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Author: Dorothy Del Rosario

  • Senate setback delays Bennie Boatwright naturalization bid

    Senate setback delays Bennie Boatwright naturalization bid

    What appeared to be the final naturalization hurdle in Bennie Boatwright’s path to becoming a Filipino citizen turned into an unexpected waiting game after Senate proceedings were disrupted on Monday, June 1.


    Boatwright, who is being lined up as a potential addition to the Gilas Pilipinas pool, was at the Senate expecting movement on his naturalization bid. 

     

    Instead, the process was temporarily put on hold after lawmakers failed to secure a quorum, preventing the chamber from taking up several measures on its agenda, including the bill seeking to grant him Philippine citizenship.

     

    House Bill 6639 was positioned to move closer to completion, with the Senate measure scheduled for plenary approval. However, the session did not proceed as planned, leaving Boatwright’s application stuck at a critical stage.

     

    The delay comes at a particularly important time for the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), which is working against a shrinking timeline ahead of major international competitions. Once approved by the Senate, the measure would only need to be transmitted to the Office of the President for signing into law, effectively completing Boatwright’s naturalization process.

     

    As of 6 p.m., senators from the majority bloc were absent from the plenary session scheduled at 5 p.m., a development that came amid the day’s political developments, including the arrest of Senator Jinggoy Estrada. The lack of attendance ultimately prevented the Senate from acting on pending measures.

     

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    Despite the setback, there were signs of continued support for the athletes awaiting legislative action. 

     

    Senator Kiko Pangilinan, former chair of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, was seen speaking with Boatwright and Fil-American wrestler Matthew James Ramos and personally apologized for the delay.

     

    For Gilas Pilipinas, the issue extends beyond paperwork. The 6-foot-10 Boatwright is viewed as a possible frontcourt weapon for the national team as it prepares to defend its Asian Games gold medal in Nagoya, Japan, in September. 

     

    His size, shooting ability, and versatility could give the Philippines another high-level option alongside current naturalized player Justin Brownlee.

     

    The uncertainty now centers on timing. The Senate is scheduled to adjourn after Wednesday and is not expected to resume sessions until July, raising questions about when the naturalization measure will return to the floor. 

     

    While the process remains on track legislatively, every delay narrows the preparation window for both Boatwright and the national team.

     

    With the Asian Games drawing closer, the SBP remains hopeful that the final steps can be completed in time. Until then, one of Gilas Pilipinas’ most anticipated roster additions remains waiting for a vote that was expected to be a formality but has suddenly become a race against the calendar.

     

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  • Gilas Women U-18 begins new era under Sandy Arespacochaga in SEABA Qualifiers 

    Gilas Women U-18 begins new era under Sandy Arespacochaga in SEABA Qualifiers 

    For the Gilas Women U-18 team, the 2026 FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers in Bacolod represent more than a regional tournament—they signal the beginning of a transition period that could influence the future of the country’s youth basketball program.


    That new phase officially starts on Tuesday, June 2, when the Filipinas face Vietnam in their opening assignment. 

     

    The matchup also serves as the head coaching debut of Sandy Arespacochaga, who was recently tasked with steering the next generation of Gilas talent toward greater success on the international stage.

     

    With Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand also participating in the five-day competition, the tournament provides an early glimpse into how the revamped program intends to move forward under its new leadership. 

     

    While victories remain important, the event offers a rare opportunity to test systems, assess player development, and establish a foundation ahead of bigger challenges in the coming years.

     

    The Philippines enters the competition in a unique position. Having already secured a berth in the 2026 FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup after capturing the Division B crown in 2024, the pressure of qualification has largely been removed. 

     

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    Instead, the focus shifts toward building cohesion, refining execution, and identifying the players capable of becoming long-term cornerstones of the national team setup.

     

    That process begins with key contributors Tiffany Reyes and Sophia Dignadice, who are expected to anchor the squad throughout a demanding stretch of four games in five days. 

     

    Beyond individual performances, however, the coaching staff will closely monitor how the team responds to adversity, adapts to different opponents, and executes under the fast-paced schedule.

     

    The tournament also serves as a proving ground for athletes seeking to elevate their standing within the national program. 

     

    Every possession and every game become part of a larger evaluation process as coaches determine which players can handle expanded responsibilities on the road to the continental competition.

     

    After taking on Vietnam in the opener, Gilas Women U-18 will continue its campaign against Singapore on June 3, Thailand on June 4, and Indonesia on June 6. 

     

    By the end of the week, the results may matter less than the answers the team uncovers about its identity, chemistry, and readiness for the next stage of its development.

     

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  • Answering the Call: Why Representing the Philippines Remains a Sporting Honor 

    Answering the Call: Why Representing the Philippines Remains a Sporting Honor 

    Every athlete dreams of competing on the biggest stages in sports. For some, that means the Olympics. For others, it is the Southeast Asian Games, the Asian Games, the FIBA World Cup, or other major international tournaments. What makes these events different from professional leagues and club competitions is that athletes are no longer representing themselves or their teams—they are representing the Philippines.

     

    That is why national team duty should remain one of the highest priorities for Filipino athletes. Throughout history, some of the country’s most celebrated sporting moments have come from athletes who proudly wore the national colors. 

     

    When Hidilyn Diaz won the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medal in Tokyo, she delivered a moment that transcended weightlifting. EJ Obiena has elevated Philippine athletics by consistently competing among the world’s best pole vaulters, while Carlos Yulo continues to showcase Filipino excellence on the global gymnastics stage. 


    Their achievements are significant not only because of the medals and records they earned, but because they achieved them while representing the country.

     

    Another example is Alex Eala, who has spent much of her young career competing on the international tennis courts. Unlike many athletes who rely heavily on national team competitions for exposure, Eala has built her career through professional tournaments around the world. She trains abroad, competes against some of the best players and has access to opportunities that many Filipino athletes can only dream of. 

     

    Yet despite those opportunities, she has never shied away from representing the Philippines whenever called upon. Wherein she became the First Filipina to win the women’s singles title in the SEA Games since 1999. Her case shows that even for athletes with international careers and resources, wearing the Philippine colors remains a meaningful responsibility rather than an obligation. 

     

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    At the same time, the realities of modern sports cannot be ignored. Athletes today have professional commitments, endorsement obligations, overseas contracts, and concerns about injuries and long-term careers. These factors often make national team participation more complicated than simply accepting an invitation.

     

    This has become evident in the recent discussions surrounding Alas Pilipinas. As members of the previous national team pool opted not to join the upcoming campaign, prompting debates among fans about commitment and patriotism. 

     

    However, choosing to prioritize recovery, personal circumstances, or professional obligations does not automatically mean an athlete lacks love for country. In many cases, these decisions are made after carefully weighing what is best for both the athlete and their career.

     

    The situation also highlights an important point, if athletes are expected to prioritize national team service, organizations must also prioritize athlete welfare. Proper training conditions, medical support, scheduling, financial assistance, and clear communication should be considered basic requirements rather than optional benefits. 

     

    Representing the country should be an honor, but it should not come at the expense of an athlete’s well-being.


    One athlete who continues to embrace national team duty is Alyssa Valdez. Despite uncertainties surrounding the Alas Pilipinas program and the withdrawal of several players from the previous pool, Valdez returned to the national team setup and reaffirmed her commitment to representing the country.

     

    “I will never get tired of representing the country,” she said.

     

    During a recent Alas Pilipinas media gathering, Valdez further emphasized the significance of wearing the national jersey.

     

    “We’re very, very humbled and excited to be part of the national team again and represent the country with pride. But realistically, we cannot predict anything. All we can do now is to prepare well. But we will represent the country with honor and pride,” the veteran volleyball player said.

     

    Valdez’s stance reflects why many fans continue to value national team participation. Athletes who answer the call to represent the country understand the responsibility that comes with wearing the Philippine colors, especially in international competitions where they carry the expectations of an entire nation.

     

    However, patriotism should not be measured solely by whether an athlete accepts or declines a national team invitation. Athletes are often subjected to intense criticism on social media, particularly when they choose to sit out due to injuries, recovery concerns, or personal reasons. 

     

    The discussion should not be limited to whether athletes should prioritize the Philippines. A more important question is whether Philippine sports institutions are doing enough to support the athletes who continue to represent the country. 

     

    National team service works best when commitment is shared by both sides—athletes giving their best effort on the court, field, or track, and organizations providing the resources and support necessary for them to succeed.

     

    Representing the Philippines should remain one of the highest honors in sports. But for athletes to consistently make it a priority, they must feel that the same level of commitment is being given back to them by the organizations, sponsors, and stakeholders entrusted with Philippine sports. When that balance exists, both the athletes and the country stand to benefit.

     

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  • Alex Eala begins grass-court season at Birmingham Open 

    Alex Eala begins grass-court season at Birmingham Open 

    Alex Eala is set to begin her grass-court campaign at the Birmingham Open from June 1 to 7, marking the start of a demanding but potentially rewarding stretch that could shape her preparations for Wimbledon.


    Unlike last year, when she entered Birmingham searching for consistency, Eala arrives this time as one of the tournament favorites. 

     

    The 20-year-old has been installed as the No. 2 seed in the WTA 125 event, trailing only top-seeded Janice Tjen in the draw.

     

    Her opening challenge will come against Priscilla Hon in the Singles Round of 32. The matchup adds another chapter to a budding rivalry between the two players. 

     

    Hon emerged victorious in their first meeting during the qualifying rounds of the Roehampton tournament in England in 2023. Eala responded the following year, defeating Hon in the qualifying stage of the Ningbo tournament in China to level their head-to-head record.

     

    Currently ranked No. 135 in the world, Hon brings valuable experience to the contest, having previously climbed as high as No. 94 in the WTA rankings.

     

    During last year’s edition, she also fought through a nearly three-hour battle against Linda Fruhvirtova but ultimately suffered a first-round exit after a 5-7, 7-6, 1-6 defeat. 

     

    It was a tough introduction to the grass season, but one that now serves as a measuring stick for how much her game has evolved over the past year.

     

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    Eala is also scheduled to compete in the doubles competition, where she will partner Czech player Nikola Bartunkova. The pair will face Harriet Dart and Maia Lumsden in the Round of 16.

     

    More than a single tournament, Birmingham represents the opening act of a packed grass-court itinerary.

     

    Following the event, Eala will continue her preparations through the Ilkley Open from June 8 to 14 and the Nottingham Open from June 15 to 20. She will then head to Germany after receiving a main-draw wildcard into the Bad Homburg Open, a WTA 500 tournament scheduled from June 21 to 27.

    The wildcard invitation places Eala alongside notable names such as Eva Lys and seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams, offering another opportunity to test herself against a high-level field before Wimbledon.

     

    She will also return to the Eastbourne Open later in June. Last season, Eala enjoyed one of the finest runs of her professional career there, advancing all the way to the final before finishing runner-up to Australia’s Maya Joint.

     

    Taken together, the upcoming tournaments form a carefully constructed path toward Wimbledon, which runs from June 29 to July 12 in London.

     

    For Eala, the grass season is about more than rankings points or tournament results. It is a chance to sharpen her game on the surface she has repeatedly described as her favorite and to build momentum heading into the third Grand Slam of the year.

     

    As the Birmingham Open begins, the focus is not simply on one opponent or one tournament. It is on a month-long journey that could reveal just how far the young Filipina star can go when Wimbledon finally arrives.

     

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  • Early move to pro pays off for Trisha Tubu after PVL Press Corps Season MVP win

    Early move to pro pays off for Trisha Tubu after PVL Press Corps Season MVP win

    The Farm Fresh Foxies opposite spiker, Trisha Tubu was awarded the season Most Valuable Player at the 2nd PVL Press Corps Awards Night, capping a breakout professional campaign that transformed her from a promising collegiate standout into one of the league’s defining forces.


    Tubu topped the MVP race with a weighted score of 171.868, powered by consistent performances across the PVL On Tour, Invitationals, and All-Filipino Conference. 

     

    She also collected 50.4 media votes and 25.2 team votes, sealing the league’s highest individual honor during the ceremony supported by Immuni+ and Rebisco.

     

    Beyond the numbers, her season was defined by impact as Tubu led Farm Fresh to playoff appearances in all three conferences, highlighted by the franchise’s best-ever fourth-place finish in the All-Filipino Conference.

     

    Her rise carries added weight considering how her professional journey began. The former Adamson Lady Falcons standout took an early leap into the pro ranks without guarantees, a move that now stands validated by both performance and recognition.

     

    Tubu reflected on that decision with honesty, acknowledging the risks that came with leaving college early.

     

    “Siguro po, mula nung nag-take risk ako sa college pa lang na mag-jump na sa pro, siguro in-accept ko na po lahat ng challenge na pwedeng mangyari. And siguro ‘yun po ‘yung naging stepping stone ko para makuha ko po itong ganoong mga awards,” she said.

     

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    Despite her rapid rise, she admitted the MVP honor still felt unreal.

     

    “Actually, sobrang shocked ko talaga kasi never ko naisip na panaginipan or what na magkakaroon ako ng MVP award,” she said.

     

    What has defined Tubu’s season most, however, is not just production but mindset. She emphasized treating every match as if it were her last.

     

    That mentality helped anchor Farm Fresh’s most successful PVL campaign to date, including their first-ever semifinal appearance in the All-Filipino Conference. 

     

    Now, Tubu is setting her sights even higher, aiming to push the Foxies beyond breakthrough status.

     

    “Matulungan ko yung team ko na hindi lang sa Final Four na hopefully mag-podium finish po kami next conference.”

     

    Her dominance was further recognized beyond the MVP award, as she also earned a spot in the PVL Mythical Team alongside Savi Davison, Bella Belen, Pangs Panaga, Majoy Baron, Gel Cayuna, and Kath Arado.

     

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  • Team Liquid PH makes history with unstoppable MPL Philippines three-peat championship

    Team Liquid PH makes history with unstoppable MPL Philippines three-peat championship

    On Sunday at the San Juan Arena, the defending champions Team Liquid PH completed a historic three-peat in MPL Philippines Season 17, overpowering Team Falcons PH, 4-2, in the grand finals to secure their third straight league crown.

     

    It was a championship run that felt like a full-circle moment for Team Liquid PH, which had suffered its only defeat of the season at the hands of Falcons during the regular season, a loss that quietly fueled their eventual dominance when it mattered most.

     

    The victory also served as redemption for a squad that entered Season 17 under a cloud of doubt after integrating two rookies into its lineup. 

     

    Many had questioned whether the team could even return to the playoffs, yet they ended the season not just competing, but rewriting MPL history as the first organization to win three consecutive titles from Seasons 15 to 17.

     

    Their playoff campaign further silenced critics. Team Liquid PH arrived undefeated, swept Omega Esports 3-0 in the upper bracket, and then outclassed ONIC Philippines 3-1 to punch their ticket to both the grand finals and the 2026 Esports World Cup in Paris, where they will defend their Mobile Legends Mid-Season Cup title.

     

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    Team Falcons PH, meanwhile, crafted their own resilient narrative. After dropping into the lower bracket following a 0-3 defeat to ONIC Philippines, they clawed their way back with a 3-1 win over Smart Omega before avenging their earlier loss against ONIC with a 4-2 victory to set up a finals rematch with Team Liquid PH.

     

    But in the championship series, the defending champions showed no room for redemption. The turning point came in Game 5, where Sanford “Sanford” Vinuya delivered a masterclass performance on Paquito, finishing with an 8-0-2 line in a devastating 13-2 win that lasted just 10 minutes. 

     

    The commanding performance pushed Team Liquid PH to match point and earned Sanford the Finals MVP honors.

     

    Rookie gold laner Dave “Teddy” Viaña stepped up in key moments to stabilize the closing games, while veteran presence from Karl “Karltzy” Nepomuceno and Jaypee “Jaypee” Dela Cruz continued to anchor the team’s composure under pressure. 

     

    The championship also marked Sanford’s first MPL title, while Teddy and midlaner Alston “Sanji” Pabico added a fifth league crown to their resumes.

     

    For Karltzy and Jaypee, the triumph further extended their legacy as the league’s most decorated players, each now holding six MPL titles.

     

    Beyond the trophies, the win symbolized a deeper evolution for Team Liquid PH an organization that began the season facing roster questions, particularly around its gold lane stability, but ended it as a dynasty unshaken by doubt.

     

    For Team Falcons PH, the campaign still ends with promise. Despite falling short in the finals, their comeback run secured them a place alongside Team Liquid PH as the Philippines’ representatives at the Mobile Legends Mid-Season Cup in Paris this July, part of the global Esports World Cup stage.

     

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  • Jaylen Johnson and Raymond Aguilar move past semifinal tension as Ginebra advances to Finals 

    Jaylen Johnson and Raymond Aguilar move past semifinal tension as Ginebra advances to Finals 

    Days after engaging in a heated verbal exchange following Barangay Ginebra’s 111-104 victory in Game 5, Rain or Shine import Jaylen Johnson and Ginebra’s Raymond Aguilar appeared to have put their differences behind them before their do-or-die Game 6 encounter on Sunday.


    The confrontation between the two players occurred as both teams were leaving the court after Game 5 and reportedly continued into the hallway leading to their respective locker rooms. 

     

    The incident came shortly after another tense moment in the series involving Ginebra governor Alfrancis Chua and Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao during Game 4, adding another layer of intensity to an already physical and emotional semifinal showdown.

     

    The postgame scene claimed the Aguilar-Johnson exchange escalated to the point where the two discussed settling their differences outside the playing venue. Prior to his encounter with Aguilar, Johnson was also seen exchanging words with Ginebra team manager Reyboy Rodriguez during the game broadcast.

     

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    For Johnson, it was another chapter in a conference that has featured several controversial moments. Earlier in the tournament, he figured in a punching incident involving TNT’s Glenn Khobuntin and later drew attention following a heated interaction with Magnolia coach LA Tenorio.

     

    But before Game 6 tipped off at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, the atmosphere appeared noticeably different.

     

    Johnson approached Aguilar during shootaround, and the two shared a brief conversation that was witnessed by early-arriving fans. The gesture drew applause from spectators, many of whom viewed it as a sign that both competitors were ready to let the series be decided on the hardwood rather than through personal disputes.

     

    The focus shifted entirely to Game 6 as Johnson did everything he could to extend Rain or Shine’s season, finishing with 27 points, 14 rebounds, and four assists. 

     

    However, Ginebra’s star power proved too much to overcome as Justin Brownlee delivered another masterclass performance with 31 points, 15 rebounds, and five assists to power the Gin Kings to a 118-107 victory and a 4-2 semifinal series triumph.

     

    Now, the spotlight shifts to the championship round, where Aguilar and Barangay Ginebra will renew their rivalry with TNT Tropang 5G. 

     

    The Finals series opens Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, setting the stage for another highly anticipated battle between two of the PBA’s premier franchises. As for Johnson and Aguilar, their brief pregame interaction before Game 6 served as a reminder that while emotions often run high in playoff basketball, respect among competitors ultimately endures.

     

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  • Chot Reyes embraces underdog tag as TNT sets up Finals collision with Ginebra 

    Chot Reyes embraces underdog tag as TNT sets up Finals collision with Ginebra 

    TNT Tropang 5G is heading back to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals, but inside the team’s locker room, there is little talk about defending a championship.


    Instead, head coach Chot Reyes sees a group that continues to survive against the odds. Moments after TNT escaped Meralco, 97-94, in Game 6 of the semifinals on Sunday night, Reyes immediately shifted the conversation toward the challenge waiting ahead — a Barangay Ginebra team he believes resembles a national squad more than a typical PBA opponent.

     

    “We’re coming in as huge underdogs,” said Reyes.

     

    For a team that has reached five straight Finals appearances, the statement may sound surprising. But Reyes pointed to the sheer firepower standing on the other side of the bracket.

     

    “We’re basically playing Gilas, and the (greatest of all time) of all imports in JB,” the veteran coach added. 

     

    The TNT mentor was referring to a Ginebra roster loaded with national team mainstays and veterans, including Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar, RJ Abarrientos, Troy Rosario, and resident import Justin Brownlee, all playing under multi-titled coach Tim Cone.

     

    The Finals matchup materialized only hours after both teams survived their respective semifinal battles at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

     

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    Ginebra punched the first ticket to the championship round after eliminating Rain or Shine, 118-107, behind another vintage performance from Brownlee and a breakout scoring night from Abarrientos. Brownlee delivered 31 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one block, while Abarrientos erupted for 30 points, seven assists, and six rebounds as the Gin Kings closed out the series, 4-2.

     

    The Tropang 5G followed a few hours later, although their path proved far more nerve-racking. TNT appeared headed for a comfortable finish after building a 91-77 advantage in the fourth quarter against Meralco. 

     

    But the Bolts refused to go away, trimming the deficit and eventually forcing a 94-94 deadlock after a furious rally. With the game hanging in the balance, Jordan Heading produced the biggest sequence of the night, converting a clutch three-point play with 42.1 seconds left to restore TNT’s lead for good.

     

    Heading finished with 30 points on an efficient 9-of-13 shooting clip, helping TNT survive despite losing import Chris McCullough to fouls in the closing minutes. McCullough still contributed 22 points and 13 rebounds before fouling out, while Calvin Oftana added 12 markers. Meralco import Patrick Gardner paced the Bolts with 32 points and 13 rebounds in the losing effort.

     

    What makes TNT’s Finals return even more remarkable is how different this team looks compared to the one that captured last conference’s title.

     

    The Tropang 5G entered the playoffs as the No. 8 seed and needed to survive a dangerous twice-to-beat disadvantage against NLEX just to advance. Yet somehow, TNT keeps finding ways to win.

     

    Last conference, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson led the charge as TNT defeated Ginebra in seven games to capture the Commissioner’s Cup crown. This time, the roster has changed, the road has been tougher, and the expectations outside the organization appear lower.

     

    That may be exactly how Reyes wants it. Rather than dwelling on predictions, the veteran coach insists TNT’s focus remains on the process that carried them through adversity.

     

    “We’ll just go through our process. The outcome, we have no control over that,” he said.

     

    “The only control we have is with our process and effort, and if we stick to those, we give ourselves a chance.”

     

    Now, another chapter will be added to one of the PBA’s most compelling rivalries.

     

    Game 1 of the Commissioner’s Cup Finals between TNT and Barangay Ginebra is set on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where the defending champions will once again attempt to prove that being underestimated can sometimes be their biggest advantage.

     

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  • Detdet Pepito ready for PVL leap as former UST captain eyes new challenge with pro liberos 

    Detdet Pepito ready for PVL leap as former UST captain eyes new challenge with pro liberos 

    For more than a decade, Detdet Pepito’s volleyball identity was tied to the University of Santo Tomas.


    Now, as she steps into the professional ranks, the former Golden Tigresses captain is preparing to test herself against the very players she once watched from the sidelines.

     

    “Super excited ko kasi yun nga noon pinapanood ko lang sila, ngayon pa kayang makakalaban ko sila,” Pepito said.

     

    After 11 years of development under the UST system, Pepito enters the PVL Draft carrying both familiarity and uncertainty, the kind that comes with leaving a long-standing home and entering an entirely new competitive environment.

     

    Despite the transition, the two-time UAAP Best Libero remains firm on the qualities she plans to bring into the professional stage, especially the leadership that defined her collegiate career.

     

    “Siguro, unang-una po yung leadership ko, of course, and yung palagi ko talagang binibigay yung 101-percent ko during training pa lang po and syempre sa laro,” the UST captain said.

     

    But behind the confidence is a reality check that comes with professional adjustment. Pepito admitted that adapting to PVL routines has not been simple, especially with the shift in training schedules and overall system differences compared to collegiate life.

     

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    “Honestly, it’s been really hard. Even just the training schedule is a huge adjustment because most PVL teams train in the morning. In UST, we usually finished training late at night, so my body clock was really used to that,” she said.

     

    Still, instead of resisting change, Pepito has begun embracing it, even finding unexpected positives in the adjustment to a new routine.

     

    “Now I’m trying my best to adjust to morning training and to the overall PVL system. It’s difficult, but exciting too because after almost 11 years of training at night, now I’m training in the morning. Actually, I’ve noticed I become more productive after morning training because I still have the whole afternoon to do other things.”

     

    As the PVL Draft approaches on June 3 at Novotel Manila Araneta City, Pepito is part of a competitive pool of liberos that includes University of the Philippines’ Jum Gayo and Irah Jaboneta, as well as Colegio de San Juan de Letran’s Lara Mae Silva, among others.

     

    The draft order places Galeries Tower on top with the first overall pick, followed by Capital1, Choco Mucho, ZUS Coffee, Akari, Nxled, Farm Fresh, PLDT, and Creamline.

     

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  • NBA Round up: Spurs rout Thunder in Game 6 to force winner-take-all Game 7 in West Finals 

    NBA Round up: Spurs rout Thunder in Game 6 to force winner-take-all Game 7 in West Finals 

    The Western Conference Finals is headed for a winner-takes-all Game 7 after the San Antonio Spurs and the Oklahoma City Thunder were pushed into a 3-3 deadlock following Spurs’ dominant 118-91 victory in Game 6.


    From the opening tip, San Antonio played with urgency and control, leaning heavily on Victor Wembanyama’s two-way dominance. 

     

    The Spurs’ star big man finished with 28 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks, setting the tone on both ends of the floor as San Antonio dictated pace and physicality throughout the contest. 

     

    Dylan Harper provided strong support with 18 points, six rebounds, and four assists, while Stephon Castle added 17 points, five rebounds, and nine assists to keep the offense flowing smoothly.

     

    For Oklahoma City, the Thunder struggled to find rhythm against San Antonio’s defensive pressure. Chet Holmgren led OKC with 10 points, 11 rebounds, and one assist, but had limited impact offensively as the Spurs crowded the paint and controlled the boards. 

     

    Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 15 points, one rebound, and four assists in a quiet outing by his standards, as the Thunder’s offense never fully recovered from San Antonio’s early control.

     

    The Spurs established separation through defensive discipline and transition execution, turning stops into fast-break opportunities and forcing Oklahoma City into contested perimeter looks. 

     

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    As the game progressed, San Antonio’s depth and activity level continued to wear down the Thunder, preventing any sustained comeback attempt.

     

    A key swing came during a decisive third-quarter surge, where San Antonio broke the game open with a 20-0 run that completely shifted momentum. 

     

    Oklahoma City’s offense stalled during that stretch, managing just 13 points in the quarter as the Spurs tightened their defensive rotations and capitalized on turnovers to build an insurmountable lead. 

     

    Beyond the star production, San Antonio’s supporting cast also played a crucial role in the blowout win. The Spurs’ provided defensive intensity and timely scoring, outpacing Oklahoma City’s reserves and maintaining momentum whenever Wembanyama sat. 

     

    That depth advantage helped San Antonio sustain control across all four quarters. 

     

    With the series now tied at 3-3, everything comes down to one final showdown — where execution will determine who advances to the NBA Finals and will face the Eastern Champion, New York Knicks.

     

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