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Tag: Philippines

  • “Unacceptable”: Carl Jammes Martin slams Manny Pacquiao MP Promotions over event setup 

    “Unacceptable”: Carl Jammes Martin slams Manny Pacquiao MP Promotions over event setup 

    Rising Filipino boxing star Carl Jammes Martin continues to strengthen his reputation as one of the country’s most promising fighters, extending his unbeaten run while steadily climbing the global rankings across multiple sanctioning bodies. The reigning WBC Asia super bantamweight champion has built a growing profile defined by discipline, aggression, and technical precision, making him one of the most closely watched prospects in Asian boxing.

     

    The 28-year-old southpaw added another victory to his record on Saturday, May 16, after defeating fellow Filipino Carlo Demecillo in a grueling 12-round bout. While the win further solidified his perfect professional slate, Martin’s post-fight focus quickly shifted away from his in-ring performance and toward concerns over the event’s overall organization.

     

    The fight, staged under the banner of Manny Pacquiao MP Promotions, was reportedly held in an unconventional venue—a basketball court setup that lacked standard fighter amenities such as proper dressing rooms. According to Martin, the situation forced athletes to prepare in inadequate conditions, including waiting outdoors under makeshift shade prior to the bout.

     

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    Martin later voiced his frustration publicly, stating that the circumstances fell far below professional expectations for a fighter of his level and experience. In a strongly worded social media post, he expressed disappointment with how the event was handled by organizers, including promoter Sean Gibbons.

     

    “To the promoter on Saturday night, and to Mr. Sean Gibbons, I sincerely appreciate the effort and sacrifices made. However, I cannot pretend that what happened was acceptable. I did not wait seven months for a fight to be staged on a basketball court, without a dressing room and with me left waiting under a tree,” Martin wrote.

    The remarks sparked discussion within the local boxing community, particularly given Martin’s rising status and increasing visibility on the international stage. At present, he holds impressive rankings across multiple governing bodies, sitting No. 2 in the World Boxing Organization, No. 7 in the International Boxing Federation, No. 12 in the World Boxing Association, and No. 15 in the World Boxing Council rankings.

     

    Despite the controversy surrounding the event logistics, Martin emphasized that his performance and career trajectory remain his primary focus. He expressed concern that the situation not only reflected poorly on him professionally but also subjected him to criticism from fans and detractors online.

     

    “I am speaking up because my supporters saw what happened and once again the critics are having a field day at my expense. At this point, I do not know what comes next. But one thing is certain: I am deeply disappointed,” he added.

     

    The latest victory also extended Martin’s undefeated professional record to 28 wins, reinforcing his standing as one of the most active and successful Filipino boxers in recent years. With nearly a decade in the professional ranks, he reiterated that his track record should position him for higher-profile opportunities moving forward, including more competitive bouts on the international stage.

     

    “I have done my part through 28 fights and nearly 10 years as a professional. I believe I have earned the right to pursue the best possible fights and opportunities moving forward, all for my family and the supporters who stood by me through every high and low, never losing faith in me even during the hardest moments,” Martin concluded.

     

    As discussions continue around the event’s organization, Martin’s performance and outspoken remarks have further elevated his profile—both as a rising contender in the super bantamweight division and as a fighter increasingly willing to speak out on professional standards in boxing events.

     

     

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  • Titan Ultra Giants dismiss ‘farm team’ label, embrace long-term PBA rebuild 

    Titan Ultra Giants dismiss ‘farm team’ label, embrace long-term PBA rebuild 

    The Titan Ultra Giants endured a difficult and frustrating campaign in the 2026 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup, closing out the elimination round with just two victories against 10 defeats to finish second from the bottom of the standings.

     

    Despite the disappointing record, the organization insists that its long-term vision remains firmly intact. In recent weeks, the franchise has become the subject of intense scrutiny amid speculation surrounding a possible trade involving leading scorer Joshua Munzon. The rumors reignited criticism labeling the team as a so-called “farm team,” a tag often attached to struggling franchises perceived to be developing talent for more established organizations.

     

    Newly appointed team manager Jessica Arsolon, however, strongly pushed back against those claims, emphasizing that the Ultra Giants are committed to a deliberate rebuilding process centered on sustainable growth rather than quick-fix decisions. According to Arsolon, the organization is taking inspiration from the blueprint established by the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, one of the PBA’s most respected and consistently competitive franchises over the past decade.

     

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    Under veteran head coach Yeng Guiao and with the backing of co-owners Terry Que and Raymond Yu, Rain or Shine built its roster patiently through the draft and smart player development, resulting in two PBA championships and six Finals appearances. It is a model Arsolon believes the Ultra Giants can realistically emulate in the years ahead.

     

    “Navigating a league dominated by sister-team setups requires a strategic model for growth. The Rain or Shine prototype has proven highly effective over the last decade, and that is the standard we are aiming for,” Arsolon said in a media interaction.

     

    With that philosophy in mind, Titan Ultra’s front office has shifted its attention toward the upcoming PBA Rookie Draft, a process the organization views as a pivotal step in building a competitive core. The franchise currently possesses one first-round selection and four second-round picks in the upcoming draft, while also holding another first-round pick in Season 52.

    The Ultra Giants further strengthened their future draft capital through previous transactions, including the acquisition of the Converge FiberXers’ Season 52 first-round selection and Season 51 second-round pick as part of the trade involving Dave Ildefonso.

     

    For Arsolon, those assets represent more than just future flexibility — they symbolize the beginning of the franchise’s true rebuild.

     

    “People need to understand that this is only our second conference. We are still establishing our competitive foothold, but I’m confident that this franchise has a brilliant future, and that foundation begins with the upcoming draft.

     

    “Through this draft, we will finally have the opportunity to acquire the specific pieces we need to truly compete – players who can step in and grow alongside our system. It’s important to remember that the majority of our current roster were inherited from the previous NorthPort team,” he added.

     

    The team manager also addressed the recent departure of veteran forward Calvin Abueva, whose exit generated significant discussion among fans and league observers. Arsolon clarified that the decision to part ways with Abueva was not rooted in organizational conflict, but rather in the player’s own desire to move elsewhere.

     

    “We never had any internal issues with these players. However, in Calvin’s case, he actively requested a trade. Rather than forcing a disgruntled player to stay and disrupting team chemistry, we honored his request. Trading Calvin was not part of our overarching strategy, it was an incidental adjustment,” Arsolon continued.

     

    As for Munzon, the franchise remains publicly committed to retaining one of its premier offensive weapons despite persistent trade speculation. While no formal announcement has been made regarding his future, the organization’s leadership appears determined to dispel the notion that the Ultra Giants are merely a transitional stop for elite talent.

     

    Instead, the franchise is positioning itself as a team willing to endure short-term struggles in exchange for long-term stability and competitiveness. With a growing stockpile of draft assets, a renewed emphasis on player development, and a management group committed to establishing a clear identity, Titan Ultra hope the difficult lessons from the Commissioner’s Cup campaign will ultimately serve as the foundation for a brighter future in the PBA.

     

     

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  • PSC unveils renovated Teachers Camp Track and Field Oval in Baguio City 

    PSC unveils renovated Teachers Camp Track and Field Oval in Baguio City 

    The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) officially inaugurated the newly renovated and refurbished Teachers Camp Track and Field Oval in Baguio City on Saturday, May 16, marking a significant step forward in the country’s ongoing push to upgrade grassroots and elite sports facilities across the nation.

     

    The revitalized athletics venue is expected to serve a dual purpose—providing a safer, more modern training ground for national athletes while also reopening its doors to the local community, encouraging broader public participation in sports and physical activity in the highland city.

     

    PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio led the ceremonial opening and underscored the broader vision behind the rehabilitation project, emphasizing both elite athlete development and community engagement as central pillars of the commission’s infrastructure program.

     

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    “I’m very happy with the oval’s opening. There are two things. First, for the athletes who can run here again – the boxers, Muay Thai athletes, track and field. Second is the community. When President Marcos opened up Rizal and PhilSports, there were about two to three thousand people every night. We will do the same thing here in Baguio,” Gregorio said during the event.

     

    The reopening of the oval is particularly significant for national team members who have long dealt with limited or substandard training environments. Among them is two-time Olympic medalist and boxing standout Nesthy Petecio, who candidly recalled the difficult conditions of the facility prior to its rehabilitation and how it directly impacted athlete safety and preparation.

     

    “There were potholes, and whenever it rained, the flooding was bad, making it slippery and causing athletes to trip and get injured. I tripped here multiple times while sprinting,” Petecio said, reflecting on the challenges athletes previously faced while training at the venue.

     

    National boxing coach Reynaldo Galido also welcomed the improvements, stressing that the upgraded facility will play a key role in enhancing training quality and long-term athlete development. He noted that Baguio’s climate makes it particularly suitable as a high-altitude training hub for combat sports athletes preparing for international competition.

    “The track oval was very old back then. This change is a big help for us. It serves as an inspiration for our athletes to persevere even more in their athletic careers, while also allowing them to show the value of the support that the PSC provides.

     

    “We realized Baguio was the best place to establish a training center because of its climate. Since most of our boxing tournaments are held in Europe where it is cold, Baguio’s cold weather helps us adapt,” Galido explained.

     

    Beyond athletics and combat sports, the PSC is also advancing plans to further develop the surrounding sports complex into a more comprehensive multi-sport hub. Gregorio revealed that the commission is working in collaboration with the local government, the Philippine Football Federation (PFF), and FIFA on the construction of a “world-class” football pitch within the same facility.

     

    According to Gregorio, the proposed pitch is expected to cost between ₱25 million and ₱30 million, with the goal of completing the project before the end of the year. Once finished, the facility is expected to significantly boost grassroots football development in the region.

     

    “The target completion is before the end of the year. Once we finish the pitch here, I expect thousands of children to play,” Gregorio stated, highlighting the PSC’s vision of transforming the venue into a community-driven sports destination.

     

    The PSC chairman also reiterated his broader development strategy of establishing regional sports training centers across the Philippines, tailored to specific sports based on geographic and environmental advantages. He pointed to existing initiatives such as rowing development in Cauayan, Isabela, where natural waterways have been utilized for training purposes.

     

    “We are really pushing for the development of regional training centers across the country. Right now, if you go to Cauayan in Isabela, it is now a regional training center for rowing because of the Cagayan Rivers. My point is that provinces should no longer aim to build massive stadiums that end up unfinished. We should focus on a sport-by-sport basis instead.

     

    “Now that I have been here for 10 months, with about a year and a half left, it would be a waste of government funding if we do not fast-track this, every day or month we delay these programs and facilities, our athletes lose both confidence and skill,” he added.

     

    With the reopening of the Teachers Camp Track and Field Oval, the PSC hopes to set a model for sustainable, functional, and community-inclusive sports infrastructure—one that supports both elite athlete performance and the long-term growth of Philippine sports at the grassroots level.

     

     

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  • Filipino star Melvin Jerusalem loses WBC minimumweight title to Siyakholwa Kuse in rematch 

    Filipino star Melvin Jerusalem loses WBC minimumweight title to Siyakholwa Kuse in rematch 

    Filipino boxing standout Melvin Jerusalem has long been regarded as one of the Philippines’ premier pugilists, combining sharp technical ability, disciplined footwork, and a patient, tactical approach inside the ring. At 31 years old, the southpaw has built a reputation as a world-class competitor, having previously held the World Boxing Council (WBC) minimumweight crown and establishing himself among the country’s most accomplished modern fighters on the international stage.

     

    However, Jerusalem’s reign at the top came to a painful end on early Sunday morning, May 17 (Philippine Standard Time), after dropping a unanimous decision loss to South Africa’s Siyakholwa Kuse in their WBC minimumweight title rematch held at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg.

     

    Despite showing resilience throughout the 12-round contest, Jerusalem was unable to convince the judges, who scored the bout 116-111, 116-112, and 115-111 in favor of Kuse, allowing the South African challenger to claim the world title on home soil.

     

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    The Filipino champion did, however, produce one of the fight’s defining moments when he floored Kuse in the 11th round—the only knockdown of the bout. The late surge briefly swung momentum in Jerusalem’s favor, but it ultimately proved insufficient to overturn Kuse’s early and consistent accumulation of points.

     

    A major turning point in the fight came in the third round, when an accidental clash of heads resulted in a deep cut above Jerusalem’s left eye. The injury appeared to worsen as the rounds progressed, with blood visibly affecting his vision and limiting his ability to engage comfortably in exchanges. Kuse capitalized on the damage by targeting the affected area and maintaining steady pressure throughout the championship rounds.

    Jerusalem, who arrived in South Africa nearly three weeks before the bout to complete his final preparation phase, showed no signs of making excuses in the aftermath of the defeat. Instead, he acknowledged Kuse’s performance and expressed gratitude to his supporters.

     

    “No excuses, guys. Yung mga naniniwala sa akin, maraming salamat sa inyong lahat. Hindi sa atin ngayon yung araw. Congrats kay Kuse,” Jerusalem said on social media.

     

    The loss drops Jerusalem’s professional record to 25-4 with 12 knockouts, halting his momentum in the minimumweight division and temporarily derailing his pursuit of another world title reign. For Kuse, meanwhile, the victory improves his record to 10-3-1 with four knockouts, marking the biggest win of his career to date.

     

    Jerusalem’s defeat also carries broader implications for the minimumweight division landscape. Prior to the loss, the Filipino fighter had been positioning himself for a potential high-profile unification bout with World Boxing Organization (WBO) champion Oscar Collazo, a matchup that now becomes significantly more complicated following the setback in Johannesburg.

     

    With the WBC title now out of Filipino hands, the country’s remaining world boxing champion in the division is International Boxing Federation (IBF) mini flyweight titleholder Pedro Taduran, who continues to carry the Philippines’ hopes on the global stage.

     

    Despite the disappointment, Jerusalem’s standing as one of the nation’s elite fighters remains intact, with many observers noting that his competitive showing—particularly the late knockdown and his willingness to battle through injury—reinforced his reputation as a tough, technically sound world-class contender capable of competing at the highest level.

     

     

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  • Richard Solano breaks Philippine national marathon record at 2026 Tokyo Marathon 

    Richard Solano breaks Philippine national marathon record at 2026 Tokyo Marathon 

    Filipino long-distance runner Richard Solano has emerged as one of the most promising names in Philippine endurance racing, steadily building his reputation through consistent performances in domestic 10,000-meter events and steeplechase competitions before making a breakthrough on the international marathon stage.

     

    That promise reached a defining moment at the 2026 Tokyo Marathon, where Solano delivered a career-defining performance that firmly placed him among the country’s elite distance runners. He clocked a personal best time of 2:15:08, a performance that also shattered the long-standing Philippine national record of 2:18:44 set by Eduardo Buenavista in 2004—marking a significant milestone for Philippine athletics on the global road racing scene.

     

    Competing against a deep international field and under punishing conditions, Solano’s achievement was made even more remarkable by the challenges he faced throughout the race. Freezing temperatures in Tokyo tested the endurance of every athlete on the course, while Solano also battled cramps and extreme fatigue in the closing stages of the marathon. Despite those setbacks, he managed to maintain composure and push through the final kilometers to secure both a personal best and a new national benchmark.

     

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    Reflecting on the grueling nature of the race, Solano admitted that the final stretch was as much a mental battle as it was physical.

    “Hanggang sa dumating yung 37 kilometer, tapos sabi ko, 37 kilometer na ito, titiisin ko na ito, andito na ako, paninindigan ko na ito, hanggang sa pagdating ng almost 40 kilometer, doon nagbago lahat. Ininda yung pagod na yung katawan, kumbaga sagad na rin kasi. Bali, personal best kasi ‘yon, nagkaroon na rin ng pulikat,” Solano said to the media after the race.

     

    Beyond the record-breaking performance, Solano emphasized that his progress is rooted in discipline, repetition, and an unwavering commitment to training rather than raw talent alone. For him, success in distance running is earned daily through preparation and consistency.

     

    “Hindi mo naman masabi na ikaw talaga yung malakas kasi wala namang talagang malakas na runner. Nakukuha lahat ‘yan sa ensayo. Kung masipag ka talaga, makukuha at makukuha mo talaga,” he added.

     

    Solano also took time to address aspiring Filipino runners, encouraging them to stay patient in their development and to embrace both the physical and mental demands of the sport. He stressed that endurance racing is not only about conditioning the body but also strengthening the mind, particularly during moments of extreme fatigue and doubt.

     

    “Hindi lang katawan ang tine-train, isip din talaga,” Solano concluded.

     

    With his record-breaking run in Tokyo, Solano has now positioned himself as a key figure in the next generation of Philippine distance running, raising expectations that he could further lower national standards and compete more regularly in elite international marathons in the years ahead.

     

     

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  • “I want to be the next Hidilyn Diaz”: Elreen Ando sets sights on Olympic gold

    “I want to be the next Hidilyn Diaz”: Elreen Ando sets sights on Olympic gold

    Elreen Ando has firmly established herself as one of the Philippines’ brightest weightlifting talents, continuing the country’s strong tradition in the sport through consistent success on the international stage and a growing reputation as a medal contender in major competitions.

     

    The 27-year-old has already built an impressive résumé, highlighted by two Southeast Asian Games gold medals and three silver medals at the Asian Games. Her rise has kept Philippine weightlifting in the global spotlight following the historic achievements of Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo, who remains a guiding figure and inspiration for the current generation of national lifters.

     

    Diaz-Naranjo made history for the Philippines at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games by securing the nation’s first-ever Olympic gold medal, a breakthrough that elevated the sport to unprecedented levels in the country. For Ando, that moment became both motivation and a benchmark as she continues her pursuit of Olympic success, with her long-term goal set firmly on the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

     

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    Ando has often spoken about the influence of Diaz-Naranjo on her career and the broader Philippine weightlifting program, crediting her as both a role model and a source of encouragement for younger athletes.

     

    “She is very supportive, and she is happy for us to get a gold medal as a team. She wants more Hidilyn Diazes in Filipino weightlifting. I was inspired by her to become a gold medalist at the Olympics,” Ando said in a media interaction.

     

    Looking ahead, Ando has expressed her ambition to follow in Diaz-Naranjo’s footsteps on the Olympic stage, with a clear focus on delivering a breakthrough performance in Los Angeles.

    “After inspiring the Filipino athletes myself, I will get the gold medal soon. I want to be like Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo, the next Hidilyn, if I get the gold at LA 2028,” she added.

    Notably, Ando has already proven her versatility by winning gold medals in two different weight categories at the SEA Games, showcasing her adaptability and strength despite the constant physical adjustments required in elite weightlifting. However, she has opted to skip the Asian Weightlifting Championships in order to prioritize recovery and manage her body ahead of a demanding competition schedule.

     

    “It’s a super hard adjustment because the body is not ready, it’s not prepared for my weight,” Ando continued, emphasizing the physical demands of shifting categories and maintaining peak condition.

     

    Her Olympic journey also includes a memorable appearance at the 2024 Paris Games, where she competed in the 59kg category. Interestingly, she secured her qualification at the expense of Diaz-Naranjo, adding a compelling chapter to their intertwined careers. In Paris, Ando finished sixth overall, but produced a standout final attempt that she described as one of the most meaningful moments of her career.

     

    “My favorite memory in Paris was the last attempt because it was so close. I missed the first, second and third attempts, so I had to get the last attempt. I’m happy that I did that. I trained hard, sacrificed time away from my family. I always train hard three times a day. All the things that I have done so far, all the things I have been through, they all came from this sacrifice,” she stated.

     

    Beyond her achievements on the platform, Ando’s journey has been shaped by profound personal loss. A native of Carreta in Cebu City, she lost her mother at a young age and later lost her father in 2022. She has often credited her late father as a major source of motivation in her pursuit of sporting excellence.

     

    “Before I competed in the SEA Games, he told me, ‘Go get the gold medal,’ but I did not do it while he was alive. Unfortunately, he was not able to see me win the gold medals. He had been dreaming of getting the gold. It was very special for me because I got all the gold medals that I had dreamed of giving to my father,” Ando added.

     

    As she continues to evolve as an athlete and prepare for future international competitions, Ando’s focus remains firmly on improvement, recovery, and long-term Olympic success. Her journey reflects not only athletic ambition but also resilience shaped by sacrifice, setbacks, and personal determination.

     

    With the road to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics still ahead, Ando stands as one of the Philippines’ strongest medal hopes, carrying both the legacy of her predecessors and the expectations of a nation eager for more Olympic success.

     

     

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  • “Thankful na rin ako kasi ganun lang yung nangyari”: Japeth Aguilar grateful to return before playoffs

    “Thankful na rin ako kasi ganun lang yung nangyari”: Japeth Aguilar grateful to return before playoffs

    The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel wrapped up their 2026 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup elimination round campaign in impressive fashion, overcoming the TNT Tropang Giga, 93-86, on Sunday, May 10, at the historic Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    The victory allowed the Gin Kings to secure third place in the standings with a solid 9-3 win-loss record, further strengthening their position as one of the top contenders heading into the playoffs. More importantly for Ginebra, the game also marked the much-anticipated return of veteran big man Japeth Aguilar, who had missed the team’s previous three games due to a lung-related condition suffered after a frightening fall during their April 24 matchup against the Blackwater Bossing.

     

    Aguilar’s return provided an emotional lift for the Gin Kings, who welcomed back one of the league’s most experienced frontcourt anchors just in time for the postseason push. Despite limited minutes, the 39-year-old veteran was immediately handed one of the toughest assignments possible — defending TNT import and former NBA player Bol Bol.

     

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    Bol continued to showcase the unique skill set that has made him one of the most intriguing imports in the conference, finishing with 33 points and 10 rebounds in another dominant offensive outing. Standing at 7-foot-2 with guard-like skills, Bol presented a difficult challenge for Ginebra’s defense throughout the contest.

     

    Speaking after the game, Aguilar admitted that facing a player with Bol’s rare combination of size and perimeter ability was unlike anything he had experienced before.

     

    “Tagal ko na sa maglalaro ng basketball. Na akala ko, you know, you have seen it all then. Biglang mag Bol Bol na ganoon. Tapos ganun yung skill, guard. Tinry ko makuha yung rhythm ko,” Aguilar said in a media interaction.

    Although visibly still working his way back into game condition, Aguilar managed to contribute six points and three rebounds in 15 minutes of action. More importantly, his presence provided additional rim protection, veteran leadership, and frontcourt depth as Ginebra prepares for the more physical playoff stage.

     

    Aguilar also opened up about the unusual medical condition that forced him to temporarily step away from basketball. The veteran center explained that the symptoms did not immediately manifest following the hard fall against Blackwater, making the situation even more unexpected.

     

    “Medyo delay yung effect. So, medyo nakalaro pa ako. Tapos, everything ano talaga. Parang sakto talaga yung panayari. Sakto, sinub ko ni coach Tim. Yung sinub ko ni coach Tim, dun na medyo. Basta ang daming term ng mga PT. Talaga parang medyo nagkulang yung oxygen sa ano ko. Medyo, nag-faint ako konti,” he added.

     

    The incident understandably raised concerns within the Ginebra camp, especially given Aguilar’s importance to the team’s interior defense and rebounding. However, the veteran confirmed that he was fully cleared by the team’s medical staff before returning to practice and eventually making his comeback against TNT.

     

    For Aguilar, simply being able to return to the floor before the playoffs was already a major relief. After spending weeks recovering and monitoring his condition, the former Gilas Pilipinas standout expressed gratitude that the injury did not become more serious.

     

    “Thankful na rin ako kasi ganun lang yung nangyari. Hindi naman masyado malala. Masaya ako nakaisang game ako before the playoffs. We are working hard para ready lang sa playoffs. Weird lang talaga yung nangyari. Ang dami kong bagsak sa career ko, pero first time yun,” Aguilar concluded.

     

    The victory over TNT also highlighted Ginebra’s ability to grind out wins against elite competition even while managing injuries and lineup adjustments throughout the conference. The team leaned on its trademark discipline, defensive execution, and veteran composure to close out the elimination round on a high note.

     

    With momentum now firmly on their side, the Gin Kings head into the quarterfinals carrying a crucial twice-to-beat advantage. They are set to face the Phoenix Fuel Masters on Friday, May 15, once again at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, where Ginebra hopes to continue its strong Commissioner’s Cup campaign and strengthen its bid for another PBA championship.

     

     

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  • Filipino star Lito Adiwang says tough sparring helps prepare for upcoming ONE Championship fight 

    Filipino star Lito Adiwang says tough sparring helps prepare for upcoming ONE Championship fight 

    Filipino MMA standout Lito Adiwang continues to strengthen his reputation as one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting mixed martial arts prospects, combining explosive striking with relentless forward pressure that has made him a fan favorite under the ONE Championship banner.

     

    Known widely by his moniker “Thunder Kid,” Adiwang has steadily built his career in ONE Championship, where he has become one of the Philippines’ most recognizable combat sports athletes on the international stage. His rise has been marked by a string of memorable performances, technical improvements, and a willingness to test himself against elite regional and global competition.

     

    Adiwang’s most recent outing came at ONE Fight Night 37, held at the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand, on November 8, 2025. There, he delivered a statement performance, defeating Argentina’s Mauro Mastromarini via first-round TKO. The win reinforced Adiwang’s reputation as a dangerous finisher capable of ending fights early when given the opportunity.

     

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    Since that victory, the 33-year-old Filipino striker has focused on refining his skill set and sharpening his overall game, spending an extended training period at a Bali-based camp known for hosting elite international fighters. The environment has allowed him to work alongside high-level athletes from different disciplines, further expanding his striking IQ and overall MMA adaptability.

     

    It is in this setting that Adiwang formed an unexpected but meaningful connection with English fighter Ben Woolliss, a rising talent in his own right. What began as a routine training session quickly evolved into a professional relationship built on mutual respect and competitive intensity.

    Recalling their first interaction, Adiwang explained how quickly Woolliss left an impression on him during sparring at the gym.

     

    “I had no idea about him at first. I think it was my second or third day at SOMA, and he joined an MMA class. I sparred with him, and I immediately experienced how good of a striker he is. The pressure he brought was intense. And he’s a really smart guy, too. The mindset he brings to striking is something I admire,” Adiwang said in a media interaction.

     

    He went on to emphasize how those early exchanges helped shape his training experience in Bali, noting the value of being pushed beyond his comfort zone by a high-level partner.

     

    “I was smiling throughout because I have never sparred with someone on that level. So I have been training with him ever since. I’m happy even when he beats me up in training. I remember him hitting me with this incredible body kick. I was literally laughing like a madman because I was telling myself, ‘this is what I need,’” he added.

     

    Adiwang’s openness to challenging sparring sessions reflects his broader approach to continuous improvement, as he prepares for the next stage of his career. The Filipino contender is currently gearing up for a key bantamweight showdown against Indonesia’s multi-time national wrestling champion Eko Roni Saputra in a highly anticipated clash scheduled for Friday, May 15, at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok.

     

    With momentum building and his training sharpened by elite-level rounds in Bali, Adiwang will look to translate his preparation into another statement victory as he aims to climb further up the ONE Championship bantamweight ranks.

     

     

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  • Savannah Davison and Kath Arado lead PLDT’s emotional Mother’s Day tributes 

    Savannah Davison and Kath Arado lead PLDT’s emotional Mother’s Day tributes 

    Mother’s Day carried an added layer of emotion and meaning for the PLDT High Speed Hitters, as several of the team’s standout players took time to honor the women who have been central to their journeys both on and off the court in the Premier Volleyball League.

     

    For a squad built on discipline, resilience, and high-performance standards, the occasion became more than just a league-wide celebration. It turned into a heartfelt reminder of the personal sacrifices behind every spike, dig, and victory point earned in professional volleyball.

     

    Leading the tributes was Filipino-Canadian star Savannah Davison, who reflected on the close bond she shares with her mother, crediting her not only as a guiding figure but also as a lifelong source of inspiration and friendship.

     

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    “She never put pressure on me to achieve accolades. My mom already knows how much she means to me – she’s not only my mother, but also my best friend. If there’s anything more to say, it’s that I’m incredibly proud to be so much like her. Even with her strong and independent nature, she remains wistful, curious, and always beautiful,” Davison said.

     

    Team captain Kath Arado also shared a deeply personal message, acknowledging the sacrifices her mother made in order to support her volleyball career and family life. Arado emphasized that her success at the highest level of Philippine volleyball would not have been possible without that unwavering support system at home.

    “I wouldn’t be where I am today without her. I thank her for all the sacrifices, love, and support she’s given me and to my younger siblings,” Arado added.

     

    For opposite hitter Jessey de Leon, distance has made her appreciation for her mother even stronger. While balancing the demands of professional volleyball often keeps her away from home, she shared that staying connected through video calls helps maintain their close relationship despite the physical separation.

     

    “I will be video calling her. I’m so grateful for her and for everything she’s sacrificed for our family. She’s shown me what it really means to care for her children. I love you always,” De Leon stated.

     

    Outside hitter Alleiah Malaluan also paid tribute to her mother, describing her as her “number one supporter” through every stage of her athletic journey. Malaluan highlighted how her mother’s encouragement has remained constant, whether in moments of victory or during challenges on the court.

     

    “Mommy, thank you for everything you have done for me. Know that I am really grateful to call you my mom. I love you,” Malaluan concluded.

     

    Beyond the emotional tributes, the PLDT squad continues its campaign in the PVL with strong momentum, but the Mother’s Day reflections served as a reminder that behind every elite athlete is a support system built on love, sacrifice, and unwavering belief. For the High Speed Hitters, those foundations remain just as important as any training session or match preparation as they push forward in the season.

     

     

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  • Filipino champion Pedro Taduran eyes blockbuster unification fight with Oscar Collazo 

    Filipino champion Pedro Taduran eyes blockbuster unification fight with Oscar Collazo 

    Pedro Taduran, the reigning IBF minimumweight world champion from the Philippines, continues to strengthen his reputation as one of the most accomplished and battle-tested fighters in the country’s modern boxing era. Known for his aggressive style, durability, and ring intelligence, Taduran has become a consistent draw for boxing fans both locally and on the international stage, with his performances reinforcing his status among the elite in the minimumweight division.

     

    The Filipino champion was recently seen attending the “Fist of Fury 10: The Eliminator” event held at the Cebu Coliseum, where he closely followed the action in a key IBF world title eliminator featuring China’s DianXing Zhu and Filipino contender Ian Abne. The bout carried significant implications for the division, with Zhu ultimately emerging victorious after a grueling 12-round contest, earning the right to become Taduran’s mandatory challenger for the IBF crown.

     

    Despite the development of a new challenger in Zhu, Taduran made it clear that his immediate focus remains on a potential unification showdown with Puerto Rico’s Oscar Collazo, who currently holds both the WBO and WBA minimumweight world titles. A fight between Taduran and Collazo would determine supremacy in the division and potentially crown an undisputed champion at 105 pounds.

     

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    “Sa ngayon inaayos na po yung next kong laban. Baka August or September na yung next ko na laban. Inaayos na ni Sir Sean Gibbons yung laban ko kay Collazo. Kung maayos na, si Collazo ang una kong kakalabanin. Para sa akin si Collazo may dalawang belt na hawak siya, so siya yung pipiliin ko na kalabanin,” Taduran said during the event.

     

    “Baka ngayong July babalik na ako sa U.S. Baka malagay ako sa undercard ng Pacquiao-Mayweather, kami ni Collazo,” he added.

    The 29-year-old champion has been steadily active in discussions surrounding major fights in the division, with his team reportedly working on securing the biggest possible opportunities on the international stage. Taduran’s willingness to face elite opposition underscores his ambition to unify world titles and cement his legacy in Philippine boxing history.

     

    At ringside in Cebu, Taduran carefully observed the eliminator between Zhu and Abne, analyzing styles and potential future matchups. Zhu’s victory not only elevated him into mandatory position but also introduced a new layer of intrigue to the division’s landscape, with multiple high-stakes fights now looming for the IBF champion.

     

    Should the unification bout with Collazo fail to materialize, Taduran acknowledged that a showdown with Zhu could be next on the horizon, adding further complexity to his upcoming fight schedule. Either way, the Filipino champion appears set for a defining stretch in his career, with major world title fights firmly within reach.

     

    Reflecting on the eliminator bout, Taduran praised both fighters for their toughness and technical ability, while also noting how their styles could translate into interesting matchups for him in the future.

     

    “Napakagandang laban, umabot ng 12 rounds, pareho silang matibay, lalo na si Abne, matibay din. Para sa akin, maganda yung style ng Chinese kasi pabor din siya sa style ko. Fighter kasi siya, hindi na ako hahabol sa kanya sa ring,” Pedro concluded.

     

    As negotiations continue behind the scenes, Taduran remains focused on preparation, knowing that the coming months could define his standing not only in the minimumweight division but also in Philippine boxing history. Whether it is a unification clash with Collazo or a mandatory defense against Zhu, the IBF champion is poised for another high-stakes chapter in his career.

     

     

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