Sen. Bong Go pushes the creation of the Department of Sports

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has renewed his call for the creation of a Department of Sports, calling it long overdue during the Senate Committee on Sports’ first public hearing of the 20th Congress.

Go emphasized the need for a dedicated department to address the limited budget and resources currently allotted to sports, noting that the PSC only received significant funding increases through congressional intervention.

“Kung titingnan mo sa budget, napakaliit ng (budget) share ng sports talaga. Kaya nga sana, kung kakayanin maging departamento ito,”Go said.

Go added that given the meager sports budget, it is high time this was done:“Napapanahon na po talaga, at sobrang liit ng natatanggap ninyo.”

Go argued that enhanced government investment is essential to support Filipino athletes’ international success and strengthen grassroots sports development. He cited the country’s first Olympic gold in Tokyo 2020 and the double gold haul in Paris 2024 as proof that sustained support yields results.
“Kaya naman nagdagdag tayo ng budget para maging PhP 1.2 billion ang budget ng Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) noong 2024,”Go pointed out.

Go also highlighted the wider societal impact of investing in sports, saying it helps protect the youth from drugs and vices while fostering national pride and inspiration.

“We expect our athletes to perform in international competitions. Kapag nanalo sila damay po ang buong bansa sa honor na dala nila,”Go underscored.

“Makikita naman natin na sulit ang pagsuporta sa ating mga atleta.” “Dati po, since 2019, kulelat tayo sa gold. Sa Olympics, wala tayong gold, naalala ko. Huli tayong silver noong 2016, I think, and before that, 1996 iyung silver na pinakamataas na nakamit natin sa Olympics,”Go added.

“Napapanahon na po talaga,” Go said, underscoring the urgency of establishing a Department of Sports.

“I firmly believe that investing in sports does more than building champions. It protects our youth from drugs and harmful vices while also nurturing world-class athletes who bring pride, honor, and inspiration to our nation,”Go concluded.

#SenatorBongGo #ChairmanJohnPatrickGregorio #Pres.BongBongMarcosJr. #SenateCommitteeonSports #PhilippineSportsCommission #PhilippineOlympicCommittee #AllSports

Courtesy: Sen. Bong Go Jet Hilario

Sean Anthony Retires After 14 PBA Seasons, Shifts Focus to Family

Veteran forward Sean Anthony has officially announced his retirement from basketball, closing the book on a memorable 14-year career in the PBA.

A former Mythical Team member and Defensive Player of the Year, Anthony shared the news through a heartfelt LinkedIn post on Sunday, September 14. The 39-year-old revealed that although he received an extension offer from NLEX, he chose to step away from the game to prioritize his family, especially his son’s recovery from cancer.

“Saying goodbye to something you love is one of the hardest things to do, which is probably why it has taken me so long to share this. But here it goes: I am officially retiring from basketball,” Anthony wrote.

“Earlier this year, when we found out my son had cancer, I turned down my extension with the NLEX Road Warriors and moved to Singapore to focus on getting him healthy. Seven months later, and after six rounds of immunotherapy and chemotherapy, I’m beyond grateful to say that my son is now cancer-free! Our family has since relocated to Vancouver, Canada, where he will continue post-treatment monitoring and care.”
Known for his relentless work ethic, Anthony was drafted sixth overall by Powerade in 2010 and went on to play for eight different teams. He was part of the Tigers’ unforgettable Cinderella run to the 2012 Finals and made his mark at GlobalPort, capturing Defensive Player of the Year honors and earning a Mythical First Team selection.

Off the court, Anthony prepared for life after basketball, earning a master’s degree in business administration and working as a senior consultant for an advisory services firm.

Still, basketball remains close to his heart.

“Basketball has been a cornerstone of my life since I was a kid, and being able to live out my childhood dream for 15 years has been the greatest gift,” he said. “Thank you to the management, coaches, teammates, and especially the fans for your support throughout my journey. I will always love the game and the PBA, and I hope that one day, when life settles, I can give back to the sport and the community that has given me so much."

#SeanAnthony #CoachJongUichico #NLEXRoadWarriors #PBA #PBAseason50 #basketball

Courtesy: NLEX FB Page Jet Hilario

Philippine Ice Hockey team to compete in Thailand for tournament

The Philippine Ice Hockey Team has officially departed for Thailand to compete in the upcoming Ice Hockey Tournament, which runs from October 28 to November 2.

Philippine Ice Hockey team manager Pet Tigaronita told thescoreline.ph about the upcoming rally of the team.“Team is leaving this morning to participate in “Land of Smiles” in Thailand. It’s a hockey tournament from Oct 28 to Nov 2”

The weeklong event will feature some of the best teams from the region, promising a thrilling showcase of speed, skill, and teamwork on the ice.

Fueled by pride and determination, the Filipino skaters are ready to make their mark and represent the country with passion in this international competition.

#PetTigaronita #BJImperial #ManvilBilliones #StevenFuglister #PhilippineIceHockey #PhilippineSportsCommission #PhilippineOlympicCommittee #IceHockey

Photo courtesy: IG sugodpilipinas/file photo Jet Hilario

Kenneth Llover stops Baldor in fourth round to stay unbeaten

Filipino rising star Kenneth “The Lover Boy” Llover continued his impressive ascent in the boxing ranks after scoring a fourth-round stoppage victory over Luciano Baldor of Argentina.

The spitfire from General Trias, Cavite showcased his trademark aggression and power, flooring Baldor before sealing the win with a decisive flurry that forced the referee to step in.

With the victory, Llover preserved his perfect record, improving to 16 wins with 11 knockouts (16-0, 11 KOs) — a clear statement that he remains one of the Philippines’ most promising young fighters.

The dominant performance further cements Llover’s growing reputation as a knockout artist and a future contender on the international stage.

#KennethLlover #GerryPenalosa #GerryPensPromotions #WBO #WBC #PhilippineBoxing #PhilippineBoxingOrganization #Boxing

Photo courtesy: Titleholderph Jet Hilario

Ngina and Bueno strike gold for PH in Muay at Asian Youth Games

Team Philippines celebrated a golden double in Muay at the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Manama, Bahrain, as young standouts Lyre Anie Ngina and Zeth Gabriel Bueno captured top honors in their respective Wai Kru divisions on Sunday, October 26.

Ngina opened the country’s campaign with a commanding performance in the Girls’ Wai Kru 14–15 division, delivering a near-flawless routine that showcased grace, precision, and discipline. The 14-year-old Filipina impressed the judges with a 9.00 score, edging Malaysia’s Auryelle Xzandra Bobby (8.80) and Thailand’s Kittima Yotsombat (8.60) to secure the gold at the Exhibition World Grand Hall.

Following her lead, Bueno extended the nation’s success by ruling the Boys’ Wai Kru 14–15 category, producing an outstanding performance that earned a remarkable 9.17 points—surpassing Thailand’s Daonuea Phuangmali (9.00) to clinch the top spot.

Their victories highlighted the Philippines’ growing strength in Muay, a traditional martial art rooted in culture and discipline. Both Ngina and Bueno’s golden finishes not only brought pride to the nation but also underscored the promise of the country’s next generation of martial artists on the Asian stage.
Their golden triumph further boosted the Philippines’ medal haul, bringing the nation’s tally to six golds, five silvers, and six bronze, solidifying its position among the top contenders in the overall standings.

#LyreAnieNgina #ZethGabrielBueno #Philippines #AsianYouthGames #Muay #WaiKru

LYRIE ANIE NGINA AND ZETH GABRIEL BUENO PHOTO COURTESY: PHILIPPINE OLYMPIC COMMITTEE

San Miguel escapes Ginebra in a nail-biting PBA clash in Dubai

The San Miguel Beermen held off a furious comeback by Barangay Ginebra San Miguel to escape with a thrilling 83–81 victory in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai early Monday (Manila time).

Leading by as much as 14 points, San Miguel weathered Ginebra’s late rally behind the leadership of June Mar Fajardo, who turned in another MVP-caliber performance with 17 points, 16 rebounds, five assists, and four blocks.

Veteran guard Kris Rosales delivered in the clutch, knocking down two crucial three-pointers in the final minutes to help the Beermen secure their second win in four games.

“Our schedule is quite packed, but we still managed to execute our game plan and get the win,” said Fajardo, who also took time to thank the Filipino fans in Dubai for their unwavering support.

Ginebra had a final chance to snatch the win after forcing a turnover in the last 3.7 seconds, but Scottie Thompson’s desperation three-pointer missed at the buzzer.
Japeth Aguilar led the Gin Kings with 20 points, 12 rebounds, and three assists, while RJ Abarrientos added 17 points, and Thompson nearly posted a triple-double with 15 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists.

Despite Ginebra’s valiant effort, San Miguel’s composure and experience proved decisive, giving them a momentum boost as they continue their title campaign in the midseason conference.

#JuneMarFajardo #KrisRosales #JapethAguilar #ScottieThompson #SanMiguelBeermen #GinebraSanMiguel #PBA #basketball

SAN MIGUEL BEERMEN PHOTO COURTESY: PBA

Jamborillo, Ramiscal deliver third Muay gold for Philippines

The Philippine Muay Wai Kru team continues to build momentum at the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Manama, Bahrain, capturing another gold medal through the impressive tandem of Tyron Jamborillo and Jan Brix Ramiscal in the Mixed Mai Muay competition held at the Exhibition World Grand Hall.

Following the earlier triumphs of Lyre Anie Ngina and Zeth Gabriel Bueno in the 14–15 Wai Kru divisions, Jamborillo and Ramiscal delivered a near-flawless performance, showcasing synchronization, power, and grace that earned them 9.20 points from the judges.

Their routine outshined the host nation’s team from the United Arab Emirates, Rakan Yousef, Aziz Alhammadi, and Aya Chaari, who took silver, while Malaysia’s Jaethan Jonathan Quan and Bethany Yun Yunn settled for bronze with 8.27 points.

The duo’s golden finish marked the third gold medal for the Philippine Muay squad, further strengthening the country’s campaign with an updated tally of 6 golds, 5 silvers, and 6 bronzes.
Ramiscal also added to the medal count earlier with a silver medal in the Boys’ Wai Kru 16–17 division, finishing behind Thailand’s Pimpichien Chaiwan.

With each win, the Filipino Muay contingent continues to assert its growing dominance in the regional scene, carrying the nation’s pride high in Bahrain.

#TyronJamborillo #JanBrixRamiscal #Philippines #MixedMaiMuay

TYRON JAMBORILLO AND JAN BRIX RAMISCAL PHOTO COURTESY: PHILIPPINE OLYMPIC COMMITTEE

Princess Jay Ann Diaz wins bronze in weightlifting at Asian Youth Games

Filipino weightlifter Princess Jay Ann Diaz delivered another proud moment for the Philippines after clinching the bronze medal in the Girls’ 44kg Clean Jerk event at the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Manama, Bahrain.

The young lifter displayed impressive strength and composure, posting a total lift of 141 kilograms, highlighted by a 63kg snatch and a 78kg clean jerk, to secure third place against Asia’s top youth competitors.

Diaz’s podium finish not only added to Team Philippines’ growing medal count but also underscored the country’s sustained success in the sport of weightlifting, a discipline that continues to flourish following the legacy of Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo.

Her bronze medal marks another milestone in the Philippines’ strong showing at the continental event, reflecting the nation’s rising pool of young talent in international competition.

#PrincessJayAnnDiaz #Weightlifting #AsianYouthGames

PRINCESS JAY ANN DIAZ PHOTO COURTESY: PHILIPPINE OLYMPIC COMMITTEE

Anton Asistio lifts RoS Past Titan Ultra with clutch free throws

When the game was on the line, Anton Asistio stepped up and delivered.

The sharpshooting guard calmly sank four crucial free throws in the dying seconds to power Rain or Shine Elasto Painters past Titan Ultra, 112-111, in a heart-stopping PBA Philippine Cup clash on Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

Down 108-111 with just over two seconds left, Asistio drew a foul from beyond the arc and coolly converted all his free throws to complete Rain or Shine’s dramatic comeback and secure their second straight win, improving to 3-1 in the standings.

Head coach Yeng Guiao lauded Asistio’s composure and quick thinking in executing the play perfectly under pressure.

“We designed that last play for Anton, but we did not really anticipate that it was going to be a four-point shot,” said Guiao.“We knew they were going to foul, so we told him—when you feel the foul coming, put up the shot. That’s exactly what he did.”
The clutch moment capped off a strong all-around team performance. Adrian Nocum led the E-Painters with 24 points before fouling out, while Santi Santillan poured in 21 points—including 13 in the fourth quarter—to spearhead the rally. Jhonard Clarito added 19 markers, eight of which came in the final frame.

Despite a big night from Calvin Abueva, who finished with 31 points and 18 rebounds, Titan Ultra fell short and dropped to 1-4. Aljun Melecio chipped in 21, while Joshua Munzon came close to a triple-double with 15 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists.

Titan looked in full control after building an 85-66 lead in the third quarter behind a barrage of three-pointers, but Rain or Shine’s relentless fightback flipped the script.

“I’m really happy with the endgame, but for the first three quarters, I wasn’t that happy,” Guiao admitted.“The important thing is, we found ways to win.”

With momentum on their side and confidence growing, Rain or Shine continues to show the grit and chemistry that define a true contender in this year’s Philippine Cup.

#YengGuiao #AntonAsistio #SantiSantillan #JhonardClarito #RainorShineElastoPainters #PBA #PBAseason50 #basketball

Photo courtesy: PBA Jet Hilario