Author Archives: markthatmike

David Stern, shown here in this May 15, 2013 file photo, spent 30 years as the NBA’s longest-serving commissioner and oversaw its growth into a global power. (AP) NEW YORK (AP) — David Stern had basketball as a passion and law as a profession, one he figured he could return to if a job atContinue reading “Former NBA Commissioner David Stern dies at 77”

By Waylon Galvez After helping the Philippines capture a silver medal in last year’s 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, veteran players Tani Gomez and Roy Cañete are determined to return for another stint with the national team for the 2021 edition of the biennial meet in Hanoi, Vietnam. Roy Cañete and Tani Gomez It wasContinue reading “Tani Gomez, Roy Cañete to stay as members of PH water polo team for unfinished business”

By Jonas Terrado A female weightlifter gave life back to the country’s dream of finally winning an Olympic gold, a legendary boxer figured into high profile fights while dabbling in endeavors outside of the ring while professional cagers saw themselves compete against the world’s best. Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz smiles after receiving her silver medal inContinue reading “Plenty of memories to remember for PH sports as decade draws to a close”

By Kristel Satumbaga National University and Ateneo de Manila capped off the end of UAAP Season 81 in May with titles in men’s and women’s volleyball. Ateneo Lady Eagles celebrate after defeating the UST Tigresses in Game 3 of the UAAP Season 81 Volleyball Finals at the Mall of Asia Arena. (MB photo / RioContinue reading “MB Sports Yearender: Bulldogs, Lady Eagles reign supreme in UAAP”

EJ Obiena EJ Obiena -first gold medal in SEA Games (2019, 30th edition) -broke SEAG record of Thailand’s Porranot Purahong (5.35m) after leaping 5.45m -first Filipino athlete to qualify for 2020 Tokyo Olympics (5.8m) Carlos Edriel Yulo (Photo courtesy of Janeth Tenorio) Carlos Yulo -2 gold medals (individual all-around and floor exercise) and 5 silversContinue reading “MB Sports Yearender: Special mentions for Philippine sports”

By Waylon Galvez The leadership of the Philippine Olympic Committee got a fresh start following the election of Rep. Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino in a special election held last July. Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Bambol Tolentino (MB File Photo / Alvin Kasiban) Tolentino, head of the cycling association, won over athletics chief Philip Ella JuicoContinue reading “MB Sports Yearender: A new man at the POC reins”

By Waylon Galvez and Kristel Satumbaga The two biggest collegiate leagues in the country had contrasting endings – though both were accomplished in historic fashion. The Ateneo Blue Eagles, left, and the Letran Knights. (MB Photo / Rio Deluvio) The coveted NCAA championship is back to Intramuros as Letran ruled the 95th season, while AteneoContinue reading “MB Sports Yearender: Knights to remember; Eagles to new heights”

By Jonas Terrado Bittersweet could be the best description of San Miguel Beer’s campaign in 2019 as the chance of completing a rare Grand Slam slipped away once again. From left, San Miguel’s June Mar Fajardo, Chris Ross, John Holland, Alex Cabagnot and Kelly Nabong huddle during their match against Rain or Shine in PBAContinue reading “MB Sports Yearender: Mission unaccomplished for Beermen”

By Nick Giongco Ring icon Manny Pacquiao continued to make heads turn at a time when just about everyone of his contemporaries had been saying their goodbyes one by one. Manny Pacquiao celebrates his split-decision victory over Keith Thurman in their WBA welterweight title fight at MGM Grand Garden Arena on July 20, 2019 inContinue reading “MB Sports Yearender: An ageless ring warrior and a rising star provide fireworks”

By Kristel Satumbaga Philippine gymnastics and women’s boxing took centerstage this year after producing two world champions in Carlos Yulo and Nesthy Petecio. World champions boxer Nesthy Petecio and gymnast Carlos Yulo (AIBA / AP) Yulo came through with a performance to remember in the floor exercise and captured the historic first gold medal inContinue reading “MB Sports Yearender: Of somersaults and left hooks”