Philip Martin Matel

Manila

Freelance Writer at Sports Interactive Network (SPIN.PH)

Freelance Writer at Rappler

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Articles

Creamline maxes out import spots in AVC Women's Champions League bid

1 week ago | rappler.com | Philip Martin Matel

MANILA, Philippines – Creamline looks bent on claiming a volleyball crown after falling short in its recent campaign. The Creamline Cool Smashers maximized the three allotted slots for imports ahead of the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League, just days after settling for a runner-up finish in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference.
As health issues mount, Choco Mucho looks for wealth in 2nd PVL rookie draft

2 weeks ago | rappler.com | Philip Martin Matel

MANILA, Philippines – After running out of steam in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference playoffs, the Choco Mucho Flying Titans are back to the drawing board with hopes to add firepower through the league’s second rookie draft on June 7. The two-time All-Filipino silver medalists are expected to select its first player at eighth out of 12 teams in the opening round.
Shaina Nitura grateful anew as another Alyssa Valdez scoring record falls

2 weeks ago | rappler.com | Philip Martin Matel

MANILA, Philippines – As this one-of-a-kind UAAP women’s volleyball rookie campaign continues for Adamson’s Shaina Nitura, surpassing another record set by Alyssa Valdez is again something to be thankful for. Nitura, whose 314 points eclipsed Valdez’ former single-season scoring record of 312 set back in UAAP Season 77 in 2015, was rendered almost speechless after her 37-point performance on Saturday, April 12. “Hindi ko alam kung ano ang mafe-feel ko doon.
Cone looks back on dynastic Alaska team as Hawkins, Cariaso make PBA 50 Greatest

2 weeks ago | rappler.com | Philip Martin Matel

MANILA, Philippines – As more members of the dynastic Alaska Milkmen of the 1990s made the PBA’s 50 Greatest Players, former head coach Tim Cone raved about the “unique” team. Rugged forward Bong Hawkins and skillful swingman Jeff Cariaso were two of the 10 new additions to the list in time for the league’s 50th founding anniversary as they joined their former Alaska teammates Johnny Abarrientos and Jojo Lastimosa in the exclusive club.
50 Greatest Players feted as who's who in PBA history get together

2 weeks ago | rappler.com | Philip Martin Matel

MANILA, Philippines – In an intimate ceremony where the PBA’s best fraternized for just one night, 10 outstanding individuals were honored for their impact in the 50-year-old league. The Solaire Resort North Grand Ballroom turned into a museum of living basketball history as the league’s greatest over the past 50 years shook hands, took selfies, and caught up with each other.
Nitura, Laput, other UAAP stars excited over inclusion to Alas Pilipinas wish list

4 weeks ago | rappler.com | Philip Martin Matel

MANILA, Philippines – Though they have not yet received a formal invite from the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), some of the brightest UAAP stars expressed excitement after being included in the wish list of Alas Pilipinas head coach Jorge Souza de Brito. During the game slate on Saturday, March 29, four of the new names played: Shaina Nitura of Adamson, and the La Salle trio of Alleiah Malaluan, Amie Provido, and Shevana Laput.
Canino bucks bad spill, powers La Salle to gripping 5-set escape of UST

1 month ago | rappler.com | Philip Martin Matel

MANILA, Philippines – Angel Canino showed yet again that she gives her all for La Salle. Despite suffering a bad spill in the fourth set, Canino willed La Salle past the UST Golden Tigresses, 15-25, 25-17, 24-26, 25-21, 16-14, as the Lady Spikers climbed to a share of second in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament on Saturday, March 29, at the Araneta Coliseum.
Lesson learned: Ateneo sweeps Nitura, Adamson in second clash

1 month ago | rappler.com | Philip Martin Matel

MANILA, Philippines – Ateneo sure learned its lesson. Smarting from a painful first-round battle, the Ateneo Blue Eagles dominated the Adamson Lady Falcons this time, finishing them off in straight sets, 25-23, 25-14, 25-23, to tally their third consecutive win in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, March 29.
Petro Gazz marches to PVL All-Filipino final four

1 month ago | rappler.com | Philip Martin Matel

MANILA, Philippines – The Petro Gazz Angels completed the 2024-2025 PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinal cast after thumping the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles in a do-or-die Game 3, 25-21, 25-19, 25-23, on Tuesday, March 25, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig. Petro Gazz will join defending champion Creamline, Choco Mucho, and Akari in a round-robin semifinals, where the two teams with the best records will advance to the best-of-three championship series.
UST captain Detdet Pepito focuses on checking emotions as Tigresses' morale crashes

1 month ago | rappler.com | Philip Martin Matel

MANILA, Philippines – After another round-opening loss to the FEU Lady Tamaraws, cracks once again emerged from a frustrated UST Golden Tigresses side in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament. Team captain Detdet Pepito admitted that their team lets frustration get in their way, which has led to lower morale and subpar play. “One of our problems is our lack of patience,” Pepito bluntly said in Filipino after UST’s 25-22, 26-24, 17-25, 26-24 loss on Sunday, March 23.