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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Cebuana Lhuillier/WSBC Flickr) |
The Cebuana Lhuillier-backed Philippine Blu Girls are set to take on Asia’s top softball nations as they represent the country at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. Carrying the momentum of a strong international run highlighted by their successful World Cup campaign where they defeated top-seeded teams, the national women’s softball team will look to build on that performance and make history by securing the Philippines’ first Asian Games medal in the sport.
Leading the 17-player roster is team captain Ma. Charlotte Sales alongside co-captain and pitcher Royevel Palma. Joining them are Francesca Altomonte, Mary Jane Libaton, Roma Jane Cruz, Maria Angelu Gabriel, Mea Tubongbanua, Reyae Mae Villamin, Glory Alonzo, Mary Joy Alpitches, Maria Victoria Magbanua, April Mae Minanga, Skylynne Ellazar, Alyssa Marie Daniel, Nicole Adra Hammoude, Sydney Vitangcol, and Mylia Perez. “The Blu Girls have consistently shown that they have the talent, discipline, and heart to compete with the best in the world. We have seen how much this team has grown through every international competition, and I am confident that they will carry that same fighting spirit to Aichi-Nagoya. We are behind them all the way as they pursue a historic medal for the Philippines,” said Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (ASAPHIL) President and Cebuana Lhuillier President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier. As part of their final buildup for the Asian Games, the Blu Girls are currently in Japan for an intensive training stint that began in late August and will run through September, allowing the team to sharpen its preparation in the country where the Games will be held. The training forms part of the team’s broader international preparation, supported by the Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (ASAPHIL) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), to ensure the players are ready for the demands of major international competition.
The Blu Girls open their campaign against host Japan on September 26, followed by Chinese Taipei on September 27, South Korea on September 28, Thailand on September 29, and Singapore on September 30. They close out the preliminary round against China on October 1 and Hong Kong on October 2, completing a seven-game stretch against some of Asia’s strongest softball programs. For the Blu Girls, the road to Aichi-Nagoya is about more than a single tournament. It is another step in the team’s continued rise on the international stage — and an opportunity to turn years of hard work, development, and belief into a milestone for Philippine softball.
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PalawanPay Continues To Stand Behind UP Athletes In UAAP Season 89
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| (Image Source: Punto! Central Luzon/Palawan Group Of Companies) |
As the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons prepare for UAAP Season 89, PalawanPay continues to strengthen its partnership with the university and support its growing community of student-athletes. The partnership was highlighted during the UP Fight x Palawan Group of Companies UAAP Season 89 Kick-Off on September 2 at the UP Varsity Training Center, followed by the UP Pep Rally Season 89 on September 4 at the University Theatre. The events brought together athletes, coaches, students, alumni, and supporters as UP officially welcomed the new season.
PalawanPay’s partnership with UP has grown significantly since 2019 when the Palawan Group first supported the UP Men’s Basketball Team. Today, its support extends to the Women’s Basketball and Women’s Volleyball Teams, swimming and judo teams, and the UP Pep Drummers, with opportunities to support track and field and tennis also being explored. More than sponsorship, PalawanPay sees sports as an opportunity to nurture values among young Filipinos, including discipline, resilience, teamwork, excellence, and responsibility. Through its partnership with the UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development (OASD), the company continues to support programs that help student-athletes prepare and grow both on and off the court. Palawan Group Chief Financial Officer and UP alumna Lillian Castro-Selda emphasized the personal connection behind the partnership, saying that supporting UP athletes is one way of strengthening the UP spirit and showing them that the community believes in them. That message was echoed during the Pep Rally where OASD Director Coach Bo Perasol encouraged the athletes to play for one another, show their passion and discipline, and make every opportunity to represent UP count. For UP President Angelo “Jijil” Jimenez, the spirit of “UP Fight” goes beyond winning. It is also about becoming better, fighting for others, and contributing to the country.
The partnership traces back to 2019 and reflects the Castro family’s long-standing connection to UP with founders Bobby and Angelita Castro and their five children all being UP alumni. Over the years, what began with basketball has grown into broader support for student-athletes across different sports. As UAAP Season 89 commences, PalawanPay remains committed to standing behind the Fighting Maroons — not only in their pursuit of victories, but also in their journey of discipline, perseverance, and purpose.
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ROYU Electrical Powers Up Mapúa University’s Men’s Basketball And Women’s Volleyball Athletics Program
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| L-R: ROYU Electrical Category Manager Eva Dy, FELCO Marketing Director Erik Riola, Mapúa University President and CEO Dr. Dodjie S. Maestrecampo, Mapúa University Athletics Director Melchor Divina (Image Source: hype mania/ROYU Electrical) |
ROYU Electrical, the premier electrical brand under Firefly Electric and Lighting Corporation (FELCO), has officially partnered with Mapúa University, the premier engineering school in the Philippines, proudly powering the Mapúa Men’s Basketball Team and Women’s Volleyball Team in NCAA Season 102 and other upcoming tournaments. Formalized through an official contract signing held in Manila, this collaboration unites ROYU Electrical’s core standard of dependable innovation with MAPUA University’s legacy of engineering excellence.
Throughout these sports seasons, the partnership will integrate ROYU Electrical into campus life and career pathways through interactive student activations, digital content collaborations, official collegiate merchandising, and priority recruitment at university career fairs. This multi-platform presence ensures student-athletes and engineering undergraduates gain direct exposure to dependable industry tools while preparing for professional practice. The ceremonial signing brought together institutional leadership from both sides to commemorate the shared milestone. Representing FELCO were FELCO’s Marketing Director Erik Riola and ROYU Electrical Category Manager Eva Dy while Mapúa University was represented by President and CEO Dr. Dodjie S. Maestrecampo, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Raul Victor B. Tan, and Athletics Director Melchor Divina, together with the university's head coaches and team captains. “This partnership is not just about putting a logo on a jersey. At its heart, it is about people, performance, and the pursuit of excellence. That is something ROYU and MAPUA University understand very well. Being a partner of choice also means going beyond selling products. It means being present in the communities we serve, supporting institutions that shape the future, and investing in Filipinos who can make a difference,” said FELCO Marketing Director Erik Riola.
“We’re very excited about what’s happening to the team and to the community, and we thank ROYU for inspiring all of them through this kind of support. We’re very much willing to expand this partnership and explore opportunities for collaboration in the future,” said Mapúa University President and CEO Dr. Dodjie S. Maestrecampo. For the past 24 years, ROYU Electrical has continuously expanded its portfolio across the Philippine market, introducing switches and outlets in 2002, breakers in 2004, building wires in 2013, enclosures in 2017, and pipes in 2024.
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Dumaguete City Serves Notice As Rising Pickleball Capital In PH
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| Negros Oriental Governor Chaco Sagarbarria and Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio (Image Source: Manila Standard/Dumaguete City Public Information Office) |
From humble grassroots beginnings to a full-blown sports movement, Dumaguete City is rapidly carving its identity as the Pickleball Capital of the Philippines. With more than 300 courts spread across the city and thousands more throughout Negros Oriental, the sport has become a vibrant part of community life, uniting generations, families, and neighborhoods. This surge of enthusiasm has not gone unnoticed as the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), led by Chairman Patrick Gregorio, has pledged strong commitment and support, ensuring that Dumaguete’s rise in pickleball is matched by the development of world-class facilities for football, track and field, archery, and other disciplines. Together, the local leadership led by Negros Oriental Governor Chaco Sagarbarria, Dumaguete City Mayor Manuel “Chiquiting’’ Sagarbarria and Congresswoman Maisa Sagarbarria and national backing are positioning this city not only as a pickleball powerhouse but as a model hub for holistic sports development in the country.
“What we see here in Dumaguete could be a model of how local governments can embrace new sports while strengthening traditional ones. Pickleball here is not just recreation. It is community, health, and competition rolled into one,” said Gregorio whoexpressed deep admiration for Dumaguete City’s bold sports vision during the Nationwide Conduct of Handog ng Pangulo 2026 last September 14, 2026, an event marking the 69th birthday of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Gregorio delivered the President’s birthday message before thousands gathered at the Dumaguete City Hall Forecourt, underscoring the administration’s commitment to bring government service closer to the people across cities and provinces nationwide. “We have an aging population here in Dumaguete as well as in the province, so pickleball is a perfect sport for us,” said Mayor Sagarbarria. With pickleball flourishing and PSC support for multi-sport facilities underway, Dumaguete is positioning itself as a national hub for sports development and tourism. The city’s blend of grassroots energy, family participation, and institutional backing is setting the stage for a legacy that extends beyond medals toward healthier communities and stronger national pride. “Pickleball is a sport not only for friends but also for the family where members can play, be competitive, and stay healthy together. It has become a pastime here in our province where players come from all ages,’’ said Governor Sagarbarria. The President’s address highlighted a wide range of initiatives from health care, jobs, and livelihood programs to support for farmers, fisherfolk, and small businesses, alongside expanded opportunities for workers and students. With the coordinated efforts of national agencies and the local government, additional programs were also rolled out to meet the needs of families and communities, ensuring that the celebration of his 69th birthday translated into tangible service and lasting impact.
“The PSC is committed to working with Dumaguete and Negros Oriental to ensure that facilities for football, track and field, and archery are developed to world-class standards. This is how we build pathways from grassroots to gold, and from gold to greatness,” said Gregorio. Among the 53 government departments, agencies, and offices that took part in Handog ng Pangulo 2026 and extended gifts and services to the people of Negros Oriental were the Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Justice (DOJ), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Transportation (DOTR), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), National Housing Authority (NHA), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), PhilHealth, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Land Transportation Office (LTO), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Philippine Army, and Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), alongside the host local government.
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SportsPlus Supports Filipino Athletes In 20th Asian Games
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| (Image Source: Tiebreaker Times/SportsPlus.PH) |
SportsPlus, the country’s premier sportsbook, throws its full support behind the Philippine delegation competing at the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. As a proud Official Gaming Partner of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), SportsPlus continues to strengthen its commitment to Philippine sports, supporting Filipino athletes from grassroots and amateur competitions to the professional ranks.
“SportsPlus is committed to the development of Philippine sports, highlighted by our multi-year partnership with the POC. We believe in the spirit, talent, and determination of Filipino athletes. More than a trusted gaming platform, SportsPlus aims to make a meaningful contribution to the sports ecosystem. We want our presence to be felt across Philippine sports and continue supporting athletes and organizations that help elevate the landscape,” said SportsPlus Head of Brand Marketing Paul Macalindong. POC President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino acknowledged the crucial role of partnerships in preparing athletes for major competitions. With SportsPlus’ backing, the POC has strengthened the Philippine delegation’s preparation and training ahead of the Asian Games. “Our athletes are well prepared for the Asian Games. This is the most star-studded and biggest delegation. These are the strongest teams, and we are confident of breaking our records. We need private sponsors and support, whether it is the SEA Games, Asian Games, or Olympics. Without the support, the athletes cannot make it. It is one of our lifelines,” said Tolentino. Meanwhile, mixed martial arts athlete Gina Iniong, a former competitor in Asia’s largest martial arts organization, emphasized the importance of strong private sector partners behind Filipino athletes. She will represent the Philippines in the first MMA event in the Asian Games. “Preparation has been great. The POC has given us its one hundred percent support. The support from sponsors means a lot to us. If there are problems, they extend a helping hand and put the needs of the athletes first,” said Iniong.
With the Philippine delegation targeting eight gold medals at the Asian Games, SportsPlus’ partnership with the POC underscores the sportsbook’s continued commitment to supporting Filipino athletes and growing the country’s sports ecosystem. “It is a huge help, especially for us with a limited audience. How can a sports commission move without the help of the private sector, especially for us, where our sport is kind of expensive,” said PH Shooting team and Olympian Jayson Valdez.
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SENSHI And DAZN Announce Global Media Partnership
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| (Image Source: DAZN) |
SENSHI and DAZN, the world’s leading sports entertainment platform and global home of combat sports, have recently announced a new global broadcast partnership that brings SENSHI’s live events for free to fight fans across the globe on DAZN. The partnership marks an important step in SENSHI’s international expansion and gives combat sports fans in more than 200 markets free-to-view access to the promotion’s premium live events featuring elite kickboxers, rising international talent and some of the most exciting names in stand-up fighting.
The collaboration kicked off with the SENSHI 33 Grand Prix last September 5, 2026 in Vulna, Bulgaria and is set to be followed by SENSHI 34 Grand Prix on December 5 with the partnership set to continue with SENSHI events in 2027. SENSHI adds a fast-growing international combat sports property with an international roster, established fight calendar and a distinctive tournament format to DAZN’s extensive global fight sports content portfolio. “Partnering with DAZN is a major step for SENSHI. From the beginning, our ambition has been to create a world-class platform where elite fighters can compete at the highest level and the next generation can build their careers on an international stage. DAZN gives us the global reach to bring these athletes, our Grand Prix format and the spirit of SENSHI to fight fans around the world. This partnership is not only about reaching a bigger audience – it is also taking SENSHI to the next level.” said Semmy Schilt, president of KWU SENSHI Europe, the organization behind SENSHI.
“DAZN has a proven track record of helping sports properties expand their reach, grow their audiences and unlock their global potential, and we’re excited to do the same with SENSHI. SENSHI is a compelling property with elite athletes, a distinctive tournament format, and strong momentum in the combat sports community. Adding SENSHI complements DAZN’s world-class portfolio and gives fans access to even more premium combat sports content to enjoy on our platform,” said DAZN Group CEO Shay Segev. SENSHI organizes five professional fight nights annually featuring Grand Prix tournaments, championship-level competition, and Super Fights with athletes from around the world.
