As the year 2025 draws to a close, it is a fitting moment to celebrate the remarkable achievements of several athletes from Cebu, or based in the province, who have etched their names in history and brought immense pride to their homeland through their respective sporting endeavors.
Basketball Legends and Rising Stars
Once again, the name of basketball giant June Mar Fajardo has resonated across the nation. The native of Pinamungajan, Cebu, clinched his unprecedented ninth Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) this October. This historic feat, based on season statistics and votes from media and fellow players, further cements the legendary legacy he has built in Philippine basketball, a record that may stand for generations.
At the amateur level, a new star emerged from Cebu City. Jonathan "Titing" Manalili, whose roots trace back to Borbon, Cebu, took the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) by storm. Surprisingly overlooked by local Cebu school teams, Manalili shone brightly in Manila, earning the prestigious Rookie of the Year honor. He led Colegio de San Juan de Letran to back-to-back high school championships, earning Finals MVP honors, and continued to be instrumental in his first college year, guiding Letran to the finals. Despite a finals loss, his trophy haul was impressive, also securing Freshman of the Year and a spot in the Mythical Five.
UAAP Scoring King and Boxing Champion's Defense
Another Cebuano made waves with a unique accolade. Nic Cabanero, who studied elementary at the University of San Carlos but honed his skills in Manila, captured the UAAP scoring championship for the third time in the 2025 season. As team captain of the UST Growling Tigers, he propelled the team to the Final Four. Although they fell in the semifinals to UP, Cabanero, with parents from Inabanga, Bohol, was again named to the Mythical Five, complementing his scoring title.
In the boxing ring, while not a pure Cebuano, Melvin Jerusalem honed his craft in Cebu and carried its fighting spirit to the world stage. The year 2025 saw him successfully defend his WBC minimumweight title twice. First, on March 30, he dethroned former champion Yudai Shigeoka via unanimous decision in Tokoname, Japan. Later, on October 29, he retained his belt against South African challenger Siyakholwa Kuse in the "Thrilla in Manila 2" event at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Jerusalem is also a former WBO mini-flyweight world champion.
A Legacy of Excellence
The accomplishments of these athletes are not just personal victories but are source of great inspiration and pride for the entire province of Cebu. Their dedication in basketball and boxing showcases the depth of sporting talent the region produces. From Fajardo's peerless dominance to the explosive arrival of Manalili, the consistent excellence of Cabanero, and the world-class prowess of Jerusalem, 2025 has undoubtedly been a year marked by Cebuano athletic brilliance. This list serves as a first look, with more athletes to be featured in a subsequent installment.
