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| (Image Source: Ticketworld/The Harlem Globetrotters) |
The world-famous Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their legendary basketball magic back to Asia this August with the Harlem Globetrotters World Tour 2025: Asia — a spectacular, family-friendly showcase of athleticism, comedy, and entertainment across 11 cities in six countries. The much-anticipated tour opens in Manila, Philippines, on August 9, 2025 at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan City, marking the Globetrotters’ return to Filipino fans with their signature blend of high-flying dunks, trick shots, and crowd-pleasing antics.
From Manila, the tour heads to Tachikawa City in Japan for back-to-back performances on August 12 and 13 at Arena Tachikawa Tachihi. The excitement continues on August 15 in Seremban, Malaysia at Karisma Arena before heading to Singapore for two nights on August 16 and 17 at the OCBC Arena. The Globetrotters then take their talents to Indonesia with stops in Jakarta on August 19 at Hall Basket Senayan, Bandung on August 20 at Ctra Arena, and Bali on August 21 at GOR Purna Krida. On August 23, they make their way to Seoul, South Korea, lighting up the Jamsil Arena, before returning to Japan for a three-show finale in Yokohama on August 29-31 at Buntai Arena. Audiences across the region can expect the trademark Harlem Globetrotters experience — a dynamic mix of sport and spectacle that has delighted fans of all ages for nearly a century. Each show is packed with interactive moments, laugh-out-loud comedy, and unbelievable basketball feats.
Tickets for all tour stops are expected to go on sale soon. For the latest updates, fans are encouraged to visit the official tour site at www.harlemglobetrotters.asia or follow the Globetrotters on their social media platforms. In the Philippines, fans may also sign up on TicketWorld to join the waitlist for exclusive updates, early access, and special offers.
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MILO Marathon Returns To Clark On August 2025
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/MILO Philippines) |
The MILO® Marathon, the country’s most iconic and longest-running marathon, is once again bringing its unstoppable energy to Clark, Pampanga on August 3, 2025 (Sunday) at the CDC Parade Grounds. Runners of all ages and levels are invited to lace up and take part in the excitement — from elite marathoners chasing qualifying times to fun-loving families and young champions starting their running journey. This year’s Clark leg offers a range of race categories fit for every type of runner, from 42KM, 21KM, 10KM, 5KM Champion Family Run (for families of 3, 4 or 5), 5KM kids/adults, and 3KM kids/adults.
The MILO® Marathon is more than just a race — it’s a movement that champions grit and discipline that empowers every Filipino to start their own journey. With every step, participants champion health, discipline, and the spirit of community. Local media partners are invited to join and cover this leg of the marathon, spotlighting inspiring stories and showing support for local runners and families in Central Luzon. Register now via Race Roster and follow the official MILO® Facebook page for more updates.
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SBP And PHILSPADA Forge Landmark Partnership To Promote Inclusive Basketball
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| PHILSPADA President Mike Barredo and Secretary General Goody Custodio joined SBP Executive Director Erika Dy in a simple contract signing ceremony to strengthen ties between the two organizations. (Image Source: One Sports/Samahang Basketbol Ng Pilipinas) |
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and the Philippine Sports Association for the Differently Abled (PHILSPADA) NPC Philippines have officially entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote and develop wheelchair basketball across the nation. The agreement was signed at the SBP headquarters in Mandaluyong City by SBP Executive Director Erika Dy and PHILSPADA President Michael I. Barredo with PHILSPADA Secretary General Godofredo Custodio as witness. The strategic partnership aims to foster cooperation between the two organizations in advancing opportunities for differently abled athletes, coaches, and officials in the sport of basketball.
“This partnership is a commitment to inclusivity, national development, and the transformative power of basketball. SBP is proud to stand with PHILSPADA in creating platforms where every athlete, regardless of ability, has the chance to excel in the sport of basketball,” said Dy. Under the agreement, the SBP will provide access to professional training and development opportunities for PHILSPADA coaches, as well as support for events, clinics, and tournaments. Both parties have committed to co-develop and manage inclusive programs, enhance access to basketball venues, and jointly promote wheelchair basketball as a vital part of the country’s basketball ecosystem.
Barredo added, “This MOU is more than just a document — it is a pledge to uphold equality in basketball. PHILSPADA is excited to work alongside SBP in building a more inclusive sporting future with wheelchair basketball. Wheelchair basketball is basketball, and Filipinos love basketball.” The partnership will run up to the end of the current Olympic cycle in August of 2028, and is guided by shared values of collaboration, respect, and autonomy. The MOU outlines a comprehensive framework for mutual support, communication, and sustainability. As both organizations look ahead, they reaffirm their shared mission: to grow and develop basketball in the country.
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Alviera Elevates Sports Landscape In Central Luzon
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| Representatives from Alviera and Binibinis Ultimate join hands for the Alviera Lightning Frisbee Championship for the benefit of the Binibinis Pilipinas Ultimate Team’s campaign to the WFDF 2025 World Under-24 Ultimate Championships in Spain. (Image Source: Manila Standard/Ayala Land Inc.) |
The sprawling open fields of Ayala Land’s Alviera recently came alive with speed, spirit, and sportsmanship as more than 400 participants and 10 teams converged for a groundbreaking ultimate frisbee event unlike any other in Luzon. Far more than a display of athleticism, the tournament doubled as a fundraiser for the Binibinis Pilipinas Ultimate Team — the official Philippine delegation to the upcoming 2025 World Under-24 (U24) Ultimate Championships organized by the World Flying Disc Federation (WFDF) in Spain. Organized under the Alviera Sports Program in partnership with XMPLR Sports, the event marked the launch of a long-term initiative to transform Alviera into Central Luzon’s premier hub for sports and adventure.
“Our vision is to grow Alviera into the region’s go-to destination for sports and adventure. This event is just the beginning of our deeper commitment to cultivating vibrant athletic communities in the region,” said Ayala Land Estates Marketing Manager Tin Yabao. At the heart of the event was the debut of the XMPLR Lightning Tournament Format, a game-changing innovation designed to increase action on the field. With more playing time and a faster tempo, the format elevated excitement for both athletes and spectators. “At XMPLR, we believe in the power of sports to inspire and create change. This tournament not only supports the sport’s growth but also plays a direct role in helping the U24 Binibinis reach the world stage. And this is just the beginning — expect more exciting XMPLR events ahead,” said XMPLR Sports President Robbie de Vera.
For the Binibinis Pilipinas Ultimate Team, the Alviera Lightning Frisbee Championship offered more than a competitive platform — it was a vital source of support as they geared up for their international campaign. Camy Cruz, a member of the U24 Philippine Women’s Ultimate Frisbee Team, shared, “We are deeply grateful to Alviera and XMPLR for making this possible. This event energizes not only our team but the entire frisbee community. We hope to make the country proud in Spain, and we invite everyone to be part of our journey.”
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MILO Turns Over New Equipment To National Academy Of Sports
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/MILO Philippines) |
MILO Philippines accelerated its longstanding commitment to empowering the next generation of champions by turning over new sets of sports equipment and product provisions to the National Academy of Sports (NAS) during its fifth founding anniversary celebration held at the institution’s campus in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac. The ceremonial turnover served as a key highlight of the celebration, bringing together dignitaries, student-athletes, coaches, and representatives from both the public and private sectors. Among the notable attendees were Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, Department of Education Assistant Secretary Roger B. Masapol, Department of Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, and Philippine Sports Commission Commissioner Walter Torres, alongside fellow industry advocates and institutional partners. MILO, one of the few private organizations that have consistently supported NAS since its establishment, turned over training equipment and product provisions to benefit almost 250-strong student-athletes to be used across various sports disciplines.
“Our mission at NAS is to empower our next generation of athletes through structured and specialized programs that will help them grow as well-rounded individuals both on and off the court. The contributions from MILO have had a meaningful impact on our student-athlete and coaching community, and we truly value the partnership we’ve built and nurtured over the years,” said NAS Executive Director Prof. Josephine Joy B. Reyes. Since 2020, MILO has supported NAS in various touchpoints, ranging from equipment and merchandise donations to technical collaborations. This includes backing the broader NAS program, ensuring the student-athletes and coaches are well-supported in their training for competitions such as the Palarong Pambansa. These collaborations demonstrate the brand’s multi-level approach to supporting Philippine sports by investing both in athletes and the technical coaching teams that shape their development. To date, MILO has supported almost 250 students and will continue to do so in the years ahead. During his speech at the turnover ceremony, MILO Philippines Head of Sports Carlo Sampan said, “We applaud the National Academy of Sports for its invaluable contribution to Philippine sports. MILO, along with other partners, understands that long-term impact requires commitment to sustainability. By investing in infrastructure, training local coaches and providing ongoing support, we ensure that these programs continue to thrive.”
MILO has long been a champion of grassroots sports development in the Philippines. Its flagship programs including the MILO Sports Clinics, National MILO Marathon, and the MILO Barangay Liga have given millions of Filipino children access to structured sports development and opportunities to succeed and be champions in life. The partnership with NAS adds another meaningful dimension to this commitment by supporting both grassroots and elite sports training, and helping ensure that young athletes have the tools, training, and support to one day represent the country on the world stage.
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PH Youth Basketball Championship Merges Tradition And Analytics For 2025 Launch
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| Philippine Youth Basketball Championship Deputy Commissioner Paolo Layug and Commissioner Benjie Paras (Image Source: Sports Bytes Philippines/Philippine Youth Basketball Championship) |
The Philippine Youth Basketball Championship (PYBC) aims to reshape grassroots basketball by combining traditional values with the power of modern analytics. Launching in August 2025, the PYBC is designed to become the premier development platform for young Filipino players. Spearheading the league are Commissioner Benjie Paras, Deputy Commissioner and WMPBL (Women's Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) Champion Coach Paolo Layug, and Tournament Director Carl Villanueva of Momentum PH. The league’s goal is to merge passion and purpose, creating a sustainable and data-driven model for youth basketball progression.
Coach Layug stressed the need for simplicity and clarity when applying analytics to the development of young players. With a resume that includes coaching stints in the PBA, UAAP, and NCAA, Layug believes data should empower athletes to better understand their game and track improvement over time. The PYBC will provide teams with halftime and post-game analysis, individual player reviews, and advanced metrics. This approach aims to give players a clear view of their strengths, areas for improvement, and growth trajectory throughout the season.
The PYBC’s inaugural season runs from August 2025 to June 2026 and will feature two conferences under a single round-robin format. Age group categories include 11-under, 13-under, and 15-under, with playoffs culminating in knockout semifinals and a best-of-three championship series. The league also introduces a pioneering player ranking system for each age group, inspired by models used in the U.S. and Europe. With backing from organizations like Momentum PH and MMBC, the PYBC promises to be a cornerstone of grassroots basketball for years to come.
