Sports PH News | JS DEV Site

Author: Arjun Devgan

  • “It’s an honor to have him in the country”: Tim Cone on TNT import Bol Bol

    “It’s an honor to have him in the country”: Tim Cone on TNT import Bol Bol

    The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel closed out their 2026 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup elimination round in emphatic fashion, outlasting the TNT Tropang Giga, 93-86, on Sunday, May 10, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    The victory allowed Ginebra to secure third place in the standings with a strong 9-3 win-loss record, capping off a consistent elimination round campaign. More importantly, the result dealt TNT its third consecutive defeat in the conference, raising questions about the defending Commissioner’s Cup champions’ form heading into the playoffs.

     

    Despite the loss, TNT import Bol Bol delivered another standout performance, finishing with 33 points and 10 rebounds in a dominant individual showing. His size, skill, and versatility continued to pose major problems for opposing defenses, even as Ginebra managed to contain the overall impact of the Tropang Giga.

     

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    Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim Cone acknowledged the challenge of defending the former NBA standout, praising both his performance and his presence in the league.

    “Well, I mean, we feel like we played great defense against him and he still scores 33 points. It’s like we held him to 33 points tonight. He’s such a force in the game, especially here in our game,” Cone said in the postmatch press conference.

     

    “They talk about him so much in the NBA, too, when he’s out there playing. Everybody’s so thrilled to watch him play. We have had the honor to watch him play 12 games here now, and I think it’s an honor to have him in the country. It’s just a real challenge to go up against him. You know, this was a non-bearing game, but he came to play. That’s the kind of team and he’s the kind of player that can just elevate their game for the playoffs,” he added.

     

    Ginebra’s balanced attack and defensive discipline proved decisive down the stretch, allowing them to pull away in the closing minutes despite TNT’s late push. The win also served as an important momentum boost as the franchise shifts its focus to the postseason.

     

    With the elimination round now complete, the Gin Kings enter the quarterfinals brimming with confidence and holding a crucial twice-to-beat advantage. They are set to face the Phoenix Fuel Masters in their quarterfinal matchup scheduled for Friday, May 15, back at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    As the playoffs begin, Ginebra’s strong finish positions them as one of the top contenders, while TNT will look to regroup after a rough end to the eliminations, hoping to rediscover their championship form in do-or-die territory.

     

     

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  • Filipino champion Pedro Taduran eyes blockbuster unification fight with Oscar Collazo 

    Filipino champion Pedro Taduran eyes blockbuster unification fight with Oscar Collazo 

    Pedro Taduran, the reigning IBF minimumweight world champion from the Philippines, continues to strengthen his reputation as one of the most accomplished and battle-tested fighters in the country’s modern boxing era. Known for his aggressive style, durability, and ring intelligence, Taduran has become a consistent draw for boxing fans both locally and on the international stage, with his performances reinforcing his status among the elite in the minimumweight division.

     

    The Filipino champion was recently seen attending the “Fist of Fury 10: The Eliminator” event held at the Cebu Coliseum, where he closely followed the action in a key IBF world title eliminator featuring China’s DianXing Zhu and Filipino contender Ian Abne. The bout carried significant implications for the division, with Zhu ultimately emerging victorious after a grueling 12-round contest, earning the right to become Taduran’s mandatory challenger for the IBF crown.

     

    Despite the development of a new challenger in Zhu, Taduran made it clear that his immediate focus remains on a potential unification showdown with Puerto Rico’s Oscar Collazo, who currently holds both the WBO and WBA minimumweight world titles. A fight between Taduran and Collazo would determine supremacy in the division and potentially crown an undisputed champion at 105 pounds.

     

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    “Sa ngayon inaayos na po yung next kong laban. Baka August or September na yung next ko na laban. Inaayos na ni Sir Sean Gibbons yung laban ko kay Collazo. Kung maayos na, si Collazo ang una kong kakalabanin. Para sa akin si Collazo may dalawang belt na hawak siya, so siya yung pipiliin ko na kalabanin,” Taduran said during the event.

     

    “Baka ngayong July babalik na ako sa U.S. Baka malagay ako sa undercard ng Pacquiao-Mayweather, kami ni Collazo,” he added.

    The 29-year-old champion has been steadily active in discussions surrounding major fights in the division, with his team reportedly working on securing the biggest possible opportunities on the international stage. Taduran’s willingness to face elite opposition underscores his ambition to unify world titles and cement his legacy in Philippine boxing history.

     

    At ringside in Cebu, Taduran carefully observed the eliminator between Zhu and Abne, analyzing styles and potential future matchups. Zhu’s victory not only elevated him into mandatory position but also introduced a new layer of intrigue to the division’s landscape, with multiple high-stakes fights now looming for the IBF champion.

     

    Should the unification bout with Collazo fail to materialize, Taduran acknowledged that a showdown with Zhu could be next on the horizon, adding further complexity to his upcoming fight schedule. Either way, the Filipino champion appears set for a defining stretch in his career, with major world title fights firmly within reach.

     

    Reflecting on the eliminator bout, Taduran praised both fighters for their toughness and technical ability, while also noting how their styles could translate into interesting matchups for him in the future.

     

    “Napakagandang laban, umabot ng 12 rounds, pareho silang matibay, lalo na si Abne, matibay din. Para sa akin, maganda yung style ng Chinese kasi pabor din siya sa style ko. Fighter kasi siya, hindi na ako hahabol sa kanya sa ring,” Pedro concluded.

     

    As negotiations continue behind the scenes, Taduran remains focused on preparation, knowing that the coming months could define his standing not only in the minimumweight division but also in Philippine boxing history. Whether it is a unification clash with Collazo or a mandatory defense against Zhu, the IBF champion is poised for another high-stakes chapter in his career.

     

     

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  • Philippines men’s national under-17 football team shows promise despite ASEAN U17 exit 

    Philippines men’s national under-17 football team shows promise despite ASEAN U17 exit 

    Despite finishing at the bottom of Group B in the 2026 ASEAN Under-17 Boys’ Championship, the Philippines men’s national under-17 football team walked away from the tournament with renewed optimism following a historic victory that highlighted the steady progress of the country’s youth football program.


    The young Filipinos capped off their campaign in memorable fashion with a hard-fought 2-1 triumph over Myanmar national under-17 football team at the Gelora Joko Samudro Stadium in Gresik, Indonesia.


    Although the Philippines managed just one win in the group stage and ultimately finished behind Thailand national under-17 football team on goal difference, the team’s overall performance showed encouraging signs for the future of Philippine football.


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    The landmark result against Myanmar marked the Philippines’ first-ever victory over the Southeast Asian side at the Under-17 level. It also served as a fitting reward for a squad that displayed resilience, determination, and attacking promise throughout the tournament.


    Beyond the historic win, the campaign produced several statistical milestones for the Philippines. The team scored six goals across four matches, equaling its highest-ever goal tally in ASEAN Under-17 competition. Defensively, the Filipinos also showed significant improvement, conceding only 10 goals — the fewest in the country’s history in the tournament — while recording their best-ever goal difference at minus-four.


    For the Philippine Football Federation, the tournament represented another important step in strengthening the country’s youth development structure and building a more competitive national football program.


    PFF president John Anthony Gutierrez praised the squad’s breakthrough performance, emphasizing the importance of the victory not only for the current team but also for the long-term future of Philippine football.


    “This is not only one of the most significant wins at this level for the Philippines, it is also clear evidence that our U17 men’s program is rapidly becoming competitive in ASEAN football. To defeat Myanmar, the group’s top team and a two-time ASEAN champion, reflects the steady growth of our youth development system and the fighting spirit of our players. We are deeply grateful to our U17 squad. You have made the country proud,” Gutierrez said in a statement.


    The Philippines entered the competition facing difficult opposition from some of Southeast Asia’s strongest youth football programs, but the squad consistently showed flashes of quality and maturity beyond its years. While results in the opening games did not go in their favor, the players refused to let their campaign end without making a statement.


    That determination was on full display against Myanmar, where rising star Aarran Long delivered the performance of the tournament for the Philippines by scoring both goals in the historic win.


    Long’s attacking instincts and composure in front of goal proved decisive as the Filipinos held off Myanmar to secure a morale-boosting victory. More importantly, the youngster’s performance reflected the growing talent pool emerging within the country’s grassroots and youth football programs.


    After the match, Long spoke about the team’s desire to finish the tournament with pride despite the earlier setbacks.


    “Honestly, it’s a great feeling. We all played no matter the circumstance of this match. We just thought that we gotta play with pride, and we gotta come home with something to bring to the Philippines. Even though we may have not won in the first two games, the third game meant just as much, and we had to come home with pride, and with our heads held up high,” Long added.


    The victory over Myanmar may not have been enough to send the Philippines into the knockout stages, but it provided a glimpse into the potential future of the national youth setup. Against one of the region’s established football nations, the Filipinos demonstrated that they are capable of competing at a higher level and closing the gap against Southeast Asia’s traditional powers.


    As the tournament concludes, the focus now shifts toward sustaining the momentum generated by this promising campaign. With continued investment in youth development, more international exposure, and the emergence of talented players like Long, Philippine football officials hope this latest breakthrough will serve as a foundation for bigger achievements in the years ahead.


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  • LA Tenorio confident as Magnolia enters PBA playoffs on three-game winning streak 

    LA Tenorio confident as Magnolia enters PBA playoffs on three-game winning streak 

    After weeks of grinding through a demanding elimination round schedule, the Magnolia Hotshots closed out their 2026 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup campaign on a high note, overpowering the Meralco Bolts, 93-76, on Sunday, May 10, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    The emphatic victory marked Magnolia’s third consecutive win and, more importantly, secured the franchise a coveted playoff berth. The Hotshots wrapped up the elimination round with a solid 7-5 win-loss record, good for fifth place in the standings heading into the quarterfinals.

     

    For Magnolia, the triumph represented more than just another entry in the win column. It was the culmination of a late-season surge fueled by urgency, discipline, and a renewed sense of confidence under head coach LA Tenorio.

     

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    Facing a Meralco squad known for its physicality and defensive toughness, the Hotshots displayed composure on both ends of the floor. Magnolia dictated the pace for most of the contest, tightening its defense in the second half while capitalizing on transition opportunities and efficient offensive execution. The convincing margin of victory underscored the team’s growing chemistry at precisely the right moment of the conference.

     

    Tenorio, who continues to navigate his first conference as Magnolia’s head coach, praised his players for embracing a playoff-like mentality even before officially securing their postseason spot.

     

    “This is a good ano, the past three games actually we have been in a playoff mentality already. I challenge the players, I challenge my team that this kind of game, ito yung magbibigay sa amin ng chance going to the next level,” Tenorio said during the postgame press conference.

     

    The former PBA star emphasized that Magnolia’s recent stretch of games tested the team’s character and preparedness against elite competition. According to Tenorio, developing confidence against stronger opponents was crucial as the Hotshots prepared for the win-or-go-home atmosphere of the playoffs.

    As fate would have it, Magnolia is set to face the Bolts once again in the quarterfinal round, setting up an immediate rematch between the two squads. Despite the challenge ahead, Tenorio expressed confidence in his team’s ability to compete with any opponent in the field.

     

    “This is a good win for us going into this playoff game. Especially yung nga we need confidence kung Meralco man makakalaban namin we need this kind of confidence na we can, we can match up with this team.

     

    “Alam mo kahit sino makalaban mo sa taas eh. I mean they are on top four for a reason, we will be ready. Definitely. They way we are playing right now, I think, not I think, I’m confident with my players and my team,” he added.

     

    The upcoming playoff appearance also carries added significance for Magnolia after the disappointment of the previous conference. In the last tournament, the Hotshots entered the postseason as the sixth seed but saw their campaign cut short by the TNT Tropang Giga.

     

    Rather than dwell on that setback, Tenorio believes the experience became an important learning opportunity for both the players and the coaching staff. The team underwent several adjustments since then, including improved roster chemistry and the successful integration of its import, whose presence has helped elevate the team’s overall play.

     

    “Yung failure namin last conference we learned a lot from that one. Again it’s a completely different situation now. There’s a lot of changes also. Plus our import, nakaka-blend talaga import namin. The players love playing with our import and the same way the import loves playing with our locals. Definitely maraming learnings. Me also as a rookie coach, maraming learnings from the last conference,” Tenorio concluded.

     

    With momentum now firmly on their side, the Hotshots head into the quarterfinals believing they are capable of making a deeper run this time around. Their improved chemistry, defensive intensity, and growing confidence have transformed Magnolia into one of the more dangerous teams entering the postseason.

     

    Magnolia and Meralco are scheduled to clash in the quarterfinal round on Wednesday, May 13, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, where the Hotshots will look to extend their winning streak and continue their resurgence in the Commissioner’s Cup playoffs.

     

     

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  • LeBron James admits he hasn’t been the same since 2021 collision with Solomon Hill

    LeBron James admits he hasn’t been the same since 2021 collision with Solomon Hill

    For more than two decades, LeBron James has defined excellence in the National Basketball Association, building a résumé that places him firmly in the conversation as the greatest player in league history. From four championships to multiple MVP awards and the distinction of becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, James’ legacy is already secure.

     

    Yet even as he continues to defy age—still producing at an elite level at 41 with the Los Angeles Lakers—the physical toll of a long career has become increasingly evident. While James remains remarkably durable compared to most players in their late 30s and early 40s, injuries have become a more frequent hurdle in recent seasons, subtly altering the rhythm of his dominance.

     

    In a candid interview with Dave McMenamin of ESPN, James pinpointed a specific moment that he believes fundamentally changed his body’s durability: a 2021 game against the Atlanta Hawks.

     

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    The incident occurred during the second quarter of a regular-season matchup in March of the 2020–21 campaign. As James secured a loose ball, Hawks forward Solomon Hill dove in pursuit, colliding with James’ legs in an awkward sequence that immediately sent the Lakers star crashing to the floor. What initially appeared to be a routine hustle play quickly turned into a pivotal moment in James’ career.

     

    The diagnosis—a severe high ankle sprain—forced James to miss 20 games, one of the longest injury absences of his career. At the time, he was playing at an MVP level, leading the Lakers in their pursuit of back-to-back championships following their 2020 title run. The injury not only derailed his individual momentum but also disrupted the team’s rhythm, ultimately impacting their title defense.

    Reflecting on that moment, James admitted that the effects have lingered ever since.

     

    “For sure. My foot and my ankle ain’t been the same since. Ever since that injury, I have been fighting uphill to get it back to normal. But it’s been a little blah ever since. What could have been, for sure. I was playing some of the best basketball of my career up until that point and leading this franchise in the right direction and then something like that happens, a high ankle sprain, and there’s nothing you can do about that,” LeBron said.

     

    The comments offer a rare glimpse into the long-term physical challenges faced by even the most elite athletes. Known for his meticulous approach to conditioning and recovery, James has long been praised for investing heavily in his body to extend his prime years. However, the 2021 injury appears to have marked a turning point—less in terms of performance, and more in terms of how his body responds to the grind of an NBA season.

     

    James also revealed his immediate reaction to the injury, underscoring how much was at stake during that stretch of his career.

     

    “I have hurt my ankle and my foot a couple times and I have laced my shoes up and went back and played. And that was kind of my mindset. Please no. Please, not right now. Because I am playing too well. I have a chance to have a historical season,” he added.

     

    Despite the lingering effects, James has continued to produce at a level rarely seen for a player of his age, adapting his game while maintaining his impact as both a scorer and playmaker. His ability to remain among the league’s elite—even while managing physical setbacks—has only added another layer to his already unparalleled legacy.

     

    As the Lakers continue to build around their veteran cornerstone, James’ reflections serve as both a reminder of how quickly circumstances can shift in professional sports and a testament to the resilience required to sustain greatness over time.

     

     

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  • Santos, Acuna, Gandler share emotional messages after Cignal’s withdrawal from PVL

    Santos, Acuna, Gandler share emotional messages after Cignal’s withdrawal from PVL

    Just as the Cignal Super Spikers appeared to be entering a new era following a breakthrough campaign, the franchise abruptly halted its momentum after announcing a leave of absence from the 2026 Premier Volleyball League.

     

    The decision comes only days after the Super Spikers completed a historic run to the Finals of the PVL 2026 All-Filipino Conference—the deepest postseason finish in franchise history. What was expected to be a springboard for sustained contention instead turned into an unexpected offseason development that immediately reshapes the league landscape and raises questions about the team’s long-term direction.

     

    In an official statement, the club confirmed the move was made after internal deliberations on its organizational direction.

     

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    “This is to officially announce that the Cignal Super Spikers – Women’s Volleyball Team has filed a Leave of Absence in the Premier Volleyball League. This difficult decision was taken under careful review of Cignal’s strategic direction,” the team said.

     

    No timetable has been provided for a possible return, leaving uncertainty surrounding both the players and coaching staff, as well as the competitive balance of a league that had just concluded one of its most closely contested seasons in recent memory.

     

    With Cignal stepping away, attention quickly shifts to the future of its roster. In the absence of a formal dispersal draft system in the PVL, rival teams are expected to aggressively pursue key talents in what could become a highly competitive free-agent market.

     

    Among the most coveted names is reigning All-Filipino Conference MVP Vanie Gandler, alongside standout contributors Erika Santos and Gel Cayuna, all of whom are expected to attract significant interest from clubs looking to strengthen their rosters ahead of the next PVL conference.

     

    Despite the uncertainty, several Cignal standouts took time to address the media, reflecting on their tenure with the franchise and expressing gratitude to management, teammates, and supporters.

    Santos spoke candidly about the emotional difficulty of the announcement while acknowledging her smooth transition into the team environment.

     

    “Hindi pa talaga nagsi-sink. Nasa stage pa ako na nagpo-process so siguro. Thankful ako kasi naipakita ko ‘yung true self ko sa kanila. Hindi ako nahirapang mag-adjust and ‘yung transition from my past team, tapos sila agad ‘yung nakasama ko. Sobrang okay sa feeling na mag-work ka and at the same time, may family ka and sisters. Sobrang thankful ako sa Cignal,” Santos said.

     

    Middle blocker Jackie Acuna also expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity provided by the franchise, crediting Cignal for giving her a platform despite limited collegiate exposure.

     

    “Sobrang grateful ako sa Cignal dahil nagbukas sila ng pinto kahit na hindi masyadong malaki ‘yung background ko ng college at ‘di ako masyadong nakapaglaro. Sila, sumugal sila kahit potential lang ‘yung dala ko. Magiging forever grateful ako sa Cignal,” Acuna added.

     

    Meanwhile, Gandler reflected on her growth within the program, highlighting the team-first culture that helped shape her into the league’s Most Valuable Player.

     

    “The best thing for me is them, the teammates that I met. They helped me become a better version of myself because everyone really had one goal. We wanted to grow, and we knew that to grow, we needed to be collaborative. It’s not really a competition, and we have to work together,” Gandler stated.

     

    Team captain Dawn Catindig, who joined Cignal following the disbandment of her former club F2 Logistics Cargo Movers in 2023, described the franchise as a second home while acknowledging the difficulty of moving forward.

     

    “For me naman na medyo matagal na sa pros, very important sa’kin ‘yung team culture sa susunod kong pupuntahan. I’m taking my time in my decision kasi ang hirap pa rin maka-move on kasi very fresh pa rin kaya I’m just taking my time,” Catindig stated.

     

    “We never expected that kind of news. Kahit na may rumors, very hopeful pa rin kami. But at the end of the day, it was a business decision, and we respect that. Alam naman namin na pinaglaban kami ng Cignal, and we have to go on our own ways,” she added.

     

    Before potentially fielding offers from other PVL clubs, the Cignal players are set to reunite one final time in competition at the 2026 Volleyball All-Star Showcase. Santos, Catindig, and Gandler will suit up for Team Heart, while Acuna will represent Team Hustle in what could serve as a symbolic final chapter of their time together under the Cignal banner.

     

     

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  • Manny Pacquiao questions Floyd Mayweather’s unbeaten record; says he lost to Oscar De La Hoya 

    Manny Pacquiao questions Floyd Mayweather’s unbeaten record; says he lost to Oscar De La Hoya 

    Boxing’s most iconic modern rivalry is once again dominating global headlines, as renewed reports continue to circulate about a potential rematch between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao—nearly a decade after their historic first meeting that captivated the sport and shattered commercial records worldwide.

     

    Multiple online reports, including posts attributed to streaming platform Netflix, have fueled speculation that the two legends could face off on September 19 in Las Vegas (September 20 in the Philippines), with the bout reportedly set to take place at the state-of-the-art Sphere. If finalized, the venue would host its first-ever professional boxing match, elevating an already highly anticipated event into a landmark moment for both combat sports and live entertainment.

     

    According to the circulating announcements, Netflix is expected to serve as the exclusive global broadcaster for the event, continuing its aggressive expansion into live sports content. In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), the platform reportedly framed the potential matchup as a historic crossover moment—bringing together two of the most recognizable figures in boxing history on a stage unlike anything seen before in the sport.

     

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    The renewed buzz has also reignited long-standing debates surrounding both fighters’ legacies, particularly their first encounter in 2015, widely billed as the “Fight of the Century.” That bout saw Mayweather secure a unanimous decision victory, cementing his undefeated professional record while simultaneously becoming one of the most lucrative sporting events in history.

    In the lead-up to the rumored rematch, Pacquiao has remained notably vocal in media appearances, frequently revisiting his long-standing rivalry with Mayweather. The 47-year-old Filipino boxing icon has continued to take subtle and direct shots at his former opponent, further intensifying public interest.

     

    “I think the fight with Oscar De La Hoya, he lost it. Review it. I know what boxing is, and if you review and watch the fight, Floyd lost. Very clear, so watch that,” Pacquiao said in a recent interview with Vibe.

     

    Pacquiao’s comments refer to Mayweather’s 2007 showdown with Oscar De La Hoya, a pivotal fight held in Las Vegas that helped elevate Mayweather to global superstardom. Mayweather won that contest via split decision, a result that not only added a major name to his résumé but also solidified his status as the sport’s premier pay-per-view attraction following De La Hoya’s reign as boxing’s biggest commercial draw.

     

    Mayweather, meanwhile, has yet to publicly respond in detail to the latest wave of speculation, maintaining his long-standing preference for selective engagement when it comes to exhibition and crossover fight discussions. Since retiring from professional boxing with an unblemished record, he has participated in several high-profile exhibition bouts, further blurring the lines between competitive sport and entertainment spectacle.

     

    As anticipation continues to build, questions remain over whether the proposed bout would be sanctioned as a professional contest or staged as an exhibition, a distinction that could significantly shape its competitive legitimacy. Regardless of format, the possibility of a second Mayweather–Pacquiao meeting has already succeeded in capturing global attention, reigniting debates over greatness, legacy, and unfinished business.

     

    Nearly ten years after their first encounter, the mere suggestion of a rematch underscores the enduring commercial and cultural power of both fighters. While official confirmation is still pending, the boxing world remains on alert for what could become one of the most talked-about sporting events of the decade.

     

     

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  • John Forones breaks Philippine speed climbing record at the 2026 Asian Beach Games 

    John Forones breaks Philippine speed climbing record at the 2026 Asian Beach Games 

    Team Philippines continues to enjoy a strong and encouraging campaign in the 2026 Asian Beach Games, maintaining its position among the top-performing nations as competition progresses. With a current tally of eight medals—three golds, three silvers, and two bronzes—the Philippines remains fourth in the overall standings, a notable achievement given the relatively small size of its delegation and the high level of competition across multiple disciplines.

     

    The country’s momentum carried into Wednesday, April 29, as Philippine athletes continued to make their mark in niche but fast-growing events. One of the standout performances came from sports climbing, where John Forones delivered a breakthrough result in the men’s individual speed climbing qualifying round. Forones stopped the clock at an impressive 6.08 seconds, setting a new Philippine national record in the process.

     

    The previous mark of 7.5 seconds was held by teammate Juan Miguel Azupardo, which was established during the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand. Forones’ new record represents a significant leap forward for the sport in the country, highlighting the rapid development of Filipino climbers on the international stage.

     

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    Despite his record-setting run, Forones finished 28th overall in the qualifying round, reflecting the steep learning curve in a highly competitive field dominated by more experienced international climbers. Still, the 19-year-old remains optimistic about his trajectory and the future of the sport in the Philippines.

     

    “I definitely worked hard for it. Same with my teammates. I think climbing as a whole, speed climbing in particular, since it’s my initial sport, it’s up for me here to do my best. It doesn’t get any light in the Philippines. I’m excited for the future and what I can bring to the country,” Forones said in a media interaction.

     

    In the relay event, Forones teamed up with Azupardo, but the duo could only manage a 17th-place finish after clocking 15.47 seconds. While the result fell short of podium contention, the pair’s participation continues to build valuable international exposure for a developing program still finding its footing in competitive speed climbing.

    Beyond his athletic progress, Forones’ journey into the sport adds a human layer to his rise. The 19-year-old is currently studying at De La Salle University and only recently joined the national team in 2025, when speed climbing was formally introduced in the Philippines.

     

    He shared how his path into the sport began unexpectedly during childhood.

     

    “I had Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) when I was a child like when I was eight years old so I had to take therapy. So, one day, we were walking at the SM By The Bay and there was a wall climbing event.

     

    “We got intrigued and inquired about if there is a similar event in Cavite where we were living at that time. That’s where it started. I had a knack for it. For speed climbing, I only got to the national team last year because speed climbing was only introduced last year in the Philippines,” he explained.

     

    His rapid rise underscores how quickly the discipline is evolving locally, especially as more structured training programs and international exposure opportunities become available for young Filipino climbers.

     

    Head coach John Aquino praised the athletes’ commitment and the progress they have made in a short period of time, emphasizing that Forones’ record is a direct product of disciplined preparation and sacrifice.

     

    “We saw their hard work. We had three boot camps in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. We were able to put up our own speed wall through the support of the Pilipinas Climbing (PCI) and the POC, and we were able to break a national record. Well deserved. He worked so hard for it. You can see the bruises on his hands and knees. Literally – blood, sweat, and tears,” Aquino stated.

     

    As the Asian Beach Games continue, Team Philippines’ performances in emerging sports like speed climbing highlight both present competitiveness and long-term potential. While medal standings remain the immediate focus, the deeper story lies in the development of athletes like Forones—young competitors gaining experience on the international stage and steadily raising the standard of Philippine sport climbing for years to come.

     

     

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  • PATAFA hopes to feature EJ Obiena in Cebu’s hosting of the 2028 Asian Beach Games 

    PATAFA hopes to feature EJ Obiena in Cebu’s hosting of the 2028 Asian Beach Games 

    Team Philippines is enjoying a strong campaign in the 2026 Asian Beach Games, positioning itself among the top-performing nations as the competition unfolds. With a current haul of eight medals—three golds, three silvers, and two bronzes—the country sits fourth overall in the medal standings, underscoring a productive showing across multiple disciplines despite a relatively modest delegation.

     

    The solid performance not only reflects the steady progress of Philippine beach sports but also serves as a timely boost as the country begins preparations for a much larger undertaking: hosting the 2028 edition of the Asian Beach Games in Cebu City. With the spotlight set to shine on home soil, Philippine sports officials are already exploring ways to elevate the event and maximize both competitive success and fan engagement.

     

    Among those leading the charge is the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association, which is pushing to expand the athletics program for 2028. A key proposal includes the introduction of pole vault—an event rarely associated with beach competitions but one that could become a marquee attraction for Filipino fans.

     

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    The inclusion of pole vault could pave the way for the country’s biggest track and field star, EJ Obiena, to compete in front of a home crowd in a unique setting. Obiena, widely regarded as Asia’s top pole vaulter, would undoubtedly be a major draw should the event be approved.

     

    “Nag-uusap na kami ng mga officials. I think yung isang way na maganda is yung pole vault event which is ginagawa na ito sa Busan na nasa sand. May runway lang yung pole vault. Maganda ito kasi tayo yung No. 1 in Asia sa pole vault in the name of EJ Obiena so it’s good na mapanood din. So hopefully. I’m not saying na mayroon ka agad pero tayo ang host so we will see,” said PATAFA secretary general Jasper Tanhueco during a media interaction.

    While plans for 2028 are already taking shape, the current campaign continues to deliver encouraging results. Despite fielding just a seven-athlete contingent in athletics, Team Philippines has managed to punch above its weight, emerging as the second-best performing national sports association in the discipline during the Games.

     

    Leading the charge is Leonard Grospe, who clinched the gold medal in the men’s high jump with an impressive performance on the sand-based setup. On the track, Jessica Laurance added to the medal tally with a silver finish in the women’s 60-meter race, showcasing both speed and adaptability in the unconventional beach environment. The women’s sprint relay team also delivered, capturing silver in the 4×60-meter event to further highlight the country’s depth in short-distance running.

     

    These results are particularly noteworthy given the unique challenges of beach athletics, where athletes must adjust to competing on sand—a surface that significantly alters speed, balance, and technique. For many Filipino athletes, the current edition marks their first exposure to this format, making their success even more commendable.

     

    Looking ahead, Tanhueco emphasized that the Philippines is committed to building a deeper and more competitive roster by the time it hosts the Games in 2028. With the advantage of home support and more structured preparations, the delegation is expected to grow significantly in both size and strength.

     

    “Definitely we will have more participants prior to our hosting. We will have our own qualifying as well. Siyempre mas paghahandaan natin medyo challenging kasi karamihan actually first time nila magcompete sa beach. Mas paghahandaan pa natin,” he concluded.

     

    As the 2026 campaign continues, Team Philippines is not only chasing medals but also laying the groundwork for a potentially historic hosting stint in Cebu. With momentum on their side and ambitious plans in motion, the country is positioning itself to make an even bigger impact when it welcomes Asia’s best beach sport athletes in 2028.

     

     

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  • “I love my job”: Joshua Munzon embraces challenge amid Titan Ultra struggles in the PBA

    “I love my job”: Joshua Munzon embraces challenge amid Titan Ultra struggles in the PBA

    The Titan Ultra Giant Risers are enduring a brutal stretch in the 2026 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup, and the numbers paint a grim picture. With just two wins in 10 outings, the Giant Risers sit firmly at the bottom of the standings, a position that reflects both their growing pains and the instability that has defined their campaign.

     

    Their struggles were laid bare once again on Wednesday, April 29, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, where they suffered a lopsided 135–98 defeat at the hands of the Magnolia Hotshots. The loss was not just another mark in the standings—it was a stark reminder of the defensive lapses and inconsistency that have plagued the team throughout the conference.

     

    Despite the team’s continued slide, Joshua Munzon has remained a rare bright spot. The 31-year-old guard once again led from the front, finishing with 24 points, three rebounds, and four assists. On a night where little went right for Titan Ultra, Munzon’s performance stood out as a testament to his professionalism and steady approach amid adversity.

     

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    After the game, however, even Munzon struggled to fully explain the team’s shortcomings, pointing primarily to their defensive breakdowns.

     

    “135 points, there’s no defense. The defense wasn’t there. We also didn’t make shots tonight, that’s how the game went. Not much we can do about that but I feel like we got decent shots, we just didn’t convert,” Munzon said in the postmatch press conference.

    The frustrations are understandable. Munzon has seen significant changes around him in recent seasons. Former teammate Arvin Tolentino has taken his talents overseas to South Korea, while Calvin Abueva now suits up for the Converge FiberXers. Add to that a revolving door in the coaching staff—two head coaches in a relatively short span—and it becomes clear that continuity has been hard to come by for the franchise.

     

    Yet, rather than dwell on the instability, Munzon has chosen to embrace the challenge.

     

    “It’s my job. At the end of the day. I love my job. I love to play basketball. You have to adapt, in all jobs. No job is gonna be perfect, it’s about adapting to whatever is asked of me. Just trying to do that, trying to contribute on offense and defense and at the same time be a good teammate. Fight through everything with my teammates,” he added.

     

    His mindset reflects that of a veteran trying to guide a team still finding its identity. Titan Ultra’s roster is largely composed of young, inexperienced players, many of whom are navigating only their second conference in the league. The learning curve has been steep, and the results have followed suit.

     

    “This is just a young team. A lot of inexperienced guys that are only gaining experience as we go. Second conference, new head coach this conference. We are just figuring it out on the go, taking it game by game. We are just trying to go every game,” Munzon concluded.

     

    With their playoff hopes already extinguished, the Giant Risers now shift their focus to salvaging pride and building momentum for the future. Each remaining game offers an opportunity to develop chemistry, refine their system, and gain valuable experience against more established squads.

     

    Their next test comes against the NLEX Road Warriors on Tuesday, May 5, once again at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. While the stakes may no longer involve postseason implications, the matchup still carries significance for a team eager to end a difficult campaign on a more positive note—and perhaps lay the groundwork for a more competitive showing in the conferences ahead.

     

     

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