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Author: Dorothy Del Rosario

Joshua Magalaman shines in Alas Pilipinas debut despite loss to Cambodia

For Joshua Magalaman, wearing the Alas Pilipinas jersey for the first time became more than just a career milestone—it turned into a statement that he may be ready for a much bigger role moving forward.

The De La Salle middle blocker delivered an eye-catching performance in his senior national team debut, pouring in a team-high 21 points despite the Philippines falling to Cambodia in a grueling five-set battle, 23-25, 30-28, 20-25, 25-22, 15-8, on Wednesday at the Candon City Arena.

While the result left Alas Pilipinas searching for its first win in Pool A of the SEA V Cup, Magalaman’s breakout effort provided one of the brightest takeaways for the host squad.

The 23-year-old finished with 15 attack points on 22 attempts, complemented by four blocks and two service aces, an all-around display that energized the hometown crowd throughout the match.

Even Magalaman admitted he never expected to lead a veteran-filled Philippine lineup in scoring, especially from the middle blocker position.

“Ako po mismo nagulat ako. Like, paano ko ‘yon nagawa? Tapos, inisip ko na lang, eh, nagagawa ko ’yon kasi ’yon yung tine-training namin. Yun yung tinuturo sa akin ni Coach Frigoni. Like, bago ako, pero na-adapt ko yung sistema niya,” said Magalaman.

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NAGPAKITANG GILAS PARA SA PILIPINAS

Josh Magalaman admits he was surprised by his team-high 21-point performance in his Alas Pilipinas debut, but credits his training and the lessons learned under Coach Frigoni, while acknowledging the team needs to cut down on its errors — pic.twitter.com/zx6ifcPL1f

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) July 15, 2026

His performance marked another significant chapter in a journey that has steadily gained momentum.

Magalaman transferred to De La Salle University before UAAP Season 87 but did not crack the final roster that year. He eventually suited up for the Green Spikers in Season 88, where flashes of his talent emerged, though opportunities remained limited.

Now competing against Southeast Asia’s top national teams, the 6-foot-5 middle blocker believes the experience will accelerate his development ahead of his next collegiate campaign.

“Napakalaking experience po ’yung ito. Gagamitin ko po ’to sa mga susunod na liga, Season 89, ganon,” he said.

Despite the individual success, Magalaman stressed that the Philippines has plenty to clean up after committing 46 unforced errors—mistakes that ultimately allowed Cambodia to complete its comeback after dropping the opening set.

The loss overshadowed strong offensive performances across the lineup. Jude Garcia backed Magalaman with 20 points, while Louie Ramirez added 17 markers. Al-Bukharie Sali and Lirick Mendoza also chipped in 10 and eight points, respectively, as Alas Pilipinas showed flashes of its offensive potential.

Still, the costly errors proved too much to overcome against a disciplined Cambodian side that capitalized late to secure the five-set victory.

Now carrying an 0-1 record in Pool A, the Philippines heads into a crucial matchup against reigning AVC Men’s Cup champion Indonesia on Friday, with a victory needed to keep its semifinal hopes alive.

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July 16, 2026
Phoenix escapes Meralco rally, stays Perfect at 2-0 behind Kenneth Tuffin’s late heroics

Phoenix proved that surviving close finishes can be just as valuable as building big leads, escaping with a razor-thin 98-97 victory over Meralco in the PBA Season 50 Governor’s Cup on Thursday.

The Fuel Masters looked headed for a comfortable win after racing to a commanding 37-22 advantage in the opening period. But instead of cruising, they found themselves in a tense finish as the Bolts slowly chipped away at the deficit and even grabbed control in the closing minutes.

With the game hanging in the balance, Kenneth Tuffin stepped into the spotlight.

The left-handed forward calmly knocked down two pressure-filled free throws with 13.4 seconds remaining to put Phoenix ahead, 98-97. From there, the Fuel Masters’ defense delivered when it mattered most, forcing CJ Cansino into a difficult layup attempt that failed to drop with under five seconds left.

Jason Perkins secured the defensive rebound before tossing the ball away as the final buzzer sounded, triggering celebrations from the Phoenix bench after narrowly avoiding a collapse.

Tuffin earned Player of the Game honors after finishing with 17 points and seven rebounds, while Perkins contributed 13 points and six boards in another balanced effort for Phoenix.

The Fuel Masters improved to a spotless 2-0 record in Group B and now shift their attention to a highly anticipated showdown against Barangay Ginebra on Sunday, where they will look to stretch their unbeaten start.

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Meralco, despite playing without an import, pushed Phoenix to the limit after a determined comeback led by several key contributors.

Cansino paced the Bolts with 18 points, while Allein Maliksi erupted for 16 points. Fifteen of Maliksi’s points came in the second quarter, helping Meralco erase much of the early 15-point deficit.

Brandon Bates controlled the paint with a double-double of 14 points and 15 rebounds, while veterans Cliff Hodge and Raymond Almazan added 13 and 10 points, respectively.

The Bolts appeared poised to steal the game when Bates split his free throws with 1:19 left, giving Meralco a 97-94 lead. However, the missed second attempt proved costly as Phoenix answered through trips to the foul line by Tuffin and import Johnson, while the defense strung together critical stops, including two defensive stands against Chris Newsome.

The defining sequence came on Meralco’s final possession, with Cansino attempting a high-banked layup for the lead that bounced away, allowing Phoenix to escape with the victory.

“This is a game where somehow we got lucky with Meralco not having an import, and we didn’t want to let it slip away,” said Tiu.

Phoenix now prepares for a marquee clash against reigning Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup champion Barangay Ginebra on July 19 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, aiming to remain unbeaten through three games.

Meanwhile, Meralco will continue its search for its first victory of the conference when it takes on Rain or Shine this Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, where replacement import Antonio Hester is expected to make his debut.

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July 16, 2026
Maria Sharapova’s ‘A star’ praise becomes one of Alex Eala’s many wins in historic rise

Long before the world began recognizing the Filipina tennis star Alex Eala, she was watching Maria Sharapova dominate the biggest stages of tennis. Admiring not only her talent, but also the confidence, mentality, and competitive edge that made her one of the sport’s most recognizable figures.

For Eala, Sharapova represented the kind of player she hoped to become someday. A year later, that childhood admiration came back in a way the young Filipina could hardly have imagined.

After Eala delivered one of the biggest victories of her career by defeating defending Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek in the third round of the Championships, Sharapova herself took notice. The tennis icon reacted to Eala’s achievement on social media with a short but powerful message:

“A star.”

For many athletes, a comment from a former champion may simply be a moment of recognition. For Eala, it carried a much deeper meaning because it came from the player she once looked up to from afar.

“Maria is my childhood idol, someone I looked up to a lot when I was very young,” Eala said.

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The reaction became a symbolic moment in Eala’s rapid rise — a reminder that the player who once studied tennis legends was beginning to earn their respect.

“I think if I ever meet her, I will be starstruck. And the fact that she’s commenting on my post means she knows who I am, so that’s a win. I’ll take it,” she added.

Her Wimbledon breakthrough added another chapter to a historic year. Eala became the first Philippine singles player to reach the fourth round of Wimbledon, defeating multiple Grand Slam champions along the way and proving she belongs among the world’s elite.

The 21-year-old Filipina’s accomplishments also translated into another career milestone as she reached a new career-high ranking of world No. 28 in the WTA standings, surpassing her previous best mark of No. 29 and being the first Filipino to ever reach the fourth round of a grand slam.

The achievement further highlighted Eala’s remarkable progression from a promising junior player to one of the fastest-rising names in women’s tennis.

Following her memorable Wimbledon campaign, Eala returned to the Philippines to celebrate a journey that has captured the attention of fans at home and around the world. Her historic performance not only elevated Philippine tennis but also gave the country a new global sporting figure to rally behind.

What began as a young girl’s admiration for Maria Sharapova has now become a story of recognition from the very legends who once inspired her.

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July 15, 2026
Cloud 9 in Siargao is set to make history as the Philippines’ first-ever host venue on the World Surf League Championship Tour

For decades, Cloud 9 in Siargao has been known as one of the world’s most thrilling surfing destinations — a powerful reef break that attracted wave riders from across the globe while remaining one of the Philippines’ best-kept sporting treasures.

That changed in 2026 as the Philippines officially entered the global surfing spotlight after Cloud 9 was selected as a venue for the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour for the 2026–2027 seasons, putting the Siargao break in the same conversation as the most iconic surf locations on the planet.

The historic debut is scheduled from October 31 to November 10, when the world’s top male and female surfers descend on the island for a Championship Tour stop that organizers describe as a milestone not only for Philippine surfing but for the country’s sports and tourism industries.

Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio called the development a landmark moment that few Filipinos could have imagined.

“Engrande, one of a kind. Wala sa panaginip ng bawat Pilipino, wala sa panaginip ng mga taga-Siargao,” Gregorio said.

Gregorio compared the significance of the event to the biggest global competitions in other sports, emphasizing that Siargao is about to host one of surfing’s premier showcases.

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Beyond the competition itself, Gregorio believes the Championship Tour can become a powerful driver for tourism and international recognition.

“The biggest tourism events in the world are sports events,” he said.

The arrival of the Championship Tour also creates a rare opportunity for Filipino surfers to compete on home waters against the best in the world. Local standout Marama Tokong will receive a special entry into the event, giving him a chance to compete at a level he has long chased.

A successful hosting of the event over the next two years could potentially strengthen Siargao’s case to become a permanent fixture on the WSL calendar.

However, bringing one of surfing’s biggest stages to a small island also comes with major responsibilities. WSL Ambassador Vincent Marcos acknowledged that infrastructure upgrades will be essential before the international event arrives.

“Siargao is pretty small, so infrastructure will definitely have to be improved. We’re talking to the local government, and we have a bunch of plans to secure all these upgrades before the competition,” Marcos said.

Marcos said the Championship Tour could serve as a catalyst for broader improvements across Siargao, including better transportation systems and airport facilities.

WSL Asia-Pacific President Andrew Stark expects the event to create a significant economic impact, with athletes bringing large support teams and international visitors to the island.

Around 24 men and 16 women are expected to compete, joined by coaches, managers, sports psychologists, surfboard shapers, family members, event personnel, broadcasters and global media representatives.

Stark pointed to Raglan, New Zealand, as an example of how a WSL Championship Tour event can transform a local economy, generating more activity than the community’s peak Christmas and New Year period.

For Siargao officials, the announcement represents the fulfillment of a long-held dream and among the priorities are stronger infrastructure, upgraded health and security facilities, expanded accommodations, and the construction of the new Cloud 9 Tower.

The Department of Tourism is expected to support the event through international marketing campaigns aimed at showcasing the Philippines as a world-class surfing and adventure destination.

With Cloud 9 now preparing for its biggest global moment, Siargao is no longer just a destination where surfers chase perfect waves. It is becoming a stage where the Philippines can showcase its sporting talent, natural wonders and growing presence in the international sports scene.

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July 15, 2026
Kurt Barbosa, Tachiana Mangin spearhead PH campaign in two major taekwondo tournaments in Korea

For decades, the Philippines has steadily built its reputation in taekwondo at the Asian Games, collecting nearly 30 medals but never reaching the top of the podium. As another continental campaign approaches, the national team is hoping that preparing in the birthplace of the sport will finally provide the breakthrough it has long pursued.

The Smart/MVPSF Philippine taekwondo team is embarking on an extensive training and competition in South Korea, combining international tournaments with an elite training camp in a move designed to sharpen the country’s top athletes before a packed international calendar.

Leading the delegation are Tokyo Olympian Kurt Barbosa and Southeast Asian Games champion Tachiana Keizha Mangin, who headline the 39-athlete contingent assembled by the Philippine Taekwondo Association under Grandmaster Sung-Chon Hong.

Rather than limiting preparations to local training, the association has opted to immerse the national team in South Korea, where the athletes will not only compete against world-class opposition but also continue training after the tournaments.

Backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee and Milo, the country’s Kyorugi athletes will first compete in the Chuncheon Korea Open International Taekwondo Championships from July 18 to 22 before seeing action in the Kim Un-yong Cup International Open Taekwondo Championships in Jung-gu, Seoul from July 25 to 28.

Following both competitions, the squad will stay in South Korea for further training at Kyung Hee University, one of the country’s renowned taekwondo institutions. Meanwhile, the Philippine Poomsae team has already begun its overseas preparation, training at TS Taekwondo since July 9.

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The tournaments are expected to feature competitors from nearly 40 countries, including powerhouse taekwondo nations Iran, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Chinese Taipei and China, giving the Filipinos valuable international exposure ahead of the season’s biggest events.

The Korea campaign serves as a key part of the team’s buildup for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games scheduled from Sept. 16 to Oct. 4, where the Philippines hopes to finally capture its elusive first taekwondo gold after earning close to 30 medals since its Asian Games debut in Seoul 40 years ago.

The overseas program will also prepare the national squad for the World Taekwondo Women’s Championships in Taiyuan, China from Aug. 28 to 30, the World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships in Chuncheon from Sept. 16 to 20, and the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from Dec. 13 to 21.

Barbosa banners the men’s Kyorugi squad in the under-54kg division alongside Reymundo Calamba III (-54kg), Aljen Aynaga (-58kg), Mythaious Angelous Francois Lustado (-58kg), Brendan Ysrael Hugh Boteros (-63kg), Kenneth Riley Buenavides (-68kg), Dave Cea (-74kg), Nicolas Aaron Castillo (-74kg) and junior standout Chuck Aeron Alaria (-63kg).

Mangin leads the women’s Kyorugi team with Clarence Sarza (-46kg), Baby Jessica Canabal (-53kg), Laizel Angela Abucay (-53kg), Czarina Mae Danganan (-57kg), Jubilee Briones (-62kg), Merica Lillyn Chan (-67kg), Laila Delo (-67kg), Samanta Gley Duria (-42kg, Junior Division) and Cheska Paula Banawa (-49kg, Junior Division).

Representing the men’s Poomsae squad are Rodolfo Reyes Jr., Jeus Gabriel Derick Yape, Justin Kobe Macario, Darius Venerable, Joaquin Dominic Tuzon, Ian Matthew Corton, Patrick King Perez, King Nash Alcairo and Jay-R Casas.

The women’s Poomsae lineup is composed of Juvenile Faye Crisostomo, Sofia Ysabelle Sarmiento, Jocel Lyn Ninobla, Zyka Angelica Santiago, Janna Dominique Oliva, Maria Nicole Anne Labayne, Juliana Mykhail Candelaria, Aidaine Krishia Laxa, Aesha Kiara Oglayon, Julianna Martha Uy and Stella Nicole Yape.

Coaching the Philippine delegation are Kirstie Elaine Alora, Gershon Bautista, Paul Romero, Rani Ann Ortega and Jeordan Dominguez.

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July 15, 2026
Meralco banks on familiar face Jordon Varnado as Governors’ Cup debut awaits

A familiar face will headline Meralco’s opening act in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

After helping the Bolts compete in the Basketball Champions League Asia earlier this year, Jordon Varnado now takes center stage in the import-laden conference as Meralco opens its campaign against Phoenix Super LPG on Wednesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m., with the Bolts hoping their strategy of bringing back a proven reinforcement once again pays dividends.

Rather than gambling on an unfamiliar import, Meralco turned to a player who already understands the team’s system after Varnado played a key role during the club’s run to the quarterfinals of the Basketball Champions League Asia 2025.

The athletic forward averaged 19.7 points and 10.0 rebounds in that tournament, making him one of the Bolts’ most consistent performers against top international competition.

Now comes a different challenge as the 2026 Governors’ Cup will mark Varnado’s first taste of PBA basketball, where he immediately faces a confident Phoenix squad that already has one victory under its belt.

The Fuel Masters enter the matchup riding the momentum of an impressive 98-96 comeback victory over Magnolia, erasing a 16-point deficit behind the combined efforts of Tyler Tio, Jason Perkins, and Ricci Rivero.

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Import BJ Johnson also made an immediate impact in his conference debut, posting 34 points and 13 rebounds to lead Phoenix’s late-game rally.

Meralco, however, expects a much tougher challenge than the Phoenix team it defeated during the Commissioner’s Cup last March.

That Fuel Masters squad was severely depleted by injuries, while this version enters the contest healthier and carrying renewed confidence after its dramatic opening-day escape.

Earlier in the evening, Converge looks to build on its own winning start when it takes on Terrafirma in another Group A clash.

The FiberXers opened the conference in dominant fashion with a 105-74 demolition of Titan Ultra and now seek a second straight victory.

Terrafirma, meanwhile, remains hungry for its first win after nearly pulling off a stunning comeback against unbeaten NLEX.

After trailing by as many as 23 points, the Dyip stormed back and pushed the Road Warriors to the limit before falling just short, 101-100, in the first coaching matchup between Jimmy Alapag and Ronald Tubid.

The narrow defeat also served as an early sign that Terrafirma could be more competitive than its record suggests.

After enduring a collapse in the Commissioner’s Cup, where the Dyip lost eight of their final nine games following a promising 3-0 start, the franchise is determined to avoid another downward spiral and prove it can compete with one of the conference’s early pacesetters.

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July 15, 2026
Schonny Winston explodes for career-high 30 as NLEX stays unbeaten with rout of Titan Ultra

Schonny Winston continues to reward NLEX’s faith in him, and on Tuesday, the Fil-Am guard delivered the finest offensive performance of his PBA career.

Winston erupted for a career-high 30 points to power the Road Warriors to a commanding 135-100 victory over Titan Ultra at the Ynares Sports Center in Montalban, keeping NLEX unbeaten through three games in the PBA Governors’ Cup.

The 6-foot-4 guard was nearly unstoppable, knocking down 12 of his 18 attempts from the field while flirting with a double-double by adding nine rebounds and six assists.

His scoring outburst surpassed his previous PBA career best of 26 points, which came in Converge’s 114-100 victory over San Miguel during the 2024 Governors’ Cup quarterfinals, according to PBA chief statistician Fidel Mangonon III.

While the new milestone highlighted another strong start to his NLEX stint, Winston immediately dedicated the performance to someone special.

“It feels good. It’s my mom’s birthday. So shout out to my mom. She watched every game. So that’s for my mom,” he said.

Since being acquired in a three-team trade involving Converge and Meralco, Winston has developed into a dependable offensive partner for Robert Bolick, giving the Road Warriors another consistent scoring threat as they chase a strong conference campaign.

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Schonny Winston drops 30 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists, as NLEX def. Titan Ultra, 135-100!

Robert Bolick and DeQuan Jones add 29 and 22 points, respectively.

Tirrell Brown, Roi Sumang, and Joshua Munzon, finish with 27, 18, and 17 points, respectively. pic.twitter.com/Hxbpaykaff

— Sports Reports (@sportsxreports) July 14, 2026

The 28-year-old has also embraced the team’s transition under new head coach Jimmy Alapag, with NLEX opening the tournament at 3-0.

“We’re 3-0 right now, so we can’t complain,” he said. “We just have to keep on pushing, keep on getting better every game.”

Playing under one of the PBA’s greatest point guards has also left a strong impression on Winston.

“He’s a legend. Everyone knows who he is. He’s a winner, champion leader. And his resume is so high,” he said about Alapag.

NLEX ensured Winston’s career night translated into a convincing victory by controlling the game from the opening quarter. The Road Warriors scored at least 30 points in every period—30 in the first, 31 in the second, 36 in the third, and 38 in the fourth—to complete the 35-point rout.

Bolick once again orchestrated the offense alongside Winston, while import Daequan Jones contributed 22 points and six rebounds as NLEX strengthened its hold on the early Group A lead.

Titan Ultra fell to 0-3 despite a 27-point, 10-rebound debut from import Tirrell Brown. Roi Sumang scored 18 points, while Joshua Munzon added 17 in the losing effort.

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July 15, 2026
PSC ramps up tennis development in the Philippines with focus on grassroots, facilities

Alex Eala’s rapid ascent on the world stage is creating an impact that extends well beyond her victories on the court.

As the Filipina sensation continues to attract new fans through her impressive performances on the WTA Tour and her recent campaign at Wimbledon, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is moving to capitalize on the growing momentum by accelerating plans aimed at transforming the country’s tennis landscape.

Rather than letting the surge in public interest fade, the PSC wants to build a stronger foundation for the sport—one that produces more players capable of following Eala’s path while giving aspiring athletes access to better facilities and higher-level competition.

The commission has already taken its first major step alongside the Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA), with the staging of the country’s first-ever WTA tournament, the Philippine Women’s Open, last January.

The two organizations have also expressed their intention to bring more international competitions to the country, including higher-tier events that form part of the WTA Tour.

PSC chairman Pato Gregorio admitted that Eala’s success has added urgency to long-term plans that were already in motion, saying her achievements have given Philippine tennis a rare opportunity to grow.

“Natataas niya (Alex) yung antas at kredibilidad ng sports sa Pilipinas. We have to make sure na katulong ng Philippine Sports Commission si Alex para mahikayat, makumbinse, ma-inspire, hindi lang ang Philippine Sports Commission but lahat ng LGUs maybe to put up tennis courts all over the country, to organize more tennis events all over the country,” Gregorio said.

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Wimbledon Round of 16 finalist Alex Eala arrived at NAIA Terminal 3 on Sunday morning, July 12 and was welcomed by Navotas Mayor John Rey Tiangco, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Bambol Tolentino,… pic.twitter.com/xOL0q2xfzt

— Manila Bulletin News (@manilabulletin) July 12, 2026

For the PSC, the objective is no longer limited to supporting elite athletes. Gregorio wants tennis infrastructure to expand beyond Metro Manila through the establishment of regional training centers, allowing young players in the provinces to train closer to home while strengthening grassroots development.

The continued emergence of Eala has also convinced the commission that building more competition-ready tennis facilities should become a national priority. Gregorio stressed that investments should reach key regions outside Luzon, particularly in the Visayas and Mindanao, where aspiring players often have limited access to world-class venues.

During a recent visit to Cebu City, Gregorio revealed that a major company is exploring plans to construct additional tennis courts in the province, a project that could further strengthen Cebu’s bid to become one of the country’s leading sports hubs capable of hosting national and international tournaments.

Meanwhile, rehabilitation work is already underway at the tennis facility in Baguio City as part of the PSC’s broader effort to upgrade existing venues.

“Tuloy-tuloy po yan. Ang importante lang, when we do all of these tennis courts, taas na po natin yung quality so that we can host. Dapat po, hindi lang community courts ang ambisyuin natin, gawin na natin competition courts para maka-host din tayo ng maraming national events and international events,” he said.

With Eala continuing to raise the Philippines’ profile in world tennis, the PSC sees a rare opportunity to turn one athlete’s success into a nationwide movement—one that not only inspires the next generation of players but also positions the country as a regular destination for international tennis competition.

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July 14, 2026
Padel Pilipinas sweeps elite titles to cap dominant APPC campaign

The Philippines did more than defend its home court—it delivered a message that its ambitions in padel extend far beyond hosting international tournaments.

Competing against teams from seven countries, Padel Pilipinas completed a clean sweep of the premier divisions in the recently concluded Asia Pacific Padel Cup (APPC) at Play Padel McKinley West in Taguig City, showcasing both its current strength and its long-term vision for the rapidly growing sport.

The dominant campaign reinforced the country’s emergence as one of the driving forces behind padel’s expansion in the Asia-Pacific region, with Filipino players capturing the men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles championships before the home crowd.

The men’s title was secured by the tandem of LA Cañizares and Jason Tamayo, who defeated Pakistan’s Prescott Development Team pair of Abdullah Adnan and Muhammad Salar, 6-3, 6-3, in a commanding championship performance.

The hosts carried that momentum into the women’s division, where Marian Capadocia and Joanna Tao Yee Tan outplayed Pakistan’s Aqsa Khalid and Sheeza Sajid to claim another crown.

Capadocia then completed a memorable tournament by partnering with Tamayo in the mixed doubles, helping Padel Pilipinas finish with a perfect sweep of the elite competitions.

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SPORTS: Padel Pilipinas captured back-to-back titles, as Jason Tamayo Lapidus and Joanna Tao Yee Tan secured the MVP awards at the Asia Pacific Padel Cup Manila 2026 last Sunday, June 28, at Play Padel McKinley in Taguig City.

Courtesy: Philippine Sports Commission pic.twitter.com/jKfr0e92xG

— The LaSallian (@TheLaSallian) June 30, 2026

While the victories highlighted the country’s growing talent pool, tournament organizers emphasized that the bigger objective was creating a sustainable future for the sport in the Philippines and across the region.

Cheng, who also served as manager of the Philippine women’s football team during its historic campaign in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, believes the tournament represents only the beginning of a broader grassroots initiative.

“Being a young sport, the idea is to promote it and get more people to participate, and I think it’s about building the entire ecosystem by first having the right coaches,” Cheng said.

That commitment to development was reflected in the staging of an amateur division alongside the professional competition, giving emerging players an opportunity to compete on an international platform.

Taiwan’s GoPadel captured the amateur team title after edging Pakistan’s Prescott Development Team, 2-1, in the finals. Team Philippines claimed second runner-up honors after completing a convincing 3-0 sweep of South Korea.

The host nation fielded Dennis Maglinas, Vince Serna, Jack Cruz, Keno Enriquez, and Gabriel Gurria in the men’s division, while Nadine Sebastian, Maxine Sebastian, Yanni Collins, and Mayumi Toribio represented the Philippines in the women’s competition.

Individual honors in the amateur tournament went to Taiwan’s Chuan-Yu Chiu and Pei-Chuan Kao, who were named the men’s and women’s Most Valuable Players after consistently delivering standout performances throughout the event.

For Padel Pilipinas, however, the biggest victory may have been proving that the Philippines is not only capable of producing champions but also of serving as a catalyst for padel’s continued rise across Asia-Pacific—both on and off the court.

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July 14, 2026
NAVI bears lone Philippine banner, seeks redemption at MWI 2026

NAVI’s journey to Paris is about more than representing the Philippines—it’s about finishing the story that slipped away twice on the international stage.

After enduring a pair of heartbreaking defeats in 2025, the Filipina squad returns to the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Women’s Invitational (MWI) 2026 carrying both unfinished business and the nation’s expectations.

As the Philippines’ lone representative in one of the premier tournaments under the Esports World Cup (EWC), NAVI hopes this year’s campaign ends with another world title instead of another painful “what if.”

The same core experienced two crushing exits last season. Their first setback came at the MWI, where Gaimin Gladiators swept them, 2-0, in the quarterfinals, preventing the squad then competing under the Omega Empress banner from defending the world championship it captured in 2024.

The heartbreak only deepened months later at the Southeast Asian Games. Representing the Philippines, NAVI stood just one point away from securing the gold medal after reaching match point in the grand finals.

Instead, Malaysia mounted a dramatic comeback to steal the series, 4-3, leaving the Filipinas with silver after coming within inches of the championship.

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NAVI PH’s road to MWI 2026 is about more than reclaiming a championship—it’s about proving that the heart of a true champion never fades and that defeat can’t take that away.#MLBBEsports #TwoChampionsOneGame #MobileLegendsBangBang #MWIatEWC26 pic.twitter.com/2pdvILz942

— ALL-STAR (@allstarmag_) July 11, 2026

Now wearing the NAVI banner, the team earned another shot at international glory after dominating the Athena Cup Season 2, the tournament that awarded the country’s lone MWI berth.

The Filipinas will once again rely on the chemistry of jungler Kaye “Keishi” Alpuerto, midlaner Honey “Rainn” Jemlan, EXP laner Gwyneth “Not Ayanami” Diagon, roamer Mery “Meraaay” Vivero, and gold laner Lhoureain “Rianne” Alcaraz as they attempt to reclaim the title they once held.

Unlike last year’s edition, where the Philippines fielded two teams after Team Liquid Aqua also qualified, only one slot was allotted to the country for MWI 2026, placing the entire nation’s hopes squarely on NAVI’s shoulders.

The challenge, however, has become even steeper. MWI 2026 features its biggest field yet with 16 teams from more than 60 qualifying regions, reflecting the continued expansion of women’s Mobile Legends: Bang Bang esports.

The tournament also introduces a revamped format with two double-elimination groups, where only the top four teams from each bracket advance to the knockout stage, making every group-stage series crucial.

NAVI’s path won’t be easy from the opening day. The Filipinas begin their Group B campaign against Cambodia’s Galaxy Phoenix on Tuesday at 9 p.m. (PHT) at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles.

Group B is widely considered one of the tournament’s toughest brackets, featuring defending champion Team Vitality and several other regional contenders, leaving little room for slow starts as NAVI pursues another deep run on the world stage.

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July 14, 2026