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Author: Dorothy Del Rosario

  • Victor Wembanyama leads San Antonio Spurs rout of Oklahoma City Thunder as West Finals series evens at 2-2 

    Victor Wembanyama leads San Antonio Spurs rout of Oklahoma City Thunder as West Finals series evens at 2-2 

    The San Antonio Spurs answered in emphatic fashion, using a commanding two-way performance to dismantle the Oklahoma City Thunder, 103-82, in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals and level the series.


    Victor Wembanyama set the tone on both ends of the floor, finishing with 33 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks in a performance that highlighted his growing control of the matchup.

     

    His presence inside and on the perimeter disrupted OKC’s rhythm from the opening stretches and never let the Thunder fully settle into their offense.

     

    Oklahoma City struggled to find consistent scoring outside of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who finished with 19 points and seven assists while battling constant defensive pressure from San Antonio’s length and rotations.

     

    Isaiah Hartenstein added 12 points inside, while Isaiah Joe chipped in 11 points, but the Thunder lacked enough secondary firepower to keep pace in a physical game.

     

    Devin Vassell and Stephon Castle provided crucial support for the Spurs, scoring 13 points each to help ease the offensive load on Wembanyama. 

     

    Their timely buckets helped San Antonio maintain spacing and punish Oklahoma City whenever they overcommitted to the paint.

     

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    The Spurs came out with urgency after a tightly contested start, gradually wearing down the Thunder with physical defense and disciplined half-court execution. 

     

    Once San Antonio established control of the paint, it forced Oklahoma City into tougher perimeter looks and limited their second-chance opportunities.

     

    A key stretch late in the second quarter swung momentum firmly toward the Spurs, as they strung together stops and converted them into quick transition points. 

     

    That run helped San Antonio enter halftime with a comfortable cushion and fully seize control of the contest.

     

    Oklahoma City attempted to respond with pace and rotation adjustments, but the Spurs consistently countered by protecting the rim and closing out sharply on shooters. 

     

    Even when the Thunder generated clean looks, they struggled to sustain any offensive rhythm against San Antonio’s defensive structure.

     

    By the fourth quarter, San Antonio controlled tempo and physicality, allowing its starters to manage the closing minutes comfortably. 

     

    Wembanyama’s dominance on both ends ensured there would be no late Thunder surge, as the Spurs secured a convincing win to even the Western Conference Finals at 2-2 heading into Game 5.

     

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  • Roger Pogoy delivers late dagger as TNT’s all-Filipino grit stuns Meralco for 2-1 semifinals lead 

    Roger Pogoy delivers late dagger as TNT’s all-Filipino grit stuns Meralco for 2-1 semifinals lead 

    With no import to lean on and momentum slipping away in the final seconds, TNT turned to its toughness and to Roger Pogoy.


    Pogoy drilled the game-winning three with 7.4 seconds left as the Tropang 5G escaped with a thrilling 77-75 victory over Meralco on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena, seizing a 2-1 edge in their PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup semifinal series.

     

    The veteran player answered immediately after Chris Newsome knocked down a clutch triple that briefly pushed the Bolts ahead, 75-74. TNT wasted no time on the other end, isolating Pogoy for the decisive shot that completed another gutsy performance from the all-Filipino squad.

     

    Playing their first game since the departure of import Bol Bol, the Tropang 5G leaned entirely on their local core and found enough firepower and composure to outlast a Meralco side bannered by import Marvin Jones.

     

    TNT appeared headed for defeat after trailing 72-66 late in the fourth quarter, but Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and Kelly Williams fueled a pivotal 8-0 run that swung the momentum and briefly restored a 74-72 lead before the frantic finish unfolded.

     

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    The Bolts still had chances to steal the game, but missed attempts from CJ Cansino and Jason Brickman in the closing moments allowed TNT to preserve the narrow win.

     

    Rey Nambatac paced the Tropang 5G with a conference-best 18 points and eight rebounds, continuing his strong stretch in the playoffs. Calvin Oftana added 15 points and seven boards, while Jordan Heading chipped in 12 markers as TNT showcased its depth with nine players contributing at least two points.

     

    “More than the caliber and depth of our team, I think it’s our heart, really. All of our discussions in practice, even before any kind of game planning, were just about setting our minds right that we have a chance,” coach Chot Reyes said.

     

    “Yesterday, our discussion was because we’re all-Filipino without Bol, we cannot match Meralco’s energy and effort. We have to overcome it. We have to find a way to put in more energy and effort. I think that’s how the game panned out,” he added.

     

    Jones finished with 22 points and 15 rebounds for Meralco, while Newsome added 10 points, six rebounds, and four assists in the losing effort.

     

    Game 4 is set for Wednesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum, where TNT is expected to unveil either Malick Diouf or Chris McCullough as its new import.

     

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  • Grassroots to Greatness: The Top 5 Palarong Pambansa-Bred Athletes Who Conquered the World Stage 

    Grassroots to Greatness: The Top 5 Palarong Pambansa-Bred Athletes Who Conquered the World Stage 

    With the Palarong Pambansa 2026 approaching, attention once again turns to the country’s biggest school-based sports competition and its continued role in developing national athletes. 

    Over the years, the Palaro has served as one of the primary stages where young athletes are first exposed to high-level competition, and many of those who excel at this level eventually move on to represent the Philippines in international events.

     

    In several sports, it remains a key part of the pathway from regional competition to national teams and professional careers.

     

    To better understand how this system continues to shape elite athletes, it is worth looking at some of the most notable Filipino sports figures who once came through the Palarong Pambansa system and later rose to success on the international stage.

     

    Carlos Yulo 

     

    The two-time Olympic gold medalist had a strong start in his early years, and by the time he was competing in the Palarong Pambansa, he was already showing dominance as a multi-gold medalist from 2009 to 2013. Those performances did not just earn medals—they established a foundation of confidence, discipline, and competitive consistency at a young age.

     

    He eventually turned that early promise into history, becoming a two-time Olympic gold medalist and the Philippines’ first world champion in artistic gymnastics. Today, he continues to compete at the highest level internationally, carrying with him the same work ethic and competitive sharpness shaped in his early school-based competitions.

     

    His younger siblings, Karl Eldrew Yulo and Elaiza Andriel Yulo were also emerging from the same gymnastics pipeline who have both followed the sport and continue to compete in gymnastics, extending the family’s presence in the national and global stage.

     

    EJ Obiena 

     

    EJ Obiena represents something even more significant: proof that the system is not limited to popular sports.

     

    A former Palaro silver medalist, Obiena eventually became one of the world’s top pole vaulters, reaching World No. 7 and currently ranked No. 11.

     

    In a country where athletics often struggles for attention and funding, his rise suggests that talent identification through school competitions remains one of the few reliable ways to discover elite potential outside basketball and volleyball.

     

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    Alyssa Valdez 

     

    If there is one sport that has clearly maximized the Palaro-to-pro pipeline, it is volleyball.

     

    Alyssa Valdez came through the NCR delegation in the Palarong Pambansa before becoming the face of Philippine volleyball across the UAAP, PVL, and national team stages.

     

    Her career helped normalize a pathway that now feels almost predictable: Palaro exposure, collegiate stardom, professional league dominance, and national team duty.

     

    That pipeline continues with Bella Belen, who followed a similar developmental route and quickly emerged as one of the sport’s most influential young players.

     

    The continuity between Valdez and Belen is what makes volleyball’s system stand out—it is not producing isolated stars, but successive waves of elite talent.

     

    Scottie Thompson 

     

    Scottie Thompson is a reminder that the Palaro is not always about immediate stardom. Before becoming a PBA MVP, Finals MVP, and Gilas Pilipinas leader, Thompson represented the Davao Region in the Palarong Pambansa and later had to grind through the NCAA with Perpetual Help.

     

    His journey challenges a romantic idea often attached to sports development, that greatness is instantly visible. In reality, the Palaro often identifies raw tools—motor, instincts, toughness—that take years to fully refine.

     

    Jerwin Ancajas 

     

    In boxing, the pipeline is even more direct as Jerwin Ancajas rose from the grassroots amateur system that includes the Palarong Pambansa, eventually becoming an IBF world champion.

     

    Boxing remains one of the clearest examples of how school-based competition feeds directly into national training programs and, ultimately, the global professional scene. Unlike other sports, there is little ambiguity here—the system works because it is tightly connected from school to elite competition.

     

    The pattern across these athletes is clear, but it also reveals something deeper. The Palaro is not a guarantee of success—it is a filter. It finds talent early, but what happens next depends on access to coaching, funding, and institutional support. Some athletes peak early, others develop late, and many disappear entirely.

     

    Still, as the 2026 Palarong Pambansa approaches, it is difficult to dismiss its importance. In a country where sports development is often fragmented, the Palaro remains one of the few structures that consistently connects provinces to national teams and to global greatness.

     

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  • Ray Parks Jr. keeps future open after Osaka exit, confirms local and overseas offers 

    Ray Parks Jr. keeps future open after Osaka exit, confirms local and overseas offers 

    Fresh off concluding his stint with Osaka Evessa in the Japan B.League, Ray Parks Jr. admitted that the next step in his basketball career remains undecided.


    Parks returned to Manila on Thursday for the B.League Final Week event at SM Megamall, where questions immediately surrounded his future after officially parting ways with Osaka.

     

    “For me, it was time to move on to the next chapter, whatever that may be,” Parks said.

     

    The veteran guard spent two seasons with Osaka after previously playing for the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins, continuing a successful run overseas that established him as one of the more recognizable Filipino imports in Japan.

     

    In his final season with the Evessa, Parks helped the club finish with a 23-27 record in the B.League regular season.

     

    Although Osaka struggled to contend consistently, Parks still looked back positively on his stay with the franchise.

     

    “The stint was amazing especially like the first year. Second year, medyo rough honestly but it was great to be in Osaka. It’s a beautiful city, I love my teammates, very talented… For me it was time to move on to the next chapter, whatever that may be,” he said.

     

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    Despite remaining noncommittal about his next destination, Parks confirmed he is already receiving interest from teams both abroad and in the Philippines.

     

    “Yes, we do have offers both internationally and locally,” he revealed.

     

    Still, the 33-year-old said basketball decisions are not his immediate priority as he plans to spend time with his family during the offseason.

     

    “But, I can’t even feel the offseason yet. I’ll take care of the kids first and I’ll be away for maybe a month for the honeymoon, take some rest, and then tackle things from there,” Parks added.

     

    His statement naturally fueled renewed speculation regarding a possible return to the PBA, where he last played for TNT Tropang Giga before leaving for Japan.

     

    While Parks avoided directly addressing any negotiations involving PBA teams, he made it clear that he remains open to all opportunities moving forward.

     

    “Next question po tayo, mahirap po ‘yan, pa-retiro na nga ako e,” Parks jokingly said.

     

    “The PBA is doing what they’re doing and for me, I’m hoping for growth, I’m never closing the door on anybody. The Philippines will always be my home. For the most part right now, I’m just focused on the offseason and whatever the next chapter is, I’ll be ready.”

     

    At this stage of his career, Parks appears to be balancing both flexibility and patience — weighing whether his next chapter will continue overseas or finally bring him back to Philippine basketball.

     

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  • Choco Mucho coach Dante Alinsunurin shuts down exit rumors, says Tia Andaya remains part of the Flying Titans

    Choco Mucho coach Dante Alinsunurin shuts down exit rumors, says Tia Andaya remains part of the Flying Titans

    Even amid Choco Mucho’s busy offseason rebuild and roster reshuffling, one thing remains unchanged for the Flying Titans — Fil-American setter Tia Joy Andaya is still part of the team’s long-term plans.


    Rumors recently circulated online claiming that Andaya had already left Choco Mucho after seeing limited action during the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference. 

     

    But head coach Dante Alinsunurin quickly put the speculation to rest during the Allianz thanksgiving event for the Rebisco squads on Wednesday.

     

    “Nagbakasyon lang siya kasi matagal na siyang ‘di nakakauw. Still, nasa team pa rin siya,” Alinsunurin said.

     

    The clarification comes at a time when Choco Mucho is entering a new chapter following a massive offseason overhaul that included the arrival of star players like Eya Laure, Alina Bicar, Jaila Atienza, and Caitlin Viray.

     

    While the spotlight largely shifted toward the Flying Titans’ new additions, Andaya quietly remained part of the organization’s evolving core.

     

    For Choco Mucho, Andaya represents more than just another setter on the roster. She is one of the few players in the squad carrying extensive overseas professional experience before entering the PVL.

     

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    Before becoming the seventh overall pick in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft, Andaya played professionally in Albania for KV Tirana before moving to Romanian club CSM Lugoj.

     

    Her volleyball journey also stretched across the U.S. collegiate system, suiting up for both Gonzaga University and Central Washington University before eventually exploring opportunities to represent the Philippines internationally.

     

    Meanwhile, the Flying Titans struggled to find stability in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference, absorbing key defeats. Despite those setbacks, Choco Mucho continued building toward the future rather than making immediate changes, something reflected in Alinsunurin’s reassurance regarding Andaya’s place in the team.

     

    The decorated coach also confirmed there would be no changes in leadership heading into the 2026 PVL on Tour.

     

    “Si Des (Cheng) pa rin. Same pa rin, kung sino ‘yung leader namin, siya pa rin ‘yung team captain namin,” Alinsunurin clarified.

     

    For now, Andaya’s temporary absence appears to be nothing more than an offseason break — not an exit.

     

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  • 2026 Esports World Cup set in Paris with Philippine esports squads competing in MLBB, Honor of Kings, and Tekken

    2026 Esports World Cup set in Paris with Philippine esports squads competing in MLBB, Honor of Kings, and Tekken

    The global esports landscape is set for a major shift as the 2026 Esports World Cup (EWC) moves beyond Saudi Arabia for the first time, choosing Paris, France as its new stage from July 6 to August 23.


    Long anchored in Riyadh, the tournament’s expansion signals a new chapter for one of the biggest events in competitive gaming, one that now brings its massive global audience to the heart of Europe.

     

    The announcement, made by the Esports Foundation on Wednesday, May 21, confirms Paris as the first international host city under EWC’s evolving rotation model, aimed at widening its global footprint.

     

    CEO Ralf Reichert emphasized that while the tournament’s roots remain tied to Riyadh, the move represents growth rather than replacement.

     

    “Riyadh is the home of EWC and one of the world’s leading hubs for esports, powered by an incredible community of fans and long-term ambition for the future of the sport; this year, we’re excited to bring EWC to Paris for its first edition outside Saudi Arabia,” he stated. 

     

    French officials also welcomed the development, with France President Emmanuel Macron expressing support for the landmark hosting on social media.

     

    “The EWC will be held in Paris! This is a first that honors us, thank you to Saudi Arabia for its trust. We are ready to organize the 2026 Esports World Cup,” President Macron wrote.

     

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    For the Philippines, the Paris edition opens another high-stakes international stage as several esports contingents prepare to carry the country’s flag across multiple titles.

     

    For Honor of Kings, Philippine representatives include BOOM Esports, Blacklist International, and Team Flash, all earning qualification through regional pathways.

     

    Star competitor Alexandre “AK” Laverez will once again shoulder national hopes in one of fighting games’ most competitive global brackets for Tekken.

     

    Meanwhile, in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, defending MSC champions Team Liquid Philippines are still chasing qualification, with their fate tied to the MPL Philippines Season 17 playoffs which begins on May 27.

     

    If successful, they will return to the world stage aiming to defend their reputation as one of Southeast Asia’s most dominant MLBB squads.

     

    The 2026 EWC is expected to bring together more than 2,000 professional players and 200 esports clubs from over 100 countries, competing across 24 game titles and 25 tournaments.

     

    With a staggering prize pool exceeding $75 million (around ₱4 billion), Paris is preparing to transform into a global esports hub and for Filipino competitors, another battlefield to prove themselves on the world stage.

     

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  • NBA Round up: New York Knicks seize 2–0 Eastern Finals lead after Game 2 win over Cleveland Cavaliers

    NBA Round up: New York Knicks seize 2–0 Eastern Finals lead after Game 2 win over Cleveland Cavaliers

    The Eastern Conference Finals are beginning to take on a familiar rhythm, one team dictating the pace, the other forced into reaction and right now, it is the New York Knicks who are setting the terms.


    With a 109–93 Game 2 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Knicks didn’t just protect home court, they tightened their grip on the series, moving ahead 2–0 and sending a clear message that their physical, grind-heavy style is wearing down Cleveland possession by possession.

     

    Unlike the tighter early stretches of Game 1, this time New York gradually turned the screws from the opening quarter. The Cavaliers showed brief resistance behind Donovan Mitchell’s shot creation, but every push was met with another layer of Knicks pressure.

     

    The turning point wasn’t a single moment but a sustained wave in the third quarter, where New York finally separated the game into two different speeds. Cleveland’s half-court offense slowed, while the Knicks began stringing together stops and easy points off the break, turning a competitive game into a double-digit cushion that never really faded.

     

    Josh Hart once again became the emotional engine of that surge, finishing with 26 points and seven assists while doing the kinds of things that rarely show up in a box score, crashing boards, and forcing Cleveland to defend longer than it wanted to. His performance gave New York both stability and urgency in key stretches.

     

    Mitchell matched Hart’s scoring output with 26 points of his own, but Cleveland’s star guard found himself increasingly isolated as the game progressed. Every Knicks run seemed to arrive just as the Cavaliers were trying to settle into rhythm, preventing any sustained momentum from forming.

     

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    Inside the Knicks’ structure, Jalen Brunson continued to function as the control center, finishing with 19 points and 14 assists while managing the game’s tempo with calm precision. Karl-Anthony Towns added interior presence and rebounding strength, helping New York win critical possessions that slowly extended their control.

     

    The Cavaliers’ main issue was not effort but efficiency. Their shooting dipped below 40 percent, and as New York’s defensive scheme tightened in the halfcourt, Cleveland was often forced into rushed or contested looks. The supporting cast struggled to provide consistent scoring relief, leaving too much of the load on Mitchell’s shoulders.

     

    By the final minutes, the result had shifted from contest to confirmation — the Knicks were not just winning games, they were dictating how the series is being played.

     

    Now down 0–2, one more slip, and the series begins to tilt into near-irreversible territory. For New York, however, the formula is already taking shape — defend, dictate, and let the pressure do the rest.

     

     

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  • Yeng Guiao fears long semifinals absence for Luis Villegas after Rain or Shine Game 1 victory

    Yeng Guiao fears long semifinals absence for Luis Villegas after Rain or Shine Game 1 victory

    Rain or Shine may have opened its PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup semifinal campaign with a statement win, but the Elasto Painters walked out of the Ynares Center in Antipolo carrying more concern than celebration.


    The Elasto Painters survived Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 115-111, in Game 1 clash Wednesday night, yet the bigger story after the final buzzer quickly shifted toward the health of their already battered roster — particularly emerging big man Luis Villegas.

     

    What looked like a breakthrough semifinal performance for Rain or Shine suddenly became a test of survival after Villegas limped off midway through the third quarter following a fastbreak layup attempt against Brgy. Ginebra’s Justin Brownlee.

     

    The injury happened at the 11:20 mark of the period and immediately silenced the ROS bench, especially with the team already navigating through multiple absences entering the series.

     

    Coach Yeng Guiao later confirmed the forward is expected to miss the remainder of the best-of-seven semifinals due to a suspected hamstring injury.

     

    Despite the setback, Villegas tried to ease concerns after the game, clarifying that the injury was not related to his knee and assuring he was “okay” while exiting the venue.

     

    Still, his absence creates another major hole for a Rain or Shine squad that has relied heavily on depth, energy, and physicality throughout the conference.

     

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    The Elasto Painters were already without key contributors before Game 1 even tipped off. 

     

    Defensive ace Caelan Tiongson missed the contest due to diarrhea and remains questionable for Friday’s Game 2 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    Rain or Shine is also missing veteran big man Keith Datu for the entire conference, while rookie Jun Roque continues to recover. Guards Felix Lemetti and Stanley Pringle likewise remain unavailable, stretching the team’s rotation thinner despite their strong opening win.

     

    Yet even undermanned, Rain or Shine found ways to outwork Ginebra in Game 1. The Elasto Painters dictated the tempo early with relentless transition offense and timely perimeter shooting, forcing the Gin Kings into a fast-paced battle that favored ROS’ mobility. 

    Their ability to constantly attack before Ginebra’s defense could get set became one of the defining factors in the series opener.

     

    Import Jaylen Johnson anchored the inside presence for ROS, while the locals delivered crucial baskets down the stretch to fend off repeated Ginebra comeback attempts led by Brownlee.

     

    Ginebra trimmed the deficit late in the fourth quarter, but Rain or Shine’s composure in the final possessions allowed them to protect the lead and steal homecourt momentum in the series.

    Now, however, the challenge shifts from winning one game to sustaining a best-of-seven series with an increasingly depleted frontline.

     

    Guiao, though, remains unfazed despite losing one of his most active forwards.

     

    “Beau is still available. Expect a bigger role for him. We can also play small ball if we have to,” the veteran coach Yeng Guiao said.

     

    That likely means a heavier workload for veteran center Beau Belga, whose experience and physicality could become vital against Ginebra’s imposing frontcourt rotation.

     

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  • Top 5 Picks in the making? PVL draft class raises big questions on who deserves the top spot 

    Top 5 Picks in the making? PVL draft class raises big questions on who deserves the top spot 

    With the Premier Volleyball League Draft Rookie Draft fast approaching and the annual draw set for May 25, the professional volleyball landscape is once again bracing for an influx of young talent ready to make the leap from collegiate stardom to the pro stage.

     

    As both the UAAP and NCAA seasons conclude, attention naturally shifts to the graduating seniors and early professional entrants.

     

    This year’s draft class stands out not just for depth, but for the number of players who have already proven themselves as franchise-caliber talents in their own right. More than prospects, they are proven leaders, award winners, and system-changers.

     

    1. Detdet Pepito

    The steady backbone of the UST Golden Tigresses. A multiple-time Best Libero awardee in both junior and senior divisions, Pepito enters the draft with a résumé built on consistency and leadership. 

     

    Twice named UAAP Best Libero (Seasons 85 and 86), she anchored UST through five straight Final Four appearances, including a runner-up finish in Season 86 during their breakthrough campaign. Her defensive instincts, court command, and leadership presence make her one of the most polished and pro-ready names in this class.

     

    2. Zam Nolasco

     

    The Season 101 MVP of the De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde Women’s Volleyball Team. After leading the Lady Blazers to a runner-up finish, Nolasco confirmed her intention to turn professional, closing a decorated collegiate run highlighted by a championship core from 2022 to 2025. 

     

    She also earned her first Best Middle Blocker award in NCAA Season 100 and had prior exposure in the PVL as a guest player for the Farm Fresh Foxies during the 2023 Invitational Conference. Her combination of winning pedigree and pro experience makes her one of the most intriguing frontcourt prospects in the draft pool.

     

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    3. Lams Lamina

     

    A two-time UAAP Best Setter, Lamina has long been the engine behind NU’s championship-caliber system. Her final collegiate season further reinforced her reputation as a high-IQ playmaker capable of controlling tempo under pressure. 

     

    With multiple Finals appearances already under her belt, she enters the draft conversation as a potential top overall selection due to her leadership, composure, and elite distribution skills.

     

    4. Niña Ytang 

     

    UP Fighting Maroons Women’s Volleyball Team standout middle blocker. One of the most productive middle blockers in recent UAAP history, Ytang finished Season 88 as the league’s highest-scoring middle blocker with 172 total points, built from 126 attacks, 35 blocks, and 11 aces. 

     

    A four-time Second Best Middle Blocker awardee, she brings both offensive efficiency and defensive presence at the net — a rare combination that makes her a legitimate top-pick candidate.

     

    5. Tin Ubaldo 

     

    To round the list, the former FEU Lady Tamaraws, a veteran setter whose steady hand has kept FEU competitive in tightly contested UAAP seasons. 

     

    Ranking fourth among setters with 3.96 excellent sets per set at the end of eliminations, Ubaldo may not always dominate headlines, but her ability to stabilize offenses and manage game flow makes her an ideal piece for teams in need of structure and consistency at the setter position.

     

    As the draft draws closer, one thing is becoming clear, it is not just a class of promising rookies. It is a group of ready-made contributors — players who have already carried programs, won awards, and thrived in high-pressure environments. For PVL teams, the challenge will not be finding talent. It will be deciding which proven collegiate leader to build around next.

     

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  • FIFA World Cup 2026 set for star-studded opening ceremonies and historic halftime show 

    FIFA World Cup 2026 set for star-studded opening ceremonies and historic halftime show 

    For the first time ever, FIFA will launch the World Cup with multiple opening ceremonies spread across three host nations — Mexico, Canada, and the United States, turning the opening week of the tournament into a cross-continental cultural celebration designed to mirror the scale of the expanded 48-team competition.


    FIFA president Gianni Infantino described the concept as a “global celebration,” underscoring the organization’s attempt to merge football, music, and international culture into one massive shared event.

     

    The opening festivities in Mexico City are expected to carry a distinctly Latin American flavor, headlined by performers such as Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Ángeles Azules, Maná, and Tyla.

     

    Meanwhile, Los Angeles will lean into its global entertainment identity with a lineup featuring Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, LISA, Rema, and Tyla. The Los Angeles opening ceremony is scheduled at Los Angeles Stadium and will begin 90 minutes before the June 12 opening match between the United States men’s national soccer team and Paraguay national football team. Stadium gates will open four hours before kickoff.

     

    “The lineup of artists reflects the cultural diversity of the United States and the vibrancy of its many diasporas, highlighting the nation’s rich influence on music, entertainment and pop culture, while showcasing the power of music to bring people together across the country.”

     

    In Toronto, the opening celebration will highlight Canada’s multicultural music landscape with performances from Alanis Morissette, Alessia Cara, Elyanna, Jessie Reyez, Michael Bublé, Nora Fatehi, Sanjoy, Vegedream, and William Prince, with more artists still expected to be announced.

     

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    But FIFA’s entertainment expansion will not stop at the opening week.

     

    In another historic first, the World Cup final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium will feature the tournament’s inaugural halftime show — a move clearly inspired by the Super Bowl’s entertainment model. FIFA confirmed that global stars Shakira, Madonna, and BTS will headline the performance during the championship match.

     

    Infantino emphasized that the event is intended to carry a broader social message beyond entertainment.

     

    ”As the world comes together for the biggest match in football on 19 July 2026 in New York New Jersey, this historic show will also shine a light on a greater purpose by supporting the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund and our shared mission to expand access to quality education and football opportunities for children worldwide. It will be a celebration of football, unity and shared humanity that will resonate far beyond the final whistle,” he stated.

     

    Set to run from June 11 to July 19, the 2026 edition will become the largest World Cup ever staged, featuring 104 matches across 16 host cities spread throughout North America — a scale FIFA hopes will redefine not only how football is played, but also how the tournament is experienced around the world.

     

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