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Category: Stars Beyond Sports

  • Cristiano Ronaldo set for TV debut in football drama alongside Thierry Henry

    Cristiano Ronaldo set for TV debut in football drama alongside Thierry Henry

    Cristiano Ronaldo is preparing to add another chapter to his remarkable career, with the global football icon reportedly set to make his official television acting debut in a new drama series centered on the world of football agents.

     

    Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in football history, Ronaldo has built a legacy that extends far beyond his achievements on the pitch. Over a professional career spanning more than two decades, the Portuguese superstar has won league titles in England, Spain, and Italy, lifted the UEFA Champions League five times, claimed the UEFA European Championship with Portugal, and collected five Ballon d’Or awards as one of the sport’s most decorated individuals.

     

    Off the field, Ronaldo has become one of the most influential athletes in the world. His global appeal has translated into enormous commercial success, with the 41-year-old consistently ranking among the highest-paid athletes in history through a combination of playing contracts, endorsement deals, and business ventures. He also boasts the largest social media following of any footballer, making him one of the most recognizable sporting figures on the planet.

     

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    Now, following Portugal’s disappointing campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Ronaldo is set to venture further into the entertainment industry.

     

    According to multiple reports, the Portugal captain is collaborating with acclaimed British filmmaker Matthew Vaughn on Day 1s, a scripted television drama that explores the high-stakes world of football agents in the United Kingdom.

     

    The series revolves around fictional football agent Stanley Dalton, whose career navigates the pressures, negotiations, rivalries, and behind-the-scenes dealings that shape the modern football industry. While football fans are accustomed to seeing the drama unfold on the pitch, Day 1s aims to provide a look at the business side of the sport, where player transfers, contract negotiations, and career-defining decisions often take center stage.

     

    The project has assembled an impressive lineup of personalities from both sports and entertainment. Former France striker Thierry Henry is reportedly involved in the production, while British rapper Dave also joins the cast. Award-winning actor Damian Lewis is expected to play one of the leading roles.

    The concept has already drawn comparisons to The Playoffs, the recent Brazilian drama series that focused on the life of a football agent and the challenges of managing elite players in the increasingly competitive sports industry.

     

    For Ronaldo, Day 1s represents more than just an acting opportunity.

     

    The football legend will also serve as an executive producer through UR Marv Studios, the production company he co-founded with Vaughn. The company was established with the goal of producing sports-focused films and television content that combines cinematic storytelling with authentic sporting narratives.

     

    Before announcing Day 1s, UR Marv Studios had already completed two sports-related feature films, making the television series another significant milestone in the company’s growing portfolio.

     

    Vaughn’s involvement adds further credibility to the project. The British filmmaker has built a reputation as one of the industry’s most successful action directors, with credits including Layer Cake, Stardust, Kick-Ass, X-Men: First Class, Argylle, and the globally successful Kingsman franchise.

     

    His experience in blending action, humor, and compelling storytelling is expected to bring a distinctive style to Day 1s, particularly as the series explores the competitive and often unpredictable world of professional football.

     

    Ronaldo’s move into television is the latest example of his efforts to expand his influence beyond football. In recent years, he has invested in a range of business ventures spanning hospitality, fitness, fashion, technology, and media, demonstrating his ambition to build a lasting legacy after his playing career comes to an end.

     

    Although no official release date has been announced, anticipation is already building around Day 1s, with football supporters eager to see one of the sport’s greatest-ever players step into a new role in front of the camera.

     

    Whether on the football pitch or in the entertainment industry, Ronaldo continues to prove that his ambitions extend well beyond the boundaries of the game that made him a global icon.

     

     

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  • Scottie Thompson embraces unfamiliar spotlight as pageant judge while awaiting Ginebra return 

    Scottie Thompson embraces unfamiliar spotlight as pageant judge while awaiting Ginebra return 

    Scottie Thompson has made a career out of thriving under pressure inside packed basketball arenas, but the Barangay Ginebra star recently found himself in a completely different spotlight—one that, according to him, proved even more nerve-racking than competing in a PBA game.


    Still recovering from the hamstring injury that has kept him out of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, Thompson traded the basketball court for the judges’ table as one of the members of the panel for the 2026 Binibining Pilipinas pageant on July 18.

     

    For the former PBA Most Valuable Player, evaluating beauty queens was an entirely different challenge.

     

    “Mas nakakakaba ‘yung pag-judge ng pageant kaysa maglaro,” Thompson said.

     

    Thompson joined an accomplished panel that featured Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz, Miss International 2005 Precious Lara-Quigaman, Senator Risa Hontiveros, and other distinguished personalities, making the invitation one of the most unique off-court experiences of his career.

     

    Ironically, the appearance almost never happened. Thompson admitted he initially hesitated to accept the invitation, but it was his wife, Jinky, who encouraged him to take on the opportunity.

     

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    While he continues making public appearances away from basketball, Thompson’s primary focus remains returning to the court.

     

    The 33-year-old has yet to resume practice with Barangay Ginebra after sustaining a hamstring injury during the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup playoffs.

    The injury worsened as he continued to play through the championship series against TNT Tropang 5G, where he eventually earned Finals MVP honors despite the physical setback.

     

    “Wala pa, wala pa. It’s all recovery, strengthening and rehab,” he said.

     

    Without Thompson, Ginebra has encountered early challenges in the Governors’ Cup. The Gin Kings slipped to a 1-2 record following a 110-99 loss to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and currently occupy fifth place in Group B, tied with the Magnolia Hotshots.

     

    Despite watching from the sidelines, Thompson remains confident that Ginebra has enough leadership and experience to weather his absence until he is medically cleared to return.

     

    “We all know we struggle right now. But as the game goes on, for sure there’s a lot of veterans sa amin that’s gonna step up sa next game. Sa guards namin, the veterans they know what to do,” he said.

     

    For now, Thompson’s role is to support the team while continuing his rehabilitation program, hoping to regain full fitness before rejoining the Gin Kings later in the conference.

     

    Ginebra, meanwhile, will look to climb the Group B standings when it takes on the Meralco Bolts on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena, with the team aiming to bounce back while one of its most influential players continues his recovery.

     

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  • Kianna Dy celebrates early birthday with family, powers PLDT to winning start in Vigan 

    Kianna Dy celebrates early birthday with family, powers PLDT to winning start in Vigan 

    For Kianna Dy, PLDT’s opening match in the 2026 PVL On Tour became more than just another preseason game.

     

    It turned into an early birthday celebration surrounded by the people who matter most.

     

    With her family making the long journey from Manila to Vigan City and Gilas Pilipinas star Dwight Ramos also in attendance, Dy responded with one of her best performances of the preseason, firing a match-high 17 points to lift the High Speed Hitters past Choco Mucho, 25-21, 20-25, 29-27, 25-18, on Saturday at the CHAVIT Coliseum in Ilocos Sur.

     

    The victory gave PLDT a winning start in its title defense in the On Tour tournament, but for Dy, the emotional support from the stands made the afternoon even more memorable.

     

    “I really appreciate them because the travel here is not easy, and it takes seven hours going here, and they’re here to watch my game and celebrate my birthday tomorrow,” said Dy.

     

    Among those who made the trip were her mother Bambi, sisters Kaila, Cheeni, and Nika, along with Ramos, whose family has roots in nearby Narvacan, Ilocos Sur.

     

    The veteran opposite spiker rewarded them with an efficient outing, tallying 16 attack points and one block while providing the steady offensive presence PLDT needed throughout the match.

     

    Savi Davison chipped in 13 points despite playing only three sets, while veteran middle blockers Mika Reyes and Majoy Baron added 12 and 10 points, respectively.

     

    The Flying Titans, however, hardly made life easy for the High Speed Hitters.

     

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    Despite missing national team stars Sisi Rondina and Eya Laure, Choco Mucho showed its depth by stealing the second set and pushing the third frame into a tense extended battle before PLDT finally pulled away late to seize control of the match.

     

    The victory also highlighted the High Speed Hitters’ balanced attack, with multiple veterans stepping up whenever momentum threatened to shift in Choco Mucho’s favor.

     

    Still, Dy believes the preseason opener also exposed areas the team must continue refining before the 2026-27 PVL season officially begins.

     

    “It was really an intense game, one is to one talaga. And Choco Mucho mahirap talaga silang kalaban — buti na lang ‘yung mga pumasok talagang nag-perform. Obviously, we need to work on a lot of things for our next games. Pagbalik ng Manila, adjust ulit,” said the 5-foot-11 opposite spiker.

     

    PLDT now shifts its attention to its next PVL On Tour assignment against ZUS Coffee on August 8 in Santiago City, Isabela, hoping to build on a winning start that was made even sweeter by an early birthday celebration for one of its veteran leaders.

     

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

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

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

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

     

    Education was another major focus of his visit.

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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  • Jeremy Lin believes the Philippines can produce its first full-blooded NBA player 

    Jeremy Lin believes the Philippines can produce its first full-blooded NBA player 

    For Jeremy Lin, the Philippines is no longer just known for its unwavering love of basketball.

     

    After seeing Filipino players compete firsthand, the former NBA star believes the country already possesses many of the qualities needed to eventually produce its first full-blooded NBA player.

     

    Lin, whose own journey broke barriers as the first American player of Taiwanese descent in the NBA, said Filipino basketball continues to trend in the right direction, with the country’s combination of talent and passion giving him confidence about its future.

     

    His comments come at a time when Philippine basketball is celebrating another milestone after Jordan Clarkson became the first player of Filipino descent to win an NBA championship, helping the New York Knicks capture their first title in 53 years.

     

    Although Clarkson has proudly represented Gilas Pilipinas in international competition, the distinction of becoming the first full-blooded Filipino to reach the NBA remains one of the country’s biggest basketball aspirations.

     

    Lin believes that dream is far from unrealistic.

     

    Having competed in the East Asia Super League with the New Taipei Kings, Lin had the opportunity to face Philippine club Meralco and witness Filipino talent up close.

     

    What stood out to him wasn’t only the passion that has long defined Philippine basketball, but also the physical tools displayed by many local players.

     

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    “At the end of the day, I also saw a lot of Filipino players who are extremely athletic as well. They can jump high and move quickly, and that’s something that’s stuck with me as well,” he said.

     

    The former New York Knicks guard understands what it means to carry the hopes of an entire community.

     

    Lin became a global sensation during his unforgettable “Linsanity” run in New York, transforming from an undrafted guard into one of basketball’s biggest stories almost overnight before eventually winning an NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors in 2019.

     

    Years later, he experienced Madison Square Garden from a completely different perspective.

    Watching the Knicks finally return to the NBA’s summit allowed Lin to appreciate just how deeply basketball remains woven into New York’s identity.

     

    “When Linsanity was happening, as a player I had no real understanding of what the environment was because I was too focused on the game. But as a spectator in Games 3 and 4 of the NBA Finals, that was the most insane atmosphere that I have ever been in,” Lin said.

     

    For Philippine basketball, Lin’s optimism serves as another reminder that while the country’s long-awaited breakthrough has yet to happen, the next generation may already be laying the foundation for history.

     

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  • adidas gives Gilas-inspired Anthony Edwards 2 a Filipino identity

    adidas gives Gilas-inspired Anthony Edwards 2 a Filipino identity

    For years, Filipino basketball fans have celebrated international stars who embraced the country’s hoops culture.

     

    Now, one of basketball’s fastest-rising global icons is getting a shoe that embraces the Philippines right back.

     

    adidas Philippines has officially unveiled the Anthony Edwards 2 “Magpakitang Gilas,” a special edition colorway that transforms the Minnesota Timberwolves star’s latest signature sneaker into a tribute to the country’s deep-rooted basketball passion.

     

    More than just another regional release, the pair represents a growing recognition of the Philippines as one of basketball’s most passionate markets.

     

    The shoe immediately wears its inspiration on its sleeve. Red and blue hues taken from the Philippine flag dominate the design, while a gradient collar fading from sky blue to white mirrors the colors often associated with the country’s identity. 

     

    Subtle details continue the storytelling, including a modified SPH logo on the tongue and premium gridded suede panels replacing the standard mesh construction found on other Anthony Edwards 2 releases.

     

    At the heart of the project is its name.

     

    “Magpakitang Gilas” is a phrase deeply embedded in Filipino sports culture, often used to challenge athletes to showcase their best and prove themselves on the biggest stages. It is a fitting slogan for both Edwards, whose fearless style has made him one of the NBA’s most electrifying young stars, and for a basketball nation that thrives on big moments.

     

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    The release arrives at a time when global brands are paying closer attention to the Philippines’ influence on the sport. While sneaker giants continue to compete for the attention of Filipino fans, the creation of a Philippines-exclusive Anthony Edwards signature shoe highlights just how valuable and visible the local basketball scene has become.

     

    The connection to Gilas Pilipinas became even more evident when national team standout Mike Phillips was spotted wearing the pair during the squad’s FIBA Qualifiers send-off event, giving fans an early glimpse of the sneaker before its official unveiling.

     

    For Filipino basketball enthusiasts, the shoe represents more than style. It reflects how the country’s basketball culture continues to earn recognition from some of the sport’s biggest brands and personalities.

     

    The adidas Anthony Edwards 2 “Magpakitang Gilas” is set for release on June 26 through adidas Philippines channels and select partner retailers. As of now, the special colorway is expected to remain exclusive to the Philippine market, making it one of the most uniquely local basketball sneaker releases of the year.

     

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  • Fresh off championship, Scottie Thompson and Nards Pinto pay tribute to Rene Baterbonia 

    Fresh off championship, Scottie Thompson and Nards Pinto pay tribute to Rene Baterbonia 

    Just days after celebrating a championship, Barangay Ginebra stars Scottie Thompson and Nards Pinto found themselves in a far different setting.

     

    Instead of continuing the festivities following the Gin Kings’ Commissioner’s Cup triumph, the two PBA veterans traveled to Talacogon, Agusan del Sur to pay their final respects to the late Ateneo basketball player Rene Baterbonia.

     

    Photos and videos shared online showed Thompson and Pinto visiting Baterbonia’s wake on Tuesday, joining family, friends, and members of the basketball community mourning the loss of one of Mindanao’s promising young talents.

     

    Baterbonia died alongside Nigerian teammate Divine Adili in a drowning incident during a team-building activity in Aurora earlier this month.

     

    Their visit came only days after Thompson and Pinto helped Barangay Ginebra secure the Commissioner’s Cup championship by defeating TNT in a winner-take-all Game 7.

     

    For many, the gesture reflected the close ties that often connect athletes beyond leagues, teams, and levels of competition.

     

    “Thank you so much my brother Scottie and Nards for visiting and paying respect to Bobet and his family,” said Baterbonia’s high school coach Jess Evangelio.

     

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    “We know you should be celebrating your championship today, but nevertheless, you still took the time to stop by and share our grief.

     

    “We are very grateful and very much appreciate your kindness and support,” added Evangelio on social media.

     

    Thompson and Pinto were joined by Thompson’s wife Jinky and actress Sofia Andres as they visited the wake on the eve of Baterbonia’s burial.

     

    The visit carried added meaning given their shared roots. Thompson and Pinto both hail from Davao, where Baterbonia first made a name for himself as a standout player for Ateneo de Davao before continuing his basketball journey at Ateneo de Manila University.

     

    While championships often define careers, Thompson and Pinto’s trip to Agusan del Sur served as a reminder that some moments transcend the game itself.

     

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  • PBA motoclub alleges scam in Poland after exhibition game falls through

    PBA motoclub alleges scam in Poland after exhibition game falls through

    Former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) players Paul Artadi, Jayjay Helterbrand, Rico Maierhofer, and other members of the PBA Motoclub have allegedly fallen victim to a scam during a recent trip to Poland, where they were scheduled to headline an exhibition basketball event for the Filipino community.

     

    The controversy came to light after Artadi took to social media to share details of what transpired, claiming that the group was unable to participate in the highly anticipated exhibition game after event organizers failed to fulfill their financial obligations.

     

    According to Artadi, the PBA Motoclub had traveled to Poland for a Filipino community event scheduled on Sunday, June 21. However, despite making the journey and preparing to play, the former PBA stars ultimately decided not to take the court after their agreed talent fees were allegedly not paid.

     

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    “We got scammed. Big time. Mula pa sa Warsaw. Bumili pa sila ng ticket pero wala. Nganga. Hindi kami nakalaro kasi hindi kami binayaran ng talent fee so we are sorry. Pero walang may gusto, di ba,?” Artadi posted on Facebook.

     

    The former Magnolia and Air21 guard expressed frustration over the incident, emphasizing that the situation not only affected the players but also the Filipino fans who had eagerly awaited the event.

     

    “Kawawa ‘yung mga Pilipinong naloloko. Hindi natutulog si Lord. Ingat tayong lahat. Lesson ‘to sa amin. Big time,” he added.

     

    The PBA Motoclub is a group composed of former professional basketball players who share a passion for motorcycles and content creation. Over the years, the group has built a following through motorcycle vlogs, community outreach activities, and exhibition games across the Philippines and abroad. Their appearances often draw large crowds, particularly among overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) eager to reconnect with Philippine basketball personalities.

    Artadi later revealed that the organizer involved in the event eventually issued an apology. Nevertheless, the damage had already been done, with many members of the Filipino community reportedly purchasing tickets in anticipation of the exhibition game.

     

    Despite the disappointing turn of events, members of the PBA Motoclub made an effort to interact with fans who attended the gathering. Rather than simply leaving the venue, the former players reportedly stayed behind to meet supporters, sign autographs, pose for photos, and distribute memorabilia.

     

    Jeck Maierhofer, wife of former PBA player Rico Maierhofer, detailed the group’s efforts in a social media post, praising the players for making time for fans despite not receiving compensation for their appearance.

     

    “Finally, to my husband na kahit kanina walang bayad nagsabi sya na magpakita sa fans at mag meet and greet nalang, nagpa-agaw pa sila ni JJ ng Nike shoes and jerseys. Mga boys, Ryan, JC, PJ, Paul, Jerwin na game na game nag picture taking and signature kanina kahit walang bayad hinarap nila ang mga tao sa Poland! Bumyahe sila ng 5 hours balikan sa Warsaw to Wroclaw total of 10 hours! Mablebless kayo! Ang babait ng’ puso nyo,” Jeck stated.

     

    Her account highlighted the commitment shown by the group, which reportedly traveled approximately five hours each way between Warsaw and Wroclaw—a 10-hour round trip—to attend the event. Even after learning that the exhibition game would not push through under the agreed terms, the former players chose to engage with supporters who had made the effort to attend.

     

    The incident has generated sympathy from basketball fans online, particularly among Filipinos abroad who viewed the situation as an unfortunate setback for both the athletes and the overseas Filipino community that had looked forward to the event.

     

    As of writing, no further details have been released regarding any potential legal action or reimbursement efforts for affected ticket holders. The PBA Motoclub, meanwhile, has continued to express gratitude to the Filipino fans in Poland who showed their support despite the circumstances.

     

    The episode serves as a cautionary tale for athletes, performers, and organizations participating in overseas events, underscoring the importance of securing contractual obligations and financial arrangements before traveling. For the members of the PBA Motoclub, however, the experience appears to have reinforced their appreciation for the Filipino community overseas, whose support remained unwavering even amid disappointment.

     

     

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  • Volleyball players Sisi Rondina, Ronniel Rosales exchange vows in private Quezon wedding 

    Volleyball players Sisi Rondina, Ronniel Rosales exchange vows in private Quezon wedding 

    Volleyball icon Sisi Rondina and fellow Alas Pilipinas beach volleyball player Ronniel Rosales exchanged vows in a private wedding ceremony in Tiaong, Quezon on Saturday, surrounded by family members, close friends, and fellow athletes.


    The wedding brought together several personalities from the local volleyball community, including Rondina’s longtime beach volleyball partner Bernadette Pons. 

     

    The duo recently captured a silver medal in the AVC Beach Tour Pingtung Open, adding another achievement to their decorated partnership on the sand.

     

    Also present were fellow Southeast Asian Games gold medalists Dij Rodriguez and Sunny Villapando, along with several members of Rondina’s Choco Mucho Flying Titans family. Eya Laure, Dindin Santiago-Manabat, Cherry Nunag, Caitlin Viray, and Thang Ponce attended the ceremony, as did Choco Mucho head coach Dante Alinsunurin and team owner Jonathan Ng.

     

    The marriage comes six months after Rondina and Rosales announced their engagement in January. The longtime couple shared the milestone on social media, with Rondina posting the caption, “It’s a forever thing,” while Rosales described the proposal as “God’s plan, my promise.”

     

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    While the wedding marked a personal milestone, both athletes remain active figures in Philippine volleyball.

     

    Rondina continues to balance careers in both indoor and beach volleyball. She remains one of the key players for the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the Premier Volleyball League while also serving as a fixture of the national beach volleyball program.

     

    The former University of Santo Tomas standout is widely regarded as one of the country’s most accomplished volleyball players. 

     

    In 2025, she and Pons delivered a historic gold medal for the Philippines in women’s beach volleyball at the Southeast Asian Games, further cementing their status among the nation’s most successful tandems.

     

    Rosales, meanwhile, has also built a lengthy career in the sport. A former member of the Philippine men’s national beach volleyball team, he likewise saw action in the Spikers’ Turf and has remained involved in the local volleyball scene throughout the years.

     

    Meanwhile, the next day after her wedding, Rondina was already back in her hometown, Cebu. The Cebuana star attended the final games of the Cebu Hustle 3×3 tournament at SM Seaside City, where fans lined up for photos and autographs from one of the country’s most beloved volleyball personalities.

     

    For a couple whose relationship has grown alongside their careers in beach volleyball, the wedding represented not only a celebration of their partnership but also another memorable moment for a sport in which both have played significant roles for the Philippines.

     

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  • Jordan Clarkson brings Pinoy pride to New York’s long-awaited NBA Championship celebration

    Jordan Clarkson brings Pinoy pride to New York’s long-awaited NBA Championship celebration

    For generations of Filipino basketball fans, the dream of seeing one of their own reach the NBA mountaintop felt distant.

     

    On the streets of Manhattan this week, that dream rolled through the Canyon of Heroes draped in red, blue, white, and yellow.

     

    As the New York Knicks celebrated their first NBA championship in 53 years with a massive victory parade, Jordan Clarkson made sure another community shared in the moment. The veteran guard proudly carried the Philippine flag through the sea of blue-and-orange confetti, creating one of the most memorable images of the franchise’s long-awaited title celebration.

     

    The gesture carried weight beyond basketball.

     

    Days earlier, Clarkson had become the first Filipino-American player to win an NBA championship when the Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs in the 2026 NBA Finals. The parade transformed that achievement from a statistic into a moment of shared pride for Filipino fans watching from New York, the Philippines, and around the world.

     

    Lower Manhattan became a celebration zone as supporters packed the streets from early morning. Subway cars overflowed with fans heading downtown, while others climbed traffic lights, trucks, and elevated structures hoping to catch a glimpse of the championship procession.

     

    Among the loudest cheers were those directed toward Clarkson.

     

    The veteran guard, who has long embraced his Filipino heritage throughout his basketball journey, emerged as a symbol of representation for many in attendance. While Finals MVP Jalen Brunson and the Knicks’ stars drew enormous reactions, Clarkson’s appearance with the Philippine flag resonated deeply with Filipino-Americans who had waited years for a moment like this.

     

    “I was amazed seeing that many fans,” Fil-Am fan Ernest Leigh told reporters. “Filipinos love basketball – it’s part of our culture. And having a player with Filipino roots like Jordan Clarkson makes us even more proud to support the Knicks.”

     

    The championship itself is still settling in for Clarkson.

     

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    Moments after New York secured the title, the 34-year-old admitted he was still processing everything that had happened.

     

    “This is crazy bro. Thankful man. Sacrifice baby, one day at a time,” Clarkson said.

     

    Before that, he described himself as simply feeling “speechless.”

     

    His Finals numbers may not have dominated headlines, but Clarkson played an important role throughout New York’s championship run. Coming off the bench, he averaged 3.4 points and 1.4 rebounds across five Finals games while providing veteran leadership and scoring depth.

     

    His biggest contribution came in Game 3 at Madison Square Garden, where he energized the home crowd with 10 points, three rebounds, a steal, and a block in just 13 minutes.

     

    Yet Clarkson’s significance stretches beyond one playoff series.

     

    Long before becoming an NBA champion, he had already become one of the most influential figures in Philippine basketball. From representing Gilas Pilipinas at the 2018 Asian Games and the 2023 FIBA World Cup to delivering memorable performances in international competition, Clarkson helped strengthen the connection between Filipino fans and the global game.

     

    Now, his career carries another distinction.

     

    The championship ring represents a personal achievement, but for many Filipinos, it also symbolizes a breakthrough. As Clarkson rode through Manhattan carrying the Philippine flag, he wasn’t just celebrating the Knicks’ first title since 1973.

     

    He was celebrating a milestone that an entire basketball-loving nation could call its own.

     

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