Monday, July 7, 2025

Gilas Pilipinas Gears Up with Grit: Tim Cone Faces Roster Uncertainty as Practice Begins Amid PBA Playoffs

by Lou Reyes

Gilas Pilipinas national basketball team. Photo: Police Files Tonite.

MANILA, Philippines — The road to international glory has officially begun, but it’s a bumpy start for Gilas Pilipinas.

As the national team opened its training camp Monday at the PhilSports Arena, head coach Tim Cone was refreshingly candid about the uphill climb the squad faces: "We're grasping at straws," he admitted, citing glaring uncertainties surrounding player availability due to the ongoing PBA Philippine Cup playoffs.

Sunday, July 6, 2025

Wimbledon Whites & Wardrobe Wars: Dress Code Drama Shaped Tennis’ Classiest Slam

by Misha Cruz

Emma Raducanu. Photo: Getty Images.

Wimbledon isn’t just about aces, strawberries, and royalty in the front row—it’s also ground zero for one of the sport’s most famously fussy fashion rules: the all-white dress code.

But behind the tradition lies a history of controversy, changing norms, and players—both men and women—pushing back against what many say is tennis couture gone too far.

Friday, July 4, 2025

Ja Morant Is Coming to Manila: NBA Superstar Set to Dazzle Filipino Fans on August 2

by Cristian Andal

Memphis Grizzlies' Ja Morant. Photo: AP Photo.

Buckle up, basketball fans—Ja Morant is coming to town, and it’s going to be electric.

The Memphis Grizzlies superstar and one of the NBA’s most electrifying young talents is officially set to visit Manila on August 2, marking the grand finale of his global “Make Them Watch” Tour.

This will be Morant’s first-ever trip to the Philippines, and anticipation is already sky-high for what promises to be an unforgettable day for Filipino hoop heads.

Alas Pilipinas Dominates Thailand's EST Cola to Storm Into VTV Cup Semifinals

by Lou Reyes

Alas Pilipinas volleyball team. Photo: USPORTS.

Alas Pilipinas is on a mission—and they just made a thunderous statement.

The rising stars of Philippine volleyball delivered another stunning performance on Thursday night, sweeping Thai powerhouse EST Cola, 25-22, 25-18, 25-16, to clinch a semifinal spot in the 2025 VTV International Women’s Volleyball Cup at the Ha Nam Gymnasium.

With this decisive victory, Alas Pilipinas continued their unbeaten streak in the tournament, improving to 4-0 and booking a ticket to the Final Four with swagger, poise, and pin-point execution.

Thursday, July 3, 2025

7 Reasons Why Filipinos Are Among the Most Passionate Sports Fans in the World

By Lou Reyes

Legends of Pinoy Sports.

From screaming courtside at PBA games to staying up past midnight to catch boxing bouts from Las Vegas, there’s no denying it—Filipino sports fans are built different.

Here’s a look at what makes the Pinoy sports fandom one of the most vibrant, loyal, and passionate communities on the planet:

Can Pacquiao Shock the World Again? Donaire Believes So as July 19 Showdown vs. Barrios Nears

by Butch Belga

Nonito Donaire (left) and Manny Pacquiao.

The Pac-Man is back—and he's not done yet.

Manny Pacquiao, boxing’s ageless icon and the only eight-division world champion in history, is making his much-anticipated return to professional action on July 19, taking on reigning WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in what could be the start of one final, explosive chapter in his legendary career.

It’s been nearly three years since Pacquiao last stepped into a pro ring, following a disappointing loss to Yordenis Ugas in 2021. His last win? A classic split decision victory over Keith Thurman in 2019 that proved he still had lightning in his gloves at 40. Since then, Pacquiao has stayed busy with exhibitions and kept himself in world-class shape—enough to remain ranked No. 5 by the WBC at 147 pounds.

Deandre Ayton Joining Lakers on Two-Year Deal with Player Option

by Raymund Tamayo

Deandre Ayton (center) will join Luka Doncic and LeBron James with the Lakers. Photo: Bleacher Report.

The Lakers just got a whole lot bigger.

According to a breaking report from Shams Charania of ESPN, Deandre Ayton is heading to Hollywood, agreeing to a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers that includes a player option. The former No. 1 overall pick will now be donning purple and gold, forming a formidable frontcourt presence—and making a bold statement about the Lakers’ win-now mentality.

Ayton’s deal comes on the heels of a buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers, which he finalized Sunday night. The 26-year-old center reportedly expressed his desire to shift to a playoff-caliber team, and after weighing interest from Indiana, New York, the Clippers, Bucks, Cavs, and Nuggets, he’s chosen to chase titles in L.A.

Alex Eala Lives the Dream at Wimbledon: 'Couldn’t Have Asked for a Better Debut'

by Misha Cruz

Alex Eala. Photo: Facebook.

It wasn’t the fairytale ending she hoped for, but for Alex Eala, her debut on Wimbledon’s iconic Centre Court was nothing short of magical.

The 20-year-old Filipina tennis sensation made her historic first appearance at the All England Club on Tuesday, taking on reigning champion Barbora Krejcikova in a gritty opening-round match. Though Eala fell 3-6, 6-2, 6-1, she walked away with her head held high—and her heart overflowing with gratitude.

The Kraken Awakens: Fajardo Fuels Beermen as Pivotal Game 5 vs Ginebra Looms

by Cristian Andal
San Miguel's June Mar Fajardo (15). Photo: PBA Media Bureau

The beast is back. And just in time.

June Mar Fajardo, the six-time MVP and heart of the San Miguel Beermen, roared back to full form in Game 4 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals—restoring fire, focus, and dominance to a San Miguel squad hungry for another trip to the finals. Now, with the series tied at 2-2, the battle with archrival Barangay Ginebra turns into a race to two—and Game 5 on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum is shaping up to be a heavyweight classic.

“Wala nang injury,” Fajardo confidently declared. No more holding back. No more minute restrictions. And judging by his massive double-double in the Beermen’s 107-82 blowout win in Game 4, there’s no doubt: The Kraken is unleashed.

Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Beauty Meets Bravery: Leila Cruz, Vanie Gandler Named Ms. VTV Volleyball Rose Candidates at 2025 VTV Cup

by Misha Cruz

Cignal's Vanie Gandler. Photo: PVL Media Bureau.

The Philippines’ rising volleyball queens are making waves on and off the court.

Leila Cruz and Vanie Gandler, the dynamic duo powering Alas Pilipinas through an electrifying campaign at the 2025 VTV International Women’s Volleyball Cup, have just added another honor to their growing list of accolades — they’ve been officially named as candidates for the coveted Ms. VTV Volleyball Rose title.

The annual pageant-style honor isn’t just about beauty — it celebrates grace, charm, and the charisma of athletes who win fans’ hearts far beyond the scoreboard. And with their poise, presence, and personality, Cruz and Gandler are capturing attention from volleyball fans across Asia.