All news tagged PhilippineOlympicCommittee

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is pushing a landmark plan to open government-run golf courses to children aged 15 and below—completely free of charge.

Initiated by PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio, the proposal would give youth access to select courses, including Camp John Hay in Baguio and Intramuros Golf Club in Manila, starting at noon daily, seven days a week. 

The plan, now with the Office of the President, awaits approval as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. consults with golf industry stakeholders.

While some military-run courses may resist concerns about income and congestion, Gregorio believes the long-term benefits for grassroots golf outweigh the drawbacks. “If we want golf to grow, we have to let more Filipino kids touch a golf club—not just the ones who can afford it,” he said.

With golf’s high costs limiting access, the PSC hopes the initiative will spark broader participation, open doors to scholarships, and develop future champions from all backgrounds.

The Philippine women’s softball team—the Blu Girls—are eyeing nothing less than gold as they prepare to defend their title at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games this December in Thailand.

After softball’s two-edition absence from the SEA Games, head coach Ana Santiago said the team’s hunger for victory remains undiminished. “Nothing less than gold ang goal natin,” Santiago declared, recalling the Blu Girls’ last gold win at home in 2019.

A dominant force since 1979, the Blu Girls have collected 11 SEA Games golds and are returning as favorites. Team captain Charlotte Sales and power hitter Roma Cruz, both SEA Games debutantes, expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness, especially after a productive training camp in Taiwan.

“Malaking bagay ‘yung training camp namin. Nakatulong sa teamwork, communication, and ‘yung samahan,” Sales shared.

Cruz, who smashed five homers at the Asian Cup in China last July, is determined to prove herself on the SEA Games stage. “Gusto ko ipakita na kaya ko makipagsabayan,” she said.

While the Blu Girls topped Indonesia for gold in 2019, Santiago sees Singapore as this year’s biggest threat, citing their extensive preparations in Australia, Japan, and Taiwan.

The Philippines opens against Singapore on December 15, then faces Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia before the gold medal game on December 20.

Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines president John Henry Lhuillier’s marching order is clear: go for double gold in both women’s and men’s softball. “That’s the goal,”  Santiago affirmed.

The Philippines will field its largest-ever delegation for the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, sending 1,600 athletes, coaches, and officials to compete in 50 sports at the biennial meet during the 33rd 2025 send-off at Rizal Memorial Coliseum held last November 28.

Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio said the decision to send a record-sized team was rooted in prioritizing exposure and athlete development over immediate results

“When you send a delegation, they learn. When you send a big delegation, they gain confidence and experience,” Gregorio said. “We want our athletes’ mindset and skills to toughen up so they can compete at the Asian Games and the Olympics.”

The 2025 SEA Games will feature 574 medal events, three demonstration sports—air sports, flying disc, and tug of war—and MMA as a value-added sport.

Gregorio emphasized that investing in athletes’ experience now lays the groundwork for future success. “We’re giving our athletes the exposure they need to compete better in the future,” he said.

The Philippines will target podium finishes in medal-rich sports including basketball, esports, boxing, weightlifting, jiu-jitsu, and athletics when the SEA Games open on December 9.

In a heartfelt send-off, the senate committee on sports, Senator Bong Go, reminded the country’s national athletes of the immense pride and hope they bring as they head into international competitions.

“Always remember, you carry not just your name, but the spirit of every Filipino,” Go said. “When you win, the whole nation wins with you. No matter the result, you already carry the pride and admiration of the Filipino people.”

Reassuring the athletes of his unwavering support, the official added, “My office is always open for you. If you need anything—whether a solution or a problem—just come to my office.”

As the delegation prepared to embark on their journey, he encouraged them to fight with determination and honor the country. “Fight with all your heart. Bring home the bacon. The honor you bring to the country—you will carry it for the rest of your life. It is engraved in the history of the Philippines.”

He closed by urging the team to give their best, stay united, and make every Filipino proud: “Show the world how strong and united Filipinos can be.”

Host Philippines looks to close its FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup campaign on a strong note as it faces powerhouse Argentina tonight at the PhilSports Arena.

Already out of quarterfinal contention after losses to Poland (0–6) and Morocco (2–3), the determined Filipina5 aim to deliver a spirited performance in their final Group A assignment against the unbeaten South Americans.

“It’s the World Cup. They’re playing in their home country, so that’s more than enough motivation for the players,” said Philippine coach Rafa Merino.

The Philippines nearly pulled off a breakthrough win on Monday when Inday Tolentin and Cathrine Graversen scored early against Morocco. But the African champions rallied with three unanswered goals to steal the match and force a tie with Poland at three points apiece—setting up a do-or-die clash between the two for the group’s last knockout berth.

World No. 6 Argentina has already secured its place in the quarterfinals with wins over Morocco (6–0) and Poland (3–2).

Ranked 63rd in the world, the Filipina5 enter as clear underdogs, but Merino believes his squad is far from done. “We have to give the best of ourselves, keep our identity, and keep who we are. There’s nothing extraordinary that we can do—just play the best way we can.”

Backed by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Football Federation, the home side hopes to reward its supporters with a gutsy, memorable performance as it wraps up its historic World Cup debut.

The Philippine National Anti-Doping Organization (PHINADO) conducted an Anti-Doping Education Seminar for Filipino athletes set to compete in the upcoming 33rd Southeast Asian Games and the 13th Asian Youth Para Games.

The seminar aimed to equip national athletes with essential knowledge on clean sport practices, anti-doping rules, testing procedures, and the importance of upholding integrity in competition.

Present during the event were key sports leaders, including Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman John Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC) President Michael Barredo, PSC Commissioner Edward Hayco, and Olympian Akiko Thompson, all emphasizing the importance of education in maintaining a fair and drug-free sporting environment.

Philippine Sports Commission chair Patrick Gregorio stressed in his opening remarks the importance of this seminar as their guidance and preparation for the upcoming Olympic and Asian games before the year ends. 

Gregorio emphasized its strong commitment to fair play and integrity during an anti-doping education session held for national athletes on Friday.

“This session is more than just a requirement—it is part of our commitment to fair play, integrity, and excellence,” PSC chair Patrick Gregorio underscores the agency’s core values as Filipino athletes prepare to compete on the regional and international stage.

As the country gears up for major sporting events, PSC officials highlighted the importance of upholding clean sport principles, noting that compliance protects both the careers of athletes and the honor of the nation.

“This is not just about an athlete. It is about our nation’s integrity and our success,” Gregorio emphasized, calling the anti-doping seminar a crucial step in ensuring that Filipino athletes remain aligned with global standards set by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and PHINADO.

Officials reminded athletes that victories achieved through prohibited means hold no value.

“Don’t gamble. Don’t take a chance. Winning should be clean, fair, and come from the heart of every Filipino athlete,” Gregorio reiterated.

The seminar forms part of the PSC’s continuous effort to strengthen awareness and reinforce a culture of honesty and accountability in Philippine sports.

PHINADO’s initiative reinforces the country’s commitment to clean and honest sports, ensuring that every Filipino athlete represents the nation with pride, discipline, and integrity as they take on the international stage.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick Gregorio said his perspective on sports development shifted after witnessing the overwhelming turnout in emerging sports during the recent Batang Pinoy games. Events like archery, futsal, taekwondo, and swimming drew hundreds—if not thousands—of young athletes, surpassing participation numbers in traditional crowd favorites such as basketball and volleyball.

“To be honest, nagulat ako sa dami ng participants,” Gregorio said. “Take futsal, for example—there were hundreds of players from nearly every LGU. We also had 500 to 600 in archery, and it helped that we brought in Korean coach Ryu Ju-seng, known for developing Olympic medalists, for our national team.”

With the surge of interest, Gregorio believes the PSC should champion emerging sports such as netball, floorball, and handball, but he is particularly excited about futsal—especially as the Philippines is currently hosting the first-ever FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup.

Gregorio revealed that with the newly-refurbished PhilSports Arena serving as the World Cup venue, the PSC is considering transforming it into a dedicated futsal arena.

“A lot of our arenas default to basketball after events of other sports,” he said. “But we already have more than enough basketball venues like MOA Arena, Ynares, Araneta, FilOil, and the upcoming UAAP Akari arena. Maybe it’s time we dedicate an arena for futsal. If we do, we could excite FIFA into helping us craft a seven-year development plan for football.”

He cited the PSC’s successful seven-year roadmap with the FIVB, which led to the Philippines hosting the Men’s Volleyball World Championship this year and the Women’s World Championship in 2029. Gregorio believes a similar long-term partnership with the Philippines Football Federation (PFF) and FIFA is well within reach.

Beyond athlete development, Gregorio stressed that hosting world-level sports events should be viewed as an investment—not a cost.

“I’m betting on sports and tourism,” said Gregorio, "Sports can help the economy if we attach it to tourism. It’s a powerful way to promote our country.”

In January, the Philippines will stage its first-ever WTA 125 Philippine Women’s Open, which will feature tennis star Alex Eala. The PSC is currently refurbishing the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center to host the event, but Gregorio foresees that the growing interest in tennis will soon require a larger venue.

“In two years, we’ll likely need a bigger venue if we want to host a WTA 250,” he added.

With rising participation, world-class hosting opportunities, and a renewed vision, Gregorio believes the Philippines is entering a pivotal moment in its sports development journey.

Karl Jahrel Eldrew Yulo has qualified for four final events after a standout performance in the men’s artistic gymnastics team and qualification round of the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championship on Thursday night at the Manila Marriott Hotel in Pasay City.

The 17-year-old Yulo advanced to three apparatus finals and made the cut for the men’s individual all-around final.

Yulo finished sixth overall in the horizontal bar, scoring 13.700 points. He followed up with an impressive 14.233 points in the floor exercise, placing second overall. The 2024 Junior Asian MAG Vault Champion also qualified for the vault finals after finishing fifth with 14.200 points in the qualifications.

Eldrew likewise advanced to the men’s individual all-around final, tallying a total score of 78.332 for 15th place overall, with the top 24 gymnasts qualifying.

The men’s individual all-around finals are set for Saturday, Nov. 22, while the men’s apparatus finals are slated for Nov. 23 and 24.

Undefeated professional boxers Eumir Marcial and Weljon Mindoro, together with Olympic medalists Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas, will spearhead the Philippines’ 13-man boxing delegation for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand next month.

The lineup was formally announced by the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) during a press conference in Pasig City on Wednesday.

ABAP Secretary General Marcus Manalo shared, “We have a total of 13 boxers—seven men and six women—which is the maximum number we can field for the SEA Games, so we are sending a full lineup.”

Marcial and Mindoro: Powering the Men's Team

Four-time SEA Games champion Eumir Marcial returns to his Olympic weight class at 80kg, while pro standout Weljon Mindoro will compete in the 75kg division. Marcial brings in a spotless 7-0 pro record, while Mindoro holds a 15-0-1 slate.

Marcial acknowledged the expectations on him: “Kapag bayan ang nangangailangan ng laban, lalo na sa SEA Games, priority ko talaga yan… Medyo pressure kasi fans expect gold, but amateur boxing requires a different preparation.”

Mindoro, making his SEA Games debut, expressed gratitude: “Nagpapasalamat ako sa opportunity… Isa akong napili. Mag-aadjust ako sa amateur techniques para dito.”

POC President Abraham Tolentino is confident both pros can deliver podium finishes: “Definitely, God willing, it will be a podium for the two. Pipilitin natin na ginto yan.”

Notable Absence: Carlo Paalam

Olympic silver medalist Carlo Paalam will not compete after withdrawing from a box-off due to illness and insufficient preparation. Manalo explained: “He caught a bad flu and couldn’t train for weeks… He respected the selection process and timeline, and begged off.”

Women’s Division Led by Olympians

Petecio (60kg) and Villegas (50kg) team up with Olympian Hergie Bacyadan (70kg). Completing the roster are Ofelia Magno (48kg), Claudine Veloso (54kg), and Riza Pasuit (57kg).

Limited Weight Classes Due to Host Restrictions

The Philippines can only participate in 13 of 17 weight classes due to host restrictions. “We’re limited to seven of nine weight classes in men’s boxing and six of eight in women’s,” Manalo noted.

He added that the inclusion of pro fighters reflects ABAP’s evolving approach: “It’s a good opportunity to show that pro boxers can also be part of the national team… Our objective is always to send the best lineup possible.”

Poised for a Strong Showing

Most of the team is already in Thailand for training camp and will stay there until the Games. The Philippines aims to surpass its 2023 SEA Games medal tally of 4 golds, 5 silvers, and 1 bronze.

Eldrew Yulo — younger brother of double Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo — takes center stage as the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships officially open Thursday at the Manila Marriott Hotel Grand Ballroom inside Newport World Resorts, Pasay City.

Fresh from months of intensive training in Japan under esteemed coach Munehiro Kugimiya, Eldrew banners the host nation’s campaign alongside women’s division representative Elizabeth Antone.

“He’s been working so hard to win medals,” said Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) president Cynthia Carrion during the tournament’s opening press conference.

Yulo begins his campaign at 6 p.m. in the men’s artistic gymnastics (MAG) qualifications and team rankings, marking the start of the five-day competition running from November 20–24. The women’s qualifications follow on Friday, while the MAG and WAG all-around finals take place on Saturday. Apparatus finals for both divisions are scheduled for Sunday and Monday.

A silver medalist in vault at the Asian Junior Championships last July in Jecheon, South Korea, Yulo is seen as the country’s strongest medal hopeful. Carrion expressed optimism that the teen standout could contend for gold in the floor exercise, parallel bars, rings, and vault.

“He assured me he can do it. I feel he can give us one medal, or maybe even two,” Carrion said. “I’m happy with two medals.”

As the Junior Gymfest gets underway, Carrion appealed to Filipino fans to rally behind the athletes—especially in a sport that has delivered the Philippines its historic second and third Olympic gold medals.

“Cheer for our athletes, cheer for everybody, and let’s show the world that gymnastics is a very important sport,” she said.

A total of 75 nations are competing for junior gymnastics glory, making this the largest and most prestigious edition of the event ever held—right here on Philippine soil.

International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) President Morinari Watanabe led the Press Conference and Media Welcome Reception on Tuesday, formally ushering in the country’s hosting of the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships at Newport World Resorts in Pasay City.

The event gathered local and international media as Watanabe highlighted the Philippines’ growing presence in the global gymnastics community and expressed confidence in the successful staging of the prestigious competition.

Set to officially open on Thursday, November 20, the Junior World Championships will feature the world’s top young gymnasts, all eager to showcase their skill, talent, and potential on the international stage.

With more than 75 countries participating, the Philippines is poised to play a central role as the tournament unfolds in Manila for the very first time.

The world’s top young gymnasts will gather in Manila from November 20 to 24 for the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships, to be held at the Manila Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City.

More than 75 countries will take part in the prestigious global event, showcasing the next generation of gymnastics stars competing for world titles and glory.

This marks the first time the Philippines is hosting the Junior World Championships—a milestone moment for the country’s gymnastics community. The event highlights not only the athletes’ talent, passion, and discipline, but also the growing presence of gymnastics in the Philippines and across Asia.

The competition is expected to deliver world-class performances as rising stars strive to make their mark on the international stage and inspire future generations of gymnasts.

The countdown to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games is on! Organizers officially unveiled the full competition schedule, setting the stage for a spectacular edition of the Games that promises to be both historic and inclusive.

The Opening Ceremony will take place on July 14, 2028, with the Closing Ceremony scheduled for July 30, marking 17 action-packed days of elite competition across 49 venues. A record 11,200 athletes will compete in 51 sports, making LA28 the biggest Olympic Games in history.

One of the most exciting highlights? The women’s 100-meter dash will headline Day 1, signaling a bold step toward celebrating women’s excellence in sports. “We want to start the Games with a bang—showcasing the fastest women in the world,” said Shana Ferguson, LA28 chief of sport.

For the first time ever, the Olympics will feature an equal or greater number of women’s teams compared to men’s, with 50.5% of athletes being women—a groundbreaking milestone for gender equality on the world stage.

In another first, athletics will span the entire Games, integrating tradition with innovation. Meanwhile, fans can look forward to the highly anticipated “Super Saturday” on July 29, which will feature 26 finals across 23 sports, including basketball, beach volleyball, boxing, golf, football, tennis, and more—promising one of the most thrilling single days in Olympic history.

The LA28 Games also mark the return of baseball and softball, the long-awaited comeback of cricket after over a century, and the Olympic debuts of flag football and squash—further expanding the Olympic spirit to new audiences around the globe.

As the world prepares for this monumental celebration of athleticism and unity, LA28 stands as a beacon of innovation, diversity, and inclusion—a testament to how the Olympic movement continues to evolve with the times.

In a show of unity and commitment, the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), and the Office of the Chef de Mission (CDM) came together for a Coordination Meeting of the Task Force for the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, set to take place in Thailand next year.

The meeting, attended by POC Secretary General Atty. Wharton R. Chan, PSC Executive Director Atty. Guillermo B. Iroy Jr., and Chef de Mission Dr. Jose Raul Canlas, underscored the country’s collective effort to ensure smooth preparation and strong representation in the regional meet.

According to the POC, the session aimed to strengthen coordination among key sports bodies and address logistical, administrative, and performance-related plans for the Filipino athletes bound for the 2025 SEA Games.

“This coordination is essential to ensure that our athletes get the support and structure they need to perform at their best,” said Dr. Canlas.

With a spirit of “Strength in Unity,” the collaboration signals a unified front for Team Philippines — as the nation’s top sports leaders rally behind the athletes set to bring pride and glory to the country in Thailand.

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is looking to “harmonize” the Palarong Pambansa and Batang Pinoy programs to build a more unified and sustainable youth sports system in the country.

PSC Chairperson Patrick “Pato” Gregorio said the agency is working closely with the Department of Education (DepEd) and other stakeholders to create a clearer pathway for young Filipino athletes—from grassroots to elite levels—following the country’s strong performance in the Asian Youth Games (AYG) held in Bahrain.

“Hindi po siya iu-unify, liwanagin ko lang po, hindi siya iu-unify. Isi-streamline po natin, iha-harmonize po natin para 'yung age group malawak,” said Gregorio during the presentation of the AYG medalists last week.

Gregorio emphasized the importance of aligning the PSC’s programs with the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and national sports associations, noting that youth tournaments like the AYG and Youth Olympic Games (YOG) serve as vital stepping stones toward major international competitions.

“We have to support the initiatives of the POC, lalo na napakaimportante nitong Asian Youth Games, Youth Olympic Games,” he added.

The Batang Pinoy recently concluded in General Santos City, just days after the AYG. Notably, athletes like MMA’s Charlie and Travis Ratcliff flew directly from Bahrain to compete in the local meet—showing the growing connection between national and grassroots programs.

Currently, both Palarong Pambansa and Batang Pinoy cater to young athletes but run on separate calendars. The Palaro includes elementary and secondary divisions, while Batang Pinoy welcomes athletes aged 17 and under—resulting in some overlap.

Gregorio believes harmonizing both programs will create a more efficient structure that better identifies and supports emerging talent early on.

“I was there during the Youth Olympic Games in Argentina. Na-realize ko, pwede tayong manalo rito ah,” said Gregorio. “Kaya ako, very happy ako na ang POC at ang NSAs, tinututukan na natin 'to. Kasi 'yung nananalo sa AYG at Youth Olympic Games, 'yan din ang nagiging champions sa Olympics at Asian Games.”

He added that the PSC’s approach will no longer be merely “reactionary” but will focus on long-term development and consistent support for the youth sports pipeline.

The Philippines recently capped off a historic 12th-place finish in the Asian Youth Games, bagging seven golds, seven silvers, and ten bronzes—its best showing yet in the continental event.

With this success as inspiration, the PSC hopes to build a stronger foundation for the country’s next generation of sports heroes.

Fresh from their medal-winning performances in the 3rd Asian Youth Games, the Philippines’ young athletes are setting their sights even higher — aiming to turn their victories into future gold medals in the Asian Games and Southeast Asian Games.

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino lauded the athletes’ performance and reaffirmed his commitment to expanding the country’s participation in the next edition of the Asian Youth Games in 2029, which will be held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

“Our young athletes have shown that the future of Philippine sports is bright. We’ll continue to support their growth and push for a bigger delegation in 2029,” said Tolentino.

The Asian Youth Games serve as a vital platform for the country’s next generation of elite athletes—a launching pad for those who will soon compete on the regional and global stage.

With the lessons learned and confidence gained from this year’s campaign, the young Pinoy medalists are more motivated than ever to keep their winning momentum—and carry the flag with pride in future international competitions.

Meanwhile, a Php500,000 incentive will be given to all gold medalists from the last 3rd Asian Youth Games in Bahrain; silver winners will receive Php300,000, while bronze finishers will get Php100,000 care of the PSC. 

In addition to this, units of iPhone 17 Pro Max will be given to gold medalists, and iPhone 17 will be issued to silver and bronze medalists by Sportsplus, the official gaming partner of the Philippine Olympic Committee.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has officially approved the establishment of the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee (NST-IAC) through Administrative Order No. 38, marking a major step toward strengthening the Philippines’ position as a regional hub for sports tourism.

The NST-IAC is tasked to harmonize, coordinate, and promote government efforts that integrate sports and tourism—transforming athletic excellence into a driver of youth empowerment, tourism growth, and regional development.

Under the directive, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Pato Gregorio will head the committee, with the Department of Tourism (DOT) serving as vice-chair. The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) are designated as members.

“Sports can enable the youth, enable regional development, enable tourism, and enable new industries,” said Gregorio, underscoring the committee’s vision.

President Marcos, a known sports advocate, recognizes that hosting international sporting events and developing local talent not only elevates Filipino athletes but also boosts tourism and global recognition for the country.

With the creation of the NST-IAC, the Philippines is poised to merge sports and tourism into a powerful engine for national progress—showcasing Filipino talent, passion, and hospitality to the world.

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has officially announced that Bacolod City will host the 2026 Batang Pinoy, marking the return of the national youth games to the Visayas after more than a decade.

The announcement was made during the closing ceremony of the 2025 Batang Pinoy in General Santos City, where PSC Chairman Pato Gregorio confirmed Bacolod’s hosting. This will be Bacolod’s fourth time to stage the event, following previous editions in 1999, 2001, and 2014.

During the turnover rites, GenSan Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao passed the Batang Pinoy banner to Atty. Jose Marty Go, who represented Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya.

“It is just fitting for Bacolod to host the Batang Pinoy after several years, being among the pioneers of this grassroots sports program,” said Gregorio.

Nearly 20,000 young athletes participated in 27 sporting events in the 2025 edition held from October 25 to 31 in General Santos City.

Gregorio highlighted the importance of Batang Pinoy as a cornerstone of grassroots sports development, noting that several of the country’s top athletes — including Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz and world champion gymnast Carlos Yulo — once competed in the tournament.

The upcoming Bacolod hosting in 2026 signifies another milestone for the PSC’s efforts to develop and discover young Filipino athletes from all over the country.

The Philippine women’s national football team saw a promising lead slip away as Uzbekistan rallied late to force a 2-2 draw in their international friendly on Wednesday night at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

After a ten-day training camp in Manila, the Filipinas looked sharp early, with Chandler McDaniel scoring just two minutes into the match off a brilliant setup by Meryll Serrano. Serrano later doubled the advantage in the 56th minute to give the hosts a 2-0 cushion.

However, Uzbekistan’s Diyorakhon Khabibullaeva stole the spotlight, pulling one back with a long-range free kick in the 67th minute before capitalizing on a defensive miscue to equalize in the 81st.

The result was a tough pill to swallow for the world No. 39 Filipinas, who are using the friendly as part of their preparations for the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in December.

For Manvil “Manny” Billones, ice hockey isn’t just a sport. It’s a rush, a rhythm, and a reflection of pure adrenaline. 

Born on November 1, 1993, Billones has carved his path from the rinks of the United States to representing the Philippines in the international arena.

“I played a lot of sports, but hockey was the one that really caught my eye,” he shared. “I like the speed and how fast you can go on the ice, the flow of the game. There’s not that much stoppage. You just go out there, and how intense it is, you can hit, score, and it’s just a fun time.”

Billones, who studied at West Chester University in the U.S., found hockey a sport that matched his competitive fire. Now a forward for the Philippine Men’s National Ice Hockey Team, he carries with him both skill and pride every time he dons the national jersey.

“It’s an honor, really—and just pride,” he said when asked what it means to represent the country.

The team, a mix of veterans and new faces, continues to evolve each season. “There’s a lot of new players, veterans and new guys. It’s a different dynamic,” he explained. “But we’re going to blend better, practice more, and it’s going to be a great time together.”

As one of the team’s experienced players, Billones sets his sights on progress. “Our goal is to get promoted every year, to reach a higher level every time,” he said. “We don’t want to stay on the same level. We just want to improve every time and try to get medals in any tournament we play.”

Off the ice, Billones is as laid-back as he is competitive. “I like to golf,” he admitted with a grin. “But other than hockey, I like to sleep a lot.”

When asked what he wants Filipinos to appreciate about ice hockey, Billones encourages fans to look beyond the usual courts and fields. “It’s not just the main sports like basketball or volleyball,” he said. “You should go out and watch a new sport. Seeing the speed, how fun it is, and the intensity, it’s just a good time.”

And for young Filipinos curious to give hockey a shot? Billones keeps it simple: “Just come to MOA and try it out. Even if it’s just public skating, you never know, you might fall in love with it like us.”

From the ice rinks of West Chester to the cold confines of the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Manny Billones continues to embody the grit and passion of Filipino athletes proving that no climate can cool the fire of national pride.