Sports PH News | JS DEV Site

Author: Dorothy Del Rosario

  • Alexsandra Diaz draws motivation from Hidilyn Diaz, creates own legacy with youth world records 

    Alexsandra Diaz draws motivation from Hidilyn Diaz, creates own legacy with youth world records 

    The achievements of Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo continue to inspire the next generation of Filipino weightlifters, and one athlete carrying that inspiration is her niece, Alexsandra Ann Diaz. 

     

    The 15-year-old lifter carved out her own place in the sport after delivering a historic performance at the 2026 IWF World Youth Weightlifting Championships in Cali, Colombia, where she swept three gold medals and shattered two youth world records in the women’s 48kg category.

     

    Rather than feeling pressure from being the niece of Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo, Alexsandra sees her tita’s achievements as a source of motivation as she builds her own identity in weightlifting.

     

    “Mas motivation po (sa akin). Kasi tita ko po (si Hidilyn) gusto ko po maging parehas niya,” the younger Diaz said.

     

    The Zamboanga City native dominated the competition by topping the snatch, clean and jerk, and total categories on Monday, establishing herself as one of the biggest performers of the tournament.

     

    Diaz lifted 98kg in the clean and jerk, setting a new youth world record, while her overall total of 175kg also surpassed the previous youth world mark of 173kg. Her performance earned her a third gold medal and completed a clean sweep of the division.

     

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    She came close to rewriting another record as well, finishing just one kilogram short of breaking the snatch mark.

     

    For Alexsandra, the achievement carried a different meaning compared to her previous international success.

     

    “Iba talaga po kasi tatlong gold (medal) po (ako) tapos may world record din. Naka-break ako ng record,” she said.

     

    The accomplishment adds another highlight to an already impressive young career. In the 2025 edition of the same competition, Diaz captured gold medals in the snatch and total events while competing in the lighter 45kg category.

     

    This time, however, she stepped into a new weight class and faced a bigger challenge—one she answered with a record-setting performance.

     

    Behind her breakthrough has been a support system that includes guidance from the same family that helped elevate Philippine weightlifting to global prominence. Coach Allen Diaz expressed gratitude for Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo’s advice and support, noting how the Olympic champion helped inspire more Filipinos to take up the sport.

     

    Hidilyn’s historic victory at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, where she delivered the Philippines’ first-ever Olympic gold medal, transformed the country’s weightlifting landscape and inspired a new generation of athletes like Alexsandra.

     

    Now, the younger Diaz is beginning to create a legacy of her own—one built not only on family history, but also on her own strength, discipline, and record-breaking performances.

     

    Her golden campaign in Colombia adds another milestone to the Philippines’ growing presence in international weightlifting and signals the arrival of another promising talent carrying the country’s hopes on the world stage.

     

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  • Philippine Wushu trio delivers podium finish at Taolu World Cup in China 

    Philippine Wushu trio delivers podium finish at Taolu World Cup in China 

    The Philippines found its way to the podium through teamwork and precision as the men’s duilian squad produced the country’s only medal at the 4th IWUF Taolu World Cup in Haikou, China.


    The Quezon City-based trio of Sandrex Gainsan, Mark Lester Ragay, and Mark Anthony Polo delivered a synchronized performance at the Haikou Wuyuanhe Stadium on Wednesday, July 8, scoring 9.630 points to capture the bronze medal in a highly competitive international field.

     

    Facing elite representatives from nearly 30 countries, the Filipino athletes showcased the timing, discipline, and coordination required in the demanding duilian event, where teamwork and technical execution determine success.

     

    Their podium finish placed the Philippines alongside wushu powerhouses Iran and Indonesia, who claimed the gold and silver medals with scores of 9.666 and 9.660, respectively.

     

    The Wushu Federation-Philippines praised the trio for their achievement and highlighted the qualities that carried them to the medal round.

     

    “These gentlemen continue to make their city and the nation proud. Their choreography, synchronization, and teamwork earned the country a podium finish against the world’s elite taolu athletes. Great work, Team Pilipinas!” Wushu Federation-Philippines stated on its social media post.

     

    While the men’s duilian team provided the Philippines’ medal highlight, some of the country’s biggest names narrowly missed the podium.

     

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    Top national wushu athlete Agatha Wong finished sixth in the women’s Taijiquan event after recording 9.716 points, while Jones Llabres Inso placed seventh in the men’s competition.

    The Haikou tournament featured more than 200 athletes from 29 countries and regions, all competing across 22 events during the two-day competition.

     

    Organized by the International Wushu Federation, the Taolu World Cup is considered one of the sport’s most prestigious competitions outside the World Wushu Championships. 

     

    Qualification was limited to athletes who finished inside the top eight of their respective events at the previous World Wushu Championships, ensuring a field packed with the world’s best performers.

     

    The competition tested athletes across four major disciplines: fist routines, long weapons, short weapons, and duilian, with 11 men’s events and 11 women’s events producing a total of 22 gold medals.

     

    The Philippines’ bronze medal also comes at a significant time for the sport, with wushu preparing for a historic milestone later this year. The martial art will make its debut as an official medal sport at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, marking its first inclusion in the Olympic sports program.

     

    With emerging talents continuing to gain international exposure, the Haikou performance serves as another reminder of the Philippines’ growing presence in the global wushu scene.

     

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  • Stephen Loman set for BRAVE CF comeback, targets another championship run 

    Stephen Loman set for BRAVE CF comeback, targets another championship run 

    The Filipino MMA standout and former BRAVE CF bantamweight world champion, Stephen Loman is set to make his long-awaited return after being added to the BRAVE CF 108 card, where he will face No. 2-ranked contender Lasha Abramishvili in a crucial bantamweight showdown.


    The bout is scheduled for September 5 at the historic Pula Arena in Croatia, marking the beginning of what Loman hopes will be another run toward the championship title.

     

    For Loman, the return carries personal significance after the promotion played a major role in shaping his international career.

     

    “I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a long time, and I’m grateful that my return is happening in BRAVE CF,” said Loman.

     

    Since making his BRAVE CF debut at the promotion’s inaugural event in September 2016, Loman has remained one of its most successful fighters. He owns a perfect 6-0 record inside the BRAVE CF cage, while holding an overall professional record of 17-3, with six victories by knockout and two by submission.

     

    The Filipino fighter believes returning to familiar ground gives him the perfect opportunity to chase another championship chapter.

     

    “This organization gave me the platform to showcase my abilities to fans across the world and helped shape my career. Coming back here means everything to me, and this fight in Croatia is the first step toward reclaiming the BRAVE CF Bantamweight World Title,” he added.

     

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    At BRAVE CF 9: The Kingdom of Champions in November 2017, he defeated Gurdarshan “Saint Lion” Mangat by first-round stoppage to become the organization’s inaugural bantamweight world champion.

     

    His reign lasted 1,179 days, highlighted by four successful title defenses that established him as one of the division’s dominant forces.

     

    Among the defining moments of his championship run was his fourth-round knockout victory over former featherweight world champion Elias “Smile” Boudegzdame in March 2019 at the Mall of Asia Arena, where he delivered a memorable performance in front of Filipino fans.

     

    Now representing Lions Nation MMA, Loman returns to BRAVE CF with the same mentality that carried him to the top.

     

    Standing in his way is Abramishvili, a rising contender who has built his own reputation as one of the division’s toughest challenges.

     

    The Georgian enters BRAVE CF 108 with a 12-2-1 professional record and an impressive 4-0 mark in BRAVE CF competition. Three of those promotional victories have come by stoppage, showcasing his finishing ability and making him a dangerous opponent for Loman’s comeback fight.

     

    With a former champion looking to revive his reign and a hungry contender aiming to break into title contention, the bantamweight clash in Croatia carries major implications for the future of the division.

     

    For Loman, BRAVE CF 108 is more than a return—it is the opening step in his pursuit of another championship legacy.

     

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  • Philippine Youth Olympic team grows as swimmers Jamesray Ajido, Riannah Coleman secure Dakar 2026 berths 

    Philippine Youth Olympic team grows as swimmers Jamesray Ajido, Riannah Coleman secure Dakar 2026 berths 

    The Philippines’ roster for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games continues to take shape, with swimming adding two more promising names to the country’s growing delegation bound for Dakar, Senegal.


    Philippine Aquatics Inc. Executive Director Anthony Reyes confirmed that Palarong Pambansa standouts Jamesray Ajido and Riannah Chantelle Coleman have officially qualified for the quadrennial meet, scheduled from October 31 to November 13.

     

    Their inclusion raises the Philippine contingent to six qualified athletes as the country prepares to compete in the world’s premier multi-sport event for young athletes.

     

    Ajido, 17, earned his place in the boys’ 100-meter butterfly, while 16-year-old Coleman secured a berth in the girls’ 100-meter breaststroke.

     

    Both swimmers have steadily built impressive resumes at the grassroots and international levels.

    Ajido first emerged as one of the country’s brightest young talents after winning a gold medal when the Philippines hosted the 11th Asian Age Group Swimming Championships in 2023. 

     

    He followed that performance with a silver medal in the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Bahrain last year, further strengthening his credentials on the international stage.

     

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    Coleman, meanwhile, continues to dominate local competition. Her nomination came after she successfully preserved her Palarong Pambansa records in the girls’ 50-meter and 100-meter breaststroke during this year’s national school games in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

     

    With the addition of the two swimmers, the Philippines now has six athletes qualified for Dakar 2026. 

     

    Joining Ajido and Coleman are athletics standouts Pi Durden Wangkay and Naomi Marjori Cesar, cyclist Maritanya Krog, and wushu taolu athlete Angel Polo.

     

    The Philippine Olympic Committee had earlier announced plans to send a nine-athlete delegation to Senegal. 

     

    According to the POC, the country is also expected to receive universality slots in gymnastics and windsurfing, completing its projected allocation for the Games.

     

    Dakar 2026 will be a historic edition of the Youth Olympic Games as it marks the first Olympic event ever to be staged on the African continent. Around 2,700 young athletes from 206 delegations are expected to compete across three host sites—Dakar, Diamniadio, and Saly.

     

    Swimming competitions are scheduled from November 1 to 6, 2026, with athletes required to meet World Aquatics’ age eligibility standards and have appeared in the organization’s world rankings during the qualification period.

     

    The Youth Olympic Games have become an important stepping stone for future Olympians, giving emerging athletes an opportunity to compete against the world’s best in their age group while gaining valuable international experience ahead of the senior Olympic cycle. 

     

    For the Philippines, the growing delegation reflects the continued development of its next generation of elite athletes across multiple sports.

     

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  • Jerrick Ahanmisi sees San Miguel move as best chance yet to chase first PBA championship 

    Jerrick Ahanmisi sees San Miguel move as best chance yet to chase first PBA championship 

    Jerrick Ahanmisi has built his reputation as one of the PBA’s most dangerous scorers. Now, the challenge is no longer about proving he can put up points—it is about learning how to win championships.


    The newly acquired San Miguel Beer guard believes his transfer to the league’s most decorated franchise gives him the opportunity he has long been waiting for, competing alongside players who have consistently turned talent into titles.

     

    Ahanmisi admitted the trade initially came as a surprise after he learned about it only shortly before it became official.

     

    “My initial reaction was shock because I only found out two days before I got traded,” Ahanmisi said.

     

    That surprise, however, quickly turned into excitement.

     

    “But knowing I was coming here, it was something that I’ve been wishing for and dreaming about for a long time. Now that I’m here, I’m going to take full advantage of it,” he added.

     

    San Miguel acquired Ahanmisi and Paolo Hernandez from Terrafirma in exchange for Juami Tiongson, rookie Chris Miller, and a second-round pick in the PBA Season 52 Rookie Draft.

     

    The move comes on the heels of Ahanmisi’s breakout Commissioner’s Cup campaign, where he emerged as one of the league’s elite offensive weapons. 

     

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    He averaged 21.3 points per game, showcasing his ability to score from deep, including the PBA’s three-point and four-point lines.

     

    At San Miguel, Ahanmisi enters a vastly different environment because instead of being relied upon as the primary scorer every night, he joins a championship-tested roster led by June Mar Fajardo and supported by veteran standouts Marcio Lassiter, Chris Ross, Cjay Perez, Jericho Cruz, and Don Trollano.

     

    For Ahanmisi, sharing the court with accomplished champions is as valuable as any role he will play on the floor.

     

    “I’m hoping that now that I’m here, I can learn from them and ask them how I can get myself a championship as well,” he said. 

     

    With a proven roster and another title run in sight, San Miguel hopes Ahanmisi’s scoring punch will add another dimension to its offense, while the guard looks to absorb the winning culture that has defined the Beermen for years.

     

    Ahanmisi is expected to make his official debut for San Miguel when the Beermen open their PBA Governors’ Cup campaign against the Macau Giant Pandas on July 14 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

     

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  • Ginebra turns to Riley Grigsby while Justin Brownlee focuses on recovery ahead of PBA Governors’ Cup 

    Ginebra turns to Riley Grigsby while Justin Brownlee focuses on recovery ahead of PBA Governors’ Cup 

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel will begin another PBA Governors’ Cup campaign in unfamiliar fashion.

     

    For the first time in years, the Gin Kings are set to open the import-laden conference without Justin Brownlee leading the charge, opting instead to prioritize the veteran’s health after a physically demanding stretch that saw him play through injuries for both club and country.

     

    Head coach Tim Cone confirmed that 26-year-old American forward Riley Grigsby has been tapped as Ginebra’s temporary reinforcement for the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup while Brownlee works his way back to full fitness.

     

    “He’s 26 years old and has had NBA G League experience and has come with some strong recommendations from his coaches there,” said Cone.

     

    While Grigsby will suit up for the Kings’ opening games, his stay with the franchise is not expected to be permanent.

     

    Cone stressed that Brownlee remains Ginebra’s primary import once he is medically cleared to return.

     

    Brownlee, now the PBA’s only seven-time champion import, was originally expected to spearhead Ginebra’s bid for another Governors’ Cup title—a tournament the franchise has captured four times since 2016. Instead, the team chose to give its longtime cornerstone time to recover after months of playing through lingering injuries.

     

    The decision also explains Brownlee’s absence from Gilas Pilipinas’ final game of the first round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers. Without their naturalized star, the Philippines suffered a 92-49 defeat to Australia in Perth on Monday.

     

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    In explaining Brownlee’s absence, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas released a medical update last July 5.

     

    “Justin Brownlee will miss the game against Australia due to hamstring strain and peroneal tendinopathy on his right leg and left knee swelling and cartilage defects,” the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas said in a statement.

     

    Brownlee had already been dealing with a hamstring issue dating back to the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals against Phoenix. Rather than sit out, he pushed through the pain and eventually helped Ginebra defeat TNT in a seven-game Finals series to capture another championship.

     

    With Brownlee sidelined, Ginebra once again turns to a short-term replacement—something the franchise has rarely needed over the past decade. The last notable instance came during the 2023-24 Commissioner’s Cup when Tony Bishop filled in while Brownlee served a FIBA-imposed suspension.

     

    This time, the responsibility falls on Grigsby as the California-born forward arrives with a diverse basketball resume despite being only 26 years old. A full Division I scholarship athlete at Seattle University, Grigsby first gained experience in FIBA 3×3 competition before moving overseas to play for AB Contern in Luxembourg during the 2024-25 season.

     

    He later earned an opportunity in the NBA G League, beginning the 2025-26 campaign with the Santa Cruz Warriors before finishing the season with the Sioux Falls Skyforce.

     

    Listed at approximately 6-foot-5, Grigsby is expected to arrive in Manila in time for Ginebra’s conference opener against Phoenix on July 19 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

     

    As Brownlee continues his rehabilitation, the Kings will rely on their new reinforcement to help keep the team competitive during the opening stretch of the tournament.

     

    Barangay Ginebra is part of Group A in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup together with Phoenix, Magnolia, Rain or Shine, Meralco, Blackwater, and guest team Macau.

     

    For now, Grigsby has one clear assignment and that is to keep Ginebra afloat until its most decorated import is ready to reclaim his place.

     

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  • Hali Long earns top honors in Thailand as Filipinas captain continues global rise 

    Hali Long earns top honors in Thailand as Filipinas captain continues global rise 

    Hali Long continues to build her legacy beyond the Philippine national team, adding another milestone to her international football journey after being recognized among the best players in Thailand.


    Long was named MVP and included in the Best XI during the Football Association of Thailand awards ceremony held Tuesday at the Grand Fourwings Convention Hotel in Bangkok, highlighting her impact during a championship-winning campaign with BGC Bundit Asia.

     

    The national team captain, the most capped player in Philippine women’s national team history, played a key role in BGC Bundit Asia’s dominant season in the Thai Women’s League, appearing in 10 matches, scoring two goals, and logging 944 minutes on the pitch.

     

    More than her offensive contributions, the veteran defender provided stability at the back, helping the club record seven clean sheets in the matches she played.

     

    BGC Bundit Asia finished the season unbeaten with a remarkable 13 wins, one draw, and zero losses in the eight-team competition, securing the league championship and a spot in the 2026-27 AFC Women’s Champions League.

     

    The achievement adds another chapter to Long’s growing international resume. Before making her mark in Thailand, she competed in the same tournament with Kaya FC-Iloilo, her former club in the Philippines, where she also played a key role in the development of women’s football domestically.

     

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    During her title-winning stint, Long shared the pitch with fellow foreign players Saki Nishihara and Marin Kai, forming part of a squad that proved to be one of Thailand’s strongest teams.

    Her club success comes as the Filipinas continue preparing for a new wave of international challenges. 

     

    Long recently joined the national team’s training camp in the United States in June, where the squad faced two exhibition matches against San Diego-based teams, including NWSL side San Diego Wave.

     

    With the program continuing to develop through international camps, competitive matches, and improved player pathways, the Filipinas are positioning themselves as one of Asia’s emerging forces.

     

    The national team is now focused on its upcoming campaign toward the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, while also preparing for its appearance at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya later this year.

     

    For Long, the latest award is another reminder of her value—not only as a leader of the Filipinas but also as a Filipino player capable of making an impact on the international club stage.

     

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  • Praj Dela Cruz turns American Ninja Warrior appearance into inspiration for next climbing challenges

    Praj Dela Cruz turns American Ninja Warrior appearance into inspiration for next climbing challenges

    For Praj Dela Cruz, her first appearance on American Ninja Warrior was not measured by how far she went on the course, but by the opportunity to carry the Philippine flag onto one of the world’s biggest obstacle stages.


    The 15-year-old climbing standout made her rookie appearance in the latest season of the sports entertainment reality show, where competitors from different backgrounds test their strength, speed, and endurance through challenging obstacle courses held across various cities.

     

    Dela Cruz showed promise early in her run, attacking the course with confidence before her journey ended at the Diamond Dash obstacle. 

     

    While the result was not what she had hoped for, the young athlete walked away with a bigger victory—representing the Philippines, the local climbing community, and her family on an international platform.

     

    “There have been a lot of climbers featured on ‘American Ninja Warrior.’ All of them have been successful. Some of them I know. And being able to say, well, I’m not just a climber, I’m representing the Philippines, is very important because that competition is all about representation,” she said. 

     

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    For the Southeast Asian Games bronze medalist, simply earning a spot on the show was already a dream fulfilled.

     

    Having grown up participating in obstacle sports and climbing, Dela Cruz saw her American Ninja Warrior appearance as a milestone in a journey that started when she was still young.

     

    Her rapid rise in climbing has already produced historic achievements. At just 14 years old, Dela Cruz delivered the Philippines’ lone medal when sports climbing returned to the regional meet after a 14-year absence, earning a bronze medal at the Southeast Asian Games.

     

    The three-time national boulder champion is not satisfied with simply making an appearance, however. She is already looking ahead to another chance on the show, hoping to return stronger and better prepared.

     

    “I’m trying to apply again. Hopefully they’ll take me back. I’ll see how I do and maybe I can improve my skills and hopefully I can do better in that competition,” she said.

     

    Beyond her own goals, Dela Cruz hopes her international appearances can help grow the sport in the Philippines and encourage more young athletes to pursue climbing.

     

    Her latest return to the country gave her another chance to showcase her progress, as she competed in the lead and bouldering events of the 2026 PCI National Championship. She left the competition with two gold medals in the women’s elite lead and bouldering categories.

     

    With those victories behind her, Dela Cruz is now shifting her focus toward another major challenge—the World Climbing Youth Championship, scheduled from July 18 to 25.

     

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  • Cebu set to host first-ever FIBA Women’s Asia Cup in the Philippines

    Cebu set to host first-ever FIBA Women’s Asia Cup in the Philippines

    The road to one of the biggest events in Asian women’s basketball officially began to unfold as the Philippines unveiled the branding for the 2027 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, signaling the country’s readiness to host the continental showcase for the first time.


    The launch ceremony in Cebu City introduced the tournament’s official logo and identity ahead of the competition, which will run from July 10 to 18, 2027, at the city’s newly opened arena.

     

    The event brought together key figures in Philippine basketball and government, including Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) President Ricky Vargas, Executive Director Erika Dy, Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio, and Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival Sr., underscoring the significance of the tournament for the country.

     

    For FIBA Asia President Dr. K. Govindaraj, the Philippines provides the perfect stage for the continent’s premier women’s basketball competition.

     

    “The FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2027 provides a platform for the fans in the Philippines to witness the best of women’s basketball right in their own country and for the global fans to experience the passion for the sport in the Philippines,” FIBA Asia President Dr. K. Govindaraj said.

     

    The newly unveiled tournament logo blends FIBA’s visual identity with Cebu’s heritage, incorporating the city’s official colors, seal, and traditional Filipino weaving patterns around the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup trophy design first introduced last year.

     

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    According to FIBA Executive Director-Asia Hagop Khajirian, the tournament remains among the federation’s most prestigious competitions and continues to play a key role in raising the standard of women’s basketball across the region.

     

    “The FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2027 is another step towards consolidating the gains made in the last few years both in terms of excellence in competition and enhancement of women’s basketball,” Khajirian said.

     

    For the SBP, hosting the tournament is both a privilege and a reflection of the country’s reputation as one of basketball’s strongest markets.

     

    “Bringing one of Asia’s premier basketball events to the Philippines reflects the confidence that FIBA has in our ability to organize world-class competitions and in the passion of Filipino basketball fans,” Vargas said.

     

    Beyond staging a successful international event, the federation also sees the tournament as a milestone for the continued rise of Gilas Pilipinas Women, who will have the rare opportunity to compete against Asia’s elite on home soil.

     

    The national team heads into the hosting duties with growing momentum. Gilas Pilipinas Women currently sits 30th in the latest FIBA world rankings, buoyed by its historic victory over Colombia in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournaments last March.

     

    With the tournament now less than a year away, the unveiling of its branding marks the first official step toward welcoming Asia’s top women’s basketball nations to Cebu, where the Philippines hopes to showcase not only its passion for the sport but also the continued progress of its women’s national program.

     

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  • Fresh start fuels Jolina Dela Cruz as ZUS Coffee opens PVL On Tour with win over Akari 

    Fresh start fuels Jolina Dela Cruz as ZUS Coffee opens PVL On Tour with win over Akari 

    For Jolina Dela Cruz, changing teams was about more than wearing a different jersey—it was about finding the confidence and opportunity she felt had slipped away.


    That decision immediately paid off on Wednesday as Dela Cruz impressed in her ZUS Coffee debut, helping the Thunderbelles defeat the Akari Chargers, 25-11, 25-23, 26-28, 25-17, to kick off their Premier Volleyball League On Tour campaign at the Capital Arena.

     

    After her contract with Farm Fresh expired, the former De La Salle standout was offered an extension by the Foxies. Instead of staying, she chose to pursue a fresh challenge, believing a move to ZUS Coffee would provide the chance to reclaim the form that once made her one of the league’s brightest young outside hitters.

     

    Her first match with the Thunderbelles offered an encouraging glimpse of that potential.

    Dela Cruz contributed 12 points while anchoring the team’s passing game with 13 excellent receptions, providing the all-around performance ZUS Coffee needed to secure an impressive opening victory under head coach Jerry Yee.

     

    The performance was especially meaningful for Dela Cruz after a difficult stretch with Farm Fresh.

     

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    She joined the Foxies in 2024 following the disbandment of F2 Logistics but had to delay her debut as she recovered from a torn ACL in her right knee. Although she made an immediate impact upon returning, her opportunities gradually became limited as Farm Fresh continued experimenting with different lineups.

     

    Rather than settle for a reduced role, Dela Cruz decided it was time for a new beginning.

     

    “Ayun nga, tapos na rin naman ‘yung contract ko with Farm Fresh and that time dapat i-renew rin (nila ako). Pero ayun nga, nag-request na rin ako na (‘wag na),” Dela Cruz said.

     

    More than anything, the move was driven by her desire to regain the belief she once had in her game.

     

    “Siyempre, una, ‘yung kumpiyansa talaga kasi last conference rin. Ang hirap din ng kumpiyansa; wala rin talagang playing time that time. So eto, super big opportunity ‘to talaga para sa akin,” the former DLSU Lady Spikers standout said.

     

    With the trust of Yee and her new teammates, Dela Cruz now hopes her debut is only the beginning of a steady climb back to peak form as she embraces a bigger role with the Thunderbelles.

     

    The victory also earned ZUS Coffee P100,000 under the PVL On Tour incentive program, while Akari received P50,000 as the losing team.

     

    The Thunderbelles continue their campaign against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans on July 11 in Batangas City, while Akari looks to bounce back when it faces the same opponent on August 1 in Polomolok, South Cotabato.

     

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