MANILA, Philippines - Donnie Nietes now has options as he seeks a third world title.

The Filipino boxing veteran has been ordered to face Thailand's Eaktawan Krungthepthonburi for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) flyweight title recently vacated by Johnriel Casimero, the IBF confirmed to Rappler.

Nietes (39-1-4, 21 knockouts) of Murcia, Negros Occidental had previously won titles at 105 and 108 pounds but gave up the WBO junior flyweight title in August to move up to 112 pounds, where he debuted in September with a decision win over former titleholder Edgar Sosa.

Eaktawan (real name Komgrich Nantapech) is 7 years younger than Nietes at age 27 and has won his last 15 fights against limited opposition. Eaktawan (22-3, 15 KOs) came to the Philippines to fight twice, being knocked out in two rounds by Albert Pagara as a bantamweight in 2012 and losing a 10-round decision to Froilan Saludar in 2013 despite outweighing his opponent by 4-and-a-half pounds.

Nietes' promoter Michael Aldeguer of ALA Boxing did not respond to text messages about the news but he told Philboxing that he has "yet to hear from the IBF" but says he will "talk to Donnie if he wants this fight."

Nietes is also the mandatory challenger for WBO flyweight titleholder Zou Shiming of China, who won gold medals at the 2008 and 2012 and picked up the vacant belt with a second win over Kwanpichit OnesongchaiGym in November.

Aldeguer says he'll speak with the WBO about fighting for their title but already has April in mind for a possible fight with Eaktawan if they pursue that road.

Nietes' trainer Edito Villamor says he doesn't remember Eaktawan from when he fought in the Philippines but says "he is tough opponent" before adding "every fighter is a tough opponent." – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – From clawing out of a 0-3 series deficit to climbing back up from 3-1 to break a 108-year curse, 2016 was a year of historic comebacks in sports both in the Philippines and internationally. 

Here, Rappler takes a look back at the biggest, most memorable comebacks that made the year. 

(READ: 2016 in sports: The Rappler Sports Awards)

1. Chicago Cubs break the curse

This is the mother of all comebacks, probably not just for 2016. 

The Chicago Cubs overcame a 3-1 series deficit in the best-of-7 World Series to defeat the Cleveland Indians and finally become champions after 108 years, the longest title drought in American sports. 

The thrill of victory did not come easy for the Cubs with an 8-7 dramatic ending to the series in Game 7, where they squandered a 4-run lead and endured a 17-minute rain delay in the 10th inning. 

This championship has been quite an emotional one for sports fans in Chicago, where on the day of Game 7, many paid tribute to the longtime Cubs fans who had died waiting for that winning moment and could no longer witness and celebrate the end of the curse. 

2. Cleveland is a city of champions once again

Just like Chicago, the city of Cleveland became a city of champions after a long wait as the Cavaliers likewise rallied from a 3-1 deficit to take down the favored Gloden State Warriors and win the NBA title for the first time. 

Its own hometown hero LeBron James spearheaded the Cavs’ epic comeback to dethrone the defending champions and become the first team to overcome a 3-1 deficit and win the best-of-7 title series. It was also only the fourth time in 19 NBA Finals that went to Game 7 that a road time went on to win the championship. James completed his comeback as well from villain to promise-keeper in 2016. 

All of Cleveland’s old sports lore that haunted its major sports teams since 1964 were replaced with new, happier memories in Kyrie Irving’s clutch, series-clinching three-pointer over Stephen Curry, and James’ huge block on Andre Iguodala. 

What makes the victory even sweeter is the fact they defeated a Warriors team that not only had back-to-back and reigning unanimous MVP Curry, but also went a record-breaking 73-9 in the regular season. 

3. San Miguel Beermen make history

Here in the basketball-crazy Philippines, there was likewise a comeback for the ages that occured early in the year. 

The San Miguel Beermen became the first team in PBA history to overturn a 0-3 deficit in a best-of-7 series and go on to win the title when they stunned the Alaska Aces in the 2016 Philippine Cup. 

They accomplished the feat mostly playing without then two-time MVP and big man June Mar Fajardo, who was down with a knee injury. Coming back from such a deficit has also never been done in the NBA. 

It was the franchise’s 22nd PBA championship. 

4. Ara Galang’s return from knee injury

On an individual front, you can’t count out Ara Galang's impressive comeback from a horrible knee injury. 

The De La Salle University Lady Spikers hitter weathered devastating ACL and MCL tears in her knee late in UAAP Season 77 and came back strong a year later to play in her final year in Season 78, helping La Salle all the way to the women's volleyball championship.

The Lady Spikers finally defeated rivals Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles in 3 games, following two straight years of falling short against the same foe. 

Galang came a long way since she stood on crutches, head down and in tears after her team lost to Ateneo in the Season 77 finals. 

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">La Salle&#39;s Ara Galang in tears as her team loses in straight sets to Ateneo <a href="https://twitter.com/rapplerdotcom">@rapplerdotcom</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAAP77Volleyball?src=hash">#UAAP77Volleyball</a> <a href="http://t.co/a61EbirK3H">pic.twitter.com/a61EbirK3H</a></p>&mdash; Jane Bracher (@janebracher) <a href="https://twitter.com/janebracher/status/576670068722905088">March 14, 2015</a></blockquote>

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She used her setback as motivation in the offseason on her road to recovery, and by the end of Season 78 she had accomplished her mission.

5. Leicester City tops Premier League

Leicester City rose to the top of the Premier League, becoming England’s champion for the first time in its 132-year existence. 

The rag-tag team made up of players other big clubs had let go of wrote their own story of beating the odds – 5,000-1 to be exact – to reach the summit. 

A season prior the squad escaped relegation and began picking up momentum. But that was briefly halted with then manager Nigel Pearson getting the boot. His sacking came after his son, a Leicester youth player, was accused along with two other players of being involved in a racist sex tape in Thailand, hometown of owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha.

But the unheralded team powered through with manager Claudio Ranieri, a former Chelsea manager, leading the way. 

Honorable mention: Manny Pacquiao comes out of retirement

The country’s own boxing icon Manny Pacquiao came out of retirement this year and won his fight against Jessie Vargas to claim the WBO welterweight title in November. 

The 38-year-old 8-division champion had a successful ring return – with many praises saying he still hasn’t lost his speed – but his comeback was mired by criticism as he opted to juggle boxing with his new role as senator. 

Pacquiao won a Senate seat in the May national elections and, after likewise getting criticized for his absences when he was a congressman, was expected to focus solely on his duties in government. 

Pacquiao has since given assurances that he won’t let boxing get in the way of his job as senator. But his fight against Vargas drew little fanfare compared to his past bouts. 

What other notable sports comebacks from the past year do you recall? Share them in the comments section below! – Rappler.com

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - Asian title-holders Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors could be banned from next year's AFC Champions League over a match-fixing scandal after a new eligibility body was unveiled on Friday, December 23.

Jeonbuk, who lifted the Asian trophy in November, two months after they were punished for match-fixing in South Korea's K-League, face a possible one-year ban by the 5-member panel.

The Asian Football Confederation said the independent Entry Control Body, led by China's Liu Chi, will make decisions based on a new document setting out rules for eligibility.

Any clubs involved in "arranging or influencing the outcome of a match at national or international level" will be barred from the Asian competition for one season, the document says.

"The AFC has a zero tolerance towards match manipulation and has done more than many other bodies to tackle that threat to sport," AFC general secretary Windsor John said in a statement announcing the new body.

"We are also determined to protect the sporting integrity of our competitions which are now regarded as some of the best in the world."

Asia's football authorities have long struggled against match-fixing, with major scandals seen in a swathe of countries including South Korea and China.

In September, K-League leaders Jeonbuk were docked 9 points and fined 100 million won ($83,000) after one of their scouts was convicted of bribing referees during the 2013 season.

As a result, Jeonbuk narrowly missed out on the Korean title. But they beat UAE's Al Ain 3-2 on aggregate in the Champions League final to lift Asia's most prestigious club trophy.

The eligibility body will also rule on clubs suspected of "violation of rules relating to control or influence", and will make sure football associations nominate the correct clubs to play in Asian competitions.

Over the past month, Hong Kong has been hit by infighting over which team should play the 2017 Champions League after the domestic title-winners, Eastern, expressed doubt about taking part.

Eastern ultimately retained their place in next year's Champions League, when they will make history with the tournament's first female coach, Chan Yuen-ting. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Calvin Abueva has never been one to shy away from expressing his feelings.

During the third quarter of his Alaska Aces’ game against TNT KaTropa on Friday, December 23, Abueva hit a 3-pointer from the left wing to cut their opponents’ lead to 10, 59-49, with 8:30 to go in the period.

Abueva then pointed 3 fingers of his shooting hand to the side of his head, and then flashed a middle finger, presumably, to someone in the crowd.

Watch the clip above.

Something tells us that’s going to warrant a fine from the PBA. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Led by a hot-shooting and efficient performance from second-year star Troy Rosario, TNT KaTropa snapped the Alaska Aces’ 3-game winning streak with a final score of 109-100 on Friday, December 23, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

Rosario went 8-of-13 from the field, including 6-of-9 from downtown, to finish with 26 points plus 7 rebounds. Jayson Castro and Larry Fonacier each added 16 points off the bench as TNT won its second straight and moved into a tie with Blackwater at 4-2 for the second spot in the Philippine Cup standings.

Alaska, which fell to an even 3-3, was led by the 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists of Calvin Abueva. Vic Manuel accounted for 16 points and 3 boards off the bench.

TNT raced off to a 9-point lead after the first quarter and extended that lead to 16 at halftime before letting the Aces crawl their way back in the third period. 

However, an 8-2 run by TNT to open the fourth quarter put KaTropa on the driver seat, and they cruised the rest of the way.

TNT shot 45% from the field, including an impressive 14-of-31 clip from downtown. The KaTropa also received 59 points from their bench.

Alaska committed 21 turnovers and also struggled from the foul stripe, making just 20 out of 35 attempts. 

Scores:

TNT (109): Rosario 26, Castro 16, Fonacier 16, De Ocampo 10, Tautuaa 9, Rosser 9, Williams 8, Reyes 6, Rosales 6, Carey 3, Pogoy 0, Tamsi 0, Golla 0

Alaska (100): Abueva 18, Manuel 16, Racal 14, Banchero 12, Dela Cruz 8, Casio 7, Exciminiano 6, Jazul 6, Mendoza 5, Cruz 3, Hontiveros 3, Pascual 2

Quarter scores: 31-22, 54-38, 77-70, 109-100 – Rappler.com

LAUSANNE, Switzerland – Disciplinary action has been started against 28 Russians suspected of doping at the Sochi Winter Games and a wider testing of Russian samples has been ordered, the International Olympic Committee said Friday, December 23.

The IOC said the action was being taken following evidence produced by World Anti-Doping Agency investigator Richard McLaren, who released his latest report on December 9.

McLaren has accused Russia of "state sponsored" doping, using the intelligence services to organize the swapping of samples at Sochi.

"The IOC is initiating disciplinary cases against all 28 athletes for whom there is evidence of manipulation of one or more of their urine samples that were collected at the Olympic Winter Games Sochi 2014," an IOC statement said.

McLaren found that 28 of the 95 samples his team studied had signs of "manipulation", said the IOC.

The 28 samples are now being re-analyzed at the Lausanne Anti-Doping Laboratory. The Olympic body said the cases are not yet doping failures but that the tampering alone could lead to sanctions.

IOC president Thomas Bach said experts would now re-analyze all samples from Russian athletes at the Sochi Winter Olympics and the London Olympics in 2012.

Twenty-seven Russian athletes have already been sanctioned by the IOC as a result of re-testing of some samples from the 2008 Beijing Games and London. All Russian samples from the 2010 Vancouver Winter Games are also to be re-tested.

The Russian government has denied any official involvement in the doping. But former sports minister and current Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Mutko was banned from attending the Rio Olympics this year because of the controversy. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The Yeng Guiao era at NLEX is off to a turbulent start.

The Road Warriors lost once again in the 2017 PBA Philippine Cup, this time falling to their head coach’s former team, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, by a score of 107-97 to drop to 1-5 in the league standings on Friday, December 23, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

It was the fifth consecutive loss for NLEX, which blew a 10-point lead at halftime and could not contain the scoring of Rain or Shine in the final quarter, where the Elasto Painters out-scored them 27-12.

The Road Warriors are second second to last in the standings, just a victory above the winless Mahindra Floodbusters. The Elasto Painters improved to 4-2 and tied with TNT and Blackwater for the second spot.

Jewel Ponferada led the winning side with 22 points on 8-of-12 shooting plus 9 boards, while Jeff Chan added 16 points. Jericho Cruz produced 19 points off the bench, while James Yap accounted for 13 points.

Sean Anthony had 22 points and 16 rebounds to lead NLEX, while Jansen Rios had 20 points. Kevin Alas, who hit 4 3-balls, added 17 off the bench.

NLEX shot only 37% from the field and committed 21 turnovers, leading to 18 ROS points. The Elasto Painters also took advantage of 22 second chance points and 51 bench points. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – If you take a moment to go around and ask past and present members of the Far Eastern University men’s basketball team about what impact Nash Racela has had on them, you will hear far less about improved shooting, refined on-court IQ, or a newly-unlocked talent as a lockdown defender.  

In fact, you probably won’t hear anything about the game at all. 

Instead, they’ll tell you about how much their outlook in life has changed because of their coach, or how they got rid of bad habits and took on great ones, or how their characters and attitudes have changed for the better in the face of adversity. 

In 4 seasons as head coach of the FEU Tamaraws, Nash Racela has helped turn many young boys into men, and made huge, permanent differences to their lives. 

When Racela inherited the Tamaraws in 2012, it was a team that held a different identity – or a lack of it, some might say. FEU then had a former MVP in RR Garcia, and a future one in Terrence Romeo, but, although a constant contender, had no championships since 2005. 

Romeo was notorious for his score-first play, which fueled intrigue over a passive-aggressive conflict between him and Garcia and questions about whether they could cooperate on the same team. 

FEU was then also tagged as a physical squad who was not beyond extraordinary on-court antics (remember the spit from 2012 and the school having to suspend its own player for it?). 

A change in team culture, top to bottom, was needed and Racela delivered. 

Under his watch the team moved to dorms at the school’s Diliman campus, where the surroundings were much quieter and serene in a residential location. They moved away from the bustling, crowded, polluted Morayta and the general Manila area around it. 

The idea was to minimize distractions and to strictly implement discipline. Romeo, who is now thriving in the PBA with Globalport, greatly benefitted from what Racela was trying to do. 

“When coach Nash first saw me at FEU, I wasn’t as disciplined yet. He taught me to be disciplined,” Romeo told Rappler in Filipino, recalling his time at the dorms. “He gave us curfews. Once you broke it, there would be consequences.” 

“Habang wala ‘yung papa ko, siya ‘yung naging tatay ko,” added Romeo, who also had his own controversial hand-wipe on Jeron Teng in Racela’s first year with FEU. (While I was away from my father, he became my father figure.)

The prolific scoring guard carried with him the wisdom of Racela not just to the PBA, but to national team Gilas Pilipinas as well, saying Racela helped shaped him into a better player today.

It took more than a year for changes to be felt in a tangible way, as in when the Tamaraws made it back to the finals in 2014. 

By then, FEU was seeing the rise of the era of Mac Belo, Mike Tolomia, RR Pogoy, Russell Escoto, and Carl Bryan Cruz. Belo cemented himself as a King Tamaraw that year with his game-winning three-pointer to dethrone the DLSU Green Archers in the Final Four, and his inclusion to the Mythical Team. 

FEU then lost in a historic championship victory for the National University Bulldogs, but by Racela’s urging, the team used the pain of defeat as motivation in the offseason. From Tolomia and Belo to the supporting cast of Francis Tamsi and Achie Iñigo, no Tamaraw had forgotten the feeling of watching another team celebrate a title in front of them.

With its veteran core in tact and playing with a chip on its shoulder, FEU powered through to the Season 78 crown, its first since 2005 – with Belo playing hero again in the Final Four and in the Finals, where he was fittingly rewarded with the Finals MVP honor. 

There was plenty of growth for FEU’s main guys. Belo, for one, known for his quiet and reserved personality on and off the court, steadily found his voice and himself with the help of his coach in his final playing year. 

“‘Yung paninindigan kasi grabe ‘yung paninindigan niya talaga,” Belo, who is now among the top rookies in the PBA and has become more vocal, shared the biggest lesson he learned from Racela. (Being steadfast, because is very much like that as well.) 

(RELATED: Mac Belo: The selfless heartbreak kid)

Pogoy, on the other hand, blossomed into an all-around threat and defensive ace for Racela on the court. He also found the leadership gene inside him, and learned to save his money. 

“Grabe kasi ‘yung influence niya e. Hindi lang inside the court e, pati sa labas ng buhay namin,” reflected Pogoy, who is continuing his journey in the PBA with Racela as he is now head coach of TNT. 

“‘Yung tinuturuan kami kung paano mag-ipon, or (mag-handle) ng mga tao o pamilya mo. May takot ka sa Panginoon.” 

(His influence on us is remarkable. Not just inside the court, but outside of it in our lives. He taught us how to save up, handle other people and our families. And we had fear of God.)

(RELATED: FEU, NU boys off to become men in the PBA)

The success of the Tamaraws’ title defense came into question after their key players graduated. But even with a younger, inexperienced squad, Racela still found a way to turn them into a cohesive, more defense-oriented unit.

Veteran Monbert Arong, who transferred from Cebu and had to adjust to life in the capital in just two years, became one of Racela’s go-to guys. He is grateful to Racela and the coaching staff for helping him along the way, for their patience, and for their trust. 

Arong played out his final year of eligibility in Season 79 and, despite his short stay with the team, turned emotional inside the locker room after FEU’s Final Four exit. Racela asked him to speak in front of his teammates. He broke down in tears, not because of disappointment or sadness, but because he was happy and learned so much during his time as a Tamaraw. 

“Discipline and attitude, those are the most important things for coach Nash,” he shared in Filipino the values he gained and will take with him as he moves on with his life. 

“He’s like my father, so he always disciplines me. That was a big help for me.” 

If not helping boys at every step, Racela sometimes finds showing faith goes a long way. And so he is the trusting coach who opted for his team to elect its own captain, and the one who for years has preached shared leadership from the veterans down to the rookies. No player is above another, regardless of star power. 

He is also the coach who believed in his fourth year shooting guard when few outside the team did. 

For Ron Dennison, who gained notoriety for his physical style of play and was eventually suspended for one game this past season, the knowledge that Racela believed in him as a person capable of clean and honest play was all he really needed. 

“I learned so much from coach Nash, especially when it comes to my attitude,” he opened up, speaking in Filipino. “Everyone thinks I hit people, but I laugh it off because I really don’t do anything. But that became my background. And so I’ve been trying to prove to myself that I can play clean.” 

The same was true for Raymar Jose, who started the season adjusting to the leadership that being a team captain entailed. By the end of his final season, he’d evolved into FEU’s anchor. 

“I learned so much from coach, like being disciplined and about sacrifice because I see him work so hard,” Jose shared his lessons from Racela. “Just always be proud. And basketball doesn’t end here.”

History will show that Nash Racela’s legacy for the Far Eastern University Tamaraws is the fact that it was his team, his program that ended a decade-long title drought at Morayta. 

The school will remember him as a coach with a knack for putting in place a robust recruitment program that will continue on beyond his tenure, more so with his brother Olsen about to take over next season. 

“Coach Nash left an amazing legacy,” Romeo emphasized. “I have nothing against the coaches that came before him, they’re all good, but coach Nash gave FEU a championship after such a long time.” 

But the true weight of his impact will be seen – and felt – in the players he handled, and in the better persons they’ve become because of him. 

“Maganda yung iniwan niya, tapos lahat naman ng players tumino dahil sa kanya. Lalo na kami, isa na rin kami doon,” said Pogoy. “Sobrang malaking bagay siya sa amin.” 

(He left good things behind, and all the players became better because of him. Especially us, we’re among those players. And that’s a big deal for us.) 

Racela’s ultimate goal since day one was to mentor his players and “for all of them to learn life and improve as persons.” And that is the real legacy he will leave behind. 

He consistently emphasized teamwork, moving forward and letting go, and being satisfied with the quiet nobility of knowing the Tamaraws gave it their all regardless of results. He focused on everyday progress, especially in individual and team adversity quotients, even in victories. 

It’s telling that Racela is proudest of his team’s character in Season 79, more than the feat itself of reaching the Final Four and pushing the twice-to-beat Ateneo Blue Eagles to a rubber match.

Racela knows his last losing game does not define his stay at the school. This FEU team, after all, is far from what it looked like half a decade ago. 

“Sobrang laki ng pinagbago ng FEU, ‘yung culture na ipinundar niya sa amin,” Belo attested to the changes. (FEU has changed so much, the culture he built for us.) 

But the mentorship doesn’t end after a Tamaraw graduates. 

“Sobrang blessed kami na talagang hindi lang on the court ‘yung tinuturo niya sa amin, pati off the court talagang nandoon siya para sa amin at sinusubaybayan kami,” Belo shared. “Kahit ngayon, kahit graduate na kami talagang sinusubaybayan niya kami.” 

(We’re very blessed that he doesn’t just teach us on the court, but also off the court he’s there for us. Even now that we’ve graduated he’s still guiding us.) 

Ask Racela about the legacy he left behind at FEU, he’d say that’s not for him to determine. He’ll let others do the talking. 

Ask him whether there’s a sense of pride in the difference he’s made on young men in more ways than just the game of basketball, he’ll tell you to come back to him in a few years, when he gets calls from his former players saying they’re doing well or simply reaching out to him. He’s had some of his past players call to congratulate him on his TNT coaching gig. 

“Those things you can answer later on after 5 or 10 years pag nakita mo na sila (when you see them). You cannot see the impact right away. [You’ll know] if you see them succeed despite life’s struggles,” said Racela, who will stay on as consultant at FEU.

“I hope we were good influences to them so that they will also be positive influences to others.”

Five to 10 years from now, Nash Racela's phone will ring. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The Alaska Aces had their 3-game winning streak snapped on Friday, December 23, against Troy Rosario and the rest of TNT KaTropa, dropping Calvin Abueva and company’s record to 3-3 - in the middle of the PBA Philippine Cup standings as Christmas approaches.

Rosario finished with 26 points, going 8-of-13 from the field including 6 made 3-pointers. As a team, TNT shot 45% from the field and 14-of-31 from deep.

“Siguro [naging] overconfident kami, pero syempre, hindi dahil sa overconfident kami, hindi kami lalaban. Hangang dulo talaga pinakita namin yung aggressive namin,” was what Abueva said following the contest, where he accounted for 18 points, 12 boards, and 4 dimes, but fouled out late.

(I guess we became overconfident, but of course, just because we were overconfident, it doesn’t mean we won’t fight. Until the end, we displayed our aggressiveness.)

The Aces played aggressive defense until the game’s conclusion, pressing TNT full court but also getting called for fouls. Alaska, however, committed 21 turnovers and made just 20-of-35 from the foul stripe.

(WATCH: Calvin Abueva flashes middle finger after hitting 3-pointer)

“Kailangan namin mag tsaga pa. Star yung [next na] kalaban namin, tapos parang maayos na rin yung team nila, kaya syempre kailangan namin pag handaan,” said Abueva.

(We need to be more disciplined. Star’s our next opponent, and they’re playing well now, so we need to prepare for them.)

Alaska won’t play again until Wednesday, January 11, when it takes on the Hotshots who are scheduled to play rival Ginebra on Christmas Day.

“Syempre masaya may break, pero syempre natalo, kaya happy nalang,” said Abueva.

(Of course I’m happy there’s a break, but we did lose, so I’ll just be happy.)

Abueva, who says he plans to rest at his home in Manila instead of going back to Pampanga, also said he wants his Aces to keep their aggression once their schedule resumes.

“Pagiging aggressive pa namin. Hindi kami nag gi-give up hangang sa huling (second).”

(We need to stay aggressive. We shouldn’t give up until the last second.) – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The University of the Philippines Lady Maroons are heading to Japan after the holidays to solidify their road back to the Final Four and hopefully bring the UAAP Women’s Volleyball crown to the other side of Katipunan.

Originally reported to be bound for Thailand, the Lady Maroons now eagerly anticipate their 9-day training camp in the Land of the Rising Sun starting January 10.

“Yes, tuloy sila [sa Japan],” team manager Cecile Ronquillo confirmed to Rappler. (Yes, they are going to Japan.)

“It’s the first time that the team is going out of the country for a volleyball camp. It’s added boost to their self esteem and added experience also because they will be pitted against teams in Japan.”

The Lady Maroons will likewise be working under the supervision of Japanese coach Godfrey Okumu, who happens to be a longtime friend of UP head coach Jerry Yee.

Ronquillo hopes that their first training overseas will provide added mental maturity for the whole team on court.

“We all know that the Japanese players are more on speed. We hope that they will be able to gain more experience, more mental maturity inside the court.”

“The girls understand that it’s not a recreational trip, it’s really hard training for them,” Ronquillo added.

The Lady Maroons commenced their title quest earlier this month as they went up to Baguio for the team’s high altitude training. The team capped off its Baguio boot camp with a friendly match victory against a team of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadets, as seen on the official page of the UP Women’s Volleyball Varsity Team.

The Diliman squad is coming off its best UAAP season in over a decade, as they landed a semifinal spot for the first time in 12 years. The current fourth-placers geared up for all 3 conferences of the 13^th V-League as part of their build up to claim the Season 79 throne. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – A House committee has approved a bill seeking to give tax incentives to individuals and corporations who give donations, grants, and more to Filipino Olympic medalists.

In a hearing presided by House committee on ways and means vice chairman Rep. Joey S. Salceda (2nd District, Albay), the committee approved the tax provisions contained in House Bill 4054, a statement from the House said.

The House Bill states that any donation, contributions, gift, and grant of real or personal property to a Filipino athlete who has won a bronze, silver, or gold medal in the Summer Olympic Games constitutes an allowable deduction from the income of the donor for income tax purposes. They shall also be exempt from donor’s tax in accordance with the NIRC.

The bill also proposes that the value of each’s donors contribution for the tax exemption and deduction shall only be up to an amount not exceeding P1 million for one taxable year, and also that contributions given made within one year of the Olympic medal won shall be made eligible for tax incentives.

Furthermore, any incentive by the government, its corporations, institutions, instrumentalities, and agencies to Olympic medalists for any medal/s won shall be exempt from taxes.

Also, Section 7 – the “Retroactive Application” provision – states that the same benefits will be given to Hidilyn Diaz, the weightlifter who won silver in the 2016 Rio Olympics, as long as the donations where given within one year from when she prevailed. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - Two unsuspecting fans were shocked to see their hometown hero Conor McGregor make a cameo during their mock match on the Dublin, Ireland streets.

In a video posted in the early hours of Christmas morning, two males - one wearing a delightfully awful Christmas sweater - mimed mixed martial arts moves before an SUV pulls up to scout their style.

The two approached the SUV window only to be shocked to see the UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor, who played up for the camera as the car pulls away.

McGregor is coming off a dominant knockout win over Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205 in November, becoming the first to hold titles in two divisions at the same time for a brief moment. – Rappler.com

LEICESTER, England - Leicester City host Everton on Monday, December 26 hoping inspired words from the players can transform a season, not just a match.

The week has revealed how angry exchanges in the dressing room at Stoke City last Saturday helped inspire a second half performance that saw them fight back from 2-0 down with 10 men to claim a 2-2 draw.

Now the Premier League champions hope those irate words, and the subsequent performance, can turn around a season that has left them flirting dangerously with the relegation scrap - only 3 points separate them from third from bottom Sunderland.

Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel said: “Every now and then, if something needs to be said, I’ll happily say it.

“I was very emotional and very irate at the time and had some things that I wanted to get off my chest.

“I wasn’t the only one - a lot of people spoke. We've got a dressing room with a lot of leaders in there so we had a good chat and decided that this wasn’t the way the game was going to go.”

Manager Claudio Ranieri said he welcomed the players speaking frankly.

“It is important that everybody reacts," said Ranieri.

"Sometimes players speak, sometimes there are leaders on the pitch and it’s important they are linked very well together."

Ranieri added it could prove to be the pivotal moment of their campaign. 

“Yes, it could be our turning point but we have to show it in the next 3 games," said Ranieri.

“In the dressing room there was a fantastic atmosphere.

“The players believed they could get back and they were right.

“You can’t repeat that because there are some moments that are very particular moments that you can’t recreate, but of course the players must understand that the next games are very important for us.

“Always I encourage my players to speak.”

Ranieri will have to cope, however, without striker Jamie Vardy, who is suspended for 3 games after being sent off against Stoke, whilst defenders Robert Huth and Christian Fuchs will also serve one-match bans against Everton.

And midfielder Danny Drinkwater is still a doubt with a calf injury.

'Ross needs to improve'

Everton manager Ronald Koeman admits he is uncertain whether Ross Barkley will go on to fulfil his undoubted potential.

Barkley has been tipped for greatness with club and country ever since he burst on to the scene as a raw teenager five years ago.

The midfielder’s attributes as a player have seen him favorably compared to the likes of Paul Gascoigne and Michael Ballack.

But Barkley - considered fortunate not to be sent off in the Merseyside Derby last Monday for a brutal foul on Jordan Henderson - has suffered a dip in form this season which has seen him lose his place in the England squad and be dropped to the bench by Koeman.

The Dutchman offered a tentative reply when asked if there was a concern Barkley might never scale the heights for which he seemed destined.

“I am not sure, I am not sure,” Koeman said.

“Ross needs to improve to be the player that maybe everyone expected when he was 18 or 19.

“I had the same stories in Holland with players who, when they were 16 or 17, they were too good in the academy.

“They didn't really have competition but because they were stronger or they were a better player than the rest.

“But then they step up a level and everyone is strong, everybody is a good player, and still you need to make a difference. And that is more difficult.” – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The Mahindra Floodbusters rallied late in the fourth period and closed out the game in overtime to defeat the Blackwater Elite, 97-93, and win their first game of the PBA season on Sunday, December 25, at the Philippine Arena.

Led by Alex Mallari, Mahindra went on a 13-2 run to end regulation. A 3-pointer by Ryan Arana put the Floodbusters on top to open the OT, and they held on to their lead the rest of the way by converting at the foul stripe.

Mallari had 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists to lead Mahindra, which improved to 1-5 this conference also with some help from Arana, who had 19 points and 6 boards.

Blackwater, which was up at one point by 15, dropped to 4-3 in the standings. Art Dela Cruz led the team with 18 points and 6 rebounds while rookie Mac Belo had 14 points and 9 boards.– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - Former Lady Eagles skipper Alyssa Valdez has planned out the next step for her volleyball career - this time, she’s going international. 

The 3-time UAAP Most Valuable Player is set to join 3BB Nakhonnont, a local volleyball club in Thailand, starting January next year. 

In their official Facebook page, the club finally confirmed reports on Christmas eve that they have signed the former Ateneo star to help lift its current lineup for the second leg of the Volleyball Thailand League. 

As seen on their social media statement, 3BB’s head coach believes that Valdez will be the force in boosting the offensive and all-around game of the team. 

The UAAP champ is expected to suit up for her new squad on January 29, when they take on King-Bangkok. 

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Valdez&#39;ll be playing her first game w/ her new team 3BB Nakhonnont on Jan 29th, The team&#39;ll take on King-Bangkok. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VTL2017?src=hash">#VTL2017</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%A5%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%A2%E0%B9%8C%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%8D%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%87?src=hash">#วอลเลย์บอลหญิง</a></p>&mdash; Thailand Volleyball (@thavolleyball) <a href="https://twitter.com/thavolleyball/status/812693131212636160">December 24, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Valdez, who will soon reunite with former Bureau of Customs teammates Kanjana Kuthaisong and Natthanicha Jaisaen, was also tapped to play for the Thai-Denmark Super League in 2017.

The 23-year-old Valdez has yet to mention it on her social media platforms but did tweet a picture of herself with a cross about Christmas, adding "Remembering the reason for the season." – Rappler.com

WASHINGTON, USA - Oakland's Derek Carr was among 3 NFL stars to suffer broken right legs Saturday, December 24 (Sunday Manila time) while the Atlanta Falcons, Houston Texans and New York Giants booked playoff berths.

On a wild day with 12 games, Green Bay set up a showdown with Detroit next weekend to decide a division crown while Cleveland avoided a winless season and San Francisco snapped a 13-game skid.

Tennessee quarterback Marcus Mariota and Seattle receiver Tyler Lockett suffered broken legs, dimming title hopes for their squads, but the biggest loss was Carr.

Oakland (12-3) stayed on the heels of New England (13-2) for a home playoff edge by downing Indianapolis 33-25, but the Raiders were undone when quarterback Carr was injured when sacked early in the fourth quarter by Colts linebacker Trent Cole.

"A good win but a tough setback to have our QB go down like that," said Raiders coach Jack Del Rio, who added that Carr will have surgery Sunday on his fractured right fibula.

Matt McGloin, 1-5 as a starter (all in 2013) with only 13 career NFL games, will replace Carr in hopes of keeping the Raiders' title bid on track.

Dallas, Seattle, New England and Oakland had already secured playoff berths and New Orleans beat Tampa Bay 31-24 to ensure the Giants a wildcard spot and Atlanta the NFC South division crown.

Houston clinched its place in the knockout fight to the Super Bowl with a 12-10 victory over Cincinnati that wasn't secured until Bengals kicker Randy Bullock was wide right on a 43-yard field goal attempt on the final play.

Aaron Rodgers completed 28-of-38 passes for 347 yards and four touchdowns to power the Green Bay Packers over visiting Minnesota 38-25 for their fifth win in a row.

The victory means the Packers (9-6) will play for the NFC North title at Detroit on January 1 no matter how the Lions (9-5) fare at Dallas on Monday.

"We had some adversity and we stuck together," Rodgers said. "I'm really proud of the character of the football team. It has been one of those trying seasons where it hasn't quite come together at the right time.

"But over the last five weeks, we've shown a lot of mental toughness, a lot of grit, and guys sticking together when there could have been some fracturing."

The Vikings, who opened the season 5-0, fell to 7-8 and out of playoff contention after the team plane skidded off a runway after landing Friday at a nearby airport, stranding players and coaches on the plane for more than four hours.

"I don't think the plane ride had anything to do with it or anything else. There are no excuses," Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said.

Dolphins on playoff brink

Atlanta's Matt Ryan threw for 277 yards and two touchdowns while Matt Bryant kicked four field goals as the Falcons (10-5) beat host Carolina 33-16.

Miami's Jay Ajayi ran for 206 yards and a touchdown in the Dolphins' 34-31 victory at Buffalo. Andrew Franks kicked the winning 27-yard field goal with 47 seconds remaining in overtime. 

The Dolphins (10-5) would claim their first playoff berth since 2008 if Kansas City beats Denver on Sunday.

New England routed the New York Jets 41-3 and can clinch a home-field playoff edge by beating Miami next week. The Patriots - on a 6-game winning streak - gave coach Bill Belichick his 200th career victory as Tom Brady threw three touchdown passes, LeGarrette Blount ran for two touchdowns and Stephen Gostkowski kicked his 300th career NFL field goal.

Tennessee's playoff hopes ended due to the 38-17 loss at Jacksonville in which Mariota was injured.

Washington sustained wildcard playoff hopes with a 41-21 victory at Chicago. Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins ran for two touchdowns and threw for another as Washington (8-6) enters next week's finale against the Giants with a chance to advance.

Browns won't go winless

The Browns avoided a winless campaign with a 20-17 home victory over San Diego, ensuring they will not match the 2008 Detroit Lions as the only 0-16 teams in NFL history.

San Diego's Josh Lambo missed a 45-yard field goal attempt on the final play to preserve Cleveland's long-awaited victory.

San Francisco snapped a 13-game losing streak by edging Los Angeles 22-21 as Colin Kaepernick flipped a touchdown pass to Rod Streater with 31 seconds remaining then ran in a game-winning two-point conversion. The 49ers had not won since beating Los Angeles in the season opener. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – For the second straight year, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel defeated its rival Star on Christmas Day, this time with a final score of 86-79 on Sunday, December 25, at the Philippine Arena.

A close contest entering the final period, it was the Gin Kings who came up with the stops and clutch baskets late to escape with the victory.

Japeth Aguilar had his best game of the season with 32 points - including a 5-of-5 display from downtown - plus 12 rebounds and two blocks, while Joe Devance went off for 17 points and 6 rebounds.

Star was led by the 20 points and 5 boards of Paul Lee, while Marc Pingris registered 14 points and 16 rebounds.

Ginebra began to pull away after Aljon Mariano hit a basket to put his team up 6, 79-73, with 1:07 to go. After Lee missed a 3-pointer, Aguilar was then fouled and made both charities to put his team up 8, enough to cruise the rest of the way.

The win improved the record of Ginebra to 3-3, while Star’s 3-game winning streak was snapped and dropped to the same record.

Scores:

Ginebra (86): Aguilar 32, Devance 17, Tenorio 7, Mariano 7, Thompson 5, Taha 5, Caguioa 4, Marcelo 4, Ellis 3, Mercado 2, Ferrer 0, Helterbrand 0, Cruz 0

Star (79): Lee 20, Pingris 14, Maliksi 13, Ramos 7, Dela Rosa 6, Barroca 6, Melton 5, Reavis 4, Simon 4, Sangalang 0, Brondial 0

Quarter scores: 25-16, 45-35, 62-61, 86-79– Rappler.com

LOS ANGELES, USA - The Dallas Cowboys, already assured of home field advantage throughout the playoffs, didn't let up Monday, December 26 (Tuesday Manila time) in a 42-21 rout of Detroit that prevented the Lions from clinching their own NFL post-season berth.

Cowboys rookie quarterback Dak Prescott passed for 212 yards and 3 touchdowns, wide receiver Dez Bryant caught two TD passes and threw one more and rookie running back Ezekiel Elliot rushed for 80 yards and two scores as Dallas improved to 13-2 with one game left in the regular season.

It's just the third time in Cowboys history that they have won 13 games. It happened in 1992, in the run-up to a Super Bowl title. They also won 13 in 2007, but fell to the New York Giants in the playoffs.

Prescott's 13th win of the season matched Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger for the most in NFL history by a rookie QB.

It was a sign of just how comfortable the Cowboys were feeling that Bryant threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jason Witten as part of Dallas's third-quarter offensive explosion.

On first-and-goal from the Detroit 10 yard line, Bryant took a pitch going to his left. Just before he reached the line of scrimmage Bryant tossed the ball to a wide-open Witten in the end zone.

Bryant became the first Cowboy since Danny White in 1985 to throw and catch a touchdown pass in the same game.

The unexpected play put an exclamation point on a dominant third quarter.

Tied 21-21 at halftime, Dallas outscored the Lions 14-0 in the third.

Cowboys safety J.J. Wilcox ended Detroit's first possession of the second half with an interception of Matthew Stafford.

Dallas stopped the Lions' second series of the third quarter at the Lions 36, and Detroit kicker Matt Prater missed a 47-yard field goal on the Lions' third and final offensive drive of the quarter.

The Cowboys answered Prater's miss with a 63-yard, 7-play drive capped by Prescott's 19-yard scoring pass to Bryant that put the Cowboys up 42-21 with 12:12 remaining.

Stafford finished 26 of 46 for 260 yards and one interception. Detroit running back Zach Zenner ran for two touchdowns.

Bryant's one-handed touchdown catch with Lions cornerback Johnson Bademosi all over him tied the game at 21-21 going into halftime.

The Lions had scored on their first 3 possessions to take a 21-14 lead with 7:40 remaining in the opening half.

The Cowboys had been first on the board thanks to Prescott's 21-yard touchdown pass to Brice Butler and Elliot's 55-yard touchdown run had put them up 14-7 in the second quarter.

While the 9-6 Lions missed a chance to secure a playoff berth, they can still do so next Sunday when they play the Green Bay Packers for the NFC North division crown. – Rappler.com

LONDON, England - Antonio Conte insisted his focus is on the Premier League title and not seeing his Chelsea side set a new record of successive league victories.

The 3-0 defeat of Bournemouth on Monday set a new club record of 12 straight league wins, one short of Arsenal’s single-season mark from 14 years ago.

Victory over Stoke at Stamford Bridge next weekend will set up the possibility of Conte’s side breaking the record at Tottenham Hotspur.

Conte, though, says the only thing that concerns him is the impact on the table that shows Chelsea clear in top spot.

“If you ask me I hope to continue winning until the end of the season but, for sure, it is not easy,” said Conte. 

“I am pleased to see my players with great concentration and focus, with great will to fight and continue in this way.

"To win 12 games in a row is not easy in this league.

"It’s a fantastic run but it’s important to continue that now.

"For me, it’s important only for the table.

"With these 12 wins in a row we took 36 points and our table position is fantastic now. It’s important only for this.

“I always thought that the record is not important if at the end you don’t reach something important in your championship."

Pedro set Chelsea on course for victory with a 24th-minute opener before Eden Hazard added the second from the penalty spot four minutes into the second half and Pedro added the third in injury time.

'Sent a good message'

Victory was achieved without suspended duo Diego Costa and N’Golo Kante and Conte believes this only increased the scale of his side’s achievement and will be noted by their main rivals.

“I think today we sent a good message," said Conte.

"In general because I think that a lot of people waited to see if, without two really important players, Costa and Kante, we could lose points in this game.

“It didn’t happen, I am pleased for this, because I can count on all my players in the squad. I try in every game to make the best decision for the team without looking at the faces.”

Conte opted to employ Hazard as a central striker, forcing 23-year-old Belgian international forward Michy Batshuayi to continue his wait for a first league start since his £33 million ($40.5 million, P2,015,535,396) arrival from Marseille.

“After the Crystal Palace game I said we had a week to work to find the right solution, to play for the first time without Diego, without Kante," said Conte.

“After a week of work, I decide to choose this type of solution, with Eden, Pedro and Willian. I’m pleased for the performance of these players.

“I think that Michy is a really good player, but a young player, he is trying to adapt to this league.

"I try to make the best decision for the team but I am sure that Michy could have the possibility to show his talent in the future.”

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe admitted the defeat had taught his side a valuable lesson.

“When you have Hazard, Pedro and Willian, counter-attacking with such pace it's difficult," said Howe.

“I think that was probably the thing where we fell short, on the ball we gave them too many times to get into those situations by not being tight enough or good enough on the ball in those situations. 

"That’s something we take away from this game.” – Rappler.com

Player of the Year : Misagh Bahadoran - Scored in World Cup qualifying, scored in the Suzuki Cup. He and his mates in Global captured the UFL Cup, defeating Ceres in the final, then won the League as well. He picks up this award for the second year in a row. 

Coach of the Year : Anto Gonzales -The UP mentor won 3 titles in 2016, two of them in one day, when his men's and women's teams both triumphed in their respective competitions in the final day of UAAP action. The ladies defeated DLSU 2-1 while the men topped Ateneo 4-1. The men's victory is Gonzales' fourth title. He has also finished second recently on two occasions, versus Ateneo three years ago and FEU after that.

A focus on fitness and conditioning are the hallmarks of Anto Gonzales teams. They tend to play with a high defensive line and love to press the ball carrier. 

Many thought that the loss to Jinggoy Valmayor this year would have been tough on the Maroons. But they turned up the heat in the second part of the season and got a hat trick from a rookie striker in the final. (More on that later.) 

Hans Smit's Lady Archers were tipped to beat UP in the women's final but Gonzales led his girls to an upset. This despite the absence of Kali Huff, who missed the season with an injury. 

Recently Gonzales took his men to Dumaguete where they were crowned Unigames champs after blowing out the Green Archers 5-1 in the final. 

No doubt the death of Rogie Maglinas inspired the UP teams but the 34-year old Gonzales, who still plays professionally for Loyola, can deserve much of the credit. 

(READ: Diliman Double: How UP's men and women footballers ruled the UAAP)

Honorable Mention: Ravelo Saluria, who coached Arellano to a surprise championship in NCAA football, upending perennial champ San Beda. Saluria then took virtually the same club to Bacolod, as Cavite F.A., and finished third in the Smart-PFF Club championship, narrowly losing to defending champs Negros Occidental before beating Mindoro 4-0 in the bronze medal match. Saluria found success despite not having any prized recruits and relying on a small, speedy lineup.  

Breakout Players of the Year: Nelson Gasic and Hikaru Minegishi - Gasic was the Lyceum Philippines University goalkeeper that JP Voltes took a chance on. He played every minute for the team as JPV finished fourth in the league, just missing out on an AFC Cup spot on goal difference. The Baguio native won the UFL Golden Glove Award. (Note: the title-winning goalie, Patrick Deyto, could have won that distinction but it appears that one disqualification rendered him ineligible.) 

Minegishi took the UFL Golden Ball prize as the league's best player. His creativity and scoring touch in the midfield was crucial in Global's title runs.

Individual Performance Of The Year: Paolo Salenga - The Pampanga native ran riot in NU's 7-0 thrashing of Adamson, scoring 4 goals and assisting another two. One assist was an outside-of-the-footer and the other a backheel. It may have been against one of the UAAP's lesser lights, but it still merits the spotlight here.

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Save of the Year: Ref Cuaresma. The veteran netminder makes a great diving save to deny Daniel Gadia at 6:00 of this clip.

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The stop preserves a 2-2 draw between Cuaresma's team, Stallion and Loyola, in the final match of the UFL season for both. But the significance of the save is greater than that. Had the Sparks scored on the play and won the game they would have qualified for an AFC Cup playoff spot by finishing second in the league. The next day Ceres lost their last game to JPV, meaning they finished level with Meralco on points but pipped them on goal difference, so the busmen got the last AFC Cup berth. 

Ironically, Cuaresma was once the Loyola first-choice goalkeeper. How about that for sticking it to your old club?

Wackiest Match of the Year: Ceres beats Kaya 3-3 AET 8-7 PSO in the UFL Cup semis - The match had everything. A 2-2 scoreline barely 20 minutes into the game. A red card. A hilarious refereeing snafu. A comeback from a shorthanded Kaya squad. Some incredible misses. Nine rounds of a penalty shootout, including one retake. And some great saves by Louie Casas. 

If we have seen the last of the UFL, we will miss moments like these. 

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Honorable Mention: Philippines U19 3, Vietnam U19 4. This match was in the AFF U19 championship. High scoring match here against a team that would go on to qualify for next year's U20 World Cup. Who cares if one of our goals is a deflection and the other an own goal. Nice work nonetheless from Kintaro Miyagi, JB Borlongan, and Mark Winhoffer. 

The weirdness of this match is ratcheted up by the trippy Vietnamese soft-rock music that the uploader curiously decides is a fitting soundtrack. 

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And now the Top 20 Goals of the Year in no particular order, although the two biggest ones are on top. 

Manu's equalizer and Iain's historic game-winner. The Azkals beat North Korea 3-2 in World Cup qualifying at Rizal Memorial. These two strikes that overcame a Korea DPR 2-1 lead are simply unforgettable.  

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Phil's 43^{rd -}Phil ends his two-year international scoring drought in style with this free kick to square the Suzuki Cup group stage match with Indonesia at 2-2 and keep the hopes of a semis slot alive. Watch at 1:45 of this video.  

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OJ's cardiac finish - Kaya's OJ Porteria clinches the victory at home over New Radiant of Maldives with this dramatic late volley for a 1-0 victory in the AFC Cup. Start watching at 1:00.

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BG's title-winning header - The UP women complete a comeback against DLSU to win the UAAP women's title thanks to this lovely glancing header from BG Sta. Clara. See it at the 2:00 mark here. 

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Bless' big strike for the Falcons - Bless Brian Jumo I finishes a superb team goal for Adamson against UE. The ensuing 1-0 win is the first for Adamson since rejoining UAAP football.

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Takumi's 66-yard bomb - JP Voltes' Takumi Uesato scores a goal against Kaya that deserved to go viral internationally. According to my Google Maps measurement he hoofed it in from 61 meters away, or about 66 yards. He actually launches the shot from the FAR end of the center circle at an angle. Check it out at 3:55.

{source}<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0oz4oFXdlP8?start=237" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>{/source} 

Nathan's sick volley - How to knife in a goal from an acute angle when the ball is about waist-high? Let Stallion's Nathan Alquiros show you at 1:47 of this.

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Javi's bicycle - Javier Patino might not have been able to suit up for the Azkals in the Suzuki Cup but he sure made us feel proud with this overhead for his Chinese club, Shenan Jianye. Start watching at :32. 

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Mark's free kick winner - Mark Hartmann is Geylang's 90^th minute hero with this free kick game winner against Warriors FC in the S-League.

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Kevin's one-touch looper - Kevin Ingreso opens his Azkals account with this gorgeous top corner effort against Kyrgyzstan. 

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Tating's Super Sub winner - Green Archers' Tating Pasilan turns back the clock with this terrific goal as GAU upsets heavily favored Ceres. You can see it at 3:20.

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Kintaro's Finals Hat trick - It's a dream final for the rookie from Cebu, Kintaro Miyagi, as he shreds the Ateneo defense in a 4-1 win. 

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Mick's Dink In The Dark - In almost complete darkness because the RMS lights were under repair, Miguel “Mick” Tanton scores the only goal of the game in the 91^st minute, giving his Kaya FC a win against Ceres. Catch it at 5:00. 

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Takashi's Clincher - Not a bad way for JP Voltes to seal victory against the eventual champs. Admire Takashi Odawara's work at 4:30. 

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Gelo's Deja Vu - Gelo Diamante scored for DLSU in the UAAP semis in 2015 versus the Blue Eagles. The redux, at the same stage against the same school, is even better. The half-volley goodness begins at 1:12.

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Eric's sweet volley and Paolo's artful flick - A pair of very fine finishes from FEU's Eric Giganto and NU's Paolo Salenga. 

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Follow Bob on Twitter @PassionateFanPH.