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Author: Andre Sotelo

  • Alas Pilipinas middle blocker Fifi Sharma speaks out, calls for accountability amid national team issues

    Alas Pilipinas middle blocker Fifi Sharma speaks out, calls for accountability amid national team issues

    For a long time, the noise surrounding Alas Pilipinas stayed outside the court. On Tuesday, it finally came from within.

     

    Fifi Sharma, one of the pillars of the current national team pool, stepped forward publicly, using her platform to address what she described as a troubling situation surrounding the program. Her message wasn’t just an observation—it was a call to action.

     

    “I hope we continue to spread awareness on everything that’s been happening surrounding the national team,” Sharma wrote on her Instagram broadcast channel on Tuesday.

     

    At the heart of her concern is a sense of lost momentum. For Sharma, this generation of players represents something rare—perhaps the most cohesive and promising core the program has built in years. That is precisely why the current situation feels more alarming than ever.

     

    “This is the closest we’ve ever gotten to having a core and it’s sad to see it fall into the wrong hands.”

     

    Her words carried more than frustration; they reflected the emotional toll of representing something bigger than oneself while feeling that the system behind it is falling short.

     

    “It’s difficult to keep giving your all and fighting for something that consistently fails to take care of you,” she said.

     

    “Passion can carry you far but it shouldn’t be used to justify neglect.”

     

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    The statement struck a chord because it echoed what many supporters have quietly questioned for some time. But coming from a key player, it added weight—and urgency—to the conversation.

     

    Still, Sharma made it clear that her message was not rooted in resentment. Instead, it came from a place of deep connection to the program and appreciation for the fans who continue to rally behind the team.

     

    “I’ve had my best memories playing volleyball in the national team, and I’ve never felt love and support like that from you guys!” she wrote.

     

    “That’s why I’m saying this and that’s why I’m hoping things change.”

     

    That balance—between frustration and hope—defines where Alas Pilipinas stands today. A program filled with talent and potential, yet facing questions that can no longer be ignored.

     

    For Sharma, speaking out was not about creating division, but about protecting something she believes in. And as her message spreads, it signals a turning point—one where silence is no longer an option, and where the future of the national team may depend on what happens next.

     

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  • Pat Aquino proud of Gilas Women’s historic first win against non-Asian team 

    Pat Aquino proud of Gilas Women’s historic first win against non-Asian team 

    The journey may have ended, but not without a breakthrough that could redefine the future of the program.

     

    The Gilas Pilipinas Women closed their campaign in the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament with more than just a win—they left with validation.

     

    Their 74-59 triumph over the Colombia women’s national basketball team at the Astroballe was not only a highlight of their stint but a landmark moment in Philippine women’s basketball. It marked the first time the national team defeated a non-Asian opponent, a breakthrough that carried weight far beyond the final score.

     

    As the buzzer sounded, the celebration said it all. The Filipinas erupted in joy—hands raised, heads high—fully aware of the significance of what they had just accomplished against a higher-ranked foe.

     

    For head coach Patrick Aquino, the result was a reflection of belief meeting opportunity.

    “Looking at the matchups, the height gaps and everything, we’re outmatched by everyone. I wanted to be clear, this is not a lack of talent,” Aquino said during the post-game press conference.

     

    “The girls proved that Filipinas can play basketball. Definitely, we’re up to this world-class level. They never gave up, I’m so proud of them,” he added.

     

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    The numbers may show a 1-4 record, but the context tells a different story. Gilas navigated a gauntlet of elite competition, facing France women’s national basketball team, Germany women’s national basketball team, South Korea women’s national basketball team, and Nigeria women’s national basketball team—all established forces on the global stage.

     

    Each game brought lessons, adjustments, and glimpses of a team learning in real time how to compete at the highest level. By the time they faced Colombia, those lessons had taken shape, culminating in a performance that combined resilience, execution, and composure.

     

    For Aquino, who has spent a decade guiding the program, the moment was deeply personal.

    “Yeah, reflecting on this journey. I’ve been with the Gilas program for a decade now. And seeing how we’ve grown, how we’ve become a team, and seeing them compete at this world-class level — it’s a journey we’ll cherish forever,” Aquino said.

     

    “And winning a game outside Asia against a top-caliber team means a lot back home. It’s probably the next step for us — to build more players in the program so we can sustain and compete at this level,” he added.

     

    In the end, the standings may show an early exit, but the message is far more significant. Gilas Pilipinas Women didn’t just participate—they proved they belong.

     

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  • CJ Cansino shows no rust in win, earns praise from Meralco coach Luigi Trillo 

    There was no easing back in for CJ Cansino—only a statement, as he showed no signs of rust in his first game in two months in the PBA.

     

    In his return to action for the Meralco Bolts, Cansino delivered a near-flawless performance, finishing 8-of-9 from the field, including 3-of-4 from beyond the arc and a perfect 2-of-2 from four-point range, on his way to 23 points and eight assists. His all-around effort not only powered Meralco but also earned him Player of the Game honors.

     

    It was the kind of outing that immediately caught the attention of head coach Luigi Trillo, who emphasized the team’s collective showing while acknowledging his guard’s hot hand.

     

    “Compliments to Marvin, our import, he played well, CJ was on fire, New played well. Just overall, everybody that got fielded today was able to contribute,” said Trillo.

     

    For Cansino, the performance felt less like a comeback and more like a continuation. The last time he suited up for Meralco was during the East Asia Super League do-or-die clash against the Ryukyu Golden Kings, where he contributed seven points in a lineup anchored by imports Ismael Romero and Justin Brownlee.

     

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    His previous PBA appearance came even earlier—during the semifinals of the PBA Philippine Cup on January 14, 2026—when he erupted for a career-high 36 points in a losing effort against the TNT Tropang 5G.

     

    That stretch underscored his growing importance to the squad, as he averaged 18.5 points, four rebounds, and nearly two assists per game, establishing himself as one of the Bolts’ most dependable scoring options.

     

    Any concerns about rhythm or timing quickly disappeared. Cansino looked comfortable, decisive, and in full control—whether attacking the rim, knocking down perimeter shots, or creating opportunities for teammates.

     

    More importantly, his return adds another layer to a Meralco side looking to build momentum early in the conference. With contributions coming from across the roster and Cansino picking up right where he left off, the Bolts may have found a key piece ready to elevate their campaign.

     

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  • Nxled fights for survival vs top-seed PLDT in high-stakes PVL showdown

    Nxled fights for survival vs top-seed PLDT in high-stakes PVL showdown

    A late surge has given the Nxled Chameleons something to hold on to—but not much room for error.

     

    With the preliminary round of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference nearing its end, Nxled finds itself in a do-or-die situation against the surging PLDT High Speed Hitters at the FilOil Playtime Centre on Thursday.

     

    The Chameleons enter the match clinging to their Top 4 hopes after snapping a four-game losing streak with a four-set victory over the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles. That win, highlighted by a 20-point outing from Brooke Van Sickle, also saw Nxled rediscover its defensive rhythm, an area that had faltered during its mid-conference slide.

     

    Prior to that breakthrough, Nxled endured a rough stretch that included a tough loss to powerhouse Creamline Cool Smashers, where they showed flashes of competitiveness but struggled to close out sets against elite teams.

     

    That inconsistency has defined Nxled’s campaign—opening with three straight wins after a major roster revamp, only to stumble just as the race for the Top 4 intensified. Now at 4-4, the Chameleons must win and hope results elsewhere fall their way to avoid slipping into the Play-In stage.

     

    For Van Sickle, however, the focus remains on steady progress rather than the standings.

    “We just came off a win, let’s celebrate it. But next we got PLDT and they’re doing a fantastic job. So we have to prepare much better. And, you know, I think it was good that we broke the losing streak,” she said.

     

    “So now I think, again, steps in the right direction, building confidence as a team. And, yeah, just continue to keep making day by day,” she added.

     

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    Across the net, PLDT presents a team peaking at exactly the right time. The High Speed Hitters have surged to a 7-1 record, winning four straight matches since a shutout loss to the Cignal HD Spikers. Their latest victory—a four-set triumph over the Choco Mucho Flying Titans—featured a balanced attack led by Savannah Davison and Kim Dy, while their net defense produced 12 blocks, underscoring their dominance on both ends.

     

    Even earlier in the conference, PLDT had already sent a message by defeating Nxled in four sets, showcasing its ability to control tempo and finish strong in crunch moments.

     

    Now safely in the Top 4, PLDT isn’t easing up. Instead, it is chasing the No. 1 seed and carrying momentum into the next phase—making them an even more dangerous opponent.

     

    Nxled, meanwhile, will need a near-perfect performance to extend its campaign. Van Sickle will again spearhead the attack alongside Myla Pablo, while MJ Phillips will anchor the frontline. The playmaking of Jules Tolentino and Leyann de Guzman will also be crucial against PLDT’s disciplined defense.

     

    On the other side, the High Speed Hitters continue to rely on their depth, with Majoy Baron and Mika Reyes controlling the net, while support from Alleiah Malaluan, Jovie Prado, and others keeps their system fluid and relentless.

     

    With the Play-In stage looming and the Top 4 race tightening, the stakes could not be higher.

     

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  • Filipinas book World Cup berth with clinical win over Uzbekistan

    Filipinas book World Cup berth with clinical win over Uzbekistan

    History is no longer a one-time moment for the Philippines women’s national football team—it’s becoming a standard.

     

    With everything on the line, the Filipinas delivered a composed and decisive performance, defeating the Uzbekistan women’s national football team, 2-0, in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup play-in to officially punch their ticket to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 in Brazil.

     

    The Philippines set the tone early, dictating play and creating opportunities in the opening half. They fired nine shots before the break but were unable to find the finishing touch, as Uzbekistan held firm defensively and kept the match scoreless.

     

    At the other end, the Filipinas were just as disciplined. Their backline limited Uzbekistan to only three attempts in the first half, showcasing a balanced performance built on both attacking intent and defensive organization.

     

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    The breakthrough finally came moments after the restart. Angie Beard broke the deadlock in the 47th minute, converting off a well-placed assist from Jael Guy to give the Philippines a deserved lead.

     

    With momentum now firmly on their side, the Filipinas tightened their grip on the match, controlling possession and keeping Uzbekistan at bay. The result was put beyond doubt when Jackie Sawicki struck to double the advantage, sealing both the win and the ticket to football’s biggest stage.

     

    What followed was not just celebration—but confirmation. The victory secured the Philippines’ second consecutive appearance in the Women’s World Cup, proving that their breakthrough debut in 2023 was no fluke but the foundation of a rising program.

     

    With Brazil 2027 now firmly in sight, the Filipinas continue to rewrite their narrative—not as newcomers, but as a team that expects to be on football’s biggest stage.

     

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  • Alex Eala opens Miami Open with veteran test against German Laura Seigemund 

    Alex Eala opens Miami Open with veteran test against German Laura Seigemund 

    A year removed from her stunning breakthrough, Alex Eala returns to the Miami Open carrying not just momentum, but expectation.

     

    No longer the unheralded qualifier who shocked the field in 2025, Eala steps into this year’s tournament as a seeded player, opening her campaign in the Round of 64 against Germany’s Laura Siegemund. It will be their first-ever meeting on the WTA Tour — a clash between a rising force and a battle-tested veteran.

     

    Siegemund earned her shot at the Filipina after dispatching Croatia’s Petra Marcinko, 6-4, 6-4, in the opening round. Currently ranked No. 53 in the world, the German brings a wealth of experience, highlighted by a career-high ranking of No. 27 and two WTA singles titles. 

     

    She also made a deep run at Wimbledon Championships last year, reaching the quarterfinals before bowing to world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka.

     

    Beyond singles, Siegemund’s pedigree extends to doubles, where she owns 16 titles, including three Grand Slam crowns — a testament to her versatility and tactical acumen.

     

    For Eala, the matchup represents another test in what has been a defining stretch of her young career. The Filipina is coming off a strong showing at the Indian Wells Open, where she reached the Round of 16 and notched a statement victory over top-10 star Coco Gauff.

     

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    That result further cemented her rise up the rankings, a journey that began with last year’s magical run in Miami. Then ranked outside the Top 100, Eala stunned the tennis world by reaching the semifinals as a qualifier, highlighted by a landmark win over Iga Swiatek in the quarterfinals.

     

     That victory made her the first wildcard in WTA history to defeat three Grand Slam champions in a single tournament.

     

    Although her run ended against Jessica Pegula, it marked the beginning of her steady climb, eventually reaching a career-high ranking of No. 28 this season.

     

    Now, the possibility of a rematch with Swiatek looms once more. The Polish star, seeded No. 2 in Miami, is set to face compatriot Magda Linette in her opening match after Linette rallied past Varvara Gracheva.

     

    While Eala holds one of the most memorable wins of her career over Swiatek, the rivalry remains unfinished. The world No. 2 claimed their most recent meeting at the Madrid Open last year, prevailing in three sets, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.

     

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  • San Miguel shares championship spirit through Walang Gutom outreach ahead of PBA return

    San Miguel shares championship spirit through Walang Gutom outreach ahead of PBA return

    Success for the San Miguel Beermen has long been measured in trophies, but on Tuesday, it was defined by something far more meaningful.

     

    Fresh off capturing their 31st title in the PBA Philippine Cup, the Beermen stepped away from the hardwood and into the community, lending their presence and resources to the government’s hunger alleviation efforts through the Walang Gutom Kitchen in Pasay City.

     

    Led by nine-time MVP June Mar Fajardo, the team brought its championship energy to the outreach, distributing packed meals and handing out simple gifts such as shirts and caps to beneficiaries. 

     

    Joining him were head coach Leo Austria, team governor Robert Non, and manager Gee Abanilla, reinforcing that the organization’s strength extends beyond its roster.

     

    The initiative also drew the presence of Willie Marcial, highlighting the league’s continued support for community-driven programs.

     

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    The Walang Gutom Kitchen, a project spearheaded by Rex Gatchalian under the Department of Social Welfare and Development, was launched in 2024 as a grassroots food bank aimed at providing free, nutritious meals to the homeless and underserved. 

     

    For San Miguel, the outreach became a fitting way to celebrate its latest championship — not just by looking back, but by giving forward.

     

    The timing also signals a shift back to competition. With their title run now part of history, the Beermen are turning their focus to the upcoming PBA Commissioner’s Cup, where they will open their campaign against Titan Ultra at the Ynares Center.

     

    For a franchise built on winning, the message was clear: championships may define their legacy, but impact defines their purpose.

     

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  • Filipinas set sights on Uzbekistan clash for World Cup berth after Japan loss

    Filipinas set sights on Uzbekistan clash for World Cup berth after Japan loss

    The result may have been lopsided, but for the Philippines women’s national football team, the bigger picture remains intact.

     

    A 7-0 defeat to Japan women’s national football team in the quarterfinals of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 did little to shake the Filipinas’ long-term objective — securing a return trip to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027. Instead, it highlighted a calculated decision by head coach Mark Torcaso to prioritize survival over immediate results.

     

    Facing one of the strongest teams in the world, Torcaso rotated heavily, resting key starters including goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel and handing opportunities to less-tested players. It was a move rooted not in surrender, but in strategy — preserving energy for a more decisive battle ahead. 

     

    “Obviously, we don’t want to lose any game but we also have to understand that we are playing against probably one of the best teams in the world,” Torcaso said.

     

    The match itself offered glimpses of promise beneath the scoreline. The Filipinas held firm for long stretches in the first half and nearly entered the break without conceding. More importantly, new faces stepped up under pressure.

     

    “We gave two first starts to two players who were outstanding for the game. Nina Meollo and Jourdyn Curran played their first game for the national team and started. I thought they were outstanding and that is a really pleasing thing for me as a coach. We also had three young players playing in that first half that were also outstanding.”

     

    For Torcaso, development and depth were just as valuable as the result. The experience gained against elite opposition could prove crucial as the team approaches its most important fixture of the tournament.

     

    “While the score isn’t what we want, we have to focus on the next game which allows us to go to the World Cup still,” he continued.

     

    “That is the big focus for us. We knew that this game (against Japan) would either get us to the World Cup directly, or if we lost, we would have to focus on the next game.

     

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    “The great thing is that we have a second chance here and the girls, we are also extremely determined to make sure that we go to that World Cup. While it was disappointing that we lost that game, we are also very positive and determined to make sure that we go to another World Cup.”

     

    That second chance comes in the form of a high-stakes playoff against Uzbekistan women’s national football team, where a victory would seal the Philippines’ place in Brazil. A loss would still leave one final lifeline via an inter-confederation playoff, but the Filipinas are intent on avoiding that longer route.

     

    Fatigue, however, looms as a real factor. The team’s journey across Australia — from Perth to Brisbane, then to Sydney, and back to the Gold Coast — has tested both physical and mental endurance.

     

    “We have to look at the travel that our girls have had since Day One,” Torcaso said. “We started in Perth, we travelled four hours to Brisbane, we had to turn around around five hours in sleep, played two games there (Gold Coast), and then we travel (in Sydney) to play against probably the best team in the competition.”

     

    Despite the grind, there is a quiet confidence within the camp. The Filipinas have already faced Australia, South Korea, and Japan — three of Asia’s elite — and emerged battle-tested.

     

    “It is not publicized enough that the Philippines has played the best three teams in Asia, I believe. We have done a damn good job at doing that and I think now, we are in a position where we have set ourselves up because of that first game against probably one of the favorites to win this Asian Cup. We have set ourselves up in a position where we can qualify,” he said.

     

    “It definitely takes a toll on the players because they have to work extremely hard defensively against these three teams. But now, we have got a really good focus on what we need to do against Uzbekistan. As I said, we have been able to rest a few players because they have been tired in the last couple of games. I know we have got a lot of fresh players coming into this next game against Uzbekistan.”

     

    For the Filipinas, the heavy loss to Japan may look like a setback on paper. But within the locker room, it is viewed as part of a larger plan — one that still leads to the World Cup stage.

     

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  • New-look Meralco opens title push as Marvin Jones debuts, Terrafirma eyes 3-0 surge

    New-look Meralco opens title push as Marvin Jones debuts, Terrafirma eyes 3-0 surge

    A fresh chapter begins for the Meralco Bolts, and it comes with a new anchor in the middle. When the Bolts step onto the floor at the Ynares Center on Wednesday, they won’t just be opening their campaign in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup—they’ll be unveiling a retooled identity built around newly arrived import Marvin Jones.

     

    Jones, a seven-footer fresh off a FIBA Europe Cup title run, steps into the spotlight as Meralco’s latest reinforcement, tasked with steering a team that has long hovered on the brink of contention. His arrival follows the exit of Ismael Romero, whose stint ended under controversial circumstances after an incident overseas involving former PBA guard Nick Demusis.

     

    Now, the focus shifts forward. Jones brings with him a wealth of international experience, having played across Europe, and immediately becomes the centerpiece of Meralco’s bid to finally break through.

     

    But he won’t be alone in reshaping the Bolts’ look. The anticipated debut of playmaker Jason Brickman adds another layer of intrigue, while newly acquired wingman Javee Mocon provides versatility on both ends of the floor. Together, they form a revamped core that Meralco hopes can translate promise into results.

     

    Standing in their way is a Converge FiberXers side eager to reassert itself. Touted as one of the conference favorites, Converge enters the matchup looking to recover from a stunning 111-100 overtime defeat to the surging Terrafirma Dyip.

     

    That loss exposed cracks in a team that had opened its campaign with a convincing win over the Macau Black Knights, raising questions about consistency as the tournament begins to take shape.

     

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    Earlier in the day, Terrafirma aims to sustain its unlikely rise when it goes for a 3-0 start against the Blackwater Bossing. The Dyip have emerged as the early surprise of the conference, riding a wave of confidence that head coach Ronald Tubid traces back to their preparation.

     

    “Now we’re enjoying practice, we’re excited to practice, we’re doing good in practice it’s being translated to the games,” shared Tubid.

     

    Across the court, Blackwater is still searching for its footing after a narrow loss to the NLEX Road Warriors, hoping to avoid falling deeper into an early hole.

     

    As the doubleheader unfolds, the spotlight may be split between Meralco’s new beginning and Terrafirma’s unexpected surge—but both storylines point to the same truth: in a wide-open Commissioner’s Cup, momentum can shift quickly, and every game carries weight.

     

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  •  ZUS, Galeries, Capital1 lock In first PVL All-Filipino Play-In tournament spots

     ZUS, Galeries, Capital1 lock In first PVL All-Filipino Play-In tournament spots

    The race for survival in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference has begun to take shape, with Capital1 Solar Spikers, Galeries Tower Highrisers, and ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles officially dropping into the play-in tournament after uneven runs in the preliminaries.  

     

    Capital1 became the latest team to slide into the next phase following a crucial sequence of results in Sta. Rosa, where victories by Akari Chargers and Farm Fresh Foxies tightened the standings and effectively pushed the Solar Spikers out of Top Four contention. 

     

    Sitting at 3-5, Capital1 showed flashes of promise early in the conference but struggled to sustain momentum against the league’s top contenders.

     

    Their campaign opened with a strong four-set win over ZUS Coffee, highlighted by a breakout showing from their young core, but the team soon ran into consistency issues. Losses to Nxled Chameleons, PLDT High Speed Hitters, and powerhouse Creamline Cool Smashers exposed gaps in execution, particularly in closing sets and maintaining scoring balance.

     

    Galeries Tower, meanwhile, saw its campaign unravel after an encouraging early stretch. The Highrisers pulled off a notable upset against Nxled and even snapped a long losing skid with a gritty win over ZUS Coffee, signaling a potential turnaround.

     

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    However, consistency remained elusive. Heavy defeats — including a dominant straight-sets loss to Farm Fresh (25-14, 25-15, 25-12) — and a growing string of setbacks dragged Galeries to a 2-6 record, ultimately sealing its place in the play-in round.

     

    For ZUS Coffee, the story has been one of early promise followed by a prolonged slide. The Thunderbelles managed a morale-boosting five-set victory over Akari early in the conference, but that spark quickly faded as losses piled up against stronger, more cohesive teams.

     

    Straight-set defeats to Farm Fresh and Cignal, along with multiple lopsided results, underscored their struggles in both offense and floor defense. A young roster reinforced by veterans has yet to find the right balance, leaving ZUS at 1-7 and firmly anchored in the play-in bracket.

     

    With the play-in stage looming, all three teams now face a reset. The format offers a second life, but also demands urgency, as only a limited number of squads will advance to challenge the higher-ranked teams for semifinal spots.

     

    For Capital1, Galeries, and ZUS Coffee, the margin for error has disappeared — and the fight to extend their season is only just beginning.

     

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