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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Body Blow Alert: Terence Crawford Zeros In on Canelo’s Soft Spot Ahead of September 13 Mega-Fight

by Cris Andal

Terence “Bud” Crawford is coming for the body—and maybe for history. In a newly released training clip that’s gone viral among boxing circles, the undefeated welterweight king is seen drilling thunderous body shots with his coach Brian “BoMac” McIntyre, hinting at a calculated plan to crack Canelo Alvarez’s most talked-about vulnerability: his midsection.

With their blockbuster clash set for September 13 at Allegiant Stadium, and streaming globally on Netflix, Crawford isn’t just training hard—he’s training smart. His vicious focus on body work may be more than just routine prep. It could be the key to toppling a legend.

GILAS GEARING UP: PH Faces Macau Black Bears in Big Dome Tune-Up Before FIBA Asia Cup

by Raymund Tamayo

Gilas Pilipinas. Photo: FIBA

The road to FIBA Asia Cup 2025 heats up as Gilas Pilipinas returns to the court for a high-energy tune-up match against the Macau Black Bears on July 28 at the legendary Smart Araneta Coliseum—marking a critical stop before the national squad heads to the regional battlefield in Saudi Arabia.

Billed as a “send-off game”, the match promises more than just fanfare—it’s a litmus test for Gilas’ final roster, chemistry, and readiness. For Filipino hoops fans, it’s also a first look at the new-look lineup in live action, under the bright lights of the Big Dome.

Brook Lopez Chooses Clippers Over Lakers Amid LeBron Contract Uncertainty

by Cris Andal

Brook Lopez (left) guarding LeBron James. Photo: Gary Coronado/Los Angeles Times.

The Los Angeles Lakers appeared to be on the verge of landing veteran big man Brook Lopez in free agency, but a cloud of uncertainty surrounding LeBron James’ future may have cost them the deal. Instead, Lopez has opted to cross the hallway and sign a two-year, $18 million contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, bolstering their already veteran-heavy roster.

According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, the Lakers were among the final contenders for the 7-foot-1 center, but the ongoing questions about LeBron James’ contract status gave Lopez second thoughts.

STILL FIGHTING: Manny Pacquiao Eyes History Again in Explosive Las Vegas Comeback vs. Barrios

by Butch Belga

Tale of the Tape: Manny Pacquiao vs Mario Barrios.

At 46 years old, most boxing legends are enjoying retirement, soaking in tributes, or coaching the next generation. But Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao is doing what he’s always done best: defy expectations. The Filipino icon is officially coming out of retirement for a July 19, 2025 showdown against rising American star Mario “El Azteca” Barrios—with nothing less than the WBC welterweight title on the line.

It’s a bold, electric move that has the boxing world buzzing. Pacquiao, already the only boxer in history to win world titles in eight different weight divisions, is chasing what could be his 20th world title fight victory in a professional career that spans 30 years, 72 bouts, and 39 KOs. If victorious, he would become the oldest welterweight champion in boxing history, smashing current records and further cementing his place among the greatest to ever lace up gloves.

READY TO SERVE: Philippines All Set to Host Historic 2025 FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship

by Lou Reyes

AVC and PNVF President Tats Suzara. Photo from volleyball.phi Instagram

MANILA, Philippines — For the first time in history, the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship is coming to Southeast Asia—and the Philippines is at the heart of it. According to Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) and Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) President Tats Suzara, the country is "100% ready" to welcome the world’s best volleyball nations in September 2025.

This landmark tournament marks a historic first—not just for the Philippines, but for the entire region—as 32 elite national teams battle it out on Philippine soil in what promises to be a seismic celebration of the sport. Metro Manila has been confirmed as the host city, with venues and logistics already being fine-tuned for world-class competition and hospitality.

Wimbledon Heartbreak: Alex Eala Falls to Defending Champion Barbora Krejcikova in Gritty First-Round Showdown

by Misha Cruz

Alex Eala. (AP Photo)

Under the historic skies of the All England Club, Philippine tennis sensation Alex Eala made her much-anticipated Wimbledon main draw debut—but the 19-year-old's fairytale run was halted early as she bowed to 2021 French Open champion and defending champion Barbora Krejcikova in a straight-sets battle, 6–3, 6–4, in the first round.

Facing one of the tour’s most seasoned veterans on the hallowed grass courts of SW19, Eala came out swinging with courage and conviction. The Filipino starlet, known for her baseline tenacity and tactical maturity beyond her years, matched Krejcikova in intensity during long exchanges, even pushing the Czech star into uncomfortable positions early in both sets.

Calvin Oftana Shines Again: Bags 4th Player of the Week Honor in 2025 PBA Season

by Lou Reyes

TNT's Calvin Oftana goes for a layup against Rain or Shine's Gian Mamuyac. (PBA Images)

MANILA, Philippines — TNT Tropang Giga's Calvin Oftana continues to make waves in the PBA as he was once again named the PBA Press Corps–Pilipinas Live Player of the Week, marking his fourth citation this season — a testament to his growing dominance on the court.

Known for his calm composure and smart decision-making, Oftana delivered yet another impressive stretch of performances that helped steer TNT through a pivotal week in the ongoing Commissioner’s Cup. His consistent output in scoring, rebounding, and clutch plays has proven vital for the Tropang Giga’s playoff push.