Gregorio: Siargao WSL stop a historic breakthrough for Philippine sports

Manila Times - Nov 4, 2026

SIARGAO, Philippines — Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio believes hosting the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour at Cloud 9 is a major breakthrough for Philippine sports, opening the door for Filipino surfers to compete on the world stage. Gregorio described the competition as one of the biggest events in international surfing, even comparing its stature to the premier tournaments in other sports.       “If you talk about the NBA, this is like the NBA Finals. If you talk about Formula One, this is like Formula One. This is the French Open of surfing,” Gregorio said.       The Philippines Pro presented by the PSC was the 11th stop of the Championship Tour, bringing some of the world's best surfers to Siargao before the circuit heads to Hawaii for its season finale.       For Gregorio, however, the significance of the event goes beyond the international attention it brings to the island. He sees it as an opportunity to develop local talent and give Filipino surfers a chance to measure themselves against the world's elite.        Among those benefiting from the opportunity is 15-year-old Mara Lopez of La Union, who received a wildcard entry to compete...

Read full article

MORE NEWS

AFAD gears up for Firearms and Ammunition Expo, promotes responsible gun ownership
Nov 4, 2026

AFAD gears up for Firearms and Ammunition Expo, promotes responsible gun ownership

MANILA, Philippines — The Association of Firearms and Ammunition Dealers of the Philippines (AFAD) is set to hold Part 2 of its 32nd Defense and Sporting Arms Show on November 18–22 at the Megatrade Hall of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City, bringing together industry stakeholders in support of responsible gun ownership, strict regulatory compliance and the campaign against illegal firearms. AFAD President Aric Topacio said the association remains committed to promoting a responsible, law-abiding and well-regulated firearms industry while supporting the government's efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal firearms. Invitations have been extended to officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and other concerned government agencies to participate in the event and strengthen cooperation between the public and private sectors. “Responsible gun ownership goes beyond simply possessing a firearm. It means understanding and complying with the law, ensuring proper storage and handling, and recognizing the responsibility that comes with owning one,” Topacio said. He emphasized that legitimate firearms dealers and industry stakeholders have an important role to play in preventing illegal firearms from entering circulation by complying with existing laws, regulations and licensing requirements. “AFAD supports the government's campaign against illegal firearms. We believe that strong cooperation between legitimate industry players and law enforcement agencies is essential to stopping the proliferation of unregistered and illegally traded firearms,” Topacio added. The association also seeks to promote constructive dialogue with government authorities on policies and regulations that will strengthen firearms control, improve industry compliance and protect public safety without unduly burdening legitimate firearm owners and businesses. Aside from its advocacy for responsible gun ownership, AFAD hopes to work with concerned government agencies and sports authorities to help Filipino shooting athletes improve their competitiveness on the international stage. Topacio expressed hope that the country's qualified national shooting team members would be allowed, subject to applicable laws, permits and regulatory safeguards, to bring an adequate supply of ammunition for training and competition preparation. He said consistent and sufficient training is vital to developing athletes capable of competing against the world's best and restoring the Philippines' prominence in international shooting sports. “We want our Filipino athletes to have every opportunity to train properly, develop their skills and represent the country with pride. With the appropriate government clearances and compliance with all regulations, we hope to find practical ways to support their training requirements,” Topacio said,whose older brother Hagen is one of the country's top Shotgun shooter. AFAD's November exhibition is expected to provide a venue for industry participants, sports enthusiasts and other stakeholders to exchange information, showcase products and services, and discuss developments affecting the legitimate firearms and ammunition sector. Through continued engagement with government agencies, AFAD aims to reinforce its commitment to a professional, compliant and responsible firearms industry—one that supports public safety, discourages illegal firearms trading and contributes to the development of Filipino shooting sports. TMT

Alex Eala meets previous foe Tereza Valentova in Hong Kong Tennis Open second round
Nov 4, 2026

Alex Eala meets previous foe Tereza Valentova in Hong Kong Tennis Open second round

Alexandra Eala will look to settle some unfinished business against Tereza Valentova when the Filipina and the Czech clash for the third time in their careers in the Hong Kong Open second round.

China’s Shang Chunsong jumps from gymnastics to women’s parkour World Cup gold in Beijing
Nov 4, 2026

China’s Shang Chunsong jumps from gymnastics to women’s parkour World Cup gold in Beijing

Former Chinese women’s team captain Shang Chunsong credited her gymnastics career for laying the groundwork after she clinched gold at the parkour World Cup, while also voicing hope that the sport will one day be included in the Olympics. The 30-year-old won the women’s freestyle title at the FIG Parkour World Cup leg in Beijing, sealing the 2026 overall series crown in an event that attracted more than 100 competitors from over 20 countries and regions. Sporting green hair, Shang had a starkly...

NBA: Luka Doncic believes in Lakers' passing in trip to Sacramento
Nov 4, 2026

NBA: Luka Doncic believes in Lakers' passing in trip to Sacramento

The Sacramento Kings would like to see success on the road carry over to the start of a seven-game homestand when they host Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night.

FiberXers rip Painters to move on the brink of breakthrough semis appearance—hoping third time’s the charm
Nov 4, 2026

FiberXers rip Painters to move on the brink of breakthrough semis appearance—hoping third time’s the charm

DASMARIÑAS, Cavite—Converge would be the first to tell everyone that being so close to a breakthrough PBA semifinals berth is no guarantee that it will become a reality. The FiberXers closed in on fulfilling that milestone feat yet again with Tuesday’s 105-89 rout of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at City of Dasmariñas Arena

Galeries ends skid, shuts down Akari in tense five-setter
Nov 4, 2026

Galeries ends skid, shuts down Akari in tense five-setter

For Galeries Tower to become successful, Erika Deloria believes they need to overcome tough times in the PVL All-Filipino Conference Siklab Series. “You have to be mentally tough,” she said. “Even when you don’t feel like training because you’ve been losing, you still have to show up. That’s what it takes—you really have to stay

Coleman withdraws from breast heats due to heat
Nov 4, 2026

Coleman withdraws from breast heats due to heat

DAKAR, Senegal—Filipino swimmer Riannah Chantelle Coleman withdrew from the women’s 100-meter breaststroke heats at the fourth Youth Olympic Games on Tuesday after experiencing breathing difficulties that also required medical attention a day earlier. The 17-year-old Coleman was advised to rest for at least two days after hyperventilating following Monday’s 200-meter breaststroke heats at the Dakar

108th Open to provide stern test for the best of Asia
Nov 4, 2026

108th Open to provide stern test for the best of Asia

With the winds blowing harder at this time of the year, the roughs growing taller by the day and the fairways of Manila Southwoods Masters the narrowest the Asian Tour will see, the 108th playing of the Philippine Open promises to be one of the tougher tests of the season that’s about to end. No

Unbeaten Jammes, karter Nocom eye bigger wins; PBGL expands
Nov 4, 2026

Unbeaten Jammes, karter Nocom eye bigger wins; PBGL expands

Unbeaten Filipino boxer Carl Jammes Martin is setting his sights on a world championship after defeating Mexican David Picasso, while young karting prospect Mariano “Axel” Nocom prepares for a title-deciding race in Italy. Martin, 27, said Tuesday at the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum that winning the World Boxing Organization (WBO) super bantamweight crown remains his

Arca, Canino off to good start in 7th Asean chessfest
Nov 4, 2026

Arca, Canino off to good start in 7th Asean chessfest

Mindanao's biggest hope for a grandmaster title Christian Gian Carlo Arca of Zamboanga City and Ruelle Canino of Cagayan de Oro City were off to a good start  in the 7th Asean Individual Chess Championships being hosted by Governor Henry Oaminal Sr and the province of Misamis Occidental. Both full-pledged International Masters, Arca and Canino are gearing to sustain their winning ways in round 2 of the men and women's open divisions, respectively on Wednesday at the Mildives-like Asenso Misamis Occidental Resort and Adventure Park (AMORAP) in Sinacaban town. Only seeded 24th, the white-wielding 2349-rated Arca shocked the 4th seed International Master Shrivatri Anuj (2450) from India in a wild attacking game, while the 9th seed Canino overwhelmed unrated compatriot Kate Nicole Ordizo on Tuesday's opening round action. So impressive was Arca's handling of the London system which saw him giving up a Bishop in exchange of two unstoppable passed pawns that led to Anuj's eventual resignation. "I think I'm playing now with more composure after my heartbreaking experience here last year. I'm supposed to earn an outright GM title during the 6th Asean but mishandled a winning position in the final round against a Woman FIDE Master from Mongolia," the 18-year-old Canino told the Manila Times. Canino's mentor and Philippine Olympiad teammate Woman Grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna, however, suffered an upset loss to another compatriot in the Samarkand Olympiad in Woman International Master Marie Antoinette San Diego. This, as the No.1 seed Indian WIM Bordoloi Pratitee held on with a hard-earned win opposite local foe WFM Jemaicah Yap Mendoza. Second seed WFM Thi Mail Hung Nguyen of Vietnam also prevailed over Mhage Gerriahlou Sebastian of the Philippines. In men's open,  Vietnamese IM Quoc Hey Nguyen lived up to his top seed billing by defeating Filipino IM Mark Jay Bacojo, even as GM Dashzegve Sharavdorj of Mongolia and GM Darwin Laylo of the Philippines were slowed down to contrasting draws by  IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia of the Philippines and IM Ganzong Amartuvshin of Mongolia, respectively. GM Duck HOA Nguyen of Vietnam also split the point with IM Miroslav Vlasenko of the Federation, as the country's youngest GM Daniel Cuizon breezed through the opening round versus fellow Filipino Darry Bernardo on board 13. "It's still in the first round but it was unforgettable and very memorable to me," enthused untitled Filipino Edmundo Gatus after halving the point with the youthful Thailander IM Prin Laohawirapap. Laohawirapap (2381), who is mentored by Filipino FM and chess vlogger Daniel Caruso, rose to chess prominence after his upset victory over Indian super GM and world No. 9 Arjun Erigaisi (2759) during the opening round of the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand recently.

Alex Eala at the Hong Kong Tennis Open: Schedule and Draw
Nov 4, 2026

Alex Eala at the Hong Kong Tennis Open: Schedule and Draw

Check out Alex Eala's schedule and draw at the Hong Kong Tennis Open.

Asian Cup postponed until late 2027 due to attacks on Saudi Arabia
Nov 4, 2026

Asian Cup postponed until late 2027 due to attacks on Saudi Arabia

The Asian Cup has been postponed from early 2027 to December next year, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said on Tuesday following attacks on hosts Saudi Arabia by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement.

RECOMMENDED