Vermosa Green Run 2026 returns in June with stronger sustainability advocacy and concrete ways to save the planet

Vermosa Green Run 2026 returns in June with stronger sustainability advocacy and concrete ways to save the planet

Vermosa Green Run, the pioneering advocacy event that rallied the community back to the tracks post-pandemic, is returning for its landmark fifth consecutive staging on June 28, 2026 at Vermosa in Imus, Cavite.

This time, the run that has attracted fitness enthusiasts, casual runners, elite athletes, pet lovers, and families out for fun and fitness is taking concrete steps to deepen the appreciation and commitment of the running community to sustainable green living and an active lifestyle.

The fifth edition of the Green Run, where immersion in nature and lush, green sceneries is one of the main attractions, is introducing more eco-conscious elements into the race experience and encouraging participants to get involved in long-term forest restoration efforts across the country. For one, running across the scenic Green Run route inspires runners to become advocates for conservation and sustainable lifestyles.

This year, the multi-level run – which features 3K, 5K, 10K, 21K running categories and a 1K Dog Run – is challenging fitness enthusiasts, elite athletes, families, and pet lovers to actively participate in localized waste reduction by bringing used PET (polyethylene terephthalate) water bottles or food containers when they register to avail of race kit discounts.  The collected bottles will be turned over to the Makati Development Corporation (MDC) to be upcycled into eco bricks that will help reduce environmental impact and support sustainable construction and community practices.

The race shirts and singlets including the dog bandanas are also made from recycled PET bottles. “We want runners to feel – both literally and symbolically – that choosing to participate means choosing to support responsible resource use. Embedding sustainability directly into the race kits was a deliberate choice that reflects Vermosa’s values. It transforms a souvenir into a lasting reminder of conscious living,” said Kristin Raval-Ofilada, Ayala Land Project Development Manager.

Ms. Raval-Ofilada also announced that beyond the recycled race kits, this year’s Green Run encourages racing enthusiasts to participate as a group. “Every group of 10 participants automatically becomes part of Haribon Foundation’s Forests for Life Movement. As such, they will support native tree planting and forest restoration projects in partner communities nationwide. Through this movement, Haribon brings together individuals, organizations, and local communities to restore degraded forests using a science-based rain forestation approach focused on planting and nurturing native tree species.”

The Forests for Life Movement seeks to create long-term ecological impact by ensuring that seedlings survive, grow, and mature into healthy forests. Restored forests help secure clean water, fertile soil, and stable climates that are the lifelines sustaining communities across the country, Ofilada explained.

Beyond environmental conservation, the Green Run remains rooted in holistic health, animal welfare, and sports excellence. Co-beneficiaries of Haribon Foundation Takbo Kabitenyo and Pawssion Project highlight the interconnectedness of planetary and community health, emphasizing that preserving natural habitats goes hand-in-hand with animal welfare and human well-bring.

The Green Run will take place amidst Vermosa’s expansive, nature-forward open spaces, utilizing the world-class facilities of the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub, the region’s   ultimate venue for athletic training and active lifestyles. True to its blueprint, the 2026 race will feature responsible hydration systems and stringent waste-reduction measures designed to inspire eco-friendly habits long after crossing the finish line.

Green Run 2026 is supported by Pocari Sweat, Merrell, Fitbat, Salonpas, Topbreed, Smart C, Dunsk Kuhner, Baby Boo, Chef Especial, Entrée, Saint Roche, The Gourmet Specialist, and Zert.

For more information about Vermosa Green Run 2026, go to https://ayalaland.myruntime.com/register  to register. 

Basketball activities highlight first two days of B.LEAGUE FINAL WEEK in MANILA 2026

3x3 at the Fashion Hall

Filipino ballers have spent the last couple of days balling at the special 3x3 halfcourt installed inside the SM Megamall's Mega Fashion Hall in the last couple of days for the B.LEAGUE FINAL Week.

Aside from the press conference that highlighted the opening of the activation last Thursday, the sprawling venue hosted 1-on-1 action, with Ray Parks, who had just concluded his club stint at Osaka Evessa, as a special guest, while Friday saw Francis Lopez of Nagoya Fighting Eagles check out 3x3 action, called the Yanmar Hanasaka B. Hope Asia 3x3 Challenge 2026.

Action featured eight teams that each featured male and female players, as they battled it out all afternoon and evening for some inclusive and thrilling competition.

The on-court action served as a neat appetizer for the upcoming Resona Group B.LEAGUE Championship 2025-26 final between upstart Nagasaki Velca and traditional contender Ryukyu Golden Kings, with the first two of potentially three finals matches taking place at the Yokohama Arena for the next couple of days.

Fans can still check out the action at the Mega Fashion Hall, as a live viewing party will take place for Game 1 and Game 2 at the venue, before it turns into a basketball clinic afterwards, in conjunction with B. Hope Asia.

Saturday's clinic is supported by Toyota and will feature Kiefer Ravena, while younger brother Thirdy will be present for Sunday's festivities, which is supported by Nissei.

Aside from Yanmar, Toyota and Nissei, the B.LEAGUE Final Week is also supported by Meiji, JCB, Epson, Molten, and PGA Sompo.

For more details about top-flight Japanese club basketball, one can check out the freshly revealed B.LEAGUE Philippines page on Facebook (b.leagueofficiallphilippines), Instagram and TikTok (@b.league_ph).

Manila to serve as first overseas venue for B.LEAGUE games

B.LEAGUE heads to Manila

The Philippines once again gets thrown into the limelight for continental basketball, as the B.LEAGUE revealed that it will host its first-ever overseas games at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

As it marks the near-conclusion of its historic tenth season and its reboot into B.PREMIER next season, top-flight Japanese club basketball will feature two teams with confirmed Filipino representation on its rosters as Dwight Ramos and Levanga Hokkaido will go up against AJ Edu and Gunma Crane Thunders on September 9-10, called the B.LEAGUE Manila Games 2026. 

Ramos was present for the league's announcement on Thursday to mark the historic moment, as the press conference for the upcoming games took place at the start of the B.LEAGUE Final Week activation at the Mega Fashion Hall inside SM Megamall.

Representing the B.LEAGUE for this event was Nao Okamoto, with special guests Willie Marcial of the Philippine Basketball Association and Ryan Gregorio of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas. The B.LEAGUE Manila Games 2026 will take place in cooperation with the two entities concerned, with the support of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.

With the slogan, Two Nations, One Beat, it also highlights the strong ties the Philippines and Japan have with each other, as it marks the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Serving as official partners for this event are Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation, JCB International Co. Ltd., Nissei Co. Ltd., Yanmar Holdings Co. Ltd., and Meiji Co. Ltd., with SONAK Corporation and PGA Sompo Insurance Corporation as official suppliers.

In a message, B.LEAGUE Chairman Shinji Shimada shares, "We are truly delighted to host B.LEAGUE’s first-ever overseas games in the Philippines, a country filled with passion for basketball. The Philippines has produced more Asia Special Quota players for B.LEAGUE than any other country/region, creating a special bond between us. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone in the Philippine basketball community for their tremendous support in making this project possible, as well as to all the players who have served as bridges between our two nations."

He adds, "The games will be held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, a very special venue that hosted the Final of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, hosted by Japan and the Philippines. It is a great honor for us to stage B.LEAGUE games at such an iconic arena. We hope many fans will come to the venue and experience the excitement and appeal of B.LEAGUE firsthand."

The league says that ticketing details for the event are likely to be revealed next month. They also revealed an official link to the event at https://www.bleague.jp/manila-games/.

NU stuns La Salle as UP, Mapua earn wins in Filoil Preseason opener

c/o Filoil EcoOil Sports

Games Monday
1 p.m. - JRU vs. Letran
3 p.m. - Benilde vs. Perpetual
5 p.m. - FEU vs. Gilas Youth

NATIONAL University burst everyone's bubble and spoiled reigning UAAP kings La Salle, 70-64, in the opening day of the 19th Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup presented by ABC Tile Adhesive on Sunday at Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan.

Reinhard Jumamoy put on the finishing touches in the Bulldogs' first day shocker, calmly sinking six free throws in the final minute to end up with 15 points, five rebounds, and two assists to hold off the Green Archers' belated rallies.

It was a signature balanced attack for NU with Mo Diassana logging nine points and 11 rebounds, PJ Palacielo registering eight points and six boards, and DJ Laconsay getting eight points and two rebounds.

"Hindi naman dapat na statement win ito eh," said coach Jeff Napa, downplaying the win as the Bulldogs usher in a new era without top guns Jake Figueroa, Steve Nash Enriquez, and Jolo Manansala.

"We're starting a new season, a new generation for this team so we just keep learning and implementing our system."

Jacob Cortez tried his earnest to carry the load for La Salle with 13 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds, while Mason Amos also had 13 points from three three-pointers in the defeat -- a tough start for the green-and-white as they traverse this new day after Mike Phillips and Kean Baclaan.

Three-time defending preseason champion University of the Philippines also powered through a second-half reversal to fend off University of Santo Tomas, 82-78.

Veejay Pre, making his Fighting Maroons debut, lived up to his hype and dropped seven of his 17 points in the fourth quarter, including the booming three with 3:51 to play that gave the Diliman side a 75-69 lead.

The former UAAP Rookie of the Year also got four rebounds and two assists to anchor the come-from-behind win.

Rey Remogat also sealed off the victory with a drive that kept UP up, 79-73, with 1:34 left for his 12 points, six assists, and four boards.

“Sa akin, being able to regroup as a team and adjust the second half, yung ganung klaseng experience will be really needed in the UAAP. As I've said, through these games, we’re getting to know each other on both ends cause we really need this experience," said Fighting Maroons mentor Goldwin Monteverde.

Migs Yniguez added 10 points, as Lowell Briones got nine points and five rebounds.

The UST loss wasted Mark Llemit's scorching night where he shot 22 points built on four triples, as Collins Akowe produced his usual dominant double-double performance in the tune of 19 points and 16 rebounds.

In the curtain-opener, Mapua welcomed its new coach Chito Victolero with a resounding 87-66 conquest over Lyceum of the Philippines University.

Yam Concepcion paced the five Cardinals to breach double figures with 20 points, five assists, and four rebounds, Cyrus Nitura flirted with a triple-double of 12 points, 13 boards, and eight assists, and Sebastian Reyes also chipped in 15 points and eight rebounds.

Rookie guard Jamal Diaz also impressed with 11 points, five assists, and four boards after getting the starting nod.

"Maraming trabaho because I need to rebuild this team. That's why I told them they need to fasttrack their mental toughness para lang mas maganda yung showing namin ngayon," said Victolero.

Matthew Rubico led the Pirates with 15 points and seven assists as Roger Ondoa got 10 off the bench for coach Jamike Jarin.

The Scores:

First Game:
MAPUA 87 - Concepcion 20, Reyes 15, C. Nitura 12, Diaz 11, Callangan 11, Cuenco 4, L. Nitura 4, Reyes 3, Pascual 3, Bernabe 2, Lloren 2, Mendoza 0, Sacro 0, Ryan 0, Dones 0.
LPU 66 - Rubico 15, Ondoa 10, Daileg 8, Guadaña 7, Fuentes 7, Villaver 4, Cardinas 4, Peñafiel 3, Aurigue 3, Pallingayan 2, Matienzo 2, Aviles 1, Caduyac 0, Abrantes 0, Almario 0.
Quarters: 25-20, 42-35, 64-55, 87-66.

Second Game:
UP 82 - Pre 17, Remogat 12, Yniguez 10, Briones 9, Palanca 8, Bayla 7, Payosing 7, Alter 4, Miles 4, Stevens 2, Poyos 2, Dimaculangan 0, Maga 0, Coronel 0, Andres 0.
UST 78 - Llemit 22, Akowe 19, Crisostomo 8, Sevilla 8, Buenaflor 6, Bucsit 5, Acido 4, Melecio 3, Porter 3, Manding 0, Cañete 0, Calum 0, Danting 0, Sevilla 0.
Quarters: 15-22, 42-47, 60-60, 82-78.

Third Game:
NU 70 - Jumamoy 15, Diassana 9, Palacielo 8, Laconsay 8, Alfanta 7, Garcia 7, Reyes 4, Tulabut 3, Francisco 2, Serrano 2, Cartel 2, Navarro 2, Padrones 1, Miranda 0, Figueroa 0.
LA SALLE 64 - Cortez 13, Amos 13, Macalalag 10, Daep 7, Gagate 6, Abadam 6, Dungo 4, Pablo 3, Kulang 2, Gollena 0, Quines 0, Melencio 0, Sarmiento 0.
Quarters: 14-15, 32-28, 49-44, 70-64.

Filoil Preseason begins with Final Four rematches

Games Sunday
12 p.m. - LPU vs. Mapua
2 p.m. - UST vs. UP
4 p.m. - Opening Ceremonies
4:30 p.m. - NU vs. La Salle

FAMILIAR rivals headline the opening day of the 19th Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup presented by ABC Tile Adhesive on Sunday, rekindling Final Four flames and writing new chapters in their respective stories.

Reigning three-time preseason champion University of the Philippines begins its quest for redemption against last year's semifinal foe University of Santo Tomas at 2 p.m., to be followed with the main game featuring the UAAP Season 88 kings La Salle taking on a rebuilding National U at 4:30 p.m.

Newly-hired shot-callers Chito Victolero and Jamike Jarin, meanwhile, return to the collegiate scene as Mapua and Lyceum of the Philippines U raise the curtains at 12 p.m. at Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan.

Everyone's eyes will be on the Fighting Maroons, now armed with Veejay Pre, James Payosing, and Rainer Maga, as the Diliman crew try to upend the Growling Tigers, which will still parade Collins Akowe, Gelo Crisostomo, and Amiel Acido.

On the other hand, Mason Amos and Jacob Cortez are pressured to keep the Green Archers at the top as they brace for the challenge of the PJ Palacielo-led Bulldogs in this tilt which has Hanes, Buffalo's Wings N Things, Wallem, BDO, Akari, Smart, Molten, Reyes Barbecue, Nature's Spring, Tela.com Athletics, Brothers Burger, and Don Benito's as sponsors.

Meanwhile, Victolero is trotting out an essentially new Cardinals crew with rookie Froilan Reyes joining holdovers Ivan Lazarte and Yam Concepcion.

But awaiting them are the Jarin's Pirates which are welcoming back court general Mac Guadana in its fray.

The 19th Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup presented by ABC Tile Adhesive will be broadcasted live and free on PusoP.com.

UST set for UAAP Closing Ceremonies

UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS will put a fittingly glamorous cap on UAAP Season 88 as the league stages its closing rites today (Friday) at the Quadricentennial Pavilion—238 days after opening the season with a grand ceremony held on the same university grounds.

What began with a vibrant launch inside the campus will now end in a different tone, as the league shifts into a first-of-its-kind black-tie closing ceremony that organizers describe as having an “Oscars-type feel,” elevating the traditional end-of-season program into a full celebration of excellence in sport and academics.

Set at 6 p.m., the formal affair will be highlighted by the announcement of the UAAP Athlete of the Year across collegiate and high school divisions for both individual and team sports, selected from among the Season 88 Most Valuable Players in the league’s 66 regular events.

The evening will also honor athlete-scholars who balanced elite competition with academic excellence, as well as student-athletes who represented the UAAP in international tournaments during the 2025–26 academic year.

The night will also serve as a symbolic turnover of hosting duties from UST to Far Eastern University.

UST Rector Rev. Fr. Richard Ang, O.P., PhD will formally hand over the league reins to FEU President Juan Miguel R. Montinola, who is expected to deliver the acceptance message before the program transitions into the next chapter of UAAP stewardship.

For the host school, the ceremony doubles as a celebration of dominance and legacy.

UST will be honored for its record-extending 49th collegiate general championship and 25th high school overall crown, sealing a ninth consecutive season of dual-discipline supremacy across both divisions.

“We wanted Season 88 to end the same way it started—with meaning, elegance, and celebration,” UAAP Season 88 President Fr. Rodel Casancio, OP said.

“This closing ceremony is not just about awarding winners, but about honoring the journey of every student-athlete who made this season unforgettable. It is a night for excellence to be seen, recognized, and remembered.”

La Salle takes full control of UAAP golf at halfway point

c/o UAAP Media

What was expected to be a tightly contested battle for the inaugural UAAP Season 88 Golf Tournament is rapidly turning into a La Salle showcase.

After spending the opening day gauging both the competition and the demanding Midlands layout, the Green Archers and Lady Archers unleashed a commanding second-round performance that put them firmly on track for a sweeping domination of both the men’s and women’s divisions. With 36 holes still left in the 72-hole championship, La Salle has already created clear separation from the rest of the field, tightening its grip on both the individual and team races.

Perry Bucay and Zach Castro continued to anchor the Green Archers’ charge, staying 1-2 in the men’s individual standings after 71 and 72, respectively, for 36-hole totals of 143 and 145, respectively.

Their steady play likewise bolstered La Salle’s bid in team competition as junior golf standout Martin Lu debuted with a 74 and counted for the team’s 217 output in the four-to-play, three-to-count format tournament presented by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Wilson Philippines, and Akari.

With a two-day aggregate of 440, the Green Archers stretched their overnight five-stroke lead into a massive 26-shot advantage over University of the Philippines, which compiled a 466 after a 240 behind Joshua Buenaventura’s 75, Emilio Carpio’s 81, and Miggy Roque’s 84.

Buenaventura remained at third in individual play with 149, while Ateneo’s Glenn Unabia carded a 74 for 150, and Carpio stood at fifth with a 158.

Bucay, who closed out with two backside birdies, drew inspiration from his teammates’ strong start and continued to attack both the course and the field with a near-flawless performance.

Despite building a commanding lead, La Salle has no intention of easing up.

“We’re not going to step on the brakes,” Bucay said of La Salle’s approach this week. “We’re trying to make a statement here, especially since it’s the first year of UAAP golf.”

Reflecting on his 37-34 round, Bucay said he continued to lean on his strong tee shots and approach game, though he admitted there is still room for improvement around the greens.

“Overall, it was a little better since I managed to finish under par compared to yesterday,” he said.

Bucay also praised the newcomers in the rotation for stepping up when needed.

“They showed up and performed. They delivered more than we expected, which is good,” he added, referring in particular to Lu’s impressive 74 after coming off a runner-up finish in the Junior PGT in Cagayan de Oro last week.

Ateneo pulled within five strokes off UP with a 471 after a 231 as Unabia posted a two-over round, Schmuel Tan chipped in a 75, while Mich Romero added an 82, while UST and Adamson took the next two spots in the five-team field with 251-512 and 367-737, respectively.

The Lady Archers proved just as relentless, mounting their own second-round charge to seize control of both the individual and team competitions.

Julia Lua bounced back in emphatic fashion from an opening-round 86, rediscovering her rhythm with a 79 highlighted by crisp drives and pinpoint approach shots and a birdie on the last hole. Despite missed birdie opportunities and several flubbed par putts, the inaugural ICTSI Intercollegiate individual champion stormed from third place to grab a three-stroke lead with a 36-hole total of 165.

Her rally enabled her to overtake Ateneo’s Monique Mendoza, who stumbled with a 91 after an opening 81 to fall to third at 172. Meanwhile, fellow Lady Archer Alexa Dacanay climbed to second place with a 168 after an 81, while Ateneo’s Simi Tinio shot an 85 for 173 for fourth, followed by Annika Gozum (101-183) and Ava Heredia (86-185), both of UP.

Backed by Donnabel Magsino’s 98, La Salle posted a strong 258 round for a 523 aggregate, opening a commanding 10-shot lead over Ateneo, which struggled to a 269 for a 532 total in team play.

“My tee shots and short game were much better than yesterday, and that really made the difference because driving is so crucial on this course,” said Lua, who birdied No. 2 to start her round and finished strong with another birdie on the 18th after a solid drive, a well-struck 3-wood approach, and a brilliant chip.

Staying composed throughout, the 20-year-old said she plans to stick to her game plan in the next two rounds.

“I’ll continue to play conservatively and as safely as possible,” she said. “To handle the pressure, I just trust my practice and my routine.”

Heredia kept UP in third place with a gutsy bounce-back performance, rebounding from a first-round 99 to an 86 in punishing hot conditions. Her remarkable 13-stroke improvement highlighted both her grit and resiliency, as she delivered clutch plays down the stretch to steady the Fighting Maroons’ campaign despite the demanding weather.

The Katipunan-based squad posted a second straight 288 to stay in third place with a 576, while UST and Adamson turned in scores of 344 and 378 for overall tallies of 652 and 743, respectively, with 36 holes to play in the historic competition.