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Author: Dorothy Del Rosario

  • T1 sets sights on the Philippines, considers Manila event featuring Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok

    T1 sets sights on the Philippines, considers Manila event featuring Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok

    South Korea’s esports giant T1 is looking beyond its home market and setting its sights on the Philippines.


    The possibility of bringing T1’s world-famous roster to Manila, including legendary superstar Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok, has emerged as the organization studies how it can deepen its connection with Filipino fans.

     

    T1 Chief Operating Officer Josh Ahn admitted that his early understanding of the Philippine esports scene was heavily influenced by the dominance of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, which has become the country’s biggest competitive gaming title.

     

    “I always thought the Filipino esports market was all about MLBB and that League of Legends was very niche,” he said.

     

    However, that perception changed after learning about the strength of the local League of Legends audience and the support T1 already has in the country.

     

    “That’s why I was very surprised when Jasmine showed me that there’s a sizable League of Legends fanbase in the Philippines, and that many of them support T1.”

     

    The discovery has opened the door for possible fan-focused events, with Faker potentially serving as the biggest attraction. 

     

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    Widely considered one of the greatest esports athletes ever, Faker’s legacy extends beyond competitive League of Legends. The six-time World Champion has become a global gaming icon whose presence alone can turn an event into a major spectacle.

     

    “In order for us to get the grassroots growing, we have to have people interested in playing the game, watching the game, and we hope to do that in the Philippines if possible,” Ahn said. 

     

    While Faker could be the name that attracts attention, T1 is looking at a bigger vision, building a sustainable esports connection with Filipino fans.

     

    Ahn revealed that T1 is considering two possible formats for a Philippine debut. One option is the organization’s Home Ground experience, a premium event concept built around official League of Legends competition and fan interaction.

     

    The other possibility is an off-season showcase similar to T1’s successful Vietnam event, featuring exhibition matches, fan activities, and opportunities for supporters to engage directly with players.

     

    “We want to start with an event if possible. A big event or a small event would help us gauge market interest, and then we can consider other ways to engage with fans in the Philippines,” he said.

     

    The move would represent a major step for T1 as it explores a market where esports fandom is already deeply established. Although Mobile Legends currently dominates the Philippine scene, T1’s interest suggests that League of Legends still has room to grow among Filipino fans.

     

    Whether Manila will eventually host a T1 event in 2027 remains uncertain, but the conversation has officially started — and one of esports’ biggest names could become the bridge between T1 and the Philippines.

     

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  • Rain or Shine secures Anton Asistio, Jun Roque with contract extensions ahead of Governor’s Cup

    Rain or Shine secures Anton Asistio, Jun Roque with contract extensions ahead of Governor’s Cup

    Rain or Shine has moved to secure two pieces of its roster by handing one-year contract extensions to Anton Asistio and Jun Roque.


    The move underscores the Elasto Painters’ commitment to continuity after a campaign that saw them emerge as one of the league’s biggest surprises before falling short of a Finals appearance.

     

    For Asistio, the new deal serves as recognition of the impact he made during Rain or Shine’s impressive Commissioner’s Cup run. The former Ateneo standout became a valuable contributor as the Elasto Painters opened the conference with seven straight victories, eventually finishing as the No. 3 seed.

     

    Rain or Shine went on to eliminate powerhouse San Miguel Beer in the quarterfinals before pushing eventual champion Barangay Ginebra to a highly emotional six-game semifinal series.

     

    While his numbers may not jump off the page, Asistio provided crucial floor spacing and perimeter shooting throughout the conference. He averaged 5.2 points, 1.0 rebound, and 1.4 assists per game, while also emerging as one of the league’s most efficient long-range threats. He ranked third in four-point shooting, converting 41.6 percent of his attempts (5-of-12).

     

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    The streak-shooting guard, selected by Rain or Shine in the second round of the 2020 PBA Draft, formalized his extension during a contract signing attended by team governor Atty. Mamerto Mondragon and witnessed by his agent Marvin Espiritu of Espiritu Manotoc Basketball Management.

     

    Meanwhile, Rain or Shine also sent a strong message about its faith in young talent by renewing rookie forward Jun Roque despite his ongoing recovery from a torn ACL.

     

    Roque quickly earned the trust of head coach Yeng Guiao after becoming available during the Governors’ Cup, carving out a role in the team’s rotation and showing flashes of his potential.

    His promising rookie campaign, however, came to an abrupt halt when he suffered an ACL injury in a game against Magnolia.

     

    Before being sidelined, the 6-foot-4 Letran product averaged 5.5 points and 2.6 rebounds per contest, numbers that reflected his growing confidence and increasing responsibilities within the squad.

     

    Roque entered the PBA after helping Letran reach the NCAA Season 101 Finals, where the Knights finished runner-up to San Beda. He was one of two first-round selections made by Rain or Shine in the most recent draft, joining Christian Manaytay, who was chosen at No. 10.

     

    By retaining both Asistio and Roque, the Elasto Painters have chosen to reward both production and potential. One extension recognizes a player who contributed to one of the franchise’s strongest conference performances in recent years, while the other reflects the organization’s belief in a young talent whose development was interrupted by injury.

     

    As Rain or Shine prepares for another shot at contention in the Season 50 Governor’s Cup, the franchise is making sure familiar faces remain part of its plans after a semifinal finish that ended at the hands of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

     

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  • Fresh from Ginebra’s championship run, Tim Cone trusts Gilas in crucial road tests 

    Fresh from Ginebra’s championship run, Tim Cone trusts Gilas in crucial road tests 

    As Gilas Pilipinas prepares for another daunting stretch in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, head coach Tim Cone is placing his trust in his players.


    The national team enters the third qualification window carrying the weight of recently concluded professional campaigns. Several players are coming off demanding seasons in the PBA and overseas leagues, while Cone himself has just guided Barangay Ginebra San Miguel through a grueling run to the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup title.

     

    Yet rather than viewing fatigue as a concern, the veteran coach sees a group that remains eager for one more challenge.

     

    “Well, we know it’s going to be tough. We’re looking forward to it. You know, we’ve been a team that’s pulled surprises before, and I’m not going to be surprised if we pull a surprise,” Cone said.

     

    The Philippines faces arguably its toughest assignment of the qualifying cycle with back-to-back road games against New Zealand on July 3 and Australia on July 6. Gilas has yet to defeat either side in the current World Cup qualifying campaign, falling 69-66 to the Tall Blacks last February and suffering a 93-66 loss to the Boomers in March.

     

    Those results underscore the size of the task ahead, but Cone believes preparation could help narrow the gap.

     

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    The national team will spend valuable time in Brisbane before the qualifiers, allowing the players to adjust to conditions and build cohesion through training and tune-up games.

     

    “But I like the way the SBP has set it up for us in terms of being able to go down to Brisbane and acclimatize ourselves to the weather a little bit, get a camp down there and then play a couple of friendlies against pro New Zealand teams,” the veteran coach added.

     

    At the heart of Gilas’ campaign is a championship-tested core from Ginebra. Best Import of the Conference Justin Brownlee, Best Player of the Conference RJ Abarrientos, and veteran forward Troy Rosario arrive carrying the momentum of their title-winning run.

     

    For Cone, that existing chemistry may prove just as valuable as talent when facing two of Oceania’s basketball powers.

     

    “I’m not tired from the finals. I’m ready to get going, so I think our guys are all ready to get going, too,” Cone said.

     

    Beyond the Ginebra contingent, Gilas will also lean on a mix of established stars and overseas-based standouts. PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo joins Chris Newsome, Juan Gomez de Liaño, Justin Baltazar, Dwight Ramos, AJ Edu, Carl Tamayo, and Kevin Quiambao in a roster designed to blend experience, versatility, and familiarity.

     

    One of the most intriguing additions is Mike Phillips, who steps into an expanded role with Quentin Millora-Brown and Kai Sotto unavailable for the tournament.

     

    Rather than selecting players solely based on individual ability, Cone emphasized that every roster spot is determined by fit within the team’s system.

     

    “We don’t just look at the talent and say, you know, he’s the most talented player there, therefore we’re going to get him. We try to make him come in and fit the puzzle of the vision that we have for the team,” Cone said.

     

    “And Mike does that in terms of his, you know, his name is Motor Mike, and there’s a reason why he’s Motor Mike. It’s very apt, that nickname.”

     

    Despite their recent losses to New Zealand and Australia, Gilas can draw confidence from previous success. The Filipinos defeated New Zealand during the 2024 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, a reminder that the gap can be closed on the right night.

     

    With three Group A spots available in the second round, the upcoming window presents more than just a chance to improve their standing. 

     

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  • Sisi Rondina hopes Beach Volleyball gets Cebu-style showcase after 3×3 hoops spectacle

    Sisi Rondina hopes Beach Volleyball gets Cebu-style showcase after 3×3 hoops spectacle

    Fresh off her wedding to fellow beach volleyball player Ronniel Rosales, Sisi Rondina spent the day after her special day supporting the Cebu Hustle 3×3 in her hometown.


    What she saw left a lasting impression, with Rondina joining the crowd to witness Japan’s Shinjuku Givers complete a perfect campaign en route to the championship, showcasing the intensity and competitiveness of women’s 3×3 basketball in front of Cebuano fans. 

     

    “Nakikita ko, the way sila maglaro. Grabe, buwis buhay. Ayun, ang saya na mapanood sila. It’s a quality 3×3 basketball for the women,” Rondina said.

     

    More than the action on the court, Rondina was inspired by what the event represented.

     

    The successful staging of Cebu Hustle 3×3 showed how major sporting events can thrive outside Metro Manila, bringing elite-level competition closer to local communities while giving young athletes an opportunity to witness high-level sports firsthand.

     

    For Rondina, Cebu has long been capable of hosting events of this scale. The tournament only reinforced her belief that more sports should be brought to the province and neighboring areas.

     

    Rondina was grateful for the opportunity and expressed her hope that more sporting events will take place in Cebu — not just in the city, but in other venues all over the province as well.

     

    “We know kahit anong sport ‘yan, maraming naglalaro,” she said.

     

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    Naturally, one sport remains closest to her heart. As one of the country’s most successful beach volleyball tandem alongside Bernadeth Pons, Rondina hopes the attention generated by Cebu Hustle 3×3 can eventually lead to similar opportunities for beach volleyball.

     

    She believes introducing the sport to more communities is crucial to discovering future talents and growing the game nationwide.

     

    “Kaya din naman talaga gustong mag-beach volleyball ni (Bernadeth) Pons, bukod sa sobrang gusto namin maglaro, but ‘yung how we introduce beach volleyball to other places dito sa Philippines,” said Rondina.

     

    “We’re hoping na may mag-plano din na maglaro dito, ang beach volleyball. We’re very excited na makapaglaro dito, dito mismo sa hometown ko,” the SEA Games gold medalist said.

     

    The dream is especially meaningful because Cebu is where Rondina’s sporting journey began. Hosting a major beach volleyball event there would not only bring the sport closer to local fans but also allow the hometown hero to showcase it in the place that helped shape her career.

     

    For now, Rondina’s attention quickly shifts back to competition. After celebrating a major personal milestone, she and Pons return to training with a bigger goal in mind.

     

    “Walang ibang goal kundi Asian Games,” Rondina said.

     

    The pair are currently preparing for the Asian Games in September, where they hope to earn a place in the final roster and continue building on the momentum from their breakthrough SEA Games gold medal campaign last year.

     

    As Rondina looks ahead to another international challenge, she also hopes the success of events like Cebu Hustle 3×3 will inspire organizers to invest in more sports across Cebu, including the beach volleyball tournaments she dreams of bringing home.

     

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  • FIFA World Cup Match Preview: Portugal, England, and Croatia lead key group battles 

    FIFA World Cup Match Preview: Portugal, England, and Croatia lead key group battles 

    The battle for knockout-round positioning intensifies as several contenders take the field in crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage matches. Traditional powers Portugal, England, and Croatia enter as favorites, while Uzbekistan, Ghana, Panama, and DR Congo look to pull off statement results against higher-ranked opponents.

     

    Portugal vs Uzbekistan

     

    1:00 AM (PHT)

     

    Portugal enters the match seeking its first victory of the tournament after settling for a 1-1 draw against DR Congo in its opener. Despite controlling large stretches of that contest, Roberto Martinez’s side failed to capitalize on its chances and now faces added pressure to secure three points.

     

    The Portuguese remain one of the most talented squads in the competition, led by veteran captain Cristiano Ronaldo, whose experience and goal-scoring ability continue to make him one of the most influential players in world football.

     

    Uzbekistan, meanwhile, is looking to make history in its first-ever World Cup appearance. After falling 3-1 to Colombia in its opening match, the Central Asians will once again lean on captain Eldor Shomurodov to provide a spark in attack.

     

    Key Players:

    • Portugal: Cristiano Ronaldo
    • Uzbekistan: Eldor Shomurodov

    England vs Ghana

     

    4:00 AM (PHT)

     

    England enters the encounter as one of the tournament favorites and will look to continue its strong form behind captain Harry Kane, who remains the team’s most reliable goal scorer and leader in the final third.

     

    Ghana, meanwhile, will count on Mohammed Kudus to lead its upset bid. The attacking midfielder has emerged as one of Africa’s brightest stars and possesses the creativity needed to challenge England’s defense.

     

    Key Players:

    • England: Harry Kane
    • Ghana: Antoine Semenyo

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    Panama vs Croatia

     

    7:00 AM (PHT)

     

    Croatia continues to rely on the leadership and brilliance of Luka Modrić, whose ability to control matches remains central to the team’s ambitions of another deep World Cup run.

     

    Panama will look to midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla, one of the country’s most important players, to help orchestrate attacks and keep possession against a technically superior Croatian side.

     

    Key Players:

    • Croatia: Luka Modrić
    • Panama: Adalberto Carrasquilla

    Colombia vs Congo DR

     

    10:00 AM (PHT)

     

    Colombia opened its campaign with a convincing 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan and will once again turn to Luis Diaz, whose pace and attacking flair make him the focal point of the South American side.

     

    DR Congo enters the match with confidence after earning a 1-1 draw against Portugal. The Africans will look to forward Yoane Wissa, who scored the equalizer in that match and remains their biggest threat going forward.

     

    Key Players:

    • Colombia: Luis Diaz
    • Congo DR: Yoane Wissa

    With group-stage points becoming increasingly valuable, Wednesday’s slate offers several teams an opportunity to strengthen their path to the knockout rounds. Portugal and England will look to avoid costly slip-ups against determined underdogs, while Croatia aims to continue its tradition of strong World Cup performances.

     

    Meanwhile, Colombia and DR Congo square off in what could be one of the day’s most pivotal matches, with both sides carrying momentum from their opening fixtures. As stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Kane, Luka Modrić, and Luis Diaz take center stage, fans can expect another day of high-stakes action that could significantly shape the landscape of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

     

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  • Defending champion Sydney Sy headlines Philippine bid at the Asia-Oceania Sambo Championships

    Defending champion Sydney Sy headlines Philippine bid at the Asia-Oceania Sambo Championships

    The top Philippine bet, Sydney Sy Tancontian is set to defend her title at the 11th Asia-Oceania Sambo Championships, which begins Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, as the country hosts one of the biggest sambo competitions for the first time.


    Currently ranked No. 1 in the world in the women’s +80-kilogram sport sambo division, Sy enters the continental showcase as one of the Philippines’ strongest medal hopes.

     

    The event, held under the aegis of the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee, is expected to feature more than 500 athletes from 31 member countries under the Sambo Union of Asia and Oceania, making it a major test for the country’s representatives.

     

    For Sy, the focus is now fully on competition after a challenging period involving her father, Pilipinas Sambo Federation president Paolo Tancontian, who recently dealt with health concerns.

    With his condition improving, the 27-year-old athlete can now shift her attention toward the tournament ahead.

     

    “Thank God, my father’s health has greatly improved and is now addressing the details of the tournament so I can now focus on taking part in the competition,” Sy said.

     

    Sy enters the event with confidence after capturing the women’s heavyweight sport sambo gold medal in last year’s 10th edition in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. She defeated Mongolia’s Buyanzaya Ser-Ochir to claim the championship and establish herself as one of Asia-Oceania’s top competitors.

     

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    Her previous triumph was part of a strong showing by the Philippine team, with Aislynn Yap also winning gold in the demanding women’s -80kg combat sambo division.

     

    Now competing in front of a home audience, Sy hopes to use the support around her as an advantage while carrying the expectations of Philippine sambo.

     

    Her father believes having the reigning champion in the lineup will provide a major boost not only for Sy but for the entire national team.

     

    “Malaking bagay na makakalaro ang aking anak na si Sydney sa Asia-Oceania Sambo Championships. Malaking inspirasyon siya sa national team at sa bayan. Kapag nandiyan siya, iba talaga ang kumpiyansa ng atleta natin,” Tancontian said.

     

    The father of Sydney also sees the home tournament as a valuable opportunity for his daughter to showcase her skills against the best athletes in the region.

     

    “It’s a big opportunity for my daughter to be competing in the event, this will be a major inspiration for the athletes and for the country,” Tancontian said.

     

    Beyond Sy’s title defense, the event represents a historic moment for Philippine sambo as Manila becomes the first host in history of the premier SAMBO championships in the Asia-Oceania region.

     

    Running from June 25 to 28, the tournament gives local athletes a rare chance to compete on home soil — with Sy leading the charge as the face of the country’s medal campaign.

     

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  • Honor of Kings’ fast growth in PH reaches new height as SIBOL HOK secures Asian Games spot 

    Honor of Kings’ fast growth in PH reaches new height as SIBOL HOK secures Asian Games spot 

    After officially booking their place in the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, SIBOL’s Honor of Kings national team reached another milestone for Philippine esports after finishing second in the Asian Games Qualifiers.


    But beyond the qualification itself, the achievement highlighted how quickly Honor of Kings has grown in the Philippines since arriving in the country in 2024.

     

    What started as a newly introduced esport game has quickly developed into a competitive scene, with local teams gaining experience through domestic leagues and international tournaments.

     

    That progress was already visible on the global stage, where Philippine representatives Blacklist International and BOOM Esports both reached the semifinals of the HOK Invitational Season 4. Although they fell against Malaysian and Korean opponents, their deep runs proved that Filipino teams were already capable of challenging some of the region’s established powerhouses.

     

    The local scene has continued to strengthen as well. BOOM Esports recently captured the 2026 PKL Spring Season title, securing its second championship after also winning the inaugural Spring 2025 edition. Blacklist International, meanwhile, claimed its first PKL crown during the 2025 Fall Season.

     

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    For Honor of Kings Philippines Esports Manager Angelica Neri, the rapid development of the scene shows how quickly Filipino players have adapted and improved despite the game being relatively new in the country.

     

    “It shows how rapid we are in developing our players, our scene in terms of Honor of Kings. Basically, PKL (Philippines Kings League) is only three seasons and we’re already competing in the high level,” Neri said.

     

    That growth was reflected in SIBOL’s Asian Games Qualifiers campaign, where the Philippine squad posted a 3-1 record in Group A. The team, composed mostly of players from Blacklist International, showed that the country now has the talent pool to compete against top teams in the region.

     

    The upcoming Asian Games will also mark a historic moment for Honor of Kings, as it makes its debut as an official medal event in the continental competition.

     

    For Neri, the recent performances of Filipino teams show that the gap between the Philippines and Asia’s elite squads continues to shrink.

     

    “It’s a statement that shows how much the growth has been because when we are in other tournaments outside of Asian Games and SEA Games, it’s easy to see that we’re losing but when we go to much bigger, it’s clearly seen that we’re almost there,” Neri added.

     

    Now, the next challenge for SIBOL is turning progress into a podium finish. The national team enters the Asian Games with bigger ambitions, aiming not only to represent the country but to compete for a medal.

     

    The Philippines will be among 12 nations competing in Honor of Kings at the 2026 Asian Games, joining China, South Korea, Malaysia, Myanmar, Kazakhstan, Thailand, Lao PDR, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Nepal, and Vietnam.

     

    With a six-man roster set to carry the country’s hopes in Nagoya, SIBOL’s campaign will serve as the biggest test yet of how far Honor of Kings has come in the Philippines. 

     

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  • Gilas Women’s Vanessa De Jesus finds new path in WKBL with Busan BNK after WNBA draft miss

    Gilas Women’s Vanessa De Jesus finds new path in WKBL with Busan BNK after WNBA draft miss

    Vanessa De Jesus’ journey to professional basketball has taken another major turn. After chasing a dream on one of the biggest stages in women’s basketball through the WNBA Draft, the Gilas Pilipinas Women standout is now set to begin a new chapter in South Korea’s Women’s Korean Basketball League (WKBL).


    The Filipino-American guard will make her professional debut with Busan BNK Sum in the 2026–27 season, bringing with her the experience of competing at the collegiate and international levels.

     

    De Jesus spent five seasons playing for Duke University before finishing her college career with Notre Dame. She later declared for the 2026 WNBA Draft, hoping to become one of the newest players to break into the world’s premier women’s basketball league, but ultimately went undrafted.

     

    For De Jesus, the move to Busan comes as BNK looks to bounce back after a difficult 2025–26 season. The club, which won the 2024–25 WKBL championship, finished fifth the following year and fell short of another deep playoff run.

     

    With De Jesus entering the lineup, BNK gains a guard who has experience playing in high-pressure environments. Her presence could provide a boost in ball movement, perimeter scoring, and leadership as the team aims to return to championship contention.

     

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    The 5-foot-8 guard has already built a strong connection with the Philippines, representing Gilas Women in two editions of the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup. 

     

    Her ability to create plays, handle pressure, and compete against elite international opponents made her one of the notable names in the national team pool.

     

    Joining De Jesus in the WKBL is fellow Gilas Women standout Alexis Pana, who is set to suit up for defending champion Cheongju KB Stars.

     

    Pana arrives in South Korea with a résumé shaped by years of international exposure. The 5-foot-9 guard has played professionally in Romania, Germany, Luxembourg, Lithuania, and Australia, giving her valuable experience across different styles of basketball.

     

    The Filipino-Hawaiian guard also made her mark closer to home, leading Pilipinas Aguilas during the inaugural WMPBL tournament two years ago. 

     

    She also represented Gilas Pilipinas Women in the 2025 FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series, adding another layer to her international background.

     

    Pana joins a Cheongju KB Stars team coming off a title-winning campaign in the 2025–26 WKBL season. The reigning champions add another versatile guard who can contribute defensively while also bringing international maturity to an already competitive roster.

     

    The arrival of De Jesus and Pana highlights the growing pathway for Filipino women’s basketball players overseas. Their WKBL move is not just another professional opportunity, it is another step in expanding the presence of Gilas Women talents on the Asian basketball stage.

     

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  • Tim Cone backs Justine Baltazar’s untapped potential as big man earns Gilas recall 

    Tim Cone backs Justine Baltazar’s untapped potential as big man earns Gilas recall 

    For years, Justine Baltazar’s national team journey has largely been defined by potential. This time, however, the versatile big man enters the Gilas Pilipinas setup with something more tangible, the trust of the coaching staff.


    Baltazar’s inclusion in the Final 12 for the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers third window is more than just a roster move. 

     

    It is a reward for the impression he left behind months earlier, when he joined the national team’s training camp for Window 2 despite not making the final lineup.

     

    Gilas head coach Tim Cone and the rest of the coaching staff saw enough in Baltazar’s game to keep him firmly on their radar. 

     

    His ability to contribute in multiple facets, whether as a rebounder, passer, defender, or floor-spacer, stood out in a team constantly searching for adaptable pieces.

     

    “He’s a player with a high ceiling, and we’re hoping that he can play at that high ceiling,” Cone said.

     

    That confidence became even more significant when Gilas had to adjust its roster for the June 29 to July 6 competitions. With key frontcourt players Kai Sotto and Quentin Millora-Brown unavailable, the coaching staff turned to a familiar candidate rather than exploring new options.

     

    For Cone, the decision was straightforward.

     

    “Balti, Justine, we know him from the last window. We had him through the whole camp, and he impressed us there,” the veteran and multi-awarded coach said.

     

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    The selection marks Baltazar’s first appearance for the national team since the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers, ending a lengthy absence from Gilas duty. 

     

    Yet despite the praise coming from one of the country’s most accomplished coaches, the 29-year-old remains grounded.

     

    Instead of focusing on expectations, Baltazar is approaching the opportunity as a learner eager to fit into the program’s current culture and system.

     

    “Nagpapasalamat ako sa pag-invite uli sa akin. Noong last game nila, kumbaga baguhan pa lang ako, pero andun pa rin ako sumusuporta and always ready lang talaga ako. Malaking pasalamat ko na nakasama ako sa Final 12,” he said.

     

    His return also reflects Gilas’ ongoing effort to deepen its player pool ahead of major international competitions. With established veterans and emerging stars sharing the roster, Baltazar has an opportunity to carve out a unique role through the versatility that first caught the coaches’ attention.

     

    Joining Baltazar in the Final 12 are RJ Abarrientos, Justin Brownlee, AJ Edu, June Mar Fajardo, Chris Newsome, Kevin Quiambao, Dwight Ramos, Troy Rosario, Carl Tamayo, and Juan Gomez de Liano.

     

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  • Yulo brothers make history with shared Asian Championships podium finish as Carlos extends floor exercise reign 

    Yulo brothers make history with shared Asian Championships podium finish as Carlos extends floor exercise reign 

    The Olympic champion, Carlos Yulo claimed yet another floor exercise gold medal at the 2026 Asian Men’s Artistic Gymnastics Championships.


    While his younger brother Eldrew Yulo secured the bronze medal, giving the Philippines a historic double-podium finish and marking the first time the siblings shared a medal stand at the senior international level.

     

    Carlos delivered a winning score of 14.700 to retain his dominance in the event, while Japan’s Shoma Tsukiyama settled for silver with 14.600. 

     

    Eldrew completed the podium with 14.300, capping a breakthrough performance in his first senior Asian Championships appearance alongside his older brother.

     

    His latest triumph completed a remarkable five-year run that began in Doha in 2022. Since then, the Filipino gymnastics star has remained unbeaten on the Asian Championships floor exercise stage, successfully defending his title in Singapore in 2023, Uzbekistan in 2024, South Korea in 2025, and now China in 2026.

     

    While Carlos’ fifth consecutive crown highlighted his sustained excellence, Eldrew’s emergence provided a glimpse of the sport’s future in the Philippines.

     

    The brothers had never previously competed together at the senior Asian Championships, making their shared podium finish one of the most memorable moments of the tournament for the national team.

     

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    The final day of competition, however, proved more challenging. Carlos returned to action in the parallel bars final but narrowly missed out on another medal after placing sixth among eight finalists.

     

    The Filipino gymnast posted a score of 13.566, built on an execution score of 8.066, a difficulty score of 5.4, and a 0.100 stick bonus.

     

    China’s Boheng Zhang captured the gold medal with 14.933 behind an impressive 8.933 execution score, a 5.9 difficulty rating, and a 0.100 stick bonus. South Korea’s Sunghyun Ryu and Chinese Taipei’s Yuan-Hsi Hung completed the podium.

     

    The Yulo brothers also reached the horizontal bar final, where both remained in medal contention until the end.

     

    Eldrew finished fourth with a score of 13.833, narrowly missing the podium, while Carlos placed fifth with 13.500.

     

    Notably, Eldrew attempted the more difficult routine between the two brothers, carrying a 5.1 difficulty score compared to Carlos’ 4.9. He also edged his older sibling in execution, posting 8.633 against Carlos’ 8.600.

     

    Although neither gymnast secured another medal on the apparatus, the championships had already delivered a milestone achievement for Philippine gymnastics.

     

    For the first time, the Yulo brothers stood together on a senior international podium, a moment that symbolized both Carlos’ continued excellence and Eldrew’s growing presence on the continental stage.

     

    Following the competition, Carlos reflected on the achievement and the support that has fueled his journey.

     

    “Proud to represent the Philippines and grateful for everyone who continues to support this journey. Thank you to my coaches, family, and everyone who believed in me through every high and low. The work continues,” Carlos expressed in an Instagram post.

     

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