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Tag: Philippines

  • Teenage Filipina Olympian Tallulah Proulx turns to K-pop to stay grounded

    Teenage Filipina Olympian Tallulah Proulx turns to K-pop to stay grounded

    Teenage alpine skier Tallulah Proulx has carved 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, Proulx earned qualification in both the giant slalom and slalom events, transforming a lifelong dream into a landmark achievement for a country still building its presence in winter sports.

     

    As she prepares to compete on the sport’s grandest stage, Proulx remains remarkably grounded, crediting her strong support system—and an unexpected source of balance—for helping her navigate the pressure that comes with making history.

     

    “I think it really comes down to the community, my supportive coaches, my family, of course, my teammates and my friends always uplift each other every day,” Proulx shared in a media interaction. “And then also besides that, I think that I also have other interests and other things that keep me grounded.”

     

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    Among those interests is her deep love for K-pop, which the young skier says provides both comfort and joy amid the grind of elite competition. Proulx revealed she is a fan of groups such as Red Velvet, TOMORROW X TOGETHER, BTS, and RIIZE, and even attended a TOMORROW X TOGETHER concert during their U.S. tour.

     

    “I have loved K-pop since I was in the sixth grade or something, but I really love it. And I know Filipinos love it too,” she said. “But I come back home and if I’m having a hard day, I just put on my headphones. I listen to some of my favorite songs.

     

    “Or just also I feel like there’s such a good community with K-pop, like my friends that like K-pop, we always support each other. I think just having another outlet of joy really just helps me in all aspects of life, including in my competitions,” she added.

    Beyond music, Proulx draws strength from her Filipino roots. A Filipino-American, she has made a conscious effort to stay connected to her heritage—something that played a major role in her decision to represent the Philippines internationally rather than the United States.

     

    “So I actually have a lot of family back in the Philippines. My father’s family is from Eastern Samar in Visayas,” she shared. “And so I have a lot of family back there. And they have been so supportive, especially recently, of course.”

     

    Her choice was also deeply personal, made in honor of her late grandmother.

     

    “Also, I have my Filipina grandma. Actually, she passed away, unfortunately, last spring,” Proulx said. “But I was always, of course, connected with her. And she introduced me to all of the Filipino foods. Of course, lumpia is my favorite, but I love pancit and so many other dishes that she introduced to me,” she concluded.

     

    Proulx’s journey into alpine skiing began almost as early as she could walk. She first tried the sport at just three years old during a family vacation in Tahoe, California. What started as a childhood experience quickly turned into a passion, and by the age of seven, she was already competing in races.

     

    Her steady rise was fueled by years of international exposure and competition, including a strong showing at the 2025 Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China, where she finished 16th out of 44 competitors. That event proved pivotal, serving as both a confidence booster and a stepping stone toward Olympic qualification.

     

    Now, with Proulx and fellow Filipino athlete Francis Ceccarelli set to compete in the Milan–Cortina Winter Olympics, the Philippines is entering a new chapter in its sporting narrative—one that stretches beyond traditional arenas and into the snow-covered mountains of Europe.

     

    Their qualification represents more than individual success. It is a breakthrough moment for Philippine sports, a signal that Filipino athletes can excel even in disciplines long considered outside the country’s athletic identity. For a new generation of hopefuls, Tallulah Proulx’s journey stands as proof that with passion, support, and belief, even the most unlikely dreams can become reality on the world stage.

     

     

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  • Filipino MMA veteran Jeremy Miado is aiming for redemption against Willie van Rooyen at ONE Fight Night 41

    Filipino MMA veteran Jeremy Miado is aiming for redemption against Willie van Rooyen at ONE Fight Night 41

    Jeremy Miado, widely regarded as one of the Philippines’ top Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighters, has steadily built a reputation as a skilled and resilient competitor. Miado first made waves in Blaze FC, showcasing his striking and grappling prowess, before moving on to compete on the global stage in ONE Championship, where he has faced some of the toughest opponents in the sport.

     

    Despite his accomplishments, Miado is currently navigating a challenging stretch in his career. He has lost four of his last five fights, including his most recent bout against Uzbekistan’s Avazbek Kholmirzaev, which ended in a second-round TKO at ONE Fight Night 38 on December 6, 2025, at Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

     

    Now, the 33-year-old fighter is determined to bounce back, eager to restore his record and prove that he still belongs among the division’s elite. Miado is set to face Willie van Rooyen of South Africa at ONE Fight Night 41 on March 14, once again at Lumpinee Stadium, with hopes of making a decisive statement.

     

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    While many in the MMA community consider him a veteran due to his age, Miado believes that experience is an asset, not a limitation.

    “Age is just a number. I have faced so many tough opponents, and experience is a big advantage,” Miado said during a press conference.

     

    The fighter’s mindset is focused, not on labels or reputation, but on proving himself in the cage.

    “I’m not focusing on labels or roles. My mindset is to compete at the highest level and prove that I belong in this division. I’m hungry to win. I really want to stay active. I know there is room for improvements from my last fight,” he added.

     

    Miado’s upcoming matchup represents more than just a fight; it is an opportunity to reclaim momentum and reassert his standing as one of the Philippines’ premier MMA talents. Analysts and fans alike will be watching closely, curious to see whether Miado can translate his experience, resilience, and technical skills into a victorious return.

     

    For Miado, the journey is about growth, adaptation, and proving that setbacks do not define him. He approaches each fight with the mindset of a competitor who has faced adversity, learned from it, and is ready to showcase his evolution in the sport he has dedicated his life to.

     

    As the March 14 event draws near, anticipation builds around Lumpinee Stadium, with the MMA community eager to witness whether Jeremy Miado can convert his hunger, preparation, and experience into a comeback victory that cements his legacy.

     

     

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  • Miguel Tabuena makes history by becoming the first Filipino to compete in LIV Golf

    Miguel Tabuena makes history by becoming the first Filipino to compete in LIV Golf

    Miguel Tabuena has been handed a rare — and potentially career-defining — opportunity, becoming the first Filipino golfer to compete in the LIV Golf League, the sport’s most lucrative and polarizing circuit.

     

    Tabuena earned a place on 4Aces GC, the powerhouse team captained by two-time major champion Dustin Johnson, for the opening event of the 2026 LIV Golf season in Saudi Arabia. He steps into the lineup following Patrick Reed’s departure, as the 2018 Masters champion opted to leave LIV Golf and return to the PGA Tour — a move that opened a coveted spot on Johnson’s roster.

     

    With this call-up, Tabuena enters LIV Golf’s inner circle, immersing himself in the league’s distinctive format: team competition, shotgun starts, and a fast-paced, limited-field spectacle built around many of the world’s biggest stars and massive financial stakes. For a player who has spent the bulk of his career battling through the ranks of the Asian Tour and International Series, the opportunity represents both a personal milestone and a historic first for Philippine golf.

     

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    The 31-year-old tees it up Wednesday, February 4, at the Riyadh Golf Club, in a rare nighttime opening round. He is grouped with RangeGoats GC’s Ben Campbell and wildcard Yosuke Asaji, the very player who narrowly edged him for the second and final outright LIV Golf League berth via the Asian Tour International Series Order of Merit last season.

     

    Tabuena said the chance to join LIV Golf as a reserve was one he could not turn down, even without guarantees.

     

    “When I got the call from LIV to be a reserve, I felt that it was an open-door opportunity for me that I didn’t want to pass,” Tabuena told Philstar.com. “There was no guarantee to play, but it was still a chance to be here, one foot in the door.”

     

    That chance has now materialized, as Tabuena has been called up to compete for the 4Aces this week.

     

    “Now that I’ve been called up to join the 4Aces this week, I plan to just give it my best shot,” he said. “Contribute whatever I can. It’s a huge privilege and I pray I can make the most of it.”

    Beyond personal achievement, Tabuena recognizes the broader significance of the moment.

     

    “At the end of the day, it’s an amazing thing for my family and I think for Philippine golf in general,” he added.

     

    Tabuena’s presence in LIV Golf is a product of performance, not invitation. Last year, he finished third in the Asian Tour International Series Rankings, highlighted by a breakthrough victory at the inaugural International Series Philippines. That triumph was pivotal, particularly as he played alongside Johnson during the opening two rounds — a clear demonstration that he could hold his own against elite competition.

     

    He also proved his comfort on Saudi soil, finishing joint 11th at the Saudi International last December, also held at Riyadh Golf Club. These results underscore that his entry into LIV Golf is the culmination of years of hard work, preparation, and consistency.

     

    Tabuena could hardly have landed in a better environment. Alongside Johnson, Thomas Pieters, and Thomas Detry, the 4Aces GC are reigning giants of the league — winners of the inaugural 2022 LIV Golf Team Championship and perennial title contenders. The experience offers Tabuena not just exposure to world-class competition, but also the chance to learn firsthand from some of golf’s elite, under the brightest professional lights.

     

    For Tabuena, who has carried Philippine golf’s banner across the Asian Tour and International Series for more than a decade, this moment represents more than a roster spot. It is the realization of a lifelong dream to compete on the sport’s most elite global stage, against major champions, under the pressure of the world’s eyes.

     

    For Philippine golf, it marks a historic breakthrough — proof that homegrown talent can earn a seat, even if initially temporary, at one of the game’s most exclusive tables. The symbolic impact of Tabuena’s achievement cannot be overstated: it sends a message to aspiring Filipino golfers that world-class competition is attainable through dedication, performance, and perseverance.

     

    Whether this becomes a long-term LIV Golf opportunity or a launching pad to even greater heights, Tabuena has already made history, etching his name as a trailblazer for Philippine golf and elevating the country’s profile on the international stage.

     

    As the opening round unfolds under the lights of Riyadh Golf Club, all eyes will be on Tabuena — not just as a competitor, but as a symbol of Philippine ambition and excellence on one of golf’s biggest platforms.

     

     

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  • Smiling through adversity: Filipino MMA star Danny Kingad on mental strength and fighting

    Smiling through adversity: Filipino MMA star Danny Kingad on mental strength and fighting

    Danny Kingad has firmly established himself as one of the Philippines’ brightest Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) talents, consistently competing at the highest level in ONE Championship and representing the country on the global stage. Known for his relentless work rate, technical precision, and composed demeanor in the cage, the 30-year-old has become one of the most exciting Filipino prospects in the sport today, earning respect from fans, peers, and international fighters alike.

     

    Kingad is set to make his highly anticipated return to the ONE Championship cage on Saturday, February 14, at ONE Fight Night 40, where he will face China’s Hu Yong in a flyweight bout at the historic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. This fight marks a pivotal moment for Kingad, who is determined to rebound from his previous setback and reassert himself as a top contender in the ONE Flyweight division.

     

    In a recent interview with the official ONE Championship platform, Kingad offered a glimpse into the mindset that allows him to thrive under pressure. He revealed that his playful attitude and constant smile are central to both his personality and his fighting approach.

     

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    “I have always been like this. Even when I don’t know the person, my go-to move to break the ice is to make fun of that person. When I was a kid, that’s how I made friends. I teased my playmates, I teased everyone. As a Filipino, it’s basically in our culture to always have a smile on our faces. Regardless of how I feel, I will always choose to smile,” Kingad said.

     

    “There’s a lot of pressure when it comes to fighting at a high level, so having a playful approach somehow helps lessen that pressure. Being stressed all the time doesn’t help fighters. Even if you’re in good physical condition, if your mental health is not good, you’re not going to succeed,” he added.

     

    Kingad’s cheerful demeanor is more than just a personality trait—it is also a survival mechanism forged through hardship. Having lost his father at the age of eight, Kingad faced emotional challenges that could have derailed his path. In his teenage years, he briefly struggled with alcohol and other vices, but Martial Arts became his refuge, helping him regain focus, discipline, and purpose in life.

    “Honestly, there are just thoughts in my head that I cannot easily express. In a way, smiling has been a normal coping mechanism for me. I’m human, I feel emotions. But whether I feel sad or upset, I will still have a big smile on my face just so people don’t see how I’m feeling. Even when I’m fighting, my opponent won’t see me struggling. I’d flash a smile in his face,” Kingad continued.

     

    Kingad also credits former ONE Flyweight World Champion and Hall of Famer Demetrious Johnson for shaping his approach inside the cage. Observing Johnson’s ability to fight with a relaxed, almost playful demeanor inspired Kingad to adopt a similar mindset.

     

    “You see him always smiling, having fun, and enjoying himself out there. He’s so relaxed when he’s fighting, and it’s something I wanted to apply to my game also. It’s like he is just playing games out there, but he is beating people,” Kingad concluded.

     

    Kingad’s last outing was at ONE 169, where he faced Adriano Moraes in a World Title eliminator rematch. Despite a valiant effort, he succumbed to a second-round guillotine choke, a setback that only fueled his determination to come back stronger.

     

    Now, as he prepares for his bout against Hu Yong in Bangkok, Kingad promises fans a sharper, more dangerous version of himself. Analysts note that Kingad’s technical striking, wrestling, and submission defense will be crucial against Hu, whose aggressive style and powerful striking make him a formidable opponent. This matchup is not just a fight—it’s a defining moment in Kingad’s career, with the potential to propel him back into title contention in the ONE Flyweight division.

     

    With experience, skill, and resilience on his side, Kingad is aiming to demonstrate that setbacks are only temporary. The Filipino MMA star seeks to make a statement to the entire ONE Championship community, proving that he remains one of the most talented and relentless contenders on the global MMA stage. Fans can expect a fighter who is not only technically adept but also mentally strong, blending discipline, playfulness, and strategic execution to reclaim his place among the elite.

     

    As the countdown to ONE Fight Night 40 continues, the stage is set for Danny Kingad to showcase the full measure of his talent, determination, and heart—a performance that could redefine his trajectory in the flyweight division and solidify his legacy as one of the Philippines’ premier MMA fighters.

     

     

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  • Tonyboy Liao confirms talks with Tai Bundit for Alas Pilipinas head coach role

    Tonyboy Liao confirms talks with Tai Bundit for Alas Pilipinas head coach role

    The Philippine women’s national volleyball team has been without a head coach since the conclusion of the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand, where the squad fell short of a podium finish. The disappointing result marked the end of Jorge Souza de Brito’s tenure with the national team, prompting the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) to begin its search for a new leader as the program looks ahead to its next competitive cycle.

     

    Newly elected PNVF president Tonyboy Liao confirmed that the federation is already considering a high-profile replacement, revealing that decorated Thai coach Tai Bundit is being eyed to take over the reins of Alas Pilipinas. Liao noted that initial discussions have already taken place and that formal approval from the federation’s executive board is the next step in the process.

     

    Liao confirmed that the matter will be taken up during the PNVF executive board meeting scheduled for Thursday, February 5, where Bundit’s potential appointment will be presented for approval.

     

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    “It will be discussed in the upcoming board meeting this Thursday. I will have it approved by the PNVF executive board in our meeting on Thursday,” Liao said in a media interaction.

     

    Liao added that Bundit has expressed strong interest in the role and that most of the logistical hurdles have already been addressed, with only final clearances remaining.

    “Actually, I have talked to him about this one. He is very interested. The go-signal now is with the Rebisco management. As for the Thai federation, I have already talked to them and they are very willing to help the Philippines. So that’s one hurdle passed and it’s now up to the Rebisco management,” he added.

     

    Bundit is no stranger to Philippine volleyball, having built a decorated résumé across both the collegiate and professional ranks. The Thai tactician is currently the head coach of the Criss Cross King Crunchers, whom he recently led to the Invitational Conference title in Spikers’ Turf, further underscoring his ability to deliver immediate results.

     

    His local coaching pedigree includes a successful stint with the Ateneo women’s volleyball team from 2014 to 2018, followed by a championship-laden run with the Creamline Cool Smashers from 2017 to 2021. During that span, Bundit guided both programs to multiple Premier Volleyball League (PVL) titles, establishing himself as one of the most respected foreign coaches in the country.

     

    Meanwhile, De Brito leaves behind a meaningful legacy with Alas Pilipinas, having overseen one of the most productive periods in the program’s recent history. Under his leadership, the national team enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2024, capturing three bronze medals across the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Nations Cup and the Southeast Asian Volleyball League legs held in Vinh Phuc and Nakhon Ratchasima.

     

    The Brazilian coach built on that momentum in 2025, steering the team to a silver medal at the AVC Nations Cup and adding two more bronze medals in the V.League, further raising the program’s regional standing. Although the SEA Games podium eluded Alas Pilipinas in Bangkok, De Brito’s tenure helped lay a solid foundation of competitiveness, discipline, and belief within the squad.

     

    As the PNVF moves forward, the combination of De Brito’s groundwork and the potential arrival of Bundit offers renewed optimism for Philippine volleyball. With a coach deeply familiar with the local volleyball landscape and a roster gaining valuable international experience, Alas Pilipinas could soon find itself back on the Southeast Asian podium, poised to challenge the region’s traditional powers once more.

     

     

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  • PHILTA pushes for public access to Rizal Memorial Tennis Center after hosting of historic WTA event

    PHILTA pushes for public access to Rizal Memorial Tennis Center after hosting of historic WTA event

    The inaugural Philippine Women’s Open recently unfolded in Manila, marking a historic milestone for Philippine tennis as the country officially made its debut on the 2026 Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) calendar. The tournament represented a significant leap forward for the sport locally, placing the nation’s capital on the global tennis map by hosting a WTA 125-level event for the first time.

     

    Held at the newly refurbished Rizal Memorial Tennis Court, the weeklong competition featured a total prize purse of $115,000, offering players not only financial incentives but also valuable WTA ranking points and early-season momentum. The event attracted a competitive international field composed of seasoned tour veterans and rising young talents, all eager to compete in a high-level setting in Southeast Asia.

     

    Beyond the matches themselves, the Philippine Women’s Open also served as a showcase for infrastructure development. The Rizal Memorial Tennis Court underwent extensive renovations ahead of the tournament, a move that the Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) hopes will have lasting benefits for the sport well beyond this landmark event.

     

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    PHILTA secretary general John Rey Tiangco confirmed that the upgrades were made with long-term sustainability in mind, emphasizing that the refurbished venue is intended to host future competitions at various levels.

     

    “Well, we fixed, thanks to PSC for relief funding, resurfacing and fixing, not just the tennis courts, the whole facility. And it’s an investment, because after this tournament, we can use it for other tournaments,” Tiangco said in a media interaction.

     

    He added that the improvements now allow the facility to meet international standards for multiple competitions, expanding opportunities for Filipino players and young prospects.

    “And not just local tournaments, because we have been using this for local tournaments. Now we can even have, like for juniors, we already have the ITFs here. We can have ATFs, we can have probably the small DTBs, because it’s already qualified, it would pass the requirements of those tournaments,” he added.

     

    Buoyed by strong public support for the Philippine Women’s Open—and the overwhelming enthusiasm shown for local sensation Alex Eala—PHILTA is now exploring ways to make the Rizal Memorial Tennis Court more accessible to the general public. Tiangco revealed that discussions are underway with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to restore the venue’s role as a community sports facility.

     

    “I also discussed with chairman Patrick Gregorio if we could manage the courts like before. Because before, it was a public court, and a lot of players could just play here. And even not competitive, even our seniors. But now, they go to, I think it’s the CCP now, when they closed it. Before, it was a public court. So, just like what they did in the stadium, a lot of people run there,” Tiangco concluded.

     

    At 53, Tiangco reiterated that PHILTA views the Philippine Women’s Open not just as a standalone event, but as a launching pad to promote tennis nationwide and inspire the next generation to pursue the sport—whether competitively or recreationally.

     

    “It’s not just actually winning medals. I think it’s part of the president’s holistic approach to our Healthy Lifestyle Program that we have to be active. So whether you’re a junior player, you want to be a champion, you’re a junior player, you want to get into a scholarship abroad, we’re here. Or just a club player, or just for health reasons.

     

    “So, we can hopefully use the facility. Because most of the tennis courts, mostly are for membership. So, this is what we need, public courts,” he concluded.

     

    As the curtain falls on the inaugural Philippine Women’s Open, the event leaves behind more than just results and rankings. It has laid the groundwork for sustainable growth, improved facilities, and broader access—key pillars in PHILTA’s vision of building a stronger tennis culture in the Philippines and ensuring that the sport continues to thrive long after the final ball has been struck.

     

     

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  • Philippine Golf Championship to kick off 2026 Asian Tour season with over 130 players

    Philippine Golf Championship to kick off 2026 Asian Tour season with over 130 players

    The Philippines is steadily cementing its reputation as a premier sporting destination in Southeast Asia, a status reinforced by the capital city of Manila recently hosting the inaugural Philippine Women’s Open WTA 125 tennis event. Building on that momentum, the country is now gearing up to welcome some of the region’s top golfers for the Philippine Golf Championship, set to take place from February 5 to 8 at the East Course of the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club in Mandaluyong City. The tournament also marks the start of the 2026 Asian Tour season, signaling the Philippines’ growing influence in international golf.

     

    Over 130 players are expected to compete in this year’s championship, with notable names including former Asian Tour Order of Merit winners John Catlin of the United States, Sihwan Kim of Thailand, and Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond, all vying for the season-opening crown. Their participation underscores the tournament’s prestige and the country’s rising profile as a competitive golf hub.

     

    This is the second consecutive year that the Philippines will host the season-opening Asian Tour, a milestone that has not gone unnoticed by officials. Patrick Gregorio, chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), believes this recognition demonstrates the international sporting community’s confidence in the country.

     

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    “Hosting the season opener of the Asian Tour for the second straight year reflects the confidence the international sporting community has in the Philippines. The Philippine Golf Championship aligns perfectly with our vision of using major events to inspire excellence, elevate Filipino athletes and strengthen the country’s sports tourism and global sporting profile,” Gregorio said in a media interaction.

    Gregorio’s vision is clear: to make the Philippines a premier destination for sporting events. With the support of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the country has recently hosted a string of high-profile competitions, including the FIVB Men’s World Cup, the inaugural FIFA Futsal World Cup, the World Junior Gymnastics Championships, and top-tier international surfing competitions. These events, combined with the Philippine Golf Championship, reflect a deliberate push to position the Philippines as a hub for global sports.

     

    “The Filipino golfers can compete against the world’s best. We have proven that time and again. The Philippines as a golf destination is likewise comparable with the world’s best. Golf will be one of the pillars of our sports tourism efforts. The PSC and NST-IAC will closely work with NGAP to make sure we are successful,” Gregorio added.

     

    This year, the Philippine Golf Championship will feature 25 professional Filipino golfers, supplemented by 16 invited local players and six national amateurs, ensuring strong local representation alongside international talent. The tournament is open to the general public, reflecting the PSC’s commitment to promoting golf in the Philippines and inspiring the next generation of athletes.

     

    As the country continues to host world-class competitions across multiple sports, the Philippine Golf Championship serves not only as a platform for elite competition but also as a statement of intent: the Philippines is ready to claim its place on the global sporting map. With world-class facilities, growing local talent, and strong government support, the nation is poised to become a go-to destination for international sporting events in Southeast Asia.

     

     

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  • NBA trainer Chris “Lethal Shooter” Matthews makes iconic rooftop shot in Tenement 

    NBA trainer Chris “Lethal Shooter” Matthews makes iconic rooftop shot in Tenement 

    For most visitors, The Tenement in Taguig City is already a basketball landmark. For Chris “Lethal Shooter” Matthews, it became something even bigger—a stage where skill, symbolism, and Filipino basketball culture collided.

     

    Matthews, one of the most respected shooting coaches in the world, capped his Manila visit with a moment that instantly etched itself into local hoops lore. Standing on the rooftop of the famed housing complex, he calmly launched a shot that kissed the backboard and dropped through the net below, making him the first to attempt—and convert—a basket from that height.

     

    The shot wasn’t just about range or spectacle. It demanded finesse.

     

    “I had to use my pointer finger to soften the ball up because I was so high that the ball was coming so hard. So I had to have touch to hit the backboard. That’s not really a shot from that far, and you’d have to use the backboard for it to go in,” he said.

     

    Crowds gathered below erupted as the ball fell, but the moment carried even more weight for Matthews. The Tenement court, long celebrated online, has featured murals honoring icons like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Luka Doncic. 

     

     

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    By the end of the day, Matthews found himself added to that storied wall.

     

     

    “You know, my entire life, I saw this amazing court online. I saw the legendary people— Michael Jordan, Kobe, Luka—everybody had a mural here,” he said. “So to shoot from the roof and to make a shot and to have a mural here, it’s a dream come true, man. It’s like basketball heaven for me.”

     

    Beyond the viral moment, Matthews spent his time connecting with local hoopers—sharing insights, watching exhibition games, and soaking in the country’s unmistakable basketball energy. For him, the Philippines stands apart.

     

    “In the Philippines, the love and the passion just go really deep in the blood. People and the passion here is, to me, number one,” Matthews said. “It’s true love here for the game.”

     

    His visit also served as a preview of what’s to come. Matthews is in Manila as part of Red Bull’s build-up to Red Bull Half Court 2026, with the Philippines set to host the World Finals later this year—an event expected to draw the global basketball community to the country.

     

    “There’s going to be so many people coming here who are going to see what the Philippines life is about, and its passionate love for the game of basketball,” he said.

     

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  • Tennielle Madis calls for more training camps in Manila to help grow Philippine tennis

    Tennielle Madis calls for more training camps in Manila to help grow Philippine tennis

    The inaugural Philippine Women’s Open recently unfolded in Manila, marking a historic milestone for Philippine tennis as the country officially made its debut on the 2026 Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) calendar. The tournament signaled a major step forward for the sport locally, placing the nation’s capital on the international map by hosting a WTA 125-level event for the first time.

     

    Held at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Court, the weeklong competition carried a total prize purse of $115,000 and offered players a valuable opportunity to earn crucial ranking points and gain early-season momentum. The event drew a competitive field that featured a blend of seasoned tour veterans and promising young talents, all eager to test themselves in a high-level international setting.

     

    For rising Filipino standout Tennielle Madis, the Philippine Women’s Open served as a challenging but eye-opening introduction to the WTA 125 stage. Playing in front of a passionate home crowd, Madis bowed out in the opening round after a 6-4, 6-0 loss to Thailand’s Mananchaya Sawangkaew on Monday, January 26. The match marked the second meeting between the two players, following their previous encounter at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games last December.

     

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    Despite the early exit, the experience proved invaluable for Madis, who relished the opportunity to compete on home soil under the spotlight of an international tournament. Fans packed the Rizal Memorial Tennis Court in droves, creating an electric atmosphere rarely seen at local tennis events and offering a glimpse of what the sport could become with sustained support.

    “We really enjoyed it. We learned a lot here in the WTA. We really did our best for the country and for all the Filipinos who came to support us. It had a huge impact on us, the Filipinos. In my match, all the seats were full. Every Filipino was cheering for us,” Madis said during an appearance on Off the Court.

     

    While the Philippine Women’s Open was widely viewed as a success off the court—both in terms of organization and its impact on the country’s standing within the global WTA scene—the results on court highlighted the challenges that still face local players. Of the Filipino contingent, only teenage sensation Alex Eala managed to advance as far as the semifinal stage, while the rest bowed out in the early rounds against more experienced international opposition.

     

    Madis openly acknowledged the existing gap between Filipino players and their counterparts on the global tour, emphasizing the need for more structured and consistent development programs. She urged the Philippine Tennis Federation to explore the possibility of holding regular training camps in Manila to help local talents elevate their game.

     

    “Maybe having training camps every weekend will encourage more athletes and tennis players to take up the sport. At the end of the day, it’s really about training. We are hoping that tennis will continue to boom and that the sport will keep getting the support it needs,” she added.

     

    Although Madis did not make a deep run in the tournament, analysts noted several encouraging signs in her performance. Her aggressive baseline play, willingness to dictate rallies, and improving court awareness drew praise, even as experts highlighted the importance of greater consistency, endurance, and match toughness when facing seasoned WTA-level opponents.

     

    As the curtain closed on the inaugural Philippine Women’s Open, the tournament left behind more than just results. It offered a promising glimpse into the future of Philippine tennis—one fueled by growing fan interest, increasing international exposure, and a new generation of players eager to rise to the challenge of the global stage.

     

     

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  • Carlo Bumina-ang eyeing ONE bantamweight title after comeback win at ONE Fight Night 39

    Carlo Bumina-ang eyeing ONE bantamweight title after comeback win at ONE Fight Night 39

    Carlo Bumina-ang has firmly cemented his place as one of the Philippines’ premier Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) talents, currently competing at the highest levels in ONE Championship while proudly representing the country on the international stage. At 31 years old, Bumina-ang has built a reputation for his aggressive striking, relentless pace, and mental toughness inside the cage, making him one of the most exciting Filipino prospects in the sport today. Fans and analysts alike recognize him as a fighter capable of delivering explosive finishes, and his career trajectory continues to capture attention across the MMA world.

     

    Bumina-ang made a triumphant return to the MMA cage at ONE Fight Night 39: Rambolek vs. Dayakaev on Friday, January 24, at the iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand. In front of a lively crowd, he recorded a second-round TKO victory over Marcos Aurelio, snapping the Brazilian’s previously unblemished professional record and demonstrating why he remains a formidable force in the bantamweight division.

     

    “I feel great, and it’s nice to be back here in Thailand. In the second round, we realised he only wanted to fight standing. I waited in the first round, then in the second I touched him and knocked him out,” Bumina-ang said after his victory.

     

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    The Filipino standout displayed not only power but patience and tactical awareness, allowing Aurelio to reveal his strategy before capitalizing with precision. Bumina-ang’s performance highlighted his ability to adapt mid-fight—a hallmark of elite-level fighters.

    “I thought the ref might stop the fight earlier. But he gave him a few seconds, and he couldn’t recover. It was better to stop it or he would take more damage. I’m just so happy that I was the first to stop him. But that’s what I always do, you know? I stop my opponents,” he added.

     

    This win marks a pivotal moment for Bumina-ang, reaffirming his status as a top contender and setting the stage for ambitious plans moving forward. Among his primary goals is a rematch with ONE Bantamweight MMA World Champion Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu of Mongolia, who defeated him via submission in their first encounter at ONE Fight Night 24 in August 2024. Bumina-ang’s determination to reclaim his standing in the division underscores his competitive spirit and hunger for championship gold.

     

    “Absolutely my dream is to get the belt and have a rematch with Enkh-Orgil. It’s up to ONE Championship, whatever they want. Hopefully this year or early next year. Whatever ONE Championship gives me, I will fight anyone. But maybe after two or three fights, I will get the rematch. Enkh, congratulations again, and I will come and meet you again, in the circle or ring,” Bumina-ang concluded.

     

    Beyond his impressive physical skills, Bumina-ang’s mental fortitude and strategic mindset have become defining traits of his fighting style. Known for his ability to control the pace of the fight and exploit opponents’ weaknesses, he has evolved into a versatile mixed martial artist capable of delivering high-impact finishes in both striking and transitional phases of combat. His focus now shifts toward consolidating his position in the bantamweight division while preparing for the potential championship rematch that could define his career.

     

    As Bumina-ang continues to rise in ONE Championship, the Filipino MMA community and international fans alike will be watching closely. His combination of skill, determination, and charisma inside the cage ensures that every fight he steps into remains must-see action. With a renewed sense of purpose after his victory over Aurelio, Bumina-ang’s journey toward championship glory is back on track—and the world is ready to witness the next chapter of his remarkable MMA career.

     

     

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