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  • POC confirms 101-athlete delegation for Asian Beach Games 2026

    POC confirms 101-athlete delegation for Asian Beach Games 2026

    The Philippine Olympic Committee (Philippine Olympic Committee) has confirmed that Team Philippines is fully prepared for its participation in the sixth edition of the Asian Beach Games, set to be held from April 22 to 30 in Sanya, China.

     

    POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino expressed confidence that all logistical and sporting preparations are in place as the country sends a 101-athlete delegation to compete across multiple disciplines in the continental beach sports showcase.

     

    Tolentino also highlighted the importance of the closing ceremony, where the Philippines is set to take center stage as the official host of the next edition of the Games in 2028, which will be staged in Cebu.

     

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    “Everything and everyone’s ready from opening to closing. We are also focused on the closing ceremony in Sanya, where the Asian Beach Games flag will be turned over to representatives from 2028 host Cebu,” Tolentino said in a media interaction.

     

    The symbolic turnover marks a major milestone for Philippine sports, as the country prepares to host a continental multi-sport event for beach and coastal disciplines for the first time in history, further boosting its profile in international sporting governance.

    Leading Team Philippines is decorated jiu-jitsu champion Annie Ramirez, a two-time Asian Beach Games gold medalist, who is expected to guide a strong and experienced core of athletes in Sanya. She will be joined by fellow standout Kaila Napolis, as well as key contingents from beach volleyball, 3×3 basketball, triathlon, wrestling, and handball.

     

    The Philippine beach volleyball squads and 3×3 basketball teams are also expected to be among the country’s strong medal prospects, alongside endurance-focused entries in triathlon and other combat sports categories. Despite the optimism surrounding the delegation, Tolentino acknowledged the level of competition and the challenge ahead, noting that podium finishes will not come easily.

     

    “It’s been 10 years since the last Beach Games. But we have athletes in jiu-jitsu, beach volleyball, and handball, and we also have entries in wrestling and triathlon,” he added.

     

    The Asian Beach Games returns after a decade-long hiatus, with the last edition held in 2016 in Da Nang, Vietnam. The event has previously been staged in Bali (2008), Muscat, Oman (2010), Haiyang, China (2012), and Phuket, Thailand (2014), reflecting its rotating international footprint across Asia’s coastal sporting hubs.

     

    This year’s edition is expected to gather around 45 National Olympic Committees under the Olympic Council of Asia, with additional participation from invited countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, and the Solomon Islands, further elevating the level of competition.

     

    Historically, the Philippines has collected a total of five gold, 10 silver, and 35 bronze medals across its previous Asian Beach Games campaigns, with jiu-jitsu and combat sports consistently providing the country’s strongest performances.

     

    As the delegation departs for Sanya, expectations remain measured but hopeful, with Team Philippines aiming not only to improve its medal tally but also to build momentum ahead of hosting duties in 2028.

     

     

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  • Manny Pacquiao calls for stronger global investment in youth sports in United Nations speech

    Manny Pacquiao calls for stronger global investment in youth sports in United Nations speech

    Philippine boxing legend Manny Pacquiao continues to expand his influence far beyond the ring, this time taking center stage at a United Nations session in New York City, where he delivered a keynote address on the power of sport in shaping young lives and promoting peace.

     

    Widely regarded as the greatest athlete to emerge from the Philippines—and one of the most accomplished boxers in history—Pacquiao was invited to speak at the UN event titled “Sports for Youth Empowerment and Prevention of Violent Extremism.” The session highlighted how sports can serve as a powerful tool in addressing social issues, fostering unity, and creating opportunities for youth in vulnerable communities.

     

    During his address, Pacquiao reflected on his personal journey from extreme poverty in General Santos City to becoming an eight-division world champion and global sporting icon. He emphasized how discipline, structure, and hope—instilled through boxing—transformed the trajectory of his life.

     

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    Growing up in hardship, Pacquiao said sport became his pathway out of poverty and a foundation for personal growth. His story, he noted, is not unique, as many young people around the world face similar struggles and are in need of guidance and opportunity.

     

    At the core of his message was a call for stronger global investment in youth sports programs, particularly in underserved and conflict-affected regions. Pacquiao highlighted examples from the Philippines, including community-based sports initiatives in Mindanao, where organized athletic programs have helped promote peace, trust, and social cohesion in areas historically affected by conflict.

    “Today, there are many young people around the world waiting for that same opportunity. They need support. They need guidance. They need a path forward. We must not fail them,” Pacquiao said.

     

    He further urged world leaders and institutions to recognize sport as more than competition, but as a vehicle for development, education, and long-term peacebuilding.

     

    “Let us work together to strengthen the role of sport as a tool for peace, development, and the prevention of violence and extremism. Let us invest in our youth and expand opportunities for them to grow and succeed. And let us ensure that every young person, no matter where they come from, has the chance to choose a better future,” he added.

     

    Pacquiao’s appearance at the UN was made possible through an invitation from the Philippine Mission to the United Nations. He previously served as a UN Games Ambassador, a role that further solidified his advocacy for youth development and sports diplomacy on the global stage.

     

    Beyond his political and philanthropic work, Pacquiao remains a towering figure in global sport. His achievements in boxing—spanning multiple weight divisions and decades of dominance—have earned him a place among the all-time greats. Yet, as his latest UN appearance shows, his legacy continues to evolve well beyond championship belts and historic fights.

     

    From world titles to global advocacy, Pacquiao’s message remains consistent: sport has the power to change lives, and every young person deserves the chance to discover that path.

     

     

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  • Unbeaten star Carl Jammes Martin returns to the ring against Carlo Demecillo in Taguig

    Unbeaten star Carl Jammes Martin returns to the ring against Carlo Demecillo in Taguig

    Rising Filipino boxer Carl Jammes Martin continues to cement his status as one of the country’s brightest young prospects, with his unbeaten record and growing list of accomplishments placing him firmly on the radar of the international boxing scene. The reigning WBC Asia super bantamweight champion has steadily built a reputation as a relentless and disciplined fighter, combining power and precision to dominate his division.

     

    The 26-year-old southpaw is set to make his highly anticipated return to the ring for the first time this year, as he takes on fellow Filipino Carlo Demecillo of Cebu. The bout is scheduled to take place at the Philippine Marine Corps facility in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, providing Martin with another opportunity to showcase his skills in front of a home crowd eager to see his continued rise.

     

    In the lead-up to the fight, Martin appeared alongside his father and head trainer Abel Martin at the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum, held at the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) media room on Tuesday, April 7. During the session, Martin made it clear that his team is approaching the upcoming bout with a long-term objective in mind, treating it as a crucial stepping stone toward a world title opportunity.

     

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    “The whole team is treating this as a title eliminator so that we will have a chance to be ready to fight for the world title,” Martin said.

     

    The mindset reflects not only confidence in his current form but also a calculated approach to his career progression. Despite his rapid ascent and spotless record, Martin and his camp remain grounded, choosing to prioritize proper preparation over rushing into high-stakes fights prematurely.

    His father, Abel, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing patience and readiness as key factors in their journey toward a potential world championship bout.

     

    “We’re not in a hurry. It’s hard to be in a hurry and don’t know what to expect. I hope it won’t take long and we will be given the chance to vie in a world title fight this year,” he added.

     

    Martin enters the fight with an unblemished professional record of 20 wins with no losses, an impressive slate made even more remarkable by the fact that all 20 victories have come by way of knockout. His perfect knockout ratio underscores his reputation as a dangerous finisher, capable of ending fights at any moment.

     

    He was last seen in action in October at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where he secured a unanimous decision victory over Thailand’s Aran Dipaen. The bout was part of the 50th-anniversary celebration of the historic Thrilla in Manila, adding further significance to his performance on a commemorative card honoring one of boxing’s most iconic events.

     

    Beyond his in-ring success, Martin recently reaffirmed his commitment to MP Promotions, the promotional outfit founded by eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao. The renewed partnership is expected to provide Martin with greater exposure and opportunities on the global stage as he inches closer to a world title shot.

     

    Currently ranked No. 2 in the world by the World Boxing Organization (WBO), Martin is widely viewed as a legitimate contender poised to challenge for a championship in the near future. With his combination of youth, power, and disciplined guidance from his team, the upcoming bout against Demecillo could serve as another crucial step toward fulfilling his ambition of becoming a world champion.

     

    As expectations continue to rise, all eyes will be on Martin as he looks to maintain his perfect record and move one step closer to boxing’s biggest stage.

     

     

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  • Philippine powerlifters flex growing depth with 36-medal haul in China tilt 

    Philippine powerlifters flex growing depth with 36-medal haul in China tilt 

    The Philippines did not just come home from Hainan with medals. It came home with a stronger case that powerlifting is quietly becoming one of the country’s most productive emerging sports on the international stage.

     

    At the 2026 East/Southeast Asia Subregional Championships held from March 26 to 30 in China, the Filipino team turned in a commanding all-around performance, collecting 36 medals, three special awards, and two national records in a campaign that highlighted not just individual strength, but the growing depth of the program.

     

    What stood out most was the consistency.

     

    According to the Powerlifting Association of the Philippines (PAP), every Filipino delegate managed to finish on the podium during the five-day competition — a rare kind of across-the-board success that says just as much about the system behind the team as it does about the athletes themselves.

     

    “Every delegate was able to bring home a medal for the country. We hope this sets the tone for our international calendar this year,” said PAP president and head of delegation Filippo Scarlata, noting that the next competition will be the Asian Juniors Championships from May 10 to 15.

     

    That clean sweep helped the national team finish with 22 gold medals, 10 silvers, and four bronzes, as the Philippines stacked podium finishes across multiple divisions and categories.

    The medalists included Adrian Perillo, James de Luna, Juan Teodoro Zabala, Jose Virgil Perez, Ryant Relos, Emilion Florendo, Audrick Khong Hun, John Sorima, Rayven Villasotes, Anya Pinzon, Jomara Chan, and Clara Buenconsejo.

     

    But beyond the medal count, the meet also revealed how many different ways the Filipinos made their mark.

     

    Relos, Chan, and Pinzon each established new national and individual lift records, while the Philippine squad also secured Best Team honors in both the Men’s Open and Men’s Masters I divisions — a sign that the country was not simply winning isolated events, but performing at a high level across an entire team structure.

     

    Perez added to that haul by earning Best Lifter honors, while Zabala, competing internationally for the first time, still managed to finish third in the Best Lifter rankings.

     

    That result gave Zabala one of the more memorable storylines of the Philippine campaign, especially given the mental hurdle that came with stepping onto an international platform for the first time.

     

    “My first attempt in the squat was the most challenging,not physically, but mentally, because it was my first time representing the Philippines internationally,” he said.

     

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    That quote captures something important about the sport that often gets lost behind the numbers.

     

    Powerlifting is built on measurable strength, but performances like these also demand control, confidence, and composure under pressure — especially in a setting where every lift is magnified and every successful attempt contributes not just to personal totals, but to national standing.

    The Philippines showed that kind of poise throughout the meet.

     

    In the Men’s Open division, the Filipinos finished on top with 40 points, comfortably ahead of Thailand’s 31, in a field that also included Vietnam, China, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, and Malaysia.

     

    The Men’s Masters I race was even tighter, but the Philippines still found a way through. The team ended level with Malaysia on 24 points before claiming the top spot via higher good lift scores, finishing with 155.91 to edge out the competition.

     

    That ability to win both clearly and narrowly may be one of the most encouraging takeaways for PAP moving forward.

     

    This was not just a team carried by one or two headline names. It was a delegation that showed range — from first-time internationals to award winners, from record breakers to veterans capable of helping secure team titles.

     

    That matters as the calendar begins to get busier.

     

    Locally, PAP is set to hold the Luzon Regionals from May 26 to 31, the Mindanao Regionals from June 13 to 14, and the Visayas Regionals from September 19 to 20. The Equipped Nationals are scheduled for August 8 to 9, while the National Equipped Bench Press Championships will be held on April 12 at Robinsons Otis.

     

    Internationally, the stakes only rise from here.

     

    The Asian Sub-Juniors and Juniors Classic and Equipped Championships, along with the University Cup, are set from May 10 to 15 in Hainan, while the World Classic and Equipped Bench Press Championships will follow from May 23 to 31 in Warsaw, Poland. The World Classic Open Powerlifting Championships are also scheduled from June 13 to 21 in Druskininkai, Lithuania.

    For a team coming off a sweep-heavy performance in China, those upcoming meets now feel less like distant targets and more like real opportunities to keep momentum going.

     

    And for athletes like Zabala, who are only beginning to experience the international level, the result in Hainan may end up being more than just a successful debut — it could be the start of something much bigger.

     

    He also took the chance to point out a distinction often misunderstood outside the sport, noting that powerlifting is made up of the squat, bench press, and deadlift, while weightlifting consists of the snatch and the clean and jerk.

     

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  • Linz Open director hails Alex Eala as an “amazing player” ahead of tournament debut

    Linz Open director hails Alex Eala as an “amazing player” ahead of tournament debut

    The Linz Open—officially known as the Upper Austria Ladies Linz—continues to strengthen its reputation as one of the premier stops on the WTA Tour calendar, with the 2026 edition marking a significant milestone in its history. Celebrating its 35th anniversary, the prestigious tournament in Linz is embracing both tradition and change, highlighted by a surface shift to indoor clay courts after years of being played on indoor hardcourts up until 2025.

     

    Adding further excitement to this landmark edition is the much-anticipated debut of Alex Eala, widely regarded as one of the brightest young stars in international tennis. The Filipina sensation’s participation not only elevates the tournament’s global appeal but also underscores the growing presence of Philippine tennis on the world stage.

     

    Tournament director Sandra Reichel expressed her enthusiasm over Eala’s inclusion, praising both her talent and her impact on the sport—particularly in the Philippines, where the young star has become a source of national pride.

     

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    “It’s great to be with the tournament around the world in the Philippines. It’s great, you have an amazing player. Alexandra is unbelievable and I think it’s great for the Philippines, for the people, for the tennis fans in the Philippines to have such an amazing player,” Reichel said during a media interaction.

     

    Reichel also emphasized the tournament’s role in nurturing the next generation of tennis stars, noting that Eala represents the future of the sport.

     

    “We are really a long-standing member of the whole tour and it’s great always to welcome new players and newcomers and players who will own the future, I would say. So it’s great to welcome Alexandra here in Linz in this special year,” she added.

    The 35th anniversary celebration has not only brought star power to the tournament but also unique logistical challenges. With matches staged at the Design Center Linz—a venue typically used for exhibitions and fairs—the organizing team undertook the complex task of constructing temporary courts tailored for elite competition.

     

    “We had to really build the courts because the facility normally you use it for fairs, so it is called the design center which is in the middle of the city and we have to build three courts, two match courts and one practice court and it took like five days to build them,” Reichel explained.

     

    Despite the tight timeline and demanding setup, Reichel expressed confidence in her team’s execution, highlighting the overwhelmingly positive feedback from players and officials.

     

    “I always say I have the best team of the world, so my team was really very challenged in the last days but I have very positive feedback on the court and I think it will be a great tournament this year. Yes. It’s a temporary court. So after the tournament we cut it out and but it can be recycled again because it would have been really a nightmare to what we are doing with the court and it will be recycled after,” she continued.

     

    For Eala, the spotlight will immediately shine bright as she opens her campaign against Austria’s Julia Grabher on Tuesday, April 7. In a move that reflects both her rising stature and strong fan following, tournament organizers are planning to feature the Filipina on the main stage.

    “That’s the plan to put her on the center court,” Reichel confirmed.

     

    Eala’s debut in Linz represents another key step in her rapidly progressing career as she continues to test herself against higher-ranked opponents on the WTA Tour. For Filipino fans, her participation in a historic edition of the Linz Open offers yet another opportunity to witness the ascent of a player widely expected to carry Philippine tennis to new heights.

     

    As the tournament celebrates its legacy while welcoming a new generation of talent, all eyes will be on Linz—not only to commemorate its storied past but also to glimpse the future of women’s tennis led by emerging stars like Alex Eala.

     

     

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  • Filipino star Pedro Taduran bounces back to retain IBF belt, eyes Oscar Collazo showdown

    Filipino star Pedro Taduran bounces back to retain IBF belt, eyes Oscar Collazo showdown

    Pedro Taduran, the Philippines’ reigning IBF minimumweight champion, continues to cement his reputation as one of the country’s premier pugilists, delivering performances that captivate boxing fans both at home and abroad.

     

    Taduran once again showcased his skill, heart, and tactical intelligence on the international stage, successfully defending his crown against Mexico’s Gustavo Perez Alvarez at the Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California. The bout ended in the seventh round when Taduran’s precise punching and relentless pressure forced the referee to stop the fight, securing another emphatic victory for the Filipino champion.

     

    The fight began with Alvarez taking the early initiative, using his speed and combination punching to pressure Taduran in the first two rounds. Alvarez’s sharp one-two combos and aggressive movement seemed to put Taduran on the defensive, and his trainer Carl Penalosa admitted that if his fighter did not adjust, the bout could have ended unfavorably.

     

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    “I told myself that if the Mexican gets to do what he did in the first two rounds, Pedro would lose the title,” Penalosa said in a post-fight interview, highlighting the tense early moments that tested Taduran’s composure.

     

    But the Filipino champion remained calm and methodical. By the third round, Taduran had begun turning the tide, landing sharp straight punches and powerful hooks that rocked Alvarez. His counterattacks culminated in four knockdowns, demonstrating his accuracy, timing, and ability to capitalize on his opponent’s mistakes. Taduran’s strategic shift and power ultimately led to a stoppage in the seventh round, allowing him to retain his IBF minimumweight crown with authority.

    “I felt that I could put him down when I hurt him with a body blow in the third. I always knew that I would catch him sooner or later,” Taduran said after the fight, reflecting on his patient and calculated approach inside the ring.

     

    The victory marked a significant milestone in Taduran’s career. The Libon, Albay native improved his professional record to 20-4-1, with 14 wins coming by knockout, while handing Alvarez only his second defeat in 18 professional bouts. The win not only solidifies Taduran’s position atop the IBF minimumweight division but also demonstrates his continued evolution as a world-class fighter capable of handling pressure and adversity.

     

    After the fight, Taduran indicated he would take a short break of two to three weeks to celebrate his victory and recover before resuming his training regimen. “After that, I will be doing some running again. Not exactly the start of training camp, but I will make sure that I do not gain too much weight,” he explained, signaling his focus on maintaining peak conditioning for future fights.

     

    Looking ahead, Taduran’s team is already planning for high-stakes matchups. Sean Gibbons, president of Manny Pacquiao MP Promotions, who promotes Taduran, is targeting a unification bout against Puerto Rico’s Oscar Collazo. Collazo currently holds the WBO and WBA minimumweight titles, and Taduran has publicly called for a clash to determine the undisputed king of the division.

     

    “Let’s go. Let’s unify the titles so we can determine who is the best in the division,” Taduran declared, showing his ambition and confidence as he looks to elevate his name further on the global stage.

     

    With his combination of technical skill, knockout power, and resilience, Pedro Taduran continues to build a legacy as one of the Philippines’ finest boxing talents, thrilling fans while steadily positioning himself for bigger fights and potential unification glory.

     

     

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  • “Philippine football is improving”: Carles Cuadrat lauds PMNT effort despite failing to reach Asia Cup

    “Philippine football is improving”: Carles Cuadrat lauds PMNT effort despite failing to reach Asia Cup

    The Philippine men’s national football team endured a heart-wrenching finish to their 2027 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asia Cup qualifying campaign after drawing 1-1 with Tajikistan in their final Group A match on Tuesday, March 31.

     

    The result left both teams tied on 14 points at the top of the group, but it was Tajikistan who advanced to the continental tournament by the narrowest of margins, edging the Philippines on goal difference—+11 to +10. The dramatic finish underscored just how close the Filipinos came to punching their ticket to one of Asia’s premier football competitions, highlighting both the progress and the heartbreak of their journey.

     

    Despite the disappointment, Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president John Anthony Gutierrez praised the resilience and effort shown by the team in a statement.

     

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    “This team has shown tremendous character and growth throughout the qualifiers, finishing unbeaten against strong opposition until the very end. We move forward with pride, and gratitude to all the supporters from home and abroad. This campaign of the PMNT has laid a formidable foundation to build on for the future,” Gutierrez said.

     

    The Filipinos head coach Carles Cuadrat echoed Gutierrez’s comments, reiterating that they deserved to win and their displays goes on to showcase the steady progress of Philippine football.

    “First of all, congratulations to Tajikistan for the qualification. They have been a very tough opponent. But the reality is we drew both matches against them, and in both games, we created more chances. If you look at the statistics, we had the opportunities to win.

     

    “It is clear that Philippine football is improving. We fought until the end for qualification, and that is something we must build on,” Cuadrat added.

     

    The Philippines’ near-miss in Asia Cup qualification has not dampened the team’s determination, as they now shift focus to the upcoming ASEAN Hyundai Cup, scheduled to kick off on July 24. Drawn in Group B, the Filipinos will face stiff competition from regional heavyweights including Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Laos. The tournament will provide a crucial opportunity for the team to test the lessons learned from the AFC qualifiers and to continue building on the momentum established during their unbeaten streak against tough opposition.

     

    “We are going to prepare for the Hyundai Cup in July. The plan is to keep working and ensure we are ready to compete strongly again in Southeast Asia and aim for the highest stages of the competition,” he continued.

     

     Fans will also be eager to see how the team adapts and improves from their 2024 semifinal finish, which ended in a narrow 3-4 aggregate loss to Thailand. With a mix of experienced campaigners and emerging talent, the PMNT will be looking to make a strong statement in Southeast Asia, demonstrating that Philippine football is steadily growing in competitiveness and stature on both the regional and continental stage.

     

    While the narrow miss for the Asia Cup was painful, the team’s performances throughout the qualifiers have reinforced that Philippine football is on an upward trajectory, with a young, talented squad gaining confidence, experience, and resilience. For fans and officials alike, the hope is that the lessons learned will translate into silverware and continued success in regional competitions, cementing the country’s place among Asia’s emerging football nations.

     

     

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  • POC hopes hosting of ACC Track Cycling Championships sparks a new era for Filipino cyclists

    POC hopes hosting of ACC Track Cycling Championships sparks a new era for Filipino cyclists

    The Philippines recently marked a milestone in its cycling history by successfully hosting the 45th Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC) Track Cycling Championships alongside the 14th Asian Para Track Cycling Championships from March 25 to 31 at the Tagaytay City Velodrome. The week-long event not only showcased the continent’s top cycling talent but also positioned the country as a rising hub for track cycling in Asia.

     

    China dominated the competition, asserting its status as an Asian powerhouse by capturing 18 of the 44 gold medals available, along with 10 silvers and a bronze. Japan finished second on the medal tally, earning seven golds, seven silvers, and 10 bronze medals, while South Korea (5-9-7), Kazakhstan (4-5-2), and Chinese Taipei (3-4-5) rounded out the top five. The results reflected the depth and intensity of Asian cycling, with fierce competition in every category from elite riders to para-athletes.

     

    Despite the dominance of these traditional powerhouses, the Philippines made its presence felt. Patrick Gerard Lee secured the nation’s lone medal of the championships, taking home bronze in the para men elite scratch race. Meanwhile, Zedrick Ivan Honoric set a new national record in the flying 200 meters, signaling a bright future for local riders.

     

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    “Yes, a Filipino rider can shine in track cycling,” Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham Tolentino affirmed. His words echoed the pride of local cycling enthusiasts and underscored the country’s potential to develop world-class cyclists.

    Tolentino, who also serves as president of PhilCycling, expressed elation over the successful hosting of the championships, emphasizing that it placed both the Philippines and the Tagaytay City Velodrome firmly on the “global track cycling map.” He stressed that the event was more than just a competition; it was a stepping stone toward building a sustainable track cycling culture in the country.

     

    “We are now in the company of the global destinations for competitions and training in the track community, and the next big step is to continue the momentum—not only in hosting international events but to go full throttle on developing our very own track cyclists,” Tolentino said during a media interaction.

     

    In recognition of their achievements, both Gerard Lee and Ivan Honoric were awarded cash bonuses by the POC. Tolentino also highlighted plans to complete the track equipment at the Tagaytay Velodrome, aiming to make it a regular venue for both local and international competitions. By doing so, he hopes to provide Filipino cyclists with consistent access to world-class facilities and the chance to compete against top-tier international talent without leaving home.

     

    “This was a dream that came to reality, and we will continue to progress on that reality,” Tolentino concluded.

     

    The successful hosting of the ACC Track Cycling Championships has already sparked excitement in the local cycling community, inspiring young riders across the Philippines. With the combination of improved facilities, international exposure, and strong institutional support, the country is positioning itself to not just participate but compete at the highest levels of Asian track cycling in the years to come.

     

     

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  • Joanie Delgaco hails rising popularity of rowing in the Philippines

    Joanie Delgaco hails rising popularity of rowing in the Philippines

    The 2026 PRA Indoor Meet marked another significant step forward for Philippine rowing, as the two-day competition drew a strong field of elite and emerging athletes over the weekend at the University Hotel in UP Diliman, Quezon City.

     

    Organized by the Philippines Rowing Association (PRA) with support from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the event brought together some of the country’s top rowers, including Olympian Joanie Delgaco, Southeast Asian Games standouts Kristine Paraon and Cris Nievarez, as well as Edgar Ilas, Van Maxilom, and Ronnie Peñarendondo. Their presence underscored both the competitive level of the meet and its growing importance within the local rowing calendar.

     

    More notably, this year’s edition highlighted the sport’s steady rise in popularity across the Philippines. From only a handful of participants in its earlier staging, the PRA Indoor Meet has now expanded to more than 100 entries—an encouraging sign for a discipline that has long remained under the radar in a sports landscape dominated by basketball and boxing.

     

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    Delgaco, the country’s first Filipina Olympic rower and a two-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist, expressed her enthusiasm over the sport’s continued growth. Having witnessed its development firsthand, she emphasized how far Philippine rowing has come in terms of visibility and participation.

     

    “We started from a small space. Now, rowing is more recognized, many people know about it, and many are getting interested. Now, I see they are really enjoying it,” Delgaco said in a media interaction.

    Her sentiments were echoed by fellow national team member Kristine Paraon, who highlighted the importance of sustained support and grassroots involvement to ensure rowing’s upward trajectory continues.

     

    “I’m happy that rowing is getting more recognized in the Philippines. PRA is really happy, many are joining the meet, unlike before. Rowing is more known, and I hope more will support it. Hope more will support and join rowing, PRA is open to those who want to try,” Paraon added.

     

    Beyond serving as a competitive platform, the PRA Indoor Meet also plays a crucial role in identifying and developing future members of the national team. With the event acting as a primary recruitment hub, aspiring athletes are given the opportunity to showcase their potential in front of coaches and officials.

     

    Leading the national team program is head coach Aliaksandra Tsekhanovich, who has been at the helm for the past three months. The foreign mentor praised the meet’s role in strengthening the country’s rowing pipeline, while also pointing out the need for broader structural development to sustain long-term growth.

     

    “I think we need to establish more rowing clubs in the regions – just in general. We need to really make rowing accessible for everyone. The Philippines is surrounded by water and there are so many places to row. We just have to grow the sport, do it right and provide more access so people can learn about it. We need to make it more popular so people can actually visualize themselves rowing,” Tsekhanovich said.

     

    Her remarks reflect a broader vision for Philippine rowing—one that goes beyond elite competition and focuses on accessibility, grassroots expansion, and nationwide engagement. With the country’s natural geography offering vast potential for water sports, stakeholders believe that rowing can flourish with the right infrastructure and sustained investment.

     

    As participation numbers continue to climb and more athletes enter the fold, the PRA Indoor Meet stands as a clear indicator that rowing in the Philippines is gaining momentum. With continued support from governing bodies, athletes, and the wider sporting community, the sport appears poised to reach new heights in the years to come.

     

     

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  • Filipino-American phenom Blaze Johnson keeps Gilas option open amid rising stock

    Filipino-American phenom Blaze Johnson keeps Gilas option open amid rising stock

    Filipino-American five-star prospect Blaze Johnson continues to solidify his status as one of the brightest young talents in global basketball, with the 16-year-old widely projected as a future superstar of the sport.

     

    Already generating buzz across both the United States and the Philippines, Johnson added another major milestone to his rapidly growing résumé after leading Fil-Am Nation Select to their third consecutive NBTC National Championship on Sunday, March 29, at the Mall of Asia Arena. The dynamic 6-foot-3 guard delivered standout performances throughout the tournament, ultimately earning the prestigious Ato Badolato Most Outstanding Player award—further cementing his place among the elite prospects of his generation.

     

    Johnson’s dominance was evident on both ends of the floor, showcasing a polished offensive game, strong court vision, and defensive versatility well beyond his years. His leadership and composure in high-pressure situations played a crucial role in Fil-Am Nation Select’s sustained success, as they continued their reign as the premier program in the NBTC landscape.

     

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    With his star continuing to rise, questions surrounding Johnson’s international future have become increasingly prominent. Having secured his Philippine passport just two months before turning 16, he is now eligible to represent Gilas Pilipinas in FIBA competitions—a development that has excited Filipino basketball fans eager to see him don the national colors.

     

    “Now that I have my passport, I think I am. I know the option is there. If I don’t go to the US and play for the Team USA, I would definitely come and play here,” Johnson said in a media interaction.

     

    However, the path forward is far from straightforward. Johnson has already received an invitation to participate in the USA Basketball Men’s Junior National Team minicamp scheduled for July—an opportunity that underscores how highly he is regarded within American basketball circles.

    Should he go on to represent the United States in an official FIBA competition, it would significantly complicate any future switch to the Philippine national team due to existing FIBA eligibility rules.

     

    Despite the weight of these decisions, Johnson remains grounded and appreciative of the opportunities ahead.

     

    “It’s a rare thing in the United States. So, you know, it’s a big accomplishment, especially coming from here, then going back there, I’m just gonna be really excited,” he added.

     

    Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Johnson maintains a strong connection to his Filipino heritage through his mother’s side of the family. While he admits that language was not a central part of his upbringing, his cultural ties remain evident in other ways—particularly through food and family traditions.

     

    “It’s from my mom’s side. A lot of people don’t know. It’s really through her and her family. She doesn’t speak Tagalog, so I never really learned it, but she understands it. I still grew up eating pancit and all that. My favorite is lumpia, for sure,” Johnson continued.

     

    His appearances in the NBTC have not only elevated his profile locally but have also strengthened his bond with the Philippines, where he has quickly become a fan favorite. With several years of eligibility still ahead of him, Johnson is expected to remain a fixture in future editions of the tournament, giving local supporters more opportunities to witness his development firsthand.

     

    “I will probably be back next year and the year after. I’m only 16. Just know you’re going to hear my name a lot,” he concluded.

     

    As his journey unfolds, Blaze Johnson stands at the crossroads of two basketball powerhouses, with his decision on the international stage poised to carry significant implications. For now, though, the focus remains on his continued growth—one that is already turning heads and signaling the arrival of a truly special talent.

     

     

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