Sports

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Leap of faith to MPBL made basketball dream happen for Will McAloney Jr.

The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) has been a breeding ground of homegrown talent in the past couple of years. The league continues to uncover unknown players who eventually grew into stars, making it witness to their rise to greatness. So many great stories have been told, from players who came from lesser-known leagues creating a name for themselves to “ligang labas” ballers thriving in bigger competition. Adding to the pool of interesting storylines is that of a big man from
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MPBL stars agree that league prepared them well for the next level

It was more than two years ago when the Philippines was re-introduced to home-and-away basketball. The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), spearheaded by founder and boxing legend Senator Manny Pacquiao, was launched, giving opportunities to countless homegrown players who want to prove themselves on the hardcourt. Some said it was too risky and it would fold like the MBA did in 2002. But fast-forward to the present, it doesn’t only continue to survive, but it is also growing at an e
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If life amid pandemic was hard at first, EJ Obiena, Jasmine Alkhaldi have adapted now

No Olympics in 2020? No problem. The Tokyo Games may have been moved to 2021, but athletes continue to find ways to compete, even virtually. Japan-bound pole-vaulter EJ Obiena and two-time Olympic swimmer Jasmine Alkhaldi joined “UpFront” to engage in the so-called Quarantine Olympics. But before taking on the challenges, both gave updates on what they’ve been up to in these unprecedented times. SEA Games gold medalist and record-holder EJ Obiena was in the middle of his Olympic training in
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Basketball: How career shift paved way for Fil-Am coach Mike Magpayo to make history

Filipinos are slowly breaking through the global basketball barrier, as local names continue make great strides on big stages. Earlier this year, homegrown talent Kai Sotto made a game-changing decision by taking the NBA G League route, while college superstar Thirdy Ravena announced that he was taking his talents to Japan. • Basketball: Mike Magpayo makes history as first Pinoy coach in NCAA Division 1 Adding to the streak is another first for Filipinos, this time, in the coaching realm. Abo
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Athletics: Unlikely spot on relay team leads to unlikely finish for Eloisa Luzon at SEA Games

It was a fantastic finish for the Philippine track and field team as it dominated the events in the Southeast Asian Games last December. A total of 27 medals, including 11 gold, 8 silver, and 9 bronze medals were secured by the national athletics team in front of a bustling home crowd. It was undoubtedly one of the best finishes by the group in the regional event. But even with a plethora of spectacular moments in the competition, there’s one highlight and moment of triumph that really stuck o
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Pinay pole-vaulter Natalie Uy, seeking Olympic berth, sets personal best in US tilt

US-based Filipino pole-vaulter Natalie Uy keeps raising the bar, based on her recent performance in the States. The Southeast Asian Games gold medalist and record-holder cleared 4.30 meters at the Acadia Invitational in Greenville, South Carolina, Thursday (US time), topping her mark in the regional Games. • SEA Games: Natalie Uy follows in Obiena's footsteps for pole-vault gold The Dayton, Ohio, native was determined to prove her worth against elite competitors, including Olympian Sandi Morri
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UAAP: Lady Bulldogs greats credit ‘Coach Pat’ for their success

This past season, the National University Lady Bulldogs ascended to legendary status in Philippine sports. They captured an unprecedented sixth straight UAAP basketball championship with a perfect slate and extended their league winning streak to 96, a feat that will be hard to duplicate. Maybe winning consecutive championships is somewhat doable, but doing it with perfect seasons? It’s almost unthinkable. And it seems like the Lady Bulldogs are not slowing down. Considered as the best progra
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Basketball: How Jack Animam got the offer to play in Taiwan

After Thirdy Ravena and Ken Tuffin, another collegiate standout takes the international route but this time it’s from the women’s side. About a month ago, former National University Lady Bulldog and national team player Jack Animam made the announcement to go overseas. She is set to play for Shih Hsin University, becoming the first Filipina to play as an import in Taiwan. In a recent interview on “So She Did”, she recalled how the decision materialized while being sent off by her colleagues in

How Onassis Parungao became the first Filipino fighter in UFC

The emergence of Mixed Martial Arts in the Philippines has hit the mainstream with multiple fighters gaining substantial triumph in the past few years. Names like Eduard Folayang, Kevin Belingon, and Geje Eustaquio have found success in One Championship, while the likes of Brandon Vera and Mark Munoz have had the chance to compete in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. But before these prominent names, there was a fighter that first represented the Pinoys in the biggest stage of MMA. Back in 1995, Onassis Parungao became the first Filipino to fight in the UFC octagon.
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Weightlifting: Hidilyn Diaz takes pride in recent personal record

Through a series of Instagram videos, the 2016 Rio Olympic silver medalist showed her top form by hitting a new personal record in back squat. In her post, she said that it’s taken her quite some time to reach that level again. “It has been about 10 months since I have touched weights this heavy. This is a lifetime PR for me in the back squat at 161kg,” she said. With most parts of the world on lockdown or imposing quarantine measures, many athletes were forced to hit pause on their Olympic p
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Football: Making great strides, Lance Ocampo joins Azkals development team

Away from the bright lights of collegiate leagues such as the UAAP and NCAA, there’s a name that continues to blaze his trail in Philippine football. After making his professional debut last year with Global Cebu, Lance Ocampo takes a huge leap forward in his young career, as the 18-year old stalwart has been chosen to become part of the Azkals development team, a collection of some of the best young prospects in the country. In a rare appearance on the “Crossover” podcast, Ocampo recalled som
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How the Younghusbands fell in love with Philippine football

A major chapter of Philippine football has come to a close. A week ago, James Younghusband surprised many with his sudden announcement to leave the sport. In an Instagram post, he expressed his gratitude to everyone who became a part of his success. Now, both him and Phil, who bid goodbye last November, have officially hung up their cleats. Theirs were illustrious and unforgettable careers that put Philippine football on the map. Phil retired as the Philippines’ most successful goal-scorer wi
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PBA: How CJ Perez has dealt with racism

PBA Rookie of the Year, Mythical Selection, a scoring championship, and an eye-opening stint in the FIBA World Cup. CJ Perez’s meteoric rise to basketball stardom has been undeniable. He is part of the country’s gleaming future in the sport, both in the local and international arenas. But even with his stature, the “Baby Beast” is not afraid to use his platform to raise awareness on certain social issues, specifically one that involves his skin color. Perez is one of several local basketball
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Football: Jarvey Gayoso sticks with decision to turn pro, for now at least

One of the country’s emerging homegrown football stars has reaffirmed his decision to take the professional route. In his first television interview since making his big announcement in February, former Ateneo Blue Eagle Jarvey Gayoso said he’s still decided on foregoing his final playing year and joining a professional club. “So, I have said my farewell. The mindset really is to grow as a player so as of now, yes, I’m focused on being able to start my career professionally as a football playe
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Volleyball: Jayvee Sumagaysay serves up ‘silog’ in his new online food venture

Sports continue to be one of the most highly affected industries during this COVID-19 pandemic. With most leagues either suspended or cancelled, athletes are kept away from their usual routines that involve intense training sessions with their respective teams. Some have found other ways to play and keep in shape, some discovered new hobbies and acquired new skills, while others took a different route and focused on other ways to earn. Meet Jayvee Sumagaysay, a professional volleyball player wh
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Basketball: Who’s joining Kai Sotto, Jalen Green on the G-League Select Team?

The NBA G League has taken over the recruitment game for future draftees. This year, they’re putting together a “select team” composed of top high-school recruits to help them accelerate their chances of getting into the NBA. The latest to announce his commitment was Filipino talent and 7-foot-2 Kai Sotto, who will be joining five-star recruits Jalen Green, Isaiah Todd, and Daishen Nix in a squad based in Southern California. Filipino fans have followed Sotto’s path since being discovered as
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Basketball: Why Dwight Ramos ‘couldn’t wait’ to play for Ateneo this season

With the departure of King Eagle Thirdy Ravena, fans are left to speculate who his successor will be at Ateneo. It will be a big hole to fill, as Ravena wrapped his stellar UAAP career with three consecutive championships, an unprecedented three Finals MVP awards, and a pro-ready game to boast. His graduation — along with teammates Isaac Go, Nieto twins Mike and Matt, and Adrian Wong — leaves Ateneo with the biggest challenge in its basketball program in four years. Who will be the next face
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For Younghusbands, formula for football success is simple — build chemistry first

The Azkals turn to a new chapter, as two of their greats leave the game for good. In the past 8 months, Phil and James Younghusband have separately announced their retirement from the sport, hoping to focus on different things. As he said on “Crossover”, Phil will attend to family duties with wife Margaret and newborn son Philip in the UK, while James plans to travel and get some experience in coaching. • How the Younghusbands fell in love with Philippine football Thanks to 15 years of repres
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