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Author: Dorothy Del Rosario

  • Savi Davison powers PLDT sweep, High Speed Hitters shift focus to bronze 

    Savi Davison powers PLDT sweep, High Speed Hitters shift focus to bronze 

    It was too late for a Finals push—but not too late to make a statement. Savi Davison who led the High Speed Hitters and delivered a commanding performance to a straight-sets win over the Cignal Super Spikers, 25-17, 25-22, 25-23, in their final semifinal match in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.

     

    The victory, while no longer enough to keep their championship hopes alive, served as a strong response after back-to-back semifinal losses. 


    The 2025 PVL Invitational Conference MVP paced her squad with 21 points and added 11 excellent receptions, anchoring both ends of PLDT’s game in a morale-boosting finish to their semis run.

     

    “I think everyone coming in today, knowing that we had to bawi, I think that was the most important task today. So, I’m just glad that we came and were able to handle it,” she said after winning against their sister team, Cignal.

     

    Rather than dwelling on missed opportunities, PLDT used the match to rediscover its rhythm—something that had eluded them earlier in the round. 

     

    The High Speed Hitters showed composure in tight stretches, particularly in the second and third sets, where Cignal threatened but ultimately fell short against PLDT’s steadier execution.

    Still, the result carried a sense of what could have been.

     

    “Hirap talaga kasi capable tayo. We’re super capable of being in the Top 3.” The Fil-Canadian said. 

     

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    That belief remains central to PLDT’s mindset heading into the final stretch of the conference and despite falling short of a Finals berth, the team is intent on proving that its semifinal stumble does not define its overall campaign.

     

    “Our journey isn’t done, but I just wish that we were in the Top 2, Top 1 seed,” the 27-year-old Open Hitter for PLDT said.

     

    Now, the focus shifts from chasing a title to securing a podium finish. PLDT is set to face the Farm Fresh Foxies in the best-of-three series for the bronze medal, opening on April 21 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    Aside from Davison, Alleiah Malaluan also chipped in 11 points and 14 digs while veterans Mika Reyes, Kim Kianna Dy, and Majoy Baron contributed seven points each. Kim Fajardo also delivered an orchestrated offense with 23 excellent sets and two points.

     

    For Davison, the motivation is clear and that is to end strong and leave no doubts about the team’s potential.

     

    “Like coach said, it’s not over yet and we still have the job to do,” she said. “Take one game at a time and finish the season off with a win.”

     

    With confidence restored and one final goal in sight, the High Speed Hitters are aiming to turn a bittersweet semifinal exit into a meaningful closing chapter of the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference. 

     

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  • Juan Gomez de Liano shows progress as Converge regains rhythm in crucial playoff push

    Juan Gomez de Liano shows progress as Converge regains rhythm in crucial playoff push

    After a brief setback, Juan Gomez de Liano is steadily finding his footing again—and just in time for Converge’s push in the standings.


    Coming off a right knee contusion that sidelined him for three games, the young guard has begun to reestablish his presence for the FiberXers. 

     

    His return was highlighted in their dominant 103-82 victory over Titan Ultra at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, where he contributed 15 points, seven rebounds, and two assists in a balanced team effort.

     

    The injury traced back to their loss against Terrafirma last March, forcing Gomez de Liano to undergo an MRI evaluation and a period of recovery before being cleared to return. While not yet at full strength, his recent outings suggest a player gradually regaining rhythm.

     

    Prior to the Titan win, Gomez de Liano also showed flashes of form despite a 120-111 loss to league leader Rain or Shine, tallying 14 points, three rebounds, and four assists.

     

    “I’m getting there. As long as it’s not getting any worse, (I’m fine), there’s always progress every day. Always trying to get one-percent better. I’m about 70-percent still, but slowly getting back to game shape,” de Liano said.

     

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    For a Converge squad trying to stay alive in the playoff race, his return couldn’t have come at a better time. The team improved to 2-5, snapping a five-game skid with the emphatic win over Titan and showing signs of cohesion after weeks of inconsistency.

     

    Head coach Delta Pineda emphasized that the team’s steady improvement isn’t accidental, pointing to their tightening chemistry and closer statistical outputs in recent games.

     

    “Talagang wala nang tigil ang dasal para makuha po ‘yung pangalawang panalo. ’Yung stats namin hindi na nalalayo the last four games. Unti-unti, ‘yung chemistry ng mga bata, na-bi-build na po,” Converge’s head coach Delta Pineda said.

     

    The timing is crucial, with Converge currently sitting at 10th place and facing a tough stretch ahead, including matchups against Magnolia and TNT.

     

    Gomez de Liano’s return also coincides with the availability of Calvin Abueva, giving the FiberXers a much-needed boost in experience and versatility. With the roster nearing full strength, expectations are rising for the team to finally convert competitive performances into consistent wins.

     

    Beyond this current conference, Gomez de Liano has already proven to be a cornerstone for the franchise. The former No. 2 overall pick made an immediate impact in his rookie season, delivering triple-doubles and even erupting for a 32-point performance in a win over Barangay Ginebra, showcasing his ability to take over games.

     

    Now, as he works his way back to full health, Converge is banking on Gomez de Liano to once again orchestrate their offense and help steer the team back into playoff contention—one steady step at a time.

     

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  • Tour of Luzon 2026 gains national push as sports tourism drive kicks into high gear

    Tour of Luzon 2026 gains national push as sports tourism drive kicks into high gear

    The return of the Tour of Luzon 2026 is shaping up on becoming a nationwide showcase of how sport and tourism can move in tandem.


    With the backing of the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee (NST-IAC), the historic race is now positioned as a flagship example of how athletic events can drive both competition and countrywide visibility. 

     

    Created under Administrative Order No. 38, the NST-IAC aims to unify efforts between government and private sectors, and this year’s Tour is one of its clearest expressions yet.

     

    At the center of that push is Patrick Gregorio, who serves as both NST-IAC chair and head of the Philippine Sports Commission. For Gregorio, the alignment between the race and the committee’s mission is clear.

     

    “The Philippine Sports Commission supports the conduct of the MPTC Tour of Luzon 2026 as an activity aligned with the objectives of the NST-IAC,” said Gregorio.

     

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    What makes this edition stand out isn’t just its institutional support, but its scale. A total of 14 stages will stretch across the country, blending endurance racing with a travelogue of Philippine landscapes—from coastal roads to mountain climbs.

     

    The opening stage rolls out on April 29 from CaSoBe in Calatagan to Tagaytay City, setting the tone for a route that winds through Clark, Nueva Ecija, Northern Luzon, Ilocos, Pangasinan, and ultimately finishes in the highlands of Baguio.

     

    Among the highlights are two individual time trials, including one in Pagudpud and another along the baywalk of Lingayen and Binmaley, as well as a historic first finish at Bessang Pass—adding both technical challenge and historical significance to the race.

     

    Beyond the route, the competition itself is expanding. At least six international teams have already confirmed participation, joining nine local squads ranging from UCI continental outfits to club teams. With three more foreign teams awaiting approval, the field could grow even more competitive.

     

    The stakes are equally high. Riders will chase a top individual prize of P1 million, while teams compete for a P2 million purse out of a total prize pool of P12 million—figures that underscore the race’s growing prestige.

     

    Still, for Gregorio, the value of the Tour goes beyond podium finishes and prize money.

     

    “The PSC likewise recognizes the significance of the event in providing opportunities for athlete participation and in contributing to the continued development of Philippine sports,” he added.

     

    That opportunity extends not only to elite cyclists but to aspiring riders across the country, many of whom see the Tour as a gateway to bigger stages.

     

    “Our athletes cannot be deprived of their dreams. Let sports continue!” the PSC chairman said.

    With government agencies and private partners encouraged to lend support, the 2026 Tour of Luzon is evolving into more than a race—it’s a moving platform for talent, tourism, and national pride.

     

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  • NBA hands down fine to LaMelo Ball, no suspension for Bam Adebayo incident

    NBA hands down fine to LaMelo Ball, no suspension for Bam Adebayo incident

    The NBA has drawn a firm line on LaMelo Ball’s controversial play that overshadowed an otherwise thrilling play-in showdown.


    Following league review, Ball was fined $35,000 and assessed a Flagrant Foul 2 for tripping Bam Adebayo during the SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament clash between the Charlotte Hornets and the Miami Heat. The decision came with no suspension—an outcome that quickly became as much a talking point as the incident itself.

     

    According to league executive James Jones, the act “created a significant injury risk,” a conclusion reached after reviewing the sequence that occurred with 11:13 left in the second quarter of Charlotte’s narrow 127–126 overtime win on April 14.

     

    Adebayo, Miami’s anchor on both ends, was forced out of the game with a back injury after the play. Though he managed to walk off under his own power, he never returned—leaving a noticeable void as the Heat’s season slipped away.

     

    On the other sideline, frustration lingered long after the final buzzer.

     

    Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra didn’t hold back when addressing the incident, believing the punishment during the game should have been immediate and decisive.

     

    “He should have been thrown out of the game for that. There is no place in the game for that,” Spoelstra said.

     

    The veteran coach doubled down on his stance, emphasizing both the danger and the impact of the play.

     

    “I think it’s a stupid play. It’s a dangerous play and obviously our best player was out. I’m not making an excuse. The Hornets played great and made those plays down the stretch. We had opportunities to win. That’s a shame. He should be penalized for that. I don’t think that belongs in the game, you know, tripping guys, shenanigans.”

     

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    While the league opted against a suspension, it did hand Ball an additional $25,000 fine for using inappropriate language during a live television interview after the game—capping off a costly 24 hours for the 24-year-old guard.

     

    Ball, for his part, struck a more apologetic tone when asked about the incident.

     

    “I apologize on that one. I got hit in the head and didn’t really know where I was. But I’m going to check on him, see if he’s OK and everything,” Ball said.

     

    When pressed further on whether the action was intentional, he maintained uncertainty.

    “Like I said, I got hit in the head and didn’t know where I was and was just playing basketball. But like I said, sorry, and I’m going to check on him.”

     

    Lost in the controversy was Ball’s on-court brilliance. He finished with 30 points, including the game-winning layup with 4.7 seconds left in overtime—a shot that ultimately sent Charlotte forward.

     

    For Adebayo, the night ended far too early. Before exiting, the three-time All-Star had just six points and three rebounds, a stark contrast to his usual production after averaging a double-double in the regular season.

     

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  • Ra’s Golden Sun on OKBet: Master the Multiplier Wheel and Split Symbols

    Ra’s Golden Sun on OKBet: Master the Multiplier Wheel and Split Symbols

    The main objective in Ra’s Golden Sun is to land matching symbols across 5 fixed paylines on a compact 3×3 grid, while maximizing payouts through a unique fourth reel—the Win Multiplier Wheel. Every spin carries the potential for boosted rewards, with multipliers of up to 20× applied to total winnings, creating a constant opportunity for high-value hits without needing bonus rounds.


    Set against a classic Ancient Egypt backdrop, the game delivers a clean and focused experience inspired by traditional slot machines. Instead of overwhelming players with complex features, it emphasizes clarity and impact—highlighting core mechanics like symbol matching, multiplier stacking, and strategic consistency. The visual style is simple yet thematic, allowing players to stay fully engaged with the gameplay.


    Key Elements Include:


    3×3 Reel Layout – A classic slot structure with 5 fixed paylines

    Win Multiplier Wheel – A fourth reel that applies up to 20× multipliers on every spin

    Split Symbols – Special symbols with built-in multipliers that stack together

    Wild Symbol – Substitutes for all symbols to complete winning lines

    Fixed Jackpots – Mini, Minor, Major, and Grand prizes tied to specific outcomes

    Simple Mechanics – No free spins or cascading features, focusing on core gameplay


    Understanding the Core Gameplay


    At its foundation, Ra’s Golden Sun follows a traditional slot format:

    Match three identical symbols across paylines starting from the left

    All 5 paylines are always active on every spin

    No cascading reels or expanding symbols—wins are instant and straightforward

    The main interaction is adjusting your bet and spinning consistently

    The simplicity allows players to focus on maximizing multipliers rather than chasing complex bonus triggers.


    How the Win Multiplier Wheel Works


    The defining feature of the game is the fourth reel, known as the Win Multiplier Wheel:

    Spins automatically with every spin

    Contains multiplier values from 1× up to 20×

    Applies to the total payout of all winning paylines in that spin

    Works instantly—no need to trigger bonus rounds

    Even small wins can turn into large payouts when paired with high multipliers, making every spin meaningful.


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    Understanding Split Symbols


    Split Symbols add another layer of multiplier potential:

    Each symbol can appear with a built-in multiplier (e.g., 2× or 3×)

    If part of a winning line, their multipliers are applied first

    Multiple Split Symbols multiply together (e.g., 2× × 3× = 6×)

    The final value is then multiplied again by the Wheel multiplier

    This stacking system creates massive payout potential when combinations align.


    Maximum Win & Game Volatility


    Volatility: Medium to High

    RTP: Not officially disclosed

    Max Multiplier: Up to 20× per spin (excluding Split Symbol stacking)

    Hit Frequency: Moderate, with potential for sudden large wins

    Reel Setup: 3×3 grid + 1 multiplier reel


    The combination of frequent spins and multiplier boosts creates a balance between steady gameplay and explosive win potential.


    Strategies for Playing Ra’s Golden Sun


    Stick to consistent bet levels to maximize multiplier opportunities

    Be patient—big wins rely on aligning multipliers with strong symbol combinations

    Don’t underestimate low multipliers; they can still produce solid wins with Split Symbols

    Focus on long sessions rather than quick gains due to the game’s volatility

    Manage your bankroll carefully, especially during dry spells

    Avoid chasing losses—wins are highly dependent on multiplier alignment


    Why Play Ra’s Golden Sun


    Ra’s Golden Sun stands out by stripping away unnecessary complexity and focusing on what truly drives excitement—multipliers. Instead of relying on rare bonus rounds, it delivers action on every spin through its ever-present multiplier system.


    For players who enjoy classic slot mechanics but want modern win potential, this game offers a refreshing alternative. Its combination of simplicity, strategic depth, and consistent multiplier action creates a rewarding experience where every spin has the potential to surprise.


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  • Adamson nears Final Four berth as Shaina Nitura leads sweep of UP

    Adamson nears Final Four berth as Shaina Nitura leads sweep of UP

    With one game left in the eliminations, the Adamson Lady Falcons tightened its grip on Final Four contention after a dominant straight-sets win over the UP Fighting Maroons, 25-19, 25-18, 25-16.


    The victory lifted the Lady Falcons to an 8–5 record, allowing them to break free from a previous three-way tie with the UST Golden Tigresses and FEU Lady Tamaraws for solo third place. 


    But despite the favorable position, nothing is secured yet—Adamson still needs one more win to officially clinch a Final Four berth.

     

    Leading the charge once again was Shaina Nitura, who delivered 26 points on 23 attacks and three blocks, alongside six digs and six receptions in a composed all-around effort with a 55% attack rate.

     

    Yet even as she continues to anchor Adamson’s late-season surge, Nitura insists the team’s mindset remains inward-looking.

     

    “We’re focused talaga sa sarili namin, ‘yung gagawin ng team on how we win, how we’re gonna respond sa challenges na ihaharap sa amin. We focus on ourselves na magrespond well at manalo,” Nitura said.

     

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    Her performance reflected that approach—steady, efficient, and anchored on discipline rather than urgency. For Nitura, the difference-maker isn’t just talent, but how a team responds under pressure.

     

    “Siguro God’s will eh, hindi ko rin alam. Siyempre gusto rin ng kabila. So siguro nagma-matter talaga sinong mas may gusto, and kung sino yung mas nagre-respond ng tama at applicable doon sa sitwasyon na yun,” the outside hitter Player of the Game said.

     

    “I think everyone naman pag may gusto, talagang ipilit gagawa ng paraan, kaliwa, kanan, baba at taas kung gusto mo talaga,” she added.

     

    Adamson’s supporting cast also delivered, with Joy Aseo contributing 10 points and Eloi Dote adding seven. Fhei Sagaysay orchestrated the offense with 21 excellent sets while scoring four markers.

     

    Still, Nitura emphasized that individual output takes a backseat to the team’s collective goal.

     

    “I think sa ginagalawan namin, pinapaboran kami on how we respond talaga as a team, and talagang sineset aside namin yung mga individual, yung mga selfish desires na gusto namin, or yung pansarili. So talagang naka-focus kami on helping the team to get into Final Four, and the same goes with the coaching staff.”

     

    On the other side, UP saw its Final Four hopes officially slip away. Now at 5–8, the Fighting Maroons were eliminated from contention, extending their drought to eight straight seasons without a semifinal appearance. Kianne Olango led the team with 13 points, while Irah Jaboneta and Nina Ytang chipped in five and four, respectively.

     

    For Adamson, the path is now simple—but not easy as the final elimination-round showdown against FEU awaits at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion. One more win, and the Lady Falcons finally complete their return. 

     

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  • SBP commends UAAP’s influence on Gilas Women’s 3×3 breakthrough

    SBP commends UAAP’s influence on Gilas Women’s 3×3 breakthrough

    Long before the bright lights of international competition, the foundation was already being built in packed collegiate gyms and campus courts. 


    The recent breakthrough of the Gilas Pilipinas Women’s 3×3 Team isn’t just a story of a single tournament run—it’s the result of years of development rooted deeply in the UAAP system.

     

    Fresh off a historic podium finish in the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup 2026 last April 5, the Philippines carried that momentum into the FIBA 3×3 World Cup Qualifiers, where they punched their ticket to the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2026 which marks the country’s return to the global stage for the first time since 2018.

     

    At the heart of this rise is a group of players whose journeys are tightly intertwined with the UAAP.

    Afril Bernardino, long considered a pillar of the program, once dominated for National University, collecting multiple MVP awards and recently earning a spot on the All-Asia Cup Team. Alongside her is Mikka Cacho, another product of the NU system, whose years with the Lady Bulldogs helped shape her into an international competitor.

     

    Kacey Dela Rosa who is a decorated name in both 5-on-5 and 3×3 formats—continues to evolve as a centerpiece talent from Ateneo. Meanwhile, UST’s Tantoy Ferrer and Adamson Universities’ Cheska Apag represent the pipeline still in motion, transitioning from standout collegiate and junior careers into the demands of international play.

     

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    For Erika Dy of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, the connection is clear, a sustained success at the national level begins with consistent development at the collegiate level. 

     

    The UAAP has quietly become one of the federation’s most reliable talent sources, proving that structured competition can translate into global readiness.

     

    That sentiment is echoed by Ryan Gregorio, who highlighted how crucial that partnership has been.

     

    “We are proud to have the UAAP as a strong partner and stakeholder of the federation,” said Gregorio. “They have always been willing to help in national team-building and in developing the next generation of players who can compete at the international level,” Gregorio said.

     

    But the influence of the UAAP doesn’t stop at the collegiate ranks. Its investment in grassroots programs, particularly in women’s basketball—has created a steady pipeline, ensuring that the next wave of talent is already in development.

     

    UAAP Executive Director Rebo Saguisag underscored that broader vision, “the UAAP is committed to invest in and grow women’s sports across all levels. From grassroots to the collegiate stage, we recognize equal importance as we create equal opportunities to sustain this momentum that our student-athletes are now showcasing on the world stage.

     

    What the recent World Cup qualification ultimately reveals is this: Gilas Women’s success is no longer built on isolated bursts of brilliance. It’s becoming a product of continuity—from high school leagues to college rivalries, and now, to international arenas.

     

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  • Calvin Abueva downplays emotions in his first matchup against Titan Ultra

    Calvin Abueva downplays emotions in his first matchup against Titan Ultra

    There was no dramatic stare-down, no chest-thumping declaration of payback—just quiet efficiency and a renewed sense of purpose. When Calvin Abueva stepped onto the floor at Ynares Center, the narrative could have easily been about redemption against a former team.


    Fresh off a much-needed reset, the Converge FiberXers showed signs of life, snapping their slump with a convincing 103–82 victory over Titan Ultra. The win pushed them to a 2–5 record.

     

    Abueva’s stat line didn’t scream dominance, but it told a story of control. In just 16 minutes off the bench, he poured in 14 points on efficient shooting, grabbed five rebounds, and picked off a steal, all without committing a single turnover.

     

    What made the night more intriguing was the opponent. Titan Ultra wasn’t just another team—it was familiar territory. The split between Abueva and the franchise months earlier had its share of public tension, culminating in a February move that brought him to Converge. Yet, if there were lingering emotions, they didn’t surface under the bright lights.

     

    “Oo, close naman talaga kahit one (conference) lang ‘yung napagsamahan. Siyempre, ‘di naman iba rin ‘yung mga tropa roon,” Abueva said.

     

    Rather than revisiting old conflicts, Abueva leaned into familiarity, greeting former teammates like old friends rather than rivals. The edge many expected never materialized. Instead, what stood out was mutual respect—something that seemed to resonate on both benches.

     

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    The performance also marked a sharp turnaround from his quiet Converge debut against Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, where he managed just five points. The difference, he explained, came from deliberate effort in the days leading up to the game.

     

    “Tinrabaho ko ‘yung three days na ‘yun, bago ‘tong game na ‘to. And ang resulta, mas um-OK, mas gumaan, at mas naging agresibo ako,” he said.

     

    But even as his individual form improved, Abueva was quick to deflect attention. The win, he emphasized, wasn’t about one player finding his groove—it was about a team beginning to understand itself.

     

    “Hindi lang naman kami, ang team talaga ang pagbabasehan ng lahat ng mga pinaghirapan naming panalo,” Abueva added. 

     

    That sentiment echoes the broader reality for Converge. With a roster still trying to piece together its identity, victories are less about statement games and more about small steps forward. Chemistry, not star power, remains the work in progress.

     

    As Abueva put it, quoting his coach’s advice, “Sabi nga ni Coach, baguhan pa ‘yung team, hindi pa naaayos ‘yung gusot. Hindi pa nalalabhan, at hindi pa napaplantsa.”

     

     

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  • Alex Eala returns to Roland Garros, eyes breakthrough run at 2026 WTA French Open

    Alex Eala returns to Roland Garros, eyes breakthrough run at 2026 WTA French Open

    Setbacks have a way of sharpening perspective and for Alex Eala, the road back to Roland Garros may be coming at the perfect time.

    Fresh off a straight-set loss to Leylah Fernandez, 1-6, 4-6, in the Round of 32 of the Stuttgart Open, Alex Eala finds herself at a familiar crossroads—one that now leads back to the clay courts of Roland Garros. 

     

    The defeat came after an earlier campaign at the Linz Open, where she first absorbed a straight-set loss to Jelena Ostapenko before heading to Stuttgart.

     

    Yet beneath the results lies a bigger picture: Eala is no longer chasing entry into the sport’s biggest stages—she’s returning to them.

     

    Her confirmed slot in the 2026 French Open main draw marks a quiet but significant shift. Just a year ago, she arrived in Paris as a newcomer ranked No. 69, stepping into her first Grand Slam main draw appearance with both promise and pressure. 

     

    That debut, however, ended abruptly with a three-set loss to Emiliana Arango—a match that exposed both her inexperience and her potential.

     

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    But Roland Garros has never been just another tournament in Eala’s journey. Long before her name appeared in the senior draw, she had already carved out success on those same red courts. 

     

    Her 2021 girls’ doubles title wasn’t just a trophy—it was an early sign that clay could become her proving ground. 

     

    That evolution continued in 2024, when she fought through the qualifying rounds and secured her first professional win in Paris. It was a quieter milestone compared to her junior triumph, but arguably more telling—a sign that she was learning how to navigate the grind of the pro tour, point by point, match by match.

     

    By 2025, Eala had outgrown the label of prospect. Earning direct entry into Roland Garros signaled her arrival, as a competitor carrying the weight of a nation’s expectations. While her singles campaign ended early, her doubles run alongside Renata Zarazúa offered a different narrative—one of adaptability and resilience on a stage that demands both.

     

    Now, as she heads back to Paris, the context has changed. Eala returns not as a wide-eyed debutante, but as a player shaped by early exits, steady progress, and lessons learned on the very surface she’s about to face again. The recent losses in Stuttgart and Linz may raise questions, but they also sharpen urgency.

     

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  • Manila Marathon set to take over EDSA as traffic adjustments rolled out

    Manila Marathon set to take over EDSA as traffic adjustments rolled out

    Metro Manila’s busiest artery is about to trade traffic for tempo. In a bold reimagining of urban space, EDSA will serve as the centerpiece of the Galaxy Manila Marathon 2026, turning the country’s most iconic highway into a sprawling racecourse for tens of thousands of runners. 


    Scheduled from late June 12 to the morning of June 13 more than 25,000 participants are expected to flood the streets in pursuit of personal bests across four distances—5K, 10K, half marathon, and the full 42-kilometer race. 

     

    At the heart of it all is a route that stretches from SM Mall of Asia to SM City North EDSA, utilizing the EDSA bus carousel lane in a rare reversal of its usual purpose.

     

    For organizers, the vision goes beyond staging a race—it’s about reframing how the capital is experienced.

     

    “EDSA is very historic for us as Filipinos. And other than that, we really want to attract international runners, not only to visit Metro Manila, but also our other beautiful places here in our country,” said Rio dela Cruz, running coach and founder of RUNRIO.

     

    The marathon’s timing is deliberate. Beginning at 11 p.m. on Independence Day and running until 8 a.m. Runners will traverse a route that loops through key landmarks, with the full marathon weaving northbound and southbound along EDSA before returning to the MOA complex.

     

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    But while the race promises a spectacle, it also demands careful coordination in one of Southeast Asia’s most congested corridors.

     

    Authorities have opted for partial, rather than full, road closures. The bus carousel lane will be dedicated to runners, while the outermost lane will temporarily accommodate buses. Two lanes will remain open for private vehicles, and alternate routes, including Mabuhay Lanes and service roads—will help ease the flow of traffic.

     

    “Pipilitin namin na minimal ‘yong effect sa traffic. Hindi naman total closure ang gagawin natin — ang affected lang ay bus carrousel at isang lane,” said MMDA chairman Romando Artes.

     

    Still, certain choke points, such as flyovers and tunnels—will be briefly closed as runners pass, underscoring the scale and complexity of staging an event of this magnitude.

     

    Now in its third year, the Manila Marathon is positioning itself as more than just a local race. Organizers are eyeing long-term inclusion among globally recognized marathon circuits, with a broader calendar of races across the country supporting that ambition. 

     

    Stops in Iloilo, Cebu, Davao, Clark, and Cagayan de Oro form part of a nationwide push to elevate the Philippines as a destination for sports tourism.

     

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