MANILA, Philippines – It didn't take long before the Philippines struck a medal in the 2018 World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships in Taipei.

The Filipino trio of Jean Pierre Sabido, Glenn Lava and Ernesto Guzman Jr bagged silver in the men's team over 30 division in Day 1 on Thursday, November 15, behind champions South Korea. 

Tallying an average score of 7.26 points after two displays, the Philippines settled for 2nd place as Korea finished with an average score of 7.4 points for the gold medal. 

The Philippines beat Spain in the Last 8 before dispatching Iran in the semifinals to set up a finals date with Korea. 

Iran and USA each nabbed bronze in the event. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – After steering the Philippine Azkals to a brilliant start in the 2018 ASEAN Football Federation Suzuki Cup, new coach Sven-Göran Eriksson said he already gained a better understanding of the team. 

"I have much more knowledge today than I had one week ago. I’ve been working to see them play today," Eriksson, a renowned former World Cup coach, said after the national men's football team defeated Singapore for the first time in tournament history on Tuesday, November 13.

The last time the Azkals notched a victory over the Lions was in 2012 during a FIFA international friendly  in Cebu. 

The Nationals, however, opened their Suzuki cup campaign with a sloppy start over the Red and White, who were riding on the momentum of their win over Indonesia. 

It was only in the 78th minute when the Philippines broke the deadlock, thanks to Patrick Reichelt who went one-on-one with Lion goalie Sunny Hassan and fired it into the back of the net to nail the 1-0 victory. 

If the Filipino-German winger did not score, then an away draw for Singapore would've put the visiting team on top of the table with 4 points. 

Moving forward, Eriksson already has some changes in mind after witnessing the turnout of the game. 

"My expectations from my time here is to play the ball a little bit better than today. There were a lot of long balls out there. That’s good sometimes, but try to improve that and of course go to the semifinal," siad Eriksson. 

The 70-year-old Swedish coach and the rest of the Azkals staff will continue to evaluate the players especially on the fitness side before deciding if a starting XI lineup change should be made against Timor Leste on Saturday, November 17. 

The Azkals will be missing key central defenders in the Final 23 lineup.

In Tuesday's game, Luke Woodland was rushed to the emergency room after a hard tackle, and Alvaro Silva was unavailable for the match according to Eriksson. 

The Nationals are now in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and are looking to climb to the top of the table with a win over Timor Leste. Kickoff is at 8 pm. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Smart eked out a 26-16, 18-25, 25-20, 23-25, 15-11 victory over Cocolife to get back on the winning track in the Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference on Thursday, November 15, at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

Grethcel Soltones played like a grizzled veteran down the stretch to power the Giga Hitters to their second win in 4 games.

Soltones, the former NCAA Most Valuable Player, delivered 17 points laced with 16 digs and 25 excellent receptions for Smart, which also drew powerful performance from Czarina Carandang, Jerrili Malabanan and Joyce Sta. Rita.

Malabanan tallied 13 hits while Malabanan and Sta. Rita delivered 10 markers apiece.

“It was tough. Coming from two losses, it was really hard to regain our confidence," said Sta. Rita following the grueling battle that lasted for two hours and 21 minutes featuring thrilling rallies, superb blocks and a lot of on-court hustles from both squads.

“Not everyone knows how difficult it was for the team. But we’re happy that we finally get another win.”

 In the second game, Patty Orendain fired 16 points as Generika-Ayala added to Sta. Lucia’s woes with a 25-7, 25-11, 25-21 decision.

Marivic Meneses and Angeli Araneta also had 11 markers apiece for the Lifesavers, who improved to 2-3 while pinning a fifth loss on Sta. Lucia.

Generika-Ayala tallied 42 attacks compared to 14 hits of Sta. Lucia after 90 minutes of action.

After finishing at the bottom of the Grand Prix, the retooled Smart opened its bid with a victory over Sta. Lucia before bowing to powerhouse squads Petron and Foton in straight sets.

Against the young Asset Managers, the Giga Hitters simply refused to lose.

Soltones took the cudgels in the 5th set as the Giga Hitters raced to an 8-4 lead en route to match point, 14-11.

Playmaker Jasmine Nabor stressed that losing wasn’t an option.

“In the 5th set, we told ourselves that we can’t afford to lose the game, we have to win the game to redeem ourselves and to regain our confidence back,” said Nabor, who accounted for 24 of the Giga Hitters’ 26 excellent sets.

Filipino-American spiker Kalei Mau put on a show, finishing with 25 points, 15 digs and 27 excellent receptions for Cocolife.

The Asset Managers remained winless in 4 outings in the women’s volleyball club tourney backed by Isuzu, Sogo, Asics, Mikasa, Mueller, UCPB Gen and Bizooku with Genius Sports as technical provider and ESPN5, Hyper HD and Aksyon TV as broadcast partners.

Shannen Palec and Justine Tiu helped Mau carry the scoring load as they combined for 22 markers. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – In a dramatic head-to-head battle between two of the PBA's best imports, Alaska's Mike Harris got the last laugh over Meralco's Allen Durham to propel his team on the cusp of reaching the finals. 

Harris delivered a near triple-double outing as the Aces eked out a 104-102 Game 3 win over the Bolts in their best-of-five semifinals duel of the 2018 Governors' Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome on Thursday, November 15. 

The 35-year-old reinforcement submitted team-highs of 31 points, 24 rebounds and 7 assists, and most importantly, scored his team's last 9 points to help Alaska gain a 2-1 series lead. 

With the score knotted at 100-all in the final minute, Harris rebounded his own miss and completed an and-one play that put the Aces up by 3 points with a little under 20 seconds left.

Durham narrowed the Bolts' deficit to a whisker with a quick bucket, 102-103, and immediately fouled Harris, who then split his freebies and kept the comeback door ajar for Meralco. 

Left with no timeouts, Durham had to race the whole length of the court only to witness his potential game-tying layup rim out and Reynel Hugnatan miss his putback attempt as the Aces secured the triumph.  

"That's one of those games where nobody deserved to lose," Alaska head coach Alex Compton told reporters after breathing a huge sigh of relief. 

Alaska, which has won the last two games after dropping the series-opener, shoots for a third straight win in Game 4 for their first finals appearance since the 2016 Commissioner's Cup. 

Simon Enciso delivered 17 points and 5 assists, Chris Banchero finished with 17 points and 6 rebounds and Nonoy Baclao chipped in 11 markers in the win. 

Durham saw his 37-point, 13-rebound and 8-assist outing go to waste for Meralco, which is now on the verge of seeing its bid for a third straight finals appearance in the season-ending conference crushed. 

Thanks to Durham, the Bolts enjoyed a 64-53 advantage midway through the 3rd quarter until the Aces underwent a major revamp to enter the final frame with a slim 75-74 lead. 

It was nip-and-tuck battle in the 4th period, with no team leading by more than 6 points. 

Hugnatan churned out 19 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists and drilled in two key triples in the 4th quarter that gave Meralco a 98-97 lead before Harris took over for Alaska. 

Chris Newsome had 18 points and 5 rebounds but fouled out with 16 seconds left while Baser Amer added 11 points and 3 assists in the losing effort. 

Game 4 is on Saturday, November 17, at the same venue. 

The Scores

Alaska 104 - Harris 31, Enciso 17, Banchero 17, Baclao 11, Manuel 8, Casio 7, Thoss 6, Cruz 4, Racal 3, Exciminiano 0, Potts 0.

Meralco 102 - Durham 37, Hugnatan 19, Newsome 18, Amer 11, Caram 4, Faundo 4, Salva 3, Dillinger 3, Lanete 3, Canaleta 0, Tolomia 0.

Quarters: 25-22, 47-53, 75-74, 104-102.

– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – A notable counterpuncher, Mark Anthony Barriga will be displaying his offensive prowess when he tangles with Mexican-American Carlos Licona for the International Boxing Federation minimumweight crown on December 1 at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

This new strategy can be gleaned from the video clip of his recent mitts session with chief trainer Joven Jimenez posted by Jeaneth Aro, nutritionist, dietitian of Survival Camp in Magallanes, Cavite.

It showed Barriga, a 2012 London Olympian, going after Jimenez with jabs and combinations, a deviation from his usual wait-and-see ring tactics.

Jimenez confirmed he wants Barriga to be more exciting, more active against Licona because this will be his first time to see action under  Tom Brown’s TGB Promotions. The fight card  will be headlined by Deontay Wilder’s defense of the World Boxing Council heavyweight title against Tyson Fury.

“Kailangang umatake din siya,“said Jimenez. “Hindi puwedeng sa depensa lang umasa.”

(He also needs to attack. He can't just rely on his defense.)

Thus far, Jimenez said Barriga, 9-0 with 1 knockout, is peaking in time for the 12-rounder with Lincona (13-0 with 2 KOs).

With his food intake duly monitored by Aro, a taekwondo blackbelter who serves as nutritionist coach of the Philippine jins, Barriga is down to 113 pounds from as heavy as 130.

“Maganda ang pakiramdam niya, hindi siya hirap, “said Jimenez, noting Barriga doesn’t even need to go on a diet and wear sweat suits to shed off pounds. “Tamang-tama (ang timbang), sa last week dapat 3 or 4 pounds over na lang.”

(He's feeling good, he's not having a tough time. His weight is right on target, he'll just be 3 or 4 pounds over a week before the fight.) 

Barriga, a southpaw, is already on the tapering stage of his preparations after going through as many as 12 rounds of sparring last week.

“Nasa 8 rounds na lang kami ngayon," said Jimenez, who co-manages Barriga with IBF super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas. “Na-feel ko lumakas siya."

(We're already at 8 rounds. I feel that he has gotten stronger.)

According to Jimenez, they’ll be leaving for Los Angeles on November 22 and will be wrapping up Barriga’s training there. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Mike Harris engaged in an intense battle with Allen Durham as Alaska moved one win away from the 2018 PBA Governors' Cup finals, but it wasn't just the Meralco import who earned his respect. 

Harris tipped his hat to the Bolts' Reynel Hugnatan after the 40-year-old veteran nearly played spoiler in the Aces' gritty 104-102 Game 3 win that gave the the team a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five semifinals affair. 

Hugnatan, who finished with 19 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists, nearly forced overtime but saw his potential game-tying putback rim out to the relief of Harris and the rest of Alaska. 

"Durham, he does what he does non-stop every night. But the left-handed guy, I don't know his name, the older guy? The 4 position? Amazing," Harris told reporters about Hugnatan after the game. 

"I love that guy. He has ice water on his veins. He's so calm, collected. He doesn't do nothing out of his game. He makes big shot after big shot." 

Harris was referring to Hugnatan's late-game heroics that saw him almost singlehandedly tow the Bolts to victory with his long-range sniping.

The 15-year PBA veteran waxed hot from deep and buried back-to-back crucial three-pointers that put the Meralco up 96-95 with 1:40 minutes left. 

However, Harris – who finished with a herculean effort of 31 points, 24 rebounds and 7 assists – took over and scored the Aces' last 7 points en route to the triumph. 

"Everyone does their stuff. But guys like that (Hugnatan), you know, deserve a lot of respect," the 35-year-old reinforcement added.

Harris and the Aces go for the kill in Game 4 on Saturday, November 17, at the Cuneta Astrodome for their first finals appearance since the 2016 Commissioner's Cup. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – At one point in the season, the La Salle Green Archers seemed to have secured their spot in the top 4 of the UAAP men's basketball tournament. 

Showing signs of peaking  after a three-game winning streak, La Salle held the solo 3rd spot before the Ateneo Blue Eagles halted their momentum.

Then last Wednesday, November 14, the Green Archers faltered again versus the University of the Philippines (UP) to yield the 3rd spot, which marked the Fighting Maroons' return to the Final Four  after 21 long years. (WATCH: Perasol turns emotional after Maroons' historic romp)

"[N]ag-focus kami manalo para sure na sa Final Four," said La Salle guard Aljun Melecio. "Pero nangyari ito (talo). So hindi pa naman kami out, may chance pa kami. We just have to focus on our next game and bahala na mamaya." 

(We tried to focus on winning so that we're assured of a Final Four spot. But the loss happened. We're not out of the Final Four yet, we still have a chance. We just have to focus on our next game and let's just see what happens from there.)

At 8-6, La Salle is assured of at least a playoff for the last Final Four spot. But Far Eastern University (FEU) is just right on their heels at 5th place with a 7-6 slate.

Ateneo (12-2) and Adamson (10-3) already secured the top two berths, which come with twice-to-beat incentives, while UP (8-6) put a lock on the No. 3 seat regardless of ties due to a superior quotient. 

FEU will play Adamson on the last day of eliminations on Sunday in a must-win game to stay alive. 

A Tamaraws loss will automatically award the No.4 spot to the Green Archers, who will then take on fierce rival Ateneo in the semifinals. 

But if FEU manages to complete an elimination sweep of Adamson, then the Tamaraws will set up a playoff clash with the Green Archers for the last Final Four spot. 

Melecio rued that the Green Archers – who last missed the Final Four in 2015 but won the championship the following year – could have been in an easier situation. But he credited the Maroons' play.  

"[It was] the breaks of the game and they (Maroons) played pretty well," said Melecio. "Pumapasok ‘yung shots nila and sa amin hindi (Their shots were going in and ours weren't). So props to UP." 

The 2016 Rookie of the Year also factored in the presence of an emotional and fired up UP crowd that motivated the Maroons to flash their best form. 

But if the Archers advance to the Final Four, Melecio is bracing for an even tougher crowd. 

"Mas grabe pa ‘yung Ateneo (The Ateneo crowd is still worse)," he said. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – It's that time of the year again when the cheerleaders from the rafters take the spotlight on the floor. 

The cheering squads of the 8 universities will battle it out in the UAAP Season 81 Cheerdance Competition at 2 pm on Saturday, November 17  at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

After pulling off a surprise last season, the Adamson Pep Squad hopes to steal the hearts of the crowd once again and capture back-to-back championships with another fun and quirky routine just like their #80sfor80 performance last year. (WATCH: UAAP Cheerdance 2018 teaser videos and cheer tutorials)

But out to challenge Adamson are the rest of the eight-team field of National University (NU) Pep Squad, De La Salle University (DLSU) Animo Squad, Far Eastern University (FEU) Cheering Squad, University of the East (UE) Pep Squad, University of the Philippines (UP) Pep Squad, University of Santo Tomas (UST) Salinggawi Dance Troup and Ateneo's Blue Babble Battalion. (IN PHOTOS: UAAP Cheer dance competition 2017 highlights)

The NU Pep Squad looks to redeem itself from last year's major setback of missing out on the podium after a four-peat reign. 

Also vying for a comeback is the UP Pep Squad. Even if it boasts 8 cheerdance championships under its belt, UP underwhelmed last season and failed to crash into the winner's circle after returning from a controversial sit out. 

UST, tied with UP for the most number of cheerdance titles, looks to surpass archrival UP after a strong 1st runner-up finish last year.

Now an expected contender, UE also aims to build on its surprise 3rd place ranking last season with another show-stopper.

Two-time champion FEU vies to return to the top 3 as Ateneo and La Salle try to impress in a bid to rise up the ranks. 

Follow live updates on @RapplerSports Twitter.– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The status of Adamson's two best players, Jerrick Ahanmisi and team captain Sean Manganti, as well rookie standout Jed Colonia, are all up in the air as the 3 players are considered “day-to-day” two days before Adamson’s critical UAAP game against the  Far Eastern University  Tamaraws.

“I have to be candid, Jerrick is sick (since Thursday). Sean just got hurt a while ago. Jed Colonia got stitches a while ago in practice,”  Adamson head coach Franz Pumaren told Rappler on Friday, November 16.

The multi-titled champion coach did not go into the specifics of each player’s ailments, but revealed that if the team doctors give the go signal on any of his boys, they will see action against FEU.

If they do play, Pumaren is still uncertain if the boys will have a minute restriction.

“It all depends on the flow of the game, but of course we cannot really push them.”

The good news for the Soaring Falcons is that Sunday’s contest versus the Tamaraws is no-bearing for them. With a 10-3 record in the team standings, Adamson is already locked into the No. 2 seed and  assured of a twice-to-beat advantage against their Final Four opponent, University of the Philippines .

The stakes are much higher for coach Olsen Racela and his Tams. An FEU win would give them an 8-6 record and put them in a three-way tie with the Fighting Maroons and DLSU Green Archers.

Due to superior quotient over La Salle and FEU, however, UP already secured the No. 3 seed. 

If the Tamaraws, currently 7-6, defeat Adamson on Sunday, the 4th and final seed would then have to be determined by a playoff between DLSU and FEU, which split their elimination round series.

The winner would go on to a semifinal clash with twice-to-beat Ateneo, the No. 1 seed with a 12-2 record.

Ahanmisi and Manganti are the Falcons’ leading scorers in Season 81 and were responsible for 41 of Adamson’s 85 points in their first-round OT loss against the Tamaraws last October 7, which was Pumaren and his team’s first defeat of the season. 

For the Green Archers, who looked very close to securing a Final Four spot just a week ago but have since lost two crucial games, a win by their former head coach and his new team would help them immensely. Pumaren coached DLSU from 1997-2009, winning 6 championships in the process. 

“For me, they’re in this position, it’s not because of us, they’re in this position because of their team standing,” he said when asked about having the fate of La Salle, to some degree, in Adamson’s hands.

“All my years as a coach, I don’t rely on other teams. I make it a point to write our own destiny.”

Pumaren also said that against the Tamaraws, the Soaring Falcons will “be experimenting plays that we’ll be doing in the Final Four.” 

As for how prepared his team is, the coach said: “Physically, I think we’re right within our projection. We just have to be consistent.” – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – It's cheerdance time of the year once again!

Get ready to show your school spirit as 8 teams clash in the UAAP Season 81 Cheerdance Competition on Saturday, November 17, at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

Last year, the Adamson Pep Squad claimed the trophy for the first time in school history after finishing second runner-up in Season 79.  (READ: Adamson University is UAAP Season 80 cheerdance champion) The UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe was also successful in its bid for a podium spot after its 1st runner-up finish, while the UE Pep Squad came in 3rd last season. 

Hashtags to remember

Can't watch the performances live? Join the fun online!

In Season 80, social media users were very eager in showing their support for their cheerdance bets. Some also poked fun at several events during the competition. (READ: Funniest tweets about UAAP Cheerdance Competition 2017)

Here is a list of hashtags to use for the cheerdance competition this year:

If you're already excited for this year's cheerdance showdown, these teasers and videos will surely pump you up more and will help you cheer for your favorite teams on Saturday. 

Don't forget to turn the volume up as you watch!

Adamson Pep Squad

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FEU Cheering Squad

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Ateneo Blue Babble Batallion

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NU Pep Squad

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DLSU Animo Squad

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UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe

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UP Pep Squad

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UE Pep Squad

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Which team are you rooting for to win this year? Let us know in the comments! – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Azkals are down to 22 men as Luke Woodland is out for the rest of the Philippines’ campaign in the 2018 ASEAN Football Federation Suzuki Cup due to a foot injury.  

The Buriram United defender will be sidelined for a month. 

Woodland, 23, sustained the injury from a hard tackle by Shakir Hamzah, who got booked for a yellow in the 30th minute during the Azkals' opening win versus Singapore.

After the incident, the starting centerback remained down on the pitch and was immediately rushed to the emergency room.  

In the 34th minute, Daisuke Sato came to fill in the defense and took Martin Steuble’s starting left back position while the Ceres player moved to pair up with Paul Mulders in the centerback position. 

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">30’- YELLOW CARD! Hamzah gets booked after a challenge on Woodland. Woodland continues to remain down on the pitch.</p>&mdash; Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapplerSports/status/1062322389860573186?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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{/source} 

The Azkals managed to score a historic 1-0 victory over a physical Singapore team to open their campaign, but they now have to go through the rest of the biennial competition one man short. 

The Philippines will face Timor Leste on Saturday, November 17, 8 pm, at Kuala Lumpur Stadium, Malaysia. – Rappler.com

ANTIPOLO CITY, Philippines – Magnolia needed every bit of Romeo Travis' 50 points to dethrone Barangay Ginebra with a 112-108 win and reach the 2018 PBA Governors' Cup finals at the Ynares Center here on Friday, November 16.

After firing a PBA career-low 12 points in their Game 3 loss, the American import rebounded and erupted for a new career-high as the Hotshots finished the best-of-five semifinals duel in 4 games. 

In the process, the Hotshots also crushed the Gin Kings' bid for a third straight title in the season-ending conference for their second finals this season. 

Ginebra was poised to force a do-or-die Game 5 after leading 106-101 with under two minutes left before Magnolia unloaded 9 straight points – highlighted with a Travis and-one – to take a 110-106 advantage. 

Justin Brownlee kept the Gin Kings afloat with running jumper with 15 seconds left to make it a two-point game but Paul Lee stretched the Hotshots' lead back to 4 by icing his freebies. 

With more than 10 ticks left, Ginebra had plenty of time to go for a quick three-pointer and a foul but Joe Devance and Scottie Thompson both muffed their triples as time ran out.

Travis, despite nursing a hamstring injury, also added 13 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 assists in the win while Ian Sangalang chalked up 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists. 

"Our battlecry for this series is believe, and my players [showed it] – the courage, the determination, the hard work – everything paid off," Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero said in a mix of Filipino and English.

Lee delivered 11 points and 2 steals, Jio Jalalon chipped in 9 markers, 3 rebounds and 3 steals and Robbie Herndon and Mark Barroca added 8 points apiece for the Hotshots. 

Brownlee churned out 32 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 blocks to pace the Gin Kings while Japeth Aguilar had 25 points and 14 boards.

Scottie Thompson saw his near quadruple-double outing of 12 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists and 6 steals go to waste while LA Tenorio and Devance had 12 and 11 points, respectively, in the losing effort. 

The Hotshots await the winner between the Meralco Bolts and the Alaska Aces, who will lock horns in Game 4 of their semis clash on Saturday, November 17, at the Cuneta Astrodome. Alaska leads the series, 2-1. 

The Scores

Magnolia 112 - Travis 50, Sangalang 14, Lee 11, Jalalon 9, Herndon 8, Barroca 8, Simon 6, Dela Rosa 4, Reavis 2, Melton 0, Brondial 0.

Ginebra 108 - Brownlee 32, Aguilar 25, Thompson 12, Tenorio 12, Devance 11, Slaughter 7, Mercado 5, Chan 2, Mariano 2, Ferrer 0.

Quarters: 20-27, 51-53, 81-79, 112-108.

– Rappler.com 

ANTIPOLO CITY, Philippines – Ben Mbala almost debuted in the PBA for the Magnolia Hotshots.

The former two-time UAAP Most Valuable Player served as a backup for Hotshots import Romeo Travis in case Barangay Ginebra forced a do-or-die Game 5 in their semifinals clash. 

Travis has been nursing a left hamstring injury and was unsure if he could keeping playing until Game 5 on Sunday, November 18. 

Needing an emergency import replacement, Hotshots head coach Chito Victolero bared that they tapped the services of Mbala, the former La Salle star who was coming off a stint with the Seoul Thunders in the Korean Basketball League. 

"I talked to Romeo yesterday morning that I will need a backup and he approved that if he can't play today or Sunday, 'yun ang next option namin (that would be our next option)," Victolero told reporters after the game. 

"Nandito si Ben for vacation and coach Juno (Sauler) contacted him and then 'yun nga, he's our option for Sunday sana." 

(Ben is here for vacation and coach Juno contacted him and he was our option for Sunday.) 

But the Hotshots, who held a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five semifinals duel, didn't need to play a Game 5.

Travis shrugged off his injury and dropped a personal career-high 50 points to go with 13 rebounds and 3 steals as Magnolia finished off Ginebra in Game 4, 112-108, on Friday, November 16. 

It was a performance to remember for Travis, and Victolero was left in awe of him. 

"Puso ng import ko – grabe wala akong masabi. 'Di makalakad 'yan kahapon tapos noong Game 3 talaga, nasaktan na siya but he forced to play kasi kailangan," the two-year tactician added. 

(I can't say anything more about my import's heart. He can't walk after Game 3, he was already hurt but he forced to play for us because we needed him.) 

Travis has plenty of time to recuperate as the Governors' Cup finals will kick off on December 5. – Rappler.com

ANTIPOLO CITY, Philippines – November 16, 2018 is a date Magnolia import Romeo Travis would probably never forget.

Not only did Travis help the Hotshots return to the PBA Governors' Cup finals for the first time since 2014, he did so by dropping a personal career-high in points despite dealing with a left hamstring injury. 

The American reinforcement erupted for a whopping 50 points to go with 13 rebounds and 3 steals as Magnolia hacked out a 112-108 win on Friday to topple Barangay Ginebra in 4 games of their best-of-five semifinals clash. 

"It was definitely a special day for me, I never scored like this before in my life," he told reporters after the win. "It's very special day for me, I'll never forget it." 

Last Wednesday, Travis suffered a double whammy in their 103-107 Game 3 loss after being limited to a PBA career-low 12 points and sustaining a hamstring injury. 

The injury cast doubt on the Hotshots' chances, especially since the momentum were on the Gin Kings side after they stormed back from 18 points down in Game 3 to remain in the hunt for a third straight Governors' Cup title. 

But Travis bucked the injury and played like a man possessed, hitting the half-century mark and catching fire for 21 big points in the 4th quarter that saw the Hotshots erase a five-point deficit with two minutes left. 

"This is my career-high. But I don't shoot for career-highs you know, I don't play that way. But I had to re-invent my game," Travis added. 

"My wife is leaving on Sunday, I just didn't want to play again honestly. I did not want to play again. I don't know if I could physically play again so I just gave it all I had, I just put it all out there." 

The semifinals triumph also left the redemption door wide open for the 33-year-old, who was swept by the San Miguel Beermen in the 2015 Governors' Cup finals back when he was still with the Alaska Aces. 

"Last time I was here I laid an egg, I played very bad last time I was in the finals. I want redemption, that's why I came back." 

Travis has less than 3 weeks to recover from his injury with Game 1 of the finals slated on December 5.

The Hotshots await the winner between the Aces and the Meralco Bolts. Alaska leads the series, 2-1. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Paul Desiderio could have missed the historic moment. 

Had the veteran guard opted to skip his final playing year, he would have lost the chance to be part of the gritty University of the Philippines team that snapped a 21-year UAAP Final Four drought.

Desiderio almost didn’t return for his last playing season for the UP Fighting Maroons. However, he reconsidered, hoping one more time that they’d break their decades-long mediocrity.

"Yun nga, pinagisipan ko kung babalik ako o hindi,” said Desiderio. “Yun nga pagbalik ko, sacrifice talaga ako. My personal goals, sinakripisyo ko para sa team. Pero worth it naman. Kaya sobrang saya.”

(I had second thoughts on whether I’d come back or not. Then when I returned, I sacrificed even more. My personal goals, I sacrificed them for the team. But it’s been worth it, that’s why I’m so happy.)

All the sacrifices finally paid off on Wednesday, November 14.

Desiderio, who once thought of trying his luck elsewhere, was front and center in front of the raucous UP crowd at the MOA Arena, shouting and waving his towel above his head as he walked across the baseline.

He already had his back turned from the court, even before the scoreboard clock hit zero and sealed their fate: a 97-81 win against the De La Salle Green Archers.

When the final buzzer sounded, it was official. UP finally clinched that ever elusive Final Four berth.

After the crowd dispersed and the euphoria of it all subsided, Desiderio finally found time to relive everything – the pain, the joy and everything in between.

“Siyempre, napakasarap na [nag]-start ako ng 0-14 tapos ngayon Final Four, may chance pa mag Finals," he said. “May chance pang mag champion kung gano'n, so buhay pa kami. Buhay pa ang UP.”

(It feels great because when I first joined UP we finished with a 0-14 record, but now we're in the Final Four and we even have a chance to make it to the Finals. We have a chance to make it to the Finals. We're still in the running.)

The former champion from the CESAFI’s UV Baby Lancers high school program had been with the Maroons since Season 76 in 2013. After sitting out Season 77, he then started to become the deadly shooter everyone knows today alongside fellow sniper Jett Manuel and current head coach Bo Perasol in 2016.

As expected, his ride through tough times with Perasol had not always been pleasant, but Desiderio is nonetheless grateful for it.

“Coach Bo, parang tatay ko yan,” he said. “May times nga na nag-aaway kami, di naman nag-aaway pero di kami nagkakaintindihan tapos may times na kalagitnaan ng season lagi kami nag-usap anong gagawin namin. Yun, naging successful yung plano namin.”

(Coach Bo has been like my dad. There are times that we have fights, well… more of misunderstandings, then there are times in the middle of the season where we discuss what we should do. Our plans turned out to be successful.)

However, he knows that the job is not yet done as UP still has to face its regular-season heartbreakers, the twice-to-beat Adamson Soaring Falcons in the Final Four.

With Franz Pumaren’s tireless Falcons also hungry for a Finals berth, Desiderio is more focused on the game rather than getting payback.

“Gagawin ko lang yung best ko kung ano makakaya ko para makapasok kami sa Finals,” he said. “Wag yung babawian.”

(I’ll just do my best, see what I can do so we can enter the Finals. I’d rather not go for payback.)

The bonfire is already waiting to be lit in Diliman, but the Maroons would rather wait a little bit more. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The 50-point explosion of Magnolia import Romeo Travis didn't go unnoticed by his "brother" LeBron James.

The Los Angeles Lakers superstar gave a shoutout to his buddy after Travis hit the half-century mark in a 112-108 Magnolia win that dethroned Barangay Ginebra in Game 4 of the 2018 PBA Governors' Cup best-of-five semis on Friday, November 16. 

"Headed to the Finals on a 50 piece nugget!! Congrats my brother @rometrav. Keep going, Lucky Lefty," James wrote on Instagram.

James ended the post with "#FabFive," referring to their core team back when he and Travis played together at the the St.Vincent–St.Mary High School in Akron, Ohio. 

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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"> View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div></a> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BqP4D8Zh9jW/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Headed to the Finals on a 50 piece nugget!! Congrats my brother @rometrav. Keep going Lucky Lefty. #FabFive</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kingjames/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> LeBron James</a> (@kingjames) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2018-11-16T16:33:17+00:00">Nov 16, 2018 at 8:33am PST</time></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>{/source}

Despite dealing with an injured left hamstring, Travis outdueled Ginebra counterpart Justin Brownlee to finish with a personal career-high in points to go with 13 rebounds and 3 steals. (READ: A day to remember for Romeo Travis)

Interestingly, it came two days after James barged into the Top 5 of the NBA's all-time scoring list on Wednesday, November 14 (Thursday, November 15, Manila time). 

The 15-year NBA veteran scorched hot for 44 points on top of 10 rebounds, 9 assists and 3 blocks in a 126-117 romp of the Portland Trail Blazers to surpass Wilt Chamberlain at 5th place.

James now has 31,425 points to relegate Chamberlain, who tallied 31,419 points throughout his NBA career, to 6th place. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – That’s how you make a comeback.

After a dismal fifth-place finish last year, the NU Pep Squad rose back from the dead to reclaim the UAAP Cheerdance Competition championship on Saturday, November 17, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Pairing pasty white and black skull makeup with floral dresses and sombreros, the former four-peat powerhouses sent chills down the fans’ spines with a Mexican Day of the Dead-themed performance.

As had always been the case with NU’s routines in their title-winning years, they impressed with cleanly synchronized tumbles and dance moves paired with towering, complicated pyramids.

The glittering gals and guys of the FEU Cheering Squad also returned to the podium at 2nd place after a short one-year absence with a funky throwback disco routine, much to the surprise of their own fans.

Last year’s champion Adamson Pep Squad came in strong at 3rd place with a bright orange Lion King theme. Despite some glaring errors, the San Marcelino dancers came through in fine style with high-risk spins on top of their pyramids.

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">FULL BREAKDOWN OF <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAAPCDC2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UAAPCDC2018</a>:<br><br>1. NU - 711 pts<br>2. FEU - 655.5 pts<br>3. Adamson - 638.5 pts<br>4. UST - 638 pts<br>5. UE - 602.5 pts<br>6. UP - 568.5 pts<br>7. Ateneo - 558 pts<br>8. La Salle - 459.5 pts<br><br>UST lost the podium finish to Adamson by just 0.5 points. | via <a href="https://twitter.com/JRnalistic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JRnalistic</a></p>&mdash; Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapplerSports/status/1063748186827763712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Proving that it showcased a flawless performance, NU had no error deductions in the final tally to emerge as the runaway winner with 711 points. 

The FEU daredevils amassed a lot of points from the tumbling and stunts categories for a total of 655.5 points. 

Second-runner up Adamson, with 638.5 points, escaped UST Salinggawi by less than a point. The fourth-placers got docked 10 points for errors while the cleaner Adamson routine only lost 2. 

Last year's second-runner up UE fell to 5th place with 602.5 points while UP remained at 6th with 568.5 points. 

Ateneo broke a five-year bottom-dwelling streak with a seventh-place 558-point finish. Last placer La Salle was nearly a hundred points lower at 459.5.

Group stunts

Champion: NU Pep Squad

1st runner-up: FEU Cheering Squad

2nd runner-up: Adamson Pep Squad

Special award

Best Toss: UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe

 – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Comeback is real for the National University.

After finishing 5th last year, the NU Pep Squad reclaimed the throne to snatch the UAAP Season 81 Cheerdance title on Saturday, November 17.

Shortly after all 8 squads performed their routine, this year's cheerdance competition took over Twitter with a sweep of the Philippine trending topics, and claiming top spots in the worldwide trends.

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Wow! Check out the PH and worldwide trending topics! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAAPCDC2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UAAPCDC2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/U4Cm7phcX1">pic.twitter.com/U4Cm7phcX1</a></p>&mdash; Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapplerSports/status/1063722692224868352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2018</a></blockquote>

<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}

As always, Twitter users didn't disappoint with their good mix of funny tweets and memes:

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ok, we know that NU has a very high chance of winning <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAAPCDC2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UAAPCDC2018</a>. But let&#39;s be honest, this girl stole the show.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DivaSantoTomas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DivaSantoTomas</a> <a href="https://t.co/i7YT5PDB3u">pic.twitter.com/i7YT5PDB3u</a></p>&mdash; Onyang (@OnyangHaseyo) <a href="https://twitter.com/OnyangHaseyo/status/1063717804954677248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Making decisions in life like:<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAAPCDC2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UAAPCDC2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/YOFZLTJUxg">pic.twitter.com/YOFZLTJUxg</a></p>&mdash; Raphael Garcia (@rphlgarcia) <a href="https://twitter.com/rphlgarcia/status/1063717745118900224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Adamson is shaking <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAAPCDC2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UAAPCDC2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/VKbikdQTgS">pic.twitter.com/VKbikdQTgS</a></p>&mdash; thank you, next (@_jacoooob) <a href="https://twitter.com/_jacoooob/status/1063716623981264898?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Me at acads <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAAPCDC2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UAAPCDC2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/JDDWOa2eBs">pic.twitter.com/JDDWOa2eBs</a></p>&mdash; sevy (@tellemyves) <a href="https://twitter.com/tellemyves/status/1063716502191267840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">DLSU ANIMO SQUAD VS. UP PEP SQUAD CHOOSE YOUR FIGHTER <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAAPCDC2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UAAPCDC2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/8M8yIN6xYr">pic.twitter.com/8M8yIN6xYr</a></p>&mdash; JY ♡ NCT2018 (@onlyjaeyong) <a href="https://twitter.com/onlyjaeyong/status/1063716202193674241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Me after watching <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAAPCDC2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UAAPCDC2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/PjPGCkU6xy">pic.twitter.com/PjPGCkU6xy</a></p>&mdash; Woman Like Me (@jeyrardgonsales) <a href="https://twitter.com/jeyrardgonsales/status/1063716003597537280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">One taught me love<br>One taught me patience<br>And one taught me pain <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAAPCDC2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UAAPCDC2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/YRFyEG66C1">pic.twitter.com/YRFyEG66C1</a></p>&mdash; Mica | #KirbyWillSaveSmashUltimate (@SpongyMica) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpongyMica/status/1063715773812592640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sums up the whole CDC <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DivaSantoTomas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DivaSantoTomas</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAAPCDC2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UAAPCDC2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/usyH7sD6Sv">pic.twitter.com/usyH7sD6Sv</a></p>&mdash; Josh Cruz (@joshmcruz) <a href="https://twitter.com/joshmcruz/status/1063725679844319232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

{/source}

Here are some highlight tweets and video clips from this year's cheerdance showdown:

UE Pep Squad

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">UE opens the floor! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAAPCDC2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UAAPCDC2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/1saAngKulayNgDugo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#1saAngKulayNgDugo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LabanSilangan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LabanSilangan</a> <a href="https://t.co/dSwx8v7H7s">pic.twitter.com/dSwx8v7H7s</a></p>&mdash; Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapplerSports/status/1063690375846494208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2018</a></blockquote>

<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="tl" dir="ltr">Dahil tribal tribal ang UE, huwag nating kalimutan ang laban ng mga indigenous people na patuloy inaapi sa kani kanilang ancestral grounds.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAAPCDC2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UAAPCDC2018</a></p>&mdash; Julember (@rombutans) <a href="https://twitter.com/rombutans/status/1063688931244298240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}

UP Pep Squad

{source}

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">UP goes back to basics with its green pompoms! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAAPCDC2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UAAPCDC2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IskulayNgSablay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IskulayNgSablay</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kulaydugo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kulaydugo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IskulayNgBuhay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IskulayNgBuhay</a> <a href="https://t.co/UF5ssm67O2">pic.twitter.com/UF5ssm67O2</a></p>&mdash; Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapplerSports/status/1063693121576300545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">THAT&#39;S A PERFORMANCE TO REMEMBER. WHATEVER HAPPENS THANK YOU, UP PEP SQUAD! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IskulayNgSablay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IskulayNgSablay</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UPFight?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UPFight</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAAPCDC2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UAAPCDC2018</a></p>&mdash; The Diliman Files (@kwentongupd) <a href="https://twitter.com/kwentongupd/status/1063693432223223808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}

UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">UST felt that they were on top of the world with a pyramid-filled routine and caps it off with a groovy finish! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAAPCDC2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UAAPCDC2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DivaSantoTomas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DivaSantoTomas</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TigersRunTheWorld?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TigersRunTheWorld</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/B%C3%A9lieve?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bélieve</a> | via <a href="https://twitter.com/beebeego09?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@beebeego09</a> <a href="https://t.co/xZ0RyTUkvV">pic.twitter.com/xZ0RyTUkvV</a></p>&mdash; Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapplerSports/status/1063701290297942017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2018</a></blockquote>

<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="tl" dir="ltr">Mukhang may nagseset ng panibagong standards. Lumalaban ang UST. ANG LAKAS! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/McDoBonFriesUST?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#McDoBonFriesUST</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DivaSantoTomas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DivaSantoTomas</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAAPCDC2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UAAPCDC2018</a></p>&mdash; HS. (@HugotSnap) <a href="https://twitter.com/HugotSnap/status/1063695866077171712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}

DLSU Animo Squad

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">La Salle goes for the goody-two-shoes theme this year! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAAPCDC2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UAAPCDC2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheNicestKidsInTown?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheNicestKidsInTown</a> | via <a href="https://twitter.com/beebeego09?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@beebeego09</a> <a href="https://t.co/Tk1Uvo43Mj">pic.twitter.com/Tk1Uvo43Mj</a></p>&mdash; Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapplerSports/status/1063702134389010433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2018</a></blockquote>

<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Nice work DLSU! Atleast u tried <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAAPCDC2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UAAPCDC2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/IX5LlTGAsP">pic.twitter.com/IX5LlTGAsP</a></p>&mdash; Francis (@_kungfupapi) <a href="https://twitter.com/_kungfupapi/status/1063699444414074880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}

NU Pep Squad

{source} <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This is NU’s COMEBARK! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAAPCDC2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UAAPCDC2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/VamosNationalU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#VamosNationalU</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/vamosNU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#vamosNU</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/comebark?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#comebark</a> | via <a href="https://twitter.com/beebeego09?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@beebeego09</a> <a href="https://t.co/fWE4MY4lU0">pic.twitter.com/fWE4MY4lU0</a></p>&mdash; Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapplerSports/status/1063704600195227648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2018</a></blockquote>

<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="tl" dir="ltr">Grabe yung NU??? Parang hindi pa ako tapos huminga pero naka gawa na sila ng tatlong iba’t ibang klaseng pyramid???<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAAPCDC2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UAAPCDC2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAAPCDC81?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UAAPCDC81</a></p>&mdash; Millennial Doktora (@MillennialMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/MillennialMD/status/1063703676840099841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}

Ateneo Blue Babble Battalion

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ateneo is making our hearts flutter with a whole new world! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAAPCDC2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UAAPCDC2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OneBigFairytale?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OneBigFairytale</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BipittyBopittyBlue?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BipittyBopittyBlue</a> | via <a href="https://twitter.com/beebeego09?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@beebeego09</a> <a href="https://t.co/XcDmiLgaiO">pic.twitter.com/XcDmiLgaiO</a></p>&mdash; Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapplerSports/status/1063708915030929408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2018</a></blockquote>

<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">That was Ateneo’s best cheerdance performance in years. A feat in itself. Appreciate the effort. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAAPCDC2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UAAPCDC2018</a></p>&mdash; The Professional Heckler (@hecklerforever8) <a href="https://twitter.com/hecklerforever8/status/1063707459351650304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}

FEU Cheering Squad

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It’s FEU turning back time this season! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAAPCDC2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UAAPCDC2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FEUGotTheFunk?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FEUGotTheFunk</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FunkyTam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FunkyTam</a> | via <a href="https://twitter.com/beebeego09?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@beebeego09</a> <a href="https://t.co/GCAB9DZosV">pic.twitter.com/GCAB9DZosV</a></p>&mdash; Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapplerSports/status/1063712438736965633?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2018</a></blockquote>

<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">That Play That Funky Music bit by the FEU Cheering Squad is the best dance sequence so far!!! That was so fun! Their energy just has a tendency to dip after a wobble. But nakabawi sa gitna. Definitely owned the dance part of cheerdance. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAAPCDC2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UAAPCDC2018</a>.</p>&mdash; Benggadora (@Benggadora08) <a href="https://twitter.com/Benggadora08/status/1063711698597556224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

</script>{/source}

Adamson Pep Squad

{source}<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">“I just can’t wait to be KING,” said the defending champion Adamson Pep Squad! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAAPCDC2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UAAPCDC2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/uaapseason81moretime?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#uaapseason81moretime</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OrangeIsTheNewBlue?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OrangeIsTheNewBlue</a> | via <a href="https://twitter.com/beebeego09?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@beebeego09</a> <a href="https://t.co/b985MRAM2u">pic.twitter.com/b985MRAM2u</a></p>&mdash; Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapplerSports/status/1063718100019757056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2018</a></blockquote>

<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">May laban ang Adamson! They gave it all (despite kinda lacking energy - probably with the music) but the stunts are superbly awesome! Well done with great finesse! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AdamsonFalcons?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AdamsonFalcons</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAAPCDC2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UAAPCDC2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/BAIJR9aLij">pic.twitter.com/BAIJR9aLij</a></p>&mdash; v i l l a i n (@alksdnvrs) <a href="https://twitter.com/alksdnvrs/status/1063714992627757056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}

Here are more tweets about the competition. Be sure to scroll down until the end!

{source}<a class="twitter-timeline" data-width="100%" data-height="1500" data-partner="tweetdeck" data-link-color="#E95F28" href="https://twitter.com/RapplerSports/timelines/1063678292442603520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UAAPCDC2018 - Curated tweets by RapplerSports</a> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}

What do you think about the cheerdance routines this year? Let us know in the comments!– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Alaska import Mike Harris has been applauded by PBA fans, but it's not exactly for basketball reasons.

The Aces' prized reinforcement has gone viral after a video of him treating children at a popular fastfood joint surfaced on social media. 

Right after a near triple-double outing to lift Alaska to a 104-102 Game 3 win over Meralco in their best-of-five semifinals duel on Wednesday, November 15, Harris brought with him some 10 kids and bought them each meals. 

The video, which was uploaded by Alma Agravante Pangaibat, has been shared almost 15,000 times as of posting time. It also received more than 10,000 reactions and more than 800 comments. 

 – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – A whopping 85% has been slashed in the cash prizes of the UAAP Cheerdance Competition this season.

Some fans surmised: Was it due to inflation?

The champion's prize last season amounted to P340,000 , but it was reduced to P50,000 this year. The 2018 1st runner-up received P30,000 instead of P200,000 while the 2nd runner-up collected P20,000 instead of P140,000. 

League organizers, however, explained that most of the cash coming from the Cheerdance Grant has been "distributed among the 8 member schools" instead of just pouring it to the top 3 winners. 

{source} 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Inflation  <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAAPCDC2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UAAPCDC2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/dq9kmCrlv3">pic.twitter.com/dq9kmCrlv3</a></p>&mdash; ™ (@kataydall) <a href="https://twitter.com/kataydall/status/1063695018722914304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> {/source} 

"On substantive grounds, the Cheerdance Grant is supposedly for the benefit of the cheerdance programs of ALL member-universities. A bigger chunk is now distributed among the 8 member schools instead of focusing on the top 3 finishers," UAAP executive director Rebo Saguisag said in a statement on Saturday, November 17. 

"It is likewise a move more consistent with the mission of the UAAP to promote amateur sports among the students of the member universities where primary motivation is the pursuit of school pride instead of monetary gain." 

"It is a reminder that in the UAAP, you do not always have to finish first, in order to WIN." 

Before Saguisag released his satement, the announcement of the 2018 cash prizes shocked netizens and drew flak on social media. 

Five-time champion National University Pep Squad took home the P50,000 prize money while Far Eastern University Cheering Squad and Adamson Pep Squad earned P30,000 and P20,000, respectively.

{source}<a class="twitter-timeline" data-width="100%" data-height="1500" data-partner="tweetdeck" data-link-color="#E95F28" href="https://twitter.com/RapplerSports/timelines/1063750290698989568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">UAAP CDC 2018 prizes - Curated tweets by RapplerSports</a> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>{/source}

 – Rappler.com