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Category: Pinoy Sports Pulse

  • New-look Alas Men shocked by Cambodia in SEA V.League opener 

    New-look Alas Men shocked by Cambodia in SEA V.League opener 

    A revamped Alas Pilipinas Men’s squad learned the hard way that there are no easy matches in Southeast Asian volleyball anymore.

     

    Making their first appearance together under a retooled roster, the Filipinos were stunned by an inspired Cambodia side, 25-23, 28-30, 25-20, 22-25, 15-8, on Wednesday in the opening match of the 6th Men’s SEA V.League at the Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur.

     

    The defeat spoiled the impressive national team debuts of several newcomers, including La Salle middle blocker Josh Magalaman and five-time Spikers’ Turf MVP Jude Garcia, who provided much of the offensive firepower throughout the grueling five-set battle.

     

    Magalaman announced his arrival on the international stage with a team-high 21 points built on 15 attacks, four blocks, and two service aces.

     

    Garcia was equally impressive in his first indoor appearance for the national team, finishing with 20 points on 18 attacks, one block, and one ace.

     

    Despite those performances, Alas Pilipinas struggled to close out key stretches against a Cambodian squad that showed just how much it has improved over the past year.

     

    The Philippines found itself in danger of falling behind by two sets after Cambodia claimed the opening frame, but the hosts responded with one of the tournament’s most dramatic sets.

     

    Holding a comfortable 24-21 lead in the second, Alas appeared ready to level the match before Cambodia erased three consecutive set points and even earned an opportunity to take a commanding two-set advantage after back-to-back Philippine errors made it 25-24.

     

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    The hosts refused to fold.

     

    A tense exchange followed as both teams traded momentum well into extended play before Alas finally converted its fifth set point, with team captain Lloyd Josafat delivering a timely block to seal a hard-earned 30-28 victory.

     

    The match remained evenly contested as Cambodia regained control in the third set before Alas answered once more in the fourth, forcing a deciding fifth set after a 25-22 win.

     

    However, the momentum quickly disappeared when the final frame began.

     

    Cambodia raced to a commanding 4-0 start and never allowed the Philippines to recover, stretching the lead to as many as eight points before completing one of the biggest victories in the country’s recent volleyball history.

     

    The result marked a dramatic reversal from last year’s SEA V.League, where the Philippines swept both of its meetings against Cambodia during the visitors’ tournament debut.

     

    This time, Cambodia returned with a more experienced and composed lineup, proving its rapid progress by earning its first victory over Alas Pilipinas in the competition.

     

    The loss immediately places the Philippines in a difficult position in the short tournament format, with the Nationals now needing a strong response against Indonesia on Thursday to keep their semifinal hopes alive.

     

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  • Maria Sharapova’s ‘A star’ praise becomes one of Alex Eala’s many wins in historic rise 

    Maria Sharapova’s ‘A star’ praise becomes one of Alex Eala’s many wins in historic rise 

    Long before the world began recognizing the Filipina tennis star Alex Eala, she was watching Maria Sharapova dominate the biggest stages of tennis. Admiring not only her talent, but also the confidence, mentality, and competitive edge that made her one of the sport’s most recognizable figures.


    For Eala, Sharapova represented the kind of player she hoped to become someday. A year later, that childhood admiration came back in a way the young Filipina could hardly have imagined.

     

    After Eala delivered one of the biggest victories of her career by defeating defending Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek in the third round of the Championships, Sharapova herself took notice. The tennis icon reacted to Eala’s achievement on social media with a short but powerful message:

     

    “A star.”

     

    For many athletes, a comment from a former champion may simply be a moment of recognition. For Eala, it carried a much deeper meaning because it came from the player she once looked up to from afar.

     

    “Maria is my childhood idol, someone I looked up to a lot when I was very young,” Eala said.

     

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    The reaction became a symbolic moment in Eala’s rapid rise — a reminder that the player who once studied tennis legends was beginning to earn their respect.

     

    “I think if I ever meet her, I will be starstruck. And the fact that she’s commenting on my post means she knows who I am, so that’s a win. I’ll take it,” she added. 

     

    Her Wimbledon breakthrough added another chapter to a historic year. Eala became the first Philippine singles player to reach the fourth round of Wimbledon, defeating multiple Grand Slam champions along the way and proving she belongs among the world’s elite.

     

    The 21-year-old Filipina’s accomplishments also translated into another career milestone as she reached a new career-high ranking of world No. 28 in the WTA standings, surpassing her previous best mark of No. 29 and being the first Filipino to ever reach the fourth round of a grand slam.

     

    The achievement further highlighted Eala’s remarkable progression from a promising junior player to one of the fastest-rising names in women’s tennis.

     

    Following her memorable Wimbledon campaign, Eala returned to the Philippines to celebrate a journey that has captured the attention of fans at home and around the world. Her historic performance not only elevated Philippine tennis but also gave the country a new global sporting figure to rally behind.

     

    What began as a young girl’s admiration for Maria Sharapova has now become a story of recognition from the very legends who once inspired her. 

     

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  • Cloud 9 in Siargao is set to make history as the Philippines’ first-ever host venue on the World Surf League Championship Tour

    Cloud 9 in Siargao is set to make history as the Philippines’ first-ever host venue on the World Surf League Championship Tour

    For decades, Cloud 9 in Siargao has been known as one of the world’s most thrilling surfing destinations — a powerful reef break that attracted wave riders from across the globe while remaining one of the Philippines’ best-kept sporting treasures.


    That changed in 2026 as the Philippines officially entered the global surfing spotlight after Cloud 9 was selected as a venue for the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour for the 2026–2027 seasons, putting the Siargao break in the same conversation as the most iconic surf locations on the planet.

     

    The historic debut is scheduled from October 31 to November 10, when the world’s top male and female surfers descend on the island for a Championship Tour stop that organizers describe as a milestone not only for Philippine surfing but for the country’s sports and tourism industries.

     

    Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio called the development a landmark moment that few Filipinos could have imagined.

     

    “Engrande, one of a kind. Wala sa panaginip ng bawat Pilipino, wala sa panaginip ng mga taga-Siargao,” Gregorio said.

     

    Gregorio compared the significance of the event to the biggest global competitions in other sports, emphasizing that Siargao is about to host one of surfing’s premier showcases.

     

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    Beyond the competition itself, Gregorio believes the Championship Tour can become a powerful driver for tourism and international recognition.

     

    “The biggest tourism events in the world are sports events,” he said.

     

    The arrival of the Championship Tour also creates a rare opportunity for Filipino surfers to compete on home waters against the best in the world. Local standout Marama Tokong will receive a special entry into the event, giving him a chance to compete at a level he has long chased.

     

    A successful hosting of the event over the next two years could potentially strengthen Siargao’s case to become a permanent fixture on the WSL calendar.

     

    However, bringing one of surfing’s biggest stages to a small island also comes with major responsibilities. WSL Ambassador Vincent Marcos acknowledged that infrastructure upgrades will be essential before the international event arrives.

     

    “Siargao is pretty small, so infrastructure will definitely have to be improved. We’re talking to the local government, and we have a bunch of plans to secure all these upgrades before the competition,” Marcos said.

     

    Marcos said the Championship Tour could serve as a catalyst for broader improvements across Siargao, including better transportation systems and airport facilities.

     

    WSL Asia-Pacific President Andrew Stark expects the event to create a significant economic impact, with athletes bringing large support teams and international visitors to the island.

     

    Around 24 men and 16 women are expected to compete, joined by coaches, managers, sports psychologists, surfboard shapers, family members, event personnel, broadcasters and global media representatives.

     

    Stark pointed to Raglan, New Zealand, as an example of how a WSL Championship Tour event can transform a local economy, generating more activity than the community’s peak Christmas and New Year period.

     

    For Siargao officials, the announcement represents the fulfillment of a long-held dream and among the priorities are stronger infrastructure, upgraded health and security facilities, expanded accommodations, and the construction of the new Cloud 9 Tower.

     

    The Department of Tourism is expected to support the event through international marketing campaigns aimed at showcasing the Philippines as a world-class surfing and adventure destination.

     

    With Cloud 9 now preparing for its biggest global moment, Siargao is no longer just a destination where surfers chase perfect waves. It is becoming a stage where the Philippines can showcase its sporting talent, natural wonders and growing presence in the international sports scene.

     

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  • Kurt Barbosa, Tachiana Mangin spearhead PH campaign in two major taekwondo tournaments in Korea 

    Kurt Barbosa, Tachiana Mangin spearhead PH campaign in two major taekwondo tournaments in Korea 

    For decades, the Philippines has steadily built its reputation in taekwondo at the Asian Games, collecting nearly 30 medals but never reaching the top of the podium. As another continental campaign approaches, the national team is hoping that preparing in the birthplace of the sport will finally provide the breakthrough it has long pursued.


    The Smart/MVPSF Philippine taekwondo team is embarking on an extensive training and competition in South Korea, combining international tournaments with an elite training camp in a move designed to sharpen the country’s top athletes before a packed international calendar.


    Leading the delegation are Tokyo Olympian Kurt Barbosa and Southeast Asian Games champion Tachiana Keizha Mangin, who headline the 39-athlete contingent assembled by the Philippine Taekwondo Association under Grandmaster Sung-Chon Hong.


    Rather than limiting preparations to local training, the association has opted to immerse the national team in South Korea, where the athletes will not only compete against world-class opposition but also continue training after the tournaments.


    Backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee and Milo, the country’s Kyorugi athletes will first compete in the Chuncheon Korea Open International Taekwondo Championships from July 18 to 22 before seeing action in the Kim Un-yong Cup International Open Taekwondo Championships in Jung-gu, Seoul from July 25 to 28.


    Following both competitions, the squad will stay in South Korea for further training at Kyung Hee University, one of the country’s renowned taekwondo institutions. Meanwhile, the Philippine Poomsae team has already begun its overseas preparation, training at TS Taekwondo since July 9.


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    The tournaments are expected to feature competitors from nearly 40 countries, including powerhouse taekwondo nations Iran, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Chinese Taipei and China, giving the Filipinos valuable international exposure ahead of the season’s biggest events.


    The Korea campaign serves as a key part of the team’s buildup for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games scheduled from Sept. 16 to Oct. 4, where the Philippines hopes to finally capture its elusive first taekwondo gold after earning close to 30 medals since its Asian Games debut in Seoul 40 years ago.


    The overseas program will also prepare the national squad for the World Taekwondo Women’s Championships in Taiyuan, China from Aug. 28 to 30, the World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships in Chuncheon from Sept. 16 to 20, and the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from Dec. 13 to 21.


    Barbosa banners the men’s Kyorugi squad in the under-54kg division alongside Reymundo Calamba III (-54kg), Aljen Aynaga (-58kg), Mythaious Angelous Francois Lustado (-58kg), Brendan Ysrael Hugh Boteros (-63kg), Kenneth Riley Buenavides (-68kg), Dave Cea (-74kg), Nicolas Aaron Castillo (-74kg) and junior standout Chuck Aeron Alaria (-63kg).


    Mangin leads the women’s Kyorugi team with Clarence Sarza (-46kg), Baby Jessica Canabal (-53kg), Laizel Angela Abucay (-53kg), Czarina Mae Danganan (-57kg), Jubilee Briones (-62kg), Merica Lillyn Chan (-67kg), Laila Delo (-67kg), Samanta Gley Duria (-42kg, Junior Division) and Cheska Paula Banawa (-49kg, Junior Division).


    Representing the men’s Poomsae squad are Rodolfo Reyes Jr., Jeus Gabriel Derick Yape, Justin Kobe Macario, Darius Venerable, Joaquin Dominic Tuzon, Ian Matthew Corton, Patrick King Perez, King Nash Alcairo and Jay-R Casas.


    The women’s Poomsae lineup is composed of Juvenile Faye Crisostomo, Sofia Ysabelle Sarmiento, Jocel Lyn Ninobla, Zyka Angelica Santiago, Janna Dominique Oliva, Maria Nicole Anne Labayne, Juliana Mykhail Candelaria, Aidaine Krishia Laxa, Aesha Kiara Oglayon, Julianna Martha Uy and Stella Nicole Yape.


    Coaching the Philippine delegation are Kirstie Elaine Alora, Gershon Bautista, Paul Romero, Rani Ann Ortega and Jeordan Dominguez.


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  • Alex Eala targets Asian Games gold after historic Wimbledon run

    Alex Eala targets Asian Games gold after historic Wimbledon run

    Alex Eala’s remarkable rise in international tennis has not only established her as one of Southeast Asia’s most promising young athletes but has also sparked a renewed wave of excitement for the sport in the Philippines.

     

    Following another memorable campaign at Wimbledon, Eala continues to break new ground and elevate the profile of Philippine tennis on the global stage. Her impressive performances against some of the world’s top players, along with a growing collection of career milestones, have earned admiration from fans and fellow athletes while inspiring a new generation of Filipino players to dream bigger.

     

    In a country where basketball and boxing have long dominated the sporting conversation, Eala’s success has provided tennis with a much-needed spotlight. Her achievements have encouraged more young Filipinos to pick up a racket, pursue competitive tennis, and believe that the Philippines can produce athletes capable of competing at the highest levels of the sport.

     

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    Beyond her results on the court, Eala has become a symbol of determination and possibility for aspiring Filipino athletes. Her journey through the international tennis circuit has shown the importance of long-term development, dedication, and exposure to world-class competition. As she continues to build her career, expectations surrounding her future achievements continue to grow.

     

    Now, Eala is looking to carry that momentum into another major international stage as she sets her sights on the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. The young Filipino star has expressed her desire to represent the country in the continental showcase and hopes to add another significant chapter to her growing legacy.

     

    “The Asian Games is in my plans. It’s always an honor. I think it’s different when you play in the Asian Games. The SEA Games last year was an incredible experience for me. I had so much fun, so I’m super motivated and I’m going to give my very best,” Eala said during an event in Makati, Manila.

     

    The 21-year-old has already experienced the pressure and excitement of multi-sport competition, having represented the Philippines at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. While she was able to secure two bronze medals during that edition, an Asian Games gold medal remains one of the major goals she hopes to achieve.

     

    Eala’s hunger for improvement was evident when she was asked about her ambitions for the upcoming competition.

    “You think I’m going for the first round?,” Eala added when asked about the event.

     

    Her response reflected the confidence and competitive mindset that have become trademarks of her career. Despite her young age, Eala has consistently embraced challenges and set high standards for herself as she competes against elite international players.

     

    However, while Eala has confirmed that the 2026 Asian Games is part of her plans, her participation will depend on several factors, including scheduling conflicts with the professional tennis calendar.

     

    The tennis competition at the Asian Games is scheduled to take place from September 27 to October 3, while the China Open, a prestigious WTA 1000 tournament, is set to run from September 30 to October 11. The overlap presents a potential challenge as Eala continues to balance her national team commitments with her professional career.

     

    The decision will likely require careful consideration as Eala continues to pursue success on the WTA Tour while also remaining committed to representing the Philippines in major international competitions.

     

    Regardless of the final outcome, Eala’s impact on Philippine tennis is already undeniable. With her continued progress, growing international experience, and determination to compete among the best, she remains one of the country’s brightest hopes for future sporting success.

     

    As the 2026 Asian Games approach, Filipino fans will be watching closely, hoping to see Eala once again wear the national colors and chase another historic achievement for the Philippines.

     

     

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  • Boracay to host 2026 Southeast Asia Open Water Swimming Championships

    Boracay to host 2026 Southeast Asia Open Water Swimming Championships

    Boracay, one of the Philippines’ most popular island destinations, is set to welcome some of Southeast Asia’s finest open water swimmers as it hosts the 2026 Southeast Asia Open Water Swimming Championships from August 21 to 23 at Boracay Newcoast.

     

    The three-day international competition is expected to highlight the country’s growing presence in aquatic sports while combining elite-level competition with the promotion of sportsmanship, cultural exchange, and sports tourism. Organized with the support of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the event is part of a broader effort to position the Philippines as a premier destination for major sporting events in the region.

     

    The picturesque waters of Boracay will serve as the backdrop for athletes competing in the men’s and women’s 3-kilometer, 5-kilometer, and 10-kilometer open water races. The championships are expected to attract around 120 to 150 swimmers from eight countries, with approximately 35 Filipino athletes representing the host nation.

     

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    Philippine Aquatics secretary-general Eric Buhain, a former national swimming standout and one of the country’s most respected figures in the sport, expressed his excitement over the opportunity to bring a major open water competition to the Philippines.

     

    Buhain emphasized that the event is not only about competition but also about elevating the profile of open water swimming in the country while showcasing the Philippines to the international sporting community.

     

    “We are very proud to host this event because water swimming is an Olympic event. We are also here to promote our country in the same breath that Balo and Pattaya hosted the event. Pagandahan. Very curious ang Philippine Aquatics to uplift open water swimming in our country” Buhain said in a media interaction.

     

    The hosting of the championships comes as Philippine Aquatics continues its efforts to expand the reach of swimming disciplines beyond traditional pool competitions. With open water swimming recognized as an Olympic event, organizers believe the tournament can inspire more Filipino athletes to participate in the sport and create a stronger development pathway for future international competitors.

    PSC commissioner Fritz Gaston also highlighted the importance of bringing international sporting events to the Philippines, particularly in strengthening the country’s reputation as a sports tourism destination.

     

    Gaston noted that events such as the Southeast Asia Open Water Swimming Championships provide a unique opportunity to combine athletic competition with the country’s natural attractions, allowing visitors to experience both world-class sports and Filipino hospitality.

     

    “I’m also looking forward to this event because of the sports tourism aspect as well as the competition. Philippine Aquatics is on the right track promoting this,” Gaston added.

     

    Philippine Aquatics president Michael Vargas echoed the same sentiment, saying the championships will serve as a platform to promote both the growth of open water swimming in Southeast Asia and the beauty of Boracay as a global destination.

     

    “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.”

     

    Beyond the medals and competition results, organizers are hoping the event will leave a lasting impact on Philippine sports development. The championships are expected to bring together athletes, officials, and supporters from across the region while providing valuable exposure for Filipino swimmers competing on home waters.

     

    With Boracay’s world-renowned coastline serving as the venue, the 2026 Southeast Asia Open Water Swimming Championships aims to deliver a memorable experience for athletes and spectators while reinforcing the Philippines’ growing role as a host of major sporting events in Southeast Asia.

     

     

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  • Philippines finalizes nine-athlete team for Summer Youth Olympics 

    Philippines finalizes nine-athlete team for Summer Youth Olympics 

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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  • PSC ramps up tennis development in the Philippines with focus on grassroots, facilities 

    PSC ramps up tennis development in the Philippines with focus on grassroots, facilities 

    Alex Eala’s rapid ascent on the world stage is creating an impact that extends well beyond her victories on the court.


    As the Filipina sensation continues to attract new fans through her impressive performances on the WTA Tour and her recent campaign at Wimbledon, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is moving to capitalize on the growing momentum by accelerating plans aimed at transforming the country’s tennis landscape.

     

    Rather than letting the surge in public interest fade, the PSC wants to build a stronger foundation for the sport—one that produces more players capable of following Eala’s path while giving aspiring athletes access to better facilities and higher-level competition.

     

    The commission has already taken its first major step alongside the Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA), with the staging of the country’s first-ever WTA tournament, the Philippine Women’s Open, last January. 

     

    The two organizations have also expressed their intention to bring more international competitions to the country, including higher-tier events that form part of the WTA Tour.

     

    PSC chairman Pato Gregorio admitted that Eala’s success has added urgency to long-term plans that were already in motion, saying her achievements have given Philippine tennis a rare opportunity to grow.

     

    “Natataas niya (Alex) yung antas at kredibilidad ng sports sa Pilipinas. We have to make sure na katulong ng Philippine Sports Commission si Alex para mahikayat, makumbinse, ma-inspire, hindi lang ang Philippine Sports Commission but lahat ng LGUs maybe to put up tennis courts all over the country, to organize more tennis events all over the country,” Gregorio said.

     

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    For the PSC, the objective is no longer limited to supporting elite athletes. Gregorio wants tennis infrastructure to expand beyond Metro Manila through the establishment of regional training centers, allowing young players in the provinces to train closer to home while strengthening grassroots development.

     

    The continued emergence of Eala has also convinced the commission that building more competition-ready tennis facilities should become a national priority. Gregorio stressed that investments should reach key regions outside Luzon, particularly in the Visayas and Mindanao, where aspiring players often have limited access to world-class venues.

     

    During a recent visit to Cebu City, Gregorio revealed that a major company is exploring plans to construct additional tennis courts in the province, a project that could further strengthen Cebu’s bid to become one of the country’s leading sports hubs capable of hosting national and international tournaments.

     

    Meanwhile, rehabilitation work is already underway at the tennis facility in Baguio City as part of the PSC’s broader effort to upgrade existing venues.

     

    “Tuloy-tuloy po yan. Ang importante lang, when we do all of these tennis courts, taas na po natin yung quality so that we can host. Dapat po, hindi lang community courts ang ambisyuin natin, gawin na natin competition courts para maka-host din tayo ng maraming national events and international events,” he said.

     

    With Eala continuing to raise the Philippines’ profile in world tennis, the PSC sees a rare opportunity to turn one athlete’s success into a nationwide movement—one that not only inspires the next generation of players but also positions the country as a regular destination for international tennis competition.

     

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  • “You have made the Philippines proud”: Ferdinand Marcos Jr. honors Alex Eala after historic Wimbledon run

    “You have made the Philippines proud”: Ferdinand Marcos Jr. honors Alex Eala after historic Wimbledon run

    Alex Eala’s remarkable ascent on the international tennis stage has not only cemented her status as one of Southeast Asia’s brightest young sporting talents but has also sparked renewed excitement for tennis in the Philippines.

     

    Following another historic campaign at Wimbledon, Eala continues to break barriers and raise the profile of Philippine tennis on the global stage. Her impressive performances, growing list of milestones, and ability to compete against the world’s best players have earned widespread recognition while inspiring a new generation of Filipino athletes to pursue the sport.

     

    In a country where basketball and boxing have traditionally dominated the sporting landscape, Eala’s success has created unprecedented momentum for tennis. Her achievements have encouraged more young Filipinos to pick up a racket, while giving hope that the Philippines can develop more world-class players in the years ahead.

     

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    Among those following Eala’s journey is Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who welcomed the rising tennis star to Malacañang on Monday, July 13, to recognize her contributions and celebrate the pride she has brought to the nation.

     

    Marcos openly expressed his admiration for Eala, admitting that he considers himself a genuine supporter of the young athlete’s career.

     

    “I’m a fan, so I’m gushing okay? I’m sorry. I’m a real fan of yours. And one day, I hope I will have the opportunity to watch you, even if it’s not at a Grand Slam – at any tournament. Even just watching you practice would be enough,” Marcos said.

     

    During the ceremony, Marcos presented Eala with a presidential citation honoring her historic achievements and recognizing her impact on Philippine sports.

     

    The citation acknowledged Eala “in recognition of her historic achievements as the first Filipino woman to attain unprecedented success on the international professional tennis circuit, and demonstrating exceptional talent, perseverance, and unwavering determination.”

     

    Eala attended the special event alongside her family and team, including her mother, former national swimmer Rosemarie Maniego-Eala, her father Michael Eala, and tennis agent Carter Lin. As a gesture of appreciation, the young tennis star presented President Marcos with signed caps and tennis balls.

    Marcos also highlighted the significance of Eala’s accomplishments, emphasizing how her success has united Filipinos and showcased the country’s potential on the global sporting stage.

     

    “You know, we don’t actually have a protocol for any of this. We just made it up so we would have an excuse to take a picture with you. You have made the Philippines proud. You have reminded Filipinos what a great race Filipinos are because we produced someone like you.

     

    “We, all 110 million of us Filipinos, we are all behind you, willing you on to greater success. If there is anything that we can do to help you, just say so. You will have it,” he concluded.

     

    Eala’s latest achievements have placed her among the most successful Filipino athletes in international tennis history. At Wimbledon, she made history by becoming the first Philippine tennis player to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam tournament.

     

    Her landmark run included a stunning victory over Poland’s Iga Swiatek, the reigning Grand Slam champion and then-World No. 3, marking one of the biggest wins ever recorded by a Filipino tennis player. Eala’s impressive campaign eventually ended in the fourth round against Italian star Jasmine Paolini, but her performance further established her as a legitimate contender on the global circuit.

     

    The breakthrough also translated into a historic rise in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings, with Eala reaching a career-high World No. 28 — the highest ranking ever achieved by a Philippine tennis player.

     

    At just 21 years old, Eala has already achieved milestones that have transformed perceptions of Philippine tennis. With her continued development, international experience, and growing support from fans and institutions, she represents a new era for the sport in the country.

     

    More than just victories and rankings, Eala’s journey has become a source of national inspiration, proving that Filipino athletes can compete and succeed on the biggest stages in world sports.

     

     

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  • Padel Pilipinas sweeps elite titles to cap dominant APPC campaign 

    Padel Pilipinas sweeps elite titles to cap dominant APPC campaign 

    The Philippines did more than defend its home court—it delivered a message that its ambitions in padel extend far beyond hosting international tournaments.


    Competing against teams from seven countries, Padel Pilipinas completed a clean sweep of the premier divisions in the recently concluded Asia Pacific Padel Cup (APPC) at Play Padel McKinley West in Taguig City, showcasing both its current strength and its long-term vision for the rapidly growing sport.

     

    The dominant campaign reinforced the country’s emergence as one of the driving forces behind padel’s expansion in the Asia-Pacific region, with Filipino players capturing the men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles championships before the home crowd.

     

    The men’s title was secured by the tandem of LA Cañizares and Jason Tamayo, who defeated Pakistan’s Prescott Development Team pair of Abdullah Adnan and Muhammad Salar, 6-3, 6-3, in a commanding championship performance.

     

    The hosts carried that momentum into the women’s division, where Marian Capadocia and Joanna Tao Yee Tan outplayed Pakistan’s Aqsa Khalid and Sheeza Sajid to claim another crown.

     

    Capadocia then completed a memorable tournament by partnering with Tamayo in the mixed doubles, helping Padel Pilipinas finish with a perfect sweep of the elite competitions.

     

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    While the victories highlighted the country’s growing talent pool, tournament organizers emphasized that the bigger objective was creating a sustainable future for the sport in the Philippines and across the region.

     

    Cheng, who also served as manager of the Philippine women’s football team during its historic campaign in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, believes the tournament represents only the beginning of a broader grassroots initiative.

     

    “Being a young sport, the idea is to promote it and get more people to participate, and I think it’s about building the entire ecosystem by first having the right coaches,” Cheng said. 

     

    That commitment to development was reflected in the staging of an amateur division alongside the professional competition, giving emerging players an opportunity to compete on an international platform.

     

    Taiwan’s GoPadel captured the amateur team title after edging Pakistan’s Prescott Development Team, 2-1, in the finals. Team Philippines claimed second runner-up honors after completing a convincing 3-0 sweep of South Korea.

     

    The host nation fielded Dennis Maglinas, Vince Serna, Jack Cruz, Keno Enriquez, and Gabriel Gurria in the men’s division, while Nadine Sebastian, Maxine Sebastian, Yanni Collins, and Mayumi Toribio represented the Philippines in the women’s competition.

     

    Individual honors in the amateur tournament went to Taiwan’s Chuan-Yu Chiu and Pei-Chuan Kao, who were named the men’s and women’s Most Valuable Players after consistently delivering standout performances throughout the event.

     

    For Padel Pilipinas, however, the biggest victory may have been proving that the Philippines is not only capable of producing champions but also of serving as a catalyst for padel’s continued rise across Asia-Pacific—both on and off the court.

     

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