by: Kyle Abello || Photo Credit: SMM Voleyball

Raising the Philippine flag internationally, Mylene Paat and Aleona Denise “Dindin” Manabat secured a podium finish for Nakhon Ratchasima in the recently concluded 2021-22 Volleyball Thailand League (VTL), playing as imports for the team. The two talents — top scorers for their respective clubs in the Asian Women’s Volleyball Championship (AWVC)  — had been recognized by the prestigious team after their victory for Chery Tiggo Crossovers in the Premier Volleyball League, in hopes of making up for the absence of Chatchu-on Moksri, Nakhon Ratchashima’s top scorer in the league. 

Both alumni of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), Paat and Manabat started their volleyball careers in college, with both being converted into spikers for their teams. Entering the professional league, Paat had been a known mainstay for Cignal HD Spikers before playing for Chery Tiggo 7 Pro Crossovers, while Manabat had stints both locally and internationally in the past years. Both have also been recognized by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), regularly representing the country in international games.

Since the start of VTL, Paat had been the go-to spiker of Nakhon Ratchasima, tallying a total of 174 points in the first two rounds of the league. She had a total of five games with over 20 points, along with a 28-point total in Nakhon Ratchasima’s first win against Nakornnont. Although firing on all cylinders for most, Paat also had more subtle performances — with 4-point and 2-point matches against Proflex RSU and Supreme Chonburi, respectively.

Meanwhile, Manabat came to Thailand in the league’s second round, joining Paat as imports for Nakhon. The 6’2 athlete introduced herself to the tournament with an 11-point contribution to the club’s first win in the second round. As Paat was fronting trouble in points, Manabat led the scoreboard with 19 points against Proflex RSU, resulting in a 6-5 win-loss record. Then, despite losing to Supreme Chonburi in their second match in the final four, Manabat managed to be the lone double-digit scorer with an 11-point total – with nine points coming off of the third set.  

Despite having their fair share of poor matches, the tandem always tried to bounce back stronger and fiercer, steering Nakhon onto a satisfactory track. The efficiency and expertise of their merged forces showed in every match, just as they had in the PVL. Despite falling to Diamond Food for a championship spot, Paat and Manabat concluded with 14 and 12 points, respectively. 

Paat and Manabat shone in the bronze medal match, leading Nakhon Ratchasima to their eighth bronze medal in the league. Along with their podium finish, Paat was also hailed as the best scorer for VTL.  

After their successful stint in Thailand, Paat and Manabat are now shifting their focus as they return to the PVL to defend their championship title, as well as eyeing a podium finish for the Philippines in the 2022 SEA games. 

“I want to thank the management, coaches, and my teammates for giving me the chance to play with your team. We may not have been able to get the championship, but you guys made me feel that our team got it. I am overwhelmed with the love and joy you gave me. This team feels like home. I’ll miss you all.” Manabat wrote in an Instagram post with pictures of Nakhon Ratchasima. 

Paat also wrote in her Instagram post “Napakabuti mo, PANGINOON! You are so good, Lord!” with a photo of her winning the Best Scorer Award. 

Paat and Manabat have indeed brought pride to the country in Thailand. Their experience as imports is beneficial not only to them but also in showcasing the Philippines’ volleyball caliber, as the country’s athletes continue to ascend to international stages in 2022.

by: Kyrus Pampanga || Photo Credits: The New Yorker

An Olympics like no other: highlighting both the sports and reality of what China is today.

The 2022 Winter Olympics officially commenced last February 4, 2022, at the Chinese capital of Beijing, marking it as the first city to host both the Summer and Winter Games. But in contrast to the locality’s jubilant response from 2008, the event pales with pandemic restrictions and months of build-up on international controversy.

The host country has had issues concerning its human rights record, from impounding Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang, becoming more aggressive with Taiwan, to crushing pro-democracy activism over Hong Kong. Hence, the event has been dubbed the “genocide games,” and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been met with criticism from human rights groups and NGOs for allowing Beijing to push through as host.

In protest, countries such as Canada, the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom, among others, issued a diplomatic boycott of the Games, evading shows of support from their respective authorities but still sending in athletes.

“The international community must speak out, clearly and with one voice, against Beijing’s crackdown against human rights,” US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi declared after announcing their country’s snub of the Winter Olympics.

Similar to what transpired in Tokyo, the effects of COVID-19 linger at the Olympics in Beijing. Following a bubble set-up, organizers ensured the games had a “zero-Covid” approach; however, defiant to the plan, the virus prevailed, causing disqualification, cancellations, and isolations.

Athletes also raised concerns about their situation at the quarantine hotels — stating problems including low-quality food, no internet, insufficient facilities, and lack of training equipment — despite being warned by the Beijing Organizing Committee against voicing out any behavior or speech that opposes the Olympic spirit.

“I don’t believe in anything anymore. In no tests. No games. It’s a big joke for me,” Polish speedskater Natalia Maliszewska expressed online. “I cry until I have no more tears and make not only the people around me worry but myself too.”

Further controversies involve the general use of artificial snow where environmentalists define unfavorable, the display of Hanbok during the opening that angered South Korean politicians and citizens, and censorship of the Games on criticism and debate about its potential aftereffects to China.

At present, sporting disputes also arose at events for the Men’s snowboard slopestyle, snowboard halfpipe, speed skating 500 meters, and 5000 meters relay short-track speed skating, among other categories.

Despite claims from both the IOC and China about not involving politics in the Winter Games, the global audience could not simply divert their attention, especially now in a time when news is widely accessible, and tensions from nations have emerged.

“It’s not about whether you support China or don’t support China. It’s about whether you support the growing global norm that freedom of speech and internal movement, all these things are things that we respect as an international community. And if we respect those values, we must say the sportswashing of these issues is a red line.” Pema Doma, a member of the Students for a Free Tibet, said in an interview with DW News.

by: Maragarette Nuñez || Photo Credit: Tiebreaker Times

With the start of the annual sports leagues in Japan, Filipino sports sensations go the distance as imports in separate athletic clubs. This year marks a breakthrough for Philippine sports as local athletes in the east enter three sports: Volleyball, Basketball, and Football — contrary to 2018, when the only imports were for volleyball. 

For volleyball, former National University captains Jaja Santiago and Bryan Bagunas have once again joined the Japan V.League. Shortly after Chery Tiggo bagged gold in the PVL, Santiago renewed her contract with Saitama Ageo Medics, earning another championship title for the club as a middle blocker. Bagunas — in his third year in Japan — sticks with Oita Miyoshi Weisse Adler despite offers from two other Japanese teams. 

Hailed as the Philippines’ King Eagle, Marck Espejo also returns to Japan, meeting new colleagues in FC Tokyo after exiting Oita Miyoshi Weisse Adler in 2019. He recently clashed with Bagunas — now Oita Miyoshi — in order to seize another triumph for FC Tokyo from a four-set match, 26-24, 22-25, 31-29, 25-20, last February 6. 

In basketball, the Ravena Brothers separate the potent duo by playing for different teams. Kiefer Ravena greatly contributes to the Shiga Lakestars as part of the top 10 in assists and top 5 in steals in the entirety of the B.League. Thirdy Ravena — the duo’s other half — stays loyal to the San-en NeoPhoenix after holding the record as the first import in the Japan B.League in 2020. 

Similarly, sensational brothers Javier and Juan Gomez de Liaños, have joined different squads. Javier marks his debut overseas as a professional player in the Ibaraki Robots while his brother, upon mutual agreement, has terminated his contract with former team Earthfriends Tokyo Z for undisclosed reasons. 

Filipino-Americans Kobe Paras and Bobby Ray Parks Jr., who have chosen to raise the Philippine flag, continue to be the country’s pride in Japan. Parks opens the door for the Nagoya Diamond Dolphins to enter the league’s top 10, and Paras continues to wow basketball enthusiasts with his maintained prowess. Other Filipino sensations such as Kemark Cariño of the Aomori Wat’s, Dwight Ramos of the Toyama Grouses, and Matthew Aquino of the Shinshu Brave Warriors keep the ball rolling as they all average in double figures immediately after their debut. 

In football, women’s division imports Sarina Bolden and Quinley Quezada make history as pioneer imports of the sport in Japan, with both nominated by the Philippine Football Federation to represent the nation in the first-ever Women Empowerment League. Bolden and Quezada are of the teams Elfen Saitama and JEF United Chiba, respectively.

In the men’s division, Jefferson Tabinas continues to be an asset to Mito HollyHock. The 23-year-old kicked his first goal in the league in a 2-2 draw against Renofa Yamaguchi on October 17, 2021.

The opportunity to showcase their prowess and gain expertise overseas is a primary goal for local professional athletes from all fields of sports. It is of no doubt that the number of Filipino athletes abroad will increase in double measures as the country unhurriedly establishes its name in the global sports field.  

“If you go to a high-level league, you can only grow, develop, and be more competitive. And I expect more players to follow that path,” stated Charlie Dy, co-owner of basketball team Alab Pilipinas and sports agency Virtual Playground.

by: Kyle Abello || Photo credit: Nathalia Canlas (IG: @actually_nathhh)

The three threads of destiny’s Fray have resurfaced once again.  

Menders of Houses Klotho, Lachesis, and Atropos fought virtually during the Sports Fest 2021: the Fray in the Threads of Fate on its second-quarter edition last January 20 to 21. The event featured Call of Duty: Mobile (CODM) as the lone major game, the Whisper Challenge, and Telegram ON9 Word Chain Bot Game as its two minor games, and Twitter games on the Athletic Council’s official account (@evcbentekwatro). 

House Klotho cemented its dominance in CODM with their Team One securing first place, while Teams One and Two of House Atropos landed in second and third, respectively. The game followed a round-robin and playoffs tournament format with the champions winning 500 pesos each, first runners-up 300 pesos each, and second runners-up 200 pesos each. 

In the minor games, House Klotho emerged victorious with three sweeps all in all from both the Whisper Challenge and Telegram ON9 Word Chain Bot Game in all categories (A, B, and C). Champions from both games will receive 400 pesos each, 300 pesos each for the second-placers, and 200 pesos each for the third-placers. 

Other events, including a bingo and three games, for this quarter, were held generally on @evcbentekwatro, the batch’s official Twitter account, for all to engage in and enjoy. 

“I considered this event as something special not just for me but also for all the students because we all get to experience a small break after the exams despite it just being two days. A lot of stuff happened from the games and the interactions online that we all enjoyed,” Lorenne Limsiaco, the Athletic Council Vice President, disclosed in an interview with the Science Net. “And as for the next quarter, we hope the student body will still enjoy it, especially with our closing ceremony, as we are hoping to end this year’s Sports Fest with a bang.” 

At present, House Klotho leads the overall Sports Fest scoreboard with 1166 points, House Atropos in second with 1127 points, and House Lachesis with 999 points taking up the last spot.

by: Jeb Garganera || Photo Credit: Asian Football Confederation

Carving their names as Filipino legends, the Philippine women’s football team has qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time, ending January 2022 with a shot at greatness.  

On January 30, 2022, the Philippine national women’s football team bested Chinese Taipei on penalties, 4-3, at the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup quarterfinals at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune, India. 

Both teams were held at a 1-1 draw, with Taiwan’s Zhou Li-Ping equalizing in the 83rd minute after the Philippines’ Quinley Quezada opened the scoring for the match in the 49th minute.  

The Philippine team scored their first goal just minutes after the second half began, after a technical play involving Sarina Bolden, Katrina Gillou, and Quinley Quezada, with Quezada giving the Philippines a 1-0 lead.  

Zhou Li-Ping of Chinese Taipei scored the equalizer with less than 10 minutes remaining, forcing the match into extra time. 

In the extra 30 minutes allotted, both teams were unable to advance in the draw, hence resulting in a stalemate at the end of the second additional period.  

Following a few saves and a goal by goalie Olivia McDaniel, Sarina Bolden scored the game-winner, concluding the match with a semifinal spot and a chance at the World Cup. 

“It’s an unbelievable moment for the group,” Head Coach Alen Stajcic expressed after the crucial match. “Now every young kid back home in the Philippines can be inspired… We’re really proud of each other, but we’re even more proud that we’ve inspired the next generation.” 

In hopes of advancing to the finals, the Philippines will face South Korea in the semifinals at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune, India, on Thursday.  

The World Cup, which Australia and New Zealand will co-host, will take place in July 2023.

by: Kyrus Pampanga || Photo Credit: CNN Philippines

The fuss surrounding pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena and the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) has become a controversial matter in the world of Philippine sports. 

The association’s investigation concluded Obiena’s expulsion from the national team alongside counts of estafa for allegedly falsifying his coach’s salary liquidation. However, Obiena later presented documents revealing that his coach, Vitaly Petrov, received full payment, despite it being late for 2018 to 2019.

“During the season, I believe my number one priority is to train and compete the best that I could po and liquidation come next po,” wrote Obiena in an email reply to PATAFA. “I am not an accountant. This is not a crime.”

At present, even with Obiena’s agreement to mediation (a step in resolving disputes between two parties through a neutral person in the negotiation), the question still stands: whether PATAFA would stick to its decision or finally sympathize with the pole vaulter’s situation.

Obiena being ranked No. 5 in the World presents a state of uncertainty for his future, which, in turn, would likely affect his current performance.

Aside from carrying the pressure to maintain his current world ranking, his rift with the association would be mentally exhausting for the pole vaulter. This unnecessary baggage to carry only causes Obiena’s focus to drift further from the sport.

Additionally, this incident concerning the government’s allocated funding and those in private regarding his training overseas yields terrible PR not only for PATAFA, but also for Obiena, given his position in the spotlight.

The worst-case scenario for Obiena’s current status would be either naturalization or competing for a foreign country in pole vaulting. Following his rise in the world rankings, Obiena has been pursued by multiple nations for seven years, and is now likely to be received.

With all these taken into account, this issue between EJ Obiena and PATAFA puts to show just how unsupported the local athletes are outside of the limelight, even for those considered elites. 

“I am fighting to bring honor and glory for my country. Others fight for ego or power. But that is not me. I fight for higher principles,” Obiena expressed.

by Gabriel Segura || Photo credit:

“You are the best of humanity and the only ones who can decide who and what you are.” 

Andrew Parsons, the International Paralympics Committee President, spoke to the 4,537 athletes participating in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, declaring them “beacons of hope” as the world collectively faces the COVID-19 crisis. His speech was followed by grand displays of pomp and circumstance, staples of the Paralympics’ prestige. 

However, these flamboyant displays could not hide certain somber realities.  

Inside the stadium, the silence usually filled by the cheers of a live audience was palpable, and the absence of the Afghan team reminded one of the current political unrest in the region. Outside, the cries of a dissatisfied Japanese public called attention to questions left unanswered by the government; while the sporting events went on, Japan was facing its then-worst COVID-19 outbreak, with a record number of daily cases and Tokyo hospitals filled to the brim.  

The pandemic was not the only concern raised by the public— the ghost of the 2010 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear meltdown, which claimed more than 18,000 lives and rendered the surrounding landscape barren to this day, loomed large, as Olympic proceedings were held as close as 20 kilometers from the former power plant. 

The six athletes of the Philippine delegation consisted of three two-time participants and the rest competing for the first time. Buoyed by the success of Hidilyn Diaz and the fact that the Philippines had consistently won medals since 2012, both the delegation and the nation were enthusiastic and exuberant— but the path would be fraught with struggles. Due to hospitals overflowing with patients, gyms had been repurposed as quarantine facilities, leaving them with no adequate training venues. On top of that, the efforts of three athletes would come to naught: on August 22, powerlifter Achelle Guion, set to leave for Tokyo, tested positive for COVID-19. A week later, discus thrower Jeanette Aveceda would also test positive, as well as taekwondo competitor Allain Ganapin on September 2. 

Though they set their personal bests, swimmers Ernie Gawilan and Gary Bejino did not advance in any of their events, save for Gawilan in 6th place in the 400-meter freestyle. Wheelchair athlete and ASEAN gold medalist Jerrold Mangliwan fared similarly despite a record-breaking run in the T52 classification, finishing 6th in the 1500-meter race in a personal best and 7th in the 400-meter race, setting a new Philippine national record, but he would be disqualified for a lane infringement infraction. 

While the losses may be disappointing, the nation’s continued participation in the Paralympics is always a positive. The value of the games goes beyond mere athletic recognition and to the broader cause of visibility and understanding toward the fifteen percent of the global population living with disabilities. While the current circumstances have proven difficult, the ardent spirit of the disabled community remains unbroken.

by: Jeb Garganera || Photo credit: Team Spirit on Instagram ||

Team Spirit overwhelms PSG.LGD at the 10th ‘The International (TI)’ Dota 2 tournament grand finals, claiming the Aegis of Champions and the $18.2 million grand prize. The Eastern European team won the best-of-five Grand Final against PSG.LGD last October 17, 2021, in Bucharest, Romania.  

In the win or go home finale, Team Spirit allowed PSG.LGD’s undefeated Tiny-Lycan combo to play in exchange for the Undying ban. They won the game with relentless pressure from Yatoro’s Terrorblade, TORONTOTOKYO’s Ember Spirit, Mira’s Bane, Miposhka’s Winter Wyvern, and Collapse’s Magnus. 

Magomed “Collapse” Khalilov led Team Spirit’s bouts and took control of the matchup, concluding with 8 kills and 18 assists against PSG’s 2 deaths. Even after getting junked by Rubick’s counter pick on a game, Collapse still had the confidence to rally the team in the deciding game 5.  

Team Spirit began the finals against PSG.LGD with a clear strategy: ban Ame’s Monkey King and split up their Tiny-Lycan combo. With that, Team Spirit breezed through the first two games with Yatoro’s Naga Siren and Collapse’s Magnus.  

In the second game, PSG.LGD became more aggressive, forcing Spirit to play with a calmer Dota style. Miposhka, on the other hand, rallied his squad with his Bane, ensuring that they did not go into any precarious circumstances. Spirit turned a switch and powered their way to another Moksha victory.  

The Undying, who in Game 3 allowed Ame’s Spectre and NothingToSay’s Tinker to take overall control of the game, and in Game 4, provided PSG.LGD’s Mangus-Luna combo free reign under the safety of Tombstone— a champion that Team Spirit had no answer for.  

This jumbled draft failed to provide Spirit with a clear victory condition against a strong PSG.LGD core—led by Ame’s Luna and NothingToSay’s Kunkka— appeared to be unwinnable. The game took a while to get going, but LGD gradually built a lead and had their mojo flowing— until one team fight altered everything and demonstrated that Spirit was more than capable of standing their ground. 

After Spirit picked off Ame’s Tiny, LGD withstood what appeared to be a game-ending push, but there was nothing else they could do. They lost a fight in the Rosh pit, Ame died for the second time with no buyback, and Spirit rushed the Ancient and won TI10. 

The victory was a surprise. PSG.LGD appeared to be the most likely candidate—  making amends for its second-place finish in the 2018 tournament by winning its preliminary group and progressing to the grand finals without dropping a series. Meanwhile, Team Spirit had to battle its way through the lower bracket, dethroning two-time winner OG and edging Team Secret to earn a spot in the grand finals against PSG. LGD.  

The pro-gamers will walk away with $18,208,300.00 in prize money in addition to making history in the league. 

by Vera Avila || Photo Credit: EVC Athletic Council ||

PSHS-EVC’s Batch 2024 officially commenced this year’s Sports Fest with the theme “The Fray in the Threads of Fate” yesterday, November 4, 2021, through a Zoom meeting. 

In the opening remarks, the Athletic Council, alongside batch adviser, Ma’am Daisy Gaut, encouraged PSHS-EVC scholars to showcase their best efforts in unity by participating in cheers and games for their respective houses: Klotho, Lachesis, and Atropos. 

“I think that [this] is what makes your whole stay in Pisay more memorable—because there is a sense of community for you to be able to just connect with people who have the same passion as you,” said guest speaker Karl Eugene Pamat, 2013 AC President and volleyball athlete. 

Two games were included in the latter part of the event: Artistwo, a celebrity guessing game, and Ano Tanong, which involved guessing the correct question using keywords, phrases, and images shown. In between the games were intermission numbers from selected students and guest band Vyses. 

Videos of previous Sports Fests were played, showcasing beloved events such as the cheer dance performances and the sports competitions, ending the program with a trip down the memory lane.

PSHS-EVC Sports Fest 2021: Scholars Pitch in the Virtual Fray

 Margarette Joelly C. Nunez ||

Photo Credits: ABS-CBN News

“We’re getting there.”

The Philippines’ very own EJ Obiena showcases his prowess as this generation’s leading Asian pole vaulter as he shatters records left and right. An upcoming sensation, Obiena has represented the country in various international leagues such as the 2020 Summer Olympics and Paris Diamond League, where he earned a podium spot. 

Not only is he known to be an upright individual for speaking with officials about his case in Tokyo, Obiena also serves as an inspiration to all as he lives his father’s dream in his career. This then begs the question, how was he molded to redefine Asia’s pole vaulting, given his current blooming success?

“The facts of the matter are simple: I still love the sport of pole vaulting. I still love representing my great country. I still love competing. I still know I can win. You can draw your own conclusions from this. I will be back, and I will be back to win,” Obiena expressed in an interview after finishing 11th in his maiden Olympic stint.

Growing up with track and field athletes like his father— who was also a pole vaulter— it was undeniable that Obiena would follow in their footsteps. At 8, Obiena pursued track and field, participating in 100 and 400-meter hurdles events. When he was 16, he shifted back to pole vaulting, for which he was granted a scholarship at the University of Santo Tomas, pursuing an engineering degree. He then represented the university at the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).

With his career swiftly progressing, Obiena persistently surpassed his own records. He obtained a silver medal in the 2015 Southeast Asian Games (5.25 meters), then a gold medal at the 2016 Philippine National Games Finals (5.47 meters). In addition, he secured a spot at the Tokyo Olympic Games by surpassing the qualifying standard of 5.80 meters; he placed 11th at the finals with 5.70 meters.

At present, his record currently stands at 5.93 meters— a new Asian record in the pole vault— which he set at the International Golden Roof Challenge in Innsbruck, Austria on September 12, 2021.

“I believe … that if I truly believe I am right, I would fight for it,” Obiena stated. “When you truly believe you’re right, there should be a right way to explain it. There’s always a right way to fight for it.”

Indeed, to achieve such a peak in one’s career requires a mentality and courage that perseveres despite the odds.