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The Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (Famas) apologized for its earlier post that included false information on actress and humanitarian Rosa Rosal’s supposed death.

Famas had shared a tribute post dedicated to Rosal, 96, on its Facebook page on Friday, Oct. 4, but later removed it. The award-giving body then issued an apology, saying the information was false.

‘We sincerely apologize for an earlier post regarding the passing of Ms. Rosa Rosal,’ read the statement released via its Facebook page as well.

‘It has come to our attention that the information was false. Ms. Rosal remains with us, and we deeply regret any confusion or distress this may have caused her family, friends, and admirers,’ it continued.

Famas then underscored, ‘[We] value truth and integrity, and we will continue to be more vigilant in verifying information before releasing any public statement. We extend our heartfelt apologies to Ms. Rosal, her loved ones, and the public.’

Famas’ apology came after the family of Rosal dismissed claims that she had already died. The veteran actress’ family further noted that she is doing well. /ra

The Philippine government is pushing for tariff exemptions on local products not produced in the United States, as trade talks with Washington continue.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said tariff negotiators are aiming at this concession. This, even if US President Donald Trump’s tariff policy was not discussed in the recently concluded Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) agriculture and forestry ministers’ meeting in Manila.

‘They (US-Asean Business Council) have mentioned that there is openness, there’s a possibility of exemptions on certain products that are not produced, planted, manufactured or processed in the US,’ Tiu Laurel said on Thursday.

‘The Philippines will be pursuing that angle . as we knew about the position recently,’ he said in a press briefing on the 47th meeting of the Asean Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry.

Tiu Laurel also said the US tariff was raised in informal talks.

‘But in general, the discussion on tariffs is mostly done over lunch by a simple question: have you resolved or have you closed . do you have a final agreement on the US tariffs with your country or the United States?’ he added.

Tiu Laurel earlier said the Philippines and its neighbors remain on a level playing field. That is, since the reciprocal tariffs imposed on Asean countries are relatively the same.

‘But of course, we are here to hopefully find ways to negotiate with America,’ he said.

‘The US delegation also mentioned that there might be certain exemptions to the imposed tariffs and that’s part of what we’ll look for during this meeting,’ he told reporters.

‘Mutually beneficial’

Angel Ignacio, undersecretary of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, did not provide additional details about trade discussions. Ignacio only said the government will work on securing ‘an optimal and mutually beneficial rate’ for both countries.

The US government slapped a 19-percent tariff on Philippine exports to America, nearly the same import duty imposed on Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.

According to an issuance promulgated by the White House, certain export items are excluded from the reciprocal tariffs announced by Trump such as desiccated coconuts, coconut meat and coconut oil.

Tiu Laurel said the high-level meeting held in Pasay City discussed increasing trade among the regional bloc ‘so that we can rely on each other first rather than rely on others that are far away.’ Aside from bolstering the region’s resilience to trade uncertainties, the agriculture chief said the gathering also tackled exploring other markets to promote Asean products. /rwd

The Supreme Court has ordered a five-day suspension of work in select courts in Iloilo City, Cebu City, Bogo City, and Roxas City from October 6 to 10 to allow structural and electrical engineers to inspect the Halls of Justice following last week’s 6.9-magnitude earthquake.

Under OCA Circular No. 291-2025, issued on October 4 by Court Administrator Ma. Theresa Dolores C. Gomez-Estoesta, the suspension covers all first- and second-level courts in the affected areas. Acting Chief Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen authorized the measure after the tremor damaged parts of Cebu province and was felt across the Visayas.

During the suspension, courts will remain available on an on-call basis for urgent judicial action such as bail applications, release orders, petitions for habeas corpus, and marriage solemnization. Judges were also encouraged to conduct videoconferencing for time-sensitive proceedings such as arraignments and pre-trials to prevent delays. Executive and presiding judges were instructed to find alternative hearing venues and coordinate with their respective regional court managers.

Although Iloilo did not sustain major physical destruction reports comparable to Cebu, the knock-on effects-power outages, infrastructure stress, and concern over structural integrity-appear to have motivated precautionary action from the judiciary to protect court personnel and litigants.

The suspension of court work allows structural and electrical engineers to assess the safety of court buildings in Iloilo and other affected jurisdictions before normal operations resume. As of now, no reports have surfaced of major damage to court buildings in Iloilo City directly attributable to the quake. But the judicial branch’s move reflects a more conservative posture in response to regional seismic risk and the potential for latent structural vulnerabilities.

The September 30 earthquake killed at least 70 people, mostly in northern Cebu, and injured hundreds, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. Hospitals in Cebu City were forced to evacuate patients to open grounds, while widespread brownouts hit Iloilo City shortly after the tremor struck. INQ

Lola Amour, BINI and Dionela are among the artists who earned the most nominations at the 38th Awit Awards, with the ‘Raining in Manila’ hitmakers leading with five nods, including the coveted Song of the Year and Album of the Year.

Trailing behind the funk-pop band are BINI and Dionela, who tied with four nominations. Other artists recognized by the award-giving body, the Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI), are SunKissed Lola, SB19 and BenandBen, to name a few.

Further details on the 38th edition of the Awit Awards’ awarding ceremony are yet to be announced.

Here is the full list of nominees:

Record of the Year

‘Nene’ by SunKissed Lola

‘Heartache Generation’ by Ena Mori

‘Marilag’ by Dionela

‘Love Is’ by The Ridleys

‘Namimiss Ko Na’ by Lola Amour

Album of the Year

‘Talaarawan’ by BINI

‘Olaholah’ by SunKissed Lola

‘The Traveller Across Dimensions’ by BenandBen

‘Alegorya’ by Munimuni

‘Superpower’ by Zild

‘Lola Amour’ by Lola Amour

Song of the Year

‘Sining’ by Dionela and Jay R

‘Ikot’ by Over October

‘Misteryoso’ by Cup of Joe

‘Pagbigyan’ by Sugarcane

‘Namimiss Ko Na’ by Lola Amour

Best Collaboration

”Pag Ang Puso ang Nagsabi’ by JM Dela Cerna and Marielle Montellano

‘Ligaw na Bullet’ by Denise Laurel and Skusta Clee

”Di Ko Kasalanan’ by Demi and GinsandMelodies

‘Sining’ by Dionela and Jay R

‘Within’ by Ladine Roxas and Kris Lawrence

‘Sa Kahapon’ by Dilaw and Janine Berdin

Best Performance by a New Group Artist

‘Aminin’ by Naiba

‘Hi, Tita’ by Sala

‘Bituin’ by Letters from June

‘Walang Humpay’ by 12th Street

‘Alak’ by Karilyo

Best Performance by a New Solo Artist

‘Alintana’ by Muninn

‘Panggap’ by Plume

‘Sickreet’ by Ryannah J

”Di Maipagkakaila’ by Ia

‘Kahit ‘Di Ako Ang Gusto Mo’ by Patricia Heart

‘Seryoso’ by Lottie Bie

Best Performance by a Group Artist

‘Triumph’ by BenandBen

‘Tayo Na Lang’ by Nobita

‘Lampara’ by Press Hit Play

‘One Sided Love’ by G22

‘Sige, Sayaw!’ by Dear Dahlia

‘Nilalang’ by Dilaw

Best Performance by a Solo Artist

‘ATM’ by Ice Seguerra

‘I’ll Be Somebody You Want’ by Jolianne

‘Pauwi Na ‘Ko (Dito Ka Na Lang)’ by Dwta

‘Marilag’ by Dionela

‘Alas Dos Na!!!’ by Janine Berdin

‘Fake Faces’ by Felip

‘Umaycan’ by Noel Cabangon

Best RandB Recording

‘Tango’ by Jarlo Base

‘Marilag’ by Dionela

‘Sining’ by Dionela and Jay R

‘Call Me What You Want’ by Elise Huang

‘Fighting for You’ by Thyro Alfaro and JP Bacallan

Best Jazz Recording

‘Superfunk’ by GundamFunk

‘Get It Right’ by Nicole Asensio and Solo .Cal

‘Careless Fools’ by Debonair District and Jacques Dufourt

‘Remedios Circle’ by Alvin Cornista, Chuck Stevens, Abe Lagrimas Jr., Tim Lyddon and Dave Harder

‘What Is It All About?’ by Nicole Asensio and Solo .Cal

Best Rap/Hip-hop Recording

‘Subomoto (Hev Abi remix)’ by Zae and Hev Abi

‘Kalakal’ by SB19 and Gloc-9

‘Utang Clan’ by Gloc-9

‘Ako Lang ‘To’ by XYVRL

‘Marikit sa Dilim’ by Juan Caoile, Kyleswish and Jawz

Best Dance/Electronic Recording

‘Salamin, Salamin’ by BINI

‘Tension’ by Peyton

‘Eksena’ by YARA

‘Come Over’ by Pop Money Worldwide, Carrot Mayor, SHNTI and Aunt Robert

‘Hilo’ by Paul Pablo

Best Traditional/Contemporary Folk Recording

‘ATM’ by Ice Seguerra

‘Ito Lamang’ by Project: Romeo

‘You’ll Never Feel Alone Again’ by Earl Generao

‘Nandiyan Pa Ba?’ by 6cyclemind and Gloc-9

‘Huling Liham’ by Paham and Dwta

Best World Music Recording

‘Sarung Banggi’ by Overheat and Camsur Made

‘You Did It’ by KAIA

‘Chinese Restaurant’ by Nicole Adeya

‘Careless Fools’ by Debonair District and Jacques Dufourt

‘Sabado’ by SinoSikat?

‘100 Mensahe’ by Dan Gil and Marga Jayy

Best Alternative Recording

‘Homeostasis’ by Barbie Almalbis

‘A Gentle Reminder to Rest’ by Amateurish

‘Bulaklak sa Buwan’ by Ely Buendia

‘Namimiss Ko Na’ by Lola Amour

‘Wala Nang Saysay’ by Meds

Best Rock/Metal Recording

‘Orange’ by Amateurish

‘The Risk’ by Faspitch

‘Bawal Lumingon’ by CHNDTR

‘Dahas’ by Kjwan

‘Pano’ by Caren Tevanny

‘Dragon’ by Mayonnaise

Best Pop Recording

‘Bakit Hindi Ka Crush ng Crush Mo’ by Itchyworms

‘Dilaw’ by Maki

‘Toyo’ by KZ Tandingan

‘Yoko Na’ by Josh Cullen and Al James

‘Hoodie’ by Dionela and Alisson Shore

Best Ballad Recording

‘Ethereal’ by Pappel

‘Lagi’ by Ica Frias

‘Kasing Kasing’ by Juan Karlos and Kyle Echarri

‘Medyo Ako’ by Juan Karlos and Moira Dela Torre

‘Ihilak Lang Na’ by Morissette

”Di Ko Masabi’ by Stell

Best Instrumental Recording

‘Nang Buo Kong Buhay’ by Jay Gomez and Yvette Parcom

‘SuperFunk’ by Gundam Funk

‘See You on the Other Side’ by Lustbass and RJ Pineda

‘Good Nights’ by Lustbass

‘Remedios Circle’ by Alvin Cornista, Chuck Stevens, Abe Lagrimas, Jr., Tim Lyddon and Dave Harder

Best Inspirational Recording

‘Beautiful Day’ by The Company

‘Little World Changer’ by Belle Mariano

‘Ningas ng Pag-Asa’ by Jamie Rivera and 92AD

‘Dahil Sa’Yo’ by Viola Natividad

‘Face of God’ by December Avenue

Best Novelty Recording

‘Da Coconut Nut (DJ Sandy Remix)’ by Giani Sarita and DJ Sandy

‘Walang Label’ by Eugene Layug

‘Wala Akong Pake’ by Johan Kyle and ANNUHBAE

‘Art Song’ by Pinkmen

‘Atras Abante’ by Introvert Fiesta and Aji

Best Recording by a Child or for Children

‘Ang Init Init’ by Imogen

‘The Phonics Song’ by Teacher Cleo

‘Tadhana (Easy Lang)’ by Giani Sarita

‘Jesus, Best Friend’ by Ateneo Boys Choir

‘Nasa Palad Mo’ by Ateneo Boys Choir featuring Marcel Roy S. Navarro and Generoso R. Maquirang IV

Best Original Soundtrack

‘lyo’ from ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’ by Darren Espanto

‘Maskara’ from ‘Lavender Fields’ by Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez

‘Ulit Ulit’ from ‘Pamilya Sagrado’ by Regine Velasquez

‘Uuwian’ from ‘What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim?’ by BGYO

‘Sa Akin Siya’ from ‘Asawa ng Asawa Ko’ by Crystal Paras and Jeniffer Maravilla

‘Nagbago ang Daigdig’ from ‘My Guardian Alien’ by Zephanie

‘Aabutin ang Tadhana’ from ‘Chasing in the Wild’ by Hyacinth Callado

Best Christmas Recording

‘Hesus Aming Hari’ by Jonathan Manalo, John Roa, EJ De Perio, Vee Jay Dela Calzada, Diwa, Hazel Faith, Shekinah Gram, Viola Natividad, Caleb Santos, Jacob Sean Bacal, Naomi, Jessi Ferrer, Elizabeth Clemente and Ezekiel Clemente

‘Ganito ang Pasko’ by Sparkle Singers

‘Weather with You’ by Lucas Pison, Chezka

‘Noche Buena’ by Jan Roberts

‘Paskong Mag-Isa’ by Debonair District

Best Regional Recording

‘Kasing Kasing’ by Juan Karlos and Kyle Echarri

‘Ihilak Lang Na’ by Morissette

‘Ang Paghuwat’ by Morissette and Ferdinand Aragon

‘Umaycan’ by Noel Cabangon

‘Buhi’ by Ferdinand Aragon

‘Dili Na Lang’ by Jolianne

‘Panata’ by Tothapi

Music Video of the Year

‘Salamin, Salamin’ by BINI; produced by Roxy Liquigan, Carlo L. Katigbak and Carlos Jorge Reyes; directed by Kerbs Balagtas

‘Namumula’ by Maki; produced by Jonathan Bacala; directed by Kerbs Balagtas

‘Cherry on Top’ by BINI; produced by Roxy Liquigan, Carlo L. Katigbak and Carlos Jorge Reyes; directed by Kerbs Balagtas

‘Kalakal’ by SB19 and Gloc-9; produced by 1032 Lab and lana Cris Forbes; directed by Alanshiii and XY Pintoy

‘Tagpi-tagping Piraso’ by Ely Buendia; produced by August Lyle Espino, Cedric Hornedo, Lemuel Francia and Geoffrey Collera; directed by August Lyle Espino

Best Cover Art

‘Patibong’ by Gracenote; RJ Villanueva and Darwin Hernandez

‘The Traveller across Dimensions’ by BenandBen; Jether Dane Guadalupe, Katrina Urmatam and Puppeteer Studios

‘Kalakal’ by SB19 and Gloc-9; Louis Duran and IC Forbes

‘I’m Okay’ by Moira Dela Torre; Equinox Manila Productions, Moira Dela Torre, Jason Maxx and Artu Nepomuceno

‘Misteryoso’ by Cup of Joe; Nica Angeles and Gian Bernardino

Best Remix Recording

‘Welcome to My World’ by Jonathan Manalo and Theo Martel

‘Love Is the Answer’ by Jonathan Manalo, Moy Ortiz and The Company

‘small town (crwn’s crying in the parking lot edit)’ by crwn

‘different. (kenyama remix)’ by kenyama

‘WHITE ROOM (Reimagined ver.)’ by ena mori

Best Musical Arrangement

‘Nobya’ by Franz Sacro and Choi Padilla

‘Bittersweet’ by Ashlee Mickaela Factor and Alyssa Janine Cruz

‘Namimiss Ko Na’ by Lola Amour

‘Get It Right’ by Gabe Dandan

‘Umaycan’ by Kahlil Refuerzo

Best Engineered Recording

‘Pahinga’ by Nikhil Armanani

‘Nobya’ by Carlo Jay Cruz

‘Pauwi Na’ko (Dito Ka Na Lang)’ by Brian Lotho

‘Segundo, Siguro’ by Axel Fernandez

‘Namimiss Ko Na’ by Rene Serna

US-based outsourcing company TaskUs Inc. has unveiled its 11th site in Las Piñas City, as it further expands its presence in the Philippines.

TaskUs said it is targeting to increase the number of ‘teammates’ or employees at its Las Piñas office to 1,500 from the current 700 by the end of this year.

The latest site is called Hiraya, named after the Filipino term for the fulfilment of hopes and dreams. It will support global customers through expertise across multiple work types, including customer service, sales, technical support, non-voice operations and content moderation.

The American firm chose Las Piñas as the location of its new site since 80 percent of workers reside in the city or its immediate vicinity. Another reason is the city’s accessibility to major highways and thoroughfares.

‘Plus, with 14 colleges and universities nearby, our investment here will provide employment opportunities to a highly educated talent pool,’ said Dean Van Ormer, senior vice president for Southeast Asia at TaskUs.

The Las Piñas site features purpose-built spaces such as a day care center, mother’s rooms, 24/7 clinic access, wellness coaching areas, a gym and a cafeteria.

Ormer said TaskUs has potential to expand its footprint in the metropolis. But he did not provide additional details about expansion plans as these are being studied.

‘I think we do have the ability to grow in the metro,’ Ormer said. ‘Now, whether it’s on the outskirts of the metro or in the provincial (areas), this is something we need to be able to look at.’ /rwd

In the aftermath of the Magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Cebu province, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) urged local government units (LGUs) nationwide to adopt advanced disaster preparedness technologies developed by its partner institutions.

Speaking on Friday at the close of the Regional Science and Technology Week in Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said earthquakes cannot be predicted but their impacts can be mitigated.

‘We already have tools and technologies to assess risks and reduce potential loss of life and property,’ he said.

Solidum highlighted accessible technologies designed to aid LGUs and the public in disaster risk reduction and management:

HazardHunterPH: A one-stop platform for multi-hazard assessment that provides data on various natural risks;

How Safe is My House?: A mobile application that allows homeowners to self-assess the structural safety of their homes against earthquakes;

GeoRiskPH: A geospatial data system that provides accurate hazard and risk assessments;

Project OMEGA (Deterministic Ground Shaking and Earthquake-Induced Landslide Hazard Modeling Using Geophysics, Remote Sensing, and Artificial Intelligence): Designed to help citizens better understand their exposure to hazards such as fault lines, flood zones, and tsunami risks;

REDAS (Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment System): A software tool for simulating and estimating the potential impacts of earthquakes immediately after they occur.

Misamis Occidental Governor Henry Oaminal expressed his enthusiasm for the ‘game-changing’ technologies.

He committed to organize province-wide training for all DRRM stakeholders, particularly in the cities of Oroquieta, Ozamiz and Tangub.

‘We are lucky that there are no identified fault lines in our province, but that should not make us complacent,’ he said

Sea travel for all vessels in Quezon province resumed at Friday midnight after the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) lifted the Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) over the area.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) station in Quezon’s Real town lifted the sea travel ban after Pagasa issued Tropical Cyclone Bulletin No. 17 at 11 p.m. on October 3 announcing that the TCWS over the Polillo Group of Islands in the northern part of the province has also been lifted.

‘In this regard, all trips of vessels plying the route within the area of responsibility of Quezon province are now resumed to their normal operations,’ the PCG said in a public notice signed by Lieutenant Dawn Baterbonia, commander of PCG-Northern Quezon.

The PCG had suspended the voyages for all vessels and watercraft bound for the Polillo group of islands in the Pacific Ocean and General Nakar town last Thursday due to the hoisting of Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 and rough sea conditions caused by Typhoon Paolo (international name: Matmo), which weakened to a severe tropical storm after it passed the northern Luzon landmass on Friday afternoon.

Paolo has left the Philippine area of responsibility, Pagasa said in its 5 a.m. Saturday bulletin

University of Santo Tomas stretched its unbeaten run to three games after a 99-42 rout of the University of the East in the UAAP Season 88 women’s basketball tournament Saturday at UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

The Growling Tigresses took control early, pouring in 25 points in the first quarter while holding the Lady Warriors to just five to set up the 57-point blowout. UST now sits alone atop the standings at 3-0.

Coach Haydee Ong credited her team’s focus and discipline, especially after UE’s close overtime loss to the University of the Philippines last week.

‘We’re happy that our game plan was followed,’ Ong said. ‘At the start of the season, I told my team that we need to focus on individual and team defense. We want our opponents to perform below their average every time we face them.’

UST dominated both ends, forcing 32 turnovers that led to 30 points off UE miscues, while also tallying 28 steals. Nigerian center Oma Onianwa continued her solid play with 17 points and six rebounds in just 19 minutes. Kent Pastrana had 13 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals, while Breana Pineda added 13 points on 4-of-6 shooting.

Karylle Sierba also chipped in 11 points as Ong rotated all 15 active players, except guard Eka Soriano, who sat out with an ankle injury.

UE dropped to 0-3, extending its losing streak to 13 games dating back to last season. Ivy Yañez led the Lady Warriors with 12 points, while former UST high school standout Rachel Lacayanga scored 10.

Both teams return to action next Saturday at the newly renovated Ateneo Blue Eagle Gym-the first women’s division game there since Season 82.

TNT finally signed Jio Jalalon to a contract after he was not offered an extension by Titan Ultra, the new team that took over the franchise of NorthPort.

Jalalon inked on the dotted line before his agent Danny Espiritu and Tropang 5G team manager Jojo Lastimosa, finding a PBA team on the eve of the 50th season opener.

His move to TNT has been an open secret for weeks after Jalalon was spotted taking part in practices. Tropang 5G coach Chot Reyes said Jalalon was free to try out after his NorthPort contract expired last Aug. 31.

But Jalalon had to wait before he could become an unrestricted free agent as NorthPort, later Titan Ultra after the PBA approved Pureblends Corporation’s franchise acquisition, was given a 30-day period to make an offer.

NorthPort was supposed to actually trade Jalalon to Blackwater for Justin Chua but the league scrapped the proposed deal due to a moratorium related to the pending Pureblends purchase.

Titan Ultra, however, opted otherwise until the period lapsed after Sept. 30, opening the door for Jalalon to go to any team he chooses.

Jalalon is the latest free agent to join a TNT side eager to build on its near-Grand Slam season after the Tropang 5G signed Kevin Ferrer and Tyrus Hill in the offseason.

He also bolsters a loaded backcourt composed of Jordan Heading, RR Pogoy, Rey Nambatac and veteran Jayson Castro.

The Tropang 5G are Jalalon’s third team in a PBA career that began in 2016 with Magnolia. He joined NorthPort last season in a multi-player trade that sent Zavier Lucero to the Hotshots.

When people started raving about how the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament wasn’t going to be a two-school race anymore, it was Ateneo and host University of Santo Tomas that bolstered their argument.

Slowly, National University is begging to differ.

And in a season where several games have been decided by the finest of margins, the Bulldogs have fueled their 3-0 (win-loss) slate with dominating performances on both ends of the floor.

NU, anchored on a league-best percentage from the floor (43.8), is the second-best offensive team in the league (77.3 points per game) and is the best among the eight schools in defense, surrendering just 64.7 ppg-a testament to the grit that the team brings every ball game.

‘Their character-I don’t question that anymore,’ NU coach Jeff Napa said.

If there are any questions at all, they will come from defending champion University of the Philippines who are hoping to at least shut down at least half of NU’s two-way dominance, which the Bulldogs hope will carry them to a fourth straight victory.

The Maroons struggled to a 0-2 start in the season before finally getting their groove in a 92-75 rout of lowly University of the East.

‘Winning in this way helps us realize how important it is to play together,’ UP coach Goldwin Monteverde said. ‘It’s not just about talent. Quick decision-making and chemistry matter, too.’

But beating a winless team doesn’t quite pose the same challenge as trying to halt a juggernaut.

NU enters Saturday’s matchup against UP at University of Santo Tomas’ Quadricentennial Pavilion boasting the best net rating in the league at +12.7 points per game.

No team is within four points of that rating.

And NU is not just doing good on both ends of the court. The Bulldogs are great at turning stops into points.

Napa’s wards are leading the league in points scored off turnovers, averaging 19.3 per game. And despite being one of the worst three teams when it comes to protecting the leather, the Bulldogs have done a great job of running back on defense-surrendering just 7.7 points per game off their errors, best in the league.

That’s a +11.6 in turnover points-and again, no team is within four points of that. The Bulldogs take the court against the Maroons after the opening game between UST and UE, which starts at 2 p.m.