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Author: Andre Sotelo

  • Philippines finalizes nine-athlete team for Summer Youth Olympics 

    Philippines finalizes nine-athlete team for Summer Youth Olympics 

    The Philippines will head to the 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games with a compact but promising squad, as the country’s delegation for Dakar, Senegal is now officially complete.

     

    Nine of the nation’s brightest young athletes will carry the Philippine flag when the Youth Olympics open later this year, representing six different sports in hopes of adding to the country’s modest medal history in the prestigious international event.

     

    The final pieces of the roster fell into place after the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines endorsed artistic gymnasts Tchelzy Maayo and Hillarion Palles III, completing the Philippine Olympic Committee’s nine-athlete contingent.

     

    POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino expressed confidence that the country’s next generation of athletes is ready to compete against the world’s best.

     

    “They’re the rising stars of Philippine sports. We are hoping for a podium finish and of course, we are praying for the gold. This is a fighting team and I believe they will do their best,” Tolentino said.

     

    Leading the delegation are two of the country’s most accomplished young track stars.

     

    Asian Youth Games champions Pi Durden Wangkay, who struck gold in the men’s 200 meters, and Naomi Cesar, the women’s 800-meter silver medalist, headline the athletics squad after earning their places earlier this year.

     

    Swimming will also have strong Philippine representation through Jamesray Mishael Ajido, who qualified in the men’s 100-meter butterfly, and Riannah Chantelle Coleman, who booked her spot in the women’s 100-meter breaststroke following standout performances in the Palarong Pambansa.

     

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    Joining them are windsurfer Jade Justiniane, cyclist Mariyanya Kong, who will compete in both the women’s road race and individual time trial, and wushu taolu athlete Angel Polo, who will represent the country in the women’s Taijiquan combined event.

     

    The delegation will be headed by Philippine Taekwondo Association president Rocky Samson.

     

    Despite limited participation through the years, the Philippines has produced memorable moments in Youth Olympic history.

     

    The country’s lone individual Youth Olympic medal came in Buenos Aires in 2018, when Filipino-Norwegian kiteboarder Christian Tio captured silver in the boys’ twin tip racing event.

     

    Four years earlier in Nanjing, Luis Gabriel Moreno delivered the Philippines’ first Youth Olympic gold after teaming up with China’s Li Jiaman to win the mixed international team archery competition.

     

    This year’s edition will once again provide the country’s rising stars with an opportunity to test themselves on the global stage while gaining valuable experience ahead of future senior international competitions.

     

    The 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games will take place from October 31 to November 13 in Dakar, Senegal, featuring approximately 2,700 athletes competing across 25 sports.

     

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  • PVL explores new calendar as FIVB rules reshape 2027 season 

    PVL explores new calendar as FIVB rules reshape 2027 season 

    The PVL is already preparing for a future that could look very different—but not necessarily quieter.

     

    With the FIVB set to enforce a new international calendar beginning in 2027, the country’s premier professional volleyball league is mapping out ways to keep fans engaged without compromising the growing demands of Alas Pilipinas.

     

    Rather than disappearing for nearly five months during the FIVB’s designated national team season, the PVL is studying alternative formats that can coexist with international commitments, according to league control committee chairman Sherwin Malonzo.

     

    The discussion stems from one of the key conditions attached to the Philippine National Volleyball Federation’s reinstatement by the FIVB.

     

    Among the federation’s requirements is a written commitment that the PVL calendar will align with the FIVB Volleyball Calendar Framework starting in 2027, while ensuring national team players are released for international duty whenever called upon.

     

    Under the FIVB schedule, the annual national team window will run from May 3 to October 3, a period that traditionally overlaps with much of the PVL season.

     

    However, Malonzo clarified that the international federation’s regulations do not prohibit domestic leagues from holding competitions during that stretch.

     

    “Actually, if you read the rules, it doesn’t say naman na no league eh. Hindi naman sinasabing bawal,” Malonzo told SPIN.ph.

     

    “If you notice, may mga tournaments pa rin sa Korea, sa Vietnam, sa Indonesia. During the national team period, meron silang mga pocket tournaments, so it’s short tournaments usually.”

     

    Instead of banning leagues outright, Malonzo explained that the framework is designed to ensure national federations maintain authority over player availability and that national team commitments always take precedence.

     

    “It’s really about asking permission before hosting that league or organizing that league. That’s how I understood it. Based du’n din sa rules ng sports regulations ni FIVB, as long as the national team players must prioritize the national team,” he added.

     

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    That philosophy has already been put into practice this year through the PVL On Tour.

     

    With several Alas Pilipinas standouts unavailable because of national team duties, the preseason showcase shifted its focus toward developing younger players, giving reserve talents meaningful playing time while allowing established stars to concentrate on international preparations.

     

    For Malonzo, the tour serves as proof that the league and the national team can thrive side by side.

     

    “‘Yung ‘On Tour’ kasi, ‘di naman siya talagang tournament. We just need people to promote the league. If you’ll notice, ‘di naglaro ‘yung mga top players ng mga teams,” Malonzo said.

     

    The setup has also created opportunities for clubs to evaluate their full rosters instead of relying solely on their marquee players.

     

    “Kumbaga, opportunity to rest for them and opportunity for the other players to play. It’s a balance,” he added.

     

    As Philippine volleyball enters a new era under the FIVB’s calendar, the PVL appears intent on adapting rather than slowing down.

     

    Instead of leaving a lengthy gap in the domestic schedule, league officials are exploring shorter events and innovative formats that can sustain fan interest while fully respecting the international federation’s rules—ensuring that when the national team calls, Alas Pilipinas will always come first.

     

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  • Gilas Boys settle for runner-up finish after thriller against Belarus in FIBA 3×3 Nations League opener 

    Gilas Boys settle for runner-up finish after thriller against Belarus in FIBA 3×3 Nations League opener 

    Gilas Pilipinas Boys came within a single basket of opening the 2026 FIBA 3×3 Youth Nations League – Asia 2 Conference with a championship, but Belarus denied the Filipinos in a dramatic title game on Monday at Hextar World Empire City in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.

     

    After putting together an unbeaten run through the group stage, the young Filipinos saw their impressive start end in a razor-thin 20-19 defeat, settling for a runner-up finish in Stop 1 of the six-leg competition.

     

    The loss came against a Belarus squad that has returned to international youth 3×3 action after FIBA allowed Belarus and Russia to compete exclusively in youth events held in China and Malaysia, following restrictions on their participation in European competitions.

     

    Belarus also completed a sweep of the opening stop after its women’s team edged Japan, 19-17, in an overtime thriller to capture the girls’ title.

     

    The boys’ championship match remained deadlocked at 15-all before Belarus found its breakthrough.

     

    Aleksei Baldin knocked down consecutive baskets to spark a decisive 3-0 run, turning a tied contest into an 18-15 advantage with just over a minute left.

     

    Gilas refused to fold.

     

    Earl Medina buried a clutch two-pointer to breathe life into the Philippine comeback, trimming the deficit to one possession. But Belarus answered immediately as David-Masenhe Mukete converted an and-one play to push the lead back to three.

     

    Still, the Filipinos kept fighting until the final horn.

     

    Medina and Jedric Daa scored in the closing seconds to make it a one-point game, but the comeback bid fell just short as time expired.

     

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    Medina paced Gilas Pilipinas with seven points in the final, while Cabs Cabonilas and Koji Buenaflor added five points each.

     

    Mukete finished with eight points to lead Belarus, with Arseni Viarzhbitski contributing six.

     

    The Philippines earned its place in the championship game after an impressive showing in pool play.

     

    Buenaflor erupted for nine points as Gilas defeated New Zealand, 22-17, before he and Cabonilas combined for 14 points in a convincing 21-14 victory over host Malaysia to book a finals berth.

     

    While the boys came within one point of the title, the Gilas Pilipinas Girls endured a difficult start to their campaign.

     

    The Philippine squad of Alyssa Rodriguez, Elaine Patio, Kristan Yumul, and Marga Villanueva dropped its opening game to Japan, 21-10, before falling to Malaysia, 20-11, to finish winless in Stop 1.

     

    Both Philippine teams, however, will have little time to dwell on the results as the Nations League resumes immediately on Tuesday for Stop 2.

     

    The Gilas Boys will look to build on their strong opening performance when they face Japan and Malaysia, while the Gilas Girls aim to bounce back against New Zealand and Malaysia as the race for an outright berth in the 2026 FIBA 3×3 Under-23 World Cup continues.

     

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  • Mike Phillips set for reported Japan move after abrupt San Juan exit  

    Mike Phillips set for reported Japan move after abrupt San Juan exit  

    One of the biggest names expected to headline the PBA Season 51 Rookie Draft may no longer hear his name called.

     

    Mike Phillips, widely regarded as one of the most coveted prospects in this year’s class, is reportedly headed overseas after agreeing to a lucrative three-year contract with a team in Japan’s B.League, a move that could dramatically alter the complexion of the upcoming draft.

     

    The development not only signals a major career decision for the former De La Salle standout but also leaves the San Juan Knights scrambling to recover from the unexpected departure of one of their cornerstone players in the middle of a strong MPBL campaign.

     

    San Juan team manager Jun Usman confirmed that Phillips has already parted ways with the club, expressing disappointment over how the separation unfolded.

     

    “Sadly, he left us. What’s unfair is he didn’t even have the balls to talk to us. It was only his brother Ben who informed us of his sudden departure,” said Usman.

     

    According to San Juan, Phillips’ contract included an opt-out clause that allowed him to pursue overseas opportunities. Sources added that his reported B.League deal includes a seven-figure monthly salary along with benefits such as a fully furnished condominium, a dedicated service vehicle, and business-class travel.

     

    While the Knights acknowledged Phillips exercised a provision in his contract, Usman lamented that the organization was caught off guard by the timing and manner of his exit.

     

    “It was so unprofessional of him,” he said. “At nakakalungkot lang na nangyari ito at a time na mismong si Sen eh may pinagdadaanan.”

     

    “Sobrang unfair lang nito sa amin kasi binigla na kami, parang iniwan kami sa ere. Pano kami ngayon,” Usman, whose team owns an impressive record of 14 wins and 1 loss, added.

     

    San Juan officials also revealed that communication with Phillips became difficult following his recent stint with Gilas Pilipinas during the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers in Australia.

     

    Under B.League regulations, his appearance for the Philippine national team qualifies him for Asian Quota eligibility, making him an attractive target for clubs in Japan’s top division.

     

    Usman said the organization repeatedly attempted to reach Phillips before eventually receiving confirmation of his decision through his brother.

     

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    “Wala, hindi na siya sumasagot sa amin. Ilang tawag at text na ang ginagawa namin, until recently, yung kapatid pa n’ya na si Ben ang nagsabi sa amin na they are terminating their contract [under the opt-out clause],” he said.

     

    Phillips has been one of the MPBL’s most productive big men this season, averaging 8.4 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game while anchoring one of the league’s top teams.

     

    His impact was perhaps most evident in San Juan’s statement victory over defending champion Abra Solid North Weavers last May, when he played a key role in a crucial 66-58 triumph that strengthened the Knights’ title aspirations.

     

    Despite expressing frustration over the circumstances, Usman acknowledged that Phillips leaves a significant void on the roster.

     

    “Malaking bagay talaga sa amin si Mike pero ano pa ba ang magagawa namin,” said Usman. “Pero para sa amin, sana man lang nagpaalam ng maayos. Nagkaroon man lang sana kami ng chance na makahirit for him to stay.”

     

    The San Juan executive also maintained that the organization fulfilled its commitments to the high-flying forward, noting that Phillips received his compensation on time through the support of the team’s financial backers.

     

    Should the reported B.League move push through, Phillips would forgo the PBA Rookie Draft altogether and instead continue his rapid rise on the international stage, marking another high-profile Filipino talent choosing an overseas opportunity before beginning a professional career in the PBA.

     

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  • Manila gears up for another blockbuster October as Reyes Cup, Philippines Open return 

    Manila gears up for another blockbuster October as Reyes Cup, Philippines Open return 

    For the second straight year, October will once again belong to the world’s best cue artists in Manila.

     

    The World Nineball Tour, in partnership with Puyat Sports, has officially confirmed the return of the Reyes Cup and the Philippines Open Pool Championship, setting the stage for another showcase of elite billiards as international stars descend on the country’s pool capital.

     

    With two premier tournaments packed into a 10-day stretch, Manila is once again expected to become the focal point of the global nine-ball calendar.

     

    For Filipino billiards legend Efren “Bata” Reyes, the return of the events is another reminder of the country’s lasting influence on the sport.

     

    “The Philippines is the home of pool — and these two events prove it every October,” said Reyes.

     

    “The talent we have here in Asia is incredible, but it is the fans who make Manila like nowhere else in the world. When that crowd gets behind you, it is something you never forget. I am so proud of what the Reyes Cup and the Philippines Open have become, and I know our fans will make October 2026 very special once again.”

     

    The action begins with the third edition of the Reyes Cup from October 15 to 18, where Team Asia will once again defend its title against Team Rest of the World.

     

    Asia enters the tournament riding the momentum of last year’s commanding 11-3 victory, with Hall of Famer Francisco “Django” Bustamante returning as team captain after steering a squad composed of AJ Manas, Aloysius Yapp, Carlo Biado, and Johann Chua to a dominant championship run.

     

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    This year, Team Rest of the World hopes a new voice can help turn the tide, with German billiards icon Ralf “The Kaiser” Souquet taking over captaincy duties.

     

    The spotlight then immediately shifts to the Philippines Open Pool Championship, scheduled from October 20 to 24, where another grueling 128-player single-elimination tournament awaits the world’s finest players.

     

    Every match will carry win-or-go-home stakes, making the event one of the most unforgiving competitions on the World Nineball Tour.

     

    Spain’s David Alcaide returns as the defending champion after conquering last year’s field and will be among the favorites when competition resumes at Gateway Mall 2.

     

    Matchroom Multi Sport CEO Emily Frazer believes Manila has firmly established itself as one of the most anticipated stops on the international billiards calendar.

     

    “October in Manila has become the unmissable moment on the World Nineball Tour calendar and 2026 is going to be bigger than ever. A new captain and Team Asia arriving as back-to-back champions means the Reyes Cup has never had more riding on it.”

     

    “Then the Philippines Open picks straight up with the format and atmosphere that made it one of the standout events of 2025. Two world-class events, ten days, one incredible city — we cannot wait.”

     

    With passionate fans, a rich billiards tradition, and two of the sport’s marquee tournaments returning to the same stage, Manila is once again preparing to welcome the world’s best players for another memorable October on the green felt.

     

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  • Juan Gomez de Liano stays grounded despite earning bigger Gilas role 

    Juan Gomez de Liano stays grounded despite earning bigger Gilas role 

    Juan Gomez de Liano may have emerged as one of the biggest revelations for Gilas Pilipinas in the latest FIBA window, but the rookie guard isn’t ready to assume anything.

     

    Fresh from turning heads in the national team’s hard-fought battles against New Zealand and Australia, Gomez de Liano returned to PBA action with Converge on Sunday carrying newfound confidence—but also the same mindset that earned him his opportunity in the first place.

     

    The 24-year-old guard was back in uniform as the FiberXers cruised to a 105-74 victory over Titan Ultra at the Ynares Center in Montalban, days after making what many considered a breakthrough performance in a Gilas jersey.

     

    Against New Zealand, Gomez de Liano delivered under pressure, knocking down two clutch three-pointers that nearly helped the Philippines steal a road victory.

     

    His first triple forced overtime, while his second gave Gilas a chance to complete the upset before the Tall Blacks eventually escaped with a double-overtime win.

     

    The performance quickly sparked conversations about whether Gomez de Liano had secured a permanent place in Tim Cone’s rotation moving forward.

     

    The Converge rookie believes he made a strong case, but knows the decision ultimately rests with the coaching staff.

     

    “Performance-wise, I hope so,” Gomez de Liano said.

     

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    Rather than looking too far ahead, the former UP standout insisted his focus remains on controlling what he can every time he receives a national team call-up.

     

    “Those things are pretty much out of my control,” said the PBA rookie. “If I said it’s out of my control, If I get a call up, I’ll just do my thing and show up and just be there for the guys.

    “It’s out of my control, but you know, I can’t say I’ll screw the spot. So, I’ll just stay calm,” added Gomez de Liano.

     

    The challenge for Gilas only becomes tougher from here.

     

    The Philippines advanced to the second round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian Qualifiers with a 2-4 record and now finds itself fifth in Group E behind Australia, New Zealand, Iran, and Jordan.

     

    With only three qualifying windows remaining, every game has taken on added significance.

     

    Gilas will face Jordan and Iran at home in late August before taking on Syria later in the qualifying campaign, with each of the three Middle Eastern teams scheduled to meet the Philippines twice.

    For Gomez de Liano, the path to the World Cup leaves little room for error.

     

    “I feel like must win games for us,” Gomez de Liano said. “I don’t think we can afford to lose, you know, those Middle Eastern teams. They know how to play basketball the right way.”

     

    His recent performance may have strengthened his case for a larger role, but Gomez de Liano knows the bigger objective extends beyond individual recognition.

     

    As Gilas enters the most critical stretch of its World Cup campaign, the young guard hopes to turn one impressive qualifying window into a lasting role in the national team’s pursuit of a place on basketball’s biggest stage.

     

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  • PVL clarifies Alas Pilipinas policy after Gel Cayuna plays while Fifi Sharma, Pangs Panaga sit out 

    PVL clarifies Alas Pilipinas policy after Gel Cayuna plays while Fifi Sharma, Pangs Panaga sit out 

    The opening week of the PVL On Tour has not only showcased preseason action but has also highlighted the balancing act between club commitments and national team duties.

     

    Questions surfaced after three Alas Pilipinas pool members found themselves in different situations during Wednesday’s games—Gel Cayuna made her debut for Nxled, while Fifi Sharma and Pangs Panaga remained on the bench in street clothes for Akari and Creamline, respectively.

     

    The contrasting scenarios prompted the PVL to reiterate its stance on players currently involved with the national team program.

     

    PVL control committee chairman Sherwin Malonzo emphasized that the league’s directive remains unchanged: players who are part of the Alas Pilipinas pool are expected to prioritize national team responsibilities during the preseason.

     

    “During our team managers’ meeting, sinabi ko naman na those players who are part of the national team, focus sila sa national team. Kung kasama sila dito, if you’ll notice, ‘di naman sila talaga naglaro,” Malonzo said.

     

    The policy was introduced to support the country’s preparations for the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, with the league specifying that national team players may only participate in the PVL On Tour if they are not part of the official delegation.

     

    That guideline was evident in the cases of Sharma and Panaga, who stayed on the sidelines throughout their respective teams’ matches despite being in uniform with their clubs.

     

    Cayuna, however, was the lone exception among the three.

     

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    Making her first appearance for Nxled following Cignal’s leave of absence from the league, the veteran setter came off the bench and immediately took charge of the Chameleons’ offense.

     

    She finished with 22 excellent sets and three points, although Nxled eventually fell to defending champion Creamline, 18-25, 23-25, 25-16, 19-25.

     

    Malonzo also revealed that not every player in the current pool remains committed to joining the national team’s preparations, although he declined to identify those who have withdrawn.

     

    “Hindi ko kabisado lahat ng status, pero ‘yung iba yata, parang nag-decline. ‘Yung pag-decline, ibang usapan. ‘Yung iba naman na hindi nag-decline, alam ko hindi naman naglaro rin,” he said.

     

    “Pero like I said, nu’ng team managers’ meeting, in-encourage ko sila to focus on the national team.”

     

    As preparations for the Asian Games continue, several PVL standouts have already reported to the Alas Pilipinas training camp under the supervision of the Philippine Olympic Committee.

     

    Among those already training are Jia de Guzman and Jen Nierva of Creamline, Mars Alba and Justine Jazareno of Akari, Dell Palomata of PLDT, Thea Gagate of ZUS Coffee, and Capital1 stars Bella Belen, Vanie Gandler, and Erika Santos.

     

    The POC also confirmed that several invitees have yet to report, including Sharma and Cayuna, while PLDT’s Alleiah Malaluan continues her rehabilitation from a knee injury.

     

    With the PVL On Tour serving as both a preseason showcase and a bridge to international competition, the league expects national team commitments to remain the priority as the country’s buildup for the Asian Games gains momentum.

     

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  • Lams Lamina trades PVL On Tour for Alas Pilipinas duty after Galeries Tower debut win 

    Lams Lamina trades PVL On Tour for Alas Pilipinas duty after Galeries Tower debut win 

    Lams Lamina’s PVL On Tour journey lasted just one match—but it ended exactly the way she hoped.

     

    The No. 1 overall pick of the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft walked away from the preseason tournament with her first professional victory before immediately answering a bigger responsibility, as she joins the Alas Pilipinas Women training pool beginning Monday.

     

    The timing means Lamina will miss the remainder of the PVL On Tour, with league regulations preventing players who are actively involved in official national team preparations from participating in the preseason competition.

     

    Instead of continuing her rookie campaign with Galeries Tower, the young setter now shifts her attention to helping the national team prepare for a packed international calendar.

    Fortunately for the Highrisers, Lamina left on a high note.

     

    Coming off the bench against Farm Fresh, the former National University standout provided stability to Galeries Tower’s offense, finishing with seven excellent sets as the Highrisers secured a breakthrough four-set victory.

     

    It turned out to be a memorable send-off before temporarily exchanging club colors for the Philippine jersey once again.

     

    The move was confirmed shortly after the match by Galeries Tower and National University strength and conditioning coach Kim Bejo through social media.

     

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    “First and last game for Lamina today before she joins the national team on loan starting Monday,” Bejo wrote.

     

    Her return to the national team was also welcomed by one of her closest former teammates.

    Alas Pilipinas standout Bella Belen, who won multiple championships alongside Lamina at National University, greeted the rookie setter as she prepared to report for duty.

     

    “Congrats and see [you] on Monday,” Belen posted.

     

    Lamina’s arrival gives Alas Pilipinas another talented option at setter as preparations intensify for a busy stretch of international competitions, including the Southeast Asian V. Cup and the 2026 Asian Games.

     

    She joins an experienced playmaking group headlined by national team captain Jia de Guzman and Akari setter Mars Alba, adding another young talent expected to contribute to the team’s long-term future.

     

    For Lamina, the transition reflects how quickly her volleyball career continues to evolve.

     

    Only days after beginning her professional journey with Galeries Tower, she is once again wearing national colors, balancing the early stages of her PVL career with the opportunity to represent the Philippines on the international stage.

     

    While her PVL On Tour stint has been put on hold after just one appearance, the rookie setter now faces an even bigger challenge as she helps Alas Pilipinas prepare for another crucial year of international competition.

     

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  • Gilas U21 3×3 teams begin Nations League bid with World Cup berth on the line 

    Gilas U21 3×3 teams begin Nations League bid with World Cup berth on the line 

    The road to the 2026 FIBA 3×3 Under-23 World Cup begins this week for the Philippines.


    Both the Gilas Pilipinas men’s and women’s under-21 squads will kick off their campaigns in the FIBA 3×3 Nations League on Monday, carrying the opportunity to qualify directly for this year’s Under-23 World Cup through one of the sport’s most demanding qualification tournaments.

     

    The week-long competition, scheduled from July 13 to 19 at Hextar World Empire City in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, features six tournament stops where every result contributes to the overall standings.

     

    Unlike a traditional tournament, consistency across all six stops will determine which nation emerges on top of the Asia-2 conference.

     

    Representing the Philippines in the men’s division are Cabs Cabonilas of FEU, Jedric Daa of FEU, Earl Medina of Adamson, Koji Buenaflor of UST, and Jhuniel Dela Rama of San Beda.

     

    The women’s squad, meanwhile, welcomes back one of its familiar faces as Kristan Yumul returns to national team duty for the first time in two years.

     

    The Cal State San Marcos standout headlines a lineup that also includes Elaine Patio of FEU, Alyssa Rodriguez of Ateneo, Marga Villanueva of National University, and Nadine Muñoz of Adamson.

     

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    Both Philippine teams have been drawn into a competitive Asia-2 conference alongside New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Belarus, setting up a challenging week of back-to-back contests.

     

    The Gilas Girls begin their campaign against Japan and Belarus, while the Gilas Boys open against New Zealand before facing host Malaysia in Monday’s first stop.

     

    Every game will carry added significance because only the overall conference champion after all six stops will earn an automatic berth in the 2026 FIBA 3×3 Under-23 World Cup, scheduled from September 15 to 19 in Wuhan, China.

     

    Teams that fall short this week will still have another chance to qualify through the second pathway when the Under-23 qualifying event takes place next month.

     

    For the young Filipinos, however, the objective is clear—capitalize on the Nations League and avoid leaving their World Cup hopes to a second opportunity.

     

    With a blend of established collegiate standouts and returning national team talent, both Gilas squads now look to put together a week-long run that could send the Philippines back to the biggest stage in international under-23 3×3 basketball.


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  • Alas Boys shift focus to Bahrain after opening loss to Iran in AVC U18 Championship 

    Alas Boys shift focus to Bahrain after opening loss to Iran in AVC U18 Championship 

    The learning process began immediately for Alas Pilipinas in the 2026 AVC Boys’ U18 Volleyball Championship.

     

    Facing one of Asia’s traditional volleyball powerhouses in its opening match, the Philippine boys’ national team showed flashes of promise but ultimately fell to a more experienced Iranian side, 25-17, 25-20, 25-13, on Sunday at the Wuyuan River Gymnasium in Haikou, China.

     

    While the straight-set scoreline reflected Iran’s dominance, the Filipinos found encouraging moments—particularly in the second set—where they briefly threatened to shift the momentum.

     

    After struggling offensively in the opening frame with only eight attack points, Alas Pilipinas responded with greater confidence in the second set.

     

    Powered by Djomari Gamotea, Raphael Galapin, and Elijah Marticion, the Filipinos erased an early deficit and battled their way to a 19-19 deadlock, putting pressure on one of the tournament favorites.

     

    Iran, however, responded with the composure expected of a perennial contender.

     

    Middle blockers Heydari Sefat Pedram and Chodorarkhoei Aydin controlled the net during the closing stretch, helping Iran capture six of the final seven rallies before carrying that momentum into a dominant third set to wrap up the match in one hour and five minutes.

     

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    Despite the defeat, head coach Oliver Balse saw valuable lessons from his young squad’s opening outing.

     

    “We just fell short—despite tying the score at 19-19 in the second set,” Balse said. “We need to work on our defense.”

     

    Elijah Marticion paced the Philippine offense with eight points built on seven attacks and one block, while Raphael Galapin and Ar-Raquib Dais chipped in five points apiece.

     

    Iran leaned on the firepower of Nima Piri and Abolfazl Pashaamiri, who finished with 16 and 15 points, respectively, to lead the defending powerhouse to victory.

     

    Although the result was disappointing, Balse remains confident that the team’s potential has yet to be fully realized.

     

    “We’ll keep on working and fighting to get better,” Balse said. “The skills are there, it’s a matter of squeezing them out.”

     

    With the tournament still in its early stages, Alas Pilipinas has little time to dwell on the loss as it quickly turns its attention to its next assignment against Bahrain on Monday.

     

    For the young Filipinos, the challenge now is transforming the positives from their spirited second-set performance into a complete match as they continue their quest for a breakthrough victory in the continental championship.

     

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