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  • “We cannot do it alone”: Angel Mae Otom and Adeline Dumapong Ancheta urge awareness and support for Para Sports

    “We cannot do it alone”: Angel Mae Otom and Adeline Dumapong Ancheta urge awareness and support for Para Sports

    The third edition of the Women in Sports Awards took center stage at the Philippine International Convention Center on Friday, March 20, celebrating the remarkable achievements of Filipino women athletes across multiple disciplines. The annual event continues to shine a spotlight on excellence in sports while championing inclusivity, empowerment, and the continued growth of women’s participation in athletics nationwide.

     

    Among the standout honorees were para sports trailblazers Adeline Dumapong Ancheta and Angel Mae Otom, both recognized for their contributions to Philippine sports and their role in elevating awareness for athletes with disabilities.

     

    Otom emerged as one of the night’s biggest winners, taking home the Para Athlete of the Year award following a dominant showing at the 2026 ASEAN Para Games in Thailand, where she captured five gold medals and one silver. The young para swimmer also etched her name in the record books by breaking an 18-year-old mark in the women’s 100-meter backstroke, further cementing her status as one of the country’s rising stars in para sports.

     

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    Meanwhile, Dumapong Ancheta, a true pioneer in Philippine athletics, was honored for her enduring legacy. She made history at the 2000 Sydney Paralympics by becoming the first Filipino to win a medal in the Paralympic Games, securing a bronze in powerlifting—an achievement that opened doors for future generations of para athletes in the country.

     

    Now 52, Dumapong Ancheta continues to be a leading advocate for the growth and recognition of para sports in the Philippines. She emphasized the importance of building a strong support system for athletes with disabilities, noting that even simple acts such as raising awareness can have a meaningful impact.

    “Siguro, kasi palaging as an advocate, palagi kong sinasabi na kailangan namin ng mga allies, mga kakampi, because we really cannot do it alone. And one of the most practical things siguro ay yung pag-suporta,” Dumapong Ancheta said during the event.

     

    “Paano ipapakita ang pag-suporta? Siguro, we talk of things like this. Alam mo yun, we share topics like this in social media. Napaka-importante nun because I think it is the only way to really gisingin ang kamalya ng mga tao, ng bawat Pilipino na kasama kami, nandito din kami. We can share the stories of yung mga ordinaryo na mga atleta na may kapansanan. So yun lang naman yung sa tingin ko na most practical for now,” she added.

     

    Echoing the same sentiment, Otom highlighted the progress that para sports has made in recent years, while also stressing the need for continued visibility and support. She pointed out that increased exposure—particularly through digital platforms—can inspire more individuals with disabilities to pursue sports and chase their dreams.

     

    “Noon po kasi hindi po talaga masyadong, kulang pa ang suporta dahil siyempre pausbong pa lang po ang para-sports. And sa ngayon I feel lucky din po kasi sa ngayon mas naging aware na din po lahat ng tao na meron din mga para-athletes na lumalaban sa ibang bansa. Patuloy lang din po kayo na i-feature nyo yung mga para athlete.

     

    “So sa konting tingin lang sa Facebook, baka ma-post sa Facebook, may mga PWD (person with disabilities) na nag-phone na may kita nila, ay ganito pala, pwede pa pala akong lumaban, pwede din pala akong sumali sa mga ganito. Pwede nilang makamit yung mga pangarap nila,” Otom continued.

     

    Beyond individual accolades, the Women in Sports Awards underscored a broader movement toward inclusivity and equal opportunity in Philippine sports. The event served not only as a celebration of achievements but also as a platform to amplify voices advocating for greater support, accessibility, and recognition for all athletes—regardless of gender or physical ability.

     

    As the landscape of Philippine sports continues to evolve, figures like Dumapong Ancheta and Otom remain at the forefront of change, inspiring a new generation to break barriers and redefine what is possible both on and off the field.

     

     

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  • “If I could, I would be a hurdler”: Pole Vault icon EJ Obiena on his first love in athletics

    “If I could, I would be a hurdler”: Pole Vault icon EJ Obiena on his first love in athletics

    Filipino pole vault star EJ Obiena has long cemented his status as one of the greatest athletes the Philippines has ever produced. At just 30 years old, Obiena boasts an impressive résumé highlighted by multiple international podium finishes and a stint as World No. 2 in men’s pole vault—an achievement that underscores his place among the global elite and solidifies his standing as Asia’s premier athlete in the discipline.

     

    While Obiena is now synonymous with pole vaulting excellence, his journey into the sport was not always set in stone. In fact, the Filipino standout revealed that his first love in track and field was a completely different event—hurdling.

     

    “If I could, I would be a hurdler. Unfortunately, I’m not as fast as I would want to be competitive in that sport. Hurdling was my mum’s event; it was the first event I did for track and field. It’s something that I truly enjoyed,” Obiena shared during a recent media interaction.

     

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    The revelation offers a glimpse into the early influences that shaped his athletic development. His exposure to hurdling, a highly technical event requiring rhythm, speed, and coordination, played a key role in building the foundation for his eventual success in pole vaulting. According to Obiena, the crossover benefits between the two disciplines are significant.

    “You know, it’s definitely something that provides us a better form of sprinting, because you can’t just sprint in between the hurdles, you are going to have to have form. Maybe before I call it a day with this sport, the career that I don, maybe I will run the 110 hurdles in the SEA Games,” he added.

     

    Pole vaulting demands a unique combination of explosive speed, technical precision, and upper-body strength, and Obiena’s background in hurdling has contributed to his refined approach on the runway. His ability to generate speed while maintaining form has been a crucial factor in his consistency on the international stage, allowing him to compete against—and often defeat—the world’s best.

     

    Over the years, Obiena has carried the Philippine flag with pride in major global competitions, including the Olympic Games and World Athletics Championships. He has consistently delivered strong performances, bringing attention to a discipline that rarely takes center stage in Southeast Asia. His success has also inspired a new generation of Filipino athletes to pursue track and field, particularly in technical events like pole vault.

     

    Looking ahead, Obiena has made it clear that his sights are firmly set on one final goal: an Olympic medal. The Filipino ace confirmed that the 2028 Summer Olympics will likely mark the final chapter of his Olympic journey—a fitting stage for what he hopes will be a crowning achievement in his already illustrious career.

     

    “LA is to probably be my last Olympics I will be doing. That’s the one I’m missing from my collection. I haven’t had an Olympic medal, you know. I was close, but not close enough. I need to prepare, these last two-and-a-half years, make sure that when the time comes I’m ready, I’m fit, injury-free, and be able to compete at the highest level,” Obiena concluded.

     

    As he enters what could be the final stretch of his competitive career, Obiena remains focused, motivated, and determined to leave a lasting legacy. Whether it’s clearing record-breaking heights or, perhaps one day, returning to his hurdling roots, EJ Obiena continues to embody excellence, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of greatness in Philippine sports.

     

     

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  • Tallulah Proulx visits Philippines to reconnect with her roots after historic 2026 Winter Olympics debut

    Tallulah Proulx visits Philippines to reconnect with her roots after historic 2026 Winter Olympics debut

    Teenage alpine skier Tallulah Proulx has etched her name into Philippine sports history, becoming the first Filipina—and the youngest Filipino athlete—to qualify for the Winter Olympics. At just 17 years old, the Filipino-American standout secured spots in both the giant slalom and slalom events, marking a breakthrough moment for a nation still carving out its identity in winter sports.

     

    Competing against some of the world’s best, Proulx held her own on the Olympic stage, finishing 50th out of 95 competitors in the slalom and placing 54th out of 76 in the giant slalom. While the results may not have placed her on the podium, her participation alone represented a significant leap forward for Philippine winter sports and served as an inspiration for future athletes.

     

    Fresh off her historic campaign, Proulx traveled to the Philippines for a series of engagements, using the opportunity to reconnect with her Filipino roots and engage with the local sporting community. She arrived in Manila alongside her father, James Proulx, and was warmly received at the airport by officials from the Philippine Ski and Snowboard Federation and the Philippine Skating Union.

     

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    Her first stop in the capital was Rizal Park, one of the country’s most iconic landmarks. There, she immersed herself in Philippine history and culture, taking in the significance of the national hero’s monument and the surrounding grounds.

     

    “I flew in this morning. So, you know, it’s been really cool seeing, first of all, meeting everyone and then being here and seeing the Rizal monument and learning a bit more history. But it’s been really fun so far. And the weather is really nice,” Proulx said to reporters.

     

    Beyond sightseeing, Proulx emphasized the importance of strengthening her connection to the Philippines and sharing her Olympic journey with fellow Filipinos.

    “I think it’s really important for me to be here in the Philippines with the Filipinos and you know, truly being able to connect with the Philippines and bring my experience from the Winter Olympics to the Philippines itself and bridging the gap there. And I think that I’m really excited to see what comes out in the future and what we can do further with both the Winter Olympics and for the Philippines in general in sports,” she added.

     

    The young Olympian also made sure to explore the country through its cuisine, embracing a variety of local dishes that she rarely experiences back home.

     

    “It was really good. I had a barbecue and I also had like different pork and chicken and noodles and they were all really good. And I can’t wait to continue trying even more Filipino food and just experiencing everything that Manila has to offer, hopefully, within these next few days,” Proulx continued.

     

    Proulx’s visit will culminate in her recognition at the upcoming Women in Sports Awards, set to take place at the Philippine International Convention Center on Friday, March 20. The annual event celebrates the achievements of Filipino women athletes across various disciplines, further highlighting Proulx’s growing impact both on and off the slopes.

     

    “When I found out I was an awardee, honestly, I was really shocked. I was just reading the email. I was like, what is this email? I opened it and I was right next to my mom and I told her right away. And she was like, oh, she was so excited for me. And that’s when we decided it was really important that I would be here in person to receive this award.

     

    “I feel incredibly honored to have even been considered for an award. So I’m really excited to show up. And, you know, I also feel really honored that I was recognized,” she concluded.

     

    Following her visit, Proulx is set to return to Park City, Utah, where she will resume training and continue her development on the international stage. With her groundbreaking Olympic appearance already in the books, the future looks bright for the young skier as she continues to blaze a trail for Philippine winter sports.

     

     

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  • Filipino boxing star Charly Suarez signs with Sampson Boxing in quest for world championship

    Filipino boxing star Charly Suarez signs with Sampson Boxing in quest for world championship

    Filipino boxing star Charly Suarez has firmly established himself as one of the Philippines’ top professional fighters, currently holding both the International Boxing Organization (IBO) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) Inter-Continental Super Featherweight titles. Known for his technical skill and relentless work ethic, Suarez continues to make waves on the international stage.

     

    Suarez was recently at the center of a major controversy following his bout with World Boxing Organization (WBO) super featherweight champion Emmanuel Navarrete of Mexico on Saturday, May 10, at the Pechanga Arena in San Diego. Navarrete initially retained his title via a unanimous technical decision, but questions arose over the cause of a cut—whether it was the result of a punch or an accidental headbutt. Had the cut been ruled as caused by a punch from Suarez, the Filipino contender would have claimed victory by TKO.

     

    In a major victory for Suarez’s camp, the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) overturned Navarrete’s win on Tuesday, June 3, ruling it a “no contest,” with the WBO immediately ordering a rematch. The decision restored Suarez’s professional record to 18-0 with 10 knockouts, while Navarrete remains at 39-2-1 with 32 knockouts. More importantly, Suarez now has a chance to challenge Navarrete again for the WBO super featherweight crown.

     

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    Currently ranked as the No. 1 WBO contender at 130 pounds, Suarez has signed a promotional deal with Sampson Boxing, setting his sights firmly on a world title.

    “I am very happy to officially join Sampson Boxing and to work with Sampson Lewkowicz, who has guided many world champions in the sport. This is an important step in my career as I continue my pursuit of a world title. I have worked my entire life for this moment, from representing the Philippines in the Olympics to competing on the world stage as a professional,” Suarez said in a statement.

     

    “With Sampson’s experience and commitment, I believe we have the right team to bring my career to the next level. My goal remains the same—to bring pride to the Philippines as a soldier and a world champion boxer,” he added.

     

    Veteran promoter Sampson Lewkowicz, who now manages Suarez’s career, is confident that the Filipino pugilist is on the brink of achieving his lifelong dream.

     

    “I am happy to be joining the team of proud Filipino warrior Charly Suarez. I will help guide him to the world championship victory he deserves and then to the most rewarding fights available when he is champion,” Lewkowicz said.

     

    With a rematch against Navarrete on the horizon and a new promotional team behind him, Suarez is now perfectly positioned to take the next step in his career. For Filipino boxing fans, the message is clear: Charly Suarez is not just a contender—he is a future world champion whose journey continues to inspire and elevate Philippine boxing on the global stage.

     

     

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  • Philippines to host Asian Track Cycling Championships in Tagaytay after 30 years

    Philippines to host Asian Track Cycling Championships in Tagaytay after 30 years

    The Philippines is set to take center stage in Asian cycling as it prepares to host 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 prestigious week-long competition marks a significant milestone for the country, which will be staging the event for the first time in three decades.

     

    A total of 19 nations are expected to compete, underscoring the event’s scale and importance within the region. Among the powerhouse delegations, China and Hong Kong are each sending 50 athletes, while India and South Korea will field 48 and 43 competitors, respectively. With such strong representation, the championships are shaping up to be one of the most competitive editions in recent history.

     

    Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham Tolentino emphasized both the significance of hosting the event and its role in revitalizing the sport locally.

     

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    “It’s the first time in 30 years that the Philippines is hosting the Asian Track Championships and we will put our best foot forward as we slingshot the return of track cycling in our country. We expect the continent’s big guns to bring in their top cyclists in the prestigious competition that we are hosting not only to promote track events, but also to help in the vigorous sports tourism campaign,” Tolentino said during a press conference.

    Tolentino, who also serves as president of PhilCycling, added that participating teams are scheduled to arrive within the week. He anticipates an intense level of competition, noting that several world-class cyclists are expected to see action on the Tagaytay track. The event will serve not only as a continental showdown but also as a benchmark for the Philippines’ readiness to host major international sporting competitions.

     

    Beyond the races themselves, the championships are expected to provide a boost to local sports development and tourism. Tagaytay, known for its cool climate and scenic views, offers an appealing backdrop for athletes and visitors alike, further strengthening the country’s push to position itself as a destination for international sporting events.

     

    The return of the Asian Track Championships to Philippine soil also carries historical significance. The last time the country hosted the event was in 1995 at the Amoranto Velodrome in Quezon City. That facility has since been demolished and repurposed into a football pitch, leaving the Tagaytay City Velodrome as the nation’s only world-class track cycling venue.

     

    With the spotlight now firmly on Tagaytay, the upcoming championships represent more than just a competition—they signal a renewed commitment to track cycling in the Philippines and an opportunity to inspire a new generation of Filipino riders on the continental stage.

     

     

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  • Women in Sports Awards 2026 to honor Filipino female athletes

    Women in Sports Awards 2026 to honor Filipino female athletes

    The third edition of the Women in Sports Awards is set to take center stage at the prestigious Philippine International Convention Center on Friday, March 20, in a ceremony dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments of Filipino women athletes across all levels of competition. The annual awards aim to not only honor outstanding performances in sports but also to inspire the next generation of female athletes in the country.

     

    Organized jointly by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Commission on Women, the Women in Sports Awards highlights the achievements of top female athletes and recognizes their contributions as role models for both aspiring athletes and the broader public. The awards program also underscores the importance of inclusive sports development and gender equality in Philippine athletics.

     

    PSC commissioner Bong Coo confirmed that a total of 83 awards will be handed out at this year’s star-studded ceremony. “We must really give special attention to our women athletes, including our para athletes—not just the athletes and their coaches, but also those who help build and promote women’s sports. These awards are for those who provide inspiration for all women in sports,” Coo said during a press briefing.

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    The awards event is also expected to draw prominent personalities from Philippine sports, government, and entertainment. The First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos will grace the occasion, both to hand out several of the major awards and to personally receive the special “Ina ng Atletang Pinoy” recognition for her advocacy and support of women’s sports in the country.

     

    Among the distinguished honorees this year, the Philippine women’s football team will be named Athletes of the Year, marking a major recognition for their continued excellence on the international stage. Angel Mae Otom will receive the Para Athlete of the Year award for her outstanding performances in para sports competitions, while Brenda Ramos Zinampan will be recognized with the Masters Award for her enduring contributions and success in masters-level competitions.

     

    This year’s Women in Sports Awards promises to be a memorable celebration of talent, perseverance, and empowerment, shining a spotlight on the women who continue to break barriers and inspire the nation through sports. Beyond the accolades, the event serves as a platform to promote advocacy for gender equality, encourage participation in sports at all levels, and showcase the remarkable achievements of Filipino women athletes both locally and internationally.

     

     

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  • “That’s why I’m still lifting”: Weightlifting icon Hidilyn Diaz on her mission to inspire Filipinos

    “That’s why I’m still lifting”: Weightlifting icon Hidilyn Diaz on her mission to inspire Filipinos

    Hidilyn Diaz has long stood as a symbol of excellence and perseverance in Philippine sports. The country’s first-ever Olympic gold medalist, Diaz etched her name in history during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, a triumph that elevated her to national hero status and inspired a new generation of Filipino athletes to pursue greatness on the global stage.

     

    Years after her historic achievement, Diaz continues to expand her impact beyond the competition platform. The 35-year-old has recently ventured into academia, officially joining the University of the Philippines Diliman as a faculty member under the College of Human Kinetics. In this new role, she brings her wealth of experience as a world-class athlete into the classroom, helping shape future coaches, trainers, and sports professionals.

     

    While Diaz fell short of qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics, the setback has not diminished her passion for the sport. Instead, it has reinforced her commitment to inspire others—particularly women—to take up weightlifting and pursue their athletic dreams.

     

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    “That’s why I am still lifting, because I still want to inspire the Filipino athletes and Filipino female weightlifters. I am using my status as an Olympic champion to spread the sport in the Philippines. There’s a lot of women competing already. There are more women weightlifters competing in the SEA Games than men,” Diaz said in a media interaction.

    Beyond her personal achievements, Diaz has also taken an active role in grassroots development. Alongside her husband and coach, Julius Naranjo, she established the Hidilyn Diaz Weightlifting Academy in Jalajala, Rizal. The academy serves as a training hub for aspiring lifters, promoting discipline, proper technique, and a deeper understanding of the sport.

     

    “I want to learn how to spread sports. You want a lot of people to understand how to execute weightlifting and the rules. I hope it’s more strength and conditioning; it’s not only teaching them, it’s also for me to learn how to multiply the sports in university,” she added.

     

    Despite her iconic status, Diaz’s competitive drive remains as strong as ever. She has set her sights on returning to the international stage, with the 2027 Southeast Asian Games in Malaysia and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics firmly on her radar. Competing in the 61kg category, Diaz acknowledges that the journey ahead will require not just physical strength but also smarter preparation and recovery as she continues to compete at an elite level.

     

    “I will be in 61kg. I’m not sure it will keep changing depending on the competition I will be computing, but this is the challenge that I commit to. With age, it’s more on recovery. That’s the hard part. It is more about being smart, surrounded with people that will help you achieve your dream – and I have that.

     

    “I feel like I’m a newbie athlete starting again. I’m so afraid of what people will say. I want to say to all the people, to myself, that I’m a human too. I cannot be forever here at the top. Sometimes I have to go down to go up again,” Diaz concluded.

     

    As she balances her roles as an athlete, mentor, and educator, Diaz continues to redefine what it means to be a champion. Her journey is no longer just about medals, but about legacy—empowering others, growing the sport, and proving that true greatness lies not only in reaching the top, but in lifting others along the way.

     

     

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  • John Riel Casimero believes Nonito Donaire’s career has come to an end after the loss to Riku Masuda

    John Riel Casimero believes Nonito Donaire’s career has come to an end after the loss to Riku Masuda

    In a clash that symbolized a meeting of generations in the boxing world, Filipino boxing icon Nonito Donaire was stopped by rising Japanese contender Riku Masuda in a highly anticipated bantamweight title eliminator held on Sunday evening, March 15, in Yokohama, Japan.

     

    The bout, which pitted Donaire’s vast experience against Masuda’s youthful vigor, ultimately ended in the eighth round after the veteran’s corner decided to throw in the towel. At 43 years old, Donaire absorbed a steady barrage of punches from the relentless Masuda, who showcased speed, accuracy, and determination throughout the fight. The corner intervened at the 1:12 mark of the eighth round, signaling that the Filipino icon had taken enough punishment and prioritizing his safety over continuing the contest.

     

    The stoppage marked a poignant moment in Donaire’s illustrious career. Known as “The Filipino Flash,” Donaire has been one of the sport’s most accomplished fighters, earning multiple world titles across different weight classes and establishing himself as a respected figure in boxing history. Yet, on this night, it was the younger Masuda who controlled the pace, landing combinations that consistently tested the veteran’s defense.

     

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    Following the fight, fellow Filipino boxing star and former World Boxing Organization (WBO) bantamweight champion John Riel Casimero weighed in on the outcome. Casimero, speaking to the media, suggested that Donaire’s career might have reached its natural conclusion, praising the Filipino for his achievements while acknowledging the physical limits that come with age.

    “He doesn’t have anything more to prove. I knew in the sixth round that he was no longer in the fight and that he could get seriously hurt,” Casimero said. His remarks reflected the sentiment shared by many boxing fans and analysts who recognize that Donaire’s contributions to the sport are already legendary.

     

    Despite the loss, Donaire’s legacy remains untarnished. Over his decades-long career, he has been celebrated not only for his skill and tenacity inside the ring but also for his sportsmanship and dedication to the sport. The bout against Masuda, while a setback, underscores the reality that in boxing, every fighter faces the inevitable challenge of passing the torch to the next generation.

     

    Masuda, meanwhile, used the fight to cement his rising status in the bantamweight division, demonstrating poise and power that could see him challenge for major titles in the near future. For fans of the sport, the match was both a farewell moment for one of boxing’s veterans and a glimpse at the promising talent poised to shape the division in the years ahead.

     

    As the boxing community reflects on the fight, discussions about Donaire’s career trajectory and his future—whether in the ring or as a mentor for the next generation—will continue, highlighting the enduring impact of one of the Philippines’ greatest sporting icons.

     

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  • EXCLUSIVE: Danny Green questions PBA’s 4-point shot, praises Filipino fans on Manila return for vivo x NBA meet and greet 

    EXCLUSIVE: Danny Green questions PBA’s 4-point shot, praises Filipino fans on Manila return for vivo x NBA meet and greet 

    When three-time NBA champion Danny Green returned to Manila for the vivo x NBA meet and   greet, the conversation naturally drifted to one of the most talked-about rule innovations in Philippine basketball — the four-point shot.

     

    The former sharpshooter, who built his reputation as one of the NBA’s most reliable long-range threats, admitted he isn’t entirely sold on the idea of extending the arc even further.

     

    Green said the game already revolves heavily around outside shooting.

     

    “I don’t think it’s good for the game of basketball. I mean, we get enough. Three point line is already enough. And, we get enough, an abundance of attempts of those,” Green said.

     

    For Green, adding a four-point line could disrupt the rhythm of the sport rather than enhance it.

    “I think a four point line might make the game a little bit more messy.”

     

    The rule has sparked debate in basketball circles after its introduction in the Philippine Basketball Association, where the long-distance shot has already produced dramatic moments and buzzer-beating highlights.

     

    Some high-profile players abroad have shown curiosity about the concept. Stars like Kyrie Irving and Sabrina Ionescu have previously entertained the idea of experimenting with a deeper scoring line.

     

    But Green leans toward a more traditional approach to the sport. Rather than seeing the four-point shot as a staple of regular competition, he believes it might work better as a novelty in special events.

     

    “But, [it’s] interesting,” acknowledged Green.

     

    “It could be fun for certain things like the Big Three, certain tournaments or even [the] Olympics. But, [in an] NBA game, I don’t know,” he added.

     

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    Green knows a thing or two about the modern evolution of the perimeter game. Over a 15-season NBA career, he helped spread the floor for championship teams, winning titles with the San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, and Los Angeles Lakers before retiring in 2024.

     

    Now working in the media covering the league, Green’s visit to the Philippines wasn’t just about basketball discussions — it also gave him a firsthand look at the country’s deep love for the sport.

    The experience left a strong impression for the returning Green, who had last come here in 2015.

    “My first impression, I was very overwhelmed by the passion that they had,” Green said.

     

    “It doesn’t matter who you are, they show that same type of passion, they show that same type of appreciation for every [NBA] player that has come here.”

     

    Even during everyday moments of the trip, Green noticed how eager fans were to talk about the game.

     

    “They let you know that they love the game, even on the plane some of the people in my section, they’re not shy.”

     

    For a player who spent years hitting big shots on the NBA’s biggest stages, the visit offered a reminder that basketball’s reach stretches far beyond the league’s arenas — and that few places embrace the sport quite like the Philippines.

     

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  • Philippines to host inaugural SEA Plus Youth Games in 2027 to boost grassroots sports

    Philippines to host inaugural SEA Plus Youth Games in 2027 to boost grassroots sports

    The Philippines is set to take another step in strengthening its grassroots sports program after officials confirmed the country will stage the inaugural Southeast Asian Plus Youth Games in 2027.

     

    The landmark event, scheduled from December 2 to 14, 2027, was formally introduced on Monday by Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, who both see the tournament as a crucial addition to the country’s youth development pathway.

     

    Tolentino, who also serves as founding president of the new regional meet, said the Philippines will take on the responsibility of hosting the first edition as the concept begins its rollout across Asia.

     

    “As founding president of the SEAG Plus Youth Games, we will be hosting the first edition of the event,” Tolentino said during a press briefing at the PSC Media Center.

     

    The idea for the tournament was first proposed by Tolentino to officials within the Southeast Asian Games community and eventually gained approval during a ratification and solidarity meeting held during the Thailand SEA Games last December.

     

    Beyond staging another international competition, organizers say the new youth meet is designed to strengthen the long-term pipeline of Filipino athletes.

     

    Gregorio, who was appointed head of the Local Organizing Committee, believes the initiative fits naturally with the Philippine Sports Commission’s renewed emphasis on developing young talent.

     

    “It’s a great idea. In fact, it’s an excellent idea. It’s for the development of the country’s grassroots. Mag-align ito sa Palarong Pambansa and Batang Pinoy. Siyempre, shoot na shoot din ito sa programa nating sports tourism. This is really very good,” Gregorio said.

     

    The tournament will mirror the structure of the SEA Games by gathering athletes from the region’s 11 other Southeast Asian nations, including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.

     

     

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    However, organizers plan to broaden the competition’s scope by inviting several additional Asian countries, turning the youth meet into a wider regional showcase. Nations such as Bahrain, Bhutan, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Macau, Nepal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, and Turkmenistan are being considered for participation.

     

    The proposed sports program will combine traditional Olympic disciplines and regional favorites.

     

    Mandatory events will include aquatics and athletics, while other Olympic sports under consideration include triathlon, judo, boxing, golf, skateboarding, wrestling, fencing, basketball, tennis, and gymnastics.

     

    Several non-Olympic competitions — including jiu-jitsu, billiards, dance sports, and mixed martial arts — are also expected to be featured, alongside the Philippines’ traditional martial art, arnis.

     

    Multiple venues are being eyed for the tournament, with competitions planned at the SMX Convention Center and the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

     

    Aquatics and athletics events, meanwhile, are expected to take place at the world-class facilities in New Clark City Aquatics Center and the nearby track oval in Capas, Tarlac.

     

    For Tolentino, hosting the new youth tournament is also an opportunity for the Philippines to once again demonstrate its capability as a regional sports host — something the country showcased during the 2019 SEA Games.

     

    “After the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, now is the time na ipakita ulit natin ang pagho-host,” Tolentino said.

     

    “Tulung-tulong po tayo dito dahil ang hosting ng bansa natin ang nakataya dito.”

     

     

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