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Author: Dorothy Del Rosario

  • Volleyball players Sisi Rondina, Ronniel Rosales exchange vows in private Quezon wedding 

    Volleyball players Sisi Rondina, Ronniel Rosales exchange vows in private Quezon wedding 

    Volleyball icon Sisi Rondina and fellow Alas Pilipinas beach volleyball player Ronniel Rosales exchanged vows in a private wedding ceremony in Tiaong, Quezon on Saturday, surrounded by family members, close friends, and fellow athletes.


    The wedding brought together several personalities from the local volleyball community, including Rondina’s longtime beach volleyball partner Bernadette Pons. 

     

    The duo recently captured a silver medal in the AVC Beach Tour Pingtung Open, adding another achievement to their decorated partnership on the sand.

     

    Also present were fellow Southeast Asian Games gold medalists Dij Rodriguez and Sunny Villapando, along with several members of Rondina’s Choco Mucho Flying Titans family. Eya Laure, Dindin Santiago-Manabat, Cherry Nunag, Caitlin Viray, and Thang Ponce attended the ceremony, as did Choco Mucho head coach Dante Alinsunurin and team owner Jonathan Ng.

     

    The marriage comes six months after Rondina and Rosales announced their engagement in January. The longtime couple shared the milestone on social media, with Rondina posting the caption, “It’s a forever thing,” while Rosales described the proposal as “God’s plan, my promise.”

     

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    While the wedding marked a personal milestone, both athletes remain active figures in Philippine volleyball.

     

    Rondina continues to balance careers in both indoor and beach volleyball. She remains one of the key players for the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the Premier Volleyball League while also serving as a fixture of the national beach volleyball program.

     

    The former University of Santo Tomas standout is widely regarded as one of the country’s most accomplished volleyball players. 

     

    In 2025, she and Pons delivered a historic gold medal for the Philippines in women’s beach volleyball at the Southeast Asian Games, further cementing their status among the nation’s most successful tandems.

     

    Rosales, meanwhile, has also built a lengthy career in the sport. A former member of the Philippine men’s national beach volleyball team, he likewise saw action in the Spikers’ Turf and has remained involved in the local volleyball scene throughout the years.

     

    Meanwhile, the next day after her wedding, Rondina was already back in her hometown, Cebu. The Cebuana star attended the final games of the Cebu Hustle 3×3 tournament at SM Seaside City, where fans lined up for photos and autographs from one of the country’s most beloved volleyball personalities.

     

    For a couple whose relationship has grown alongside their careers in beach volleyball, the wedding represented not only a celebration of their partnership but also another memorable moment for a sport in which both have played significant roles for the Philippines.

     

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  • After nine years in Japan, Jaja Santiago set for US volleyball journey 

    After nine years in Japan, Jaja Santiago set for US volleyball journey 

    After nearly a decade building her career in Japan, Jaja Santiago is preparing for another major move abroad.

     

    The former Philippine national team standout, now known as Sachi Minowa following her marriage to Japanese and former Akari coach Taka Minowa, confirmed that she will continue her professional volleyball career in the United States beginning next season.

     

    Speaking to reporters during the Philippine leg of the 2026 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City, Santiago revealed that a deal is already in place, although details regarding her new club and league have yet to be officially announced.

     

    “I’m going to US next season,” Santiago confirmed.

     

    The 30-year-old middle blocker said the competition is scheduled to start in January, with an announcement from her new team expected soon.

     

    “I think next week, they will announce the league where I will play,” she said.

     

    While Santiago did not disclose her destination, she is expected to suit up in either League One Volleyball (LOVB) or Major League Volleyball (MLV), two of the emerging professional women’s volleyball competitions in the United States.

     

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    The move will mark another significant chapter in a career that has largely been built overseas.

     

    Standing 6-foot-5, Santiago spent the last nine years competing in Japan’s top professional leagues, where she established herself as one of the country’s premier middle blockers.

     

    Most recently, she played for Denso Airybees during the 2025-26 SV.League season. Before that, she spent five successful seasons with Saitama Ageo Medics and later had a stint with Osaka Marvelous.

     

    Throughout her stay in Japan, Santiago earned two Best Middle Blocker awards and consistently ranked among the league’s most respected players at her position.

     

    With several months remaining before her move to the United States, Santiago’s immediate focus has shifted toward maintaining her fitness and game shape.

     

    “I’ll be there (US), November. Sobrang laki nung gap, so kailangan ko maghanap ng way para maging kondisyon pagdating no’n,” the former NU Lady Bulldogs standout said. 

     

    The lengthy break between seasons has prompted Santiago to explore training opportunities while also weighing other options closer to home.

     

    A return to the Premier Volleyball League has not been ruled out, although the former PVL Open Conference and Finals MVP stressed that no decisions have been finalized. The veteran middle blocker is also hoping to maximize time with her family and husband before beginning another overseas campaign.

     

    “Right now, I’m working out with Coach Luis because I need to. Sometimes, Taka and I also do workouts,” she said.

     

    For Santiago, the move represents another challenge in a career that has already seen her succeed in one of Asia’s strongest volleyball environments. After nine years in Japan, the next stop is the United States, where she will look to bring her experience, size, and international pedigree to a new league.

     

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  • SIBOL MLBB qualifies for 2026 Asian Games, caps campaign with sweep of Singapore 

    SIBOL MLBB qualifies for 2026 Asian Games, caps campaign with sweep of Singapore 

    SIBOL MLBB wrapped up its 2026 Asian Games Qualifiers campaign in convincing fashion, sweeping host Singapore, 2-0, on Sunday to lock in one of Southeast Asia’s slots for the main event in Nagoya, Japan.


    More importantly, the victory capped a resilient run for the Filipinos, who finished the group stage with a 6-1 record despite encountering an unexpected setback midway through the tournament.

     

    SIBOL appeared headed for a perfect campaign until Cambodia pulled off a stunning 2-1 reverse sweep, handing the Philippines its first and only loss of the qualifiers.

     

    Instead of letting the defeat derail its bid, the national team responded with arguably its strongest stretch of the tournament.

     

    The Filipinos bounced back with a 2-0 victory over Myanmar before edging Vietnam, 2-1. They then delivered one of their most important performances of the qualifiers by sweeping regional powerhouse Indonesia, 2-0, effectively securing their place in the Asian Games.

     

    SIBOL carried that momentum into its final assignment against Singapore, closing out the tournament with another 2-0 sweep to finish among Southeast Asia’s representatives in Nagoya.

     

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    The qualification run was not without challenges, according to head coach Allec “SN4P” Alvarado, who pointed to the ever-changing competitive landscape that the team had to navigate throughout the event.

     

    “Overall performance, maganda naman. Very tiring pero worth it naman. Grabe yung changes sa meta. Kulang yung resources pero we achieved Asian Games qualfiication pa rin. I’m proud of the boys. Thank you din sa buong coaching staff sa naging help nyo,” he said.

     

    One of the standout performances in the tournament-clinching victory came from Jungler Karl “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno, who delivered a dominant showing in the deciding game against Singapore.

     

    Nepomuceno finished the match with an MVP performance, tallying 13 kills and eight assists against just one death.

     

    With qualification secured, SIBOL is already looking ahead to the next challenge as gold laner Duane “Kelra” Pillas is set to rejoin the national team roster for the main stage of the 2026 Asian Games, replacing Dave “Teddy” Viana Jr. 

     

    He joins a lineup that also features Team Liquid standouts Jaypee dela Cruz and Alston “Sanji” Pabico alongside Sanford Vinuya and Nepomuceno.

     

    Now, with a 6-1 record and a ticket to Nagoya secured, the Philippines heads to the Asian Games carrying both momentum and confidence as it seeks to contend for another international esports medal later this year.

     

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  • New era begins at FEU as Faida Bakanke heads to France and Manolo Refugia returns to rebuild Lady Tamaraws 

    New era begins at FEU as Faida Bakanke heads to France and Manolo Refugia returns to rebuild Lady Tamaraws 

    Within days, FEU Lady Tamaraws saw one of its brightest stars take her talents overseas and welcomed back a familiar tactician tasked with guiding the team’s next chapter.


    The transition begins with Faida Bakanke, whose collegiate career has officially reached its conclusion after signing with French club Vandoeuvre Nancy Volley-Ball (VNVB), a team competing in Ligue A Feminine, France’s top-tier professional women’s volleyball league.

     

    “Powerful, ambitious and determined, Faida comes to bring all her energy and impact to the net under the Panther colors. A new step in his career, and a new weapon for the Nance collective,” the team said, announcing it in a social media post.

     

    For FEU, Bakanke’s departure marks the end of an era that saw the opposite hitter emerge as one of the UAAP’s most reliable offensive weapons. During Season 88, she finished 13th in league scoring with 168 total points, compiling 134 attack points, 31 blocks, and three service aces.

     

    Her production became a central pillar of FEU’s offense throughout the campaign. Yet despite her efforts, the Lady Tamaraws finished fifth in the standings and narrowly missed out on a Final Four berth.

     

    Now, the challenge shifts from maximizing Bakanke’s scoring to replacing it.

    Fortunately for FEU, the program is turning to a coach who already knows the foundation of the roster.

     

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    Manolo Refugia is set to return as head coach of the Lady Tamaraws for Season 89, taking charge of a squad largely composed of players he helped develop during previous years with the program.

     

    His return comes at a critical time for FEU, which is seeking stability after an uneven stretch and is eager to reclaim its place among the league’s perennial contenders.

     

    Refugia is hardly stepping into unfamiliar territory. The longtime mentor guided the Lady Tamaraws to the Final Four in UAAP Season 86 before moving back into an assistant coaching role under Tina Salak over the next two seasons.

     

    With Salak now concentrating on her responsibilities in the Premier Volleyball League as head coach of the Akari Chargers, the program once again turns to Refugia to lead from the front.

     

    Adding another layer of experience to the coaching setup is decorated mentor Rald Ricafort, who joins as team consultant. The move reunites a partnership that has already found success in the professional ranks, where Refugia serves as one of Ricafort’s trusted assistants at PLDT in the PVL.

     

    Ricafort’s arrival gives FEU access to one of the most respected minds in Philippine volleyball. Fresh off leading PLDT to two breakthrough championships last year, he brings championship experience and a winning culture to a program looking to take the next step.

     

    The roster itself should provide Refugia with a familiar starting point. Most of FEU’s senior players are expected to return for Season 89, with the notable exceptions of former setter Tin Ubaldo—now with Choco Mucho and Alas Pilipinas—and Bakanke, who begins her professional journey in France.

     

    Within the team, Refugia’s return has reportedly been welcomed as a stabilizing presence. His understanding of the system, established relationships with the players, and previous success within the program made him a natural choice as FEU mapped out its future.

     

    As one chapter closes with Bakanke’s departure to Europe, another begins with Refugia back on the sidelines. The Lady Tamaraws may have lost one of their biggest scorers, but they are betting that familiarity, continuity, and an experienced coaching staff can help usher in the program’s next period of growth.

     

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  • TNT makes Roger Pogoy its priority with new three-year deal 

    TNT makes Roger Pogoy its priority with new three-year deal 

    TNT Tropang 5G wasted little time addressing one of its biggest offseason priorities following its heartbreaking Game 7 loss to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals.

     

    Before free agency could even become a discussion, the franchise moved as fast as they could to secure veteran guard Roger Pogoy, rewarding one of its most dependable performers with a new three-year contract extension.

     

    The decision underscores just how valuable Pogoy remains to TNT’s championship aspirations. While the team fell short in its bid for another title, the veteran wing emerged as the club’s most consistent local contributor throughout the Finals series.

     

    Pogoy carried a significant offensive load against Ginebra, finishing as TNT’s top local scorer in the championship round with averages of 16.57 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. He also shot an efficient 44 percent from the field and 82 percent from the free-throw line.

     

    His impact extended well beyond scoring. Pogoy was also tasked with one of the toughest assignments in the series, defending Ginebra import Justin Brownlee. 

     

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    Across the PBA’s 50th Season Commissioner’s Cup, the 34-year-old guard posted averages of 13.43 points, 3.95 rebounds, and 2.00 assists per game, continuing to provide steady production for a TNT squad that reached another Finals appearance.

     

    With his previous contract set to expire in August, Pogoy was on track to become an unrestricted free agent. TNT, however, had no intention of letting one of the cornerstones of its roster test the open market.

     

    “Pirma na lang ang kulang,” team manager Jojo Lastimosa said.

     

    The extension keeps intact a partnership that dates back to 2016, when Pogoy entered the PBA through the Gilas Pilipinas special draft and began what has become an entire professional career with the telecommunications franchise.

     

    For Pogoy, the new deal represents another vote of confidence from an organization that has consistently trusted him in crucial moments.

     

    “Very thankful sa management and siyempre kay Lord for all the blessings. Pag balik na after ng bakasyon,” Pogoy said, when asked about the formal contract signing.

     

    Lastimosa made it clear that retaining Pogoy was never up for debate.

     

    “He’s a TNT lifer just like Jayson (Castro). Very rare these days,” he said. 

     

    As TNT begins preparations for another title run, its first major move of the offseason sends a clear message and that is to keep proven winners in the fold remains a top priority, and few have embodied the franchise’s identity more than Pogoy.

     

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  • Yulo brothers keep medal hopes alive with Finals qualification in Senior Artistic Gymnastics Asian Championships

    Yulo brothers keep medal hopes alive with Finals qualification in Senior Artistic Gymnastics Asian Championships

    Carlos and Karl Eldrew Yulo both secured spots in the apparatus finals of the 13th Senior Artistic Gymnastics Asian Championships in Sunyi, setting up another opportunity for the country’s most celebrated gymnastics brothers to shine on the continental stage.

     

    Olympian gold medalist, Carlos continued to display his consistency by advancing to three event finals. 

     

    Carlos booked his place in the Floor Exercise after posting 14.433 points, while also qualifying in the Parallel Bars with 13.966 and the Horizontal Bar with 13.466.

     

    His younger brother, Karl Eldrew, matched the family’s strong showing by reaching two finals of his own. 

     

    The rising Filipino gymnast qualified in the Floor Exercise with a score of 13.600 and earned another finals berth in the Horizontal Bar after registering 13.633.

     

    While Carlos fell just short of a medal in the men’s individual all-around, his performance still underscored his status as one of Asia’s top gymnasts. He finished fourth overall with a total score of 81.864, narrowly missing the podium in a tightly contested field.

     

    China’s Zhang Boheng claimed the all-around gold medal with 85.298 points, while compatriot Yang Haonan secured silver with 82.398. Japan’s Miwa Teppei rounded out the podium with 82.265.

     

    The qualification results reinforced Carlos’ reputation as one of the continent’s premier apparatus specialists. 

     

    The performances of the Yulo brothers helped the Philippines finish seventh in the team competition, tallying 236.161 points across five gymnasts. 

     

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    Floor Exercise remains one of his strongest events, having won multiple Asian Championship titles in the discipline in recent years and establishing himself as one of the world’s elite performers on the apparatus.

     

    The Philippines will also draw confidence from the Yulo family’s track record in major competitions. 

     

    Carlos has consistently delivered medals at the Asian Championships, including gold and multiple podium finishes in recent editions, while Karl Eldrew has steadily emerged as one of the country’s brightest young gymnastics prospects.

     

    With both brothers advancing to the finals, the spotlight now shifts to the weekend where the Philippines will have multiple medal opportunities. 

     

    Their qualification performances not only keep the country’s hopes alive in Sunyi but also highlight the growing depth of Philippine gymnastics beyond its Olympic champion.

     

    Before the senior finals resume, the Philippine Junior Men’s Artistic Gymnastics Team will take center stage in the second subdivision of competition.

     

    The Yulo brothers, meanwhile, return to action on Saturday with medals firmly within reach.

     

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  • Bryan Bagunas, Marck Espejo secure contract renewals with overseas teams

    Bryan Bagunas, Marck Espejo secure contract renewals with overseas teams

    Success has opened another chapter in the overseas careers of Filipino volleyball stars, Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo.


    Fresh off championship-winning campaigns in two of Asia’s top volleyball leagues, Bagunas and Espejo have been rewarded with contract renewals, ensuring that their journeys abroad will continue for at least another season.

     

    Bagunas will return with Osaka Bluteon in Japan’s SV.League, while Espejo has secured a re-newed deal with Taiwan Professional Volleyball League champion TSG Skyhawks after emerging as one of the club’s most reliable two-way players.

     

    The extensions reflect more than just strong individual performances. They serve as recognition of the growing reputation of Filipino volleyball talent on the international stage, with both players helping raise the profile of Philippine volleyball through their success overseas.

     

    “We are pleased to announce that we have renewed the contract with Bryan Bagunas. He will continue to fight alongside everyone as a member of Bruteon in the 2026-27 season, aiming for the top,” Osaka announced.

     

    Bagunas’ first season with Osaka ended in historic fashion. The 28-year-old became the first Filipino men’s volleyball player to win a championship in Japan after Osaka completed a dramatic Finals comeback against the Suntory Sunbirds. The title-clinching match saw Osaka dominate Game 3 with a victory to dethrone the defending champions.

     

    “Honored to renew with Osaka Bluteon!” said Bagunas. “Thank you to the club, my teammates, and all the fans for the incredible support. I’m excited for another season and ready to give my all. Let’s make more history together.”

     

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    The achievement was especially meaningful for Bagunas, who returned to top-level competition after recovering from a knee injury. He later helped Alas Pilipinas secure a historic victory over Egypt in the FIVB Men’s World Championship before continuing his strong form in Japan.

     

    Although Osaka featured one of the deepest rosters in the SV.League, Bagunas remained a valuable contributor throughout the campaign. He finished with 31 total points on 23 attacks, five blocks, and three aces across 39 matches as Osaka compiled a stellar 38-6 record in the regular season before capturing the title.

     

    Meanwhile, Espejo’s impact in Taiwan earned him another opportunity with the Skyhawks.

     

    “Marck has become an important force at both ends of the team’s attack and defense with comprehensive attack ability and stable defensive performance. The attack success rate is as high as 46.6 percent, whether in the regular season or key games, it can show stable output, bringing substantial contributions to the team,” the club said.

     

    “In addition to his performance on the field, Marck’s positive attitude and professionalism have also been recognized by the team, and his rich international experience not only enhances the overall competitiveness of the team, but also brings a positive impact on the teammates.”

     

    For Espejo, the championship further strengthened an already impressive international résumé. The Alas Pilipinas standout became the first Filipino volleyball player to win professional titles in two different countries after previously lifting a championship trophy with the Incheon Korean Air Jumbos in South Korea.

     

    His latest triumph marked another milestone in a career that has taken him across some of Asia’s most competitive volleyball leagues, including stints in Japan, Thailand, Bahrain, South Korea, and Taiwan.

     

    The renewed contracts also arrive at an important time for Philippine volleyball. With both Bagunas and Espejo continuing to compete against elite international talent, Alas Pilipinas stands to benefit from the experience and high-level competition they will bring back to the national team.

     

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  • SIBOL Honor of Kings secures Asian Games spot after perfect qualifiers run 

    SIBOL Honor of Kings secures Asian Games spot after perfect qualifiers run 

    The SIBOL Honor Of Kings national team officially punched its ticket to the Asian Games after completing a dominant run in the qualifiers at the Petaling Jaya Marriott Hotel in Malaysia, capped by a 2-0 sweep of Uzbekistan that secured a flawless 3-0 record in Group A.


    The qualification came before the Filipinos’ final group-stage showdown against regional rival Indonesia, giving SIBOL a chance to finish the qualifiers on a high note while already looking ahead to the continental stage later this year.

     

    Head coach Gerald Gelacio welcomed the achievement but stressed that the team remains locked in despite already securing its place in Japan.

     

    “Actually, sobrang saya namin kasi pasok na tayo sa Main Event. Isang karangalan para sa amin ang ma-represent ang Pilipinas sa Asian Games. Of course, ‘yung approach namin going sa last match namin versus Team Indonesia is paghahandaan pa rin namin sila. May rivalry tayo versus them so papakita namin ang lakas ng Pinas,” Gelacio said.

     

    The match against Uzbekistan proved to be SIBOL’s toughest test of the qualifiers so far. Unlike their previous dominant performances, the Filipinos found themselves in an early battle as Uzbekistan took a 2-1 kill advantage in the opening minutes.

     

    SIBOL quickly flipped the momentum with six straight kills, highlighted by Chammy Paul Nazarrea’s aggressive plays in the top lane during the sixth minute. The turnaround allowed the Filipinos to take full control before Dragon Dajao delivered a crucial double strike midway through the 10th minute.

     

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    The Philippines closed Game 1 in style, producing a 5-for-0 Ace that ended Uzbekistan’s hopes of a comeback.

     

    Game 2 saw SIBOL make a roster adjustment as Jhon Mike Tungol entered the lineup for Dajao, and the debutant immediately made an impact. Tungol’s early kill helped ignite another strong start, pushing the Philippines to a 5-0 lead late in the fifth minute.

     

    The national team dismantled Uzbekistan’s defense and finished the second game with a commanding 12-0 kill scoreline, completing an eight-minute sweep.

     

    Roamer Charles Roman Cruz Esguerra played a major role in the victory, contributing two kills and 10 assists, while Tungol impressed in his first appearance with the national team by adding two kills and eight assists.

     

    The perfect record not only secured SIBOL’s Asian Games berth but also reinforced the Philippines’ growing presence in Honor of Kings esports.

     

    With their spot in Nagoya already guaranteed, the Filipinos now shift their focus to Indonesia — a familiar Southeast Asian rival and a potential preview of the battles waiting at the Asian Games stage.

     

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  • Under coach Tim Cone’s system, Mike Phillips ready for bigger Gilas Pilipinas role 

    Under coach Tim Cone’s system, Mike Phillips ready for bigger Gilas Pilipinas role 

    Mike Phillips has waited a long time for this moment. Three years after first answering the call to represent the country in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games under then-head coach Chot Reyes, he is once again wearing the national colors—this time as part of the Gilas Pilipinas squad under coach Tim Cone.

     

    Named as one of the Final 12 for Window 3 of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, Phillips is set to join the national team in crucial road games.

     

    For Phillips, however, the excitement of representing the country has never faded.

     

    “Sobrang saya ko at ang tagal namin itong hinintay, kasi SBP has been working so hard. Ma’am Erika Dy has been working so hard for so many years. Sobrang saya ko na nakasama ako sa Final 12 at excited akong maglaro para sa bayan,” he said.

     

    The call-up becomes even more meaningful with two familiar faces joining him on the roster. Former De La Salle teammates Justine Baltazar and Kevin Quiambao will also suit up for Gilas, creating what Phillips described as a special reunion years in the making.

     

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    “Super excited, Kevin is my boy and si Balti, siya yung captain ko nung first year ko sa La Salle. Full-circle talaga. We have the Animo pride,” the former De La Salle University standout said.

     

    For a player known for his relentless motor and physical style of play, the latest Gilas opportunity also serves as a chance to showcase how much his game has evolved since his UAAP days. 

     

    From becoming one of the country’s most versatile frontcourt players to earning recognition on the international stage, Phillips believes he is a more complete player than when he first joined the national team setup.

     

    His inclusion comes at a pivotal stage of the Philippines’ World Cup qualifying campaign. Gilas continues its quest for a place in the 2027 FIBA World Cup. The upcoming window is expected to provide a crucial test of the team’s depth and progress under Cone.

     

    Joining Phillips in the Final 12 are RJ Abarrientos, Justine Baltazar, Justin Brownlee, AJ Edu, June Mar Fajardo, Chris Newsome, Kevin Quiambao, Dwight Ramos, Troy Rosario, Carl Tamayo, and Scottie Thompson, as Gilas prepares for another important chapter in its World Cup journey.

     

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  • SIBOL MLBB opens Asian Games Qualifiers with sweep of host Malaysia 

    SIBOL MLBB opens Asian Games Qualifiers with sweep of host Malaysia 

    SIBOL wasted little time announcing its arrival at the 2026 Asian Games Qualifiers. Facing host nation Malaysia in its opening assignment at the Sentosa Convention Center on Thursday, the Philippine Mobile Legends: Bang Bang squad delivered a commanding 2-0 sweep.


    With only five regional slots available for the Asian Games main event, every match carries significant weight. SIBOL, however, made sure there would be little drama in its tournament opener.

     

    Karl Nepomuceno and Alston Pabico spearheaded the charge as the Philippines controlled both games from the outset, showcasing the discipline and coordination that have long made the country a powerhouse in the MLBB scene.

     

    Head coach Allec “SN4P” Alvarado welcomed the victory but noted that the team still has room to grow as it adapts to the evolving tournament meta.

     

    “Maganda naman yung pinakita ng team. Good warm-up match against one of the top teams, din dito. Nag-a-adjust pa kami sa mga meta at sana sunod-sunod yung panalo at momentum ng team moving forward. Same sa MPL PH, pag panalo yung first, momentum pa rin siya. At malaking tulong ‘yan,” Alvarado said.

     

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    The opening game quickly tilted in SIBOL’s favor after Nepomuceno’s Akai created the first major breakthrough. A perfectly executed Heavy Spin resulted in a crucial double kill that sparked a 4-for-1 exchange, allowing the Filipinos to secure the first Turtle objective just four minutes into the match.

     

    SIBOL tightened its grip on the map, limiting Malaysia to just one more kill for the rest of the game. The Filipinos then punctuated their dominance with a decisive 5-for-0 wipeout during a base turret siege in the 10th minute.

     

    Pabico emerged as the standout performer in the opener, finishing with three kills and 11 assists without suffering a single death. Newcomer Dave Viana Jr. also impressed in his first international outing for the national team, contributing three kills and four assists from the gold lane.

     

    Sanford Vinuya highlighted another explosive early-game start when he secured a solo kill against Malaysia’s Muhammad Razif, helping SIBOL build a 5-1 advantage in the kill score before the five-minute mark.

     

    Malaysia attempted to claw its way back during a pivotal Lord contest in the ninth minute after taking down Nepomuceno. Instead of allowing momentum to shift, the Filipinos responded immediately, collecting three kills of their own before securing the objective.

     

    With Lord marching down the lanes, SIBOL methodically closed out the series. Pabico delivered the finishing blow with a double kill as the Filipinos overwhelmed Malaysia in a 5-for-2 wipeout during an 11th-minute base turret siege.

     

    The victory places the national team in a strong position in the group stage and provides the momentum, as Alvarado hopes his squad can carry into its upcoming matches against Laos and Cambodia on Day 2.

     

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