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| (Image Source: Manila Bulletin/Universities And Colleges Athletic League) |
The Universities and Colleges Athletic League (UCAL) recently opened its ninth season with another year of competitive action and a commitment to further expand its sports programs and reach more student-athletes nationwide. Philippine Christian University (PCU)-Dasmariñas provided the first highlight of the season by ruling the street dance competition during the league's opening ceremonies last September 19, 2026 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
The PCU-Dasmariñas Dolphins, led by coach John Andallo and team captain Dania Buenaflor, captured the championship with a score of 8.0 points. UCAL Season 9 host school Manila Central University (MCU) finished second with 7.3 while defending champion Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU)-Batangas settled for third with 7.14 UCAL chairman Horacio Lim said the league remains focused on strengthening its programs and discovering promising athletes beyond Metro Manila, stating, “We are still growing. We see that there is a lot of potential in the programs, players and talents that are out there in the countryside.” Hosted for the first time by MCU, Season 9 carries the theme “Unstoppable Together,” reflecting the league’s goal of promoting unity, development and excellence among its member schools. “For the ninth season of UCAL, this is the first time that we are going to be the hosts. For us, it is an honor. It is also the second UCAL season in which we have expanded the selection of sports that will be played,” said MCU Strategic Adviser for Athletics Javier Lopez-Sanz Chulvi. Performances by Filipino bands and artists Lola Amour and Matthaios energized the opening festivities which also featured the traditional parade of athletes from the league’s member schools.
Joining host MCU were Centro Escolar University, Diliman College, Olivarez College, University of Batangas, LPU-Batangas, PCU-Dasmariñas and Philippine Women’s University. The first semester calendar includes men’s and women’s volleyball, eSports and badminton while men’s basketball, 3×3 basketball, table tennis and the newly launched Under-19 (U-19) basketball tournament will take center stage in the second semester. Lim said swimming could be added to this season’s calendar while athletics is also being considered for inclusion in future editions. UCAL may likewise welcome additional member schools as part of its continuing expansion with St. Clare College among the institutions expressing interest in joining the league.
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Subic Bay To Host 2 International Events In 2027
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| Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick Gregorio and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Eduardo Aliño explore bringing the Philippine Ladies Golf Open Championship and a WTA tournament to Subic Bay Freeport Zone in 2027, alongside plans to upgrade sports facilities to international standards. (Image Source: Manila Standard/Philippine Sports Commission) |
Subic Bay Freeport Zone is poised to reclaim its legacy as a premier sports destination with the possible hosting of two international events in 2027 — the Philippine Ladies Golf Open Championship and a Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) tournament — in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Eduardo Alino expressed their shared vision to bring both prestigious competitions to Subic, a move that would not only revitalize its sports facilities but also rebrand the Freeport Zone as a magnificent sports tourism hub.
“Subic has the potential to be the breeding ground of the nation’s finest athletes while standing tall as a remarkable sports tourism destination. Hosting world-class tournaments here will inspire communities and elevate Philippine sports to global standards,” said Gregorio. Subic Bay is no stranger to international sporting events. Its pristine beaches and well-paved roads once regularly hosted triathlon races while the Freeport Zone staged multiple-nation meets such as the Southeast Asian Games in 2005 and 2019. Yet since the 2019 SEA Games, facilities like Remy Field’s track oval and football pitch, the SMBA gymnasium, tennis courts, and beach volleyball courts have rarely seen international action. Alino emphasized, “Upgrading these facilities is essential, not only to attract athletes and fans but also to encourage people to embrace a healthy lifestyle and invest in Subic as a sports and tourism destination.” Gregorio began his Subic visit at the Subic International Golf Club (SIGC), joined by Philippine Tennis Association Secretary General and Navotas City Mayor John Rey Tiangco, PSC Chief of Staff Professor Loujaye Sonido, and golf tournament organizer Migs Almeda. They met with SIGC President and Chief Operating Officer Rei Miyamoto, General Manager Delnar De Vera, and Executive Vice President Narumi Atarashi as well as SBMA Director Honorio “Yuri” Allado to discuss staging the Philippine Ladies Golf Open Championship in February 2027.
The PSC, SIGC, and SBMA are exploring a three-year partnership with the National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP) to host the event which will invite the finest lady golfers from across Asia. Allado later toured Gregorio around the Subic Bay Sports Complex, which houses the historic Remy Field, a 2,000-seater gymnasium, four covered tennis courts, a beach volleyball court, and a 25-meter pool — all in need of refurbishment. Mayor Tiangco noted, “With the proposed upgrade of the tennis courts, Subic can host a WTA tournament that will bring in fans and federations, much like Manila’s successful staging of the WTA 125 earlier this year. This will be a game-changer for Subic in terms of fan engagement and global recognition.” On the other hand, the PSC and SBMA will host the WTA together with the Philippine Tennis Association. Both Gregorio and Alino agreed to pursue renovations with PSC and SBMA funding, aiming to restore the glory of the Subic Bay Sports Complex and position the Freeport Zone as a magnet for local and foreign tourists. Gregorio concluded, “The PSC is committed to delivering on its promise. Hosting international tournaments is not just about upgrading facilities, it’s about uplifting the entire community, inspiring athletes, and showcasing the Philippines as a world-class sports destination.” The PSC has consistently partnered with local government units and agencies to restore or complete unfinished sports facilities across the country. The same strategy will now be applied in Subic, ensuring that the Freeport Zone once again shines on the global sports map.
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Solar Sports To Air Maharlika Pilipinas Pickleball Tour Invitational Matches
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| (Image Source: Daily Tribune/Ivan Suing) |
The Maharlika Pilipinas Pickleball Tour (MPPT) is partnering with Solar Sports as the tour’s official broadcast partner, bringing select matches from the inaugural MPPT Invitational to a wider Filipino audience. The first leg of the five-leg season takes place on October 3–4, 2026 at Pickleball Central in Angeles, Pampanga with the 12 founding teams battling it out for the prize pool of Php1M (1 million pesos).
For MPPT Chief Executive Officer Joseph Ramos, the partnership marks another step in building a sustainable platform for Philippine pickleball. “From the beginning, our goal has been to give Filipino athletes a bigger platform and help bring pickleball to more people across the country. Having Solar Sports as our broadcast partner allows us to bring the MPPT and our athletes to an even bigger audience. This is another important step forward for the MPPT and for the sport in the Philippines.” Solar Studios Inc. President Wilson Tieng welcomed the partnership that follows through with that of Solar Sports and the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League, stating, “Solar Sports is thrilled to carry the momentum into pickleball as the official broadcast partner for the inaugural MPPT Invitational. With pickleball rapidly becoming a favorite pastime nationwide, the MPPT is bringing players and fans together, and we at Solar Sports are delighted to air select matches, bring top-level pickleball action to viewers and help propel the sport forward.” The MPPT officially unveiled its 12 founding teams in July with squads representing General Santos City, Tacloban, Batangas, Parañaque, Muntinlupa, Rizal, Alfonso and Bacoor in Cavite, Camarines Norte, Pampanga, Bangued and Abra.
Super Saturday on October 3 will feature the group stage while Championship Sunday on October 4 will comprise the quarterfinals, semifinals and finals with the first-leg champion crowned at the end of the day. Solar Sports will air select group-stage matches live from 8:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturday, followed by live coverage of the semifinals from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm and the finals from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. on Sunday. Replays will air at 8:00-10:00 pm. With Solar Sports on board, the MPPT moves closer to its goal of giving Filipino pickleball athletes a national platform while bringing the sport to more fans across the country.
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Pickleball World No. 1 Anna Leigh Waters Headlines Franklin Sports Asia Showcase In Manila On October 2026
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Franklin Sports) |
Global pickleball giant Franklin Sports has officially named the Philippines as the first stop for its highly anticipated Franklin Asia Pickleball Showcase on October 2026. The landmark multi-nation showcase will kick off in Manila before continuing in Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Vietnam. The Manila leg centers on an exclusive appearance by Franklin’s star athlete Anna Leigh Waters (ALW), the undisputed World No. 1 player and most dominant athlete in professional pickleball. Local fans and the fast-growing Filipino pickleball community will get a rare opportunity to see ALW showcase her high-octane skills that has dominated the global tour.
The selection of the Philippines as a primary destination reflects the country’s emergence as a global phenomenon in racket sports. With a staggering 1,213% year-over-year growth rate, the Philippines currently stands as the fastest-growing pickleball market in the world, topping Franklin Sports’ global expansion priorities. “We are honored and excited to bring our Franklin Asia Pickleball Showcase to the Philippines. The Philippines is one of the fastest-growing pickleball markets in the world, and we couldn’t be prouder to bring the no. 1 player in the world, Anna Leigh Waters, to Manila. As a world leader in pickleball, Franklin is committed to developing the sport and bringing players the very best products and innovation. It’s even more special to have Anna Leigh, the game’s greatest player, competing with and showcasing Franklin products that she trusts at the highest level. This visit reflects Franklin’s commitment to supporting the growth of pickleball on a global scale. We’re thrilled to connect with the incredible pickleball community in the Philippines and to play a part in the continued growth of this amazing sport,” said Franklin Sports International Head Jared Franklin. As an industry pioneer, Franklin Sports delivers premium equipment trusted by elite global professionals that have won 105 medals year to date on the PPA and APP Pro Tours including Hayden Patriquin, Paris Todd, Will Howells, Jimmy Liong, Sofia Sewing, Casey Diamond, Megan Fudge, and Ryler DeHeart among others. During the Showcase, Filipino fans will get an up-close look at Franklin’s latest innovations. The showcase directly follows ALW’s viral September 2nd Instagram post in front of her Times Square LED billboard in New York City where she posed holding an all-black paddle featuring a bold white “?” graphic. The mystery paddle serves as a global teaser for Franklin’s upcoming paddle launch and was the paddle Anna Leigh Waters won Major League Pickleball (MLP) finals with.
Attendees will also see in action the legendary Franklin X-40 ball, universally regarded as the global gold standard for the sport. Holding over 75% market share in North America, the X-40 serves as the Official Ball of Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao’s Maharlika Pilipinas Pickleball Tour (MPPT), Franklin US Open Pickleball Championships, the APP Tour, the Pickleball Slam, USA Pickleball, and over 1,000 additional tournaments worldwide. Franklin also revealed plans to introduce an all-new, faster-playing ball endorsed by ALW near the turn of the year called the X-44. Filipino players can access Franklin’s full range of paddles, balls, bags, footwear, and accessories nationwide through leading local retail partners, including Decathlon, Toby’s Sports, Chris Sports, and Juego PH among several others. Full details regarding local Showcase venues, schedule of play, and fan interaction opportunities for the Manila leg will be released in the coming weeks via @franklinpickleball on Facebook and Instagram.
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Toyota Motor PH Marks 70 Years Of Japan-Philippines Relations Through B.LEAGUE Manila Games
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| Toyota Motor Philippines Senior Vice President for Marketing Ryo Yokoyama awards AJ Edu of the Gunma Crane Thunders with the Toyota Choice MVP award during the B.LEAGUE Manila Games (Image Source: Manila Standard/Toyota Motor Philippines/B.LEAGUE) |
Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP) marked the 70th anniversary of Japan-Philippines relations by supporting the B.LEAGUE Manila Games 2026, a two-day series of exhibition games featuring the finest Japanese professional basketball squads held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena last September 9-10, 2026 that brought Japan’s professional basketball league closer to Filipino fans and showed how shared interests such as basketball continue to create new avenues for connection between the two countries.
The Manila Games highlighted the growing people-to-people ties between Japan and the Philippines using basketball as another platform for cultural exchange during a milestone year for the two countries. “The 70-year relationship between Japan and the Philippines has been built not only through economic and diplomatic ties, but also through meaningful connections between our people. Basketball is one of the shared passions that brings our communities together, and TMP is proud to support experiences like the B.LEAGUE Manila Games that help strengthen these connections,” said TMP President Masando Hashimoto. The series also underscored how Japan-Philippines relations have grown beyond formal diplomatic and economic ties. Over the decades, exchanges in culture, tourism, business, education, and the arts have helped build familiarity and understanding between the two peoples.
Hashimoto added, “Beyond this, this bilateral relationship for TMP is represented in part by the economic partnership built through decades of Toyota’s automotive business in the country, which has contributed to local manufacturing, employment, skills development, and the continued growth of the Philippine automotive industry.” The Manila Games also gave Filipino fans the chance to watch Dwight Ramos of Levanga Hokkaido and AJ Edu of Gunma Crane Thunders play for their respective B.LEAGUE clubs in Manila. TMP also mounted the TOYOTA Challenge Zone, an on-ground activity area where attendees joined interactive basketball challenges and had the chance to win prizes.
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Maya Brings Teamwork To The Pitch, Wins Corporate Football League Title
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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/Maya) |
By day, they help develop, build, run and support Maya’s payments and digital banking products for consumers and businesses. On the football field, the Maya team completed a perfect run to win the Corporate Division 3 Cup of the Corporate Football League 2026. The squad was distinctly Maya, bringing together colleagues from product development, engineering, technology, data science, consumer business, credit, enterprise, strategic partnerships, marketing, corporate affairs and strategy and programs. Its cross-functional character reflects the dynamic, people-centric culture at Maya, the Philippines’ leading digital financial services platform.
Maya defeated Shopee, 3–1, in the CFL Corporate Division 3 Cup Finals at the Atleta ’63 Turf Field in Bridgetowne, Pasig City. The victory capped an unbeaten campaign from July to August, with the team winning all nine matches, scoring 31 goals and conceding only three. The team advanced through victories over UnionBank, Wells Fargo, Shopee, GCash, JPMorgan Chase, RCM and Globe Telecom before defeating UnionBank, 2–0, in the semifinals. “We came from very different teams across Maya, but on the pitch everyone had one priority: do what the team needed. People showed up, trained hard and trusted one another. Going 9–0 was special, but the best part was winning it together,” said Maya Senior Strategic Partnerships Officer and Football Team Co-Captain Mohamed Omar Mahmoud. Respect for people is one of the four pillars of Maya’s environmental, social and governance framework. Maya’s people strategy brings together professional development, health and wellness, workplace safety, and employee engagement, reflecting its view that well-being is important to how people perform and grow. Sports and shared-interest activities complement these programs by giving colleagues more ways to stay active, connect beyond their usual teams and build relationships across the organization.
“At Maya, engagement goes beyond formal workplace programs. We want people to have opportunities to stay active, pursue shared interests and connect with colleagues they may not normally work with. This team showed how that energy, discipline and sense of ownership can bring people together,” said Maya Group Chief People Officer Charee Lanza. The Corporate Football League is an amateur football competition that brings together teams from companies and organizations across different industries. Its tournaments include corporate, mixed open, and women’s categories with corporate teams grouped into competitive divisions.
