The Blu Girls had already endured two painful reminders that Asian Games softball offers little room for sentiment. After a 0-10 loss to Japan and a 1-10 defeat to Taipei, the Philippines needed something more than consolation.
Fresh from 2026 PVL Invitational, PLDT High Speed Hitters’ Alleiah Malaluan and Joan Monares visited Naga City to join the Peñafrancia Festival, marking the team’s second podium finish after last year’s gold. The festival drew some 1.2 million devotees in a vibrant show of faith, culture, and Bicolano pride. The pair paid a courtesy call on Mayor Leni Robredo and local officials, then met fans across the city’s sports community.
The Philippine women’s beach volleyball teams on Monday gave Alas Pilipinas a shot at an Asian Games podium finish, advancing to the quarterfinals in contrasting straight-set victories in Japan.