Sports PH News | JS DEV Site

Author: Dorothy Del Rosario

  • PBA sets stage for Season 50 Governors’ Cup with schedule release 

    PBA sets stage for Season 50 Governors’ Cup with schedule release 

    The PBA has officially released the schedule for the Season 50 Governors’ Cup, with the season-ending conference set to open on July 10 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo with a doubleheader.

    The opening game will feature Terrafirma taking on Titan Ultra at 5 p.m., with Justin Strings set to make his debut as Dyip’s new import.


    The main game will see the NLEX Road Warriors begin their campaign against the Macau Black Pandas, marking the franchise’s first official game under incoming head coach Jimmy Alapag.

     

    NLEX enters the Governors’ Cup looking for a strong bounce-back after a disappointing Commissioner’s Cup playoff exit. The Road Warriors finished as the top seed in the eliminations and held a twice-to-beat advantage but were eliminated by TNT in the quarterfinals.

     

    The action continues on July 11 at the Ynares Center in Montalban, where Blackwater faces Rain or Shine in the opening game before Phoenix battles Magnolia in the second match of another doubleheader.

     

    The following schedule at Montalban features NLEX against Titan Ultra in the first game, while Converge makes its conference debut against the same guest team in the second matchup.

     

    One of the biggest debuts of the tournament comes on July 14, when prolific import George King makes his first appearance for San Miguel Beer as the Beermen take on the Macau Black Pandas at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.


    Meanwhile, Meralco opens its Governors’ Cup campaign on July 13 against Phoenix at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    The league’s two reigning champions will also begin their title bids on July 19 at the Big Dome. Defending Governors’ Cup champion TNT Tropang 5G starts its title defense against the Macau Black Pandas, while newly crowned Commissioner’s Cup champion Barangay Ginebra faces the Phoenix Fuel Masters.

     

    The Governors’ Cup is scheduled to run until October 21, making it the longest conference on the PBA calendar this season. After the games on August 14 featuring Converge vs. NLEX and Meralco vs. Barangay Ginebra at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the league will take a break before resuming on October 7 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    The return of action will feature NLEX against the Macau Black Pandas, followed by Terrafirma versus TNT.

     

    The September break will give way to the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, scheduled from September 19 to October 4, as Gilas Pilipinas Men prepare to represent the country in the continental competition.

     

    Gilas will aim to defend the gold medal won by the Philippines at the Hangzhou Asian Games, where the national team captured the country’s first men’s basketball gold in 61 years.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Jack Animam looks forward to BT Toews-led Gilas Women campaign 

    Jack Animam looks forward to BT Toews-led Gilas Women campaign 

    Jack Animam sees a new opportunity for growth as Gilas Pilipinas Women enters a new chapter under head coach BT Toews, with the national team preparing for a crucial campaign in the FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament.

    The 6-foot-4 center, who recently made history by becoming the first homegrown Filipino player to compete in Poland’s Basket Liga Kobiet after signing with Energa Torun, is eager to be part of Toews’ system and experience his approach to the game.

    Animam’s excitement comes from a familiar connection. Fresh off a championship run with Denso in Japan, the Filipino standout will now work with a coach who also built a winning reputation in the same country after guiding Fujitsu to league championships in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons.

    “Nagulat ako siyempre, kasi galing ako sa Japan, tapos nag-coach din siya sa Japan. Parang, ‘Wow!’ Nagulat ako and excited to work with him. Siguro ‘yun nga, matagal na siyang nasa Japan and he’s been coaching in different parts ng world,” Animam said.

    Toews brings decades of international coaching experience, with previous stops at the University of Winnipeg, Canadian Academy High School, and several B.League clubs including Hyogo, Shibuya, and Toyama.


    OKBET     is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    He officially took over the Gilas Pilipinas Women program last month, replacing longtime mentor Patrick Aquino.

    For Animam, the arrival of Toews gives the national team another valuable resource as Philippine women’s basketball continues to rise on the international stage.

    She believes the Canadian coach’s global background can help build on the foundation established during Aquino’s tenure.

    “Siguro ‘yung experience niya, lalo na ngayon paangat na nang paangat ‘yung estado ng Philippine women’s basketball na sinimulan ni Coach Pat (Aquino), ayun I think more on ‘yung kung ano ‘yung madadala ni Coach BT sa pagiging coach niya for the longest time on the international stage,” she said.

    Gilas Pilipinas Women will begin its first practice session under Toews on Tuesday as the squad starts preparations for the FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament scheduled from August 17 to 23 in Guadalajara, Mexico.

    The Philippines faces a difficult Group B assignment, where it will battle host Mexico, Canada, and Senegal. The tournament presents another opportunity for Gilas Women to continue its progress and move closer to an Olympic berth.

    “I think you know kung ano ‘yung tinrabaho namin all these years na makarating kami sa ganitong estado at mabigyan kami ng oportunidad para lumaban, para magkaroon kami ng spot sa Olympic qualifiers, malaking bagay ‘yun sa amin,” the National University standout said.

    Although Animam is preparing for a new professional chapter in Poland, her focus remains with the national team first. The veteran center is committed to helping Gilas Women navigate its transition period and compete against some of the world’s strongest women’s basketball programs.

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!
    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Philippine Dragon Boat Teams shine in Hong Kong Festival as paddlers deliver podium finishes 

    Philippine Dragon Boat Teams shine in Hong Kong Festival as paddlers deliver podium finishes 

    The Philippines made waves on the international dragon boat stage as two local teams delivered strong performances at the 50th Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival, proving their competitiveness against some of the world’s best paddling clubs.


    The Philippine Dragon Boat Federation (PDBF), one of the country’s most established teams, secured a podium finish in the International Women’s Championship after clocking 2:22.185 in the first round and improving to 2:21.274 in the second round to claim second place overall.

     

    The result extended PDBF’s impressive run in the prestigious competition, marking their third consecutive podium finish in Hong Kong. 

     

    While another gold medal remained out of reach, the Filipina paddlers celebrated the opportunity to represent the country in one of Asia’s most competitive dragon boat events.

     

    PDBF also competed in the International Women’s Grand Championship, finishing fourth in Heat 1 after registering 2:25.553. In the finals, the team improved its time to 2:15.641 but ended up sixth overall.

     

    Adding to the Philippine presence was the Alliance of Masters Dragonboat Club, which made its international debut after previously competing only in domestic events. 

     

    The team immediately showed its potential, finishing second in Heat 1 of the International Open Championship with a time of 2:00.036.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.


    The Alliance of Masters continued its strong showing in the semifinals, placing third with a time of 2:00.488. 

     

    The squad eventually finished ninth in the finals after clocking 2:03.601, gaining valuable experience against a field of international competitors.

     

    The club also competed in the International Mixed Grand Championship and the Sun Life International Open Grand Championship, although it missed out on podium finishes in both categories.

     

    For skipper Azaak Diancin, the tournament was a memorable milestone as he experienced the intensity of international competition for the first time.

     

    “Since this is my first international race, very exciting and masaya po ‘yung experience given nga po na this is my my first time competing at such a high-level sport,” Alliance of Masters Dragonboat Club skipper Azaak Diancin said.

     

    Held at the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, the 50th Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival expanded beyond its traditional weekend format into a 13-day celebration running from June 19 to July 1. 

     

    The event served as more than a racing competition, combining high-level dragon boat action with cultural activities and attractions as part of Hong Kong Summer Fun.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Nick Demusis returns to PBA stage as Blackwater adds veteran forward to Governor’s Cup campaign 

    Nick Demusis returns to PBA stage as Blackwater adds veteran forward to Governor’s Cup campaign 

    Nick Demusis is set to make his return to the PBA after Blackwater brought in the veteran forward for the remainder of Season 50, adding him to the Bossing roster ahead of the third conference Governors’ Cup.


    The 6-foot forward was officially welcomed into the Blackwater organization on Monday by team manager Johnson Martinez as the franchise looks to strengthen its lineup for the upcoming conference.

     

    Demusis’ arrival comes as Blackwater continues to make adjustments to its roster, with the team parting ways with veteran big man Bradwyn Guinto and third-year center Clifford Jopia. 

     

    There are also discussions surrounding a possible trade involving Christian David.

     

    The comeback marks Demusis’ return to competitive basketball after his stint with the Zamboanga Valientes in the Dubai International Basketball Invitational Tournament. 

     

    His overseas campaign gained attention after an incident involving Ismael Romero during a game against Al Ahli Tripoli, where Demusis was attacked. 

     

    The incident later led Demusis and the Valientes to file a complaint against Romero, affecting Romero’s chances of securing a contract as Meralco’s import for the Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.


    Before his international stint, Demusis built his reputation as a dependable forward in the local basketball scene. His performances helped him become recognized as a versatile player, eventually earning him a place in the PBA Draft.

     

    The Filipino-American forward was selected 18th overall by the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters in the 2021 PBA Draft. 

     

    After spending a season with Phoenix, Demusis was later included in a trade package that sent him and two future second-round draft picks to Rain or Shine in exchange for Javee Mocon.

     

    With the Elasto Painters, Demusis developed a reputation as an energetic contributor who provided effort on both ends of the floor. 

     

    During the 2022–23 season, he posted one of his more productive campaigns, averaging 5.4 points and 4.3 rebounds per game while giving Rain or Shine added depth in the frontcourt.

     

    His final PBA appearance came with Rain or Shine in Season 49, where he averaged 2.4 points per game before his contract expired in 2025 and was not renewed. 

     

    Now, the move to Blackwater gives Demusis another opportunity to revive his PBA career and provide veteran presence as the Bossing enter a new phase of their campaign.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans. 

  • EJ Obiena breaks through with first outdoor gold of the 2026 season in Poland 

    EJ Obiena breaks through with first outdoor gold of the 2026 season in Poland 

    After weeks of chasing the breakthrough that had eluded him, Filipino pole vault ace EJ Obiena finally found his winning form, capturing his first outdoor title of the 2025 season at the Czeslaw Cybulski Memorial in Poznan, Poland on Monday, June 29.


    The two-time Olympian delivered a composed performance, clearing 5.72 meters to top the field and return to the top step of the podium after a string of frustrating results on the European circuit.

     

    Obiena finished ahead of Great Britain’s Owen Heard, who settled for silver after clearing 5.60m, while Italy’s Matteo Oliveri claimed the bronze medal with the same height but lost the tiebreak on countback after requiring more attempts.

     

    The Filipino strategically entered the competition at 5.40m after passing on the opening height of 5.25m, clearing it on his first attempt. 

     

    He then needed two tries to get over 5.60m before opting to skip 5.67m altogether and successfully clearing 5.72m on his second attempt—a height that ultimately secured the gold medal.

     

    Still seeking to improve his mark, Obiena raised the bar to 5.77m but was unable to clear it. 

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.


    He then gambled on 5.82m, where three unsuccessful attempts ended his campaign. By then, however, none of his rivals had matched his winning clearance of 5.72m.

     

    The victory marked a significant turnaround for the 29-year-old, whose outdoor campaign had been filled with near misses despite consistently competing against some of the world’s top vaulters. 

     

    It was his second podium finish of the season after taking silver at the Flight Circus meet in Düsseldorf, Germany earlier this month.

     

    More importantly, the triumph halted a difficult run that saw Obiena finish eighth at the Diamond League stop in Doha, Qatar on June 19 after managing only 5.42m. 

     

    He also narrowly missed another podium with a fourth-place finish at the FBK Games in Hengelo, Netherlands, making his success in Poznan a timely confidence boost as he continues his preparations for the major championships later this season.

     

    The victory also comes at an important stage of the outdoor campaign, with several high-profile meets still on the calendar before the season’s major championships. 

     

     

    Building confidence through strong performances will be crucial for Obiena as he aims to improve his world ranking and sustain his form heading into the latter half of the year, where every competition offers valuable points and experience against elite opposition. 

     

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans. 

  • PH Men’s Football Team secures Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games slot after India withdraws 

    PH Men’s Football Team secures Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games slot after India withdraws 

    The Philippines will have complete representation in football at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya after the men’s national team earned a late qualification berth, joining the women’s squad that had already secured its place for the Sept. 19 to Oct. 4 continental meet.


    The additional slot further strengthens what is shaping up to be one of the country’s largest contingents to the quadrennial event.

     

    With the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) confirming that 443 athletes have already qualified to compete across 38 of the 47 sports on the program.

     

    POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino announced the latest development on Monday, June 29, saying the country remains on track to send its biggest delegation in the last eight editions of the Asian Games.

     

    “The minimum goal is to do better at these games,” said Tolentino, referring to breaking medals in Hangzhou.

     

    The Philippines previously fielded a record 524 athletes during the 1994 Hiroshima Asian Games, while 391 athletes represented the country in Hangzhou in 2023. 

     

    Including coaches, trainers, medical staff, and officials, the entire Philippine delegation could swell to around 700 members should gymnastics confirm the qualification of five more artistic gymnasts.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.


    The men’s football team received its opportunity after India withdrew from the tournament, allowing the Philippines, which was next in line, to take the vacant spot.

     

    “We’re next in line so we got the slot,” Tolentino said.

     

    With the qualification, the Philippines will now be represented in both the men’s and women’s football tournaments, marking a complete football campaign in Aichi-Nagoya. 

     

    The men’s competition will feature 16 nations and will follow the traditional under-23 format, with each squad allowed to include up to three overaged players. 

     

    The women’s tournament, meanwhile, will be contested by 12 national teams.

     

    The late entry also gives the Philippine men’s team valuable exposure against some of Asia’s strongest football programs, while complementing the women’s squad, which had already secured its berth earlier in the qualification process. 

     

    Having both teams compete on the continental stage underscores the steady growth of Philippine football and adds another highlight to what could become one of the country’s most extensive Asian Games campaigns.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • New York Times includes No. 29 seed Alex Eala among Wimbledon’s breakout contenders 

    New York Times includes No. 29 seed Alex Eala among Wimbledon’s breakout contenders 

    After years of climbing through the ranks, the Filipina tennis star enters this year’s Championships carrying not only a career-high seeding but also growing international recognition, with The New York Times identifying her as one of the tournament’s top dark horse contenders.


    In its pre-tournament rankings, the publication included Eala among 15 players—a mix of title favorites, former champions, and dangerous outsiders capable of making a deep run at what is widely regarded as tennis’ toughest Grand Slam.

     

    The list features established stars such as Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Mirra Andreeva, Amanda Anisimova, Emma Raducanu, Donna Vekic, and Barbora Krejcíkova, while Serena Williams, who is making a return to competition at age 44, is projected to attract the biggest spotlight.

     

    For Eala, the recognition underscores how dramatically her status has changed over the past two years.

     

    The 21-year-old has already become the first Filipino player to earn a seed at a Grand Slam, entering Wimbledon as the tournament’s 29th seed despite having a professional résumé that remains shorter than many of the players in the 128-player main draw.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.


    Her rise has been anything but straightforward. Only two years ago, Eala was still fighting for a place in the Wimbledon main draw. In 2024, she fell one match short after losing in the final round of qualifying.

     

    This season has also featured its share of setbacks, but those defeats have been balanced by some of the biggest victories of her career.

     

    Earlier this month, Eala captured the Birmingham Open, a WTA 125 event, for her second career professional title and her first championship on grass.

     

    She followed that breakthrough by reaching the Berlin Open semifinals before exiting in the opening round of Bad Homburg, giving her valuable momentum ahead of Wimbledon.

     

    The New York Times believes Eala’s style is particularly suited for grass courts.

     

    “For one, Eala is a lefty. A slice serve in the ad court off a lefty’s racket can be very unpleasant to manage. She is very aggressive against weak serves, which can become invitations to tee off on grass. And she also possesses a kind of fearlessness that allows her to lose points and games while still believing she can finish the match on top. That’s helpful anywhere, but especially on grass, where matches can be messy and everyone makes errors.”

     

    Eala opens her Wimbledon campaign against Mexico’s Renata Zarazua, who owns a 1-0 head-to-head advantage after defeating the Filipina two years ago, when Eala was just 19 years old and still establishing herself on tour.

     

    Eala enters the tournament ranked World No. 30, while Zarazua sits at No. 75, giving the Filipina a chance to even their rivalry and advance to the next round.

     

    A victory could also set up one of the tournament’s most compelling storylines.

     

    Should Eala defeat Zarazua and Serena Williams overcome Maya Joint, the Filipina would face the seven-time Wimbledon champion and 23-time Grand Slam winner in the Round of 64—a blockbuster matchup that would pit one of the sport’s brightest rising stars against one of its greatest icons returning from retirement.

     

    Eala’s campaign will not be limited to singles competition as she also entered in the women’s doubles draw alongside Nikola Bartunkova, where the pair faces a stern opening test against experienced Grand Slam champions Jelena Ostapenko and Sofia Kenin.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • FIFA World Cup preview: Brazil, Germany, Netherlands headline FIFA World Cup Round of 32 action 

    FIFA World Cup preview: Brazil, Germany, Netherlands headline FIFA World Cup Round of 32 action 

    The FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage is officially in full swing as the Round of 32 brings more high-stakes battles between football’s biggest nations and rising challengers. With no room for mistakes, teams must deliver their best performances to keep their championship hopes alive.


    Brazil vs Japan

     

    1:00AM (PHT)

     

    Brazil enters the Round of 32 after finishing the group stage unbeaten, opening their campaign with a draw against Morocco before securing back-to-back victories against Haiti and Brazil, both ending in 3-0 wins.

     

    The five-time world champions will look to continue their strong form behind their attacking threat, with Vinicius Junior expected to lead Brazil’s charge.

     

    Japan, meanwhile, advanced after collecting two draws and one dominant win in the group stage. The Japanese side drew against the Netherlands in their opener and shared points with Sweden in their final match, while securing a convincing 4-0 victory over Tunisia.

     

    Key Players:


    Brazil – Vinicius Junior
    Japan – Ayase Ueda

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.


    Germany vs Paraguay

     

    4:30AM (PHT)

     

    Germany heads into the knockout round after an impressive start to their World Cup campaign. The Germans opened with a statement 7-1 victory over Curacao, followed it up with a 2-1 win against Ivory Coast, before ending the group stage with a narrow 1-2 defeat to Ecuador.

     

    Despite the setback, Germany’s attacking depth remains one of their biggest strengths, with Deniz Undav expected to play a key role.

     

    Paraguay secured their Round of 32 spot after finishing the group stage with one win, one draw, and one loss. They earned a victory against Türkiye and ended their group campaign with a draw against Australia.

     

    Midfielder Matías Galarza will be one of Paraguay’s players to watch as they look to challenge one of the tournament favorites.

     

    Key Players:


    Germany – Deniz Undav
    Paraguay – Matías Galarza

     

    Netherlands vs Morocco

     

    9:00AM (PHT)

     

    The Netherlands enters the knockout stage as one of the strongest teams from the group phase after finishing on top of Group F.

     

    The Dutch side recorded two wins and one draw, highlighted by a dominant 5-1 victory over Sweden and a 3-1 win against Tunisia.

     

    Leading the attack is Brian Brobbey, who will look to continue the Netherlands’ momentum in the knockout rounds.

     

    Morocco advanced with a strong finish to the group stage, matching Brazil’s record with one draw and two wins. After their opening draw, Morocco picked up victories against Scotland (1-0) and Haiti (4-2) to secure their place in the Round of 32.

     

    Ismael Saibari will be a key figure for Morocco as they attempt to continue their impressive World Cup run.

     

    Key Players:


    Netherlands – Brian Brobbey
    Morocco – Ismael Saibari

     

    The Round of 32 promises more unforgettable moments as every match carries the weight of a team’s World Cup dream. With stars ready to shine and underdogs looking to create surprises, the road to the final continues to get tougher.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • POC appoints Taka Minowa as the new Alas Pilipinas Women coach

    POC appoints Taka Minowa as the new Alas Pilipinas Women coach

    The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) has officially begun its oversight of the country’s national volleyball program, unveiling a new coaching setup and the preliminary player pools that will carry the Philippines into the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya.


    In its first major volleyball decision following the suspension of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), the POC appointed Japanese coach Takayuki “Taka” Minowa to lead the Alas Pilipinas women’s team while retaining Italian mentor Angiolino Frigoni at the helm of the men’s squad.

     

    The appointments, announced alongside the national team pools on Sunday, June 28, set the stage for the country’s Asian Games campaign scheduled from September 19 to October 4.

     

    The former head coach of Akari, Minowa inherits a program that has steadily regained its footing over the past two years, and the POC has opted for continuity by bringing back many of the players who fueled that resurgence.

     

    Leading the 22-player women’s pool is team captain Jia De Guzman, who returns after missing the recent AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup in Candon City.

     

    Also rejoining the national team are Bella Belen, Eya Laure, Angel Canino, Vanie Gandler, Fifi Sharma, Justine Jazareno, Alleiah Malaluan, Amie Priovido, Arah Panique, Dawn Catindig, Dell Palomata, Mars Alba, and Shaina Nitura.

     

    Only Thea Gagate, Alyssa Solomon, and Nina Ytang remain from the hastily assembled Alas Pilipinas squad that represented the country in the AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup just weeks ago.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.


    Completing the women’s pool are Jeanette Panaga, Shaira Jardio, Gel Cayuna, and Erika Santos, giving Minowa a blend of experienced internationals and emerging talents as preparations begin.

    On the men’s side, stability remains the priority.

     

    Frigoni will continue to call the shots after guiding the Philippines through last year’s FIVB Men’s World Championship, with much of that core expected to stay intact for the Asian Games.

     

    The men’s pool is once again bannered by veteran stars Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo, while five-time Spikers’ Turf MVP Jude Garcia earns an opportunity to make his debut with the indoor national team.

     

    Also included in the men’s lineup are Michaelo Buddin, Leo Ordiales, Al Bukharie Sali, Rwenzmel Taguibolos, Owa Retamar, Josh Ybañez, Adrian Villados, Vince Lorenzo, Kristofer Alejos, and Trevor Valera.

     

    According to POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, POC secretary-general Atty. Wharton has already informed both Minowa and Frigoni of their appointments, which will officially run from July 1 until October 15.

     

    The simultaneous announcement reflects the POC’s approach as it takes over the national volleyball program—maintaining continuity where it matters while introducing new leadership on the women’s side.

     

    With the Asian Games less than three months away, the focus now shifts from assembling the roster to building chemistry, as both Alas Pilipinas teams prepare to test themselves against Asia’s best under the POC’s new direction.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • 27 UAAP, NCAA stars take center stage at 2026 Collegiate Press Corps Awards Night 

    27 UAAP, NCAA stars take center stage at 2026 Collegiate Press Corps Awards Night 

    Now on its fourth year under the unified Collegiate Press Corps (CPC) banner, the annual awards night continues its tradition of celebrating the country’s finest collegiate athletes following the 2022 merger of the UAAP and NCAA media organizations.


    The 2026 Collegiate Press Corps (CPC) Annual Awards Night will once again put the spotlight on the brightest stars from the nation’s top collegiate leagues on Monday, June 29, at Discovery Suites Manila in Ortigas, Pasig City.

     

    A total of 27 student-athletes from the UAAP and NCAA will be recognized for their standout performances throughout the recently concluded seasons, celebrating the best individual efforts that shaped another memorable year of collegiate competition.

     

    Leading the list of honorees are Mike Phillips and Kent Pastrana, who were named the CPC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Players of the Year after guiding De La Salle University and the University of Santo Tomas back to the top of UAAP basketball.

     

    Phillips added another milestone to his decorated collegiate career after helping La Salle capture its second UAAP championship under his watch. The veteran forward now owns two UAAP titles and one Finals MVP award, while also earning a spot in the CPC Men’s Basketball Mythical Team.

    This marks Phillips’ second Mythical Team recognition and his first CPC Basketball Player of the Year award.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.


    Joining Phillips in the Men’s Basketball Mythical Team are UAAP MVP Janrey Pasaol of Far Eastern University, NCAA Season 101 champion Janti Miller of San Beda University, Letran guard Titing Manalili, and University of Santo Tomas big man Collins Akowe.

     

    Pastrana, meanwhile, headlines the CPC UAAP Women’s Basketball Mythical Team after playing a key role in UST’s title-winning campaign. She is joined by teammate Brigette Santos, National University’s Ann Pingol and Tin Cayabyab, and Ateneo de Manila University’s Kacey Dela Rosa.

     

    Dela Rosa will also receive a special citation after helping Gilas Pilipinas secure SEA Games gold medals in both the 5-on-5 and 3×3 basketball events last December, while contributing to the country’s qualification bid for the FIBA 3×3 World Cup.

     

    The volleyball court also produced this year’s biggest standouts as La Salle senior Angel Canino was named the UAAP Women’s Volleyball Player of the Year, while Lara Mae Silva of Letran earned NCAA Women’s Volleyball Player of the Year honors after becoming a key figure in the Lady Knights’ historic championship run—their first title in 28 years.

     

    In men’s volleyball, Leo Ordiales of six-time UAAP champion National University and Reymark Betco of NCAA Season 101 champion De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde were recognized as the Men’s Volleyball Players of the Year.

     

    Football also continued to earn its place in the annual celebration, with Marc Pellejo of San Beda University and Ramil Bation III of the University of the Philippines winning the NCAA and UAAP Men’s Football Player of the Year awards after leading their teams to championships.

     

    Far Eastern University’s Regine Rebosura was also honored as the UAAP Women’s Football Player of the Year, with support from the Philippine Sports Commission.

     

    The CPC will also recognize the coaches who guided these championship teams.

     

    La Salle’s Topex Robinson and San Beda’s Yuri Escueta were named the UAAP and NCAA Men’s Basketball Coaches of the Year, while UST mentor Haydee Ong earned the UAAP Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year award.

     

    Longtime La Salle volleyball coach Ramil de Jesus received the UAAP Women’s Volleyball Coach of the Year honor, while Letran’s Mayeth Carolino was chosen as the NCAA Women’s Volleyball Coach of the Year.

     

    National University’s title-winning volleyball run also earned recognition for coach Dante Alinsunurin, while Arnold Laniog was honored after guiding his alma mater to the NCAA Season 101 men’s volleyball championship.

     

    Beyond the trophies and individual awards, the event highlights the athletes who carried their schools, inspired their communities, and continue to shape the future of Philippine sports.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.