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Author: Andre Sotelo

  • Mika De Guzman, Jelo Albo reign again as Philippine National Badminton Open crowns repeat champions 

    Mika De Guzman, Jelo Albo reign again as Philippine National Badminton Open crowns repeat champions 

    The biggest names in Philippine badminton once again proved why they remain the standard to beat.


    Mika De Guzman and Jelo Albo successfully defended their respective women’s and men’s singles championships to headline another memorable edition of the Philippine National Badminton Open 2026, which concluded Sunday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.

     

    While a new generation of challengers attempted to end their reigns, both national team standouts showed championship poise when it mattered most, extending their dominance in the country’s premier badminton tournament.

     

    De Guzman delivered perhaps the most commanding campaign of the week.

     

    The four-time UAAP MVP never dropped a single game throughout the tournament before capping her title defense with a clinical 21-6, 21-7 victory over former Ateneo teammate and UAAP Season 86 co-MVP Jochelle Alvarez in a final that lasted just 30 minutes.

     

    The triumph secured De Guzman’s fourth consecutive Philippine National Badminton Open women’s singles crown, further cementing her status as the country’s top female shuttler.

     

    “This is so big for me. I think every year andami kong iba’t ibang nakakalaban; a lot of rising stars willing to get the championship, but I’m happy that I’m always there on top being the champion,” said De Guzman.

     

    “As I said, it was different players every year po that are eyeing the championship, but I’m very happy that my coaches from PBad — coach Joper (Escueta), coach Kenneth (Monterubio), coach Ariel (Magnaye), and coach Kennie (Asuncion-Robles) — really helped us to give our best in every tournament that we play, and help us be physically and mentally ready,” added the four-time UAAP MVP.

     

    Albo’s road to another championship proved far more challenging.

     

    Facing fellow Smash Pilipinas standout Clarence Villaflor, the University of the Philippines product dropped the opening set before mounting a determined comeback, winning 18-21, 21-12, 21-14 to complete his third straight men’s singles title.

     

    After Villaflor dictated the pace early, Albo responded with the aggressive style that has become his trademark, taking control of the final two games to finish the match in one hour and 18 minutes.

     

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    :

    “Sobrang sarap sa pakiramdam kasi ‘yung sacrifices namin sa training and everything ay nagbunga lahat. Hindi biro ‘yung pinagdaanan naming sacrifices, hanggang sa ayun nga, andito na kami. All national team nag-semifinals, kami nagharap-harap. It’s really a blessing,” said the 2026 Czech International Future Series silver medalist.

     

    For their championship runs, De Guzman and Albo each received a gold medal, championship trophy, an MWell watch, and P100,000 in prize money.

     

    Alvarez and Villaflor settled for silver medals, watches, and P50,000, while the semifinalists took home bronze medals, watches, and P15,000.

     

    The doubles competitions also produced standout performances, with Andrea Hernandez and Julius Villabrille emerging as the tournament’s biggest winners after capturing two titles apiece.

     

    Hernandez and Villabrille first joined forces to claim the mixed doubles championship, defeating Lea Inlayo and Christian Bernardo, 21-15, 21-14. The victory marked Villabrille’s third consecutive mixed doubles crown after winning the previous two editions alongside Nicole Albo.

     

    Hernandez later secured a second championship by partnering with Mary Destiny Untal in the women’s doubles final, where they edged Inlayo and Jeya Pinlac in straight sets, 21-19, 21-19.

     

    Villabrille completed his own double-title haul after teaming up with Solomon Padiz Jr. to successfully defend the men’s doubles championship for a third consecutive year. The pair recovered from an opening-set defeat to overcome fellow national team members Christian Bernardo and Alvin Morada, 14-21, 21-14, 21-17.

     

    The doubles champions each received gold medals, championship trophies, MWell watches, and P120,000, while the runners-up earned P60,000 and the bronze medalists collected P30,000.

     

    With familiar champions once again standing atop the podium, the tournament not only celebrated sustained excellence but also showcased the depth of Philippine badminton, as established stars and rising contenders continued to raise the level of competition on the national stage.

     

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  • Jeremy Lin trades basketball for advocacy during UNICEF visit to the Philippines 

    Jeremy Lin trades basketball for advocacy during UNICEF visit to the Philippines 

    Jeremy Lin’s latest visit to the Philippines had little to do with basketball.

     

    Instead of stepping onto the hardwood, the former NBA champion spent his time in classrooms, health centers, and local communities, using his platform as a UNICEF Ambassador to highlight the importance of investing in children’s health, education, and well-being.

     

    Celebrating his fifth year in the role, Lin traveled to San Antonio, Quezon, and Muntinlupa City, where he met with children, parents, teachers, health workers, and UNICEF partners to gain a deeper understanding of the everyday challenges faced by Filipino youth and the community-driven efforts helping them thrive.

     

    For Lin, seeing those initiatives firsthand left a lasting impression.

     

    “It has been an honor to serve as a UNICEF Ambassador for the last five years, but nothing compares to seeing this work in person,” Lin said in UNICEF’s press release.

     

    “What stood out to me most in the Philippines was how deeply rooted everything is in community—neighbors, health workers, and teachers all showing up for kids every day. It reminded me that real impact isn’t abstract. It’s built through intentional actions at both the grassroots and government level.”

     

    One of the key stops during his visit was the Barangay Arawan Health Station, where Lin observed how frontline health workers support families through nutrition programs, immunization services, maternal healthcare, and hygiene education.

     

    The visit also highlighted one of the country’s most pressing public health concerns. The Philippines continues to face a triple burden of malnutrition, with millions of children affected by undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and rising rates of childhood obesity. 

     

    Through its partnership with the Philippine government, UNICEF continues to strengthen community nutrition initiatives by training local health workers and supporting nationwide policies aimed at improving child health.

     

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    Lin emphasized that even the simplest health practices can make a meaningful difference.

    “Something as simple as handwashing is so important to significantly reduce the risk of illness and help develop habits that protect a child’s health as they grow,” Lin said.

     

    Education was another major focus of his visit.

     

    At San Antonio National High School, Lin observed classroom discussions centered on climate resilience and disaster preparedness, where students learned how to respond to natural disasters while also addressing the emotional effects that often accompany them.

     

    He later joined students in a physical education class, reinforcing his long-held belief that sports play an essential role in a child’s development beyond physical fitness.

     

    “Being able to participate in a physical education class with the students reminded me how powerful play can be and how it gives kids the freedom to just be kids,” Lin said.

     

    “As I mark my fifth year as a UNICEF Ambassador, it is an honor to meet these young people, learn from them and hear their experiences in their own voices.”

     

    Lin also explored U-Report, UNICEF’s digital engagement platform that empowers more than 25,000 young Filipinos to voice their opinions on issues including mental health, climate resilience, education, and other social concerns. The platform helps ensure that young people have a direct role in shaping discussions that influence public policies and community programs.

     

    While Lin built his global reputation through basketball, his latest trip showcased a different side of his legacy—one focused on using sport’s influence to champion healthier, safer, and more inclusive opportunities for children both on and off the court.

     

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  • Gel Cayuna prioritizes Nxled chemistry, withdraws from Alas Pilipinas pool for Asian Games 

    Gel Cayuna prioritizes Nxled chemistry, withdraws from Alas Pilipinas pool for Asian Games 

    Gel Cayuna has made an early commitment to her new chapter with Nxled.

     

    Rather than splitting her attention between club and national team duties, the veteran setter has decided to focus entirely on helping the Chameleons build cohesion ahead of the upcoming PVL season, opting to withdraw from the Alas Pilipinas pool for the 2026 Asian Games.

     

    Nxled head coach Ettore Guidetti disclosed Cayuna’s decision as the Chameleons continue integrating several new faces into their lineup during the offseason.

     

    The move underscores the importance both player and team place on developing chemistry after a major roster overhaul, with Cayuna expected to play a central role in orchestrating Nxled’s offense.

     

    The 27-year-old setter arrived at the Chameleons after Cignal elected to take a leave of absence from the PVL, making her one of the biggest acquisitions of the offseason.

     

    With years of experience running one of the league’s most efficient offenses, Cayuna is expected to provide the stability and leadership needed to elevate a talented Nxled squad seeking to contend for a championship.

     

    She joins the team fresh off another stellar campaign with the HD Spikers, where she once again established herself as the league’s premier playmaker.

     

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    Cayuna captured her second straight Best Setter award and the fifth positional award of her PVL career after helping Cignal reach the All-Filipino Conference Finals.

     

    Her consistency was reflected in the numbers as she led the league with 4.48 excellent sets per frame while also contributing 0.34 service aces per set, showcasing her ability to impact matches beyond playmaking.

     

    Now tasked with directing Nxled’s offense, Cayuna’s immediate priority is developing familiarity with a roster loaded with attacking options, including reigning MVP Brooke Van Sickle, veterans Myla Pablo and MJ Phillips, and several key offseason additions.

     

    By choosing to remain with her club instead of joining the national team’s Asian Games preparations, Cayuna is betting that time spent building chemistry now can help Nxled take a significant step forward when the new PVL season begins.

     

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  • Former UP-star Gerry Abadiano takes next step overseas, signs with Ulsan Hyundai Mobis in KBL 

    Former UP-star Gerry Abadiano takes next step overseas, signs with Ulsan Hyundai Mobis in KBL 

    Gerry Abadiano’s basketball journey is taking him beyond Philippine shores.

     

    After establishing himself as one of the University of the Philippines’ most reliable backcourt players and carving out a solid start to his professional career in the MPBL, the 25-year-old guard is set to begin a new chapter after signing with Ulsan Hyundai Mobis for the 2026-27 Korean Basketball League season.

     

    The South Korean club officially announced Abadiano’s arrival, making him the latest Filipino to earn an opportunity in one of Asia’s top professional leagues.

     

    His signing also continues Ulsan Hyundai Mobis’ growing connection with Filipino talent. Abadiano becomes the fourth Filipino Asian import to suit up for the Phoebus, joining the likes of RJ Abarrientos, Miguel Oczon, and Jake Figueroa.

     

    Before completing the move, Abadiano secured clearance from his current Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League team, San Juan, allowing him to pursue the overseas opportunity.

     

    The move caps a memorable stretch in which the Iloilo City native helped anchor one of the most successful eras in UP men’s basketball.

     

    In his final UAAP campaign, Abadiano embraced the role of the Fighting Maroons’ starting point guard, averaging 8.72 points, 1.94 rebounds, and 1.56 assists per contest during Season 88 while providing leadership and defensive intensity in the backcourt.

     

    He carried that consistency into the MPBL, where he has averaged 9.6 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists through 14 games with San Juan.

     

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    His departure also signals the closing of a significant chapter for UP’s veteran core. Over the years, Abadiano formed the backbone of the Fighting Maroons alongside longtime teammates Harold Alarcon, Reyland Torres, and Terrence Fortea, helping sustain the program’s rise as one of the UAAP’s perennial contenders.

     

    Now, Abadiano follows the growing path of Filipino players seeking opportunities abroad, with the KBL continuing to emerge as a destination where local talents can test themselves against a higher level of competition while further developing their games.

     

    His arrival also comes at an important time for Ulsan Hyundai Mobis, which is looking to rebound from a disappointing 2025-26 campaign after finishing eighth in the league standings with an 18-36 record.

     

    For Abadiano, the opportunity represents more than just his first overseas contract. It is the next step in a career built on steady growth, as he looks to prove he belongs on another international stage while adding his name to the expanding list of Filipinos making an impact in the Korean Basketball League.

     

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  • Zam Nolasco wastes no time making impact as ZUS Coffee rookie credits familiar system

    Zam Nolasco wastes no time making impact as ZUS Coffee rookie credits familiar system

    For many rookies, the jump from college to the professional ranks comes with a steep learning curve.

     

    For Zam Nolasco, it felt more like picking up where she left off.

     

    The former College of Saint Benilde standout enjoyed a dream debut in the PVL, firing a team-high 15 points to power ZUS Coffee to a 25-11, 25-23, 26-28, 25-17 victory over Akari in the opening match of the 2026 PVL On Tour on Wednesday in Ilagan City, Isabela.

     

    Instead of spending her first professional appearance adjusting to a new environment, Nolasco looked comfortable from the opening set—a familiarity she credits to head coach Jerry Yee, who also mentored her during her collegiate career at Saint Benilde.

     

    “Same lang din po ng coach sa college, tapos same lang sa pro,” Nolasco said. “Pinag-usapan na rin namin ni Coach Jerry [Yee] na ayun yung plano after college. Okay naman po siya sa akin.”

     

    Long before she officially entered the PVL, the move to ZUS Coffee had already been discussed between player and coach, allowing both sides to prepare for a seamless transition.

     

    That continuity showed in her confident performance against the Chargers, where she immediately emerged as one of the Thunderbelles’ primary offensive weapons.

     

    Although Nolasco’s collegiate career ended without an NCAA championship, Yee has already shifted her focus toward accomplishing that goal in the professional ranks.

     

    “Sinabihan niya po ako during training dito sa ZUS. Sinabi niya sa akin, dito na lang kami kumuha ng championship,” she shared.

     

    “Okay lang kasi makakabawi pa ako. Madami pa namang time para mag-prepare, at madami pang games na pagsasamahan namin ni Coach [Jerry].”

     

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    The smooth adjustment hasn’t been limited to the coaching staff.

     

    Nolasco also pointed to the welcoming environment created by her veteran teammates, saying their support made it easier to settle into her new role.

     

    “Sobrang gaan lang din po sila makasama sa loob ng court, which became very helpful for me as a rookie,” she said.

     

    “Familiar na rin kami sa program, sa system, at sa players. Wala naman pong sobrang adjustments. Kine-keep ko lang kung paano ako maglaro.”

     

    Her previous exposure to the PVL also played a role.

     

    Before the Rookie Draft era, Nolasco had already experienced competing against professional clubs, including ZUS Coffee during tune-up matches while she was still with the Lady Blazers.

     

     Those encounters gave her a clearer picture of the level of competition awaiting her after college.

     

    “Na-experience ko na rin po yung PVL, so alam ko na ‘yung feeling ng makipaglaro sa mga pros,” Nolasco said. “Sa teammates naman, kilala ko na sila. Nung college ako, nakakalaro na rin namin yung ZUS sa tune-up.”

     

    If her first outing is any indication, Nolasco’s transition to the professional game may not take long at all.

     

    With confidence, familiarity, and a coach who already understands how to maximize her strengths, the rookie now turns her attention to an even bigger test when ZUS Coffee faces Choco Mucho on Saturday in Batangas City, where she’ll look to build on an impressive first chapter of her PVL career.

     

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  • Yeng Guiao questions PBA’s shift to FIBA rules despite support for Gilas

    Yeng Guiao questions PBA’s shift to FIBA rules despite support for Gilas

    Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao believes the PBA’s transition toward FIBA rules could benefit Philippine basketball in the long run, but not without a few growing pains.

     

    As the league continues aligning its rulebook more closely with international standards ahead of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, the veteran mentor acknowledged the intention behind the changes while pointing out several areas he believes still need refinement.

     

    For Guiao, adapting to the new system will take time—not just for players, but for coaches, officials, and teams as a whole.

     

    “Fiba rules are okay, but I think it may take some time for teams to get used to it,” Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao said. “I still think there are PBA rules that can still improve the game. But I guess the PBA is trying to help our national team by leaning towards Fiba rules.

     

    “But there’s no perfect system. We know that some of the PBA rules are lacking by themselves and the same can be said with Fiba rules,” added the outspoken mentor.

     

    Rather than criticizing the league’s decision outright, Guiao recognized the PBA’s effort to better prepare Filipino players for international competition, where FIBA regulations have long been the standard.

     

    Still, one particular change stood out for the longtime coach—the revised Challenge System.

     

    Under the new guidelines, teams are now limited to a single coach’s challenge regardless of whether the original challenge is successful. Previously, coaches who won a challenge were rewarded with another opportunity later in the game.

     

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    Guiao believes the revised rule reduces a coach’s ability to correct crucial officiating errors, especially during tightly contested matches.

     

    He also took issue with another limitation carried over from FIBA rules: the inability to directly challenge foul calls.

     

    “You cannot challenge the fouls,” he said. “You can only challenge whether it would be upgraded or downgraded. So the leverage goes back to the referees. If the referees make a mistake, you cannot do anything about it. Unlike before, as a coach, you can have a remedy.”

     

    For Guiao, the concern is less about resisting change and more about preserving coaches’ ability to seek corrections when critical mistakes occur.

     

    As the PBA embraces a rulebook that mirrors the international game, coaches and teams are expected to adjust throughout the conference. But if Guiao’s observations are any indication, the transition could also spark continued discussions on whether every aspect of the FIBA system is the best fit for the country’s professional league.

     

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  • Alex Eala cashes in after historic Wimbledon run, sets sights on US Open swing 

    Alex Eala cashes in after historic Wimbledon run, sets sights on US Open swing 

    Alex Eala may have fallen one win short of the Wimbledon quarterfinals, but the breakthrough fortnight has elevated her career in more ways than one.

     

    From a projected rise in the world rankings to the biggest payday of her professional career, the 21-year-old Filipina leaves the All England Club with momentum that could reshape the rest of her 2026 season.

     

    Eala is set to receive £300,000 (around P25 million) after advancing to the Round of 16 at Wimbledon, surpassing the previous highest prize money of her career. Her earlier record came during her memorable semifinal run at the 2025 Miami Open, where she collected $332,160 (approximately P18.9 million).

     

    Her earnings from London will climb even higher after she also secured £18,000 (around P1.5 million) in women’s doubles alongside Czech partner Nikola Bartunkova despite their first-round exit.

     

    Beyond the financial rewards, Wimbledon is also expected to deliver another milestone in Eala’s rapidly rising career.

     

    Currently ranked No. 32 in the world, the Filipina is projected to climb to a new career-high World No. 28 when the updated Women’s Tennis Association rankings are released.

     

    The jump carries major implications heading into the remainder of the season.

     

    A place inside the world’s Top 32 significantly strengthens Eala’s position in Grand Slam tournaments, making her eligible for seeded status and helping her avoid many of the tournament favorites during the early rounds. 

     

    It also improves her chances of receiving first-round byes at selected WTA events, an advantage she previously enjoyed earlier this year after climbing to then-career-best No. 29 before the BNP Paribas Open.

     

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    The Wimbledon breakthrough now provides Eala with valuable momentum as she transitions from grass to the North American hard-court season, where even bigger opportunities await.

     

    Her next stop will be the Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington from July 27 to Aug. 2, where another strong field is expected to test her continued rise. Defending champion Leylah Fernandez headlines the tournament alongside Jasmine Paolini, Madison Keys, Naomi Osaka, Marta Kostyuk, and promising American teenager Iva Jovic.

     

    Washington marks the beginning of a demanding stretch leading into the year’s final Grand Slam.

    Eala is also expected to compete in consecutive WTA 1000 tournaments at the Canadian Open in Toronto and the Cincinnati Open, giving her multiple opportunities to build confidence and improve her ranking before returning to New York for the US Open.

     

    She will be hoping to surpass last year’s campaign, when she reached the second round before bowing out to Cristina Bucsa.

     

    The busy calendar extends beyond the professional circuit.

     

    Following the hard-court season, Eala is expected to once again represent the Philippines at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, where she will look to improve on the two bronze medals she captured in Hangzhou.

     

    While her Wimbledon journey ended in the Round of 16 after a three-set battle against World No. 17 Jasmine Paolini, the tournament ultimately marked another defining chapter in Eala’s ascent.

     

    With a new career-high ranking on the horizon, record-breaking prize money in hand, and the biggest events of the hard-court season still to come, the Filipina’s landmark run in London could prove to be only the beginning of an even bigger year.

     

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  • Ginebra begins search for temporary import as Justin Brownlee recovers from injuries 

    Ginebra begins search for temporary import as Justin Brownlee recovers from injuries 

    For the first time in nearly a decade, Barangay Ginebra is preparing to begin a PBA Governors’ Cup campaign without Justin Brownlee leading the way.


    The Gin Kings have officially started looking for a temporary replacement for their longtime resident import after Brownlee was sidelined by multiple injuries sustained during Ginebra’s Commissioner’s Cup title run and Gilas Pilipinas’ recent stint in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers.

     

    The search is already underway.

     

    Head coach Tim Cone revealed in an exclusive interview before departing for the United States on Wednesday that he will spend part of his trip to the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas scouting for an import who can fill Brownlee’s spot while the naturalized Filipino works his way back to full health.

     

    “To scout for an import,” he said.

     

    The timing leaves Ginebra with little room to spare.

     

    The defending Commissioner’s Cup champions open their PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup campaign against Phoenix on July 19, giving Cone just over a week to identify and secure a reinforcement capable of helping the team stay competitive until Brownlee returns.

     

    Finding an import has rarely been a concern for Ginebra over the past nine years.

     

    Since first arriving in the Philippines during the 2016 Governors’ Cup, Brownlee has become one of the most accomplished and beloved imports in PBA history. 

     

    Although he entered the league without NBA experience after going undrafted in 2011, he brought an impressive résumé that included standout stints in the NBA G League, Summer League, and a successful collegiate career at St. John’s University.

     

    What followed was one of the most remarkable import tenures the league has ever seen.

     

    Brownlee guided Ginebra to seven PBA championships, collected four Best Import awards, and authored countless iconic moments that cemented his place as the face of the franchise’s “Never Say Die” identity.

     

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    His durability also became one of his defining traits, making 

    his current absence all the more unfamiliar for both the organization and its fans.

    Brownlee continued to play through injuries during the Commissioner’s Cup Finals before suiting up for Gilas Pilipinas in the third window of the World Cup qualifiers. 

     

    He helped push New Zealand to double overtime despite nursing a hamstring issue before eventually sitting out the national team’s game against Australia after being diagnosed with multiple ailments, including a hamstring strain, right

     peroneal tendinopathy, and swelling and cartilage defects in his left knee.

    Those injuries have forced Ginebra to temporarily turn the page and search for another import, even if only for the opening stretch of the conference.

     

    Fortunately for the Gin Kings, Cone has built a reputation for identifying players who fit both his system and the team’s culture. While replacing Brownlee’s production, leadership, and championship pedigree is an enormous challenge, Ginebra hopes its next reinforcement can keep the team afloat until its longtime cornerstone is healthy enough to return.

     

    Whoever ultimately earns the call will inherit one of the toughest assignments in the PBA—not simply replacing an import, but filling the shoes of a player who has defined Ginebra basketball for nearly a decade.

     

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  • Alas Pilipinas U18 ends AVC campaign on winning note with sweep of Chinese Taipei 

    Alas Pilipinas U18 ends AVC campaign on winning note with sweep of Chinese Taipei 

    Alas Pilipinas U18 made sure its final impression at the 2026 AVC Girls’ U18 Volleyball Championship was its strongest.

     

    The young Filipinas capped their campaign with a commanding 25-20, 25-20, 25-21 victory over Chinese Taipei on Tuesday at Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University in Thailand, securing a ninth-place finish in the 16-nation tournament.

     

    While a quarterfinal berth ultimately slipped away earlier in the competition, the national youth squad refused to dwell on missed opportunities. Instead, it responded by winning its last three matches in dominant fashion, closing the tournament with confidence and momentum.

     

    Leading the way in the finale was Ma. Ellanie Lorraine Gonzalvo, who once again spearheaded the Philippine attack with 15 points built on 14 kills and an ace. She also contributed seven digs to help the team control both ends of the floor.

     

    Sharina Rhyza Lleses provided another reliable scoring option, tallying 11 points on attacks while adding six digs, as the Filipinas consistently found answers against the Chinese Taipei defense.

     

    Jhaynna Bulandres also delivered an all-around effort with 10 points, highlighted by seven attacks, two blocks, and an ace. Ysabella Patricia Cruz and Adeleine Terese Agustin chipped in five markers each, with Agustin making her presence felt at the net through three blocks.

     

    Running the offense was setter Micaella Gould, who finished with 69 excellent sets while contributing two points and four digs. Irish May Mahinay added an ace, while libero Frances Dianne Ramos anchored the backcourt with eight digs and four excellent receptions. Ghenievib Belen also helped stabilize the defense with three digs.

     

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    The victory completed a strong turnaround for the Philippines after a challenging preliminary round.

     

    Alas Pilipinas opened its campaign by defeating Iran in four sets before consecutive losses to regional power Japan and Indonesia denied the squad a chance to advance into the championship bracket.

     

    Rather than letting those setbacks define its tournament, the Filipinas regrouped in the classification phase, sweeping Uzbekistan and Hong Kong, China before finishing with another convincing straight-set victory over Chinese Taipei.

     

    The three-match winning streak allowed the Philippines to end the continental tournament with a 4-2 record, a respectable finish that highlighted the team’s resilience and continued development against some of Asia’s top youth volleyball programs.

     

    Although the championship rounds continued without them, Alas Pilipinas U18 departed Thailand with valuable international experience and the satisfaction of ending its campaign with three consecutive victories, providing a solid foundation for the country’s next generation of volleyball talent.

     

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  • Creamline begins title defense as Nxled eyes statement start in PVL On Tour 

    Creamline begins title defense as Nxled eyes statement start in PVL On Tour 

    The first challenge awaiting Creamline in its latest title defense comes from a team determined to prove that last conference’s disappointment no longer defines its identity.

     

    When the PVL On Tour opens in Ilagan City, Isabela, on Wednesday, the spotlight will immediately fall on the 6:30 p.m. showdown between the reigning All-Filipino Conference champions and an Nxled squad eager to show that months of preparation have transformed it into a legitimate contender.

     

    The Chameleons entered the previous conference carrying high expectations after assembling one of the league’s deepest lineups. Instead, they settled for a fifth-place finish after struggling to find consistency and chemistry when it mattered most.

     

    Head coach Ettore Guidetti believes the long offseason has given his squad the opportunity to address those issues ahead of another campaign.

     

    “As usual it’s difficult because Creamline has a bunch of combinations, a bunch of possibilities to play, so we will try to summarize as much as we can. We are in a good moment. The team is playing good day after day after day. We are trying to automatize the new players. So let’s see if we can give a good performance against the champions,” said Guidetti.

     

    Nxled once again leans on reigning MVP Brooke Van Sickle alongside veterans Myla Pablo and MJ Phillips, while expecting a deeper supporting cast to make the difference this time around. 

     

    The Chameleons also feature Lyann de Guzman, Ranya Musa, Aduke Ogunsanya, Chiara Permentilla, Jonah Escamillan, Jovelyn Fernandez, Jackie Acuña, and experienced setter Gel Cayuna as they look to finally convert potential into victories.

     

    Standing in their way, however, is the league’s modern-day dynasty.

     

    Fresh from capturing an 11th PVL championship, Creamline enters the preseason with much of its championship nucleus intact. Jema Galanza, Tots Carlos, Alyssa Valdez, Pangs Panaga, Bea de Leon, Jia de Guzman, and Kyle Negrito remain at the heart of the Cool Smashers, who further reinforced their roster by adding Dona Paralejas, Erin Pangilinan, Ishie Lalongisip, and promising rookie Barbie Jamili.

     

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    Team captain Alyssa Valdez believes the extended preparation has allowed the team to integrate its newest additions while maintaining the chemistry that has fueled Creamline’s sustained success.

     

    “Medyo mas matagal ata ‘yung preparation ngayon. Wala kaming camp or anything but medyo ilang months din nakapag-training ‘yung buong team for the PVL On Tour Showdown and very excited kasi may mga bago kami – sila Erin, si Dona – for this conference,” Valdez said. 

     

    The day’s action begins at 4 p.m., where ZUS Coffee and Akari look to start their preseason campaigns on the right foot in a matchup featuring two teams eager to erase the frustrations of their previous conference.

     

    ZUS Coffee enters the PVL On Tour looking for a fresh start after finishing at the bottom of the All-Filipino Conference standings, a campaign derailed by injuries to several key players. Now healthier and deeper, the Thunderbelles hope to show they are capable of climbing back into playoff contention.

     

    The return of middle blocker AC Miner bolsters a lineup that already features Thea Gagate, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Chinnie Arroyo, Fiola Ceballos, Jolina dela Cruz, Riza Nogales, Cess Robles, Chai Troncoso, Kate Santiago, and veteran setter Cloanne Mondonedo.

     

    Akari, meanwhile, also has unfinished business after ending its previous campaign in sixth place despite flashes of strong play. The Chargers have since reinforced an already talented roster and will look to hit the ground running in Isabela.

     

    Leading the way are Ivy Lacsina, Fifi Sharma, Grethcel Soltones, Ced Domingo, and Eli Soyud, while Faith Nisperos is expected to return alongside new additions Ann Monares, Sharya Ancheta, and Risa Sato, giving Akari one of its deepest squads in recent seasons.

     

    That opening clash serves as the perfect appetizer before the marquee encounter later in the evening, when reigning champion Creamline begins its latest title defense against an Nxled squad determined to prove it belongs among the league’s contenders. 

     

    After Ilagan, the tour heads to Batangas City on Saturday, where Galeries Tower takes on Farm Fresh before Choco Mucho faces ZUS Coffee in another marquee matchup. The succeeding legs will be held in Vigan, Polomolok, Santiago City, and Lanao del Norte before concluding on Aug. 22 at a venue that has yet to be announced.

     

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