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Author: Arjun Devgan

  • “This victory is for the coming generation”: Yeng Guiao dedicates PSA Award to athletes 

    “This victory is for the coming generation”: Yeng Guiao dedicates PSA Award to athletes 

    Veteran coach and former lawmaker Yeng Guiao added another milestone to his storied career—this time off the hardwood—after becoming the first non-athlete to receive the prestigious President’s Award from the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) during its Annual Awards Night on Monday, February 16, at the Diamond Hotel.

     

    Known to many as the fiery former head coach of Gilas Pilipinas and current bench tactician of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, Guiao was recognized not for his achievements on the sidelines, but for his decade-long legal battle that resulted in a landmark victory for Philippine sports.

     

    In 2025, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Guiao’s petition, ordering the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office to remit five percent of their gross income to the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), in accordance with Republic Act 6847. The decision effectively unlocked billions of pesos in funding for the PSC—resources that are expected to significantly bolster infrastructure projects, grassroots programs, and athlete development nationwide.

     

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    For Guiao, the recognition capped a long and arduous journey that began in 2016 when he, along with legal counsels Jun Guzman and Mon Navarro, filed a judicial remedy seeking to nullify a memorandum issued during the administration of former President Fidel Ramos. The memorandum had prevented the full allocation of funds to the PSC as mandated by law.

     

    Taking the stage alongside his legal team, the 66-year-old Guiao reflected on the magnitude of the gamble he took in challenging powerful government agencies and risking political fallout.

     

    “So sumuntok po tayo sa buwan. Pero paminsan minsan tatamaan niyo yung buwan. And that’s really what happened here. Sino ba si Yeng Guiao to go to the Supreme Court and ask the Supreme Court to take away billions of funds from the office of the President? It was political suicide. Pag nagalit si presidente patay ka,” Guiao said on receiving the award.

    His words underscored the risk involved in confronting institutions that controlled vast financial resources. Yet Guiao maintained that the cause was bigger than politics.

     

    “But maybe somebody had to commit political suicide so that Philippine sports can breathe some fresh air. From my estimate, so Chairman Pato, the commissioners of the Philippine Sports Commission, the sports federations, the Philippine Olympic Committee, our athletes, our youth, our regular countrymen will benefit from around, if I’m not mistaken, a total of 37 billion peso in accumulated funds.

     

    “And if I’m not mistaken, from 180 million a month to most likely closer to 500 million a month for Philippine sports,” he added.

     

    If projections hold, the Supreme Court ruling could nearly triple the PSC’s monthly funding—an infusion that sports leaders believe will transform training facilities, expand grassroots programs, and provide sustained support to national athletes competing on the world stage.

     

    Guiao emphasized that the victory was never about personal recognition, but about securing long-term gains for future generations of Filipino athletes. He expressed hope that the additional funding would pave the way for more international success stories similar to Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo, Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz, rising tennis star Alex Eala, and world-class pole vaulter EJ Obiena.

     

    “So nagwagi po tayo. This victory is a victory for athletes of the coming generation. It’s a victory for our sports leaders. It’s a victory for our countrymen in general. So sana po dumami pa ang mga Carlos Yulo. Dumami pa ang mga Hidilyn Diaz. Dumami pa ang mga Alex Eala, mga EJ Obiena. And I will be happy and satisfied that we have had a small part in that,” Guiao concluded.

     

    For the PSA, the decision to bestow its highest honor on a non-athlete highlighted the broader ecosystem that fuels sporting success. While athletes claim medals and coaches draw up winning plays, systemic change—particularly in funding and governance—often determines the sustainability of a nation’s sports program.

     

    In Guiao’s case, the battle was fought not on the court but in the halls of justice. And in winning it, he may have secured a legacy that extends far beyond basketball—one measured not in championships, but in opportunity.

     

     

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  • Alex Eala reflects on Philippine tennis growth after PSA Athlete of the Year win

    Alex Eala reflects on Philippine tennis growth after PSA Athlete of the Year win

    Philippine tennis sensation Alex Eala added another milestone to her rapidly growing résumé after being named co-winner of the prestigious Athlete of the Year award by the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) during its Annual Awards Night on Monday, February 16, at the Diamond Hotel in Manila.

     

    Eala shared the top individual honor with fellow Filipino sporting icon Carlos Yulo, underscoring what has been a banner year for Philippine sports on the global stage. At just 20 years old, Eala has firmly established herself as one of the country’s most accomplished and consistent international performers, carrying the torch for Philippine tennis into unprecedented territory.

     

    Her recognition comes on the heels of a breakthrough 2025 campaign that elevated her profile both at home and abroad. Eala surged into the top 50 of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings by year’s end — a historic feat that signaled her arrival among the sport’s elite and marked a significant leap forward for Philippine tennis.

     

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    The young Filipina authored several historic firsts over the past season. Her headline-grabbing run to the semifinals of the Miami Open — a WTA 1000 event — stunned the tennis world, as she toppled some of the sport’s biggest names along the way, including former world No. 1 Iga Swiatek, American standout Madison Keys, and former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko. The performance not only cemented her legitimacy on the tour but also inspired a new wave of interest in tennis across the Philippines.

     

    Eala’s trailblazing season continued at the US Open, where she became the first Filipino in history to win a main draw match in a Grand Slam tournament after defeating Denmark’s Clara Tauson in the opening round. The victory was widely celebrated back home, symbolizing a breakthrough moment for a nation long striving for representation on tennis’ biggest stages.

    She capped off her remarkable year at the Southeast Asian Games, capturing her first gold medal in women’s singles. In doing so, she became the first Filipina to claim the SEA Games women’s singles tennis crown since Maricis Fernandez accomplished the feat in 1999 — ending a 26-year drought and reinforcing her status as a generational talent.

     

    Despite being one of the evening’s central honorees, Eala was unable to attend the PSA Awards Night in person due to her campaign at the Dubai Tennis Championships. Still, she made sure to express her gratitude through a recorded message.

     

    “Good evening everyone. I truly regret not being there tonight. I’m so honored to be named the PSA Athlete of the Year alongside Carlos Yulo. First of all, congratulations to Carlos, it is a huge honor to share this award with you,” Eala said.

     

    She went on to acknowledge the people behind her success and the broader significance of the award.

     

    “I also want to thank my family, my team, and my fellow Filipinos for their tireless support. Being named Female Athlete of the Year is a moment in my life that I will cherish forever. This award means so much to me because it reflects how far tennis — and my sport — has come in our country, and I only hope that this is just the beginning. So thank you very much for this recognition and congratulations to all of the awardees tonight.”

     

    Eala’s ascent represents more than individual achievement. Her sustained excellence against the world’s best has redefined what is possible for Filipino tennis players and positioned her as one of the nation’s brightest sporting ambassadors. As she continues to climb the WTA rankings and compete on the biggest stages, the PSA Athlete of the Year honor serves as both recognition of past accomplishments and a signal of even greater expectations ahead.

     

    With youth firmly on her side and momentum building, Philippine tennis appears to be entering a golden era — and Alex Eala stands at its forefront.

     

     

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  • ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith blames LeBron James for Slam Dunk Contest decline

    ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith blames LeBron James for Slam Dunk Contest decline

    The 2026 National Basketball Association (NBA) All-Star Weekend brought glitz, experimentation, and plenty of debate as the league staged its midseason spectacle in Inglewood, California. The All-Star Game itself was held at the state-of-the-art Intuit Dome, home of the Los Angeles Clippers, marking another milestone moment for the NBA’s newest arena.

     

    This year’s edition introduced a revamped format aimed at injecting competitiveness and fresh intrigue into the exhibition showcase. Instead of the traditional East vs. West matchup, the league rolled out a USA vs. the World concept featuring a three-team round-robin tournament culminating in a championship game. The change was designed to spark pride and rivalry while giving fans a different viewing experience.

     

    In the end, the USA Stars emerged victorious in the All-Star tournament, with Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards earning All-Star Most Valuable Player (MVP) honors after a series of electrifying performances. Edwards’ athleticism and charisma were among the highlights of the weekend, offering a glimpse into the NBA’s next generation of superstars.

     

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    Despite the buzz surrounding the new format, much of the post-weekend conversation centered on one of the event’s most storied traditions: the Slam Dunk Contest. Long regarded as the crown jewel of All-Star Saturday Night, the contest has historically delivered some of the most iconic moments in basketball history. This year, Miami Heat forward Keshad Johnson claimed the title, showcasing creativity and athleticism to secure the trophy.

     

    However, the reaction from fans and analysts was mixed. While Johnson celebrated a career-defining achievement, many observers voiced disappointment, arguing that the contest lacked the star power and jaw-dropping theatrics that once made it must-see television. Social media lit up with critiques suggesting the event no longer carries the same weight or excitement as it did during its golden eras.

    Among the loudest voices was ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith, known for his fiery delivery and polarizing takes. Speaking on First Take, Smith offered a controversial opinion, placing blame for the Dunk Contest’s perceived decline on LeBron James — despite the Lakers superstar never having participated in the event.

     

    “I’m going to blame LeBron James. Now, I have sat here for months and I have applauded his greatness and all the things he had done and he has meant to the NBA, but I have said it and I’m going to be very consistent. The person who really is the provocateur to ruin the slam dunk contest is him,” Smith said.

     

    “He was a superstar who put on a dunk contest every night in the layup line, particularly when he knew there was momentum swelling for him to participate, and he never did. He even teased that he was going to participate one year,” he added.

     

    Smith’s argument hinges on the belief that James, widely regarded as one of the most athletic and dominant players in league history, could have revitalized the contest during his prime years had he chosen to compete. Throughout the mid-2000s, fan campaigns and media pressure mounted annually for James to enter the Dunk Contest, but the four-time NBA champion ultimately declined each time.

     

    Notably, James has never taken part in a Slam Dunk Contest during his illustrious career — a stark contrast to fellow all-time great Michael Jordan. Jordan famously won back-to-back Dunk Contest titles in 1987 and 1988 with the Chicago Bulls, producing moments that remain etched in NBA lore and helping elevate the contest’s prestige during its peak popularity.

     

    The debate underscores a broader conversation about the evolution of All-Star Weekend. While today’s players continue to push the boundaries of athleticism, some critics argue that established superstars have increasingly opted out of marquee events, leaving rising or role players to carry the torch. Whether the solution lies in incentivizing participation from elite names or further tweaking the format remains a topic of discussion within league circles.

     

    As the NBA reflects on the 2026 All-Star experiment, one thing is certain: the Slam Dunk Contest remains a lightning rod for debate. And with outspoken figures like Stephen A. Smith weighing in, the conversation around its future — and the legacy of those who chose not to participate — is unlikely to fade anytime soon.

     

     

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  • “I truly admire her”: Alyssa Valdez excited to face Bella Belen for the first time in the PVL

    “I truly admire her”: Alyssa Valdez excited to face Bella Belen for the first time in the PVL

    Widely regarded as one of the brightest stars to emerge from the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), Bella Belen continues to shoulder the expectations of becoming the next face of Philippine volleyball — and potentially a cornerstone of the national team’s future on the international stage.

     

    The former collegiate standout wasted little time making her mark in the professional ranks after being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft by the Capital1 Solar Spikers. From the moment she donned the Solar Spikers jersey, Belen embraced the responsibility of leading a rebuilding franchise hungry to establish itself as a legitimate contender.

     

    Her rapid rise has not gone unnoticed. Belen recently added another honor to her ever-growing résumé, claiming the prestigious Ms. Volleyball Award from the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) at the Annual Awards Night held on Monday, February 16, at the Diamond Hotel in Manila.

     

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    The 23-year-old’s achievements have already earned praise from one of Philippine volleyball’s icons, Alyssa Valdez, a three-time Ms. Volleyball recipient herself. Valdez expressed her excitement at facing Belen on the court for the first time, when the Creamline Cool Smashers take on the Capital1 Solar Spikers in the ongoing PVL All-Filipino Conference.

     

    “This will actually be our first game against each other. I’m really excited to face her. More than her skills, I truly admire her character and personality, both on and off the court. She has that never-say-die attitude, that grit and discipline,” Valdez said in a media interaction.

    “I can’t wait to see her grow even more and become someone even more young athletes can look up to. But when it comes to our game this Saturday? Bella is Bella. We are very excited and looking forward to it, and hopefully we can give her a really good match,” she added.

     

    Interestingly, both Valdez and Belen share the same birthday, adding a symbolic layer to the praise from a player widely recognized as the greatest female volleyball athlete in Philippine history.

     

    Meanwhile, Creamline has made a strong start to the All-Filipino Conference, posting a 2-1 record to sit fourth in the standings. Valdez acknowledged that the team is still adjusting to reintegrating key players Jia De Guzman and Bernadeth Pons, who have returned to the franchise.

     

    “We are still working on being more in tune with each other. But it was really nice to see that never-give-up mentality come out after that first set. Hopefully, we can keep building on that because the team’s effort this game was really great,” Valdez said.

     

    She added, “For me, it’s really about mindset — I try to give my 100% all the time so that when the coaches call my name, I’m ready. It’s a team sport, and it’s not just about the players on the court. As a team, we definitely support each other. We are very proud of whoever is shining in the moment. It’s always full support from all of us.”

     

    The stage is now set for a highly anticipated clash, as the two top talents — Belen and Valdez — face off on Saturday, February 21, at the FilOil Centre. Fans can expect a showdown that highlights not just skill, but leadership, resilience, and the next generation of Philippine volleyball stars making their mark.

     

     

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  • “It’ll declare itself”: Stephen Curry shuts down NBA retirement rumors

    “It’ll declare itself”: Stephen Curry shuts down NBA retirement rumors

    Golden State Warriors icon Stephen Curry is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in National Basketball Association (NBA) history, not just for his impressive accolades but also for his revolutionary impact on the game. Known as the greatest shooter in league history, Curry has transformed the way basketball is played, redefining the value of the three-point shot and inspiring a generation of players to stretch the floor and rethink offensive spacing.

     

    At 37 years old, Curry is undeniably approaching the latter stages of his illustrious career, yet he remains fully committed to competing at the highest level. The superstar guard openly acknowledges that questions about retirement are inevitable as he continues to rack up milestones, but he is adamant that stepping away from the game is not on the horizon — at least not anytime soon.

     

    “It will declare itself, whenever the time comes to call it quits, which I don’t think is anytime soon. I’m not really putting too much pressure on that,” Curry said in a recent media interaction, underscoring his desire to remain focused on the present rather than dwell on the future.

     

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    Curry is now in his 17th NBA season, all with the Warriors, where he has become the face of the franchise and its most indispensable player. His impact goes far beyond statistics — Curry has helped lead Golden State to multiple championships and has become a global ambassador for the sport, inspiring young athletes around the world to emulate his skill, work ethic, and poise under pressure.

    Like other NBA legends of his era, including LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Russell Westbrook, Curry frequently faces questions about retirement as he nears the twilight of his career. Yet the three-time NBA champion embraces the challenge of playing at an elite level at an age when many players have already stepped away.

     

    “It is a badge of honor to now be the oldest player doing all of these great things. To redefine what greatness looks like at this age. Thinking about the end robs you of the now. I’m enjoying the journey of competing and all the work that goes into it. Hopefully that carries me a long way,” Curry said, reflecting on his mindset as he balances experience, longevity, and performance.

     

    This season, Curry became the oldest point guard in NBA history to be selected as an All-Star Game starter, a milestone that highlights not only his skill but also his durability and dedication to maintaining peak conditioning. Although he missed the All-Star Game due to a knee injury, he remains confident in his ability to continue leading the Warriors in their pursuit of another championship.

     

    “Every time you do something cool, it’s like, ‘Oh, you are the oldest to do such and such’ or ‘you’re the oldest point guard to fill in the blank.’ So I wear all of those things like a badge of honor, because I know how much work goes into it — to play this game that I love,” Curry explained, underscoring the pride he takes in his longevity and consistent performance at the highest level.

     

    Looking ahead, there is little doubt that Curry will suit up for the Warriors next season. He recently signed a one-year, $62.5 million veteran contract extension that keeps him in Golden State through the 2026-27 season, signaling the franchise’s continued commitment to building around its enduring superstar.

     

    As Curry continues to rack up historic achievements and defy expectations for athletes at his age, his journey serves as a testament to skill, perseverance, and love for the game. With every three-pointer, milestone, and clutch performance, he not only cements his legacy as one of the NBA’s all-time greats but also reinforces the idea that age is just a number for a player willing to put in the work. For fans of the Warriors and basketball at large, the best chapters of Stephen Curry’s career may very well still be ahead.

     

     

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  • ‘Excited to meet Alex Eala,’ says PSA Athlete of the Year and Filipino icon Carlos Yulo

    ‘Excited to meet Alex Eala,’ says PSA Athlete of the Year and Filipino icon Carlos Yulo

    Philippine gymnastics superstar Carlos Yulo was honored as co-winner of the prestigious Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Athlete of the Year award at the Annual Awards Night held on Monday, February 16, at the Diamond Hotel in Manila. Sharing the top accolade with rising tennis sensation Alex Eala, Yulo cemented his status as one of the country’s most accomplished and consistent athletes on the global stage.

     

    The 26-year-old gymnast made history for the Philippines at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, by capturing two gold medals — a first for the nation in gymnastics. His remarkable achievements have not only elevated Philippine gymnastics but have also inspired a new generation of athletes to aim higher in their respective sports.

     

    During his acceptance speech, Yulo reflected on the importance of learning from fellow athletes, revealing that he looks to Eala for insights, just as he has drawn lessons from other Filipino sporting icons, including weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, pole vaulter EJ Obiena, and boxer Nesthy Petecio.

     

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    “I met her before the Olympics. After that, of course, she has been super busy. I’m super excited to meet her soon and get advice from her. Of course, each athlete goes through different experiences and faces different challenges,” Yulo said.

    He added, “I often ask kuya EJ, ate Hidilyn, and ate Nesthy for advice. I learn so much from them. All of our Olympians have different stories. They are really inspiring and they motivate me to train harder and work harder in life.”

     

    Yulo’s 2025 calendar year was marked by continued dominance in the sport. At the Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championships in South Korea, he claimed a fourth consecutive gold medal in the floor exercise event while also adding bronze medals in parallel bars, vault, and individual all-around competitions. His exceptional form carried over to the 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Indonesia, where he clinched gold in the vault, further solidifying his reputation as one of the world’s elite gymnasts.

     

    These achievements earned Yulo his second consecutive PSA Athlete of the Year award, a testament to his consistency, dedication, and impact on Philippine sports. Speaking on the honor, he expressed hope that more Filipino athletes would continue to make their mark internationally.

     

    “I’m just really happy and proud because a lot of Filipinos are now able to compete at the international level. I hope there would be more of us. Let us show the Filipino spirit in sports,” Yulo concluded.

     

    Beyond the medals and accolades, Yulo remains committed to inspiring younger athletes and promoting gymnastics in the Philippines. His journey underscores the value of discipline, resilience, and mentorship, demonstrating how world-class performances are often fueled not only by talent but also by learning from others and continuously striving for improvement.

     

    With his sights set on future international competitions, including the 2026 Asian Games and subsequent world championships, Carlos Yulo continues to represent the Philippines with excellence and determination, proving that Filipino athletes can shine on the global stage while inspiring the next generation of sports stars.

     

     

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  • June Mar Fajado ready to step up for Gilas in the absence of key players in crucial FIBA Asian Qualifiers window

    June Mar Fajado ready to step up for Gilas in the absence of key players in crucial FIBA Asian Qualifiers window

    The second window of the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers is upon us, and Gilas Pilipinas is looking to build on a strong opening stretch as it continues its bid for a spot in the main draw of the global showpiece.

     

    The Philippines got off to a perfect start in Group A during the first window, sweeping its assignments to remain unbeaten. However, sterner tests await as Gilas prepares to face regional heavyweights in the upcoming set of fixtures — this time against Oceania powers Australia national basketball team and New Zealand national basketball team.

     

    Complicating matters for the national squad is the absence of key frontcourt pieces. Young big men Kai Sotto and Quentin Millora-Brown have both confirmed their non-availability for the two home games, leaving a significant void in size, rim protection, and interior scoring.

     

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    With two primary centers sidelined, the responsibility now shifts squarely onto the shoulders of Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) cornerstone June Mar Fajardo. The multi-time PBA Most Valuable Player enters the window riding high after leading the San Miguel Beermen to the Philippine Cup title, once again reinforcing his status as one of the league’s most dominant forces.

     

    Fajardo acknowledged that the absence of Sotto and Millora-Brown presents a major challenge, particularly against taller and more physical opponents such as Australia and New Zealand, both known for their depth and size across all positions. Still, the veteran center emphasized preparation and collective effort as Gilas’ path forward.

     

    “Of course, we are preparing for our game in the upcoming window. For sure, it won’t be easy for us. It’s going to be tough. No easy games against them. But what we can do is to play our best to win,” Mar Fajardo said in a media interaction.

    The Philippines’ 2-0 record in the first window came at the expense of Guam, but the upcoming assignments represent a significant step up in competition. Australia, a consistent force in FIBA competitions and an Olympic-level program, brings a blend of NBA and high-level professional talent. New Zealand, meanwhile, has long been a disciplined and physical side capable of punishing lapses on both ends of the floor.

     

    “They are tough opponents. We know how strong they are and it won’t be easy playing them. But we are here, so we have to prepare and do all the necessary action plans and practices. We have to take this seriously and do what we need to do,” he added.

     

    Head coach Tim Cone will be tasked with recalibrating the rotation, particularly in the frontcourt, as Gilas seeks to compensate for its missing size. Expect adjustments in defensive schemes, quicker rotations, and perhaps a more perimeter-oriented attack to offset any mismatches inside.

     

    One significant advantage for Gilas is homecourt support. Both games will be staged at the Mall of Asia Arena, where the national team traditionally draws passionate crowds. The energy of the Filipino faithful has often served as a sixth man, especially in high-stakes international fixtures.

     

    “We are confident we can win because we are in our homecourt. Our fans and kababayans will be there to give us extra boost for sure,” he continued.

     

    Beyond tactical adjustments, Fajardo’s personal condition will be closely monitored. The 6-foot-10 center battled shoulder and knee concerns during San Miguel’s championship run, raising questions about workload management heading into a physically demanding international window.

     

    “I’m trying to get as much rest as I can. It’s back to training for me and I’m trying to stay sharp. It’s okay now. I’m doing some therapy and it’s okay,” Mar Fajardo concluded.

     

    Gilas opens the second window against New Zealand on Thursday, February 28, before facing Australia on Sunday, March 1 — two marquee matchups that could shape the trajectory of its qualification campaign. With key absences, heightened competition, and national pride at stake, the Philippines will need resilience, execution, and leadership — particularly from Fajardo — to protect its unbeaten record and strengthen its push toward the 2027 FIBA World Cup.

     

     

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  • “I need to improve to compete”: Rising Filipina star Tennielle Madis looks ahead to Hawaii stint

    “I need to improve to compete”: Rising Filipina star Tennielle Madis looks ahead to Hawaii stint

    Philippine tennis continues to ride a promising new wave, and at the forefront is rising star Tennielle Madis, currently ranked No. 2 in the country behind sensation Alex Eala. Widely regarded as one of the sport’s brightest young prospects, Madis is steadily building a résumé that suggests the future of Philippine tennis is in capable hands.

     

    The teenager recently confirmed a major step in her athletic and academic journey, announcing that she will move to Hawaii later this year after committing to the University of Hawaii. Madis will compete for the Manoa Rainbow Warriors in the upcoming National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) season under a scholarship, a significant milestone that underscores her growing reputation both locally and internationally.

     

    Her transition to the United States collegiate circuit comes on the heels of a landmark professional debut. Madis made her Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) 125 tournament debut at the Philippine Women’s Open, stepping onto one of the sport’s most competitive stages. The experience proved to be a stern introduction to life at the higher levels of the pro tour, as she bowed out in the first round to Thailand’s Mananchaya Sawangkaew, 6-4, 6-0.

     

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    While the loss highlighted the gap between rising prospects and seasoned international competitors, it also served as a valuable learning experience for the young Filipina. Madis reflected candidly on the lessons gained from her WTA stint during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Annual Awards Night on Monday, February 16, where she was honored with the prestigious Tony Siddayao Award.

     

    “First of all, it’s an honor to play sa WTA and there is a lot of learnings na natutunan ko sa WTA and one is I need pa to improve pa yung muscles ko, yung consistency ko, and yung power ko po,” Madis said at the event.

    Her self-assessment reflects a maturity beyond her years. Rather than dwelling on the early exit, Madis has focused on the physical and technical adjustments required to compete consistently at the international level — an approach that should serve her well as she prepares for the rigors of US collegiate tennis.

     

    Madis’ rise has been fueled by a breakout 2025 campaign that firmly established her as one of the country’s elite young players. She captured the Gentry Open Women’s Singles title and claimed top honors at the Philippine Columbian Association (PCA) Championship, showcasing both her composure and competitive edge in high-stakes matches. On the regional stage, she further strengthened her credentials by earning two bronze medals at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand — a performance that demonstrated her ability to deliver under pressure against Southeast Asia’s best.

     

    Now, as she prepares to test herself in the United States, Madis is fully aware of the level of competition that awaits her. The American collegiate system is known for producing world-class talent, and she anticipates facing players with both professional experience and advanced physical development.

     

    “There is a lot po talaga na mga pro, malalakas and good experienced players po talaga so I need to improve my skills pa po para maka-compete,” she added.

     

    The move to Hawaii represents more than just a change of scenery — it marks a crucial phase in Madis’ development. With access to world-class facilities, structured strength and conditioning programs, and regular high-level match play, she will have the tools needed to sharpen her game and bridge the gap to the sport’s upper tier.

     

    As Philippine tennis continues to search for its next global breakthrough following the trail blazed by Eala, Tennielle Madis is positioning herself as a name to watch. Her blend of talent, humility, and determination suggests that her journey is only just beginning — and the best chapters of her career may still lie ahead.

     

     

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  • Nxled’s Jules Tolentino named PVL Player of the Week for February 10 to 14

    Nxled’s Jules Tolentino named PVL Player of the Week for February 10 to 14

    The Nxled Chameleons have emerged as one of the early revelations of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference, storming to three consecutive victories to open their campaign and securing second place in the standings.

     

    After a modest showing in previous conferences, the Chameleons appear to have found both rhythm and resilience this season, blending youthful energy with veteran leadership. Their latest statement win came on Saturday, February 14, at the Ynares Center, where they swept the Cignal HD Spikers in straight sets, 25-19, 25-22, 27-25.

     

    At the heart of that victory was rookie setter Jules Tolentino, whose steady orchestration of the offense and timely contributions on both ends of the floor underscored her growing influence on the team. Tolentino tallied five points built on two attacks, two kill blocks, and an ace, while dishing out 19 excellent sets that consistently put her hitters in prime scoring positions.

     

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    Beyond the numbers, it was Tolentino’s poise in crucial moments — particularly in the tightly contested third set — that stood out. With Cignal threatening to extend the match, the 23-year-old playmaker displayed maturity beyond her years, making smart distribution choices and keeping the Chameleons composed under pressure.

     

    Her impressive outing did not go unnoticed. Tolentino was named PVL Press Corps Player of the Week for the period of February 10 to 14, besting a competitive field that included teammate MJ Phillips, the Creamline Cool Smashers duo of Bernadeth Pons and Jia De Guzman, PLDT High Speed Hitters star Kianny Dy, ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles standout Chinnie Arroyo, Farm Fresh Foxies scorer Trisha Tubu, and Cignal’s Vanie Gandler for the weekly citation awarded by print and online reporters covering the country’s premier professional volleyball league.

    For Tolentino, however, individual recognition remains secondary to steady growth and team success.

     

    “Lagi ko lang na mindset sa sarili ko na magwo-work hard lang ako, at kahit manalo o matalo, same pa rin yung attitude ko. Ayun, siguro po grateful din po sa mga nangyayari, but then again, I’m not really complacent, kaya every day talaga gusto ko i-push yung sarili ko kasi gusto ko talaga ma-reach yung highest potential ko,” Tolentino said in a media interaction.

     

    The rookie setter also acknowledged the invaluable guidance she receives from her more experienced teammates, emphasizing the importance of composure during crunch time.

     

    “Thankful sa mga ates ko na they are really used to that kind of situations so sila po talaga ‘yung nag-step up nung mga last points. I’m really happy na puro veterans ‘yung kasama ko,” she added.

     

    Nxled’s strong start reflects a team buying into its system and trusting its floor general. With Tolentino steering the offense and veterans stepping up in key stretches, the Chameleons have quickly positioned themselves as legitimate contenders in the All-Filipino Conference.

     

    They now turn their focus to their next assignment against the Galeries Tower Highrisers on Thursday, February 19, at the FilOil Centre. A fourth straight win would further cement Nxled’s status as one of the conference’s hottest teams — and provide another opportunity for Tolentino to showcase the calm confidence that has fueled her breakout run.

     

    If their early performances are any indication, the Chameleons are not merely off to a good start — they may well be building something sustainable for the long grind of the PVL season.

     

     

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  • Melvin Jerusalem’s strawweight unification bout with Oscar Collazo has been postponed to June or July

    Melvin Jerusalem’s strawweight unification bout with Oscar Collazo has been postponed to June or July

    Melvin Jerusalem has solidified his place among the Philippines’ boxing elite, combining technical skill, strategic precision, and relentless determination inside the ring. At 31 years old, the southpaw has earned widespread acclaim as the reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) minimumweight champion, adding to a growing legacy that has made him one of the most respected figures in the sport both locally and internationally.

     

    Jerusalem’s most recent triumph came on October 29, 2025, at the legendary Araneta Coliseum, coinciding with the 50th anniversary celebration of the iconic Thrilla in Manila. Facing South African contender Siyakholwa Kuse, Jerusalem displayed a masterclass in ring control, employing his trademark counterpunching, superior footwork, and sharp tactical adjustments to dominate the bout from the opening bell. His commanding performance earned him a unanimous decision victory, marking another successful defense of his WBC minimumweight title in front of a raucous home crowd. Fans and boxing analysts alike lauded his poise, stamina, and ability to adapt mid-fight — hallmarks of a champion in peak form.

     

    The Filipino star was set to face World Boxing Organization (WBO) minimumweight champion Oscar Collazo of Puerto Rico in one of the most highly anticipated matchups in the minimumweight division on March 14 in the Greater Los Angeles area. However, that 31-year-old confirmed in a post on social media that the bout has now been postponed and will in all probability take place either in June or July.

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    Jerusalem and his chief trainer Michael Domingo immediately adjusted plans, flying to the United States on Sunday, February 15, to acclimatize to local conditions and finalize their training base in Los Angeles. The location is strategically chosen for its proximity to the world-renowned Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, where legendary coach Freddie Roach has developed some of the sport’s most celebrated fighters. Training in this environment allows Jerusalem to refine his technique, enhance his conditioning, and simulate high-level competition ahead of the rescheduled bout.

     

    Jerusalem’s rise to prominence has not been overnight. From his early days in local circuits to becoming a world champion, he has consistently demonstrated discipline, mental toughness, and an ability to learn from every opponent. His journey reflects the dedication required to succeed at the highest levels of boxing, earning him a loyal following and the respect of fellow fighters worldwide.

     

    Looking ahead, fans and pundits alike are eager to see Jerusalem face off against Collazo, a matchup that could unify belts and solidify his status as one of the best in the minimumweight division. With meticulous preparation, elite training, and a deep understanding of his craft, Melvin Jerusalem is poised to continue his ascent, proving that he is not only a national treasure but also a global force in professional boxing.

     

    The Filipino champion’s focus, resilience, and experience make him a formidable presence in the ring, and the upcoming months could very well define the next chapter of a career that has already left a lasting mark on the sport.

     

     

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