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Tag: Philippines

  • Filipinas set for training camp, international friendlies ahead of AFC Women’s Asian Cup

    Filipinas set for training camp, international friendlies ahead of AFC Women’s Asian Cup

    The Philippine women’s national football team, popularly known as the Filipinas, is gearing up for its next major international assignment—the prestigious Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Asian Cup in Perth, Australia. After a historic performance in the SEA Games, the team is looking to build on its momentum and further solidify its position on the continental stage.

     

    Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick Gregorio and Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president John Gutierrez recently held a joint press conference to outline the team’s preparations. The officials confirmed that the Filipinas will embark on a three-week training camp in Manila and Balesin Island before traveling to Australia, where they will face international competition and professional club sides to fine-tune their game.

     

    “They will have a three-week camp in Manila and we invited Bangladesh for a tune-up game. On 23 February, they will fly to Perth and will go up against two professional clubs. The girls will arrive on 30 January and are expected to be complete by 1 February,” Gutierrez said.

     

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    The training camp will not only focus on rigorous on-field drills but also provide the athletes with the opportunity to recover and recharge after their SEA Games success. The PFF has arranged for the team to train in Balesin, which boasts a FIFA-certified pitch—an ideal environment for high-level preparation.

    “They have a very good league in Australia so these friendlies with two first-division teams will help the team in its preparation. Merong FIFA-certified field sa Balesin Island. Now we get to reward the girls for some rest and recreation after their win in the SEA Games and we totally seclude them in the island to prepare for the AFC,” Gutierrez added.

     

    This approach highlights a blend of discipline and careful recovery. By giving the players both quality training and structured downtime, the PFF hopes the Filipinas will enter the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in peak physical and mental condition. Facing professional clubs in Australia is expected to expose the team to different playing styles and tactical challenges, providing invaluable experience ahead of the tournament.

     

    Beyond preparing the current national team, the PFF and PSC are also focused on long-term development for women’s football in the country. The PFF plans to increase the number of football fields nationwide through grants provided by FIFA, the AFC, and the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF), totaling approximately $3.7 million. These investments are expected to improve grassroots development, give young athletes better access to training facilities, and ensure the continued growth of women’s football in the Philippines.

     

    “We are now closely coordinating with DepEd and all state universities and colleges. They have thousands of hectares of land but they do not have the funds to develop sports facilities,” Gregorio stated.

     

    Gregorio also assured that the PSC would assist in identifying suitable sites to serve as new football fields and training centers. By working closely with educational institutions, the PSC and PFF aim to create a sustainable pipeline of talent that can benefit the national team for years to come.

     

    With the Filipinas set to begin their training camp at the end of January, the eyes of Philippine football fans will be on Balesin and eventually Perth, as the team strives to translate its recent SEA Games success into strong showings on the continental stage. The combination of elite training, international friendlies, and enhanced infrastructure development signals a renewed commitment to raising the standard of women’s football in the country.

     

     

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  • EJ Obiena strikes gold in Cottbus as world Top-10 push gains steam

    EJ Obiena strikes gold in Cottbus as world Top-10 push gains steam

    Momentum, not medals, appears to be the real prize for EJ Obiena as he opens his indoor season with renewed purpose.

     

    After a frustrating year marked by health setbacks and a slide down the world rankings, the Filipino pole vault ace is beginning to look like himself again. 

     

    Obiena followed up a 5.65-meter bronze-medal finish in Düsseldorf with a stronger showing at the Internationales Springer Meeting in Cottbus, where he cleared 5.77 meters to finish joint gold with Dutch standout Manno Vloon.

    The height mattered. So did the company.

     

    Obiena matched World No. 5 Vloon and World No. 4 Sam Kendricks of the United States at 5.77m, a significant step forward from his season opener and a clear sign that his rhythm is returning. 

     

    Kendricks bowed out after needing three attempts at the height, while Obiena and Vloon advanced with two, forcing a jump-off that ultimately ended with both sharing the top spot after failed attempts at 5.84m.

     

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    For an athlete who slipped from No. 2 to No. 11 in the world rankings last year, the performance represented more than a podium finish—it was proof that his upward trajectory is back on track.

     

    The timing couldn’t be better. Obiena is building toward the Asian Indoor Championships in Tianjin, China on February 6–8, a meet that could further bolster his ranking and confidence.

     

     Behind the scenes, preparations are already in place to ensure nothing disrupts that push.

    “We have a set of EJ’s poles in Manila which we usually use for Asian competitions,” said PATAFA secretary-general Jasper Tanhueco. “This was the same set-up for the Asian and World Championships last year. We already arranged the poles to be delivered.”


    Tanhueco added that arrangements are underway to secure the necessary Chinese visas for Obiena and his coaching staff, keeping the focus squarely on competition rather than logistics.


    Before Tianjin, Obiena’s busy indoor campaign continues. He is slated to compete at the Perch’Xtrem meet in Caen, France, another opportunity to fine-tune his form as he chases qualification for the World Indoor Championships in Kujawy Pomorze, Poland from March 20–22.

     

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  • “There are applicants”: Ricky Palou on potential new PVL teams

    “There are applicants”: Ricky Palou on potential new PVL teams

    The 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) season is set to tip off this weekend, with the league officially opening its calendar on Saturday, January 31, as the All-Filipino Conference preliminary round gets underway at the FilOil Center in San Juan City.

     

    While the new season marks another chapter for the country’s top professional volleyball league, this year’s All-Filipino Conference will feature a reduced field of 10 teams. The downsized lineup follows the exit of the Chery Tiggo Crossovers in December last year and the Petro Gazz Angels, who announced earlier this month that they would be taking a leave of absence from league play.

     

    Despite the departure of two established franchises, PVL president Ricky Palou expressed confidence in the league’s stability and long-term growth, revealing that several companies have already shown interest in joining the competition.

     

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    “Dalawa nga, Cebu-based. But we are not just gonna let them come in that easy. We have to also study what capabilities they have, will they be able to stay with the league for a longer period of time,” Palou said during the PVL’s press conference in Ortigas.

     

    Palou emphasized that while expansion remains a goal, the league is taking a cautious approach in evaluating potential new teams to ensure sustainability and competitive balance.

    “If they are financially capable of maintaining a team that long. Those are the things we are looking at right now. But there are applicants,” he added.

     

    According to Palou, should the evaluation process move smoothly, newly approved teams could begin competing as early as the next PVL conference, signaling the league’s openness to gradual expansion. He also clarified that the PVL continues to keep the door open for Petro Gazz, which recently captured the 2025 Reinforced Conference title before announcing its temporary exit.

     

    “They still want to be part of the league. So we are in talks with them on possible sponsorships. They are willing to still be involved in the activities of the league,” Palou continued.

     

    The PVL has seen multiple teams and franchises step away from the league since 2021, sparking ongoing discussions about the financial demands required to sustain a professional volleyball team. Rising operational costs—ranging from player salaries and coaching staff to logistics and marketing—have become a growing concern for team owners.

     

    Palou acknowledged these challenges and revealed that the league has been actively discussing ways to ease the financial burden on its member teams.

     

    “Internally, we have been discussing some issues on how we can do to actually help the teams. We know it is getting more expensive for the teams to keep up, keep their teams together. I understand teams are now spending like P60, P75-million a year in maintaining a team. To us, this is a concern. We’d like to have the teams reduce the expenses and right now we are in talks on how to do this,” he concluded.

     

    As the 2026 season begins, the PVL finds itself balancing growth with sustainability—aiming to preserve the league’s competitive level while ensuring that franchises are financially equipped for long-term participation. With discussions ongoing and potential new teams on the horizon, league officials remain optimistic that the PVL can continue to evolve while addressing the realities of operating a professional sports league in the country.

     

     

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  • “She can be a good player in the future”: Mananchaya Sawangkaew praises Filipino teenager Tennielle Madis

    “She can be a good player in the future”: Mananchaya Sawangkaew praises Filipino teenager Tennielle Madis

    The inaugural Philippine Women’s Open is currently underway in Manila, marking a historic milestone for tennis in the country as it makes its debut on the 2026 Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) calendar. The tournament represents a major step forward for Philippine tennis, placing the nation’s capital firmly on the international stage by hosting a WTA 125-level event for the first time.

     

    Running until January 31, 2026, the Philippine Women’s Open is being contested on hard courts and features a competitive 32-player singles draw alongside a 16-team doubles bracket. With a total prize purse of $115,000, the tournament provides participants a valuable opportunity to earn ranking points and gain essential match experience early in the season. The event has attracted a mix of seasoned tour veterans and emerging talents, all looking to test themselves in an internationally competitive environment while building momentum for the rest of the WTA season.

     

    For rising Filipino star Tennielle Madis, the tournament proved a challenging introduction to the WTA 125 level. In her first-round match at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Court on Monday, January 26, Madis fell to Thailand’s Mananchaya Sawangkaew, 6-4, 6-0. This marked the second meeting between the two players, following their encounter at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games last December.

     

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    Despite the loss, Sawangkaew praised Madis for her improvement and resilience on the court.

     

    “I played against her in the SEA Games last time, so this time, she played much better. She improved a lot in her game, and then I can feel that she can be a good player in the future,” Sawangkaew said during a media interaction.

    The Thai player also highlighted the enthusiastic support from Filipino fans and lauded the organizers for staging a professional tournament in Manila.

     

    “It’s a beautiful crowd here and the people come to support Southeast Asia a lot and then also for everyone in this tournament, so it’s good to see everyone to come to support here,” she added.

     

    For Madis, the experience was an invaluable opportunity to gain exposure on the international stage and to measure herself against a higher-ranked, more experienced opponent.

     

    “First of all, it’s an honor to play against Sawangkaew. She is a good and experienced player. All I can say is that it’s a great learning and opportunity for me to play with her,” Madis said.

     

    Though the scoreline did not go in her favor, the match provided Madis with critical insights into the level of play required on the WTA circuit. Analysts noted her aggressive baseline strokes and improving court awareness, but also emphasized the importance of consistency and stamina against seasoned opponents.

     

    The Philippine Women’s Open, with its full stands and lively atmosphere, continues to draw attention from fans and players alike, signaling a promising future for tennis in the country. With the tournament running until the end of the month, it remains an important platform for emerging Southeast Asian talent, offering invaluable match experience and a chance to shine on a stage previously unseen in the Philippines.

     

    For Madis, this is only the beginning of what promises to be a meaningful journey in professional tennis—a chance to learn, grow, and one day compete consistently on the global WTA circuit.

     

     

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  • German No. 1 seed Tatjana Maria hails organization, crowd at inaugural Philippine Women’s Open

    German No. 1 seed Tatjana Maria hails organization, crowd at inaugural Philippine Women’s Open

    The inaugural Philippine Women’s Open is currently underway in Manila, marking a historic milestone for tennis in the country as it makes its debut on the 2026 Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) calendar. The tournament represents a significant step forward for Philippine tennis, placing the nation’s capital firmly on the international stage by hosting a WTA 125-level event for the first time.

     

    Running until January 31, 2026, the Philippine Women’s Open is being played on hard courts and features a competitive 32-player singles draw alongside a 16-team doubles bracket. With a total prize purse of $115,000, the event offers players an important opportunity to earn valuable WTA ranking points while gaining crucial match experience early in the season. The tournament has attracted a mix of established tour veterans and emerging talents, all looking to build momentum as the global tennis calendar gains pace.

     

    Among the notable participants was German top seed and world No. 42 Tatjana Maria, whose presence added star power to the maiden staging of the event. The former Wimbledon semifinalist praised the tournament’s organization and execution, expressing pleasant surprise at how smoothly the competition has been run despite being in its inaugural year.

     

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    “The Philippine Women’s Open is super nice. I think that everybody agrees with me that the tournament seems to have existed for years. It is so well-organized,” Maria said.

    Maria shared her remarks following her opening-round victory over France’s Leolia Jeanjean at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center. In a tightly contested encounter, the German veteran relied on her experience to close out the match, winning 7-6, 7-5, 6-4 to advance. While pleased with the result, Maria acknowledged the physical demands of playing in Manila’s climate, noting that the humid conditions posed a significant challenge for both competitors.

     

    “I knew it was going to be a tough match because I have played her already a few times. She is a strong player, too. The conditions were also challenging because it was also humid so we were both sweating a lot.

     

    “Of course, the crowd has been amazing from the first day. The Rizal Memorial Tennis Center is completely full, which is why I think players like me find it nice to play here,” Maria concluded.

     

    The enthusiastic turnout from Filipino fans has been one of the early highlights of the tournament, underscoring the country’s growing appetite for high-level international tennis. Packed stands and lively support have helped create an atmosphere more commonly associated with long-established tour stops, further validating the Philippines’ inclusion on the WTA circuit.

     

    Despite her strong start and positive impressions of the event, Maria’s campaign came to an abrupt end on Wednesday, January 28. The 38-year-old bowed out in the second round after a hard-fought 6-7, 4-6 loss to Russia’s Tatiana Prozorova, who capitalized on key moments to secure the upset victory.

     

    Even with Maria’s early exit, the Philippine Women’s Open continues to gain momentum as the week progresses, offering local fans a rare opportunity to witness world-class women’s tennis firsthand. As the tournament unfolds, its successful launch signals a promising future for the Philippines as a regular stop on the global tennis tour.

     

     

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  • Former UAAP MVP Kaye Ann Emana calls on Philippine tennis authorities to help young players

    Former UAAP MVP Kaye Ann Emana calls on Philippine tennis authorities to help young players

    Former University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) tennis standout Kaye Ann Emana officially made her Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) debut in the inaugural Philippine Women’s Open at the historic Rizal Memorial Tennis Center, marking a significant milestone in her budding career.

     

    The 22-year-old, who rose to prominence as a collegiate star and UAAP Most Valuable Player (MVP), faced a steep challenge against Russia’s Tatiana Prozorova in a rain-delayed round of 32 match on Tuesday, January 27. Emana ultimately fell 1-6, 0-6, a scoreline that, while harsh, underscored the level of competition in an international tournament.

     

    Despite the setback, Emana expressed gratitude for the experience of competing on the WTA stage, seeing it as a valuable learning opportunity.

     

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    “Of course, I’m happy. I got the chance to play in a tournament like this—it’s international, so I’m really grateful just to be part of it. My mindset was to simply enjoy the game. Whether I win or lose, I know I will learn something. It’s just more intense now because I’m competing against international players,” she said in a media interaction.

     

    Emana’s appearance at the Philippine Women’s Open highlights both the opportunities and challenges for Filipino tennis players aspiring to compete internationally. Following her maiden international experience, she called on the Philippine tennis authorities to provide more structured support for local and collegiate athletes. She noted that not all young players have access to high-level training or resources like those available to top stars such as Alex Eala.

    “Sana po, laging magka-trainings, seminars. Kasi po, mahirap po talaga lalo na ‘pag walang money, walang budget. Tapos, ‘pag kayo-kayo lang po, mahirap po talaga mag-improve. Hindi po tulad kay Alex Eala na mayroon po silang Rafael Nadal Academy. Sana po, lagi po magka-trainings dito po sa Philippines para po may aasahan naman po na manalo po dito sa WTA event,” Emana said.

     

    In addition to her singles debut, Emana also competed in the doubles event alongside Justine Hannah Maneja, but the duo was stopped in straight sets, losing 2-6, 2-6 to Nicole Fossa Huergo and Darja Semenstaja.

     

    While Filipino fans have celebrated Eala’s early international success, other homegrown talents such as Elizabeth Abarquez, Emana herself, and Tenny Padis are still working to make their mark, which has sometimes drawn online criticism from local supporters. Emana reflected on the challenges that come with being compared to peers who have access to world-class coaching and facilities.

     

    “Kasi po, nakikita ko po ‘pag may post na may laban ‘yung ibang Filipino athletes, tulad po ni Elsie Abarquez, nakikita ko po sa comments na ibang iba daw po kami kay Alex. Kasi, siyempre po, sana po maisip po nila na may coaching staff po siya na kasama. Kami po, kami lang,” she said.

     

    Despite the hurdles, Emana remains focused on the next phase of her career, particularly defending her UAAP women’s tennis title in Season 88, set to begin this February. The experience gained from competing against international players has become a cornerstone of her preparation and motivation.

     

    “Siyempre po, defending champion. Sana po, maging champion po ulit kami this season. And, siguro, mag-improve pa po ako lalo. ‘Yan po ‘yung goal ko,” Emana concluded.

     

    For Emana, the Philippine Women’s Open was more than a debut—it was a stepping stone in a journey that seeks to elevate Filipino tennis on both the national and international stages. While the results were challenging, the experience highlighted the potential of homegrown talent and the importance of consistent support and development programs to nurture the next generation of champions.

     

     

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  • Philippines records best-ever medal haul in ASEAN Para Games history at 13th edition in Thailand

    Philippines records best-ever medal haul in ASEAN Para Games history at 13th edition in Thailand

    Team Philippines sent a 216-strong delegation to the recently concluded 13th ASEAN Para Games, which were held in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, from January 20 to 26, underscoring the country’s continued commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and athlete development in international para sports.

     

    The Philippine contingent—composed of seasoned medalists, rising stars, coaches, and support staff—delivered a historic performance, posting the best medal haul in the nation’s history at the ASEAN Para Games. Team Philippines finished the competition with an impressive 45 gold medals, 37 silver medals, and 52 bronze medals, for a total of 134 medals won by 211 Filipino athletes, marking the country’s most successful showing since it first joined the Games in 2001.

     

    The achievement surpassed the country’s previous best performance at the 12th ASEAN Para Games in Cambodia in 2023, where the Philippines collected 34 gold, 33 silver, and 50 bronze medals. This significant improvement highlighted the depth and balance of the current national para-athlete pool.

     

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    Several sports led the medal charge for the Philippines, with athletics emerging as the top contributor after hauling in 16 gold medals. Swimming followed closely with 13 gold medals, while chess added another 12 gold medals, showcasing the team’s versatility across both physical and mind sports disciplines.

     

    Chief of mission Goody Custodio credited the team’s focused preparation and successful integration of young athletes as key factors behind the strong showing.

     

    “I think the key was that both our athletes and coaches were able to really focus. At the same time, we were able to integrate young para-athletes into the team,” Custodio said during a media interaction.

    Custodio emphasized that a significant portion of the medal haul came from emerging talents, particularly in classifications involving visually impaired athletes, signaling a bright future for Philippine para sports.

     

    “Most of our medalists are actually young talents. Of course, our veterans are still there and they continue to deliver, but a big portion of our success came from new talents coming from different classes, especially among visually impaired athletes. That’s where many of our medalists came from,” he added.

     

    Beyond performances on the field of play, Custodio highlighted the crucial role of institutional and community support in driving the team’s success. He credited the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC), and partners from the private sector for providing essential resources and encouragement to the athletes.

     

    “The biggest takeaway is the importance of support—from our sponsors like the PSC and MVP Sports, and also from the media. Just by releasing the results and medal tallies, the athletes already feel the support,” Custodio said.

     

    “Even their families back in the Philippines were able to follow them through videos and updates, which gives them strength. That kind of support really matters to our athletes,” he concluded.

     

    Prior to the start of the Games, PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio announced additional incentives to recognize the efforts of the country’s para-athletes and coaches. All participants were assured of a ₱6,000 bonus, on top of the standard government incentives mandated under Republic Act 10699, also known as the Expanded National Athletes and Coaches Incentives and Benefits Act.

     

    Under the incentive program, gold medalists will receive ₱150,000, silver medalists ₱75,000, and bronze medalists ₱30,000, providing tangible recognition for the athletes’ dedication, resilience, and outstanding achievements on the regional stage.

     

    With its record-breaking performance at the 13th ASEAN Para Games, Team Philippines not only reaffirmed its growing stature in para sports across Southeast Asia but also laid a strong foundation for future international competitions, driven by youth, sustained support, and a culture of inclusion and excellence.

     

     

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  • “Alex is your best role model hero”: Former national team tennis coach lauds Eala

    “Alex is your best role model hero”: Former national team tennis coach lauds Eala

    Manila is poised to deliver a landmark moment for Philippine tennis as it gears up to host its first-ever Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) tournament — a breakthrough that could reshape the sport’s local landscape for years to come.

     

    The Philippine Women’s Open has officially been included in the 2026 WTA calendar, bringing a WTA 125-level event to the country and placing the capital firmly on the international tennis map. For a nation that has long produced passionate tennis supporters but has rarely enjoyed elite-level tournaments on home soil, the announcement represents both a major step forward and a long-awaited opportunity to elevate tennis in the Philippines.

     

    Set to run from January 26 to 31, 2026, the tournament will be played on hard courts and will feature a 32-player singles draw and a 16-team doubles bracket. With a total prize commitment of $115,000, the Philippine Women’s Open will offer valuable ranking points and provide a competitive stage typically designed for rising talents, seasoned professionals seeking match sharpness, and players looking for a pathway back into higher-tier WTA events.

     

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    Beyond the logistics and prize pool, the historic staging carries a deeper meaning: the Philippines will finally have a global women’s tennis event that can inspire young athletes, energize local supporters, and put homegrown talent in the spotlight.

     

    Former national team coach Karl Santamaria described the tournament as a major turning point not only for the sport but also for Filipino fans, who now get the chance to show how tennis can thrive in a traditionally basketball-dominated country.

     

    “For the Filipino fans, I know you are all excited to watch world-class tennis and also very excited to watch Alex. So I think this is a way to show the players who are going to participate and the fans watching from other countries, to see that this is how we support the players,” Santamaria said as quoted by The Inquirer.

     

    While much of the buzz around the event will naturally revolve around Alex Eala — the country’s most recognizable tennis talent and one of Asia’s brightest prospects — Santamaria believes the tournament’s full impact will depend on how fans embrace the entire field, including other Filipinos who could earn places in the draw.

    Santamaria stressed that support should extend beyond a single star if the sport is to grow into something sustainable.

     

    “I think the impact of this now is a bit more global. We will give more support to Alex, but let’s give support to the other Filipino players and also the other players. Because they will give you world-class tennis,” he added.

     

    Santamaria, 46, brings vast experience and credibility within Philippine tennis circles. Over the years, he has coached prominent players such as Clarice Patrimio and Francis Casey Alcantara, handled collegiate programs at University of Santo Tomas and National University, and has even assisted Eala during the 2020 preseason. Having watched Eala closely over the past several years, Santamaria believes the 20-year-old has become the strongest role model Filipino tennis has had in decades.

     

    “Our culture is always searching for a hero. I think Alex is your best role model hero that you could possibly have. She has very good family values. She understands the responsibility of being not only a celebrity but an emerging global superstar. And she represents what it is to be a Filipino,” Santamaria continued.

     

    Eala’s rise has already proven that Filipino tennis can command attention on the world stage. At the Australian Open, Filipino fans traveled in droves and turned the stands into a largely Filipino-heavy crowd during her match against American Alycia Parks. The crowd’s energy was unmistakable — and at times overwhelming — drawing repeated reminders from the umpire, a moment Santamaria pointed to as evidence of the growing passion surrounding the sport.

     

    With that enthusiasm also comes responsibility, and Santamaria reminded supporters that cheering for Eala on a global stage also means representing the country’s image in a sport where the Philippines is still building its reputation.

     

    “We are not known in the sport of tennis. So when you watch Alex live, you are also representing the Philippines,” he concluded.

     

    As the Philippine Women’s Open draws closer, the spotlight will not only be on the players competing for ranking points and prize money, but also on the Filipino crowd that will help define the tournament’s identity. With Manila finally hosting a WTA event, the Philippines has a rare chance to showcase its passion, hospitality, and readiness for world-class tennis — and if fans embrace the moment with the same energy and respect Santamaria emphasizes, the 2026 Philippine Women’s Open could be the start of a new era for the sport in the country.

     

     

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  • Gary Bejino breaks ASEAN Para Games record, lifts PH Para team to golden start

    Gary Bejino breaks ASEAN Para Games record, lifts PH Para team to golden start

    The Philippine campaign at the 13th ASEAN Para Games burst into life almost immediately, and Gary Bejino made sure the tone was nothing short of historic.

     

    Moments into the swimming competitions, Bejino delivered the country’s first gold medal—and did it with authority—by smashing the meet record in the men’s 400-meter freestyle S6 at the 80th Birthday Aquatics Center last Wednesday. The Tokyo Paralympian touched the wall at 5:32.08, rewriting his own previous mark of 5:38.26 set during the 2023 Cambodia edition.

     

    Yet beyond the numbers, the victory carried deeper meaning. The opening day of competition also doubled as a personal milestone, turning the race into a celebration both in and out of the pool.

    “I am happy to get the gold and have my time be a bit faster,” Bejino said.

     

    “It so happened that the first day of the competition coincided with my son’s birthday as well as my coach Bryan Ong and coach Leo Ramos’ birthday yesterday. It added more motivation for me to win.”

     

    Bejino’s record-breaking swim set off a chain reaction for Team Philippines. Just minutes later, seasoned para swimmer Ernie Gawilan ensured the momentum continued, claiming gold in the men’s 400m freestyle S7 with a time of 5:02.39.

     

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    For Gawilan, the victory carried a deeply personal dedication as well, as he pointed to family as his driving force.

     

    “First of all, I dedicate this victory to the country and to my baby who will be born soon,” Gawilan said, offering a heartfelt nod to his wife and their incoming daughter.

     

    The golden run in the pool didn’t stop there. Angel Mae Otom, a 2024 Paris Paralympics campaigner, added another top-podium finish by ruling the women’s 50m backstroke S4–S5 in 47.29 seconds, underlining the Philippines’ strength in para swimming early in the meet.

     

    Elsewhere, the national 3×3 wheelchair basketball teams came agonizingly close to gold but ultimately settled for silver after tough finals against host Thailand at Hall 1 of Terminal 21 Korat. The Pilipinas Warriors bowed to a 13–20 defeat, while the Lady Warriors absorbed a 5–12 loss in their championship matchup.

     

    The medal haul continued across disciplines. Marydol Pamati-an secured silver in the women’s 41-kilogram para powerlifting event with a total lift of 77kgs, while Denesia Esnara added a bronze in the 45kg class after lifting 73kgs.

     

    Additional bronze medals came from Michael Bayani in para cycling and Francisco Ednaco in the singles event of tenpin bowling, further padding the Philippines’ early medal count.

     

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  • “Sharper, stronger, more dangerous”: Filipino MMA star Danny Kingad promises statement fight at ONE Fight Night 40

    “Sharper, stronger, more dangerous”: Filipino MMA star Danny Kingad promises statement fight at ONE Fight Night 40

    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 international stage. Known for his relentless work rate and technical skill, the 30-year-old fighter has emerged as one of the most exciting Filipino prospects in the sport today.

     

    Kingad is set to make his 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 iconic Lumpinee Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.

     

    The Sadaga-born fighter is eager to show that he still belongs among the elite of the ONE Flyweight division and to reestablish himself as a legitimate title contender after setbacks in his last two fights.

     

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    Kingad last competed at ONE 169 in a World Title eliminator rematch against Adriano Moraes, where he succumbed to a second-round guillotine choke. Determined to bounce back, the Filipino MMA star promises fans a sharper, stronger, and more dangerous version of himself in Bangkok.

     

    “I’m extremely fired up to be back inside the Circle this February 14. This fight means a lot to me because it’s an important step toward my goal. I have been training with intensity, focus, and purpose, and I’m ready to show a sharper, stronger, and more dangerous version of Danny Kingad,” he said in a recent media interaction.

    Kingad acknowledges that a dominant performance against Hu Yong is essential to regain momentum and make the rest of the flyweight division take notice.

     

    “Fans will see a different fire in me this time. I’m fighting with urgency and hunger because this bout is crucial in putting me back in position for a title shot. Every athlete dreams of fighting for the belt, and this fight is part of that journey. That goal pushes me through every hard round and every sacrifice in training,” he added.

     

    Hu Yong, meanwhile, also comes off consecutive defeats, having lost to Reece McLaren and Sanzhar Zakirov at ONE Fight Night 36 in October. Despite this, Kingad is fully aware of the threat his opponent poses. Hu Yong’s first-round knockout of former ONE Flyweight World Champion Geje Eustaquio at ONE 164 highlights the danger he brings into the cage.

     

    “Hu Yong is a tough and dangerous opponent, and I respect what he brings to the table. At the same time, I trust my preparation, my team, and the work I have been putting in. We are studying his style carefully and building a game plan that allows me to control the fight, show my improvements, and earn the win,” Kingad continued.

     

    Kingad also remains grateful for the support of Filipino fans throughout his career. He most famously captured a bronze medal in the 60-kilogram full contact event at the 2023 Southeast Asian Games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia — a testament to his consistency and dedication in the sport.

     

    “Thank you to everyone who continues to support and believe in me. Your support gives me strength. On February 14, expect a focused, hungry, and determined Danny Kingad inside the Circle. I’m ready to give everything I have to take this next step toward the belt,” he concluded.

     

    As Kingad prepares for this crucial bout, the stage is set for a high-stakes clash that could define the next chapter of his career. With determination, skill, and experience on his side, the Filipino MMA star has the opportunity not just to rebound from recent setbacks, but to make a statement to the entire ONE Flyweight division — proving that Danny Kingad remains a serious contender on the world stage.

     

     

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