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Tag: Philippines

  • Injury blow for Barangay Ginebra as Japeth Aguilar is sidelined with lung complication 

    Injury blow for Barangay Ginebra as Japeth Aguilar is sidelined with lung complication 

    The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel once again showed why they remain one of the premier franchises in the Philippine Basketball Association, overpowering the Titan Ultra Giant Risers, 119–107, on Sunday, April 26, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The victory allowed the Gin Kings to continue their steady rise in the standings as the Commissioner’s Cup elimination round intensifies.

     

    Barangay Ginebra leaned on its star duo of Justin Brownlee and RJ Abarrientos, who delivered another offensive masterclass. Brownlee led the charge with 35 points, showcasing his all-around brilliance and leadership, while Abarrientos provided a crucial scoring punch with 25 markers, keeping the pressure on the Titan defense throughout the contest. Their combined firepower proved too much for the Risers, particularly in the second half where Ginebra created enough separation to secure the win.

     

    Despite the convincing result, the Gin Kings had to navigate the game without veteran big man Japeth Aguilar, whose absence was felt in the paint. Aguilar was sidelined due to a lung issue and is currently recovering in the hospital after suffering a hard fall during Ginebra’s 115–107 victory over the Blackwater Bossing last weekend.

     

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    The team remains optimistic about Aguilar’s condition. He is expected to be discharged either Monday or Tuesday, though his return to game action remains uncertain. His injury has prompted concern given his importance to Ginebra’s interior defense and rebounding presence, but early indications suggest the situation is not life-threatening.

    Head coach Tim Cone addressed Aguilar’s status during the postgame press conference, admitting that even he is still trying to fully understand the medical details.

     

    “I really can’t tell you, I can’t even pronounce the words they were using. He basically has some air in his lungs and they had to take it out. There is a medical term for it, but I can’t tell you what it is,” Cone said.

     

    “I believe he is still in the hospital. We expect him to come out tomorrow or Tuesday. We don’t really know a timeframe in terms of when he will be back to the lineup and be ready to play, I think the first step is wait for him to leave the hospital.

     

    “He is out of danger and he is not serious apparently. I hope I’m telling you the right information, but that’s what I know so far. Hopefully, we will put a game plan together in terms of getting him back in the lineup,” he concluded.

     

    In Aguilar’s absence, Ginebra’s depth and system once again came to the fore. The team compensated with increased activity on both ends, relying on quick ball movement, perimeter shooting, and disciplined defense to neutralize any disadvantage inside. Their ability to adapt without one of their key veterans underscores the depth and championship pedigree that has defined the franchise for years.

     

    With momentum on their side, the Gin Kings will look to extend their winning run when they face the Meralco Bolts on Friday, May 1, once again at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The upcoming matchup presents another opportunity for Ginebra to solidify its position in the standings while continuing to adjust in the absence of Aguilar.

     

     

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  • Team Philippines wins silver in women’s 4x60m relay at Asian Beach Games 2026

    Team Philippines wins silver in women’s 4x60m relay at Asian Beach Games 2026

    Team Philippines continued its strong showing in the 2026 Asian Beach Games, adding another podium finish in Sanya, China, after the women’s sprint relay team captured the silver medal in the 4×60-meter event on Sunday, April 26.

     

    The quartet delivered one of the Philippines’ most competitive performances in the athletics competition so far, with Laurance leading the charge alongside Lianne Diana Pama, Shane Joy Ponce, and Kristina Marie Knott. The group combined speed, coordination, and composure on the sand track to secure second place and further boost the country’s medal haul.

     

    The Philippine team clocked 29.73 seconds, narrowly missing out on gold after a tightly contested finish against Thailand. The Thai squad edged the Filipinas by just 0.27 seconds, registering a winning time of 29.46 seconds. Host nation China completed the podium with a 30.42-second finish to claim the bronze medal.

     

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    Despite the close defeat, the silver medal marked another significant achievement for the delegation, which has been steadily building momentum in the competition. The result also highlighted the team’s adaptability in beach athletics, a discipline that presents unique challenges compared to traditional track events due to uneven surfaces and modified exchange rules.

     

    Laurance, who earlier secured bronze in the women’s 60-meter dash, reflected on her unexpected success in the sand-based competition.

    “It feels great. Honestly, I came here not knowing what to expect. I really just wanted to have fun and see what I could do on sand. I have never run on sand and I really beat my expectations. So, I’m really happy,” Laurance said in a media interaction.

     

    Her teammate Kristina Marie Knott also emphasized the technical difficulties of the event, particularly the modified relay format that demands quicker, more precise exchanges within a compressed zone.

     

    “It’s so different. There’s no baton. The exchange zone is three meters versus 30 meters. So, I think that was our only enemy in the race – the zone,” Knott added.

     

    The performance underscores the Philippines’ growing competitiveness in the Asian Beach Games, where adaptability and technical precision are just as crucial as raw speed. The relay team’s cohesion was evident throughout the race, especially during the exchange phases that kept them in contention for the gold until the final stretch.

     

    With this latest silver, Team Philippines continues its impressive campaign in Sanya, maintaining a strong position in the overall medal standings. The delegation currently sits third overall with seven medals, including three golds, two silvers, and two bronzes.

     

    Host nation China continues to dominate the leaderboard with 28 total medals, leveraging home advantage and depth across multiple disciplines. Thailand holds second place with 12 medals, while Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates complete the top five with eight and six medals, respectively.

     

    As the competition progresses, the Philippine contingent remains optimistic about adding more medals to its tally, particularly in athletics and select beach sports where several athletes are still in contention.

     

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  • Alexandria Luz Enriquez wins first gold for Philippines at 2026 Asian Beach Games in jiu-jitsu 

    Alexandria Luz Enriquez wins first gold for Philippines at 2026 Asian Beach Games in jiu-jitsu 

    Team Philippines struck gold for the first time at the ongoing 2026 Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China, courtesy of a commanding performance from Alexandria Luz Enriquez, who captured the women’s ne-waza 63-kilogram jiu-jitsu title on Thursday, April 23.

     

    Enriquez, who trains and is based in the United States but proudly represents the Philippines, delivered a composed and dominant showing throughout the competition, capped by a decisive 5–0 victory over South Korea’s Yeonni Lee in the final. Her triumph not only secured the country’s first gold of the Games but also added another milestone to the Philippines’ growing reputation in international jiu-jitsu competition.

     

    The Filipino-American athlete began her campaign in emphatic fashion, recording back-to-back submission victories against opponents from China and Thailand to immediately establish herself as a strong contender for the podium. In the semifinals, Enriquez faced a stern test against Shamma Alkalbani, where both athletes were locked in a tightly contested battle that ended in a 4–4 stalemate. Enriquez ultimately advanced via advantage scoring, demonstrating tactical awareness and composure under pressure to book her place in the final.

     

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    In the championship match, Enriquez asserted control early and never relinquished momentum, securing a clean 5–0 win to claim the gold medal in dominant fashion.

     

    Speaking after her victory, an emotional Enriquez reflected on her journey and connection to her heritage.

     

    “I feel so much pride and joy. First of all, glory to God. I was born in the Philippines and then we immigrated to the States when I was a very young child, six years old. To be able to come back as an adult and experience this, and to be part of something much larger than myself, is such a great honor,” she said.

    Her triumph marked a significant moment not only personally but also for the Philippine delegation, as it became the nation’s sixth overall gold medal in Asian Beach Games history. The achievement comes as the Philippines continues to build momentum in combat sports on the continental stage.

     

    Philippine chef de mission Don Z. Caringal praised Enriquez’s performance, highlighting both its competitive significance and symbolic value.

     

    “Alexandria showed the heart of a true Filipino warrior today. To win gold here in Sanya, against the best in the continent, sets a high standard for our hosting in 2028. This is a proud moment for the entire nation,” Caringal said.

     

    Enriquez’s gold-medal performance came shortly after teammate Kaila Napolis added to the country’s medal tally with a bronze in the same discipline. Napolis, a former silver medalist at the 2016 Asian Beach Games, once again demonstrated her consistency at the elite level, grinding out a hard-fought campaign before falling just short of the final.

     

    “Sobrang nakakakaba. Kasi bawal magkamali. With overtime, the first to have an advantage na yung mananalo. So super tight talaga ng laban,” Napolis said, describing the intensity of her matches.

     

    Elsewhere in the competition, Andrea Lois Lao narrowly missed out on a podium finish after losing her bronze medal match to Thailand’s Orapa Senatham, 3–0. The Philippine campaign also saw early exits for Myron Mangubat, Maria Ysabel Laureta, and Santino Luis Luzuriaga, who were all eliminated in the opening round of their respective divisions.

     

    Despite mixed results across the roster, Enriquez’s breakthrough gold and Napolis’ podium finish underscored the Philippines’ growing strength in jiu-jitsu, offering an encouraging start to the nation’s Asian Beach Games campaign and reinforcing expectations ahead of future international competitions.

     

     

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  • Former world champion Ruslan Provodnikov hopeful of fighting Manny Pacquiao in June

    Former world champion Ruslan Provodnikov hopeful of fighting Manny Pacquiao in June

    Boxing fans around the world are once again fixated on one of the sport’s most iconic rivalries, as renewed reports continue to circulate about a potential rematch between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao—nearly a decade after their blockbuster first meeting in 2015.

     

    Multiple online announcements, some attributed to streaming giant Netflix, have fueled speculation that the two boxing legends are being lined up to face each other on September 19 in Las Vegas (September 20 in the Philippines). Reports suggest the bout could take place at the state-of-the-art Sphere Las Vegas, a venue known for its cutting-edge immersive design and never before used for a professional boxing event.

     

    If finalized, the event would mark a historic first for the sport, with boxing staged inside one of the most technologically advanced arenas in the world. The spectacle is already being described as a potential global entertainment milestone, combining nostalgia, star power, and innovation in live sports presentation.

     

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    Netflix is also reportedly set to broadcast the event exclusively worldwide, continuing its aggressive expansion into live sports programming. In a social media post on X (formerly Twitter), the platform described the proposed matchup as a “landmark moment” for boxing, bringing together two of the most recognizable and commercially influential fighters of the modern era on an unprecedented stage.

     

    The renewed buzz around Mayweather–Pacquiao has reignited global debate over what would be one of the most anticipated rematches in boxing history. Their first encounter in May 2015 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas remains one of the highest-grossing fights of all time, despite criticism over its lack of action and Pacquiao’s shoulder injury at the time.

    While negotiations and preparations for the potential rematch continue to develop, attention has also turned to other fighters seeking opportunities tied to Pacquiao’s return.

     

    Ruslan Provodnikov, a former World Boxing Organization light-welterweight and welterweight champion, has expressed his continued desire to face Pacquiao in the ring before any potential clash with Mayweather materializes.

     

    Provodnikov, widely known for his relentless fighting style and nickname “The Siberian Rocky,” was originally scheduled to face Pacquiao last Saturday in what would have been a notable comeback bout for both fighters. However, the matchup was ultimately postponed, leaving uncertainty over whether it will be rescheduled in the near future.

     

    “It’s disappointing that the fight won’t take place in April, but I’m hopeful it will happen in June. I really hope so, and I believe it. We have prepared everything. As soon as they give the go-ahead, I will pack my bag and be ready to fly to America with my team,” Provodnikov said in a media interaction.

     

    The Russian slugger retired from professional boxing in 2016 with a record of 25–5, including 18 knockouts, leaving behind a reputation as one of the most aggressive and fan-friendly fighters of his generation. His brief return to the conversation highlights the continued appetite for nostalgic matchups involving boxing’s biggest names from the past decade.

     

    Meanwhile, Pacquiao’s camp is reportedly keen on keeping the Filipino icon active in a professional setting ahead of any potential showdown with Mayweather, further intensifying speculation about how his return to high-profile competition will unfold.

     

    As discussions continue behind the scenes, the possibility of Mayweather vs. Pacquiao II—especially in a groundbreaking venue like the Sphere—remains one of the most closely watched developments in global sports. If it comes to fruition, it would not only revive one of boxing’s greatest rivalries but also potentially redefine how major combat sports events are staged and consumed worldwide.

     

     

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  • “He is a self-proclaimed GOAT”: Manny Pacquiao says he has a better legacy than Floyd Mayweather

    “He is a self-proclaimed GOAT”: Manny Pacquiao says he has a better legacy than Floyd Mayweather

    Boxing fans around the world are once again turning their attention to a rivalry that defined an era, as reports continue to build around a potential rematch between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao nearly a decade after their historic first meeting.

     

    Multiple announcements circulating online—some attributed to Netflix—indicate that the two legends are set to face off on September 19 in Las Vegas (September 20 in the Philippines), with the bout reportedly scheduled at the cutting-edge Sphere. If confirmed, the event would mark the first professional boxing match to be staged at the venue, adding another layer of intrigue to an already headline-grabbing spectacle.

     

    The streaming giant is also expected to carry the fight exclusively worldwide, signaling a continued push into live sports programming. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Netflix described the potential clash as a landmark moment for boxing—bringing together two of the most recognizable figures of the modern era on an unprecedented stage.

     

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    The announcement has quickly reignited global interest, reviving memories of their long-awaited 2015 showdown at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Billed as the “Fight of the Century,” that bout saw Mayweather secure a unanimous decision victory, maintaining his undefeated record while capturing the WBA (Super), WBC, and The Ring welterweight titles. Despite breaking pay-per-view records and generating massive revenue, the fight drew mixed reactions, with some fans feeling it fell short of expectations inside the ring.

    Since then, both fighters have further cemented their legacies. Mayweather retired from professional boxing in 2017 with a flawless 50–0 record, widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive tacticians in the sport’s history. Over a career spanning more than two decades, he captured 15 major world titles across five weight divisions, from super featherweight to light middleweight, and added an Olympic bronze medal from the 1996 Atlanta Games to his résumé.

     

    Pacquiao, on the other hand, built one of the most unique and decorated careers the sport has ever seen. The Filipino icon remains the only boxer in history to win world championships in eight different weight divisions, a feat that underscores both his versatility and longevity. Known for his explosive southpaw style and relentless pace, Pacquiao has consistently competed at the highest level across multiple eras, further enhancing his standing among boxing’s all-time greats.

     

    In the lead-up to the reported rematch, Pacquiao has already added fuel to the narrative by weighing in on the ongoing debate surrounding boxing’s greatest of all time. Speaking on “Inside the Ring,” the 47-year-old did not hold back when discussing Mayweather’s legacy.

     

    “He is a self-proclaimed GOAT. He cannot claim that he is the only undefeated fighter who retired. There’s at least more than 15 fighters that retired undefeated. But I can claim that I’m the only eight-division world champion in history. And I’m the only fighter that became a world champion in four different decades,” Pacquiao said.

     

    Pacquiao’s credentials remain unparalleled in several respects. He is the only fighter to hold world titles across four decades—the 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s—and, in July 2019, became the oldest welterweight world champion in history at age 40. He also stands as the first boxer to achieve recognized four-time welterweight champion status, further highlighting the breadth of his accomplishments.

     

    As anticipation continues to grow, the prospect of a Mayweather–Pacquiao rematch—regardless of whether it takes the form of an exhibition or official contest—has already succeeded in reigniting debate about legacy, longevity, and greatness. While it remains to be seen whether a second meeting can replicate the global impact of their first encounter, one thing is certain: the rivalry between Mayweather and Pacquiao still holds a powerful grip on the boxing world.

     

     

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  • Former Alas Pilipinas coach Jorge de Brito takes legal action against PNVF

    Former Alas Pilipinas coach Jorge de Brito takes legal action against PNVF

    Former Alas Pilipinas head coach Jorge Souza de Brito has escalated his dispute with the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), formally filing a labor complaint over alleged unpaid salaries and bonuses—marking a dramatic turn in what had been a quietly brewing conflict.

     

    De Brito confirmed on Monday, April 20, that he has initiated legal proceedings before the National Labor Relations Commission, citing what he described as repeated delays and a lack of resolution from the federation. The Brazilian tactician, who spent more than four years at the helm of the national program, expressed both disappointment and frustration over how the situation unfolded.

     

    “It is with profound sorrow, accompanied by a blend of confusion and outrage, that I must inform you of my decision to commence legal action against PNVF today,” De Brito said in a statement.

     

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    According to De Brito, a key meeting with PNVF officials on March 24 failed to produce a mutually acceptable settlement. While the federation initially sent a proposal via email after the discussions, he claimed that the offer was later withdrawn through a text message—an act he interpreted as a sign of unwillingness to resolve the issue in good faith.

     

    “Following our meeting, PNVF sent a proposal via email, which was subsequently withdrawn through a text message last week, clearly indicating an intention to delay any resolution. This marks a disappointing conclusion after four and a half years of dedicated effort and notable accomplishments for the volleyball community in the Philippines,” he added.

     

    The dispute, however, is far from one-sided.

    PNVF president Ramon ‘Tats’ Suzara—often associated with federation leadership—has not been the primary voice on this issue. Instead, it was federation figure Tonyboy Liao who earlier pushed back against De Brito’s claims, asserting that the coach had violated specific provisions in his contract. Among the alleged breaches was a restriction prohibiting him from handling a private club team while serving as head coach of the national squad.

     

    During his tenure with Alas Pilipinas, De Brito simultaneously coached the Akari Chargers in the Premier Volleyball League and has since taken on a role with the Capital1 Solar Spikers—a point the federation claims complicates his contractual standing.

     

    “If only he did not have contract violations, we would have been easy to deal with. ‘Here is everything you are claiming.’ But he had contract violations,” Liao said at the time.

     

    Despite the off-court controversy, De Brito’s impact on Philippine volleyball is difficult to dispute. Under his leadership, Alas Pilipinas experienced a period of steady growth and increased competitiveness on the international stage. The program enjoyed a breakthrough in 2024, securing three bronze medals across the Asian Volleyball Confederation Nations Cup and the Southeast Asian Volleyball League legs in Vinh Phuc and Nakhon Ratchasima.

     

    The upward trajectory continued into 2025, when the national team captured a silver medal in the Nations Cup and added two more bronze finishes in the V.League—results that underscored the program’s growing stature in the region.

     

    Now, what began as a contractual disagreement threatens to cast a shadow over those achievements. As the case heads to the National Labor Relations Commission, both parties appear set for a prolonged legal battle—one that could have broader implications for governance, contractual enforcement, and professional standards within Philippine volleyball.

     

    For De Brito, the move signals a firm stand after months of impasse. For the PNVF, it presents a challenge that extends beyond the court—into the realm of accountability and organizational credibility.

     

     

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  • “We will play, let’s see”: PNVF president keeps Alas Pilipinas expectations measured ahead of AVC Cup

    “We will play, let’s see”: PNVF president keeps Alas Pilipinas expectations measured ahead of AVC Cup

    The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) has come under increasing scrutiny in recent weeks amid growing concerns over athlete welfare, program structure, and its proposed draft system for the Alas Pilipinas Women.

     

    At the center of the debate is the reported draft mechanism for the national women’s program, which includes provisions requiring invited players to commit exclusively to the national team pool. The proposal has sparked discussion across the local volleyball community, with stakeholders raising questions about player autonomy, eligibility, and long-term athlete welfare.

     

    PNVF president Ramon “Tonyboy” Liao has moved to address the issue while steering attention back to competition, emphasizing that the immediate focus remains on preparation for the upcoming 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation Women’s Volleyball Cup. The continental tournament will be hosted in the Philippines in June, with Alas Pilipinas Women entering the competition following a silver-medal finish in the 2025 edition.

     

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    Liao stressed that while expectations are naturally elevated due to the team’s recent success and home-court advantage, the federation is not imposing rigid targets on the squad.

     

    “I don’t want to maybe say na we will copy what was garnered the last time. So ang amin is, we will play, and let’s see from then kung anong magiging resulta ng ating games,” Liao said in a press conference.

    The Philippines has been placed in a highly competitive Group A alongside Chinese Taipei, South Korea, Australia, and Uzbekistan. Liao acknowledged the difficulty of the draw, noting that all participating teams bring strong credentials into the tournament.

     

    “If you look at it, kahit saan ka mapunta, Pool A or Pool B, parang mabigat. Looking at it, parang the four teams are really, like in our pool, we have Korea and Chinese Taipei, and then Australia. The other side naman, you have Vietnam, Indonesia, and Kazakhstan.

     

    “So these are really countries na malalakas din ang women’s team. Pero siyempre, yung atin naman Alas Women’s Team, we always prepare for these kind of events. So hopefully, pagdating ng tournament sa Candon, this coming June, maganda na maging preparation,” he added.

     

    Liao also addressed the transition in leadership, particularly the appointment of head coach Tai Bundit following the departure of Brazilian tactician Jorge de Brito. Known for his intense coaching style and high expectations, Bundit is expected to begin shaping the team’s system in the coming training phase.

     

    “Coach Tai Bundit is sabihin nating he hates losing, as you know. So talagang ang preparation niya will be especially ngayon, ang tinitingnan kasi niya na past performance was silver. So parang challenge na kagad siya. Sabi ko, huwag muna iisipin yan. Banuin muna natin yung team at saka tayo mag-training ng mga ano,” Liao said.

     

    Despite the ongoing controversy, the PNVF has already begun assembling its training pool, sending out invitations to potential Alas Pilipinas Women prospects. The federation is awaiting confirmations from clubs and universities, with national team training expected to begin in the coming weeks.

     

    The 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup is scheduled from June 6 to 14 in Candon City, Ilocos Sur, where Alas Pilipinas Women will aim to build on their recent podium finish while navigating both heightened expectations and internal program challenges.

     

     

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  • Filipino roots remain central to Marcus Smith’s England rugby success story 

    Filipino roots remain central to Marcus Smith’s England rugby success story 

    Marcus Smith has firmly established himself as one of the standout young talents in Gallagher PREM Rugby, earning widespread recognition for his performances with Harlequins, as well as his contributions to the English national team and the British and Irish Lions setup.

     

    While the 27-year-old has built his international career with England, his identity has been shaped by a rich multicultural background. Born in Parañaque, Manila, to a Filipina mother and English father, Smith has never shied away from acknowledging his Philippine roots—a connection he continues to carry with pride both on and off the field.

     

    In a recent media interaction, Smith revealed a personal ritual that reflects his dual heritage every time he steps onto the pitch.

     

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    “I play for England, and I’m very, very proud of that. But every single game, I wear lucky shorts underneath my kit with a half-Filipino flag and half-English flag. That ensures that whenever I step on the field, I remember where I came from. I remember my roots. I remember where I first picked up a rugby ball, which was in Manila,” Smith said.

     

    Smith moved to the United Kingdom at the age of 13 after a brief stint in Singapore, eventually qualifying to represent England through residency and ancestry. Despite his rise through the English rugby system, he said his formative years in the Philippines continue to influence his mindset and values.

     

    “I think growing up in the Philippines, my mom Suzanne, my dad, and my family instilled a ‘family-first’ mindset. We are very close. They pushed and inspired me to achieve my dreams, whether that was in the classroom, building discipline and focus, or just playing with friends.

     

    “They also instilled a sense of togetherness and a love for being around people, which is massively important on the field. Rugby is the ultimate team game,” he added.

    Sporting talent runs deep in the Smith family. His brothers, Tomas and Luc, have also represented the Philippines in international competitions, including the Southeast Asian Games. The trio spent their early sporting years playing for Manila Nomads, the country’s oldest active multi-sport club, while also engaging in basketball and community sports across Quezon City and Makati.

     

    Smith emphasized that his motivation extends beyond personal achievement, drawing strength from those who shaped his early development.

     

    “Whenever I play, I remember to represent all those people who helped me. The coaches in the Philippines, my friends, my teammates. I keep them in mind, and that drives me to perform in a way that makes them proud,” he said.

     

    Off the field, Smith’s Filipino connection remains strong, often highlighted by the presence of supporters and family traditions during his matches in England. His mother, in particular, is known to bring Filipino friends to games and share home-cooked meals with his teammates—an experience Smith says has helped broaden cultural appreciation within his rugby circle.

     

    “It’s always a heartwarming feeling when I come off the field and see Filipinos in the crowd. My mom brings her friends, and sometimes it’s their first time watching rugby. I’m proud that I have been able to experience Filipino heritage and share it with my teammates from England, Australia, South Africa, Argentina. They all want to visit the Philippines now. Sharing that experience shows how special Filipino people are,” Smith shared.

     

    While Smith remains fully committed to England at the international level, he has not ruled out the possibility of representing the Philippines in the future, a prospect that could significantly elevate the profile of rugby in the country.

     

    “That’s a dream,” he said.

     

    For now, Marcus Smith continues to balance elite international rugby with a deeply personal connection to his Filipino heritage. As his career progresses on the global stage, his story stands as a reminder of how sport can bridge cultures and identities. Whether or not he eventually dons Philippine colors, Smith’s influence already extends beyond the pitch—serving as an inspiration for young Filipino athletes who aspire to reach the highest levels of world rugby.

     

     

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  • “It’s a huge honor”: Annie Ramirez on being named Philippines flag bearer for 2026 Asian Beach Games

    “It’s a huge honor”: Annie Ramirez on being named Philippines flag bearer for 2026 Asian Beach Games

    The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) has confirmed that Team Philippines is fully prepared for its campaign in the sixth edition of the Asian Beach Games, set to take place from April 22 to 30 in Sanya, China. The continental multi-sport event will once again bring together elite athletes from across Asia in beach and coastal disciplines, with the Philippines fielding a sizeable and experienced delegation.

     

    POC president Abraham Tolentino expressed confidence that the country’s preparations—both logistical and competitive—are firmly in place ahead of departure. The national contingent will feature 101 athletes competing across multiple sports, including beach volleyball, 3×3 basketball, triathlon, wrestling, handball, and jiu-jitsu, among others.

     

    “Everything is ready. We have done our preparations, and the athletes are set to compete,” Tolentino said, underscoring the federation’s commitment to ensuring a smooth and competitive outing for Team Philippines in Sanya.

     

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    Leading the Philippine campaign is decorated jiu-jitsu veteran Annie Ramirez, one of the most accomplished athletes in the delegation. A two-time Asian Beach Games gold medalist, Ramirez is expected to anchor the country’s jiu-jitsu campaign while also serving as one of the team’s flag bearers and senior leaders.

     

    She will be joined by fellow jiu-jitsu standout Kaila Napolis, forming a strong core for the sport that has historically delivered some of the Philippines’ best performances in the Asian Beach Games. Their presence is expected to boost the country’s medal chances, particularly in combat sports where the Philippines has consistently excelled.

     

    Ramirez expressed both pride and responsibility after being given one of the delegation’s leadership roles, emphasizing the significance of representing the country on a major international stage.

    “It’s a huge honor to be named one of the flag bearers for the Philippines. At the same time, it comes with added responsibility and pressure, especially in a big multi-sport event like this. I’m proud to share this moment with Yman, who is one of our rising athletes, and I believe we both represent the future and strength of Philippine jiu-jitsu,” Ramirez said.

     

    Now 35, Ramirez remains one of the country’s most reliable medal prospects. She further solidified her legacy after winning two gold medals at the JJIF World Championships last year, reinforcing her status as a world-class competitor in the discipline. Ahead of the Sanya Games, she has also transitioned to the 57kg division, a move that proved successful after she secured another gold medal last November in her new weight category.

     

    Despite the challenges of adjusting to a new division and the absence of an overseas training camp, Ramirez emphasized that her preparation has remained disciplined and structured.

     

    “My preparation has been consistent with how I approach my past competitions – staying disciplined with my training, strength and conditioning, and overall routine. The only difference this time is that I didn’t have an international training camp, but I made sure to maximize what I have locally and stay focused on my goals,” she added.

     

    Historically, the Philippines has performed competitively in the Asian Beach Games, amassing five gold, 10 silver, and 35 bronze medals in previous editions. Combat sports, particularly jiu-jitsu, have consistently been among the country’s strongest medal sources, alongside emerging success in beach volleyball and other beach-based disciplines.

     

    As Team Philippines departs for Sanya, expectations remain cautiously optimistic. While officials have avoided setting a specific medal target, the expanded and more seasoned roster is expected to improve on past performances. Beyond immediate results, the campaign is also seen as part of a longer-term build-up toward future international competitions, including the pathway to the 2028 Olympic cycle.

     

    With a blend of veteran leaders and rising talents, the Philippine delegation aims not only to contend for medals but also to further establish its presence in Asia’s growing beach sports landscape.

     

     

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  • Team Philippines targets improved medal haul in 2026 Asian Beach Games campaign 

    Team Philippines targets improved medal haul in 2026 Asian Beach Games campaign 

    The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) has confirmed that Team Philippines is fully prepared for the sixth edition of the Asian Beach Games, scheduled from April 22 to 30 in Sanya.

     

    POC president Abraham Tolentino expressed confidence that all logistical and competitive preparations are in place as the country fields a 101-athlete delegation across multiple disciplines in the continental showcase.

     

    The last edition of the Games, held in Da Nang in 2016, saw Team Philippines collect 21 medals—two gold, four silver, and 15 bronze. With a more experienced pool of athletes this time around, Tolentino believes the country is in a strong position to surpass that tally.

     

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    “Readying ready na. Actually paalis na yung 101 athletes. Kung ano man record natin, I hope we can surpass previous records. Maraming pwedeng pagkunan ng gold. So far, after previous, this delegation will be the stronger siguro no. Last one was ten years ago in Vietnam,” Tolentino said in a media interaction.

     

    Bannering the Philippine campaign is decorated jiu-jitsu standout Annie Ramirez, a two-time Asian Beach Games gold medalist who is expected to lead a seasoned core in Sanya. She will be joined by fellow jiu-jitsu ace Kaila Napolis, alongside key contingents in beach volleyball, 3×3 basketball, triathlon, wrestling, and handball.

    Historically, the Philippines has amassed five gold, 10 silver, and 35 bronze medals in the Asian Beach Games, with jiu-jitsu and other combat sports consistently serving as the country’s strongest medal sources.

     

    Off the field, the POC continues to strengthen its support system for national athletes. On Thursday, April 16, the committee formalized a partnership with Cleantech as its official fuel partner, a move Tolentino described as timely amid a packed international calendar that includes the 2026 Asian Games and the 2028 Olympic Games.

     

    “Very timely kasi marami tayong schedule of events. Lahat po ito kung ano mang tulong, maliit man o malaki, ay siguradong aabot sa ating atleta. Sana umabot ng 2028 kasi taon ng Olympics yun eh. Imagine kahit merong crisis sa Middle East, affected ang oil industry, still they managed to support our athletes. So maraming salamat,” he added.

     

    Cleantech Vice President for Finance Yeana Mercado reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting Filipino athletes, including providing incentives for medal-winning performances.

     

    “Naniniwala kami sa potential ng mga atletang Pilipino. At gusto naming maging part ng journey nila papunta sa LA 2028 Olympics, gusto namin maging parte sa kanilang gagawin. It’s part of our agreement with the POC that there will be incentives for the medalists,” Mercado said.

     

    As the delegation departs for Sanya, expectations remain grounded but optimistic. Armed with a deeper and more experienced lineup, Team Philippines aims not only to surpass its previous medal haul but also to build momentum toward future major competitions on the road to 2028.

     

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