Cabanatuan city: Ralph Pagtalunan of Bulacan State University is setting his sights on another title victory in the State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) regional tournament scheduled for February 16 at the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology.

According to Philippines News Agency, Pagtalunan recently showcased his prowess by topping the men's division at the Milo Under-25 event held from December 27 to 30, 2025, at the Zentro Tennis Center in Malolos, Bulacan. In this event, he shared the spotlight with Shyryn Salazar of San Beda University, who achieved an impressive 8-2 victory over her teammate Angela Valdez in the women's final. This competition was organized by the Children's Tennis and Sports Management Inc.

"I'm happy to win the Milo tournament, I also prepared for it," said the 23-year-old Pagtalunan during an interview on Wednesday. He secured his victory by defeating his younger brother, Raffy Pagtalunan, with an 8-3 score in the gold medal match, after overcoming Erl Alimarin 8-4 in the semifinals. Meanwhile, Raffy managed to edge past Randy Pausanos 8-7 to reach the final.

Ralph Pagtalunan is now focused on his training with the goal of clinching the gold medal at the SCUAA regional tournament. He is currently pursuing a degree in fitness sports coaching. As a junior player, he participated in the Cebuana Lhuillier Age-Group Championships and last year competed in the PCA Open and Gentry Open. Ralph aspires to compete in more open tournaments to enhance his skills and make his surname renowned in the tennis world.

Ralph looks up to national team member Francis Casey Alcantara, a doubles champion at the 2009 Australian Open Juniors and a decorated athlete with eight SEA Games medals, including two golds in 2019 and 2023. "He (Alcantara) is a very skilled player, pure talent, and very humble," said Ralph, who was introduced to the sport by his father and grandfather, both of whom were club players.

The Milo Under-25 event aligns with the upcoming NCAA and UAAP tournaments, which impose a maximum age limit of 25 years. The tournament attracted players nationwide seeking to be scouted by NCAA and UAAP tennis coaches for potential recruitment and athletic scholarships.

Meanwhile, Milo sports executive Carlo Sampan announced that the 2026 Milo tennis programs will concentrate on school-level activities and Philta-ITF 10-under level initiatives under the Junior Tennis Initiative (JTI) program.