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  • PSC chief Gregorio optimistic about growth of Philippine tennis with maiden WTA 125 event

    PSC chief Gregorio optimistic about growth of Philippine tennis with maiden WTA 125 event

    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 milestone 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 Philippine capital firmly on the international tennis map. For a nation that has long produced passionate tennis supporters but rarely enjoyed elite-level tournaments on home soil, the announcement signals both a breakthrough and a long-awaited opportunity for the sport to grow.

     

    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 a competitive platform typically designed for emerging talents and established tour players seeking momentum, match play, or a pathway back into higher-tier WTA tournaments.

     

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    Beyond the numbers and the format, the event carries major significance for Filipino fans and athletes alike. It will give local supporters the rare chance to watch world-class women’s tennis up close, while also providing Philippine players an invaluable stage — one that comes with the added advantage of playing in familiar conditions and with home-crowd support.

     

    Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick Gregorio visited the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex on Thursday, January 22, to inspect preparations and speak about what the tournament could mean for the future of tennis in the country. Gregorio expressed optimism that this initial step could eventually lead to bigger WTA-level events in Manila.

    “Right now, it’s 125. Next year, it could be 250. By 2028, it might be 500 or 1,000. So this is good for Philippine tennis,” Gregorio said.

     

    WTA tournaments are categorized by tier, with the number reflecting the ranking points awarded to the champion — an indicator of the level of competition and the prestige attached to the event. As it currently stands, the Philippine Women’s Open will debut as a WTA 125 tournament, a category often populated by rising stars, developing prospects, and players working their way toward the main WTA Tour.

     

    Gregorio also emphasized that hosting an international tournament is not only about staging matches but about creating momentum around national sports programs and allowing Filipino athletes to gain more recognition from the public. He believes events like this can bridge the gap between global success and local appreciation, ensuring that athletes competing internationally also get meaningful exposure at home.

     

    “This is what we have been waiting for. If we have Filipino athletes succeeding in the international field, on the world stage, it is a must that we organize something to host them in the Philippines. It’s what we wanted for Senator Manny Pacquiao, it’s what we requested for Gilas Pilipinas and for Alas Pilipinas,” he added.

     

    The Philippine Women’s Open could also serve as a strong platform for the country’s brightest tennis talent, especially with fan interest expected to surge around Filipina sensation Alex Eala, who has continued to draw attention with her performances on the international stage. With Eala becoming one of the country’s most recognizable names in tennis, the inaugural WTA tournament in Manila is likely to generate strong turnout and renewed excitement for the sport.

     

    To ensure the Rizal Memorial courts are ready for the demands of elite competition, the PSC is currently spearheading renovations aimed at meeting international standards. Improvements include upgrades to the playing surface, facilities, and player areas — key requirements for a tournament carrying WTA sanctioning. In addition, an extra 2,000 seats have been installed to accommodate the crowd expected to flock to the historic venue, turning the complex into a showcase arena capable of staging one of the biggest tennis events ever held in the Philippines.

     

    With the countdown to January 2026 underway, the Philippine Women’s Open represents more than just another entry on the global calendar. It marks a statement of intent — that Manila is ready to host, support, and celebrate top-level tennis, and that Philippine tennis is entering a new era built on visibility, opportunity, and international relevance.

     

     

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  • Tallulah Proulx fulfills childhood dream after becoming youngest Filipino to qualify for Winter Olympics

    Tallulah Proulx fulfills childhood dream after becoming youngest Filipino to qualify for Winter Olympics

    Francis Ceccarelli has carved out a historic milestone for Philippine sports after becoming the first Filipino to secure a quota spot for the Olympic Winter Games. The 22-year-old alpine skier is set to represent the country on the sport’s grandest stage when the Winter Olympics begin on February 26, with the Games jointly hosted by Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.

     

    Ceccarelli will not be the only Filipino making waves in the snow.

     

    Another Philippine alpine skier, Tallulah Proulx, also made history after becoming the first Filipina — and the youngest Filipino athlete — to qualify for the Winter Olympics. Just 17 years old, Proulx earned qualification in both the giant slalom and slalom events, turning a personal dream into a landmark moment for the country’s growing presence in winter sports.

     

    Proulx admitted the achievement still feels surreal, describing the emotions she felt when she found out she had officially booked her ticket to the Olympics.

     

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    “I was really, really happy, of course. And honestly, just so excited after I found out. I was so grateful,” Proulx said during a media interaction. “I would have been happy regardless, but I was especially happy on the drive home.”

     

    Beyond the excitement, the teenage skier said she hopes her breakthrough can spark belief among young Filipinos — especially young girls — that they too can chase big dreams in sports outside the country’s traditional comfort zone.

     

    “I’m just really happy and I hope I can be a role model to like other young Filipina girls and Filipinas in general,” she added. “I’m still in shock… every day I check my phone and I get new followers or new mentions and I’m like, whoa, did I really do that?”

     

    Proulx’s journey began early. She first tried skiing at just three years old during a family vacation in Tahoe, California. What started as a childhood experience quickly became a passion, and by the time she was seven, she was already competing. Eventually, she made the decision to represent the Philippines internationally, embracing the chance to carry the flag on a global stage.

     

    Her continued rise was fueled by international experience, including her stint at the 2025 Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China, where she finished 16th out of 44 competitors. For Proulx, that tournament became more than just another event—it became preparation for what she hopes will be an even bigger moment in Italy.

     

    “I think it helped prepare me also for the Olympics because it kind of simulated the Olympic village and I was able to meet a lot of athletes,” she explained. “I was able to get some exposure as to what the Olympics would be like.”

    The experience also sharpened her motivation.

     

    “And I think that also fueled my motivation… I was like, if I want this dream to come true, like I really have to put in the work,” she added. “I truly think that I was able to put my best foot forward and really, really push myself.”

     

    That work continues daily, as Proulx stays active in races while following a demanding training routine leading up to the Olympics.

     

    “I usually train around six days a week,” she shared. “I train with my home mountain at Park City in Utah. And we train at the Utah Olympic Park, which is essentially like a kind of private hill or a training slope just for racers.”

     

    Proulx also emphasized that competition remains essential not only for improvement, but also for enjoyment and team bonding.

     

    “Every race is always an opportunity to get better points,” she said. “And honestly, it’s also fun to be with my team… supporting my teammates as well is always fun.”

     

    Alongside Ceccarelli, Proulx believes their qualification can help shine a brighter spotlight on skiing and winter sports in a country where basketball dominates the landscape.

     

    “I hope that like both of us being there will be an inspiration for other Filipinos,” she said. “Because if there’s two, we could grow it even more, you know.”

     

    She also highlighted the significance of Filipino athletes abroad — like herself in the United States and Ceccarelli in Italy — helping extend the reach of Philippine sports beyond its usual borders.

     

    “Getting out there… and also to Filipinos abroad… spreading or having Filipinos that have like spread out to other countries, let them try skiing and other alpine sports or other winter sports as well,” she concluded.

     

    With Francis Ceccarelli and Tallulah Proulx both set to compete in Milan-Cortina, the Philippines is entering a new chapter in its sporting story — one that goes beyond hardwood courts and into the mountains. Their qualification is not only a personal triumph, but a breakthrough moment that could inspire a new generation of Filipino athletes to explore winter sports and dream bigger on the world stage.

     

     

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  • Filipino star Carlo Bumina-ang credits basketball for teamwork and discipline in MMA

    Filipino star Carlo Bumina-ang credits basketball for teamwork and discipline in MMA

    Carlo Bumina-ang has firmly cemented his reputation as one of the Philippines’ brightest Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) talents, competing at the highest level in ONE Championship and representing the country on the international stage. Known for his aggressive striking, relentless work rate, and resilience inside the cage, the 31-year-old fighter has become one of the most exciting Filipino prospects in the sport today.

     

    Bumina-ang is set to make his return to the ONE Championship cage on Friday, January 23, at ONE Fight Night 39: Rambolek vs. Dayakaev, where he will face undefeated Marcos Aurelio in a bantamweight bout. The matchup presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the Filipino star, who is eager to rebound and regain momentum in his professional career.

     

    The fight comes after a disappointing setback for Bumina-ang at ONE Fight Night 37: Kryklia vs. Agdeve on November 8, when he suffered a second-round submission loss to Russia’s Elbek Alyshov. The defeat was a rare stumble in his otherwise promising career, dropping his professional record to 8-2. Now, he is determined to put that loss behind him and reassert himself among the sport’s elite.

     

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    Before MMA became his calling, Bumina-ang, like many young Filipinos, grew up passionate about basketball. Hailing from Baguio City, he spent much of his youth playing the sport with classmates and friends in every open court he could find.

     

    “When I was in high school, that’s all I played with my classmates and friends. After class, we would head straight to any open court and play until we dropped. Those days were fun; it was a great experience. At one point, it was the only thing I was really passionate about,” Bumina-ang recalled in a media interaction.

    Growing up in the early 2000s, he idolized NBA stars, particularly Hall of Famer Allen Iverson. Though not the tallest player on the court, Bumina-ang made up for it with his athleticism and fearless style of play.

     

    “I wanted to imitate Iverson. I loved how he played, his swagger, and just how he carried himself. I played the forward position. I wasn’t the tallest, but I was athletic. I loved banging bodies and just driving into the lane,” he said.

     

    While MMA is markedly different from basketball and thrives on individual performance, Bumina-ang credits the sport with teaching him fundamental traits that still resonate in his fight career.

     

    “Basketball training actually has some similarities with MMA training. We did a lot of sprinting, which I still do a lot now. When I played, I loved receiving passes on a fast break, so running came naturally to me.


    “Sportsmanship is the biggest lesson I got from basketball. In Team Lakay, we train as a team, and we win and lose as a group, just like in basketball. Teamwork is something I got from basketball that I still apply in MMA,” he explained.

     

    As Bumina-ang prepares for his bantamweight clash with Aurelio, the stakes could not be higher. A win would reaffirm his position as one of the Philippines’ top MMA exports and keep him in contention in the highly competitive division. Conversely, a loss would force him to recalibrate and work even harder to maintain his standing among the sport’s elite.

     

    With his combination of experience, aggressive striking, and steely determination forged through adversity, Carlo Bumina-ang is poised to make this bout a defining moment in his career. Filipino fight fans will be watching closely, hoping their star can turn the page and reclaim his winning momentum on the international stage.

     

     

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  • Ferdinand Marcos Jr. honors SEA Games athletes with additional cash incentives

    Ferdinand Marcos Jr. honors SEA Games athletes with additional cash incentives

    The Philippine contingent capped off an impressive campaign at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand, bringing home a remarkable total of 277 medals — 50 golds, 73 silvers, and 154 bronzes — to secure sixth place overall in the medal standings. Filipino athletes showcased exceptional skill, resilience, and determination across a wide array of sports, demonstrating once again the growing competitiveness of the country in the regional sporting arena.

     

    To honor the achievements of these athletes, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led a special recognition ceremony, dubbed “Parangal at Pasasalamat sa mga Bayaning Atleta,” held on Wednesday, January 21, at Intramuros, Manila. The event brought together approximately 500 Filipino athletes, coaches, and support staff who proudly represented the nation on the international stage.

     

    During the ceremony, Marcos Jr. personally distributed cash incentives to the medal-winning athletes, in accordance with Republic Act 10699, also known as the National Athletes and Coaches Incentives Act. Under the law, Filipino athletes are entitled to P300,000 for a gold medal, P150,000 for silver, and P60,000 for bronze. In a gesture of additional support and recognition, the Office of the President announced that these amounts would be doubled for each medalist, while every athlete who represented the country at the SEA Games received an additional P10,000.

     

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    Addressing the athletes, President Marcos Jr. expressed heartfelt appreciation for their sacrifices and dedication.

     

    “Batid nating walang katumbas na halaga ang iyong sakripisyo, ngunit tanggapin ninyo ito bilang simbolo ng pagpupugay at pasasalamat ng mamamayang Pilipino sa inyong kabayanihan,” he said, emphasizing the nation’s gratitude for their extraordinary efforts.

    The President also highlighted the role of sports in nurturing the next generation of Filipino athletes:

     

    “Ginagawa natin ang lahat ng ito upang hubugin ang mga susunod na henerasyon ng atletang Pilipino — mga kabataang may pangarap, may paniniwala sa sarili, at handang lumaban sa ngalan ng ating bandila,” Marcos Jr. stated.

     

    He further reflected on the importance of discipline and character-building in sports, noting that these values extend beyond athletic competition and shape the personal and professional lives of athletes.

     

    “Ang disiplina ay hindi lamang susi sa panalo sa loob ng arena. Ito ay humuhubog sa ating pagkatao — ang mamuhay ng may layunin, magsikap ng may kaulugan, at mangarap ng malinaw na direksiyon. At sa tuwing pinipili nating kumilos ng may disiplina, sama-sama nating binubuo ang isang bansa na hindi sumusuko — isang bansang patuloy na umaangat, nagpupunyagi, at umuunlad,” he added.

     

    The recognition ceremony not only celebrated the medalists but also underscored the government’s commitment to supporting Filipino athletes in their pursuit of excellence. By combining monetary incentives with national recognition, the Philippines continues to encourage its young athletes to dream big and strive for greatness on both regional and global stages.

     

    In addition to the medalists, coaches, trainers, and team officials who contributed to the country’s performance were acknowledged, reflecting the collaborative effort behind the nation’s success. The event served as a reminder that Philippine sports achievements are not only a source of pride but also a testament to the dedication, discipline, and resilience of its athletes.

     

    With the SEA Games now concluded, attention turns to upcoming international competitions and the continued development of sports programs aimed at producing world-class Filipino athletes who can compete on the global stage, fueled by the inspiration and example of the heroes celebrated at Intramuros.

     

     

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  • ASEAN Para Games Day 1 Roundup: Team Philippines opens campaign with record-breaking golds

    ASEAN Para Games Day 1 Roundup: Team Philippines opens campaign with record-breaking golds

    Team Philippines wasted no time making its presence felt on Day 1 of the ASEAN Para Games on January 21, delivering a strong opening performance highlighted by multiple gold medals, game records, and promising starts across several disciplines.

     

    Currently the Philippines is ranked third overall with a total of 20 medals, consisting of eight golds, six silver and bronze medals. Vietnam is in fourth place with only one shy of the Philippines’ tally. 

     

    The Filipinos drew early momentum from para athletics, where Jan Jayro Palermo struck gold in the men’s long jump T20 with a leap of 6.89 meters. The track events proved equally fruitful as Rodrigo Podiotan Jr. captured gold in the men’s 400m T52 in 1:01.06, setting a new Games record, while Cendy Asusano rewrote the mark in the women’s shot put F54 with a gold-winning throw of 6.04 meters. Team PHI also topped the men’s 1500m T11 through the tandem of Evenezer Celebrado and Daniel Enderes Jr., adding another gold to the tally.

     

    In the pool, para swimming continued to be a gold mine. Gary Bejino dominated the men’s 400m freestyle S6 in 5:32.88, another Games record, while Ernie Gawilan ruled the men’s 400m freestyle S7. Angel Otom also stood tallest in the women’s 50m backstroke S4-S5. A silver came from the mixed 4×50m freestyle relay, rounding out a productive opening day in aquatics.

     

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    Team Philippines also shone in para fencing, with Marlyn Garrucho clinching gold in the women’s individual sabre A after edging Thailand, 15-13. In tenpin bowling, Francisco Ednaco secured a bronze in the men’s singles TPB8 event, while Michael Bayani added another bronze in para cycling (men’s individual time trial C3–C5).

     

    Several sports saw encouraging results despite tough competition. Para powerlifting delivered a silver from Marydol Pamatian (women’s 41kg) and a bronze from Denesia Esnara (women’s 55kg). Para archery and wheelchair basketball 3×3 both ended with silver finishes after hard-fought finals against Thailand.

     

    Meanwhile, Filipino athletes made strong early impressions in para badminton, para table tennis, and chess, racking up multiple preliminary wins that set them up well for the later stages. Goalball and sitting volleyball saw mixed outcomes, while cerebral palsy football and some team basketball events posed early challenges against regional powerhouses.

     

    Overall, Day 1 painted a promising picture for Team Philippines—anchored by record-setting gold medals and depth across disciplines—as the delegation looks to build even more momentum in the days ahead.

     

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  • “I want to educate more people”: Hidilyn Diaz starts teaching at UP Diliman

    “I want to educate more people”: Hidilyn Diaz starts teaching at UP Diliman

    Philippines weightlifting icon Hidilyn Diaz, who etched her name in history at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics by winning the country’s first-ever Olympic gold medal, is now venturing into a new arena—academia.

     

    The 34-year-old champion, who dominated the 55-kg division with her record-breaking snatch and clean-and-jerk performances in Tokyo, has long been celebrated as a national hero and a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes across the Philippines. Beyond her historic triumph, Diaz has made it her mission to grow the sport of weightlifting throughout Southeast Asia. Together with her husband and coach, Julius Naranjo, she established the Hidilyn Diaz Weightlifting Academy in Jalajala, Rizal, providing a training ground for young lifters and fostering a culture of discipline, fitness, and excellence among the next generation.

     

    Now, Diaz is bringing that same dedication and leadership into the classroom, having officially joined the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) as a faculty member. She will serve in the UP College of Human Kinetics (CHK), combining her experience as a world-class athlete with a formal role in education.

     

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    In preparation for her teaching duties, Diaz attended the Teaching Effectiveness Course (TEC) at the UP Diliman School of Economics from January 12 to 15. She described the training as both eye-opening and invaluable in shaping her approach to teaching.

    “Good thing na naka-attend ako nitong TEC. Nagkaroon ako ng idea kung paano iyong magiging approach ko sa pag-handle ng class. I am also thankful for my CHK colleagues’ support—they were there to cheer and help me,” Diaz said, reflecting on her first steps into academia.

     

    The Olympic champion admitted to feeling a mix of excitement and nerves as she transitions from the weightlifting platform to the classroom. “It’s a big change, but I am ready to share my knowledge and inspire students in a different way,” she added.

     

    Through her teaching role, Diaz hopes to extend her influence beyond competitive weightlifting. By educating young students about the sport, she aims to inspire more Filipinos to embrace weightlifting, emphasizing both athletic development and the values of discipline, resilience, and hard work. Her academy in Rizal continues to serve as a hub for nurturing future champions, ensuring that her impact on Philippine weightlifting remains lasting and profound.

     

    “I want to educate more people para mas maraming makaintindi ng weightlifting, kasi ang weightlifting ay regular event na sa Palarong Pambansa,” Diaz said, highlighting her vision to integrate weightlifting more deeply into the nation’s sporting culture.

     

    UPD management confirmed that Diaz will teach two sections of PE 2 in weightlifting during the second semester of the 2025-26 academic year. Her classes will allow students to learn directly from one of the world’s best, providing a rare opportunity to combine theoretical knowledge with practical expertise drawn from the international stage.

     

    With this move, Hidilyn Diaz is not only shaping champions on the competition platform but also molding the minds and skills of the next generation of Filipino athletes. Her journey from Olympic glory to academic mentorship underscores her commitment to elevating Philippine weightlifting and inspiring a broader culture of excellence in sports and education.

     

     

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  • PSC and PAGCOR partner to upgrade sports infrastructure nationwide

    PSC and PAGCOR partner to upgrade sports infrastructure nationwide

    The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) are set to strengthen their partnership in a wide-ranging initiative aimed at upgrading sports infrastructure nationwide, a move seen as a major step toward developing world-class Filipino athletes and elevating the country’s overall sporting ecosystem.

     

    The collaboration was formalized following a meeting led by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto with officials from the PSC and PAGCOR at Malacañang on January 15. The discussions were held in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s broader vision of transforming the Philippines into a competitive sporting nation and reinforcing government support for elite athlete development.

     

    Under the proposed partnership, PSC and PAGCOR will jointly fund and oversee the construction, completion, and refurbishment of key sports facilities across various regions of the country. The goal is to provide Filipino athletes with modern, accessible, and high-quality training environments that meet international standards.

     

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    “PAGCOR and PSC will work together to provide the right facilities, the right support, and a proper space for Filipinos to hone their skills. Through this partnership, we reaffirm the government’s commitment to investing in Filipino potential, building not only champions in sports, but also national pride and opportunity for communities across the country,” Recto said in a statement.

     

    One of the flagship projects under the collaboration is the completion of the Ilocos Norte Sports Institute and Research Building. Once finished, the facility will house specialized training venues for multiple sports, including bowling, gymnastics, badminton, sepak takraw, and other emerging and traditional disciplines. The institute is envisioned to serve as a hub for athlete training, research, and sports science in Northern Luzon.

    The partnership will also prioritize the immediate refurbishment of the General Luna Convention Center in Siargao, which will be converted into a specialized watersports training facility and academy. The upgraded venue is expected to cater to surfing, coastal rowing, beach sprints, and dragon boat racing—sports that align with Siargao’s natural coastal advantages and growing reputation as an international surfing destination.

     

    In addition, plans are underway to enhance the Siargao Sports Complex by adding facilities for basketball, volleyball, and badminton, as well as a rubberized track oval, athletes’ dormitory, and a convention center. These upgrades aim to support both grassroots development and elite-level training while enabling the island to host national and regional competitions.

     

    In Mindanao, the Zamboanga City Sports Complex is slated to be transformed into a Regional Training Center for the Zamboanga Peninsula. The facility will cater to athletes from surrounding provinces, offering centralized access to training programs, competitions, and sports services.

     

    Another major project involves the rehabilitation of the Athletic Bowl in Baguio City, which will be designated as the Regional Training Center for the Cordilleras. The upgraded complex will feature a modern track and field oval with a grandstand, an Olympic-size swimming pool, tennis courts, and other athletic amenities designed to support year-round training in the highlands.

     

    Beyond athlete development, both PSC and PAGCOR emphasized that the infrastructure upgrades are expected to generate broader economic and social benefits. Improved sports facilities are seen as catalysts for sports tourism, community engagement, and youth participation, while also positioning the Philippines as a viable host for international sporting events.

     

    With these initiatives, the government hopes to create a sustainable pipeline of talent—from grassroots to elite competition—while ensuring that Filipino athletes are equipped with the facilities and support necessary to compete on the global stage.

     

     

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  • Philippines 3×3 wheelchair team roll into ASEAN Para Games semifinals

    Philippines 3×3 wheelchair team roll into ASEAN Para Games semifinals

    The Philippine men’s 3×3 wheelchair basketball team didn’t just win at the 13th ASEAN Para Games — it sent a statement.

     

    With composure, chemistry, and control, the Pilipinas Warriors secured an early spot in the semifinals after sweeping their first two games on Monday at Hall 1 of Terminal 21 Korat in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, showing that their campaign is built on more than just momentum.

     

    Anchored by team captain Kenneth Tapia alongside Alfie Cabañog, Jannil Cañete, and Fel Lander Dawal, the Filipinos wasted little time asserting themselves, dismantling Indonesia with a lopsided 20-3 win that effectively removed any doubt about their intentions in the tournament.

     

    Head coach Vernon Perea said the emphatic opening performance allowed the team to dictate how the rest of the day unfolded.

     

    “In the first match, we had Alfie and Kenneth running the game very smoothly so iniwan lang natin. We got the chance to finish it early kasi we’re expecting a close match against Malaysia,” Perea said. “Luckily, we came out as the winners.”

     

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    That preparation paid off in the Warriors’ second outing, where they fended off a tougher Malaysian side, 11-7, with Cabañog stepping up when it mattered most by scoring seven points in the win.

     

    With two victories secured, the Philippines turned its attention to a showdown with host Thailand at press time, a matchup that will decide the tournament’s top seed and potentially shape the road to the gold medal.

     

    While the men cruised with confidence, the mood on the women’s side was far more urgent.

     

    The Pilipinas Lady Warriors found themselves on the brink after absorbing back-to-back defeats — a 2-14 loss to Thailand followed by a narrow 5-8 setback against Laos — putting their medal hopes in jeopardy in a compact three-team field.

     

    National team coach Harry Solanoy acknowledged the challenge ahead, stressing that precision and urgency are now non-negotiable.

     

    “Ang kailangan, talunin namin ng by four points ang Laos kung matalo sila ng Thailand,” Solanoy said, noting that the tournament format leaves no room for error, with the bottom team walking away empty-handed and without a bronze medal.

     

    As the men push forward with confidence and the women fight to stay alive, the Philippines’ wheelchair basketball campaign at the ASEAN Para Games continues to reflect both the highs of dominance and the harsh realities of international competition — where every possession can redefine a season.

     

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  • Bryan Bagunas, Bella Belen named Mr. and Ms. Volleyball by SMC-PSA Awards 

    Bryan Bagunas, Bella Belen named Mr. and Ms. Volleyball by SMC-PSA Awards 

    Philippine volleyball takes center stage at the San Miguel Corporation–Philippine Sportswriters Association (SMC-PSA) Awards Night as Bryan Bagunas and Bella Belen are set to be recognized as Mr. and Ms. Volleyball, underscoring a year where both stars carried the sport to new heights locally and internationally.

     

    Scheduled on February 16 at the Diamond Hotel Manila, the annual gala will once again gather the country’s sporting elite, with Bagunas and Belen joining a distinguished roll of honorees for 2025 led by Athletes of the Year Carlos Yulo and Alex Eala.

     

    The event is supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MILO, Cignal, PVL, PBA, Akari, Rain or Shine, Capital1 Solar Energy, and Acrocity.

     

    For Bagunas, the award reflects a year defined by historic firsts. The 28-year-old opposite hitter from Balayan, Batangas was at the forefront of Alas Pilipinas’ breakthrough appearance in the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship, hosted by the Philippines for the first time. 

     

    That campaign included a landmark victory over world No. 21 Egypt — the national team’s first-ever win on the world stage — and a heart-stopping five-set loss to No. 14 Iran that showcased how close the Filipinos were to crashing the Final 16.

     

    Bagunas later anchored the squad to a bronze medal finish in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, cementing his role as the face of the men’s program.

     

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    On the women’s side, Belen’s recognition crowns a dominant closing chapter in her collegiate career. The 23-year-old outside hitter powered National University to back-to-back UAAP women’s volleyball championships, punctuating her final season with another MVP honor — her third overall. 

     

    NU later retired her iconic No. 4 jersey, making Belen the first athlete in school history to receive such a distinction, a testament to her lasting impact on the Lady Bulldogs’ dynasty.

     

    Belen’s influence extended beyond the UAAP. Selected first overall by Capital1 in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft, she also played a vital role for Alas Pilipinas in the AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup, where the national team claimed silver in Hanoi — its best finish in the tournament and an improvement from the bronze medal haul the year before.

     

    Together, Bagunas and Belen represent two parallel stories of leadership and progress — one pushing Philippine men’s volleyball onto the global map, the other redefining sustained excellence in the women’s game. 

     

    Their honors at the SMC-PSA Awards Night serve not just as personal milestones, but as markers of how far Philippine volleyball has come in a single, remarkable year.

     

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  • PSC announces P6,000 bonus for all Philippines para-athletes and coaches at ASEAN Para Games

    PSC announces P6,000 bonus for all Philippines para-athletes and coaches at ASEAN Para Games

    Team Philippines is ready to make its mark as the 13th ASEAN Para Games gets underway on January 20 in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, sending a 216-member delegation poised to compete across the region’s most prestigious para-sports event. The contingent, composed of seasoned medalists, rising stars, and their coaching staff, represents the country’s commitment to excellence and inclusion in international sports.

     

    In a morale-boosting announcement ahead of departure, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick Gregorio confirmed that all para athletes and coaches competing in the Games will receive a P6,000 bonus, on top of the standard government incentives for medal winners under Republic Act 10699, also known as the Expanded National Athletes and Coaches Incentives and Benefits Act. Gold medalists will take home P150,000, silver medalists P75,000, and bronze medalists P30,000, providing tangible recognition of their dedication and achievements.

     

    Team Philippines Deputy Chef de Mission Francis Diaz shared a video capturing Gregorio personally addressing the athletes and coaches.

     

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    “It’s not too late. Fight well, because chairman Pato and the PSC commissioners will give you a special bonus and a special travel allowance. Just like what we did for the athletes of the Southeast Asian Games, all of you para athletes and coaches will receive P6,000 each so that with full courage and with all your heart, you can fight for the Philippines in the ASEAN Para Games in Thailand,” Gregorio said.

    Ahead of the competition, the para-athletes were outfitted in their official Philippine team gear, provided jointly by the PSC and the Philippine Paralympic Committee. This follows the same preparation approach used for Team Philippines’ delegation to the 2025 Southeast Asian Games, ensuring athletes are equipped both physically and mentally for high-level competition.

     

    The Philippine delegation enters the Games with confidence, buoyed by a strong performance in the 2023 ASEAN Para Games, where the country finished fifth overall, capturing 33 gold, 33 silver, and 50 bronze medals, totaling 116 podium finishes. This blend of experience and youthful talent positions Team Philippines as a serious contender for the podium while also serving as role models for the next generation of para-athletes.

     

    Beyond medals, Team Philippines’ mission is equally focused on raising the profile of para-sports in the country. Their participation is an opportunity to highlight resilience, representation, and empowerment, inspiring Filipinos with disabilities to pursue sports and challenging societal perceptions about what athletes with impairments can achieve. Each athlete carries not just the weight of competition, but also the responsibility of being a national ambassador, demonstrating that excellence, dedication, and courage transcend physical limitations.

     

    As the athletes prepare to compete in events ranging from track and field to swimming, powerlifting, and team sports, the Games will test their training, endurance, and mental toughness. For many, the ASEAN Para Games also offer a chance to qualify for bigger international stages, including the Asian Para Games and the Paralympic Games, making every performance a step toward broader recognition on the world stage.

     

    With the support of the government, the PSC, and a passionate national fanbase, Team Philippines’ delegation is ready to showcase their skill, heart, and determination in Thailand. The country will be watching closely, eager to celebrate new victories, honor inspiring performances, and support athletes who are not only competing for medals but also paving the way for greater awareness and development of para-sports in the Philippines.

     

    The 13th ASEAN Para Games promises to be a celebration of athletic excellence, inclusivity, and national pride, as Team Philippines aims to leave a lasting mark on the region while inspiring future generations of para-athletes.

     

     

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