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  • Malick Diouf nears senate approval for naturalization as Bennie Boatwright’s bid faces delay

    Malick Diouf nears senate approval for naturalization as Bennie Boatwright’s bid faces delay

    The push to strengthen the Philippines’ national teams shifted to the Senate floor Tuesday as lawmakers began deliberations on bills seeking to grant Filipino citizenship to four foreign athletes.

     

    The Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights tackled the naturalization measures for basketball players Malick Diouf, Bennie Boatwright, and Elizabeth Means, along with wrestler Matthew James Ramos, in a bid to boost the country’s international campaign.

     

    Among the four, Diouf and Means are closest to the senate’s approval for naturalization.

     

    Senate Bill No. 1596, which covers Diouf, and Senate Bill No. 1594 for Means, both authored by Sen. Pia Cayetano is expected to reach third and final reading at the Senate plenary next week. Their applications have gained steady traction and could soon be transmitted for final approval.

     

    Boatwright and Ramos, however, encountered a temporary setback. Both athletes failed to appear during the first and second readings of their respective bills before the committee chaired by Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, potentially pushing further deliberations to April.

     

    The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) closely monitored the proceedings. Executive director Erika Dy and Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 program director Ryan Gregorio attended the hearing, highlighting the federation’s commitment to reinforcing its national squads.

     

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    Means is projected to provide an immediate boost to the Gilas Women 3×3 team, while Diouf is being developed as part of the Gilas 3×3 pool. 

     

    Boatwright, on the other hand, has long been eyed as a major addition to the Gilas 5×5 squad, where he could join naturalized standouts Justin Brownlee and Angelo Kouame.

     

    Despite the delay affecting Boatwright and Ramos, sports officials remain optimistic that all four athletes will secure their naturalization within the year.

     

    “As former (first ever) SBP executive director, I support the naturalization process of the SBP. Basketball is the “national passion” of the Pinoys. We must support,” said Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio.

     

    Senate Committee on Sports chairman Sen. Bong Go also voiced support for the measures, pointing to areas where the national team needs reinforcement.

     

    “During the past two games of Gilas, nakita po natin ang kakulangan ng team. Boatwright can play outside and inside. Although papasok na tayo sa next round, malaking tulong po kung sakaling maipasa natin ito,” Go said.

     

    Having already cleared the second round at the Lower House, the bills for Diouf and Means are now one hearing away from being forwarded to Malacañang for President Bongbong Marcos’ signature.

     

    Still, Gregorio stressed that the legislative process requires personal accountability, explaining that Boatwright and Ramos must appear before senators to undergo scrutiny is a crucial step before citizenship can be granted.

     

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  • Philippines offers to host postponed FIBA Asian Qualifiers amid Middle East tensions

    Philippines offers to host postponed FIBA Asian Qualifiers amid Middle East tensions

    The Philippines may once again find itself at the center of international basketball — not just as a competitor, but as a stabilizing force.


    With rising tensions in the Middle East forcing the postponement of several games in the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has stepped forward with a proposal: bring the cancelled matches to Manila.

     

    SBP president Ricky Vargas revealed that he personally relayed the offer to Hagop Khajirian during halftime of the Gilas Pilipinas-Australia clash at the Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    “I told Hagop about it, that we can host the games here if FIBA wants it,” said Vargas, who also serves as chairman of the PBA Board.

     

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    Just hours before Gilas faced Australia, the same arena staged a non-host matchup between China men’s national basketball team and Chinese Taipei men’s national basketball team — proof, Vargas implied, that the country can handle logistical demands beyond its own fixtures. China erased a late deficit to secure a 100-93 victory in front of a modest Pasay crowd.

     

    The offer comes after FIBA postponed four Window 2 games due to security concerns following escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. 

     

    The affected matchups include Iraq versus Jordan and Iran against Syria in Group C, along with Lebanon versus India and Qatar against Saudi Arabia in Group D. Except for the Saudi-Qatar game set in Riyadh, all were originally scheduled to be played in Lebanon.

     

    According to SBP executive director Erika Dy, FIBA has decided that the postponed contests will now be integrated into the third window.

     

    “So there will be more games to be played by these teams in the third window,” she said.

    For now, the ball is in FIBA’s hands. But the Philippines’ willingness to step in underscores a broader ambition — to be more than just a basketball nation obsessed with its own team. 

     

    In uncertain times, it is positioning itself as a dependable host, ready to keep the games going when circumstances elsewhere cannot.

     

    Beyond logistics, the proposal carries symbolic weight. At a time when geopolitical tensions threaten to disrupt sporting calendars, the Philippines is signaling its commitment to keeping competition alive and athletes on the court. 

     

    Should FIBA accept the offer, it would not only ease scheduling challenges but also showcase how basketball can serve as a bridge in turbulent times — with Manila once again providing the stage for the game. 

     

     

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  • Justin Brownlee follows Creamline closely, lauds PVL’s lively scene

    Justin Brownlee follows Creamline closely, lauds PVL’s lively scene

    For one night, the basketball hardwood took a backseat as Justin Brownlee immersed himself in the world of volleyball. 


    The Gilas Pilipinas star spent his rest day courtside at the PVL All-Filipino Conference, catching the Creamline Cool Smashers face off against the Galeries Tower Highrisers at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.

     

    Fresh off a challenging second window in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, Brownlee was joined by Phoenix import James Dickey, his former teammate in Indonesia’s Pelita Jaya Bakrie, for an evening of volleyball appreciation.

     

    “It feels good to be watching the game and just seeing some of the incredible athletic talent they have out there,” Brownlee said, soaking in the action from the sidelines.

     

    The 37-year-old forward has been following the PVL closely, even if he couldn’t attend games in person. 

     

    “I’ve been seeing stuff online, like on Instagram and things like that. But unfortunately, I haven’t been able to come to a game. It’s just good to be back,” he said. 

     

    Brownlee’s last live PVL experience dates back to March 14, 2024, when he watched Choco Mucho battle Cignal and praised the athleticism of high-flying Sisi Rondina. 

     

    “I love the volleyball and the PVL. I think it’s been a good time to come and see Creamline. I’m enjoying it so far,” the three-time Best Import awardee also added. 

     

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    While volleyball remains a spectator sport for him, he’s dabbled in beach volleyball and is open to trying his hand in a team setting. 

     

    “I’ve tried beach volleyball, things like that. But not really on a team as far as on the hardwood. But I definitely could try it if I need to,” the 37-year-old forward said.

     

    In keeping with March as Women’s Month, Brownlee also took a moment to inspire female athletes striving to carve their own paths.

     

    “You know, just go out there and be you. You know, I think that’s very important for you. Obviously, for women, just be you and whatever that goal, whatever that brings to the table, just be you and try to be positive,” he said.

     

    Brownlee just wrapped up an intense stretch with Gilas Pilipinas against Australia in the sFIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, helping the national team navigate a tough slate of games in the Philippines. 

     

    The six-time PBA champion and three-time Best Import awardee, is set to return to action in the upcoming Commissioner’s Cup, but for now, the spotlight was on him appreciating another kind of athletic artistry — one played on the volleyball court.

     

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  • Play Gold Trio: Lil Demon on OKBet 

    Play Gold Trio: Lil Demon on OKBet 

    Developed by Playtech through its Ash Gaming studio, Gold Trio: Lil’ Demon™ continues the popular Gold Trio series, bringing high-voltage action with a devilish twist. 

     

    Available on mobile and desktop, the game runs on a 5×3 grid with 30 fixed paylines, delivering high volatility gameplay with a 95.93% RTP and a maximum win potential of 4,165x the total bet. Wagers range from €0.20 to €500 per spin, catering to both casual players and high-stakes bettors.

     

    Betting System and Paylines

    Gold Trio: Lil’ Demon™ operates on 30 fixed paylines, with wins calculated from the leftmost reel to the right. Players can adjust the total stake using bet controls before spinning. While base line wins are modest, the design encourages engagement with bonus features like Gold Trio Respins, Fire Wheel, and Demon’s Feature for the potential of substantial payouts.

     

    Symbols and Base Game Payouts

    The paytable features the series’ signature devilish theme. Lil’ Demon tops the chart, awarding 0.40x to 6x the bet for 3–5 matches. Other symbols include Trident, Crown, Key, and Dice, paying up to 4.50x, 3.50x, 3x, and 2.50x respectively. Classic card symbols round out the low-tier payouts at 0.10x to 2x the bet.

     

    The Wild symbol can land stacked across all reels and substitutes for regular symbols to help create winning combinations.

     

    Gold Trio Respins

    The Hold & Win-style Gold Trio Respins is triggered by collecting 1–3 different Colored Coins on the base game. During this bonus round, 3 respins are granted, and each time a new Coin lands, the counter resets. Coins carry modifiers:

    • Blue Boost Coin: Increases all Coin values in view by a random amount. 

       

    • Red Multiply Coin: Multiplies all visible Coin values by x2. 

       

    • Green Collect Coin: Collects all Cash Prizes in view. 

       

    Jackpots can also be won during Respins:

    • Mini Jackpot: 10x bet 

       

    • Minor Jackpot: 20x bet 

       

    • Major Jackpot: 50x bet 

       

    • Grand Jackpot: 1,000x bet 

       

    Filling the entire grid with Coins secures the Grand Jackpot.

     

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    Fire Wheel Feature

    Fire Wheel can be triggered when Fire Coins land during the base game or bonus round. Prizes include:

    • Triggering Gold Trio Respins with 1–3 Pots 

       

    • Activating new Pots in an ongoing Respins session 

       

    • Awarding a jackpot (Mini, Minor, Major, Grand) 

       

    • Giving a cash prize up to 5x the bet 

       

    Demon’s Feature

    The Demon’s Feature is entirely random and may add extra Colored Coins or Fire Coins to any spin or respin, potentially activating Gold Trio Respins or Fire Wheel.

     

    Buy Feature

    Players can instantly access the Gold Trio Respins for 50x their bet using the Buy Feature, which starts the bonus with 1–3 Coins. Availability may vary based on casino restrictions and local regulations.

     

    Theme and Graphics

    The game continues the series’ devilish aesthetic with upgraded graphics and smooth animations. The soundtrack complements the fiery theme, and the layout includes:

    • Pots for Boost, Multiply, and Collect above the reels 

       

    • Fire Wheel to the left 

       

    • Game controls to the right

    Lil’ Demon is not permanently on the grid this time but appears during major wins to celebrate victories.

     

    Pros and Cons

    Pros:

    • Stunning graphics, animations, and audio 

       

    • Stacked Wilds and versatile base game 

       

    • Fixed jackpots up to 1,000x 

       

    • Colored Coins trigger Hold & Win Respins with modifiers 

       

    • Fire Wheel provides additional cash, jackpot, or Respins activation 

       

    • Random Demon’s Feature adds unpredictability 

       

    • Buy Feature available for instant bonus access 

       

    • Max win of 4,165x the bet

    Cons:

    • RTP slightly below industry average at 95.93% 

       

    • High volatility can be risky for low-stakes players 

       

    Overall Experience

    Gold Trio: Lil’ Demon™ merges elements from previous Gold Trio releases, combining premium visuals, fiery bonuses, and high payout potential. While it does not reinvent the series, it provides a compelling Hold & Win experience with multiple ways to win and enjoy dynamic features. High volatility and the wide betting range make it suitable for players who enjoy thrilling spins and large jackpot possibilities.

     

    Whether chasing jackpots or enjoying the fiery theme, Gold Trio: Lil’ Demon™ is a solid addition to Playtech’s online slot portfolio.

     

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  • Redemption and rise: UE, NU, Ateneo, and FEU eye crucial UAAP Season 88 turning point

    Redemption and rise: UE, NU, Ateneo, and FEU eye crucial UAAP Season 88 turning point

    The middle stretch of UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball is shaping up to be less about early dominance and more about response. 


    On Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, four teams will step onto the taraflex with heated passion to win. 

     

    The 1 p.m. opener places the spotlight on opposite ends of the emotional spectrum. The UE Lady Warriors enter still chasing their first victory after a winless Season 87 campaign extended into this year. 

     

    Their 18-game slide looms large, and their latest setback, a straight-sets defeat to the UST Golden Tigresses. Khy Cepada led UE with nine points in that outing, but the climb remains steep.

     

    Across the net stand the defending champions, the NU Lady Bulldogs, who suddenly find themselves in unfamiliar territory.

     

    Unbeaten through three matches, National University appeared headed for another routine win after taking a 2-0 lead over the UP Fighting Maroons last Saturday. Instead, they absorbed a stunning five-set reversal, 25-16, 25-16, 22-25, 29-31, 16-18, a result that snapped their winning streak.

     

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    Now chasing a third straight championship, NU must recalibrate quickly. Rookie Sam Cantada remains doubtful after injuring her right shin, but veterans Arah Panique, Vange Alinsug, Chams Maaya, Alexa Mata, setter Lams Lamina, and Shaira Jardio are expected to anchor the bounce-back effort.

     

    Meanwhile, the 3 p.m. match features two teams the Ateneo Lady Eagles and the FEU Lady Tamaraws.

     

    The Ateneo Blue Eagles showed flashes of fight against unbeaten powerhouse De La Salle Lady Spikers, even snatching a set in a four-set defeat, 25-14, 21-25, 25-17, 25-17. 

     

    It marked the first set La Salle conceded this season — a small but meaningful statement from a squad still hunting its first win. Under head coach Sergio Veloso, Ateneo is banking on that glimpse of competitiveness to finally translate into a breakthrough result.

     

    Standing in their way are the FEU Lady Tamaraws, currently at 2-2 and locked in a crowded race for the upper half of the standings alongside UST and Adamson. 

     

    FEU is coming off a morale-boosting four-set win over the Adamson Lady Falcons, 22-25, 31-28, 25-17, 25-20, a response to their own loss against NU.

     

    As the second round of games inches closer, Wednesday’s twin bill is less about highlight plays and more about trajectory.

     

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  • Sherwin Meneses unlocks winning blend as Creamline’s depth fuels four-game surge

    Sherwin Meneses unlocks winning blend as Creamline’s depth fuels four-game surge

    After absorbing a stunning opening-game sweep at the hands of the PLDT High Speed Hitters, the 10-time champions have quietly rebuilt their rhythm, not by overhauling their system, but by maximizing it.

     

    Creamline stretched its winning streak to four with a 25-14, 17-25, 25-18, 25-23 decision over the Galeries Tower Highrisers at the FilOil Centre, leaning on Tots Carlos’ 19-point outing and a rotation that has finally clicked.

     

    For head coach Sherwin Meneses, the early stumble may have served as a necessary wake-up call.

     

    Since that loss, the Cool Smashers have taken down the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, Capital1 Solar Spikers, and Galeries Tower. 

     

    Three of those wins came in four sets and another via sweep. The victories were not always dominant, but they were controlled, steady, and built on depth.

     

    More than the results, it is the distribution of minutes that signals Creamline’s resurgence.

    “Meron naman na talaga kaming rotation talaga. Talagang siyempre as a team, kailangan din ng mga role players, mga off the bench,” Meneses the 42-year-old head coach said.

     

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    Creamline’s bench, after all, is stacked with veterans capable of carrying starting roles anywhere else in the league — from Alyssa Valdez and Michele Gumabao to Kyle Negrito and Bea de Leon. Instead of relying heavily on a fixed core, Meneses has shuffled combinations, preserving energy while maintaining intensity. 

     

    “Hindi ka naman magiging champion team kung mga anim hanggang pito lang ‘yung gumagawa kaya happy kami kasi ‘yung mga nasa bench, nagpe-perform din,” he said.

     

    At the forefront remain pillars Bernadeth Pons, Jema Galanza, Pangs Panaga, Carlos, and Jia de Guzman — a starting unit that provides both firepower and stability.

     

    The renewed balance has restored the Cool Smashers’ trademark sharpness, but Meneses remains wary as the preliminaries approach their critical stretch.

     

    “Sana magtuloy-tuloy pa sa mga next game namin at mas maganda pa ‘yung ipakita nila. ‘Yung rotation namin, nandiyan naman na rin ‘yan at okay na naman. Walang team ngayon na hindi talaga lumalaban kaya dapat every possession, ready ka,” Meneses said. 

     

    Creamline faces another litmus test Saturday against the Nxled Chameleons. A win would lift the Cool Smashers to 5-1 and further affirm their upward trajectory and a loss would tighten the standings at 4-2.

     

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  • Gilas Pilipinas Boys standout Kieffer Alas chooses Ateneo over US NCAA schools 

    Gilas Pilipinas Boys standout Kieffer Alas chooses Ateneo over US NCAA schools 

    From his stint at Utah Prep Academy, the 18-year-old made a choice that instantly reshaped the college basketball landscape. He is returning to the Philippines — but not to the familiar green. Instead, Alas will suit up in blue after committing to Ateneo de Manila University.

     

    The 6-foot-2 guard announced his decision through Instagram, posting a photo of himself in an Ateneo jersey with a caption, “Homecoming.”

     

    Alongside it was a reflective message, “A big lesson I learned this year is that a person’s capacity for growth is directly linked to how much truth they can face about themselves without running away.”

     

    Behind the announcement was a decision shaped not just by opportunity, but by connection. Alas revealed he chose Ateneo over other UAAP programs and several NCAA Division II schools largely because of one figure, Tab Baldwin. 

     

    “Coach Tab visited me multiple times here in the US, and I could tell he was really interested in me. They laid out their plan for me, what I could do in the future, and how they saw me as a big part of their program,” Alas said.

     

    Throughout his year abroad, Baldwin consistently kept the communication on him, maintaining communication and reinforcing the idea that development is as much about character as it is about skill.

     

    “That was the main thing for me — the management and especially Coach Tab putting in the effort just to visit me here multiple times,” the 18-year-old guard said.

     

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    For the youngest member of the well-known Alas family, growth has never been in short supply. Before heading overseas, Alas starred for De La Salle Santiago Zobel School and carried the fight for Gilas Pilipinas Boys. 

     

    In the FIBA Under-16 Asian Championship, he averaged 15.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists, earning a spot on the All-Star Five and steering the Philippines to a berth in the Under-17 World Cup. 

     

    An injury later denied him the chance to play on that global stage, a setback that became fuel rather than frustration.

     

    His Grade 11 campaign with the Junior Archers turned into a redemption tour, sharpening his versatility as a two-way guard capable of scoring, rebounding, and facilitating. Now, that skill set arrives at a program hungry to restore its standard.

     

    Ateneo is in the midst of retooling after finishing sixth (6-8) in UAAP Season 88, extending a semifinals drought that has lingered uncomfortably to the Blue Eagles. 

     

    The Katipunan-based team has already added players like Davaoeño Rene Baterbonia and Cebuano Jelomar Rota.

     

    For a player who has already faced the sting of injury, the grind of overseas competition, and the pressure of national expectations, choosing Ateneo is less about switching colors and more about embracing a new chapter.

     

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  • UST, Adamson, and FEU locked in three-way tie in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball

    UST, Adamson, and FEU locked in three-way tie in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball

    Parity has arrived early in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball. With the first round gaining intensity, the UAAP Season 88 women’s tournament has produced a three-way deadlock at 2-2 between the UST Golden Tigresses, FEU Lady Tamaraws, and Adamson Lady Falcons. 


    With every set now carrying added weight, the race toward the Final Four is beginning to take shape far earlier than expected.

     

    UST’s path back to relevance has been swift. After stumbling with two straight losses to open the campaign, the Golden Tigresses recalibrated and found their rhythm. 

     

    Their latest statement came in dominant fashion with a 25-11, 25-14, 25-14 dismantling of the UE Lady Warriors last Saturday.

     

    Angge Poyos provided steady production with 11 points and three digs, while Jonna Perdido delivered an impactful return. After missing last season due to a knee injury, Perdido tallied 10 points built on five attacks, three aces, and two blocks, while adding six digs and four receptions.

     

    But UST’s climb will face immediate resistance. On March 7, they square off against Adamson in a pivotal showdown that guarantees one team will rise to 3-2 while the other slips behind the pack. 

     

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    Meanwhile, Adamson Lady Falcons enter the matchup seeking stability. The Lady Falcons were unable to sustain their momentum in a four-set loss to FEU, 22-25, 30-28, 25-17, 25-20, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last Sunday. The defeat dropped them into the same 2-2 cluster they now share with their rivals.

     

    Shaina Nitura did everything she could to tilt the match in Adamson’s favor, exploding 22 points, 13 digs, and 33 excellent receptions. Her all-around effort kept the Falcons competitive, but FEU’s late-match execution proved steadier.

     

    For FEU, the victory marked a timely return to form. Faida Bakanke powered the Lady Tamaraws with 22 points anchored on 17 attacks and five blocks, while Aly Devosora added 18 markers. 

    The Morayta squad’s balanced scoring and defensive grit allowed them to close strong and join the standings at 2-2.

     

    Their momentum will be tested again on Wednesday when FEU faces the Ateneo Lady Eagles. Another win would push them to 3-2 and potentially out of the gridlock and a loss would drop them into negative territory in an already crowded race.

     

    What makes this early tie compelling is not just the identical records, but the contrasting identities of the teams involved. UST is rediscovering its momentum, Adamson leans on defensive resilience, and FEU thrives on physical net presence. 

     

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  • Public hearing set in Senate for Bennie Boatwright’s naturalization

    Public hearing set in Senate for Bennie Boatwright’s naturalization

    The wheels of Philippine basketball diplomacy are turning. Just two days after Gilas Pilipinas suffered a lopsided loss to Australia men’s national basketball team in the FIBA World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers, the spotlight has shifted from the court to the halls of government. 

     

    The Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights is set to hold its first public hearing on the naturalization of Bennie Boatwright, a move that could make the former San Miguel import eligible to suit up for the national team in international competitions.

     

    The hearing, scheduled for 1:30 p.m. under the leadership of committee chair Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, marks the official start of the Senate’s deliberation on the controversial but potentially transformative move. 

     

    Boatwright’s naturalization was already approved on second reading in the House of Representatives last December under House Bill No. 6639, clearing a major legislative hurdle.

     

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    Supporters argue that Boatwright’s inclusion could give Gilas Pilipinas a much-needed boost after a tough showing against Australia, where the team struggled to match the physicality and depth of the visitors. 

     

    His experience in the Philippine Basketball Association, particularly with the San Miguel Beermen, has made him a standout candidate to elevate the national squad’s competitiveness.

     

    Critics, however, have raised questions about the timing and implications of the naturalization process. Some lawmakers emphasize that the Senate hearing will carefully weigh both legal and sporting considerations, including Boatwright’s commitment to representing the Philippines beyond mere participation.

     

    If approved, Boatwright could join Gilas Pilipinas for upcoming FIBA competitions and regional tournaments, adding a versatile forward capable of stretching the floor and contributing on both ends. 

     

    For fans, the process represents more than bureaucracy — it’s a tangible step toward closing the gap with elite Asian basketball programs.

     

    With the hearing underway, all eyes will be on how quickly the Senate can act, as the national team prepares for a packed schedule of qualifiers and friendlies. 

     

    For a squad still seeking answers after a humbling defeat, Boatwright’s naturalization could be the spark that turns frustration into renewed hope.

     

     

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  • Fifi Sharma ignites Akari Chargers’ revival during their recent PVL victories

    Fifi Sharma ignites Akari Chargers’ revival during their recent PVL victories

    For the Akari Chargers, that spark has come in the form of Fifi Sharma. The 5-foot-11 middle blocker has transformed into the Chargers’ emotional engine in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, turning hustle plays and net defense into statements. 


    After a rocky four-game slide to open the season, Akari needed more than adjustments — it needed fire and Sharma supplied it.

     

    In a gripping five-set victory over the Cignal Super Spikers, 25-23, 20-25, 11-25, 25-23, 15-12, Sharma delivered 16 points built on 11 attacks and five crucial blocks. 

     

    The win not only snapped lingering doubts but also knocked off the former league leaders, restoring belief inside the Akari camp. But Sharma’s impact goes beyond the stat sheet.

     

    “Yes, super yes for me, especially kasi yun yung nakakapag-contribute, like yung energy ko sa loob ng court. Yun kasi yung nagbibigay sa akin ng purpose to play for my teammates kasi ayoko silang naaapi or ayoko silang — basta, ganun ako. Ako na lang yung mag-step up. Sige, bigay niyo na sa akin ’to, ako na yung magra—‘rawr.’ I love that!” Sharma said. 

     

    When rallies stretch and pressure mounts, Sharma has embraced the responsibility of stepping forward, not waiting for someone else to seize control.

     

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    For the former De La Salle University standout, the victory represented more than a tally in the win column.

     

    “This game talaga. I feel like monumental sa team, especially to get our momentum going, kasi nga we had a very bad start. So ngayon yung chance namin para magkaroon ng magandang momentum, and I feel like that’s my motivation playing for my teammates and contribute as much as I can to get the win,” said Sharma, the 24-year-old middle blocker.

     

    The atmosphere inside the arena amplified that surge. Special guests from the Sisters of Mary Girls Town in Cavite filled the stands with youthful energy, their cheers echoing through long rallies and late-set comebacks.

     

    “Ang saya ng laro kapag ganun yung energy when you can see the passion. ’Yun din nakatulong siya kasi apart from the people cheering, andaming nanood today,” she said. 

     

    The numbers back up the narrative. Sharma currently ranks among the league’s top 10 blockers this preliminary round, tallying 16 blocks, 57 total points, and averaging 0.76 blocks per set.

     

    Head coach Tina Salak sees the bigger picture. The comeback win highlighted not just skill, but composure.

     

    “Magandang start yung makikita mo sila in a body language na… Yun nga, sabi nila competitive and energized sila, not because of other people, because kailangan din namin makuha yun,” Salak said. 

     

    That balance between emotion and discipline may define Akari’s trajectory moving forward. The Chargers now prepare for another high-voltage encounter against the Capital1 Solar Spikers at the FilOil Centre on Saturday. 

     

     

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