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Author: Dorothy Del Rosario

  • Record-breaking weightlifters lead 13-athlete Philippine team bound for Asian Youth and Junior Championships 

    Record-breaking weightlifters lead 13-athlete Philippine team bound for Asian Youth and Junior Championships 

    The Philippines is sending a promising mix of record holders, world championship medalists, and rising young talents as a 13-athlete delegation prepares to compete in the 2026 Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

     

    Leading the national team are Albert Ian Delos Santos and Alexsandra Ann Diaz, two young lifters who recently made headlines on the international stage with record-breaking performances.

     

    Delos Santos enters the competition with momentum after ruling the 71kg division at the IWF Junior World Championship in Egypt last May, where he also established a new world record in the clean and jerk. For the upcoming Asian meet, he will move down to the juniors 70kg category as he looks to continue building on his breakthrough season.

     

    Diaz, meanwhile, will carry the confidence of a dominant showing at the IWF World Youth Weightlifting Championship in Cali, Cambodia, where she captured three gold medals and broke two world records in the girls’ 48kg division.

    The niece of Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz will compete in both the youth and junior 49kg divisions in Tashkent, a category where she has already gained valuable experience competing domestically. The 15-year-old hopes to bring the same form that powered her golden campaign in Colombia.

     

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    Fourteen-year-old Alexsandra Ann Diaz, the niece of Philippine Olympic champion @diaz_hidilyn, delivered one of the country’s biggest performances on the international youth stage after sweeping three gold medals and setting two youth world records at the 2026 IWF World Youth… pic.twitter.com/vKkrKqwwKr

    — Peanut Gallery Media Network (@PGMNOfficial) July 7, 2026

    Another major contender for the Philippines is Jhodie Peralta, who returns to international competition in the 53kg youth and junior divisions after winning silver at the IWF World Championships.

    The 17-year-old continues to draw inspiration from the guidance of Hidilyn Diaz, keeping her advice in mind whenever she steps onto the platform wearing the Philippine colors.

     

    For national coach Allen Diaz, the focus now is on making sure the athletes are physically and mentally ready for another demanding international challenge.

     

    Diaz has adjusted the training schedule of Alexsandra and Jhodie to match Uzbekistan’s time zone, aiming to help the young lifters transition smoothly once they arrive in Tashkent.

     

    The Philippine delegation also features several medal-winning athletes from previous international competitions, including IWF World Championship silver and bronze medalist Althea Bacaro, who will compete in the women’s 45kg youth division.

     

    Joining Bacaro in the youth category are Rhianne Cabalida in the women’s 69kg division, Jea Mae Palagtiw in the women’s 77kg class, Jay-R Colonia in men’s 55kg, Kirby Kent Alas-as in men’s 60kg, and Jerick Icon Castro in men’s 60kg.

     

    The junior division will feature Angeline Colonia (women’s 49kg), Rosalinda Faustino (women’s 57kg), Prince Keil Delos Santos (men’s 60kg), and Mango Prince David Tarro (men’s 65kg).

     

    The coaching staff composed of Gregorio Colonia, Patrick Cielo Lee, Allen Jayfrus Diaz, Diwa Delos Santos, and Kelle Kay Rojas will oversee the national team’s campaign.

     

    The Philippine delegation heads to Tashkent on Aug. 3 ahead of the tournament scheduled from Aug. 7 to 14.

     

    The team enters the competition with confidence after producing a strong performance at the IWF World Championships in Cali, Colombia earlier this month wherein the Philippines collected 16 medals. 

     

    With a roster built around proven performers and emerging stars, the Philippines hopes to turn its recent international success into another medal-rich campaign on the Asian stage.

     

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  • Team Falcons PH set for redemption match against Team Vitality in MSC 2026 quarterfinals 

    Team Falcons PH set for redemption match against Team Vitality in MSC 2026 quarterfinals 

    Team Falcons PH is getting another chance to settle unfinished business at the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Mid-Season Cup (MSC) 2026 after securing a spot in the knockout quarterfinals with a commanding 2-0 victory over Team Falcons MENA on Sunday in Paris.


    Waiting for the Philippine representatives is familiar rival Team Vitality, the Indonesian champion that previously sent Falcons PH to the lower bracket. This time, however, the stakes are higher as Falcons PH looks to turn a painful early defeat into a statement comeback.

     

    The rematch is set for Wednesday, July 29, at 8:30 PM, where Team Falcons PH will attempt to rewrite the outcome of their first encounter and continue their push toward the MSC 2026 championship.

     

    Falcons PH entered their first meeting with Team Vitality carrying confidence after sweeping Guangzhou Gaming in their opening match. However, the Indonesian squad quickly changed the direction of the series after surviving a tense Game 1 battle and stealing momentum through a crucial late-game turnaround.

     

    The turning point came during an extended second Lord clash when Team Vitality picked off four Falcons PH heroes, allowing the Indonesians to seize control of the map. Although the Filipinos managed to withstand the initial Lord pressure, Vitality kept applying pressure.

     

    Jungler Manuel “Nnael” Simbolon delivered the decisive plays, securing the third Lord through a clutch Retribution against Hirara before exploding for a triple kill in the following team fight. With Falcons PH unable to mount a defense, Team Vitality completed the comeback and took Game 1.

     

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    The Indonesian champions continued their aggressive approach in Game 2, eventually breaking through Falcons PH’s defenses with a base invasion at the 17th minute. The Filipinos fought desperately to stay alive, but a late pick-off on Owgwen’s Akai removed their main frontline and opened the path for Team Vitality to close out the series.

     

    Team Vitality entered MSC 2026 as one of the tournament favorites after dominating the MPL Indonesia Season 17 playoffs and claiming the championship title. 

     

    But Falcons PH showed that their lower bracket run is far from over. Against Team Falcons MENA, the Filipinos regained their rhythm and displayed stronger coordination, controlling the series from start to finish.

     

    Kyle “Hirara” delivered one of the standout moments of the match, producing a highlight-worthy Maniac during the final base siege. His impressive performance capped off the sweep with a 7-2-5 KDA, helping Falcons PH eliminate their sister organization and secure another shot at the Indonesian powerhouse.

     

    The upcoming quarterfinal clash will test whether Falcons PH can make the necessary adjustments after their first encounter with Team Vitality. With elimination now on the line, the Filipino squad will need to rely on its late-game composure and improved teamwork to extend its MSC 2026 campaign.

     

    For Falcons PH, the quarterfinal rematch represents more than just another playoff series—it is an opportunity to prove they have evolved since their first meeting with Team Vitality.

     

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  • SBP confident long Gilas stint can strengthen squad for FIBA, Asian Games campaigns

    SBP confident long Gilas stint can strengthen squad for FIBA, Asian Games campaigns

    With the second round of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers immediately followed by the 2026 Asian Games, the national team is set to spend more than a month together—a stretch Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Executive Director Erika Dy believes could strengthen the squad heading into two major international competitions.


    “It’s a good development for us that the Asian Games will happen almost immediately after the (FIBA) windows,” Dy said.

     

    The extended campaign begins with Gilas assembling for training in the Philippines once the PBA Governors’ Cup pauses on Aug. 15. After more than two weeks of preparation, the team will head to South Korea for a pair of tune-up games before flying directly to Japan for the Asian Games.

     

    “We leave for Korea on September 3 because we will be playing friendlies against the Korean national team on the 4th and 6th,” said the SBP executive on the sidelines of the Hustle 5: EASL Future Champions championship game between Cebu and Macau.

     

    “Tapos on the 7th, diretso na tayo sa Asian Games.”

     

    This year’s schedule offers little downtime. Unlike previous editions where other sports opened the competition, men’s basketball will be among the first events to begin even before the official opening ceremony of the Asian Games in Japan, marking the tournament’s return to the country since Hiroshima hosted the event in 1994.

     

    “Basketball in the Asian Games will start earlier than the opening ceremony itself. So September 10 to 20 ang men’s basketball,” said Dy.

     

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    “Diretso tayo halos isang buwan or even more than a month na magkakasama yung mga players natin,” she added.

     

    Before shifting its focus to the Asian Games, Gilas faces crucial business in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers. The Philippines hosts Jordan on Aug. 28 and Iran on Aug. 30 at the Mall of Asia Arena as the second round gets underway.

     

    The Nationals enter the next phase looking to recover from back-to-back losses to New Zealand and Australia in the third qualifying window earlier this month. Those defeats left Gilas tied with Syria for fifth place in Group E with a 2-4 record.

     

    Australia remains unbeaten atop the standings at 6-0, while Iran and Jordan share second place with identical 5-1 slates. New Zealand sits fourth at 4-2.

     

    The compressed schedule also leaves room for adjustments in the national team roster. Because eligibility rules differ between FIBA competitions and the Asian Games, some changes are expected, although Dy emphasized that the foundation of the squad will remain largely the same.

     

    “There might be a few changes, but the core of the team should be intact. Those who weren’t eligible in Fiba competition as a local, we can consider them to play for the Asian Games,” she said. 

     

    Maintaining that continuity could prove valuable as Gilas attempts to improve its standing in the World Cup qualifiers before turning its attention to another chance at regional success in the Asian Games, where an extended period together may become one of the team’s biggest advantages.

     

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  • Philippines steps onto global badminton stage with inaugural BWF International Challenge 

    Philippines steps onto global badminton stage with inaugural BWF International Challenge 

    The Philippines is taking a significant step onto the global badminton stage this week as it hosts its first-ever Badminton World Federation (BWF)-sanctioned International Challenge tournament, signaling the country’s growing ambitions in the sport.


    Competition begins with the qualifying rounds of the Philippine International Challenge 2026 at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City, where local hopefuls will test themselves against an international field seeking valuable world ranking points.

     

    Classified as a Grade 3, Level 1 event on the BWF Continental Circuit, the International Challenge sits above the International Series and Future Series, making it one of the highest-level tournaments ever staged in the country. Ranking points earned during the competition will count toward the BWF World Rankings, attracting established names and rising talents from across Asia and beyond.

     

    For the Philippine Badminton Association (PBA), bringing the tournament to Manila represents years of planning and coordination with the sport’s governing bodies.

     

    “The association sent bids to host these tournaments, a proposal to the BWF through Badminton Asia, to host an International Challenge and an International Junior Series this year,” PBA secretary-general Shawntel Nieto said.

     

    “Gratefully, they accepted, and with the support of and with the go-signal from boss MVP (Manny V. Pangilinan), we were able to plan out and bring it to life. So, we’re very excited about that.”

     

    The week-long tournament will showcase a competitive international field led by Kazakhstan’s Dimitri Panarin, who returns to the Philippines after previously competing in the main draw of the 2022 Badminton Asia Championships. Joining the men’s singles top seeds are India’s Manraj Singh and Alap Mishra, Indonesia’s Christian Adinata, and Malaysia’s Jing Hong Kok.

     

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    In women’s singles, Thailand’s 21-year-old Tidaporn Kleebyeesun enters as the tournament’s top seed. Fellow Thais Yataweemin Ketklieng and Pornpicha Choeikeewong also headline the draw alongside Indonesian-born Azerbaijani Keisha Fatimah Azzahra and Malaysia’s Siti Zulaikha.

     

    While international stars headline the tournament, the spotlight will also be on the Philippines’ top-ranked players looking to capitalize on home-court advantage.

     

    Fresh from their campaigns in the Philippine National Badminton Open, World No. 122 Clarence Villaflor and four-time national women’s singles champion Mika De Guzman, also ranked No. 122 in the world, enter as top-10 seeds in their respective singles events. Three-time reigning national men’s singles champion Jelo Albo also joins the country’s main draw campaign.

     

    The national team has already secured additional representation in the main draw through National Open men’s doubles champions Julius Villabrille and Solomon Padiz Jr. Women’s doubles runners-up Lea Inlayo and Jeya Pinlac also advanced directly, along with Hailene Diaz and Naeomi Gulpany in the Round of 32.

     

    Several Filipino pairs and singles players, however, still have work to do in the qualifying rounds.

    In men’s singles, Mark Velasco opens against Saudi Arabia’s Mehad Shaikh, while JR Pandi takes on Australia’s Ken Richardson. A victory by either Filipino will complete the country’s men’s singles lineup alongside Villaflor and Albo.

     

    The mixed doubles qualifying draw features newly crowned national champions Villabrille and Andrea Princess Hernandez, who face Patricia Barredo and Filipino-born Australian Jan Mark Sotea for a place in the main draw. Solomon Padiz Jr. and Mary Destiny Untalan will likewise battle Vietnam’s Le Minh Son and Mai Thi Thanh Ngan for another qualifying spot.

     

    In men’s doubles, Lance Vargas and Carlo Remo begin their campaign against Laos’ Namboun Luangamath and Phonesack Sookthavy.

     

    The Philippine International Challenge runs until Aug. 2 before the country immediately shifts its attention to another milestone, with the Philippine International Junior Series scheduled to take place at the same Mandaluyong venue the following week, further strengthening the nation’s push to become a regular host on the international badminton calendar.

     

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  • Rain or Shine thriving without Leonard Santillan, but forward eager to rejoin in October 

    Rain or Shine thriving without Leonard Santillan, but forward eager to rejoin in October 

    Rain or Shine has managed to steady its campaign even without one of its key frontcourt players, giving injured forward Leonard Santillan plenty of reasons to be optimistic as he works toward an October return.


    The Elasto Painters stumbled out of the gate in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup with back-to-back losses, but they have quickly regained their footing by stringing together consecutive victories. 

     

    Their latest statement came in a convincing 110-99 victory over Barangay Ginebra, where import Aaron Fuller erupted for 37 points while Caelan Tiongson chipped in 21 to fuel the team’s resurgence.

     

    The turnaround has lifted Rain or Shine to fourth place in the Group B standings with a 2-2 win-loss record. The Elasto Painters will look to continue their climb when they face the Magnolia Hotshots on Friday, July 31, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    Watching from the sidelines, Santillan has been encouraged by how Rain or Shine has responded despite missing one of its regular contributors.

     

    “Mga two months pa ito. Sana makabalik na ako agad para makatulong sa team,” Santillan said.

     

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    He has yet to make his conference debut as he continues his rehabilitation. According to Santillan, the team’s medical staff is targeting his return after the league’s scheduled break.

     

    “Ang sabi naman, October. October yung target. Sakto pagbalik sa break ng PBA,” the 6-foot-5 forward said.

     

    While eager to get back on the floor, Santillan has enjoyed seeing his teammates fill the void in the frontcourt. He singled out rookie Christian Manaytay for making the most of his opportunities while also recognizing the work being put in by Luis Villegas and veteran Beau Belga.

     

    “Masaya naman kasi ganun naman talaga yung tinatrabaho nila. Nag-e-extra work sila,” he said.

     

    “Lalo na yung rookie namin na si Christian. Sobrang sipag ng batang ‘yun. Sila Luis, Kuya Beau, sobrang sipag din. Natutuwa ako na maganda yung pinapakita ng team,” Santillan added. 

     

    Rain or Shine’s recent run has eased the pressure of Santillan’s absence, with the Elasto Painters showing improved depth and production in the frontcourt. The emergence of younger players has helped stabilize the rotation, allowing the team to stay competitive while waiting for one of its key forwards to regain full fitness.

     

    For now, Santillan remains focused on completing his recovery, with October set as the target for his return. If Rain or Shine can maintain its winning form beginning with its showdown to its upcoming matches, the Elasto Painters could receive a timely boost when the versatile forward is finally cleared to rejoin the lineup.

     

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  • Team Falcons PH keeps title hopes alive as Team Liquid PH exits MSC 2026 

    Team Falcons PH keeps title hopes alive as Team Liquid PH exits MSC 2026 

    With one Philippine contender already out of the race, Team Falcons PH made sure the country’s campaign at the 2026 MLBB Mid-Season Cup would continue.


    Facing elimination in the lower bracket, the MPL Philippines squad delivered when it mattered most, sweeping Team Falcons MENA, 2-0, on Sunday in Paris, France, to book the country’s lone spot in the knockout stage and keep its championship aspirations alive.

     

    The victory came just hours after defending champion Team Liquid PH suffered a stunning early exit, leaving Team Falcons PH with the responsibility of carrying the Philippine banner for the remainder of the tournament.

     

    A familiar face played a pivotal role in the turnaround. Returning to the international stage for the first time since representing Blacklist International at the M4 World Championship in 2024, Mildaner Salic “Hadji” Imam wasted no time making his presence felt. 

     

    Piloting Selena in Game 1, Hadji orchestrated an explosive 3-0 start that gave Team Falcons PH early momentum and dictated the pace of the match.

     

    Despite the fast opening, the Filipinos remained disciplined throughout the contest, methodically controlling objectives before jungler Michael “Kyle” Sayson secured an uncontested Lord in the 16th minute. The crucial objective cracked open Team Falcons MENA’s defenses and paved the way for Team Falcons PH to take the opening game.

     

    Kyle once again rose to the occasion in Game 2. Using Hirara, the jungler claimed another game-changing Lord before the 14-minute mark before taking over the decisive clash. 

     

    Kyle wiped out Team Falcons MENA almost single-handedly, completing a Maniac to seal the sweep and punch Team Falcons PH’s ticket to the playoffs.

     

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    The victory sets up an immediate opportunity for revenge. Team Falcons PH will face Indonesian powerhouse Team Vitality in the knockout quarterfinals after previously falling 2-0 to the MPL Indonesia Season 17 champions in the upper bracket semifinals—a defeat that sent the Filipinos into the lower bracket in the first place.

     

    The remaining quarterfinal pairings feature Aurora Turkiye against Onic Indonesia, while Team Vamos battles Team Spirit and Pro Esports squares off with Yangon Galacticos.

     

    While Team Falcons PH celebrated survival, the tournament came to a disappointing end for Team Liquid PH.

     

    The reigning champions were eliminated after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Peru’s Entity 7 on Sunday, marking the earliest exit ever by a Philippine representative since the competition began as the MLBB Southeast Asia Cup in 2017.

     

    Team Liquid PH looked poised to force a deciding game after controlling the early stages, but momentum shifted dramatically following a seventh-minute midlane skirmish where Karl “Karltzy” Nepomuceno’s Hirara and Jaypee “Jaypee” Dela Cruz’s Hilda were picked off.

     

    Entity 7 capitalized on the opening and never looked back. Another double kill involving Jaypee and Sanford “Sanford” Vinuya’s Barats widened the gap before the Peruvian squad closed out the deciding game with a 12-8 victory to eliminate the defending champions.

     

    The result consigned Team Liquid PH to a 13th-16th place finish—the worst performance by any Philippine team in either of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang’s two S-tier international tournaments. 

     

    That disappointing campaign has now placed even greater importance on Team Falcons PH, which enters the playoffs as the country’s last hope of reclaiming the MSC crown.

     

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  • Philippines braces for first Southeast Asian Open Water Championship in Boracay 

    Philippines braces for first Southeast Asian Open Water Championship in Boracay 

    Boracay is preparing for a different kind of tourism surge as the world-famous island shifts its focus from beaches and leisure to athletic competition.


    The country’s premier island destination will become the center of Southeast Asian open water swimming when it hosts the 4th Southeast Asian Open Water Championship from August 21 to 23, giving the Philippines its first opportunity to stage the regional competition.

     

    Presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, the event will take place off Boracay Newcoast in Malay, Aklan, a 150-hectare tourism estate developed by real estate giant Megaworld. The championship is expected to showcase not only the region’s top swimmers but also Boracay’s potential as a world-class sports tourism destination.

     

    “Indonesia had its Bali, Thailand had its Pattaya, and now the Philippines has Boracay to be proud of,” said Eric Buhain, the Philippine Aquatics Inc. secretary general.

     

    Organizers are preparing for a strong turnout, with around 200 athletes expected to compete in the official medal events featuring the men’s and women’s 5-kilometer and 10-kilometer races. The swimmers will navigate a 1.66-kilometer square course inside the island’s cove, with races scheduled during the cooler early morning hours to provide better conditions for competitors.

     

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    The championship is also expected to attract broader participation beyond the main medal categories. PAI executive director Anthony Reyes said several countries from the Southeast Asian Swimming Federation have already confirmed their entries.

     

    “They are Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste, Vietnam, and of course, host Philippines,” Reyes said.

     

    With regional participation growing, Philippine Aquatics believes the event can become a major step toward expanding open water swimming in the country while promoting Boracay as a destination capable of hosting international sporting events.

     

    “This sporting event not only advances the growth of open water swimming in Southeast Asia, but also shines a spotlight on Boracay island as a true gem of the region, while reflecting the warmth and hospitality of the Filipino people,” said PH Aquatics president Michael Vargas.

     

    Beyond the championship races, organizers are also expecting more swimmers to join the open water festival categories, particularly the 3-kilometer and 5-kilometer distances that will run alongside the official competition.

     

    “But we can expect more participants in the open water festival in the 3 and 5-kilometer distances that will coincide with the regular meet, so the numbers will swell, which is in keeping with PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio’s sports tourism advocacy,” added the former national swimming standout.

     

    As the Philippines prepares for its regional hosting debut, organizers are making safety a priority. Buhain and Reyes said extensive measures have been arranged to ensure a smooth three-day competition, including the deployment of lifeguards, life rafts, medical teams, and support personnel positioned throughout the race area.

     

    The event is expected to be more than just a swimming competition—it will serve as a showcase of how sports can bring international attention to one of the Philippines’ most iconic islands.

     

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  • Converge reunites with Jamaal Franklin, parts ways with Jalen Hudson ahead of TNT clash

    Converge reunites with Jamaal Franklin, parts ways with Jalen Hudson ahead of TNT clash

    Converge wasted little time searching for answers after suffering its first setback of the PBA Season 50 Governor’s Cup, turning to a familiar face in hopes of keeping its strong start on track.


    The FiberXers have officially replaced import Jalen Hudson with returning reinforcement Jamaal Franklin, bringing back one of the franchise’s most productive imports ahead of Tuesday’s showdown against TNT at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    The team confirmed the move through its official social media post.

     

    “Welcome Back, Jamaal Franklin!”

     

    The roster change comes after Hudson’s brief four-game stint with Converge. Although he showed flashes of his scoring ability, the former import struggled to find consistency throughout the conference.

     

    Hudson averaged 12.25 points, 6.75 rebounds, and 4.25 assists before being released by the FiberXers.

     

    He made an encouraging debut by tallying 20 points, eight rebounds, and four assists against Titan Ultra, but his production steadily declined over the next few games, highlighted by a two-point outing against Terrafirma.

     

    With Converge sitting at 3-1 and third in the Group A standings following its first loss of the conference to the San Miguel Beermen, management opted to make a change before the tournament reaches its crucial stretch.

     

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    That decision brings Franklin back to a team where he previously thrived wherein the high-scoring forward last suited up for Converge during the 2023 conference, producing outstanding averages of 34.0 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 7.6 assists per game. 

     

    Behind his all-around brilliance, the FiberXers compiled a 6-5 record to secure seventh place in the elimination round before bowing out in the quarterfinals.

     

    Franklin’s return also restores an import known for his ability to impact every facet of the game rather than simply carrying the scoring load.

     

    Before establishing himself as one of the most accomplished imports to play in Asia, Franklin was selected 41st overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2013 NBA Draft. Although he never played in an NBA regular-season game with Memphis, he developed in the NBA G League with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants before continuing his career in China with the Zhejiang Lions. 

     

    He later earned an NBA opportunity with the Denver Nuggets during the 2015-16 season before becoming a longtime standout in the Chinese Basketball Association beginning in 2017.

     

    Franklin is expected to make his season debut for Converge when the FiberXers take on TNT on Tuesday, with the team hoping his familiarity with the system can provide an immediate spark as it looks to bounce back from its first defeat.

     

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  • This Week’s Sports Fixtures: PBA, PVL On Tour, and Alex Eala Mubadala DC Open (July 27 – August 2)

    This Week’s Sports Fixtures: PBA, PVL On Tour, and Alex Eala Mubadala DC Open (July 27 – August 2)

    Philippine sports fans have a busy week ahead as major competitions take center stage, featuring a packed PBA Season 50 Governor’s Cup schedule, the continuation of the PVL On Tour, and Alex Eala’s appearance at the Mubadala DC Open. Basketball action dominates the local calendar, while volleyball and international tennis provide additional highlights for Filipino supporters.


    PBA Season 50 Governor’s Cup

     

    Tuesday, July 28 — Ninoy Aquino Stadium

     

    5:15 PM – Phoenix Fuel Masters vs Blackwater Bossing

    7:30 PM – TNT Tropang 5G vs Converge FiberXers

     

    Wednesday, July 29 — Ninoy Aquino Stadium

     

    5:15 PM – Terrafirma Dyip vs Macau Giant Pandas

    7:30 PM – San Miguel Beermen vs Titan Ultra

     

    Friday, July 31 — SM Mall of Asia Arena

     

    5:15 PM – Rain or Shine Elasto Painters vs Magnolia Hotshots

    7:30 PM – Meralco Bolts vs Barangay Ginebra San Miguel

    Saturday, August 1 — SM Mall of Asia Arena

     

    5:15 PM – Converge FiberXers vs NLEX Road Warriors

    7:30 PM – TNT Tropang 5G vs San Miguel Beermen

     

    Sunday, August 2 — Smart Araneta Coliseum

     

    5:15 PM – Rain or Shine Elasto Painters vs Meralco Bolts

    7:30 PM – Barangay Ginebra San Miguel vs Magnolia Hotshots

     

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    PVL On Tour

     

    Saturday, August 1 — Polomolok, South Cotabato

     

    4:00 PM – Nxled Chameleons vs Galeries Tower Highrisers

    6:30 PM – Akari Chargers vs Choco Mucho Flying Titans

     

    Mubadala DC Open — Women’s Singles

     

    Round of 32 — Tuesday, July 28

     

    11:00 PM (PHT)
    Alex Eala vs Qinwen Zheng

     

    With several high-profile matchups lined up, the week offers plenty of storylines across different sports. The PBA continues its heated Governor’s Cup battles as teams fight for positioning, while the PVL On Tour brings volleyball action closer to fans outside Metro Manila. Meanwhile, Alex Eala will look to make another strong international impression as she faces a tough challenge in the Mubadala DC Open.

     

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  • Fresh start awaits Quentin Millora-Brown as Filipino big man joins Nagoya Diamond Dolphins 

    Fresh start awaits Quentin Millora-Brown as Filipino big man joins Nagoya Diamond Dolphins 

    For Quentin Millora-Brown, the 2026-27 B.League season represents more than just another stop in Japan—it is a chance to reset his career.

     

    After an injury-marred campaign with the Chiba Jets limited his impact, the Filipino-American center has found a new home with the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins, who officially announced his signing on Friday as they continue to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season.


    Millora-Brown is embracing the fresh opportunity and is eager to help Nagoya build on the success it achieved a year ago.

     

    “I’m incredibly excited to join the Dolphins and become part of this organization. With the start of the new B.LEAGUE PREMIER era, I’m looking forward to fighting alongside my teammates and all of you to protect the legacy this club has built and add to it,” Millora-Brown said.

     

    The move comes after a frustrating stretch with Chiba, where injuries prevented the 6-foot-10 big man from carving out a consistent role. He suited up in just 19 games during the previous campaign, averaging 3.8 points and 2.9 rebounds in 13.9 minutes per contest.

     

    Across his first season with the Jets, Millora-Brown produced averages of 4.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists before sciatica sidelined him for the latter part of the campaign. 

     

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    His absence came as Chiba finished with a strong 42-18 regular-season record before its playoff run ended in the B.League semifinals against Nagasaki Velca.

     

    Despite the limited production, Millora-Brown believes his value extends beyond statistics.

     

    “I play hard every time I step on the court. My goal is to become the kind of player that opponents hate to play against, but teammates love to play with. Defense and setting screens are the two things I take the most pride in,” he said. 

     

    Those traits could prove valuable for a Nagoya squad looking to take the next step after posting a 41-19 record last season. 

     

    The Diamond Dolphins also reached the B.League semifinals but were eliminated by the Ryukyu Golden Kings, prompting the club to reinforce its frontcourt ahead of the league’s new campaign.

     

    Millora-Brown’s transfer also continues a busy offseason for Filipino talent in Japan. AJ Edu stayed with the Gunma Crane Thunders, while Jamie Malonzo and Matthew Wright signed with Earthfriends Tokyo Z and the Saitama Broncos, respectively. Mike Phillips also secured a move to the Kyoto Hannaryz, further expanding the Filipino presence across Japanese professional basketball.

     

    Nagoya’s expectations are equally high entering the inaugural B.LEAGUE PREMIER season. The club recently appointed veteran international coach Roy Rana as its new head coach, signaling its intent to compete for championships in the league’s new era. 

     

    Millora-Brown’s arrival gives Rana another defensive-minded interior presence as the Dolphins look to improve on last season’s Final Four finish.

     

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