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| Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick ‘Pato’ Gregorio (5th from left) and Executive Director Atty. Guillermo Iroy (2nd from left) with the NCAA Management Committee school representatives (from left) Raymund Manuel Castellano of College of St. Benilde, Fr. Victor Calvo Jr. (Letran), Atty. Jonas Cabochan (San Beda University), Peter Cayco (Arellano University), Francisco Gusi (University of Perpetual Help System Dalta) and Dr. Lorenzo Lorenzo (Emilio Aguinaldo College) (Image Source: Manila Standard/Philippine Sports Commission) |
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is prepping up for a major comeback at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum (RMC), finally returning to its former territory with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) clearing all roadblocks for its homecoming. Opened in 1934, the Rizal Memorial Coliseum was established 10 years after the founding of the NCAA and quickly became the premiere venue for the league, especially for basketball games. “Dito talaga ang identity ng NCAA which was synonymous with the Rizal Memorial Coliseum back in the day,” said Atty. Jonas Cabochan, the NCAA Management Committee representative from San Beda University and Acting NCAA Mancom Chairman. The RMC has been the backdrop for numerous memorable NCAA games until 2005 before departing to other venues in succeeding years.
“We welcome back the NCAA with open arms. This is their home,” said PSC chairman Pato Gregorio. The looming comeback of NCAA Games in RMC should be a favored venue due to its accessibility for most participating schools. “It will definitely help in attracting audiences for every game, a vibrant identity the NCAA has been carrying since then,” said Gregorio. Moreover, gymnastics, boxing, and weightlifting are being considered to be added to the roster of games to be paraded on NCAA Season 101 as demonstration sports. Although not yet included in the league’s medal count, these sports have been a formidable force for the country’s medal haul in the history of the Olympics. Most of the NCAA’s member schools are located within Manila and the Southern area of the metro. These include San Sebastian College-Recoletos (SSC-R), San Beda University (SBU), College of Saint Benilde (CSB), Arellano University (AU), Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) and Intramuros-based institutions Colegio de San Juan de Letran (CSJL), Mapúa University, and Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU). Other schools such as Jose Rizal University (JRU) in Mandaluyong City and University of Perpetual Help – System Dalta (UPHSD) in Las Piñas also benefit from the venue’s proximity.
The NCAA is set to have a soft launch in September with a grand opening scheduled for October and looks forward to being the centerstage of most of its games after they last played in the historic venue in 2005. Gregorio met with its ManCom representatives recently including Peter Cayco (AU), Atty. Jonas Cabochan (SBU), Fr. Victor Calvo Jr. (CSJL), Raymund Manuel Castellano (CSB), Francisco Gusi (UPHSD), and Dr. Lorenzo Lorenzo (EAC) to discuss the upcoming season.
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Surigao MILO Marathon, PSC Promote Inclusive Sports
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/MILO Philippines) |
During the recent National Disability Rights Week, MILO and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) turned the Surigao leg of the National MILO® Marathon into more than a race — it’s a powerful movement of inclusivity, proving that the spirit of sports knows no limits. More than just a marathon, the Surigao race stands out as a clear expression of inclusivity, where Persons with Disabilities and other runners race side by side — not in separate categories, but as equals united by the spirit of sportsmanship.
To bring this to life, MILO and the PSC have designed the event with accessibility in mind, with accessibility woven into every detail — from redesigned wayfinding systems to a sensitivity training booth that helps runners and spectators better understand Persons with Disabilities experience. Building on its long-standing commitment to inclusivity, the National MILO Marathon continues this legacy in Surigao, going beyond accommodation to ensure that every runner, regardless of ability, belongs on the same starting line. “Partnering with MILO on this initiative brings our vision of inclusive sports to life in a way that’s both meaningful and visible. Together, we’re creating space for Persons with Disabilities to be seen, supported, and celebrated in the sports community,” said PSC Commissioner Walter Torres.
“The National MILO Marathon has always stood for values beyond the finish line. This Surigao leg is a step forward in ensuring every Filipino can participate in and benefit from the power of sports no matter their ability,” said Head of MILO Sports Carlo Sampan. The National MILO Marathon is more than a race — it’s a nationwide movement proving that strength comes in all forms. In Surigao, it becomes a bold stride toward a future where every Filipino, regardless of ability, claims their space in the world of sports.
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LRTA Adds More Throttle To Campaign For FIVB Men’s World Championship
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| LRTA Administrator Atty. Hernando Cabrera (right) presents the specially-designed LRT-2 train to PNVF and AVC president Ramon “Tats” Suzara (left) and Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio (Image Source: The Manila Times/Philippine National Volleyball Federation) |
The campaign for the country’s hosting of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship went full throttle following the partnership launch with the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) last July 15, 2025 via a festive train trip from the busy Recto Station to the LRT-2’s depot in Santolan in Pasig City. In a brief program graced by Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio and Philippine National Volleyball Federation and Asian Volleyball Confederation president Ramon “Tats” Suzara, LRTA Administrator Atty. Hernando Cabrera said, “People [using Line 2] will see promotional materials for the FIVB MWCH inside and outside of the trains. We have specifically designed one train [advertising], we did a train wrap and when you go inside the train, you’ll see promotional materials. It’s one of a kind for a very, very special occasion.”
FIVB MWCH Ambassadors and Alas Pilipinas Men top gunners Bryan Bagunas and Marck Espejo and members of the Alas Pilipinas beach volleyball team led by Sisi Rondina gamely joined the event that’s exactly 59 days ahead of the world championship set to be held on September 12-28, 2025 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and SM Mall of Asia Arena. Tickets to the 32-nation world championship which the country is solo hosting are available at the event’s official website at https://www.philippineswch2025.com. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank this partnership with the LRTA which will effectively and intensively promote this major global event,” said Suzara who acknowledged the presence of the Philippine fans club of the popular K-Pop group BOYNEXTDOOR which will highlight the opening ceremony right after the Alas Pilipinas-Tunisia first match on September 12 at the SM MOA Arena.
Gregorio, who heads the government Task Force for the event said, “I’m very happy to be part of 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship,” said Gregorio, who heads the government Task Force for the event. “My background besides sports is tourism, and I am a believer of sports tourism because the biggest tourism events in the world are sports events. This is a prime example. This is a beautiful example.”
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BRAVE TV Wins BDCA 2025 Award For Media & E-Information
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| (Image Source: BRAVE Combat Federation) |
BRAVE TV, the official OTT platform of BRAVE Combat Federation, was nationally recognized by the Bahrain Technology Companies Society (BTECH) under the patronage of H.E. Ali Bin Saleh Al Saleh, receiving the Bahrain Digital Content Award (BDCA) for Excellence in the Media and E-Information sector. This prestigious award honors BRAVE TV’s innovation and leadership in combat sports broadcast and streaming services. With coverage in over 160 countries, BRAVE TV has more fans than most global broadcasters. BRAVE CF’s broadcast system allows fans to watch BRAVE fights live, follow athletes through original series, documentaries, and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage.
“I would like to thank H.H. Sh.khalid bin Hamad al khalifa for his vision and leadership to develop mixed martial arts and sports in the kingdom. This national recognition highlights the role of Brave TV in digitization of sports industry and providing a place for all combat sports fans to be a part of,” said BRAVE CF President Mohammed Shahid. The BDCA Awards are among Bahrain's top awards for digital innovation. The judging and selection criteria include innovation, scalability, local and global economic impact, and usability. "Under the leadership of H.H. Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Mr. Mohammed Shahid, BRAVE TV was created to digitally transform MMA from Bahrain to the world. Built to deliver a seamless and immersive viewing experience, it aims to connect fans globally and establish itself as the region’s leading OTT platform for combat sports,” said BRAVE CF Head of Information Technology Ibtisam Ali.
BRAVE CF aims for long-term involvement in the sport and aligns with BRAVE's goals to expand the ecosystem, build local and global ties, and create new products. As BRAVE TV grows, it shapes how governments and federations focus on the sport and changes how the media industry views it. BRAVE CF and similar platforms offer a new way to blend entertainment, engagement, and infrastructure.
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‘DAZN Transfer By Fabrizio Romano’ Returns To DAZN To Break Down Every Move In The Summer Transfer Window
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| (Image Source: DAZN Group) |
DAZN, the world’s leading sports entertainment platform, has announced the return of DAZN Transfer By Fabrizio Romano, the go-to programme for everything happening in the transfer market. After a successful debut in June ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup, Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano returns to host the weekly live show which premiered last July 14 and will continue through to the official transfer deadline on September 1. Airing every Monday at 7:30 pm BST (12:30 pm PHT/HKT/SGT) in English, the show will deliver in-depth market updates, sharp analysis and essential context — all with a tone that speaks directly to football fans who want to stay on top of every move in the market.
This new edition of DAZN Transfer by Fabrizio Romano follows the global broadcast of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ which was made available to stream for free on DAZN worldwide. In a summer filled with pivotal decisions and major moves, the show becomes the must-watch destination for anyone following the transfer stories shaping the build-up to the 2025/26 season. In the weeks ahead, Romano will bring his trademark insight to the biggest deals, the top clubs’ transfer strategies, and the names making headlines across Europe and beyond. With privileged access to top-tier sources and a reputation built on accuracy and credibility, Romano will guide fans through every twist of the window, right up to the final day. “The summer is far from over — the best is yet to come. Being on DAZN every week gives me the chance to share the full story behind every deal, in real time, with context, analysis, and a few surprises along the way. It’s going to be a crazy window,” says Romano, returning to lead fans through the final stretch of the transfer window.
With this return, DAZN reinforces its commitment to live content, real-time reporting, and the biggest football stories of the summer. DAZN Transfer By Fabrizio Romano continues to be the go-to destination for fans who are passionate about the transfer market — right up to the final minute on the 1st of September. All episodes will be available to watch for free on DAZN. Fans simply need to register with an email address at DAZN.com — no subscription required.
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TNA Wrestling Brings A-GAME To Future Live Events
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| (Image Source: TNA Wrestling) |
Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling, a subsidiary of Anthem Sports and Entertainment and a division of Anthem Sports Group, recently announced a partnership with A-GAME Beverages Inc., the ultimate hydration drink, to become the Official Hydration Partner of one of the world's top wrestling brands following an agreement signed last July 17, 2025. Developed to provide essential hydration for athletes and the general populace, A-GAME was founded by Johnny Damon, a two-time all-star and two-time World Series champion. During his Major League Baseball career, he spent time on seven teams from 1995-2012 including the Kansas City Royals (1995–2000), Boston Red Sox (2002–2005) and New York Yankees (2006–2009). Damon is the Chairman of A-GAME, a hydration drink to support active lifestyles at every level.
The partnership kicked off at TNA Wrestling’s Slammiversary, the company’s summer showcase event of the year, held last July 20, 2025 at the UBS Arena in New York, the hockey home of the NHL’s New York Islanders where A-GAME furnished bottles of its hydration drink for all the TNA stars at Slammiversary and will continue at all future live events. A-GAME delivers clean, functional hydration with natural sea salt for electrolytes, eight essential vitamins, no artificial dyes or artificial sweeteners, and is sweetened with natural ingredients and honey. “A-GAME isn’t just about performance — it’s also about great taste. Each flavor is crafted to be refreshing, smooth and enjoyable, whether you’re on the field, in the gym, or in the wrestling ring,” said Damon.
“We’re thrilled to welcome A-GAME as the Official Hydration Partner of TNA Wrestling. It’s great to partner with a two-time World Series champion, Johnny Damon, one of the most popular players to ever wear a Major League uniform. We know A-GAME will elevate our wrestler’s in-ring performance and post-match recovery,” said TNA Wrestling President Carlos Silva. A-GAME also will have a presence at all future Invicta FC shows, providing the best hydration drink to the women’s MMA promotion founded in 2012 by Janet Martin and Shannon Knapp.
