Boracay’s reputation as the country’s premier island beach destination is expected to attract more participants and visitors for the 4th Southeast Asian Open Water Championships, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, from Aug. 21 to 23 at Boracay Newcoast in Malay, Aklan.

“Indonesia had its Bali, Thailand had its Pattaya, and now the Philippines has Boracay to be proud of. So we can anticipate even more swimmers and tourists to watch the open water swimming meet,” said Philippine Aquatics Inc. secretary-general Eric Buhain during the recent Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum.

PAI executive director Anthony Reyes, who also attended the forum, revealed that at least eight of the 11 member nations of the Southeast Asian Swimming Federation — which sanctions the three-day championships — have confirmed their participation.

“They are Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste, Vietnam, and of course, host Philippines,” Reyes said, referring to the country’s first time hosting the regional open water swimming championships at the scenic 150-hectare Boracay Newcoast tourism estate developed by real estate giant Megaworld.

“This sporting event not only advances the growth of open water swimming in Southeast Asia, but also shines a spotlight on Boracay island as a true gem of the region, while reflecting the warmth and hospitality of the Filipino people,” PAI president Miko Vargas said in a statement.

Buhain said organizers are expecting around 200 swimmers to compete in the official medal events — the men’s and women’s 5-kilometer and 10-kilometer races — which will be held over a 1.66-kilometer square course inside the island’s cove during the early morning.

“But we can expect more participants in the open water festival in the 3 and 5-kilometer distances that will coincide with the regular meet, so the numbers will swell, which is in keeping with PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio’s sports tourism advocacy,” added the former national swimming standout.

Buhain also acknowledged the full support of the Malay municipal government and the Aklan provincial government, led by Mayor Frolibar Bautista and Governor Jose Miraflores, respectively.

The former lawmaker and sportsman likewise cited the assistance of the National Sports Tourism Interagency Committee, headed by PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio, for its role in staging the event.

“The 4th SEA Open Water Championships is another prime example where government, private stakeholders, and National Sports Associations can pool their resources and efforts together in successfully staging an international sporting event,” Gregorio said.

“Not only is this competition a boon for open swimming development in the country, but it is also a huge boost for local tourism. This is a win-win situation for everybody, so we salute the PAI under the leadership of President Miko Vargas for hosting the event here,” he added.

Both Buhain and Reyes emphasized that organizers have put extensive safety measures in place to ensure the smooth conduct of the three-day meet, including lifeguards, life rafts, medical teams, and other support personnel stationed at strategic points along the course.

“Even when the swimmers train, we see to it that all of these conditions are in place before they work out in open water, more so in actual competition,” they said.

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VIGAN, Ilocos Sur — After stumbling in its debut in the 2026 PVL On Tour Showdown, Nxled bounced back in emphatic fashion, sweeping Capital1, 25-17, 25-23, 25-18, on Saturday at the CHAVIT Coliseum here.

The victory not only evened the Chameleons’ record at 1-1 but also earned them the P100,000 winner’s prize for winning a game in the preseason tournament.

Myla Pablo led the way with 17 points built on 12 attacks, four blocks, and one ace, while Jonah Sabete-Escamillan added 13 points on nine spikes, two blocks, and two aces.

Gel Cayuna efficiently orchestrated the offense with 17 excellent sets, as MJ Phillips and Jovelyn Fernandez contributed seven and six points, respectively, despite seeing limited action.

(C) PVL Images

“Well, to be honest, I think that we really enjoyed playing today. It was super fun… Really happy that everybody had the possibility to show that all of my players are super good. And especially the defense has been super nice. And I saw that also the crowd that they really enjoyed to see fighting that much in defense,” said Nxled head coach Ettore Guidetti after the one-hour, 58-minute victory.

Nxled seized control late in the third set after nursing a slim 18-17 lead. Escamillan and Pablo sparked a decisive 6-1 run to bring the Chameleons to match point at 24-18 before EJ Cariño sealed the victory with a service ace.

Escamillan also delivered the point that secured Nxled a hard-fought 25-23 second-set win, allowing the Chameleons to build a commanding two-set advantage despite committing 12 errors in the frame.

Rookie Irah Jaboneta, the fifth overall pick in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft, also impressed in her limited minutes. Sharing libero duties with veteran Bang Pineda, Jaboneta tallied nine excellent digs in just 11 reception attempts.

The Chameleons will look to extend their winning streak when the PVL On Tour heads to Polomolok, South Cotabato for the first time, where they face the Galeries Tower Highrisers on August 1.

(C) PVL Images

Capital1, meanwhile, dropped to 0-2 and will try to break into the win column on August 8 against the Creamline Cool Smashers in Santiago City, Isabela.

Shaya Adorador paced the Solar Spikers with six points, while also posting eight excellent receptions and nine digs. Trisha Genesis, Sydney Niegos, and Ysa Jimenez chipped in five points each in the losing effort.

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Youth will take center stage for the Philippine men’s national football team when it begins its campaign in the inaugural ASEAN Hyundai Cup after head coach Carles Cuadrat named a squad featuring several new faces alongside a core of experienced internationals.

With a number of regulars unavailable due to club commitments, the Philippines will rely on a younger roster as it aims to build on its semifinal finish in the 2024 edition of Southeast Asia’s premier men’s football tournament.

Among those receiving opportunities are forwards Raphael Ritarita, Andres Aldeguer, Aarran Long, and Martini Rey, goalkeeper Enrico Mangaoang, defenders Jaime Rosquillo and John Lucero, midfielder Gavin Muens, and overseas-based prospects Noah Leddel and Kenji Nishioka.

Ritarita, 19, arrives after playing for Crown Legacy in MLS Next Pro in the United States, while Mangaoang has been making his mark with UMAK-Aguilas in the local football scene.

Despite the influx of fresh talent, the squad will still lean on several familiar names.

Midfield playmaker Sandro Reyes headlines the returning core along with Javier Mariona, Jarvey Gayoso, Cole Mrowka, Andrei Leipold, and Santi Rublico.

The defense will be marshaled by veteran Daisuke Sato, with Christian Rontini, Adrian Ugelvik, Scott Woods, and Rosquillo providing additional cover at the back.

Pocholo Bugas and Oskari Kekkonen strengthen the midfield, while Patrick Deyto and Quincy Kammeraad give the Philippines experienced options in goal after Kammeraad’s impressive showing during the team’s 2024 semifinal run.

Several established national team players, however, will miss the tournament due to club commitments.

The Philippines opens its Group B campaign against Myanmar on July 28 at New Clark City Athletics Stadium in Capas, Tarlac.

The Filipinos will then travel to Vientiane to face Laos on Aug. 1 before returning home to host group favorite Thailand on Aug. 4. They conclude the group stage on Aug. 8 against Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur.

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