![Calvin Oftana attacks the basket during TNT’s fourth-quarter surge against Meralco. [PBA Images]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/PBA-IMAGES440-1024x683.jpg)
A second-half defensive overhaul fueled TNT Tropang 5G’s stunning comeback from 21 points down as it defeated the Meralco Bolts, 100-95, in Game 1 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
![Kobe Bryant watching Manny Pacquiao’s sparring session at Wild Card Boxing Club in 2011. [photo credit: Chris Farina of Top Rank | Tempo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Screenshot_495.png)
When Kobe Bryant Came to Watch Manny Pacquiao Train
In November 2011, Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant made a rare visit to Manny Pacquiao’s Wild Card Boxing Club workout, highlighting a unique crossover between basketball and boxing.
![PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio with Philta officials and Local Organizing Committee [PSC photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/att.js-Y6ngdJEBIpi6VVb1wWyrzoCKWlOHfYuUSEiFYF60.jpeg)
Paris Olympic silver medalist Krevic, world No. 45 Maria top early PH Open field
Former world No. 2 Donna Krevic and German veteran Tatjana Maria headline the early entry list for the inaugural Philippine Women’s Open, the country’s first WTA 125 tournament set to begin Jan. 26 in Manila.
POC lines up SEA Plus Youth Games, Asian Beach Games hosting for 2027–2028
Just days into the new year, the Philippine Olympic Committee confirmed plans to host two major international events, securing the SEA Plus Youth Games in late 2027 and targeting the Asian Beach Games for early 2028 as part of a wider sports tourism push.
Tolentino pushes new SEA Plus Youth Games to fast-track Olympic-ready talent
Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino is leading the creation of the Southeast Asian Plus Youth Games, a new grassroots multi-sport platform designed to prepare young athletes for the Asian Youth Games and the Youth Olympic Games.
8 Guest Post Marketplace Platforms Worth Using in 2026 (Hands-On Comparison)
Guest posting is still effective in 2026, but only when executed with precision. This ranking breaks down the guest post marketplaces that align with modern risk tolerance, editorial standards, and sustainable SEO workflows.
Omar Sy named ambassador for Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games
International film star Omar Sy has been appointed ambassador of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, lending his voice to the first Olympic event ever staged on African soil.
Sports in 2026
As 2025 closes, global sports are entering a new era where athletes, not teams, drive attention, technology reshapes broadcasts, and major events redefine commercial reach.
![Historic milestones and bigger goals ahead as Filipino athletes gear up for global competition. [POC photo]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot_488-1024x583.png)
Tolentino sees brighter future for Philippine sports after Olympic gains
Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino expressed strong optimism for Filipino athletes, citing Olympic-sport success at the SEA Games and momentum heading into multiple global events.
![Chris Newsome attacks the lane during Meralco’s clinching win in the PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals. [PBA Images]](https://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/PBA-IMAGES738-1024x698.jpg)
Meralco completes twice-to-win escape, grabs last Philippine Cup semis berth
Seventh-seeded Meralco finished a rare comeback from a twice-to-win hole, outlasting Rain or Shine to clinch the final semifinal seat in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup.