Filipino Isabella Butler Claims Gold in Jiujitsu at Asian Youth Games

MANILA – Filipino-American athlete Isabella Joseline Butler emerged victorious in the girls' -63kg jiujitsu category at the Asian Youth Games Exhibition World Bahrain held in Sakhir on Thursday, October 30, 2025. The 17-year-old, based in Huntington Beach, California but born in Davao City, clinched the gold by submitting United Arab Emirates competitor Aysha Aljneibi with a collar choke at 1 minute and 5 seconds remaining in the match. Butler advanced to the final by defeating competitors from Uzbekistan, Thailand, and Kazakhstan, respectively winning 4-0 in both the semifinals and quarterfinals. Reflecting on her strategy, she stated, \"I was able to get to my controlling positions at close guard, which I love, and operate from there. My training on close guard techniques and lapel guard attacks truly paid off today.\" Butler is also the reigning gold medalist from the 2024 JJIF Jiu-Jitsu World Championships. Looking ahead, Butler expressed her ambition to try out for the adult national team and compete in the upcoming Southeast Asian Games. \"We found that there was a way to represent the Philippines through the sport that I love, and I’m grateful I got the chance to do so,\" she said. Her win contributed to Team Philippines' total haul of seven gold, seven silver, and ten bronze medals, placing the nation 12th among 45 participating countries. Other Filipino gold medalists at the event included: - Kram Airam Carpio in pencak silat girls' 51-55kg - Charlie Ratcliff in modern MMA girls' 45kg - Pi Durden Wangkay in athletics boys' 200m - Lyre Anie Ngina and Zeth Gabriel Bueno in muay boys' and girls' wai kru 14-15 divisions - Jan Brix Ramiscal and Tyron Jamborillo as muay mixed team mai muay champions Additionally, 15-year-old Mara Alexandria Sarinas secured a bronze medal in the jiujitsu girls' -57kg category after a submission victory over Thailand’s Prasita Rumakom. Meanwhile, 16-year-old Sebastien Blaize Cabanlig narrowly missed reaching the podium in the boys’ -48kg jiujitsu division. These results highlight the rising prominence of Filipino athletes in martial arts and multi-sport competitions at the youth level.

PLDT High Speed Hitters Poised for Championship in 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference

The PLDT High Speed Hitters are entering the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference with a blend of seasoned experience, emerging talent, and international expertise, positioning themselves as strong contenders for the championship. Building on back-to-back preseason titles in the PVL On Tour and Invitational Conference, PLDT continues to harness momentum despite a recent loss to Cignal, which has only intensified their determination to succeed. This season, the team strengthens its roster with a formidable foreign import, two promising rookies, and a proven veteran core ready to make an impact. Leading the squad is Russian outside hitter Anastasiia Bavykina, a 6’2" player with more than 15 years of professional experience spanning Europe, Asia, and the United States. Renowned for her versatile skill set and commanding presence at the net, Bavykina contributes both offensive firepower and defensive stability essential to championship-caliber teams. "She’s not just a scorer. She’s a veteran presence who steadies the team," said head coach Rald Ricafort, noting that Bavykina completes PLDT’s lineup through her reception, blocking, and defensive abilities. In her PVL debut, Bavykina made an immediate impact, delivering 10 spikes, 2 service aces, and 10 excellent receptions against Capital1, followed by an impressive 18-point performance versus Farm Fresh. Her collaboration with Invitational Conference MVP Savi Davison is emerging as one of the league’s most dynamic outside hitter duos. Before securing Bavykina, PLDT bolstered its future prospects by drafting two standout rookies in the inaugural PVL Draft: Alleiah Malaluan and Zenneth Perolino. Malaluan, a standout from De La Salle University and three-time UAAP finalist, brings a poised yet powerful approach to the professional stage. "For me, success means hitting our goals – both individually and as a team," she shared. "Fans can expect me to be a reliable teammate who steps up when it counts." Perolino, representing Enderun College, is among the first non-UAAP/NCAA draftees, and embraces the challenge. "It’s a good kind of pressure," she said. "Coach Rald’s system pushes me to grow daily. The team’s patience is helping me transition smoothly from collegiate to pro volleyball." Supporting this blend of youth and international skill is PLDT’s core of seasoned players: captain Kath Arado, the reigning Best Libero of both the PVL On Tour and Invitational Conference; middle blockers Mika Reyes, Majoy Baron, and Dell Palomata; along with veterans Kim Fajardo and Kianna Dy providing leadership in playmaking and offense. This balanced roster, combining experience, height, and youthful enthusiasm, gives PLDT a strategic edge to adapt, defend, and compete at the highest level. Currently leading Pool A with a 3–1 record, the High Speed Hitters are focused on translating their preseason success into a championship victory. Coach Ricafort emphasized the team’s commitment: "Fans can expect us to give our best every training, every game. This conference is tough, but we’ll keep pushing and working hard to deliver the kind of volleyball our supporters deserve." With a revitalized lineup, strong momentum, and a loyal fan base, the PLDT High Speed Hitters are not merely pursuing wins—they are building a legacy. Stay updated on the PLDT High Speed Hitters’ journey throughout the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference via Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok.

National University Sneakers Sweep First Round of UAAP Season 88 Juniors Basketball

MANILA – National University Nazareth School asserted dominance by defeating Ateneo de Manila University 99-74 in the UAAP Season 88 juniors basketball tournament, held Saturday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. This victory allowed National University, known as the Bullpups, to sweep the first round of the competition. Malian center Moussa Diakite spearheaded the Bullpups’ victory with a stellar performance, contributing 28 points, 19 rebounds, and three blocks. His efforts helped establish a commanding 76-48 lead by the end of the third quarter. Supporting Diakite were Nick Peña with 14 points, Clark Khobuntin who added 13 points and 12 rebounds, and Mark Arzola, who contributed 12 points, 11 assists, and three steals. Meanwhile, Ateneo’s Sky Jazul led his team with 25 points, while Domeng Ngo and Jude Ylen added 14 and 12 points respectively. Ateneo briefly closed the gap to 31-29 midway through the second quarter but could not sustain the momentum. NU head coach Leo Pujante emphasized the importance of maintaining focus: \"We still have to be competitive in practice. We cannot relax. We need to continue working hard. You have to respect your opponent every game, regardless of whether they’re strong or weak.\" In another thrilling encounter, University of Santo Tomas (UST) narrowly edged out Adamson University 87-86 to claim sole possession of second place with a 5-2 record. Miguel Jubilado led the Tiger Cubs with 21 points, five assists, and three rebounds. His crucial three-pointer extended UST's lead to 87-78 with just over two minutes left, but Adamson rallied back behind Seb Esma and Keefy Iledan. In the closing moments, Jubilado made a key split free throw following an Alison Jordan foul to keep UST ahead 87-84. Adamson’s Jordan scored a layup to make it 86-87 with seven seconds remaining, but after CJ Tabbuga missed two free throws, Adamson ran out of time to complete the comeback. Assistant coach JM Lagumen praised his squad's perseverance: \"During our preparations for this game, we emphasized the importance of this crucial matchup as we were tied in second place. Winning provides breathing room for the second round. Props to the kids for not giving up until the end.\" Other notable contributors for UST included Dats Datu and Cab Castro with 14 points each, Tabbuga with 13 points and nine rebounds, and Rowie Cabañero posting 11 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists. Adamson’s Fran Flores led his team with 17 points and eight assists, followed by Jordan with 13 points, and Majiq Padrejuan and Kyle Abas both adding 10. Currently, FEU-Diliman and University of the East hold third place with 4-2 records, followed by Adamson at 4-3 and Ateneo at 2-5. De La Salle Zobel and UP Integrated School remain at the bottom, yet to record a win at 0-6.

Shawn Tuano Emerges as Key Leader in Ateneo's UAAP Season 88 Undefeated Run

MANILA, Philippines – Ateneo's Shawn Tuano delivered a breakout performance that was instrumental in preserving the Blue Eagles' flawless 4-0 start in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament. Against archrival La Salle on October 5, Tuano rose to the occasion by contributing a team-high 15 points, including critical baskets late in the fourth quarter that halted a massive Green Archers rally. Trailing by as much as 33 points, La Salle launched a substantial 22-0 run to trim Ateneo’s lead to 68-57. Tuano’s pivotal and-one scoring play with 3:38 remaining quelled the momentum shift, and his composure at the free throw line in the final seconds sealed an 81-74 victory for the Blue Eagles at the Mall of Asia Arena. "I just tried to be a leader on the floor, to compose everyone through that crazy run in the end. I keep telling everyone [to move on to the] next play," Tuano reflected on his role during the tense closing moments. Tuano’s offensive efficiency stood out, especially considering his earlier struggles in the season. He was perfect from the free throw line, converting all seven attempts, and shot 4-of-5 from the field, a stark improvement from his 0-of-10 attempts and 37.5% free throw rate over the first three games. "I think just trusting in my shot and trusting in the work that I put in the offseason, that’s what helped me to have that confidence shooting those free throws," Tuano said, crediting his offseason preparation for his improved performance. Looking ahead, Ateneo faces a demanding schedule as they prepare to face reigning champions UP Fighting Maroons on October 8, followed by a clash with the second-seeded UST Growling Tigers on October 11. Tuano acknowledges the challenges and is ready to lead in any capacity. "I just tried to do my role to the best of my abilities. If I’m the energy guy, I’m the energy guy. If I need to score, I’m going to try to score, if I need to play defense, I’ll play defense," he stated. "Whatever coach Tab [Baldwin] says or needs me to do on the court, I got to accomplish that."

Alexandra Eala Exits Suzhou Open After Narrow Quarterfinal Defeat

In a thrilling quarterfinal encounter at the Suzhou Open WTA 125 tournament in China, Philippines' Alexandra "Alex" Eala was defeated by Switzerland's Viktorija Golubic with a scoreline of 2-6, 6-2, 7-6(0). Eala built momentum late in the decisive third set, holding a 6-5 lead and appearing poised for victory. However, Golubic successfully defended her serve to push the set into a tiebreak. During the high-pressure tiebreaker, Eala was unable to capitalize on multiple match points, enabling Golubic to secure the win. Despite the loss, Eala's performance continues to demonstrate her growing competitiveness on the international circuit.

University of the Philippines Mounts Comeback to Defeat National University 66-59 in UAAP Season 88

In a thrilling UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball match held at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion, the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons overcame a 13-point gap to defeat National University (NU) Bulldogs, 66-59. The come-from-behind triumph brings UP’s record to 2-2 while handing NU their first defeat after starting the season with three consecutive wins. NU dominated the third quarter, leading 47-34 at one point, but UP closed the period trailing narrowly, 49-48. The Fighting Maroons then launched an aggressive 8-0 run early in the fourth quarter to seize the lead with five minutes left on the clock. Although NU’s PJ Palacielo briefly interrupted UP’s momentum with a free throw, Gani Stevens’ jumper extended UP’s lead to 58 points with about three minutes remaining. Following Palacielo’s free throws, UP responded with another 7-1 scoring run, including a clutch jumper by Reyland Torres that widened the margin to 12 with just 34 seconds to go. NU’s Jake Figueroa attempted to close the gap with a three-pointer, followed by Palacielo’s jumper and free throws, trimming UP’s lead to six. However, Stevens secured the win with a late free throw. Leading the Maroons’ charge was Francis Nnoruka, who contributed 14 points and six rebounds, while Gani Stevens added 10 points. For the Bulldogs, Steve Nash Enriquez led all scorers with 16 points, supported by Gelo Santiago’s 10 points. **Final Scores:** *University of the Philippines (UP)*: 66 — Nnoruka 14, Stevens 10, Alarcon 8, Yniguez 8, Remogat 6, Fortea 5, Bayla 4, Torres 4, Belmonte 4, Briones 3, Abadiano 0, Palanca 0 *National University (NU)*: 59 — Enriquez 16, Santiago 10, Figueroa 9, Palacielo 7, Francisco 4, Manansala 4, John 4, Jumamoy 3, Padrones 2, Garcia 0, Parks 0, Dela Cruz 0 **Quarter Scores:** 13-19, 34-40, 48-49, 66-59 The Fighting Maroons’ resilience and timely shooting proved decisive in evening their season record and halting the Bulldogs’ early momentum in this competitive UAAP matchup.

Jalen Green Shines in Phoenix Suns Debut, Leading Team to Victory Over Clippers

Jalen Green made an impressive return to the court in his first game for the Phoenix Suns, tallying 29 points to spearhead a 115-102 triumph over a short-handed Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night. The 23-year-old guard, acquired in the high-profile trade that sent Kevin Durant to Houston, had missed the first eight games of the season due to a hamstring injury. Green came off the bench firing, converting 10 of 20 shots, including six three-pointers — setting a new franchise debut record for the Suns. \"It felt great to be back out there,\" Green expressed. \"I was so eager to play that I couldn’t even fully relax before the game. It’s been a lot of hard work, and I’m grateful to the training staff and everyone who helped me along the way.\" He also noted that he is still regaining full fitness. \"We’re working towards getting me into peak shape. Today was a solid step. Phoenix is an amazing city with a fantastic team, and I look forward to many more wins and record-breaking moments.\" Devin Booker contributed 24 points as the Suns overturned a three-point halftime deficit with a dominant third-quarter run, outscoring the Clippers by 40 points in the period and stretching their lead up to 25 before cruising to victory. Ivica Zubac led the Clippers with a double-double of 23 points and 11 rebounds, but the team struggled without key players Kawhi Leonard, sidelined by a sprained right ankle, and James Harden, absent due to personal reasons. Adding to the Suns' night, former Phoenix guard Bradley Beal received a frosty reception in his first game back at the arena, scoring only five points on two-of-14 shooting across 19 minutes. With this win, the Suns improved their home record to 4-1 and will face the Clippers again in Los Angeles on Saturday.