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Category: Pinoy Sports Pulse

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

    Philippines braces for first Southeast Asian Open Water Championship in Boracay 

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


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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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  • PSC confirms 100-day renovation plan for Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium

    PSC confirms 100-day renovation plan for Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium

    The Philippines’ growing presence in Southeast Asian baseball has sparked renewed calls for greater investment, development, and promotion of the sport, with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) taking steps to provide the game with a facility capable of matching the country’s ambitions.


    PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio confirmed that a major renovation project for the historic Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium is already underway, with the goal of transforming the iconic venue into an international-standard facility. During a media interaction on Sunday, July 26, Gregorio said the stadium’s complete “facelift” and “renovation” remains on schedule for completion by the end of October.

     

    First opened to the public in 1934, the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium has long served as one of the most important venues in Philippine baseball history. The PSC now hopes to restore the facility to its former glory while equipping it with modern amenities that can support the continued growth of the sport.

     

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    The renovation project is expected to include a retrofitted 10,000-seat grandstand, an international-grade artificial turf surface, and a digital scoreboard installed on the stadium’s iconic outfield wall. These upgrades are designed to bring the venue closer to global standards and provide Filipino athletes with a facility capable of hosting major international competitions.


    “Our objective is to finish the facelift in 100 days and bring the stadium to global standards. This is about giving Filipino baseball a true home worthy of its history and future,” Gregorio said.


    The timing of the renovation comes as Philippine baseball continues to gain momentum in the region. The national team has shown significant progress against some of Asia’s strongest programs, including Japan, South Korea, and Chinese Taipei, while the country’s performances have highlighted the potential of Filipino players when given the right resources and opportunities.

    Once completed, the upgraded Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium is expected to host the East Asia Cup from November 26 to December 6. The tournament will be organized by the Philippine Amateur Baseball Association (PABA) and presented by the PSC, marking a significant milestone for the country’s baseball development efforts.


    PABA secretary-general Mike Asuncion believes the revamped facility can serve as a catalyst for the sport’s continued growth and provide Filipino players with a stage to showcase their abilities.


    “This renovation is a turning point for Philippine baseball. Hosting the East Asia Cup in a world-class stadium will inspire our athletes and show the region that we are serious about competing at the highest level,” Asuncion said.


    For Philippine national baseball coach Orlando Binarao, the renovation addresses one of the biggest challenges facing the country’s baseball program: the lack of proper facilities and resources despite the abundance of local talent.


    Binarao emphasized that Filipino players have the ability to compete against the region’s top teams but need stronger support systems, including better training facilities, equipment, and long-term development programs.


    “I believe the renovation of the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium will help us finally see a Filipino baseball player compete professionally at the international level. We have very good players. If we have the facilities, equipment, support and a good program, our team will be really successful,” Binarao said.


    The national team coach also pointed to the competitiveness of previous encounters against baseball powerhouses in Asia, noting that the Philippines has already shown it can challenge established programs.


    “Our previous games against Japan, Korea, and Taipei could have gone either way because the scores were very close. The goal now is to beat them. The renovation of the baseball stadium is a really big help for us to accomplish our goals,” he added.


    With the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium undergoing a significant transformation, Philippine baseball hopes to enter a new era—one built on improved infrastructure, stronger grassroots development, and increased opportunities for Filipino athletes to compete on the international stage.

     

     

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  • Philippine team finishes with 11 medals at the Asian Pencak Silat Championships 

    Philippine team finishes with 11 medals at the Asian Pencak Silat Championships 

    The Philippines once again showcased its growing strength in pencak silat after producing an 11-medal campaign at the 10th Asian Pencak Silat Championships in Dong Nai Province, Vietnam, with Hiraya Francine Padios leading the charge with the country’s lone gold medal.


    Competing against more than 300 athletes from nine Asian nations, the Philippine delegation wrapped up the continental tournament with one gold, five silver, and five bronze medals, good enough for fourth place in the overall standings.

     

    Padios delivered the defining performance for Team Philippines in the Female Tunggal event, where precision and mastery of traditional weapons determined the champion.

     

    Displaying impressive control in both the parang (machete) and tongkat (staff) routines, Padios earned an overall score of 9.950 from the eight judges to edge Malaysia’s Nur Syafiqah Binti Hamzah, who finished with 9.940, for the gold medal.

     

    Her victory provided the Philippines with its lone championship finish in the tournament while highlighting the country’s progress in the artistic discipline of the sport.

     

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    The Philippine team also collected five silver medals through Rick Rick Ortega, Mark Laurenz Ortega, and Edmar Tacuel in the Male Regu team event, Stephen Suazo in Tanding Class Open 1 Male, Kram Airam Carpio in Tanding Class B Female (50-55 kg).

     

    While Kyan Voyde Garcia in Tanding Class I Male (85-90 kg) and Mary Justine Ayuno Acat in Tanding Class Open 2 Female.

     

    Adding to the country’s medal haul were five bronze medalists: Joo Ash in Tanding Class H Male (80-85 kg), Maricel Dela Torre Escalona in Tanding Class D Female (60-65 kg), Edmar Tacuel in Male Tunggal, Allimar Tanilon Campos in Tanding Class F Male (70-75 kg), and Alvin Campos in Tanding Class G Male (75-80 kg).

     

    Host Vietnam topped the overall medal standings with 16 gold, seven silver, and two bronze medals, while Indonesia placed second with 6-4-9 and Malaysia finished third with 5-6-2. 

    The Philippines secured fourth place behind its 1-5-5 medal tally.

     

    The results reflected the Philippines’ competitiveness across both the seni (artistic) and tanding (combat) categories, with the national team earning podium finishes in multiple events throughout the tournament.

     

    The Philippine Pencak Silat Association also recognized the athletes’ commitment and perseverance, while acknowledging the leadership of association president Princess Jacel H. Kiram and the continued support of the Philippine Sports Commission, which helped fuel another successful international campaign for the national team.

     

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  • Rodolfo Reyes Jr. delivers gold medal performance for PH at Chuncheon Korea Open

    Rodolfo Reyes Jr. delivers gold medal performance for PH at Chuncheon Korea Open

    Rodolfo Reyes Jr. once again put the Philippines on top of the podium after delivering a golden performance at the Chuncheon Korea Open International Taekwondo Championship in South Korea.


    The Filipino taekwondo standout captured the gold medal in the Men’s U40 Senior II Recognized Poomsae event on Wednesday, defeating competitors from Denmark and South Korea to successfully defend his title in the category for the second straight year.

     

    The victory added another international achievement to Reyes’ growing résumé, which already includes a silver medal finish at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand last December.

    Beyond winning gold, the Dasmariñas, Cavite native earned another distinction by being named Best Athlete for two consecutive editions of the prestigious tournament.

     

    “Back to back gold. Forever grateful to hear our national anthem once again,” Reyes wrote on his social media post.

     

    Reyes’ role in Philippine taekwondo extends beyond competing, as he also serves as one of the national team’s coaches alongside fellow mentors Rani Ann Ortega and Jeordan Dominguez.

    Other Filipino athletes also delivered podium finishes in the tournament.

     

    Darius Venerable secured a silver medal, while Juvenile Faye Crisostomo claimed bronze in the men’s and women’s Virtual Taekwondo U35 categories, respectively.

     

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    Cheska Paula Banawa added another silver medal for the Philippines after placing second in the Junior Female -49kg division, while Patrick King Perez earned bronze in the Recognized Poomsae U30 Male category.

     

    The Philippine team also reached the podium in the team competition, with Justin Kobe Macario, Juvenile Faye Crisostomo, Jay-r Casas, Janna Dominique Oliva, and Jeus Gabriel Derick Yape taking home the bronze medal in the Freestyle Poomsae Team Over 17 category.

     

    This year’s Chuncheon Korea Open featured one of the biggest fields in the tournament’s history. According to the Chuncheon Leisure and Taekwondo Organizing Committee, the competition welcomed around 4,000 athletes and officials from 71 countries, making it the largest edition in the event’s 26-year history.

     

    The Open Championships sparring and official poomsae competitions were held on July 19, with about 2,500 participants joining from the opening day through the event’s early stages. Foreign athletes accounted for 51 percent of the participants.

     

    Reyes’ golden performance once again highlighted the Philippines’ growing presence in international taekwondo, with the country’s medalists proving their competitiveness against athletes from around the world.

     

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  • SEA Games gold medalist Dines Dumaan hospitalized after motorcycle crash, Pencak Silat star needs financial aid

    SEA Games gold medalist Dines Dumaan hospitalized after motorcycle crash, Pencak Silat star needs financial aid

    One of the Philippines’ most accomplished pencak silat athletes is now facing the toughest battle of his life—not on the competition mat, but in his recovery.


    Dines Dumaan, a decorated member of the Philippine national pencak silat team and one of the country’s most successful practitioners of the sport, is seeking financial assistance after suffering serious injuries in a motorcycle accident that required emergency brain surgery.


    The Philsilat Sports Association confirmed the incident in an official statement, revealing that the 31-year-old was rushed to Capiz Doctors’ Hospital, where he underwent a critical operation on Thursday, July 23. While the surgery was successfully performed, Dumaan’s family continues to face mounting medical expenses as he begins his recovery.

     

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    “Dines needs financial assistance. He was brought to Capiz Doctors’ Hospital yesterday morning. At this time, only Dines knows exactly what happened, as the family was informed only after he had already been brought to the hospital yesterday morning,” the association said.


    The governing body also appealed to the sporting community and the public for support as one of the country’s decorated athletes continues to receive medical care.


    Dumaan has long been regarded as one of the Philippines’ finest pencak silat competitors, representing the nation in multiple editions of the Southeast Asian Games and the Asian Games while consistently delivering podium finishes on the international stage.

    His biggest breakthrough came at the 2017 Southeast Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur, where he captured the gold medal in the men’s tanding Class B (50-55 kilograms) division, giving the Philippines one of its memorable victories in the regional meet.


    He followed that performance by winning a silver medal at the 2018 Asian Games, further cementing his status among Asia’s elite in the discipline. Dumaan also added a bronze medal at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, showcasing remarkable consistency as one of the country’s top martial artists.


    Over the years, Dumaan has become a respected figure within the local pencak silat community, inspiring younger athletes through his achievements and dedication to representing the Philippines on the international stage.


    Following news of the accident, fellow Filipino pencak silat athlete Ian Christopher Calo took to social media to rally support for Dumaan and his family, emphasizing the urgent financial burden brought about by the emergency surgery.


    According to Calo, Dumaan’s family initially needed around ₱100,000 as a down payment for the life-saving operation, with additional expenses expected as the national athlete continues his treatment and rehabilitation.


    “Dines is a Filipino athlete who wholeheartedly brought honor to our country through the medals he won. Now, he is the one who needs our support in the most important battle of his life. Any amount or help you can give will be a great help to him and his family,” Calo wrote on Facebook.


    The appeal has since drawn support from fellow athletes, coaches, and members of the Philippine martial arts community, many of whom have expressed hope for Dumaan’s full recovery while encouraging the public to extend assistance to one of the country’s decorated national team veterans.


    After spending years fighting for medals and bringing pride to the Philippines in international competitions, Dumaan now finds himself in a different kind of fight—one for recovery. As the national athlete begins what is expected to be a long rehabilitation process, the Philippine sporting community is once again being called upon to stand beside one of its own.

     

     

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  • Philippines set to showcase gymnastics growth as Tagaytay hosts Asian Aerobic Championships

    Philippines set to showcase gymnastics growth as Tagaytay hosts Asian Aerobic Championships

    The Philippines is set to take center stage in Asian aerobic gymnastics as Tagaytay City welcomes some of the region’s best athletes for the 10th Senior Aerobic Gymnastics Asian Championships from August 4 to 7.


    More than 350 delegates representing 12 nations will gather at the Tagaytay City Velodrome for the four-day competition, giving the host country an opportunity to highlight its growing presence in the sport while testing itself against established Asian contenders.

     

    The event, organized by the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) and presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, will feature athletes from Vietnam, Japan, Korea, India, Mongolia, Cambodia, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, South Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Thailand, and host Philippines.

     

    For GAP president Cynthia Carrion, bringing the continental championship to the country represents a long-awaited achievement.

     

    “We have wanted to stage this event for some time and we are proud to say that we finally have it,” said Carrion.

     

    The competition will feature three divisions: youth athletes aged 12-14, junior competitors aged 15-17, and senior athletes aged 18 and above. Participants will compete in individual men’s and women’s events, mixed pairs, trios, groups, aerobic dance, and aerobic steps.

     

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    India leads the field in terms of entries with 50 athletes, followed by Vietnam with 45 and the Philippines with 43, underlining the level of competition expected in Tagaytay.

     

    Despite the advantage of competing at home, Carrion remained cautious about predicting the Philippines’ medal chances, recognizing the strength of the participating nations.

     

    “I cannot promise anything kasi ang gagaling nung ibang countries,” said Carrion.

     

    Still, the national team enters the tournament with several athletes capable of challenging for the podium. Carrion pointed to the mixed pair of Arcenio Cadios and Charmaine Dolar as medal hopefuls after the duo captured silver at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok last year.

     

    “In Dolar, we also expect to do well in the women’s individual event and in the women’s trios in siblings Dorothy Grace and Danielle Grade and Princess Johana Pama,” she added.

     

    The championships also serve as another major international hosting opportunity for GAP and the Philippine Sports Commission, following the Junior World Artistic Gymnastics Championships held nine months ago.

     

    Beyond competition, organizers are preparing Tagaytay to deliver a memorable experience for visiting teams. City officials led by Mayor Brent Tolentino, together with the Philippine Olympic Committee, have committed to ensuring the readiness of venues, security operations, cultural activities, and hospitality programs.

     

    As Carrion believes the event can leave a lasting impact beyond medals and rankings.

     

    “Through this championship, I believe the city and the nation can inspire Asian athletes to celebrate discipline and push the boundaries of excellence,” Carrion said. 

     

    “Sports unites people and supports sports tourism.”

     

    With Asia’s top aerobic gymnasts arriving in the country, the Philippines now hopes home advantage, preparation, and rising local talent can translate into a historic showing on the continental stage.

     

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  • Joaquin Torres, Praj Dela Cruz set Philippine climbing records at World Youth Championship

    Joaquin Torres, Praj Dela Cruz set Philippine climbing records at World Youth Championship

    Filipino sport climbers Joaquin Torres and Praj Dela Cruz delivered record-breaking performances on the international stage after rewriting Philippine speed climbing marks at the 2026 World Climbing Youth Championship in Arco, Italy, on Tuesday, July 21.

     

    The two young athletes showcased the continued rise of Philippine climbing by setting new national records against some of the best youth climbers in the world, highlighting the country’s growing presence in the sport.

     

    Torres made history in the men’s Under-19 speed climbing qualification round, clocking an impressive time of 5.97 seconds to break the previous Philippine record of 6.08 seconds set by John Forones during the 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China, in April.

     

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    The performance marked a significant milestone for the young climber, who became the first Filipino to dip below the six-second mark in the event. However, despite his record-setting run, Torres narrowly missed advancing further in the competition, finishing 23rd among 56 climbers in the qualification stage.

     

    Dela Cruz also delivered a memorable performance, breaking her own national record not once but twice in the women’s speed climbing event.

     

    The 15-year-old first surpassed her previous benchmark of 9.390 seconds, which she established during the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, before lowering the mark further with times of 8.982 seconds and 9.169 seconds at the world championship.

    Her achievement marked another breakthrough for one of the Philippines’ most promising young climbing talents, who continues to push the limits of the sport while gaining valuable international experience.

     

    Following her historic performance, Dela Cruz expressed her gratitude to everyone who supported her journey and described the achievement as a meaningful milestone in her development as an athlete.

     

    “It took me seven months to officially beat my previous personal best, and finally joining the Sub-9 club is something I have worked toward for a long time. I’m grateful to see that hard work pay off. At the same time, I know there’s still so much room to grow. This isn’t the destination – it’s another step in the journey. We will keep learning, keep training, and keep representing our country with pride,” Dela Cruz wrote in an Instagram post.

     

     

    Despite setting a new national record, Dela Cruz faced a highly competitive field and finished 24th out of 39 climbers in the Under-17 women’s speed climbing event.

     

    She also competed in the Under-17 women’s lead climbing category, where she placed 52nd among 103 participants, gaining additional experience against top young climbers from around the world.

     

    The performances of Torres and Dela Cruz continue the upward trajectory of Philippine sport climbing, a discipline that has gained increased attention in the country following major international achievements in recent years.

     

    While their campaigns in Arco ended without podium finishes, the national records serve as a strong indication of the potential of the Philippines’ next generation of climbers.

     

    The 2026 World Climbing Youth Championship will continue until Saturday, July 25, with young athletes from across the globe competing in speed, lead, and bouldering events.

     

     

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  • Overseas training becomes Philippines’ blueprint for Asian Games Triathlon breakthrough 

    Overseas training becomes Philippines’ blueprint for Asian Games Triathlon breakthrough 

    The Philippine triathlon team believes its path to an Asian Games breakthrough starts long ahead of the games in Nagoya, Japan. 


    Instead of relying solely on local preparations, the national squad has scattered across some of the world’s top endurance training hubs, hoping international exposure and elite-level competition will bridge the gap between Southeast Asian dominance and Asian Games success.

     

    Fer Casares and Aki Lorbes are being groomed for the individual event, while either athlete is tipped to team up with seasoned campaigner Kim Remolino in the mixed relay.

     

    In the women’s category, leading that approach is Kira Ellis, who has been training in Portugal since May as she prepares for what could be her biggest international assignment yet. 

     

    Ellis, along with Raven Alcoseba, is expected to spearhead the country’s campaign in the women’s individual race, with one of them likely joining veteran Kim Mangrobang in the mixed relay.

     

    The Philippines enters the 2026 Asian Games carrying plenty of confidence after establishing itself as one of Southeast Asia’s strongest triathlon nations. 

     

    The national team collected three gold medals, two silvers, and one bronze during last year’s Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.

     

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    The challenge, however, is reaching another level against Asia’s traditional powerhouses. Japan, Kazakhstan, China, and South Korea have consistently dominated the continental competition, leaving the Philippines still searching for its first Asian Games podium finish in the sport.

     

    The country’s best individual results remain a pair of seventh-place finishes—Claire Adorna in the 2014 Incheon Games and Kim Mangrobang at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games.

     

    The mixed relay squad has also come close. Adorna, Mangrobang, Nikko Huelgas, and John Chicano finished sixth in 2014, while Adorna, Chicano, Mangrobang, and Mark Anthony Hosana matched that result four years later in Jakarta.

     

    The Filipinos are also determined to improve on their performance in the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games. 

     

    To maximize their preparations, the athletes shortlisted for Nagoya are now immersed in high-performance camps across Spain, Indonesia, China, and Portugal, where they are training alongside international-caliber competitors and adapting to world-class racing environments.

     

    The task awaiting the Filipinos in Nagoya will be demanding. According to World Triathlon, the 2026 Asian Games triathlon competition will feature sprint-distance races for the men’s and women’s individual events on Sept. 20, followed by the mixed relay on Sept. 21 at the Gamagori City Triathlon Venue in Japan. 

     

    The compact race format places a premium on speed, transitions, and teamwork, making the overseas training camps a crucial part of the Philippines’ bid to challenge Asia’s elite.

     

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  • Team Manila–Philippines returns to the top, reclaims PONY World Series crown in Texas 

    Team Manila–Philippines returns to the top, reclaims PONY World Series crown in Texas 

    Team Manila–Philippines proved once again that its softball dynasty is far from over.

     

    After missing out on the title last year, the Filipino squad returned to the top of the international stage by dominating Texas Pride Elite Team, 8-1, to capture the 2026 PONY International World Series 18-Under Girls Softball championship at the McAllen Softball Complex in Texas.

     

    Representing the Asia-Pacific region, Team Manila completed a remarkable campaign by defeating the host region’s champion in front of a packed home crowd, reclaiming a title it had previously owned during its back-to-back championship runs in 2023 and 2024.

     

    The latest triumph further cemented the program’s reputation as one of the world’s premier youth softball teams, extending a legacy that has brought international success to Philippine softball for more than a decade.

     

    The road to the championship was no easy feat.

     

    This year’s tournament featured elite youth teams from across the United States, including host Texas, along with international representatives from Mexico, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, and the Bahamas.

     

    Despite the tough field, the Filipinas rose above every challenge before delivering their most convincing performance when it mattered most in the championship game.

     

    Beyond another trophy, the victory also highlighted the program’s mission of creating opportunities for young Filipino athletes.

     

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    “We are very proud of the team’s accomplishments, which is why we continue to support the advancement of these world-class youth athletes who come from poor families in the provinces with the promise of free college education from reputable universities in Manila,” Team Manila Softball president and Manila Councilor Rafael “Che” Borromeo said.

     

    Their championship run has already begun opening new doors.

     

    Borromeo revealed that American universities have taken notice of several Team Manila standouts, with Texas A&M University and Texas Lutheran University expressing interest in star pitcher Edralyn Borrico of Smokey Mountain, Tondo, who spearheaded the championship victory.

     

    Mary Antoinette Sicapore, Angelica Jean Latriz, Claire Olarte, and Rhea Manalo have also reportedly caught the attention of college recruiters following their performances in Texas.

    The sustained success has become a hallmark of the Team Manila program.

     

    The squad first earned national recognition after delivering the Philippines’ first softball world championship at the 2012 Girls Big League Softball World Series in Michigan, an achievement that earned the team PSA Athletes of the Year honors.

     

    Since then, Team Manila has continued to build its legacy with multiple PONY World Series titles and repeated recognition from the Philippine Sportswriters Association.

     

    Backed by Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso, International Container Terminal Services Inc., San Miguel Corporation, and the Philippine Sports Commission, Team Manila has once again shown that Philippine softball remains a force on the global stage—and that its pipeline of world-class talent continues to grow.

     

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  • PHISGOC welcomes NBI probe, insists 2019 SEA Games funds were fully liquidated

    PHISGOC welcomes NBI probe, insists 2019 SEA Games funds were fully liquidated

    The Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) has welcomed the National Bureau of Investigation’s (NBI) probe into alleged irregularities related to the Philippines’ hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games in 2019, maintaining that all government funds allocated for the event have been fully liquidated.


    Speaking to the media on Wednesday, July 22, PHISGOC President and Chief Operating Officer Ramon Suzara said the organization is prepared to cooperate with any investigation while emphasizing that the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has already certified the complete liquidation of the funds it released for the country’s hosting of the biennial sporting event.


    “The 30th edition of the Southeast Asian Games were staged from November 30 to December 11, 2019, and although post-Games obligations and responsibilities were delayed by the pandemic, the PHISGOC, according to the PSC Chief Accountant Erik Mayores, was fully liquidated in March 2022,” Suzara said.

     

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    According to a certification issued by the PSC’s Accounting Division dated July 20, 2026, PHISGOC submitted all liquidation reports covering the financial assistance it received from the PSC for the 2019 SEA Games.


    The certification states:


    “This is to certify that based on the records of the Accounting Division of the PSC, the PHISGOC Foundation has submitted all (100%) of the liquidation reports covering the financial assistance granted by the PSC in connection with the hosting of the 30th SEA Games amounting to P2.082 billion.”

    Suzara also noted that PHISGOC’s financial records were independently audited and verified by PricewaterhouseCoopers/Isla Lipana & Co., adding that the organization remains open to answering any questions raised by investigators through the proper legal process.


    Beyond the financial aspect, Suzara pointed to the successful staging of the 2019 SEA Games as a reflection of the collaborative effort among various government agencies and stakeholders.


    “It was a multi-agency, multi-department organization whose main purpose was for a successful hosting by the Philippines. We achieved this, and the entire country rejoiced,” he said.

     

    The Philippines enjoyed its most successful SEA Games campaign during the 2019 edition, finishing atop the overall medal standings with 149 gold, 117 silver, and 121 bronze medals for a total of 387 medals—the country’s best-ever performance in the regional meet.


    Suzara also highlighted the long-term impact of the infrastructure developed for the Games, particularly the sports facilities at New Clark City, which continue to serve as a training and competition venue for Filipino athletes.


    “The NCC sports facilities was a milestone project built by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) in a record 18 months and was built for the Games,” Suzara concluded.


    PHISGOC reiterated that it is fully prepared to address any specific allegations through the appropriate legal and investigative channels while standing by the transparency and accountability of its financial records.

     

     

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