The year 2025 proved to be another remarkable chapter for Philippine sports, featuring a blend of rising stars, legendary comebacks, and significant local developments. Young athletes broke new ground, veterans defied expectations, and the nation celebrated both international glory and domestic progress.
New Heights for Philippine Tennis and Gymnastics
Alex Eala, the 20-year-old tennis sensation, catapulted herself into the global spotlight with a series of stunning performances. Her campaign began at the prestigious Miami Open, where she secured historic victories against Grand Slam champions Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and Iga Swiatek. Although her run ended in the semi-finals against Jessica Pegula, her success was enough to propel her into the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Top 100 for the first time ever for a Filipino player.
Eala continued her impressive form throughout the year, making deep runs in various WTA events, including the French Open and Wimbledon. Her efforts saw her achieve a career-high world ranking of No. 50, and she closed the year firmly positioned at World No. 53, establishing herself as a consistent force on the tour.
In gymnastics, Carlos Yulo continued to be a standard-bearer for Philippine excellence. On October 24, 2025, he struck gold in the men’s vault exercise at the 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta, Indonesia. This victory added to his legendary status following his historic two-gold medal performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Yulo is now expected to return to action at the Asian Games in Japan the following year.
Legendary Comeback and Domestic Dominance
Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao sent shockwaves through the sports world by ending his nearly four-year retirement. At 46 years old, Pacquiao proved he still possessed elite skill, fighting to a draw against the much younger 30-year-old WBC welterweight champion, American Mario Barrios. The bout took place on July 19, 2025, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, USA. Many observers and fans believed Pacquiao, now 47, had done enough to win the contest.
On the national basketball scene, San Miguel Beermen's Cebuano giant, June Mar Fajardo, further cemented his legacy. At 36, the player known as "The Kraken" captured his unprecedented ninth Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) on October 5, 2025. The University of Cebu product and native of Pinamungajan, Cebu, continues to be the league's most dominant force.
Local Scene: Venues and Victories
The local sports landscape also witnessed significant moments. The New Cebu Coliseum reopened after renovations, capturing widespread public attention. Photos and videos of the FIBA-standard facility sparked lively discussions on social media, marking a major upgrade for sports infrastructure in the region.
Academic leagues celebrated dynasties as well. The University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers achieved a four-peat championship in the college basketball division of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi). Similarly, the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) Magis Eagles secured a five-peat title in the high school division, showcasing the depth of talent in the country's grassroots programs.
From the global stages of tennis, gymnastics, and boxing to the courts of the PBA and Cesafi, 2025 was a year where Filipino athletes at all levels demonstrated resilience, skill, and the enduring capacity to bring pride to the nation.
