MANILA, Philippines – Ateneo Blue Eagle Marck Espejo reigned supreme for one last time as he bagged the Most Valuable Player of the UAAP Season 80 Men's Volleyball tournament. 

The King Eagle captured his 5th and final MVP title, making him the only player in league history to win the highest individual honor in every season of his entire collegiate career. 

Aside from winning the league's top award, Espejo nabbed his 4th Best Spiker award, second Best Server award, and won back-to-back Best Scorer of the league.

At the end of the eliminations, Espejo's offensive prowess remained undeniable as he converted 50.09% of his spikes. 

Espejo was also lethal on the service line with his powerful jump serves that saw him score an average of 0.44 aces per set.

In the Best Scorer category, the phenom led the rankings with 317 points off 268 spikes, 27 bocks and 22 aces, which put him way ahead of National University's Bryan Bagunas, who placed second with 260 points. 

After the elimination round, Espejo averaged 46 points in the semi-finals series where Ateneo managed to overcome Far Eastern University's twice-to-beat advantage. He highlighted his semis stint with a 55-point explosion in the first game. 

Espejo's dominance in the league powered the Blue Eagles to the finals in all of his 5 years. When the NU Bulldogs were gunning for their third straight championship in Season 77, the Espejo-led Blue Eagles swept NU for Ateneo's first ever men's volleyball championship. 

The Blue Eagles dominated the league with a 3-peat championship – including an undefeated run in Season 79.  

In Season 76, Espejo took home the Rookie of the Year plum to complement his inaugural MVP status.

Ateneo's key playmaker Ish Polvorosa also solidified his hold on the league's Best Setter award for the 5th straight time, averaging 10.74 sets per frame. 

University of Santo Tomas Tiger Spiker Jayvee Sumagaysay won over last season's Best Blocker John Paul Bugaoan from FEU as he averaged 0.78 blocks per set. 

FEU's sole graduating player Rikko Marmeto led the Best Receivers category with an efficiency of 68.80%, while De La Salle University's Jopet Movido took the Best Digger honors, averaging 4.27 digs per set.

Ateneo's Ariel Morado took home the Rookie of the Year honors. – Rappler.com 

MANILA, Philippines – National University's Jaja Santiago finally earned her farewell gift from the UAAP as she bagged the Season 80 Women's Volleyball Most Valuable Player award. 

Santiago's heroics led the Sampaloc-based team to the Final 4 as the team's explosive start paved the way for the Lady Bulldogs to finish on top of round 1. 

The middle blocker also earned her 3rd Best Spiker award as she registered the highest spiking efficiency of 41.76%. 

At the end of the eliminations, Santiago ranked second in the Best Scorer category with a total of 280 points off 223 spikes, 36 blocks and 21 aces.

However, Santiago was not able to defend her Best Blocker award as she placed behind  Far Eastern University's (FEU) Celine Domingo, who posted an average of 0.73 blocks per set. The Lady Tamaraw served her residency in Season 79 after transferring to FEU from UE. 

University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigress Sisi Rondina nabbed the Best Scorer award with a total of 296 points off 271 spikes, 8 blocks and 17 aces. 

De La Salle University's Desiree Cheng topped the league in the Best Server category with 0.66 aces per set. 

University of the East's Kath Arado also edged out DLSU's Dawn Macandili in both the Best Digger and Best Receiver categories as she averaged 6.72 digs per set and excellently converted 53.07% of her receptions. 

Ateneo's Deanna Wong emerged as Best Setter as she averaged 8.54 sets per frame. The former libero converted back to a setter this Season 80 to fill in the void left by former star setter Jia Morado.

UST's Milena Alessandrini took home the Rookie of the Year honors. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – A horrendous shooting percentage doesn't necessarily equate to inefficiency.

That's what Calvin Abueva proved in the Alaska Aces' 93-74 annihilation of the Blackwater Elite on Sunday, April 29. 

"The Beast" finished with just 3 points – all on free throws – after missing all of his 10 shots in 22 minutes but still finished with a suprising +22. 

The reason? He filled up the stats sheet in the other departments, tallying 10 rebounds, 6 assists, two steals and two blocks. 

"'Di ako makascore eh. Kaya dinaan ko na lang sa mabibigay kong assists sa teammates ko," said Abueva. (I couldn't score so I resorted to assisting my teammates.) 

"Actually, noong 3rd quarter nahabol. Pagpasok ko noong 4th quarter, doon ko binuhos aggressiveness ko. Basta makascore ang mga kakampi ko, okay na."

(Blackwater came back in the 3rd quarter. When the 4th quarter started, that was when I poured out all of my aggressiveness. As long as my teammates are able to score, I'm already okay.)

The Elite cut a once 30-point deficit to just 7 points early in the payoff period before the Aces regained their bearings to push their lead back to double digits.

Abueva was crucial in that 4th-quarter surge, dishing out 4 assists and swiping two steals. 

Alaska head coach Alex Compton credited the 30-year-old for being the game changer in the 4th quarter of their first win in the 2018 PBA Commissioner's Cup. 

"I got two words that changed the 4th quarter, and that’s Calvin Abueva," said Compton.

And with the way Abueva's been playing, Compton believes they have a shot against the much stronger teams in the league. 

"He made so many extra unselfish plays that as coaches we love. And it helps bring the team together. If he plays like that, I’m confident that we’ll have a chance against even the really talented, stronger, more politically influential teams. He was awesome. He was awesome."

Abueva and the Aces look to win two in a row when they face the inspired Columbian Dyip on Friday, May 4, at the Araneta Coliseum. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao and Bong Go will be facing off, not in the political field but on the basketball court.

The boxer-turned-senator and the Special Assistant to the President will banner the special 3-point shootout that will kickoff this year's PBA All-Star Week. 

Pacquiao, the former playing-coach of Columbian Dyip (formerly Kia) and Go, will be joined by Presidential son-in-law and lawyer Mans Carpio in the contest to be held during the first phase of the mid-season spectacle in Digos, Davao del Sur on May 23.

The three public officials will team up with PBA greats Allan Caidic and Kenneth Duremdes and Magnolia Hotshots veteran Peter June Simon, who became a big collegiate star in Davao before taking his act to the PBA. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – From the D-League to the PBA, Leo Isaac was the man behind the wheels for the Blackwater Elite. 

But Isaac's 7-year stint with Blackwater came to an abrupt end after the Elite let go of the 57-year-old tactician following the team's dismal start in the 2018 PBA Commissioner's Cup.

Gerry Ramos of Spin.ph reported that Bong Ramos will replace Isaac as the Elite look to turn around a conference that saw them drop their first 3 games.

Rappler tried to reach for Isaac's side but he has yet to respond as of press time.

Hopes have been high for Blackwater with the addition of import Jarrid Famous to its young and spirited core of players in Poy Erram, Mac Belo, Allein Maliksi and Mike Digregorio.

Instead, the Elite lost to Columbian Dyip by 28 points in their conference-opener before surrendering 5-point and 19-point losses to the Phoenix Fuel Masters and the Alaska Aces, respectively. 

In the D-League, Isaac steered the franchise to their only title in 2013. Blackwater then saw action in two quarterfinals in the PBA with Isaac at the helm. 

The Elite seek to win their first game against the GlobalPort Batang Pier on Wednesday, May 2, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Jersey retirements are done only for players who have left an indelible mark and influence on their teams.

And De La Salle University Lady Spikers star Kim Dy believes beau and Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagle's Marck Espejo should get one.

After all, Espejo just won his 5th Most Valuable Player award in the UAAP, making him the only player in league volleyball history to win the highest individual honor in every season of his entire collegiate career.

Dy took to Twitter to support the call of Espejo's jersey retirement by tweeting "#RetireMarckEspejosJersey."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RetireMarckEspejosJersey?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RetireMarckEspejosJersey</a></p>&mdash; Kim Kianna Dy (@KiannaDy) <a href="https://twitter.com/KiannaDy/status/990812323978752000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The hard-hitting Espejo also won his 4th Best Spiker award, second Best Server award and his second straight Best Scorer plum. He also dropped a league-record 55 points in the semifinals against FEU that helped Ateneo reach the finals. 

Dy teased Espejo, who took home half of the 8 individual awards excluding the Rookie of the Year, about his recent accomplishments. 

"puno na altar mo @MarckEspejooo hahahahahaha," wrote Dy on Twitter.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="tl" dir="ltr">puno na altar mo <a href="https://twitter.com/MarckEspejooo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MarckEspejooo</a> hahahahahaha <a href="https://t.co/ySem1v9bMb">https://t.co/ySem1v9bMb</a></p>&mdash; Kim Kianna Dy (@KiannaDy) <a href="https://twitter.com/KiannaDy/status/990787396613517312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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It should be noted, however, that Ateneo does not retire its players' jerseys, including that of Alyssa Valdez, who steered the Lady Eagles to two UAAP championships while winning 3 league MVPs. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The Mono Vampire Basketball Club successfully defended home court when it mattered most, dropping the San Miguel Alab Pilipinas, 88-83, at Stadium29 in Bangkok on Monday, April 30, to force a winner-take-all Game 5 back in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

Heritage import Paul Zamar drained a floater with 17.9 seconds left in regulation to put Mono up by 5, 88-83. Prior to this, the Thailand-based Mono team opened the 4th quarter with a 10-2 run, 79-71, on the back of 7-foot-5 Sam Deguara’s 6 points in the paint. However, the duo of Renaldo Balkman and Bobby Ray Parks, Jr. fished key fouls and drained their free throws to inch with 3, 86-83, in the final minute.

Parks, Jr. stayed hot off his 30-point eruption in Game 3, dropping a team-high 21 points with 8 rebounds and 5 assists in the losing effort.

The World import combo of Balkman and Justin Brownlee, meanwhile, each chipped in 18 points and 13 rebounds, but also combined for 15 of Alab’s 26 turnovers.

Midway through the 3rd, Mono gained steam once again with a running triple from Mike Singletary for the 6 point lead, 62-56, but Pamboy Raymundo answered in kind with his own pull-up trey. Brownlee capped off an 11-5 Alab response with a banking layup, 67-66. Both teams knotted the game at 69 entering the 4th.

Mono broke off with an 8-point lead, 42-34 late in the second quarter, causing Coach Jimmy Alapag to call for time. This timeout worked wonders for the visiting squad as Brownlee and Parks drained triples in consecutive possessions to inch back within two, 42-40. Mono entered the half just up 3, 45-42.

Balkman and Brownlee completely dropped the ball – literally – as they combined for 9 of Alab’s 12 turnovers in the first quarter. Balkman had more giveaways (5) than points (4) to open the game as the home team went ahead by 5 to end the first, 23-18.

Deguara was again an unstoppable force down low with a team-high double-double of 20 points and 13 boards.

Singletary also chipped in 20, with 8 boards and 7 assists to round up a stats sheet-stuffing performance. Filipino-American Heritage import Jason Brickman, who has earned high praises from Alapag, again nailed a double-double of 13 points and 10 assists in the crucial home win.

The Scores:

Mono Vampire (88) – Deguara 20, Singletary 20, Brickman 13, Zamar 11, Apiromvilaichai 9, Chanthachon 6, Ananti 6, Klahan 3

Alab Pilipinas (83) – Parks 21, Balkman 18, Brownlee 18, Domingo 14, Raymundo 5, Sumalinog 3, Urbiztondo 2, Javelona 2, Alabanza 0, Hontiveros 0

Quarter scores: 23-18, 45-42, 69-69, 88-83

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Ateneo de Manila University formally bid farewell to Tai Bundit and thanked him not just for the two UAAP titles he delivered for the Lady Eagles, but also for his contributions to collegiate volleyball. 

In a memo addressed to the Ateneo community, university president Fr Jett Villarin, SJ, expressed his gratitude to Bundit, who led the school to back-to-back UAAP championships in his 5 years at the helm.

The Thai tactician announced soon after the Lady Eagles crashed out of the semifinals against Far Eastern University that he is "not coming back to Ateneo."

"As we bid farewell to Coach Tai, we thank him for all that he has contributed to Ateneo volleyball and to collegiate volleyball. The highlight of his career as head coach is the back-to-back championships in Seasons 76 and 77," Villarin said in his memo.

"He shepherded the team to rise above all odds and win our first UAAP women's volleyball championship, which ushered a new level of competitiveness in the sport, and ignited a newfound love in the hearts of its supporters."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">READ: University President <a href="https://twitter.com/FrJett?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FrJett</a> thanks outgoing Ateneo Women&#39;s Volleyball Coach Tai Bundit and Team Manager Tony Boy Liao for their contributions to the university&#39;s volleyball program, and wishes them well in future endeavors. <a href="https://t.co/ARdS0VgM0Q">pic.twitter.com/ARdS0VgM0Q</a></p>&mdash; The GUIDON Sports (@TheGUIDONSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheGUIDONSports/status/990824313640009731?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Despite his exit from Ateneo, Bundit will remain in the Philippines as head coach of the Creamline Cool Smashers in the Premier Volleyball League, which starts its season in May. 

The Lady Eagles look to rebuild for Season 81, and Villarin wrote that they are already searching for Bundit's replacement.

"The University Athletics Office has taken the lead in searching for a new head coach of the Lady Eagles and in ensuring that heartstrong even becomes stronger in the years ahead," said the Ateneo president.

Villarin also thanked team manager Tony Boy Liao. – Rappler.com

LOS ANGELES, United States – Undefeated Gennady Golovkin defends his three major world middleweight titles against fill-in foe Vanes Martirosyan on Saturday, May 5, with boxing history and a possible rematch with Canelo Alvarez on the line.

Golovkin, nicknamed ”Triple G," tries to stretch his reign, which began in 2010, to 20 fights and equal Bernard Hopkins for the longest title run in middleweight history when he faces Armenian-born American Martirosyan.

"(It means) a lot. I feel like a star," Golovkin said Monday. "If you check Bernard Hopkins, my record is much bigger, much stronger. This is a good situation for my career, for my fans."

Golovkin was set for a Las Vegas pay-per-view showdown on the Mexican Cinco de Mayo holiday against Alvarez, a rematch of their thrilling draw last September.

But the Mexican tested positive for the banned substance clenbuterol and dropped out of the bout four weeks ago.

"He was extremely frustrated and disappointed when the positive test was announced," said Golovkin promoter Tom Loeffler. "He had been training for the biggest fight in boxing and it was a big shockwave when it came."

Alvarez is banned until August but hopes to fight again on September 16, another Mexican holiday, and maybe against Golovkin.

Asked about fighting Alvarez next if he retains his titles Saturday, Golovkin said, "Maybe. Why not? I want activity."

If not Alvarez, then British southpaw Billy Joe Saunders, whose World Boxing Organization middleweight crown is the only one not held by Golovkin, and Ukraine's Sergiy Derevyanchenko, Golovkin's mandatory next International Boxing Federation challenger, would be likely next rivals.

But Golovkin, 36, made it clear he wants to break the record championship middleweight run, saying, "Next fight I'm looking in the middleweight division. It's best for boxing and for us."

Golovkin, 37-0 with one drawn and 33 knockouts, surrenders a height and reach advantage to the light-middleweight contender who is moving up in class.

"I'm not a big guy. If I'm shorter, don't care," Golovkin said. "This is boxing. I know my style. I know my fight. I think it's more stronger. My style is more interesting.

"He's a good fighter. I remember him from 2004 Olympic Games. He has good experience. I believe this is a good show for people and a big fight for us."

 'This is what we dream about' 

Martirosyan, 36-3 with one drawn and 21 knockouts, turns 32 on Tuesday ahead of the biggest fight of his career after a two-year layoff, having had several bouts fall through before getting a break for the biggest fight of his career.

"I took the fight on short notice but we're ready," Martirosyan said. "You could wake me up and I'd be ready to fight. I can't wait. This is what we dream about, these big fights."

Golovkin trainer Abel Sanchez said his fighter was in the ring only a couple of hours after Alvarez was out, confident of another foe and planning for two more fights this year, Alvarez or not.

"Hopefully we fight in September and again in December. We want to fight as much as we can as long as we can," Sanchez said. "He's the most entertaining boxer in the sport today. We need to appreciate him while he's here." – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – As Filipino fighter Jerwin Ancajas goes for a mandatory defense of his International Boxing Federation (IBF)  junior bantamweight world title, Great Britain's Khalid Yafai also vies to retain his World Boxing Association (WBA) super flyweight belt.

The two 115-pound talents will fight on the same card with Ancajas taking on fellow Filipino Jonas Sultan in a historic main event and Yafai battling David Carmona in a co-feature on May 26 (May 27 in Manila) at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, California.

If both Ancajas and Yafai retain their 115-pound belts, both fighters may be headed for a potential title unification bout later this year.

ESPN announced on Monday, May 1, that the card will be “the first of a dozen Top Rank-promoted shows over the next year that will stream exclusively on ESPN+. “

The bout between Ancajas (29-1-1, 20 KOs), who trains at Survival Camp in Magallanes, Cavite,  and Sultan (14-3, 9 KOs) of Cebu’s ALA boxing stable marks the first showdown between two Filipino boxers in 93 years 

The last  time a world title fight featured two Filipinos was when Pancho Villa defended the world flyweight title against Clever Sencio on May 2, 1925.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Witness the 1st all-Philippines title bout in 93 years, as <a href="https://twitter.com/MannyPacquiaoTR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MannyPacquiaoTR</a> protégé &amp; 115-pound champ Jerwin Ancajas battles challenger Jonas Sultan, live on <a href="https://twitter.com/espn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@espn</a>+. <a href="https://t.co/MnSpAn4Egu">https://t.co/MnSpAn4Egu</a> <a href="https://t.co/jT6AKBHckp">pic.twitter.com/jT6AKBHckp</a></p>&mdash; Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) <a href="https://twitter.com/trboxing/status/991037573580640264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Ancajas had said that he’s out to convince fans that all-Filipino fights will be "exciting" to watch.

"Yung hinahamon namin ni coach ay pag dating sa laban, lalo na sa US gaganapin, gusto namin na maganda yung laban. Hindi porket lang Filipino ang kalaban, hindi magandang panoorin. Gusto namin ibenta yung laban na maganda, at masasabi ng ibang bansa na maganda palang panoorin ang Pinoy vs Pinoy na maglaban," said Ancajas. 

(The challenge for me and coach is that during the fight, especially with the fact that it's going to be in the US, we want the fight to be exciting. Not just because it's two Filipinos going against each other, it won't be as exciting to watch. We want to sell this fight to be exciting and other countries can see that it's actually exciting to watch a Pinoy vs Pinoy fight.) – Rappler.com

SAN FRANCISCO, USA – Twitter announced a deal on Monday, April 30, to collaborate with Disney on content, particularly by showing live events from the entertainment giant's sports arm ESPN.

Details about which sporting events would be streamed live on Twitter were to be revealed later this week. 

The partnership includes ads to accompany broadcasts, the companies said in a joint statement.

Twitter will also serve as an online venue for video from other Disney subsidiaries, including ABC and Marvel.

Video has attracted users to Twitter, and social networks have found keen online appetite for sports.

"Now more than ever, social platforms are putting a major focus on and investment in sports-related content," ESPN senior vice president Travis Howe said.

"It is the new primary vehicle driving digital experiences to grow and engage audiences."

Twitter global vice president of revenue and content partnerships Matthew Derella called teaming up with Disney "a huge step forward in expanding the depth and breadth of video content we offer."

The Disney collaboration came as Twitter announced 30 new deals for content namely touching on entertainment, sports and video games.

Included in that mix is NBCUniversal, which will distribute live video and clips from an array of its properties, such as NBC News, MSNBC, Today, Telemundo, and E! News, Twitter said.

"People tell us what they want to see with the conversations they share on Twitter," said Twitter global head of content partnerships Kay Madati.

"In the past year, we've really expanded our efforts with the best publishers and content creators in the world to bring a slate of programming that reflects those diverse content interests."

Twitter announced that daily video views have nearly doubled at the service in the past year.

The San Francisco-based company's shares ended the formal trading day up 4.52% to $30.31.

Last week, Twitter reported its second consecutive quarterly profit, boosting the outlook for the messaging platform after years in the red.

The one-to-many messaging service earned $61 million in the first three months of the year, helped by strong growth in advertising revenue and modest gains in users.

Twitter stock has doubled from a year ago, when concerns were high over the service's future.

While Twitter has built a solid core base of celebrities, politicians and journalists, it has failed to match the broader appeal of Facebook and other social media platforms, hurting its ability to bring in ad revenues.

The network has stepped up efforts to boost its user base and engagement, adding streaming video partnerships, doubling the character limit on tweets to 280 and making it easier to create "tweetstorms" by stringing messaging together.

It has also moved largely to an algorithmic-based feed using artificial intelligence that aims to deliver more tweets that drive interest and engagement. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – After a career laden with belts, cash and kudos, boxing great Floyd Mayweather Jr retired undefeated over 50 fights – but his flawless record faces an unlikely challenge  from an obscure Thai fighter known as the "dwarf giant".

At 5-foot-2 (1.57m) and weighing just 105lb (47.6kg), minimumweight Wanheng Menayothin is shorter, leaner and significantly less wealthy than Mayweather, who briefly emerged from retirement last year to fight MMA star Conor McGregor for a $100 million purse.

If Wanheng triumphs on Wednesday afternoon, May 2, he will equal Mayweather's feat of winning 50 successive fights.

His WBC minimumweight belt is on the line against Panamanian challenger Leroy Estrada.

The fight, to be held outside the town hall of second-tier Thai city Nakhon Ratchasima, has none of the glitz or pay-per-view pull of a Mayweather bout in Las Vegas.

But still Wanheng will enter boxing lore with victory – and, at 32 years of age, has time to go one better and match the 51 wins, one draw and no losses set by Mexican flyweight Ricardo Lopez. 

It is not just the box office power that differentiates Mayweather from the Thai, who turned to the ring at the age of 12 as a path out of poverty. 

While the prelude to Mayweather fights was defined by hype and trash-talking, Wanheng has adopted a more karmic approach. 

"I'm not feeling pressured, you win and you lose, and that's the nature of sports," he said at his gym in Bangkok a few days before defending his title. 

But he said he had trained hard with the aim of "equalling Floyd".

Nicknames also capture the difference between the pair.

Numbers game

In addition to "Money", the American fought under the moniker "Pretty Boy" and "The Best Ever", tags he still rolls out on a Twitter profile boasting more than 8 million followers.

With Wanheng, it's more complicated.

Fighters in Thailand often compete under the label of their gym, which is where his second name Menayothin – the name of his Bangkok gym – comes from.

His legal name is Chayaphon Moonsri, while his most widely used nickname is the "dwarf giant" because of his small stature and powerful punches. 

But the boxer also fights under the alias "Five-Star Grilled Chicken" as part of sponsorship deal with Thai food giant CP Chicken.

Should Wanheng win on Wednesday his name will enter the record books, but with an asterisk of sorts. 

He has fought mostly low-profile Asian challengers on his home turf in Thailand. 

His rivals have been a mixed bag – one last year had 44 losses, while another in 2014 had 24. 

In December he tied Rocky Marciano's 49-0 tally with a win over Japanese contender Tatsuya Fukuhara.

Mayweather, meanwhile, had a much tougher ride defeating some of the sport's all-time greats, including Manny Pacquiao and Oscar De La Hoya. 

The welterweight has 27 KOs to Wanheng's 17.

"With respect to Wanheng he's never beaten anyone of note. In the west this fight will be nothing more than a trivial pursuit question," Anson Wainwright, a boxing correspondent for The Ring magazine, told AFP, adding that matching the record would nevertheless be a "good achievement." 

Carlos Costa, a boxing reporter covering the fight, said the 23-year-old Estrada also poses a unique challenge to Wanheng, 32.

"He's younger and fresher," Costa said of Estrada. "He's hungry for glory, and that makes a boxer always dangerous."

And the Panamanian is in no mood to help Wanheng into the history books, telling AFP "this is my opportunity to be a champion". – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers shoot for a series sweep against the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 80 Women's Volleyball finals on Wednesday, May 2, 4pm, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

Led by Kim Dy and May Luna, the back-to-back champions took Game 1 in straight sets, 29-27, 25-21, 25-22, as the Lady Spikers’ championship experience spelled the difference in the match. 

But the Lady Tamaraws, bannered by Bernadette Pons, aim to even the series. 

Will the DLSU Lady Spikers be crowned for the 3rd consecutive year? Or will the FEU Lady Tamaraws force a do-or-die Game 3? 

Follow Rappler Sports for live updates. 

{source} <a class="twitter-timeline" data-width="100%" data-height="1500" data-partner="tweetdeck" data-link-color="#E95F28" href="https://twitter.com/rapplerdotcom/lists/rappler-sports">A Twitter List by rapplerdotcom</a> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> {/source} 

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – De La Salle University (DLSU) coach Ramil de Jesus looks to close out all opportunities for Far Eastern University (FEU).

Despite La Salle's dominance, De Jesus knows that FEU has the tools to make a comeback in the UAAP Women’s Volleyball championship series.

That’s why the Lady Spikers would certainly want a repeat of their straight-set victory over the Lady Tamaraws in their bid for a 3rd straight championship on Wednesday, May 2, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum

 "Pipilitin namin na makuha 'yung Game 2, kasi mahirap na pag umabot pa ng Game 3, and then kung ano man ang naging performance ng FEU [sa Game 1] pag-aaralan namin kung paano pa namin sila mako-control," said De Jesus. 

(We're going to make sure to take Game 2 because it's going to be difficult if we reach Game 3, and we're going to study how to control FEU based on its performance in Game 1.)  

The back-to-back champions have not dropped a set in their last 3 games. Prior to the finals, they swept archrivals Ateneo Lady Eagles at the end of the second round and the 4th seeded National University Lady Bulldogs in the Final 4. 

Although the Lady Tamaraws showed they’re a worthy challenger after clinching their first finals berth in 10 years, the squad ran into trouble in Game 1 with their 34 errors.  

FEU head coach George Pascua knows that his team has the potential to turn the series around after learning from their Game 1 experience. 

"'Yung experience na nakuha namin sa nangyari [sa Game 1], plus lessen ng errors, walang imposible. Hindi kami hihinto hangga’t hindi natatapos ang laban," said Pascua. 

(It's not impossible if we learn from our Game 1 experience and lessen our errors. We're not going to stop as long as the battle is still going on.)  

In Game 1, FEU captain and leading scorer Bernadeth Pons was silenced to a single-digit output of 9 points by the Lady Spikers. This saw outside Heather Guino-o step up to lead the Lady Tamaraws matchup with DLSU's topscorer Kim Dy. 

With the Lady Tamaraws hoping to make up for missed opportunities, will they be able to stop the Lady Spikers from taking the Game 2 and the championship? – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The Zark’s-LPU Jawbreakers outworked the Che’lu-San Sebastian Revellers on Labor Day, Tuesday, May 1,  91-82, to take the PBA D-League Aspirant's Cup championship at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Bruising big man Mike Nzeusseu with the help of Conference MVP CJ Perez, tied the contest at 72 early in the fourth, successfully erasing a 13-point deficit they suffered in the third quarter. One possession later, Nzeusseu was fouled on the drive and calmly sank the go-ahead freebies for the 74-72 lead. The terrific Perez-Nzeusseu tandem then continued the offensive onslaught with masterful fastbreaks, culminating in a 91-76 lead off the 27-6 run with a minute left in regulation.

The game looked all but over entering the second half, as the dynamic duo of Samboy De Leon and Mike Calisaan orchestrated a huge 18-5 rally to put the Revellers up 13, 60-47. Tenacious Marcelino twin defense and pinpoint Jesper Ayaay marksmanship helped trim that lead to 6, 57-63, but former Batangas-EAC General Cedrick Ablaza silenced the crescendo of cheers with back-to-back and-ones for the 69-59 advantage. Nzeusseu, however, gave a preview of the incoming fourth quarter with a bullying and-one to end the quarter just down 6, 64-70.

The 6th-seeded Zark’s-LPU is now the lowest-ranked team in history to ever win the PBA D-League championship.

ZARK'S BURGER-LYCEUM 92 -- Nzeusseu 28, Perez 26, Ayaay 14, Jc. Marcelino 7, Jv. Marcelino 6, Caduyac 5, Tansingco 3, Iba?ez 2, Serrano 1, Baltazar 0, Pretta 0, Yong 0.

CHE'LU BAR AND GRILL-SAN SEBASTIAN 82 -- Calisaan 17, Batino 12, Costelo 12, Ablaza 11, Bulanadi 8, De Leon 8, David 6, Collado 4, Ilagan 2, Taganas 2, Siruma 0.

Quarters: 21-18, 37-42, 64-70, 92-82.

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Eight pairs will don the Philippine colors as the country gets ready to host the first FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour Manila Open on May 3 to 6, 2018 at Sands SM By the Bay. 

Get to know some of the local and international players who will put their skills to a test for tournament points this week: 

Team Philippines

Locked and loaded with talent, the Philippines will field 4 pairs in the women's division and also 4 tandems in the men's side. 

1. Sisi Rondina and Dzi Gervacio 

Leading the charge is the duo of University of Santo Tomas (UST) standout Sisi Rondina and former Ateneo Lady Eagle Dzi Gervacio. 

Three-time UAAP beach volleyball champion Rondina is no stranger to international tournaments, having represented the Philippines in last year's 29th Southeast Asian Beach Volleyball Championships in Singapore with Bernadeth Pons.

Teaming up with Rondina will be a new challenge for veteran player Gervacio, who usually teams up with Ateneo teammates Bea Tan and Charo Soriano. 

2. Charo Soriano and Bea Tan

Beach Volleyball Republic (BVR) founders Charo Soriano and Bea Tan will continue to promote the sport on the sand court with their participation. 

3. Karen Quilario and Lourdilyn Catubag

The 2017 BVR national champions Karen Quilario and Lourdilyn Catubag of team Tagum-PNP will try to sustain their stellar run in the international level. 

4. Dhannylaine Demontano and Jacquelyn Estoquia

Team Iloilo's dynamic duo of Dhannylaine Demontano and Jacquelyn Estoquia complete the local women's cast as the wildcard entries of the competiton.

5. Jade Becaldo and Calvin Sarte

In the men's division, Jade Becaldo and Calvin Sarte from Team Ato Ni Bai earned their ticket to the world tour after emerging as the 2017 BVR national champions. 

They will be joined by runners-up Kevin Juban and Raphy Abanto of Team UV, Ranran Abdilla and Edwin Tolentino of Air Force, and Kris Roy Guzman and Henry Pecana of Team Tigers. 

International Pairs 

1. Michelle Amarilla and Erika Bobadilla 

The highest rated pair in the women's division features Michelle Amarilla and Erika Bobadilla. The Paraguayans hope to bounce back in Manila after the duo failed to make it to the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour Malaysia Open semifinals in Langkawi last Sunday, April 29. 

Malaysia Open silver medalists Netherlands' Katja Stam and Julia Wouters will also return for another weekend of beach volleyball in the Philppines. 

2. Martin Apprelgen and Simon Boman

The highly touted duo in the men's division features Sweden's Martin Apprelgen and Simon Boman, who placed 9th in Langkawi. 

Malaysia Open gold medalists Austria’s  Simon Fruhbauer and Jorg Wutzl and silver medalists Petr Bakhnar and Taras Myskiv of Russia will also take part in the competition. – Rappler.com 

MANILA, Philippines – Katherine Bell engineered a furious fightback as Petron recovered from a sluggish start to stun reigning champion F2 Logistics, 23-25, 20-25, 25-15, 25-22, 15-9,  in Game 1 of the Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga (PSL) Grand Prix finals on Tuesday, May 1, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

A late replacement for Hillary Hurley, Bell was at her best as she delivered the crucial blows for the Blaze Spikers, who drew the first blood in their best-of-three title showdown.

Bell tallied 36 attacks, four aces and two blocks to finish with 42 points – the second highest offensive mark since Smart import Gyselle Silva exploded for league-record 56 points.

The Cargo Movers, however, still has a chance to even things out when they march to Game 2 on Thursday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

“We know the quality of her game and tonight, she showed that she’s up to the challenge,” said Petron coach Shaq Delos Santos of Bell, whose powerful performance in the 5th set completely broke the backs of the Cargo Movers. 

Earlier, Foton closed its campaign on a sizzling note as it outmuscled Cocolife, 21-25, 25-22, 26-24, 25-19, to cop the bronze medal.

American import Channon Thompson spewed fire down the stretch to star for the Tornadoes, who took their sweet time before going for the kill to essay a strong finish in this prestigious women’s club tourney.

With the victory, Foton emerged with a bronze medal to match its previous finish in the 2017  edition.

Thompson tallied 22 attacks, two blocks and two aces to finish with 26 points while Santiago chipped in 23 points for the Tornadoes, who ruled the Grand Prix in 2015 and 2016.

More than that, Thompson delivered the crucial hits that silenced the torrid assault waged by the Asset Managers down the stretch.

“That’s the reason why we hired her; she’s here to provide leadership,” said Abella, noting that it was Thompson who took the cudgels as the Asset Managers threatened to stretch the match into fifth set after turning a 13-20 deficit into 18-21 count.

“She’s been playing professionally since she was 16 so her experience really carried us in this match.  

Serbian Marta Drpa knocked down 20 kills and 3 blocks while Sara Klisura battled a painful shoulder to score 14 points for the Asset Managers, who also matched their 4th-place finish last year. 

However, the journey to the bronze wasn’t easy for the Tornadoes.

After finishing the classification round with a 5-5 win-loss slate, the Tornadoes made an upgrade as they recruited Thompson to replace American Brooke Kranda.

University of the Philippine stars Tots Carlos and Isa Molde joined late in the season to power them past Sta. Lucia Realty in the quarterfinals.

Despite the inclusion of National University stalwart Jaja Santiago, Foton still lost to F2 Logistics in the best-of-three semifinals to forge a do-or-die duel with Cocolife in the consolation round.

“(We had) a lot of hardships and a lot of ups and downs. But 3rd place is still third place. We’re still in the podium and that’s really our target. We want to match what we achieved last year,” said Foton coach John Abella, who also came in as a new coach replacing Moro Branislav.

“At least we hit our target. That’s the best thing about this conference.”– Rappler.com

UAAP Season 80 Men's Football Final

UP vs UST

3:00 pm Thursday, May 3

Rizal Memorial Football Stadium

LIVE on S+A, Liga and the ABS-CBN Sports UAAP Livestream

MANILA, Philippines – Last Thursday, moments after UP sealed a UAAP title berth with a 1-0 semis win over De La Salle, I sidled up beside Popoy Clarino, the UP Maroons assistant coach, and asked him what this would mean for his family. Their final opponent would be UST, which dethroned Ateneo in extra time, also at 1-0.

Popoy's brothers, Ian and Miggy, play for UP while another brother, Gino, is a Growling Tiger.

“The boys, (Miggy and Ian) will stay with me this week. Ate Ginnie might try to psy-war them again like she did last time,” said Popoy with a smile, referencing a previous Final Four meeting between the two teams two years ago. 

Apparently his sister Ginnie, a former UST player, had tried to put her own brothers off-balance with some gentle needling in the lead-up to the game. To avoid that, Miggy and Ian will be quartered in Popoy's house in Quezon City instead of the Clarino home in Antipolo.

Yes, this UAAP football final will indeed be like none other. An internecine smackdown that will be retold for generations in Clarino family reunions. The game is made even more momentous because Ian and Gino will both be playing their final UAAP game. Ian, a centerback, will likely be snapped up by a PFL team, while Gino appears ready to launch his career as an architect.

To say the Clarino family is a football family is a colossal understatement. It's like saying fish tend to have a liking for water. Or that Hans Smit sort of favors short pants over long.

Randy and Maien Clarino (without an “ñ,” by the way) produced 12 kids. One sadly passed away after 40 days. That left a brood of 11, of which 10 played football. Of the 10, 4 (Aljoe, Ginnie, Ojay, and Gino) played collegiate ball for UST while 3, (Poppy, Miggy, and Ian) suited up for the Fighting Maroons. Ian played for UST in high school before choosing State U for college.

Rick Olivares wrote about this extraordinary bunch in 2011. Read about them here, where they talk about the time when the siblings played a 7-a-side tournament and won.

Aljoe, Ginnie and Popoy were the first to play the Beautiful Game. But the younger siblings quickly took a shine to the sport, as Ginnie shared:

“When my youngest brothers (Ojay, Gino, Ian and Miggy) were toddlers, we didn’t have electronics to keep us occupied, though we did have a huge backyard. Outdoor games were more fun than being stuck at home. With the older siblings’ football interest, they played and trained the little ones. My dad would bring us to Marikina Sports Center once a week. It was fun and very chill. One day, a guy approached my little brothers. That was the beginning of Ojay, Gino, Ian and Miggy’s career. Thanks to coach Frank Muescan. Following the footsteps of their older siblings, they mastered the game better than we did and they soared.”

Ojay will definitely be one sibling yearning for a win for the España-based school to exorcise his own personal demons. Ojay played in three consecutive UAAP finals from Season 72 to Season 74 (2010 to 2012) for UST. Each game ended in defeat, with his anguished tears watering the barren summer grass fields in Ateneo. First it was Jason Cordova for FEU who scored the winner. Then UP vanquished them twice, Ayi Nii with the goal in 2011, followed by Jinggoy Valmayor's match winner a year later.

Ojay would love to see Gino deliver the goods this time. Gino actually took two years off from football to concentrate on his architecture degree. The striker returned in Season 80 for one last salvo. Usually he comes off the bench, but on the semi-final last week, UST coach Marjo Allado gave him a start.

“During the pre-season proper we'd always joke around that we'd be against each other in the finals,” said Gino.

“But now it's really happening and it's all about championship game preparation. I know both teams have been working so hard to get to where they are now and we're only one game away to know who's the better team. As we all know UP is undefeated so far this season and that for me shows how they deserve to be in this championship. Of course I am greatly proud that Ian handles his team very, very, well. But coming from a winning momentum, we feel that we can carry this until the end, for ourselves, for our coaching staff and most especially for the UST community.”

It's only fitting that Ian will be marking Gino for this match. (Miggy usually starts at right back, so he might also be called on to corral his brother too.) As Ian tells it, this is a rivalry more than a decade old, but usually played on a smaller playing area.

“When we were kids every time kuya Gino and I had a free time at home we would always play 1v1 in the garage. It was very fun and intense to the point almost all the windows of our house were broken,” said Ian.

“These games really helped me because I got to know the movements of a striker and how to defend him.”

Did Ian ever play this 1v1 game with any of his other siblings?

“No, only Gino.”

“We'd have bruises and cuts here and there but those times were just pure fun,” said Gino.

“Kahit anong mangyari, win or lose, this will be the most exciting and memorable na game ko dahil makakalaro ko ulit for the last time yung brother ko sa UAAP. Kasi simula HS kami, Ateneo siya ako UST High naglalaban na kami. Plus, kasama ko si Miggy and coach Popoy for the last time sa UP side,” adds Ian.

(Whatever happense, win win or lose, this will be the most exciting and memorable game for me because I’ll be able to play with my brother for the last time in the UAAP. In high school, he was in Ateneo, I was in UST and we would go up against each other. Plus, I’d be with Miggy and coach Popoy for the last time in the UP side.)

“This game will be more exciting and enjoyable kasi babalik ako sa past ko na lahat kami magkakaptid naglalaro sa iisang field,” continued Ian.

(This game will be more exciting and enjoyable  because it’s like going back to our past where all of us siblings would just play in one field.)

There will be other subplots and side stories to this game. UST  seemed to have some divine intervention last week. UST forward Conrado Dimacali headed in from a few feet away after the ball pinballed off several players to sink Ateneo in extra time. Two weeks ago the Palaweno went home to Puerto Princesa to bury his father, who passed away after a lingering illness. One thinks that Dimacali's dad was the invisible hand guiding the ball to his head in that six yard box.

UP will be out for redemption after stumbling in the semi-finals last year, seeing midfielder Sean Patangan blow out his knee during the game and losing to FEU 1-0. Anto Gonzales' Maroons are undefeated this season in a run that included a first-meeting draw and a second-round win against the Tigers. Their three-headed monster of strikers, JB Borlongan, Kintaro Miyagi, and rookie sensation Fidel Tacardon, have combined for 25 goals. 

The UST defense must stiffen up to neutralize them. Another set of brothers – UST defenders and Barotacnons Darwin and Dionisio Busmion – will also need to play their best.

But no doubt all eyes will be on the Clarinos. No doubt the entire clan will be expecting a good game, but also cognizant that no matter what happens, one of their own will be shattered at the final whistle while another celebrates.

“It will be an emotional match for us but definitely it will bring us more closer than ever,” said Popoy. – Rappler.com

Follow Bob on Twitter @PassionateFanPH

MADRID, Spain – Real Madrid moved within touching distance of a third consecutive Champions League triumph after Karim Benzema scored twice to eliminate Bayern Munich on Tuesday, May 1, and book its place in the final.

Bayern, who trailed 2-1 after last week's opening leg in Germany, looked capable of inflicting this season's latest European comeback when Joshua Kimmich scored early and James Rodriguez levelled shortly after the hour. 

But Benzema's double in between, the first a header, the second a simple finish following a dreadful error from Bayern goalkeeper Sven Ulreich, proved enough as Real hung on for a 2-2 draw, and a 4-3 win on aggregate. 

Benzema's two goals here were another feather in the cap for coach Zinedine Zidane, who had decided to start the French striker, despite only one goal in his previous 12 games.

"He deserved to score, he has worked hard and he has never given anything less than his all," Zidane told BeINSport.

It was another brave call from Real's coach, who now stands on the brink of history himself, with Carlo Ancelotti and Bob Paisley the only other managers to have ever won Europe's premier competition three times. 

Liverpool or Roma will certainly offer a stern test in Kiev later this month but, having now seen off Bayern, the German champions, Paris Saint-Germain, the French champions, and Juventus, who sit top of Serie A, the feeling is that a 13th European success is now Real's to lose.

No surprise then that Zidane said the Champions League is "in the DNA of the club".

"We never stop fighting up to the very last minute, just as the Bayern players did tonight," he added.

Zidane sprung a surprise by dropping Casemiro to the bench and bringing the more mobile Mateo Kovacic into midfield while Lucas Vazquez played in the unfamiliar role of right back. 

It meant no place again in the starting line-up for Gareth Bale, who was named as a substitute for the fifth time in six knock-out matches.

Bernabeu on edge 

Bayern, meanwhile, were without a host of star players, with Javi Martinez, Arturo Vidal, Arjen Robben, Jerome Boateng, Kingsley Coman and Manuel Neuer all injured. Martinez was fit enough to make the bench. 

Kimmich had given Bayern the lead after 28 minutes at the Allianz Arena and here he did it in three, slamming home after Sergio Ramos poked Corentin Tolisso's cross straight to his feet. 

Real got rattled, its fans tetchy, and if Bayern had held on for longer the pressure might have told. Instead, the home side were level by the 11th minute, Benzema peeling free of David Alaba at the back post and heading in. 

Marcelo and Toni Kroos both weaved their way into Bayern's six-yard box, but failed to pick a final pass, while at the other end, Vazquez was enduring a torrid time at right back. 

After another ball was threaded inside the winger's left shoulder, Robert Lewandowski unleashed and James should have scored but was unable to adjust his body to the follow-up.

A breathless opening 45 minutes ended with Bayern wanting a penalty as the ball struck Marcelo on the arm but referee Cuneyt Cakir waved away the appeals. 

Real was certainly the more relieved to hear the half-time whistle but it was given a gift shortly after the restart. 

Tolisso's backpass was misjudged and underhit but Ulreich still had the chance to clear. Instead, the keeper got his feet in a tangle and ended up in a heap on the floor, presenting Benzema with an open net. 

"My team played an outstanding game. I haven't seen Bayern play as well as that for years," Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes said.

"But at this high level you can't make the sort of mistakes we made after half-time."

The game looked finished but Bayern came again and after 10 minutes of desperate Real defending, it was no surprise when they scored. James chased down his own rebound before beating Keylor Navas at the near post. The on-loan Colombian chose not to celebrate against his parent club.

Bayern had 27 minutes to find a third and there were a handful of near misses. Thomas Muller was denied by Navas and Mats Hummels headed agonisingly wide in injury time, but Real held on for its fourth final in five years.– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines –  Jasmine Modjeh hauled in 6 gold medals and broke two national junior records in the recently concluded Palarong Pambansa swimming tournament, but her talents have long been ignored by the sport's national association for one reason: she is a member of the Philippine Swimming League (PSL).

Mojdeh dreams of becoming one of the world's greatest swimmers; competing in the Olympics and smashing records that have been set by the greats who have dedicated their lives to the sport. 

Hailing from a country that hasn't brought home a gold medal in the Southeast Asian Games for the last 8 years, the 11-year-old Mojdeh has become the rallying beacon of the PSL in its fight for a unified national team. And now, the PSL's hopes of a unified swimming association just might be in sight.

"It’s history for me because for the longest period of time, swimming [was] not democratized," said PSL president Susan Papa. 

"We really appreciate the unification and the message of Ral to me that he is opening the selection process of the national team, which has been the only problem that the Philippine Swimming League has." 

Hopeful Philippine Swimming Inc (PSI) president Ral Rosario initiated the call by messaging Papa, his teammate from the golden years of Philippine swimming. The Asian Games gold medalist believes there's a pressing need to unite the swimmers for the country to bring back the glory days of Philippine swimming.

"The issue with PSL has been a long standing issue with PSI and I think it’s time to bring it to an end, it’s time to bring the new era. Yes, we should do it for the benefit of the swimmers, for the benefit of the whole swimming community," said Rosario. 

Rosario and his allies, including Papa, are still waiting for ther results of the POC's arbitration committee to determine the rightful president of the PSI.

Rosario was elected as PSI president in March 2017, however, PSI secretary general Lani Velasco, a known associate of the previous Peping Cojuangco-backed PSI leadership, is contesting the top position. But, like the rest of so-called "old POC club," she currently does not enjoy the new POC's support.

In the meantime, the POC-backed president announced his initial plans of actions that garnered the support of Papa, who reiterated that it is not the PSL's goal to become the offical NSA. 

"I think number one is to mend the broken community," said Rosario

"During our board meeting in Bacolod, I told them you have to work with me, if you want to work with me, you need to follow what I want and one of the things I wanted is unification."

"Number two, we need to be an inclusive community," added the PSI leader.

"[With] more programs running, the population of swimmers go up, and that means there are more talents to choose from.  That’s the pathway that we need to look at, from there we are looking to develop senior swimmers."

Current set-up 

In both organizations, government-funded development programs are almost non-existent. 

While PSI requires an annual membership renewal with a fee, the PSL offers avenues for the less fortunate to swim and has expanded its focus across 14 regions of the country, becoming a breeding ground of young, promising swimmers throughout the years. 

For years, PSI has only selected national team swimmers from its pool of members, who are then sent to compete in FINA-accredited competitions like the Southeast Asian Games and the Southeast Asian Age Group competition. 

However, for PSL swimmers, their only exposure to the international scene is by joining invitationals and nab an Olympic chance by hitting the Qualifying Time A to solidify their presence in Philippine swimming. 

This is what Mojdeh has been doing for the past years of swimming competitively according to her mother, Joan. 

"In the [2017 Hamilton Aquatics Winter Long Course Swimming Championships], she swam 20 events and won 18 gold medals. Na-invite kami doon and unlimited events, so pinalangoy sa kanya lahat – 20 in two days with prelims and finals. (We were invited and it was unlimited events, so they made her swim all)," said Joan. 

"Puro invitational ito so it's between mga clubs. Pero yung mga nakakalaban niya, national team na ng mga ibang bansa like Singapore, so nakikita ko na sila na nakakasabay na ni Jasmine."

(We only swim in invitationals, so it's between the clubs. But Jasmine has been competing with the national team members of Singapore and she can keep up with them.) 

Before being welcomed by PSI's Rosario and Akiko Thomson, Papa has already instilled the goal-getter mindset on the 11-year-old to and encouraged her to always swim her best for a chance to compete in the Olympics. 

This kind of focus has pushed Jasmine to just keep on swimming even if her talent hasn't been recognized by the national association.

"Ang teaching ni coach Susan [Papa] sa kanya is that she can qualify for the Olympics, basta makuha niya ang QTA. The politics, kami na 'yung mga mas matatanda [ang bahala] to fight for the cause, siya naman focus lang siya sa training," explained Joan. 

 (Coach Susan Papa taught her that she can qualify for the Olympics as long as she nabs QTA. The older ones will be in charge of the politics, while you focus on training.) – Rappler.com