilst FIFA President Gianni Infantino was unable to make it to Manila, a recorded video from him was played, highlighting the federation's role as the football association that landed the bid to host the inaugural edition of the FFWWC, and reiterated the importance of the competition in developing futsal and football in the region, particularly the Philippines.

He says, "The first-ever FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup is truly a game-changer. It finally gives the world’s top women’s futsal players the global stage that they deserve. But it will also shape the futsal players of tomorrow by inspiring so many young people. Led by PFF President, my friend, John Gutierrez, as well as former PFF President and current FIFA Council Member, my friend, as well, Mariano Araneta, in a true team effort that has led to this proud day (of the draw ceremony) for you all and for us all."

Infantino adds that he will be in the country for the competition, and says in his words, "celebrate this hugely significant step for your country and for us all."

UAAP announces suspensions for its college football opener

c/o UAAP

When the collegiate football divisions of UAAP Season 88 kick off their matches this weekend at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub in Cavite, some student-athletes will have to sit out their teams’ opening games as they serve suspensions incurred at the tail end of Season 87.

The University of the Philippines will begin its redemption tour with two Maroons and its head coach unavailable for its opener against the University of the East this Sunday at the same Imus venue.

Coach Popoy Clarino, along with players Charles Lobitaña and Eric Mink Cachuella, will miss the action as they serve suspensions stemming from an altercation with the FEU Tamaraws during the Final Four clash between the two squads in Season 87.

To recall, the Fighting Maroons and the Tamaraws engaged in a melee after Clarino charged toward FEU’s bench following an individual duel over a loose ball between UP’s Florenz Tacardon and FEU’s RJ Pescadera.

Cachuella will serve a two-game suspension, while Clarino and Lobitaña will each sit out one match.

Meanwhile, Jaymark Hernan of UE and Ivan Clyde Francisco of Adamson University will also miss their schools’ opening matches due to carry-over double yellow card suspensions. Hernan will be absent against UP, while Francisco will not be in contention against Season 87 finalist Ateneo de Manila University.

In the women’s division, three players will sit out opening-day action to serve one-game suspensions.

Ateneo’s Rae Mikella Tolentino and University of Santo Tomas’ Jannah Marie Santerva will miss their matches against De La Salle University and UP, respectively, due to a second yellow card received last season.

Meanwhile, UP’s Patricia Ann Espinosa will be out against UST, also serving a double yellow card suspension.

Far Eastern University, the women's holders, drew an opening-day bye.

UAAP affirms Padrigao suspension for Season 88 opener

c/o UAAP

A key cog for the University of Santo Tomas will be held out of their season opener.

The UAAP announced on Wednesday that it is suspending Forthsky Padrigao a game as a result from the incident he was involved during their semifinal meeting last season against the University of the Philippines.

As he incurred two unsportsmanlike fouls during the second half, both of which were of the Category 1 variety, he had been summarily ejected, and is set to observe a one-game suspension.

As a result, the guard will sit out the Growling Tigers' opening match, which also happens to be the Fighting Maroons on Sunday, September 21, at the Quadricentennial Arena.

The league also adds that since this act happened last season, Padrigao remains eligible for this season's individual awards.

UAAP reveals first round basketball schedule

Games Sept. 20 at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena

8:30 a.m. – FEU-D vs Ateneo (JHS boys)

10:30 a.m. – AdU vs DLSZ (JHS boys)

1 p.m. – FEU vs Ateneo (Men)

4:30 p.m. – AdU vs DLSU (Men)

Games Sept. 21 at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena

8:30 a.m. – UE vs NU (JHS boys)

10:30 a.m. – UPIS vs UST (JHS boys)

2 p.m. – UE vs NU (Men)

4:30 p.m. – UP vs UST (Men)

University of the Philippines kicks off its title-retention bid in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament against University of Santo Tomas on September 21 (Sunday).

The Fighting Maroons will visit the Growling Tigers at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena at 4:30 p.m., marking their first meeting since last season’s Final Four.

Men’s basketball action opens on September 20 (Saturday), also at QPav, with last season’s runner-up De La Salle University taking on Adamson University—another Final Four rematch—at 4:30 p.m., following the Far Eastern University–Ateneo matchup at 2 p.m.

On September 21, University of the East, now under new coach Chris Gavina, faces National University at 1 p.m. Tickets for the doubleheader are sold separately.

The junior high school boys’ competitions also kick off at QPav on September 21.

The Junior Warriors aim for back-to-back 16-and-under titles against the Bullpups at 10:30 a.m., following the Tiger Cubs defending their home court against the Fighting Maroons at 8:30 a.m.

The September 20 junior high school boys' games feature the Baby Tamaraws versus the Blue Eagles at 8:30 a.m., followed by the Baby Falcons–Junior Archers clash at 10:30 a.m.

Women’s basketball begins on September 24 at QPav to accommodate Gilas Women’s participation in the FIBA 3x3 Under-23 World Cup.

Four UAAP student-athletes have been called up for international duty by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas for this competition, which takes place at Xiong'an, China: Kacey dela Rosa of Ateneo de Manila University, Kristine Cayabyab of National University, and Elaine Etang and Cheska Apag, both coming from National University.

Ateneo and UE open at 12 noon, while UP faces Adamson at 7 p.m.

The league’s first Smart Araneta Coliseum playdate is on September 27.

NU, under debuting coach DA Olan, starts its bid for a second straight women’s championship against FEU at 12 noon, while UST begins its redemption campaign versus De La Salle at 7 p.m.

Men’s action at the Big Dome includes FEU–NU at 2 p.m., followed by UST–La Salle at 4:30 p.m.

The first Ateneo–La Salle rivalry of the season takes place at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on October 5 at 4:30 p.m., following the FEU–Adamson duel at 1:30 p.m. Tickets for the doubleheader are sold separately.

Tickets to the men’s doubleheader are sold separately.

The Blue Eagles and Fighting Maroons, who split their Season 84 and 85 men’s title series in 2022, face off in the first round of the “Battle of Katipunan” at MoA Arena on October 8 at 4:30 p.m.

Finally, UP and De La Salle meet in a rematch of the last two men’s championship series at the Big Dome on October 19 at 4:30 p.m., following the UE–FEU game at 1:30 p.m. Tickets for the doubleheader are sold separately.

The first round will close with a women's quadruple-header on October 22 at the MoA Arena featuring FEU-Ateneo at 8 a.m., Adamson-DLSU at 10 a.m., UE-NU at 1 p.m., and UP-UST at 2 p.m.

FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship set to slash ticket prices

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (center) with PSCx chairman Patrick Gregorio (left) and PNVF president Ramon “Tats” Suzara

AS a gift to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on his 68th birthday on Saturday—and a gesture of gratitude to Filipino volleyball fans—the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship has reduced ticket prices to the world-class event that is ongoing at the SM MOA Arena and Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“To give back to Filipino volleyball fans and on the same day that our President celebrated his birthday, it’s but fitting that the LOC and the national volleyball federation offer this gift to the most important stakeholders of the sport—the President and the fans,” Philippine National Volleyball Federation and LOC president Ramon “Tats” Suzata said on Saturday.

“We have a President whose love for sports reverberate in the four corners of our country, not only in volleyball, but in all sports, especially grassroots development,” added Suzara, who also thanked the Philippine Sports Commission, chaired by Patrick Gregorio, for championing the goals set by the President for Philippinine sports.

President Marcos made the opening ceremony at the SM Mall of Asia Arena extra special by making the ceremonial serve and providing support to Alas Pilipinas as it battled Tunisia in a Pool A action in the 32-nation world championship.

“The President showed that he wants Filipinos to enjoy a world-class event and we are fully supporting that mission,” Suzara said.

Not only did President Marcos who support to the event but the First Family as well with First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos and sons William Vincent, co-chair of the LOC, and and Joseph Simon wearing Alas Pilipinas’s colors from court side on Friday.

The LOC, Suzara said, will announce the new ticket prices in time for Sunday’s resumption of the pool matches both at the SM Mall of Asia and Smart Araneta Coliseum.

President Marcos celebrated his birthdat with a festive “Salo Salo sa Palasyo” as Malacañang opened the Kalayaan Grounds to the public, a nationwide medical mission and a one-day also nationwide offering of P20-per-kilo rice through the “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” (BBM Na!) initiative.

Manila set for 3x3 return with FIBA Challenger

3x3 Manila Challenger

A spot in the FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2025 Season Macau Masters will be up for grabs as the Philippines plays hosts to the Manila Challenger on September 20 and 21 at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay.

Some of the world’s top 3x3 players will see action in Manila representing 16 teams including World Number 1 and 2 Strahinja Stojacic and Marko Brankovic, who will team up representing Ub of Serbia. They will be joined by Nenad Nerandzic and Nemanja Barac, no pushovers themselves as they are ranked 5th and 8th in the world.

“The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) is elated to be given the opportunity to host this event,” said President Al Panlilio. 

“The SBP has hosted many 3x3 events in the past including the 2018 FIBA 3x3 World Cup and our fans are very familiar with the game so it should make for a great atmosphere. It’s an Olympic sport so we need to keep investing in 3x3 with the hopes of making it to that stage in the near future. Hosting the Manila Challenger helps in two ways because it allows our players and the federation to get much needed points for the rankings while also allowing our athletes to test themselves against the world’s best.”

The SBP has exerted efforts to bring this event closer to the Filipino people, giving them the opportunity to witness firsthand the best players in the world while also cheering for the Filipino teams proudly representing the country.

Two of the biggest names in the sport will also be seeing action in Karlis Lasmanis and Nauris Miezis, the 2020 Olympic gold medalists from Latvia. The two have done everything there is to accomplish in 3x3 and are now playing for China’s Chongming. The two 3x3 superstars will team up with China’s top two bets in Xiang Zhi Chao and Zhang Dian Lang.

The rest of the international field includes Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia), Hangzhou (China), Skyliners (Germany), Utrecht (Netherlands), Lugano (Switzerland), Taipei, Seef (Bahrain), Shanghai (China), SG Marina Bay (Singapore), Singapore, and East Jakarta (Indonesia).

“The SBP will be welcoming outstanding 3x3 players so that competition will be top level,” said Executive Director Erika Dy. “For the SBP, it’s an opportunity to show we’re more than capable in hosting a Challenger with the hopes of hosting a Masters level competition in the future. We’re excited to showcase our Filipino talents as well and see how well they can compete at this level.”

Three teams will represent the Philippines in Mandaluyong, Cavite, and Manila. Mandaluyong will be led by high-scoring guards Jeff Manday and Joseph Sedurifa while Mac Tallo is expected to make his long awaited return to FIBA 3x3 action for Manila.

This is supported by SBP's partners Smart, Arena Plus, B'lue Water, and the Philippine Sports Commission.