Sports PH News | JS DEV Site

Author: Dorothy Del Rosario

  • Philippine Boxing Team bags four gold medals in European tournament campaign 

    Philippine Boxing Team bags four gold medals in European tournament campaign 

    From Serbia to the Netherlands, the Philippine Boxing Team under the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) delivered a statement performance, bringing home four gold medals while battling elite international opposition across two prestigious tournaments.


    Leading the charge was rising star Clark Vicera, whose breakout stretch overseas quickly turned him into one of the brightest names in the national program.

     

    Vicera first showcased his form during the 63rd Belgrade Winner Elite Men’s and Women’s Boxing Tournament in Serbia held from March 13 to 17, where he dominated the Men’s 50kg division with a string of commanding performances.

     

    His road to gold started with a unanimous decision victory over 2024 Youth World Boxing Championships bronze medalist Dias Berikbay of Kazakhstan in the preliminaries. From there, Vicera continued his flawless run with convincing wins against Ibrahim Aljohani of Saudi Arabia in the quarterfinals and Nurzat Ongarov of Kazakhstan in the semifinals.

     

    He then capped his Serbian campaign with a gritty 4-1 split decision triumph against Salih Samet Oruc of Türkiye in the gold medal match.

     

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    While Vicera was overpowering opponents in the men’s division, veteran boxer Riza Pasuit quietly put together one of the cleanest tournament runs of the event in the Women’s 57kg category.

     

    Pasuit never surrendered a single scorecard throughout her campaign, overwhelming Victoria Vergos of Canada, Areti Stergiou of Greece, and Ece Asude Ediz of Türkiye, all via unanimous decision to secure another gold medal for the Philippines.

     

    Paul Julyfer Bascon added to the country’s medal haul after earning bronze in the Men’s 60kg division, giving the national team another podium finish against a deep international field.

     

    But the Philippine squad was far from finished, shortly after Serbia, the team headed to the Netherlands for the Eindhoven Box Cup, where Vicera once again emerged in the tournament.

     

    The young Filipino boxer claimed his second gold medal of the European campaign after defeating Sameer Ardawan of Belgium in the semifinals and Ruslan Bednychenko of Ukraine in the finals, both through unanimous decisions.

     

    Tokyo Olympic silver medalist Carlo Paalam then added another golden finish to the Philippines’ successful campaign.

     

    After missing the Serbia tournament due to illness, Paalam wasted little time reminding everyone why he remains one of the country’s most accomplished boxers.

     

    Competing in the Men’s 55kg division, Paalam opened his campaign with a dominant 5-0 quarterfinal victory over Justin Sahin of Germany before figuring in one of the tournament’s most talked-about matches against Paris 2024 Olympic silver medalist Billal Bennama of France.

     

    In a tightly contested bout, Paalam emerged victorious via a 4-1 split decision to advance to the finals.

     

    He completed his championship run in style with another unanimous decision victory against Abdul Burton of England to secure the Philippines’ fourth gold medal.

     

    More than just a medal haul, the strong showing in Europe offered a glimpse of the Philippines’ growing depth in amateur boxing — blending experienced names like Paalam and Pasuit with emerging talents such as Vicera.

     

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  • DepEd confirms Quezon City as host of 2027 Palarong Pambansa 

    DepEd confirms Quezon City as host of 2027 Palarong Pambansa 

    Even as the competition in Agusan del Sur continues to heat up, preparations for the next chapter of the country’s biggest student sporting event are already beginning to take shape.


    The Department of Education confirmed that Quezon City will host the 2027 Palarong Pambansa, signaling a return of the annual multi-sport meet to the nation’s capital region more than six decades after the city first staged the event in 1966.

     

    Education Undersecretary Malcolm Garma said coordination between DepEd and the Quezon City government is already underway for the staging of the 67th edition of the Palarong Pambansa.

     

    “I think the delegation from the Quezon City government will be coming over for the turnover of the Palarong Pambansa banner during the closing ceremony,” Garma said.

     

    While the announcement shifted some attention toward the future, the spotlight remains firmly on Agusan del Sur, where thousands of young athletes continue to compete across packed venues scattered throughout the province.

     

    This year’s Palarong Pambansa has drawn more than 13,000 student-athletes representing 20 delegations from across the country, turning the week-long competition into not only a battle for medals but also a showcase of regional pride and emerging athletic talent.

     

    As of May 28, the National Capital Region remained on top of the medal standings with 26 gold, 16 silver, and 21 bronze medals. Region 4-A Calabarzon stayed within striking distance in second place, while Region 7 Central Visayas continued to hold third as several events entered their crucial final stages.

     

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    Beyond the medal race, the 2026 edition has also highlighted the growing depth of talent from provinces outside traditional sports powerhouses. 

     

    Several first-time finalists and breakout performers from Visayas and Mindanao have emerged during the week, giving smaller delegations opportunities to challenge more established programs on the national stage.

     

    Host province Agusan del Sur has likewise earned praise for bringing the games closer to local communities, with schools, municipal venues, and residents actively supporting the influx of athletes, coaches, and spectators. 

     

    The atmosphere across the province has reflected how the Palarong Pambansa continues to serve not only as a sporting event but also as a celebration of youth development and regional unity.

     

    Attention now slowly turns toward what Quezon City could offer in 2027. With its larger sports infrastructure, accessible transport network, and experience in handling major national events, expectations are already building for a bigger and more centralized edition of the Palarong Pambansa next year. Organizers are also expected to explore upgraded facilities and wider venue accessibility to accommodate the continuously growing number of participants.

     

    For Quezon City, hosting the event will also mark a symbolic return to a competition it helped shape decades ago. More than 60 years after first welcoming the country’s best student-athletes, the city now prepares to once again become the center of Philippine grassroots sports. 

     

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  • ONIC PH, Team Liquid PH set up heavyweight clash after dominant MPL PH Playoff wins 

    ONIC PH, Team Liquid PH set up heavyweight clash after dominant MPL PH Playoff wins 

    The race for the MPL Philippines Season 17 crown is beginning to separate contenders from survivors — and after two days of playoff battles, ONIC Philippines and Team Liquid PH are starting to look like the teams to beat.

     

    What began with tense elimination matches on Wednesday quickly shifted into a showcase of dominance on Thursday as both squads marched into the upper bracket finals with convincing sweeps.

     

    But before ONIC PH could even think about facing defending champions Team Liquid PH, the team first had to survive one of the most dramatic series of the playoffs.

     

    Matched against M7 World Champions Aurora Gaming in the opening round, ONIC PH found itself pushed to the limit in a grueling five-game showdown. Aurora, despite entering the playoffs with a shaky 5-9 regular season record, still flashed the brilliance that once made them world champions.

     

    The Northern Lights controlled stretches of the series and nearly completed the upset, but ONIC PH refused to fold under pressure.

     

    In Game 4, ONIC completely flipped the momentum behind a ruthless 14-minute victory powered by Cyric “K1ngkong” Perez. Using Leomord, K1ngkong dominated the jungle matchup and exploded for a 5-1-4 KDA as ONIC rolled to a commanding 10-4 kill advantage to force a deciding Game 5.

     

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    Aurora looked poised to survive elimination after controlling much of the early and middle stages of the decider, but ONIC’s patience paid off late. One by one, Aurora’s heroes fell during crucial team fights as ONIC staged a dramatic comeback to complete the reverse momentum swing.

     

    Savero emerged as the closer for ONIC PH, delivering a flawless performance on Karrie with a 6-0-5 KDA to secure the Game 5 MVP honors and eliminate the former world champions from contention.

     

    For Aurora, the loss closed the curtain on a difficult Season 17 campaign. Just months removed from winning the franchise’s first M-Series world title, the team struggled to maintain consistency in what many consider the toughest MPL region in Mobile Legends esports. Aurora only secured a playoff berth during the final week of the regular season before ultimately running out of answers against ONIC’s resilience.

     

    While ONIC survived a war, Smart Omega took a more methodical route to the next round after dispatching Twisted Minds, 3-1.

     

    Twisted Minds stole Game 1 after capitalizing on key pickoffs and numerical advantages against Omega, but the momentum quickly shifted afterward.

     

    Omega tightened its rotations and dominated the next three games behind several standout performances. Minguin orchestrated team fights with a clean 2-0-6 KDA on Yve, Raizen exploded on Leomord with an 8-1-4 performance, while Perkziva anchored the lineup with a flawless 0-0-12 KDA on Khaleed.

     

    By Game 4, Omega had complete control of the series, needing only 14 minutes to close out Twisted Minds and secure a date with defending champions Team Liquid PH.

     

    Thursday, however, proved far more unforgiving.

     

    ONIC PH barely showed signs of fatigue despite coming off a five-game thriller the day before, sweeping Falcons, 3-0, in a one-sided upper bracket semifinal series. K1ngkong once again dictated the pace for ONIC, while Kelra and Super Frince consistently won key fights to deny Falcons any chance of establishing momentum.

     

    The series never truly felt close as ONIC overwhelmed Falcons in objectives, map control, and late-game execution. Falcons struggled to keep up with ONIC’s tempo and were eliminated from upper bracket contention in just three games.

     

    Team Liquid PH delivered an equally commanding statement against Smart Omega. The defending champions looked fully in control from the opening game, dismantling Omega’s setups with disciplined macro play and superior objective control. Team Liquid PH’s chemistry and composure consistently neutralized Omega’s aggressive attempts to create openings, leading to another clean 3-0 sweep.

     

    The victory extended Team Liquid PH’s dominant playoff form and reinforced why the squad remains the favorite to defend its MPL PH crown.

     

    Now, the playoffs narrow even further. On Friday, Falcons and Smart Omega will battle for survival in the lower bracket, while ONIC Philippines and Team Liquid PH collide in a highly anticipated upper bracket finals showdown with a direct grand finals berth on the line.

     

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  • Patrick Gardner adjusting quickly as Meralco pushes through semis 

    Patrick Gardner adjusting quickly as Meralco pushes through semis 

    Less than two weeks after Patrick Gardner saw his championship hopes collapse in Japan, the American-Egyptian big man suddenly found himself in Manila — wearing a Meralco jersey and stepping into the pressure of a semifinal series.


    The 26-year-old arrived in the PBA carrying unfinished business after his Fukushima Firebonds suffered a devastating sweep against the Kobe Storks in the Japanese B. League Division 2 Finals last May 17. 

     

    The defeat cost Fukushima both the title and a coveted promotion to Division 1. 

     

    Instead of heading into vacation mode, Gardner was suddenly thrown into another playoff war after Meralco replaced Marvin Jones following the Bolts’ Game 3 defeat to an all-Filipino TNT Tropang 5G squad.

     

    “This kind of happened very quick, and I thought it would be a great opportunity for me to play in a country like this with such big basketball fans, and I jumped on it,” Gardner said.

     

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    “Well, I was expecting to go into my off season, and then like I was taking a rest for a week, and then I got the call for this opportunity, and yeah, I started to get back into the gym,” he added.

     

    In his PBA debut during Meralco’s Game 4 semifinal clash, Gardner immediately gave the Bolts the interior presence they badly needed. Despite fouling out with 3:26 remaining, he still produced 20 points, 13 rebounds, and three assists to help Meralco stay alive in the series.

     

    “I don’t want to lose in the championship again… I still have the hunger,” he said.

     

    Gardner admitted his debut was far from perfect, especially with the adjustment to PBA officiating and physicality, but the victory mattered more than the mistakes.

     

    “I’m just happy we won the game, ultimately. Like, it’s my first game here, so ultimately I think that was most important. But, yeah, I think I had a good game. Had six fouls, so that wasn’t good, but it’s a learning curve. So I’m just here to keep learning and getting better,” the American-Egyptian player said.

     

    Meralco head coach Luigi Trillo appreciated not only Gardner’s production, but also the circumstances surrounding it. The import had barely joined the team, was still recovering from a grueling Finals run in Japan, and even battled cramps throughout the game.

     

    “He’s fresh from the Japanese Division 2. He just played, I think, in the finals. So, 10 days off. Pero ‘yun nga sinasabi niya, palagi ‘pag first game of the season kahit saan na-ccramps daw siya,” Trillo added.

     

    Although Gardner previously played in the Philippines during the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup with the Egyptian national team, he admitted the PBA remains a completely different challenge.

     

    “It’s definitely an adjustment compared to Japan or G League or college or anything. But the fans are great. I mean, right when we walked on the court, it was just a full crowd, so, yeah, it was nice,” he shared.

     

    With Meralco still chasing control of the best-of-seven semifinal series, Gardner acknowledged he wishes he had more time to learn the system and build chemistry with the team. But the Bolts no longer have the luxury of waiting.

     

    Now, just days after turning personal disappointment into a crucial Game 4 response, Gardner and Meralco head back to the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Friday for another pivotal showdown against TNT Tropang 5G in Game 5.

     

     

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  • Alex Eala earns spot in Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 following breakthrough tennis rise

    Alex Eala earns spot in Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 following breakthrough tennis rise

    Alex Eala’s rise in world tennis is beginning to resonate far beyond the court.

     

    The young Filipina tennis standout has officially been included in the 2026 Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 list for entertainment and sports, a recognition that reflects not only her growing profile in international tennis, but also her influence as one of the Philippines’ emerging global athletes.

     

    Forbes pointed to Eala’s breakthrough stretch over the past year, where the 20-year-old continued climbing the women’s professional circuit while producing some of the biggest moments of her career.

     

    Among the milestones highlighted were her stunning victories over Grand Slam champions during her breakout run in Miami, her appearance in a WTA final in Eastbourne in June, and her first-ever Grand Slam singles win at the US Open.

     

    Eala also delivered a historic achievement for the Philippines by capturing the Southeast Asian Games gold medal in women’s tennis — the country’s first gold in the event since 1999.

     

    As her international profile continues to grow, Eala admitted that one of the most meaningful parts of competing abroad has been the overwhelming support she receives from Filipinos around the world.

     

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    “Tennis can sometimes feel quiet and serious, so having that energy makes it special,” Eala said, as quoted by Forbes.

     

    That support has become increasingly visible throughout her tournaments, with Filipino fans regularly showing up in different countries to cheer her on during matches, turning foreign venues into pockets of home support.

     

    Eala recently faced another learning experience on tour after suffering a first-round exit against Iva Jovic at the French Open. Still, the recognition from Forbes underscores how much ground she has covered in a relatively short period and how highly regarded her trajectory has become across Asia.

     

    Her inclusion also places her alongside some of the region’s biggest young names in sports and entertainment, including Filipino singer-songwriter Zack Tabudlo, Japanese baseball star Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Australian basketball player Isaac Humphries, New Zealand Olympic champion Hamish Kerr, golfers Minjee Lee and Shannon Tan, Thai badminton silver medalist Kunlavut Vitidsarn, and Chinese track athlete Wu Yanni.

     

    For Eala, the latest honor serves as another sign that her journey is no longer just about potential. It is becoming a story of arrival — one match, one milestone, and one breakthrough at a time.

     

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  • Hidily Diaz sees Olympic potential in young Palarong Pambansa weightlifters 

    Hidily Diaz sees Olympic potential in young Palarong Pambansa weightlifters 

    For years, the Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz could only imagine a future where weightlifting would stand alongside the country’s biggest school sports in the Palarong Pambansa.

     

    Now, she is watching that vision unfold in real time. As weightlifting officially made its debut as a regular medal sport in the 2026 Palarong Pambansa in Agusan del Sur, Diaz found herself not on the competition platform, but at the center of a movement she once dreamed possible.

     

    The country’s first Olympic gold medalist has embraced her role as tournament director over the past two years, helping guide the sport from being merely a demonstration event in 2025 into a full-fledged medal discipline this year.


    For Diaz, the biggest victory is not just the medals being awarded—it is the growing number of young Filipinos discovering the sport.

     

    “Para sa akin, napakalaki nito dahil dati three regions or two regions ang merong weightlifting. Ngayon nasa 16 na, may 160 athletes na tayo and nagiging accessible na ‘yung sport,” Diaz said.

     

    What excites Diaz even more is the diversity of athletes now entering weightlifting. Many of the participants competing in this year’s Palaro did not originally come from the sport, bringing with them backgrounds from wrestling, basketball, and athletics before eventually shifting to the platform.

     

    “Marami akong nakitang potential athletes. Sabi nila, ‘yung background is wrestling, basketball, galing sila sa athletics, ngayon nag-shift sila sa weightlifting. And I am happy to see they do weightlifting and enjoy weightlifting,” she said.

     

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    Ironically, Diaz herself never competed in the Palarong Pambansa during her youth. She could only watch from afar as student-athletes battled for medals in the country’s premier grassroots competition. Today, however, she believes the same event she once observed could now become a launching pad for future Olympians.

     

    One of the clearest signs of that potential came early in the competition as Region 9’s Adrian Bucol captured the historic gold medal in the secondary boys’ 48kg division after lifting a combined 183kg, made up of 83kg in the snatch and 100kg in the clean and jerk. Region IV-A’s John Cadag secured silver with a total of 176kg.

     

    The result carried special meaning for Diaz beyond the podium. Bucol comes from Barangay Mampang in Zamboanga—the same community where Diaz herself grew up—while Cadag trains under Diaz’s own weightlifting camp in Jalajala, Rizal. For the Olympic champion, seeing both athletes excel on such a stage served as a reminder of how deeply grassroots development can shape the future of Philippine sports.

     

    As the week-long competition reached its midpoint, Diaz also took time to encourage young athletes pursuing dreams beyond the Palaro stage, emphasizing discipline and perseverance as keys to success.

     

    At the same time, Diaz hinted that her own competitive future may remain uncertain. The Olympic champion revealed she could skip both the 2026 Asian Games and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as she prioritizes promoting weightlifting across the country following the sport’s historic inclusion in the Palaro.

     

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  • Elizabeth Means eager for Gilas Women debut after Filipino citizenship approval 

    Elizabeth Means eager for Gilas Women debut after Filipino citizenship approval 

    For Elizabeth Means, the journey to wearing a Gilas Pilipinas jersey is no longer a distant dream, it is now only a matter of time.

     

    After the measures concerning her naturalization officially lapsed into law, the 23-year-old forward is finally cleared to represent the Philippines, marking a major turning point in her basketball career and international aspirations.


    Now in the final stretch before her anticipated debut with Gilas Pilipinas Women, Means has made her intentions clear: she is fully committed and ready to embrace the national team stage.

     

    “I’m getting super excited to get to play with the Gilas and to represent the Philippines. Philippines really feels like home now and so I’m excited to get to play after practicing for so long and get to help the team be stronger,” Means said.

     

    Originally from the United States and a standout for Westminster University, Means has been training with the national pool since arriving in the country. While she has yet to officially appear on a roster, her presence in practice has already started to shape the team’s dynamics.

     

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    Gilas Women head coach Anton Altamirano has seen her steady improvement firsthand, noting how quickly she has adapted to the system and elevated her comfort level within the group.

     

    “I’ve seen her really improve drastically from the time last year na pagdating niya. I saw glimpses [before at] ngayon na lalabas na talaga niya. I think she’s getting more comfortable with the 3×3 game and also she’s getting comfortable with her teammates,” Altamirano said.

     

    Her arrival also gives the national team a valuable boost in size and versatility, especially alongside key local standout Kacey Dela Rosa, strengthening Gilas Women’s frontcourt depth in a way the program has long needed.

     

    But for Means, the growth hasn’t been one-sided. While adjusting to the speed and physicality of Philippine basketball, she says she has also improved significantly by training alongside her new teammates and learning the local style of play.

     

    Although her formal journey with Gilas began only about a year ago, her connection to the Philippines carries a deeper, more personal history. While she does not have Filipino blood, she traces part of her family’s story to the country through her grandfather, whose roots include time spent in Naga City during his early years.

     

    That background has given her a sense of belonging that goes beyond basketball, making her upcoming debut even more meaningful.

     

    In the coming weeks, she is set to continue her buildup through the Cebu Hustle 3×3, where she will suit up for Pilipinas Aguilas alongside other members of the national pool.

     

    Meanwhile, other Gilas Women standouts such as Kacey Dela Rosa, Mikka Cacho, Camille Clarin, and Afril Bernardino are preparing for their campaign in the FIBA 3×3 World Cup in Warsaw, Poland from June 1 to 7, keeping the program active on multiple international fronts.

     

    With Gilas Women rarely fielding a naturalized player without Filipino lineage, Means is aware of the expectations—but also motivated to prove that her presence can make a difference.

     

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  • Taks Fujimoto leans on support system ahead of PVL Rookie Draft 

    Taks Fujimoto leans on support system ahead of PVL Rookie Draft 

    The path of Taks Fujimoto from UAAP battles to a possible professional career in the PVL has never been just about talent, it has also been about resilience.

     

    The former Ateneo Lady Eagles setter once carried much of the burden as the team tried to measure up against the league’s elite, often finding herself at the center of criticism regardless of factors beyond her control. Those early challenges, however, have now shaped how she approaches the next stage of her volleyball journey.


    As she enters the buildup to the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft, Fujimoto has shifted her focus away from outside noise and toward personal growth, embracing a mindset centered on effort and consistency.

     

    “Siguro, no matter what other people say or yung mga bashers, just do your best. Because there will be people who will support you no matter what,” Fujimoto said.

     

    Now preparing for the draft combine scheduled on May 28 and 29, Fujimoto joined fellow aspirants in a pre-draft meeting organized by her agency Hustle & Groove. The session provided prospects with guidance on what to expect and what areas they need to sharpen before stepping into the professional stage.

     

    Rather than feeling overwhelmed by the transition, the 25-year-old setter is choosing to approach it with curiosity and confidence, seeing it as an opportunity to show the work she has quietly put in over the years.

     

    “I think more on [I want to] enjoy and to really just showcase what I’ve been doing, what I’ve been training for the past years,” the 25-year-old said.

     

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    One of the most reassuring elements of her journey has been the presence of familiar faces. Fujimoto is the only Ateneo player officially listed in the upcoming draft class, but she is far from navigating the process alone.

     

    Former teammates Lyann De Guzman of the Nxled Chameleons and AC Miner of ZUS Coffee have stayed closely involved in her preparation, offering both emotional support and practical advice drawn from their own professional experiences.

     

    “Grateful din talaga ako sa kanila. Because nag-a-ask din ako if ano ba nangyayare, if anong ginawa nila nung draft, or anong kailangan. Before pa ako nakapag-isip mag-draft, tinanong ko rin if anong kailangan ko i-improve as an individual,” Fujimoto said.

     

    With the draft approaching, their guidance has helped Fujimoto better understand what lies ahead, turning uncertainty into readiness as she steps closer to the professional ranks.

     

    “They’re always there to guide me, to help me na ito dapat gawin mo. And I think mas better if ito pa i-improve mo. And happy din po ako kasi nandyan sila. And I can really count on them no matter what.”

     

    As the PVL Rookie Draft draws near, Fujimoto’s story is no longer just about proving herself on the court—it is also about growth, trust, and carrying forward the lessons learned from both struggle and support.

     

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  • Kai Sotto, Rere Madrid tie the knot in an intimate garden wedding 

    Kai Sotto, Rere Madrid tie the knot in an intimate garden wedding 

    Filipino basketball standout Kai Sotto and actress Rere Madrid officially became husband and wife in an intimate garden wedding in Alfonso, Cavite.


    The couple chose a private setting away from the spotlight, surrounded only by family and close friends, before later sharing the milestone with the public through their respective social media accounts on Wednesday evening.

     

    “Still feels unreal that we finally get to call this day our,” Madrid wrote on her social media post.

     

    Sotto, currently a free agent, has just completed his second season in Japan’s B.League with Koshigaya, posting solid averages of 13.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.0 block over 28 games. His consistent performances abroad further solidify his standing as one of the Philippines’ top young big men on the international scene.

     

    At 24 years old, Sotto remains a key figure for Gilas Pilipinas, with his size and skill set often serving as a matchup problem for opposing teams in international competitions. 

     

    His development in Japan has been closely followed by fans eager to see him take the next step in his professional career, whether in Asia or potentially beyond.

     

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    The wedding date also carried a personal touch, coming exactly two years after the couple began their relationship on May 18, 2024—a symbolic celebration of how far they’ve come together in such a short span of time.

     

    The intimate ceremony was attended by close loved ones, including Madrid’s brother, actor Ruru Madrid, and his girlfriend Bianca Umali. 

     

    The celebration was made even more memorable with a surprise performance from Parokya ni Edgar during the reception, adding a festive touch to the otherwise private affair.

     

    Messages of congratulations quickly poured in from Sotto’s Gilas Pilipinas teammates and fellow athletes, reflecting the wide support for the young couple as they step into married life.

     

    For Sotto, the milestone marks a personal chapter off the court that arrives amid a career still in motion. As he continues to explore opportunities as a free agent, the added stability in his personal life comes at a time when his professional journey remains open-ended and full of possibilities.

     

    Now balancing marriage and a developing international career, Sotto enters a new phase defined not only by basketball ambitions, but also by life beyond the game.

     

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  • “Wag niyang pakialamanan ‘yung team namin”: Alfrancis Chua speaks on tense exchange with Yeng Guiao 

    “Wag niyang pakialamanan ‘yung team namin”: Alfrancis Chua speaks on tense exchange with Yeng Guiao 

    After the Rain or Shine’s convincing 97-85 victory in Game 4 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the spotlight quickly shifted from the scoreboard to a fiery confrontation involving Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao and Barangay Ginebra team governor Alfrancis Chua.

     

    What started as tension from the sidelines eventually spilled onto the court after the final buzzer, adding another layer of drama to an already heated best-of-seven series now tied at 2-2.

    According to Guiao, frustrations began building as early as the first quarter, when he noticed Chua frequently talking to game officials during live action. 


    The veteran coach believed those actions could affect the referees handling the tightly contested matchup.

     

    Guiao later revealed that he confronted Chua about it, asking him to stop speaking to the referees to avoid intimidating the officiating crew.

     

    That exchange, however, only intensified emotions between the longtime basketball figures.

    The situation escalated further during the customary postgame handshake when, according to Guiao, Chua approached him and asked, “ano raw problema ko sa kanya.”

     

    The Rain or Shine coach also claimed Chua called him “ulol” during the heated exchange.

     

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    Chua chose not to directly address the accusation afterward, offering only brief but pointed remarks before leaving the venue.

     

    “‘Yung team niya, ‘di ko pinapakialamanan eh. Pakialamanan niya ‘yung team niya. ‘Wag niyang pakialamanan ‘yung team namin,” Chua said after the game.

     

    The Ginebra governor also urged Guiao to focus solely on coaching duties.

     

    “Mag-trabaho na lang siya. Mag-coach na lang siya,” Chua said.

     

    Ironically, the confrontation involved two personalities who have shared years of friendship and collaboration within the Basketball Coaches Association of the Philippines (BCAP), making the public exchange even more surprising for longtime PBA observers.

     

    The emotional sideline battle unfolded on the same night Rain or Shine seized momentum in the series behind a dominant all-around performance. 

     

    The Elasto Painters built a lead that reached as high as 26 points before securing the 12-point victory that turned the semifinal matchup into a virtual best-of-three.

     

    Now, with tensions rising both on and off the hardwood, anticipation surrounding Game 5 on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum has only intensified.

     

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