The name Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo needs no introduction. Most Filipinos know who she is—a historic figure, having won the Philippines’ first gold medal in weightlifting in the Olympics; a trailblazer, who proved what Filipino athletes are capable of; and, of course, a national treasure, who turned a nation’s dream into reality. But there won’t be a...
Author: Rafael Bandayrel (Rafael Bandayrel)
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Quest for gold: Paris is boxer Nesthy Petecio’s ‘final mission’
Nesthy Petecio made it abundantly clear—Paris 2024 is the last time she will compete on the Olympic stage. The lingering injuries she could once ignore, feel more serious now. The rest she used to sacrifice to get in more reps of training, feels as valuable as ever. Father Time is slowly catching up to her...
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Quest for gold: Gymnast Carlos Yulo seeks revenge in Paris
Carlos Yulo entered the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, hoping to become the first-ever Filipino gold medalist in artistic gymnastics. He had all the momentum to pull it off, too. After all, Yulo was the reigning world champion in floor exercises. However, his dreams went up in smoke after committing costly mistakes in the qualifying round....
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Quest for gold: For EJ Obiena, pressure is a privilege
All eyes are on pole vaulter EJ Obiena as the Philippines makes its bid to capture the ever-elusive gold medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics. It’s no secret that much is expected of Obiena in his upcoming campaign. He’s the second-highest ranked pole vaulter in the world, after all, and he knows there’s a ton...
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Bianca Bustamante races to 4th; leg 2 up in 2024 F1 Academy Season
Filipina speedster Bianca Bustamante is in great shape as she braces for leg 2 of the 2024 F1 Academy Season. The 19-year-old survived a crash-filled contest at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit last month to earn solid points in her debut as an official McLaren development driver. Despite some ups and downs, the teen racer currently...
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Filipino coach preps MMA women’s world champ for title defense
Filipino pride will be well represented at UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championships) 300, the landmark event in mixed martial arts (MMA), full-contact combat, on April 14, Manila time, in Paradise, Nevada. No Filipino fighter is on the card, but Benedict Alumno promises to make his countrymen proud. Alumno is the striking coach of UFC women’s strawweight...
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After clinching world title, Melvin Jerusalem eyes ‘every boxer’s dream’
Once again, Melvin Jerusalem restored boxing glory for the Philippines after capturing the World Boxing Council (WBC) minimumweight title on Easter Sunday. Jerusalem edged Yudai Shigeoka of Japan via a split decision in Nagoya, Japan, to reclaim his status as a world champion. “I could already feel that I’m winning. But when you’re inside the...
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‘Mini Miss UST’ finds herself atop UAAP Season 86, clinches Final Four berth
Rejuvenated from the Holy Week break, super rookie Angge Poyos dropped 31 points to lead University of Santo Tomas to an impressive bounce-back win in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena. The España-based Golden Tigresses survived a shaky start against Adamson University to secure the victory in...
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Why top esports athletes are now millionaires
Make no mistake: The top esports clubs in the Philippines have money on their mind as the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) Philippines Season 13 rages on. The ongoing competition will determine which two teams will represent the country in June at the ML:BB Mid-Season Cup (MSC), where the champion will receive the...
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After KO win, Marcial sees action in Paris Olympics
Eumir Marcial decimated Thoedsak Sinam of Thailand in his homecoming bout on Saturday, March 23, at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate, Manila. Next stop, the 2024 Paris Olympics. Marcial’s thunderous left uppercut found Sinam’s chin, sending the Thai to the realm of ghosts and shadows. There was a delayed reaction when the blow connected, but...