Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas charts new direction for Philippine basketball

Philippine basketball takes a new direction after Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Manny V. Pangilinan held a board meeting on Tuesday at the PLDT office in Makati.

After seeing the Philippines participate in its first-ever FIBA U-17 World Cup and return to the world basketball stage for the first time in forty years in the 2014 FIBA World Cup, MVP has opted to conduct a "participative and consultative approach" in the selection process for its future national teams.

The SBP has established selection committees that will look into the process of naming coaches and players for the upcoming basketball competitions next year. These committees will then submit its "short list" of candidates to the SBP Executive Committee, composed of the NSA's chairman, president (MVP), vice chairman, vice president, and executive director (Sonny Barrios), which will then submit for ultimate final approval with the SBP Board of Trustees.

The Philippines is set to enter at least nine international tournaments next year, including the 28th SEA Games in Singapore and the 28th FIBA-Asia men's championships in China, which happens to be regional qualifier for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

For the top regional and global competitions like FIBA-Asia, Asian Games and the World Cup, the selection committee will be composed of SBP Board Members from the PBA, the PBA D-League, and the SBP. While for the sub-regional competitions like the SEA Games and SEABA, the selection committee will be composed of SBP Board Members from the different collegiate leagues (UAAP, NCAA, CESAFI, NAASCU) and the SBP.

MVP then briefed the federation on details regarding the Philippines' initial hosting bid for the 2019 FIBA World Cup. FIBA is expected to release an initial list of candidates by the end of November.

Also thoroughly discussed in the meeting is the expanded grassroots development program, in which Pangilinan outlined his plan of an "all-encompassing overall nationwide program" for the next two years. He already has urged the regional SBP leaders to undertake a more active role in adapting the program in their respective regions.

Some established age-group tournaments have already been tapped for SBP grassroots program, with the ongoing Philippine Collegiate Champions League of Rey Gamboa and Joe Lipa, as well as the Seaoil-National Basketball Training Center of Eric Altamirano and the Milo-BEST Center of Nic Jorge.

SBP also intends to adapt the FIBA 3x3 format as a means to promote the sport nationwide. They are also looking at establishing a SBP Referees National Accreditation Commission and a SBP coaching program.

Ticketing details for IPTL leg in New Delhi revealed

Tennis fans will have the chance to see their favorite stars in person this December, as the Micromax Indian Aces of the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) revealed details about ticket sales for the Indian leg of the competition, which is set to take place from December 6-8.

Starting at 9am IST on Friday, October 31, fans can purchase tickets via its official online ticketing partner www.bookmyshow.com. Ticket availability will be conducted via phases, with 6,000 tickets across different prices to be sold for Phase 1.

Leading the Aces are Swiss tennis icon Roger Federer and 14-time Grand Slam winner Pete Sampras.

Completing the crew are Ana Ivanovic and Frenchmen Gael Monfils and Fabrice Santoro, while giving it a local flavor are Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna.

Hosting the Indian leg of the IPTL is the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, the country's largest indoor sports arena, seating 15,000.

With the intent of making the tournament accessible to as many fans as possible, tickets will be sold for as low as RS 3,240 for the Category 3 seats (South, West, North West, South East, and South West).

Premium Seats On Court (North & South) and Off-Court (North, South, East, West, and North West) are priced at RS 49,680 and 29,160 respectively.


Category 1 seats are priced at RS 25,920 (South- Cushion Seats), RS 22,680 (North), RS 19,440 (East and West), RS 19,440 (South West – Cushion Seats), and RS 16,200 (North West, South East, and South West – Plastic Seats).

Category 2 seats are priced at RS 22,680 (South – Cushion Seats), RS 19,440 (North and South – Plastic Seats), RS 16,200 (East and West), RS 16,200 (South West – Cushion Seats), and RS 12,960 (North West, South East, and South West – Plastic Seats).

NBA Café Manila offers Allen Iverson meet and greet

In line with the arrival of NBA legend Allen Iverson for the "All In" basketball charity event for Gawad Kalinga this November 5, NBA Café Manila will be offering the "ultimate dining and entertainment experience."

Customers can pick a certain dining package to have the chance to dine with, as well as meet and greet "The Answer" on November 4.

NBA Café Manila general manager Nian Liwanag-Rigor says, "We want to offer our avid patrons a unique dining experience by offering them different packages for a chance to dine with and meet their basketball idols." She adds that limited slots are available and will be on a first-come-first serve basis.

Interested diners can call (02) 556-1683 for reservations.

The meet-and-greet is among the many activities highlighting the visit by Iverson, which culminates with the exhibition match involving collegiate stars reinforced by former NBA lottery selections DerMarr Johnson and Eddy Curry, going up against the Ball Up streetball crew reinforced by PBA legends Jerry Codinera, Renren Ritualo, and Willie Miller.

“The Professor” excited to make his return to the Philippines

The Professor

Streetball legend Grayson "The Professor" Boucher is among the ballers that will be making their way to the country for the "All In" charity event, presented by PCWorx, at the Mall of Asia Arena on November 5 at 7pm.

The Professor is part of the Ball Up Streetball All-Stars that will banner the Allen Iverson-coached Team Gawad Kalinga. They will face Team PCWorx, composed of a local all-star selection that is bolstered by former NBA Draft Lottery selections Eddy Curry and DerMarr Johnson. The locals will be a mix of collegiate standouts and former PBA legends.

Boucher had been part of the And-1 Mix Tape World tour that made a stop in Manila back in 2004 remembering how excited fans were during the games, and that he can't wait to make his return to the Philippines after more than a decade..

He shared in an e-mail that he was "looking forward to the crowd energy during the game," acknowledging the popularity of the sport in the country. He admitted that a "huge percentage of my (online) viewers and international fans are Filipinos," and that he is appreciative and "very thankful" for their support.

He also is looking forward to working with Iverson again, adding that "It's an incredible experience and an honor for me to work with Allen because he was one of the first players I tried to emulate on the basketball court." He is a huge fan of "The Answer," noting that when he was in sixth grade, he was known as the "little white kid with the crazy AI crossover."

Tickets to the "All In" charity event are still available at SM Tickets and smtickets.com, as well as in selected PCWorx branches. Ticket prices are pegged at P6,500 (VIP), P5,500 (Patron), P4,000 (Lower Box), P2,000 (Upper Box), and P600 (General Admission).

TV5 to air PBA’s 40th Season opener this Sunday

Two of the twelve muses this Sunday

The Philippine Arena is set to be the host for the opening of the PBA's 40th season, with TV5 set to air the opener this Sunday afternoon LIVE, starting at 1pm.

The Opening Ceremonies will have a sense of nostalgia, with the theme "Apat na Dekada ng Nag-iisang Liga." The ceremonies will include the honoring of the members of the Gilas Pilipinas national basketball team that participated in international competitions during the offseason.

Sports5 Head Chot Reyes promises "thrilling coverage" for the upcoming season, expressing excitement for the league's Ruby season.

Of course, no opening ceremony is complete without the parade of teams, and their respective muses, which have been revealed as:

Alaska Aces – DLSU Lady Spiker alumna (and PBB housemate) Michelle Gumabao
Barako Bull Energy – 2013 Miss International 1st Runner-Up Natalie Den Dekker
Blackwater Elite – Actress and brand endorser Sunshine Cruz
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel – Actress and model Ellen Adarna
Globalport Batang Pier – DLSU Lady Spiker alumna Cha Cruz and FEU Lady Tamaraw alumna and FHM Covergirl Rachel Ann Daquis
Kia Sorentos – Sarangani vice governor Jinkee Pacquiao
Meralco Bolts – Actress Ritz Azul
NLEX Road Warriors – Actress and host Dianne Medina
Purefoods STAR Hotshots - Bb. Pilipinas-Universe 2014 Mj Lastimosa
Rain or Shine Elastopainters – Mutya ng Pilipinas Cordillera Glennifer Perido
San Miguel Beermen – Actress Alice Dixson (although Snow Badua on his show made references to Alaina Bergsma and Erica Adachi, who are the foreign reinforcements of sister team Petron Blaze Spikers in the PSL SuperLiga Grand Prix, as possibilities)
Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters – Ms. World 2013 Megan Young

After the ceremonies, the basketball action will take place, with Manny Pacquiao expected to make his official debut as a playing coach for Kia against fellow expansion team Blackwater in the opening game. Completing the doubleheader is Barangay Ginebra facing TNT.

PBA Games will take place five days a week, with weekday 4:15pm and 7pm doubleheaders on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; 3pm and 5pm Sunday doubleheaders; and a lone Saturday game at 5pm.

The opening ceremonies and the doubleheader (as well as the upcoming PBA games) will also be heard on the different Radyo5 NewsFM stations nationwide (92.3 News FM in Manila, 101.9 News FM in Cebu and Davao, 102.3 News FM in Bacolod, and 97.5 News FM in General Santos City). You can also access this radio streaming on Interaksyon.com

Interested fans overseas (US, Guam, Middle East, Europe) can check with their cable provider for AksyonTV International, which is the channel to look for the PBA games.

Takayama, Lubas lead Team Philippines in WPT-Solar Sports Nations Challenge

Mike Takayama

The Filipino contingent for the inaugural National Challenge, presented by Solar Sports, has been finally revealed.

Reigning Asian Poker Tour (APT) champion Mike Takayama and Gerardo "Jay" Lubas will lead the squad that is skippered by Wally Sombrero.

The former billiards pro Takayama is considered as the hottest tournament player in the country, and has already netted the 2014 APT Macau Six-Max tournament.

The imposing Lubas is best remembered as the two-day overall chip leader in the 2012 World Series of Poker Main Event. He also finished second, behind Takayama, in the 2014 APT Manila Main Event.

The other members of Team Philippines are online phenom Mark Benasa, 2012 Philippine Poker Tour Player of the Year Martin Corpus, APT Head-Hunter titlist Jay Tolon, APT Cebu Heads-Up king Stephen Gaw, and the three Rivera brothers (Czardy, Marc, and Euryd).

Sombrero referred to this group as a "good mix," although it is missing a couple of well-known names in poker circles, as both Neil Arce and Vic de Guzman have begged off due to commitment issues. In the latter's case, he also serves as part of the organizing committee.

Teams from China, Japan, Korea, and Malaysia are expected to oppose the Filipinos, with the possibility that Australia, the United States, and Vietnam might field their own respective squads to contest in the team event.

The Nations Challenge kicks off the WPT National-Philippines this Saturday at the Grand Ballroom of the Solaire Resort and Casino in Parañaque City. It coincides with the Solaire Cares charity tournament, with local celebrities and international pros like Lacey Jones participating to raise funds for charity.

Wally Sombero to lead Filipino contingent in WPT Nations Challenge

Wally Sombrero ready to lead the Filipinos
in the WPT Nations Challenge

Retired Philippine National Police Chief Superintendent Col. Wally Sombrero has been tasked to lead the Filipino contingent in the first-ever Nations Challenge.

Sombrero is considered as the Godfather of Asian poker, and was the consensus pick to lead because of his enormous contributions to the sport, as well as his skills on the table.

He is credited with bringing poker to Asia, organizing the first poker tournament in the continent back in 2006, with the unbridled support of World Series of Poker founder Jack Binion and poker legend Doyle Brunson. He also helped establish the poker department within the Philippine Amusements and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), from which the private sector can own and operate their own poker room (once a license has been secured).

Nicknamed "The Dream," Sombrero also lobbied for the game to be part of the sports under the umbrella of the International Mind Sports Association (IMSA).

In a phone interview, he was very glad that his "dream of making the game a sport is now being realized, sharing that "The Nations Challenge now makes it like the Olympics."

He also acknowledged the efforts of Solaire Poker Room owner Mike Kim in bringing a world-class poker event to the country, noting that he shares his dream of bringing "poker to the next level in the Philippines."

Although the identities of the other nine members of Team Philippines have yet to be revealed, it is highly likely that former Asian Poker Tour champions Neil Arce and Vic de Guzman will be included, alongside two-time national winner Kent del Rosario, Mark Benasa, and the Rivera brothers.

China, Japan, Korea, and Malaysia are among those who will be a threat to the Philippines in securing the inaugural title, with organizers revealing the possibility of countries like Australia, Vietnam, and even the United States forming their own squad.

The Nations Challenge serves as the first of nineteen events for the World Poker Tour National Philippines, which kicks off on October 18 at the Solaire Resort and Casino in Parañaque City. Lasting eleven days, it is the biggest event on the WPT calendar, with the highly anticipated Main Event to take place starting October 23.

Allen Iverson adds a second basketball clinic during Manila visit

Organizers have added a second basketball clinic onto the schedule of Allen Iverson when he arrives in Manila next month, this time tailored for adults of at least 20 years of age at the Mall of Asia Arena on November 5, hours before the "All In" charity basketball event.

For only five thousand pesos, participants of that 3-5pm clinic will have snacks, a t-shirt, a certificate, a free basketball clinic ticket for spectators, and a General Admission ticket for for "All In" charity basketball event that takes place later on that night.

In a telephone interview, Iverson said, "It's always a privilege for me to go out there and share my love and passion for basketball." He also shared that this will not be "an ordinary basketball clinic," as he will be sharing a part of himself along with his knowledge in basketball, a means of saying thanks to his fans that have stood by him all these years.

Interested participants can contact PCWorx at 575-1520. Registration kicked off last October 13 and will be run until October 25.


This announcement came a week after organizers revealed a clinic for teens will take place on November 4 in Brgy. Holy Spirit, Quezon City, with multi-titled head coach Tim Cone on hand.

Meanwhile, tickets for the "All In" event are still available at SM Tickets, www.smtickets.com, and selected PCWorx branches.

Iverson will be coaching Team Gawad Kalinga, represented by the Ball Up Streetball All-Stars. Facing him will be Team PCWorx, a venerable group of local players reinforced by former lottery picks Eddy Curry and DerMarr Johnson.

Team Manila West ready to represent in FIBA 3x3

FIBA 3x3 basketball communications manager Julien Debove (center) explains pre-competition requirements to Team Manila West after their arrival in Sendai, Japan.

Half of Team Manila West arrived on Thursday in Japan, with Meralco Bolts forward Rey Guevarra and Globalport's Terrence Romeo accompanied by La Salle Greenhills head coach John Flores.

The other half, composed of Aldrech Ramos and KG Canaleta of the NLEX Road Warriors, will arrive on Friday alongside SBP Executive Director Sonny Barrios.

Team Manila West advanced to the Japan Finals after conquering the Manila Masters this past August, defeating Doha, 21-17. They will be grouped in Pool B alongside Sao Paolo and Bucharest, whom they will play on Saturday afternoon (1:10pm against Sao Paolo, 2:55pm against Bucharest).

The Brazilians are the champions of the Rio Masters, defeating Santos 21-12, while the Romanians are the runners-up in the Prague Masters, losing to Novi Sad, 16-14.

If the Filipinos advance out of Pool B, they will be facing someone from Pool C.

Although the world champions qualified to play in Sendai, a couple of the players were injured while participating in the Asian Games, forcing the Qataris to withdraw. Replacing them in Pool C is Jakarta.

Guevara could only marvel at the size of their opposition in the World Tour Finals, noting that in the Manila Masters, they had to deal with small opposition, except for Doha. He remains unfazed by them, however, noting that they can overcome size with team effort, ball movement, cooperation and full understanding of his teammates.

2014 Jr. NBA / Jr. WNBA All-Stars to watch NBA game in China

The Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA All-Stars, as well as the Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA Coach of the Year winners from the ASEAN region will have the chance to watch the best players in the world in action, as they have been rewarded with a trip to China and attend the 2014 NBA Global Games in Beijing, presented by ZTE.

The latest edition of the China Games features a preseason matchup between the Brooklyn Nets and the Sacramento Kings, and will take place at the MasterCard Center on October 15. It serves as the final game of the NBA Global Games in the preseason.

Ten boys and five girls out of at least two thousand participants from from Manila, Dagupan, Cebu, Iloilo, Puerto Princesa, and Surigao will join their counterparts from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam in watching the game. This serves as the means for the Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA programs to provide its top-performing participants with an enriching NBA experience. In addition to watching the game, the All-Stars will be playing in exhibitions against local basketball teams and have the chance to visit Beijing's historical landmarks.

Alaska Milk President and CEO Wilfred Steven Uytengsu shared that these fifteen athletes "are the embodiment of our aspirations to keep children in their winning form." He adds that the partnership with the NBA allows them to "holistically address a child's development, nourishment through the goodness of milk, coupled with encouragement through the power of basketball, for children to lead active, healthy lifestyles."

This is the seventh season of the tie-up between the NBA and Alaska Milk for the Jr. NBA program, which also serves as part of Alaska's efforts to improve children's health in the Philippines via nutrition and an active lifestyle through its "Nutrition. Action. Champion." initiative. From just 16 schools in 2007, the program now has a reach of more than 1,000 schools, touching base with over sixty thousand children, parents, and coaches. Given the success of the program, Alaska's mother company Royal FrieslandCampina has since extended the partnership to a multi-year deal and expanded the program into a regional initiative (Drink. Move. Be Strong) that encourages parents and children to drink a glass of milk and engage in one hour of outdoor sports daily.

Fans can visit the official event website at www.jrnba.asia/philippines and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jrnbaphilippines for more information on the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA program.

Manila West drawn into Pool B of FIBA 3x3 World Tour

Manila West head coaches: John Flores on the left,
Eric Altamirano on the right

The path towards the knockout rounds in the FIBA 3x3 World Tour have been determined, with Manila West having to deal with Sao Paolo and Bucharest in Pool B.

The Pinoys will have to finish in the top two of their Pool to advance into the knockout rounds.

The quartet of KG Canaleta, Rey Guevarra, Aldrech Ramos, and Terrence Romeo defeated reiging world champions Doha, 21-17,  in the final of the Manila Masters to earn their berth in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Eric Altamirano and John Flores will be handling coaching duties, while SBP executive director Sonny Barrios will be leading the Filipino delegation.

Altamirano admitted that the team needs to reacquaint themselves with each other, as he only managed to meet up with them just this week. He also acknowledged the need to "get used to the rules again," suggesting some practice games may be arranged with the other competitors.

Comprising the other teams in the FIBA 3x3 finals are:

Pool A: Denver (US), Santos (Brazil), and Novi Sad (Serbia)
Pool C: Kranj (Slovenia), Jakarta (Indonesia), and Wukesong (China)
Pool D: Saskatoon (Canada), Trbovlje (Slovenia), and Kobe (Japan)

TV5 to air 40th season of the PBA

TV5 is to air the opening ceremonies for the 40th season of the Philippine Basketball Association on October 19.

To be held at the newly-opened Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan, the LIVE telecast will begin at 1pm, as they will celebrate the beginning of another season for the first professional basketball league in Asia.

As always, highlighting the opening will be the traditional parade of teams with their respective muses. With the recent achievements of the national team in the different international competitions, the league will also honor the squad.

Afterwards, coverage will begin with the first game of the season involving the two expansion teams in Kia and Blackwater, with the main game featuring Ginebra and Talk 'N Text.

Sports5 head Chot Reyes is excited with the upcoming season, noting that the addition of the two expansion teams "is a tremendous boost to the popularity of the PBA and we promise that Sports5 will give the PBA the most thrilling coverage ever yet."


LIVE PBA coverage on TV5 will be five days a week, with weekday doubleheaders on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 4:15pm and 7pm, then Sunday doubleheaders at 3pm and 5pm. There will also be a 5pm Saturday game. Games will also be broadcast on Radyo5 NewsFM stations nationwide (92.3 in Manila, 101.9 in Cebu / Davao, 102.3 in Bacolod, 97.5 in General Santos City). Streaming coverage of the PBA can done as well on Interaksyon.com

PBA fans overseas (United States, Guam, the Middle East, and Europe) can watch the games via AksyonTV International. Do check your channel listings to find it in your area.

UE bags 11th straight Jrs Volleyball Crown

The University of the East extended its reign in UAAP boys' volleyball to eleven straight seasons, completing the sweep with a 20-25, 25-20, 25-14, 18-25, and 20-18 win over Ateneo this past Sunday.

Having to deal with the graduation of last year's MVP in Edward Camposano and an ACL injury to Ruvince Abrot during the last day of the eliminations, the senior-laden Junior Warriors relied on Tournament MVP Ron Medalla, Best Attacker Joshua Umandal, Best Setter Adrian Imperial, and Best Libero Ralph Imperial to preserve its unblemished record. Medalla would clinch the title with a smash towards Anthony Sarino.

Head coach Ruel Pascual said, "The players worked hard for this one. We are blessed to win another championship."

Ateneo did come close to ending UE's streak, after forcing them to the full five-set limit in both finals games. Their runner-up finish was buoyed by their do-or-die victories against UST in the playoff and against National University in the semifinals.

Completing the award winners are Best Server Sebastian Cuerva, Best Blocker Gian Carlo Glorioso, (both from Ateneo) Rookie of the Year Reymart Reyes, and Best Receiver Daryl Cayamso (both from NU).

Tim Cone and Allen Iverson to hold a basketball clinic

SanMig Coffee head coach Tim Cone will team up with NBA legend Allen Iverson in overseeing a basketball clinic.

To be held at Barangay Holy Spirit in Quezon City on November 4, it is one of the activities lined up with "The Answer" during his Manila visit, highlighted by the November 5 "All In" charity basketball event at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Cone is already looking forward to the clinic, saying "I’m so honored to work with one of the true legends of the NBA. Just his mere presence will excite everyone." He adds, "Allen impacted a whole generation with his style and flair. Young people copied the way he played and copied the clothes he wore. He was also one of the great scorers in NBA history despite his height and frame, and he often carried teams on his back to the playoffs. He was a true winner on and off the court."

In a phone interview with his Philippine agent, Sheyrl Reyes, Allen can't wait to share his basketball know-how, as she has made him aware about Cone's accomplishments as a head coach, with the idea of the two of them working together being an exciting proposition for the retired guard.

Assisting Cone and Iverson in this project are PBA players Harvey Carey, Willie Miller, Sol Mercado, Chris Ross, and Jay-jay Helterbrand.

The clinic is for aspirants aged 10-15 years old. Limited slots are still available for a PhP 2500 fee. Interested parties can call (02) 575-1520 for reservations and inquiries.

Tickets are still available for the "All In" fundraiser, which can be purchased at www.smtickets.com, all SM Tickets outlets, and all PCWorx branches.

Ateneo dominates swimming in UAAP Season 77

Ateneo celebrating after copping the UAAP men's and women's swimming championship Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Swimming Pool. Asian Games campaigner Jessie Khing Lacuna and Hannah Dato won the MVP honors.

Ateneo copped the collegiate titles in the UAAP swimming championships at the Rizal Memorial complex.

National team standout Jesse Khing Lacuna led the Blue Tankers to the men's title, thanks to his seven gold medal haul in the tournament, with each one breaking the UAAP record books. It was their second in the last three seasons.

Lacuna topped the 200-m individual medley (2:05.59), 400-m freestyle (4:04.86), 100-m butterfly (56.01), 200-m freestyle (1:53.02), 50-m butterfly (25.47), 400-m individual medley (4:37.1), and 200-m butterfly (2:03.93) on his way to being named as the Most Valuable Player. He netted 105 out of the 540 points Ateneo secured in the competition.

Teammate Aldo Batungbacal was named as the Rookie of the Year, as he broke Timmy Chua's 13-year old record in the 200-m breaststroke (2:24.23) on his way to securing 90 points.

Deposed champions UP finished second with 325 points, while UST finished third with 187.

The Lady Tankers ended a six-year drought by pipping UP, 468 to 430, to take their second UAAP women's title.

Hannah Dato replicated Lacuna's feat, winning seven gold medals on the same seven events and breaking records in every one of them, to be named as the MVP.

The transferee smashed records in the 200-m individual medley (2:21.66), 400-m freestyle (4:30.76), 100-m butterfly (1:02.22), 200-m freestyle (2:07.87), 50-m butterfly (28.2), 400-m individual medley (5:05.08), and 200-m butterfly (2:19.71).

Teammate Ariana Herranz was named as the Rookie of the Year after netting 80 points.

Finishing in third place is La Salle with 121 points.

Not surprisingly, Ateneo's Sherwin dela Paz and Candice Esguerra were named as the Coach of the Year for each division.

In the high school ranks, Ateneo continued its reign in the boys' division, winning its tenth straight title with 544 points, finishing ahead of UST (318) and La Salle-Zobel (211). On the girls' division, UST took the crown with 360 points, with UP Integrated School (317) and La Salle-Zobel (235) serving as runners-up.

17th Asian Games Closing Ceremony to be aired on TV5

TV5 will telecast the Closing Ceremonies of  the 2014 Asian Games at the Incheon Asian Main Stadium tonight via satellite at 9:45pm.

Performances from noted K-Pop stars like Big Bang will highlight the event, which aims to recapture the moments that took place during the 17th edition of the festivities, which will be capped off with a grand fireworks display.

In addition, a turnover ceremony will take place, from the current Korean organizers to their Indonesian counterparts, who will be hosting the next edition of the games in 2018.

Sports5 handled the coverage of the Games via TV5, AksyonTV, HYPER, and the Cignal PPV channels, highlighting the campaigns of our Filipino athletes, who secured fifteen medals in six events:

Archery: Paul dela Cruz (Bronze in Compound Men's Individual)
Boxing: Mark Anthony Barriga (Bronze in Men's Light Fly), Mario Fernandez (Bronze in Men's Bantam), Charly Suarez (Silver in Men's Light), and Wilfredo Lopez (Bronze in Men's Middle)
Cycling BMX: Daniel Caluag (Gold in Men's BMX)
Karate: Mae Soriano (Bronze in Women's 55kg)
Taekwondo: Benjamin Keith Sembrano (Bronze in Men's 68kg), Samuel Morrison (Bronze in Men's 74kg), Mary Anjelay Pelaez (Bronze in Women's 46kg), Levita Ilao (Bronze in Women's 49kg), Kirstie Elaine Alora (Bronze in Women's 73kg)
Wushu: Daniel Parantac (Silver in Men's Taijiquan and Taijijian All-Round), Francisco Solis (Bronze in Men's Sanda 56kg), Jean Claude Saclag (Silver in Men's Sanda 60kg)

La Salle nabs UAAP table tennis titles

La Salle dominated the ping pong tables at the Blue Eagle Gym, as the Green Paddlers and the Lady Paddlers snapped up the UAAP Season 77 titles for both men and women.

The Green Paddlers, led by MVP Jerald Cristobal, made it back-to-back in men's table tennis, capping off an undefeated season with a 3-0 sweep of the University of the Philippines in both finals games.


The Lady Paddlers, behind two-time MVP Ian Lariba, secured its third title in UAAP history by defeating UP, 3-1 in Game 2. La Salle avenges their shock defeat to the Lady Paddlers from Diliman in the finals last year, after they had swept the eliminations in Season 76.

Lariba clinched the title with a 16-14, 11-3, 11-3 victory over Nishino Noriko. Afterwards, she acknowledged it as her sweetest victory, as they hurdled a lot of obstacles in winning the championship.

In addition, Vladimir Rarama of Adamson and Josephine Talay of FEU were named as the Rookie of the Year for both divisions.

NU claims UAAP Girls' Volleyball title

NATIONAL University took its first-ever UAAP girls volleyball crown Thursday at the Adamson gym

National University secured its first girls' volleyball crown in the UAAP, needing four sets to dethrone University of Santo Tomas, 25-21, 28-26, 26-28, and 25-12.

NU avenged their defeat in last year's finals, as they took the title via a two-game sweep. They capped the title with a Jennifer Nierva spike to give the F. Jhocson school the championsip.

Nierva was feted as the Best Server for the season, while teammate Faith Nisperos was named as the MVP. Also feted were Rica Diolan as Best Setter and Christine Magallanes as the Best Libero.

In spite of the championship defeat, UST will not go home empty-handed, as Eya Laure and Pauline Gaston were named as the Best Attacker and Best Blocker, respectively.

The other ladies who secured individual awards are La Salle-Zobel's Mildred Dizon as Best Receiver, and Far Eastern University-Diliman's Rachel Ann Fabro as the Rookie of the Year.

The other match saw the Ateneo Blue Eaglets secure a finals berth, pulling out a 25-20, 28-26, and 27-25 upset of second-seed National University. Win sets up a clash against the undefeated University of the East, who are seeking their eleventh straight title in boys' volleyball.