ALLAN THE MAN

The Philippines climbed to its highest place in the global football ladder once again, emerging as the second best team in Southeast Asia according to the latest FIFA world rankings released Wednesday.

From 147th, which last October became the country’s all-time high in the rankings, the Philippine Azkals jumped to 143rd to become 20th in Asia and only trail regional powerhouse Vietnam, which ranked 138th, as the best squad in Southeast Asia.

Obama became only the second Democrat to win a second four-year White House term since World War II, when television networks projected he would win the bellwether state of Ohio where he had staged a pitched battle with Romney.

Went to Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort, which is located on the border of Tiaong, Quezon and San Pablo City, Laguna. That is just two-hour drive from the busy Metro Manila.

The Philippine Volcanoes made history on Saturday, defeating South Korea 22-19 for the bronze medal at the Singapore Sevens to clinch the final ticket to the 2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens in Moscow.

“It is just fantastic that we are going to the World Cup. This is the first time that the Philippines will be playing in a World Cup and it is huge feat for us,” said team captain Harry Morris.

“The third/fourth match was definitely closer than I wanted it to be. I give credit to the players for doing this for the nation,” said Coach Al Caravelli. The American coach was the former coach of the US National Sevens Rugby Team before being tapped to head the Volcanoes in August.

LOS ANGELES –The National Basketball Association (NBA) dream lives on for Filipino basketball player Japeth Aguilar.

The NBA Golden State Warrior affiliate, Santa Cruz Warriors, selected the 25-year-old Aguilar with the 13th pick in the seventh round of the NBA Development League draft on Friday night (Saturday in Manila).

DETROIT, Michigan – Asian American star Jeremy Lin was a winner in his NBA debut with the Houston Rockets, but it was fellow newcomer James Harden who lifted the squad in a 105-96 triumph on Wednesday at Detroit.

The Rockets obtained Harden Saturday in a deal with Oklahoma City and signed a five-year contract extension worth a reported $80 million with Houston only hours before he took the court with his new teammates.

WASHINGTON – LeBron James had yet to claim an NBA championship when he arrived in Miami two years ago, boldly predicting multiple title runs with Heat teammates Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade.

Now, as the NBA prepares to open its 67th season on Tuesday, “King” James is coming off a crowning achievement, having won his first NBA title with the Heat last June and then guiding the US Olympic team to London gold in August.