Alex Eala caught off guard in choosing between Pacquiao and Nadal

MANILA, Philippines – Eryk Omandam and Natasha Doromal-Lim return to Samal Island on Sunday (Sept. 20) chasing back-to-back titles, but the defending champions will have to navigate a deeper and more competitive field as the Damosa Land 5150 brings the inaugural 5150 Triathlon Islands of the Philippines Series to its climactic finish. The Davao del Norte staging marks the fourth and final stop of the seven-month circuit, which has taken Olympic-distance triathlon to four of the country’s premier island destinations and showcased the Philippines as a compelling stage for world-class multisport competition. The Olympic-distance test – 1.5km swim, 40km bike and 10km run – caps a series put together by the Philippine Sports Commission, with elite-level competition at its core but with an equally important mission: bringing high-caliber sporting events to spectacular natural destinations across the country. From the waters and coastlines of Guimaras to the challenging terrain of Camiguin and the scenic roads of Bohol, the series has combined endurance racing with the sights, communities and character of each host destination. The circuit, organized by Sunrise Events, Inc., also serves as a central pillar of the National Sports Tourism-Inter Agency Council’s program to position the Philippines as a premier destination for world-class sporting events. Now, the spotlight shifts to Samal, where hundreds of athletes are set for another race to remember – and another opportunity to experience the island’s smooth highways, white-sand beaches, clear waters and vibrant communities. Samal is hosting the 5150 for the second straight year after a successful debut last year, when Omandam and Doromal-Lim emerged as the overall champions. This time, however, both will face a souped-up field featuring seasoned endurance campaigners and rising stars from Davao City, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod, Tagum, Kidapawan, Digos, Mati City, Manila, Pagadian, Cebu and Metro Manila, among other areas. For Omandam and Doromal-Lim, the challenge is straightforward but demanding – repeat as champions while helping give the inaugural island series a memorable finale. For the hundreds of other participants, Samal offers a chance to measure their preparation against a course that combines open-water swimming, fast stretches of highway and a run through an island community known for its natural beauty. Adding an entry point for newcomers is the Sunrise Sprint, featuring a 750m swim, 20km bike and 5km run. The shorter format is designed for first-timers and recreational athletes looking to experience multisport racing, while relay competitions in the men’s, women’s and mixed divisions of both the Damosa Land 5150 and Sunrise Sprint are expected to bring some of the country’s leading triathlon clubs into the action. The racing program begins Sunday with the Sunrise Sprint rolling start at 5:40 a.m. at Bridgesport by Damosa Land, followed by the 5150 age-group and relay races at 6:20 a.m. The swim cutoff is one hour, with bike and run cutoffs at three and five hours, respectively. Damosa Land, Inc. president Cary Lagdameo said the event is part of a broader effort to draw attention to Samal’s potential as a tourism and sports destination, with sustained collaboration needed to build on the momentum generated by events such as the 5150. “Samal already has many of the natural strengths of a great destination – pristine waters, rich marine life, remarkable landscapes and a community that is eager to welcome visitors,” said Lagdameo. “Realizing that potential will require sustained effort from many sectors. An event like this may be only one drop in the ocean, but drops create ripples, and when people move together with purpose, those ripples can become waves.” Mayor Lemuel Reyes, meanwhile, described the race as an opportunity to put Samal’s natural assets and local hospitality in full view while celebrating the determination of the athletes taking on the course. “More than a test of endurance, this race celebrates courage, discipline, community and the extraordinary beauty of our island,” said Reyes. “As athletes swim through our waters, cycle across our landscapes and run alongside our communities, they experience Samal not simply as a race venue, but as a destination where adventure, nature and genuine Samalenyo hospitality come together.” Race director Julian Valencia said the combination of demanding competition and a spectacular setting should make the second Samal staging a fitting conclusion to the inaugural series. “From the clear waters of Samal to its rolling coastal roads and the energy of its communities, this course is designed to test preparation, reward discipline and give every athlete a race to remember,” Valencia said. “Whether you are chasing a podium finish, pursuing a personal best, taking on your first Olympic-distance triathlon or joining the Sprint, you are part of a meaningful milestone for Samal and multisport in the region.” TMT

MANILA, Philippines — Team Philippines is ready for the opening ceremony of the 2026 Asian Games at the Paloma Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium in Nagoya, Japan. Expect a grand and colorful show showcasing Japan's rich culture. The program is set to begin at 6 p.m. (5 p.m. Manila time), featuring over 11,000 athletes and officials from more than 40 countries in the region. Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako will attend the event, along with Crown Prince Akishino. Themed "Harmonic Heart Beat," this edition of the Asian Games will highlight a presentation of Japan's deep cultural heritage. TMT

The 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games open Saturday, with more than 400 Filipino athletes set to compete in the continental tournament.

Alexandra Eala will begin her Asian swing next week when she kicks off her campaign at the Singapore Tennis Open.

Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) President Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani said on Saturday that politicians should not be involved in sports, following a diplomatic incident involving a Taiwan government official at the Asian Games.

See the Philippines" Asian Games medal tally from the last five editions, including its gold, silver, and bronze medal haul from 2006 to 2022.

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine national swimming team begins its campaign in the 20th Asian Games at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre in Japan on Sunday. Filipino tankers see action in five events starting with Gian Santos who competes in the men's 200m individual medley. Santos tries to make the cut out of the four heats set at 9:08 a.m. with the final scheduled at 4:09 p.m. in Manila. Logan Wataru Noguchi follows Santos as he splashes his way in the men's 100m freestyle final. Noguchi battles in the 5-heat event set at 9:44 a.m. with the final unfurling at 4:53 p.m. With only a little breather, Noguchi returns to action in his second and final event in the men's 100m backstroke heats at 10:05 a.m. If he makes the cut, Noguchi tries to medal in the final at 5:13 p.m. Meanwhile, Miranda Renner opens the Philippine campaign on the women's side as she dives in the women's 50m breaststroke. The 3-heat event is set at 9:59 a.m. with a final set at 5:01 p.m. After Renner's heats, Xiandi Chua, Teia Salvino, Heather White, and 2-time Olympian Kayla Sanchez plunge in the women's 4x100m freestyle relay. The 2-heat event is set at 10:19 a.m. with a final set at 5:33 p.m. Sanchez, who won a silver medal in the same 4x100m freestyle relay event with the Canadian Olympic team at the 2021 Tokyo Games, is expected to anchor the fight for the Filipino tankers. The 25-year-old is making her second Asian Games appearance after debuting for the Philippine national team in the previous edition in China in 2023. Sanchez won three gold medals at the Southeast Asian Games last December.

READ: Follow Inquirer Sports’ special coverage of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026 Alex Eala has been included by Agence France-Presse (AFP) on its short list of emerging athletes ready to light up the Asian Games in Nagoya and Aichi Prefecture in Japan, with the Filipino tennis superstar shooting to improve on a bronze medal effort

After Letran’s first win in the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament, Jimboy Estrada spoke highly of the Knights’ desire to make this campaign their “redemption season,” echoing what coach Allen Ricardo has instilled in their mindset. “We’re just trying to build momentum heading into our other games,” Ricardo said, after steering Letran to a

Team Philippines assured itself of a breakthrough Asian Games medal in soft tennis a day before the formal opening of the 20th edition of the Asiad in Aichi prefecture and Nagoya. Princess Catindig, Bien Zoleta, Christy Sanosa, Shyryn Salazar and Hilary Paas secured a top-two finish in Group B of the women’s team event to

Rising stars James Earl Ting, Edgie Arances and Anisha Eunice Caluya loom as the athletes to watch when the battles for the Filipino Elite crowns in the Damosa Land 5150 triathlon unfold Sunday in Davao del Norte’s Samal Island. Ting and Arances are expected to engage in a fierce men’s duel, while Caluya headlines the