Cebu Sports Awards 2026 to Honor 43 Athletes and 5 Teams on March 8
The 40th Sportswriters Association of Cebu-San Miguel Beer (SAC-SMB) Cebu Sports Awards is set to celebrate the achievements of local sports stars on March 8 at the Ayala Center Cebu Activity Center. This prestigious event will honor a total of 43 athletes and five teams across 26 diverse sporting disciplines, highlighting their remarkable milestones and contributions to the sports community.
Major Awardees Include Renowned Names
Among the distinguished major awardees are some of the most prominent figures in Philippine sports. Basketball legend June Mar Fajardo, a nine-time PBA MVP, leads the list. He is joined by Melvin Jerusalem, the World Boxing Council (WBC) minimumweight champion, and Margielyn Didal, a professional skateboarder who has gained international acclaim.
Other notable awardees include Rubilen Amit, a three-time billiards world champion, and Elreen Ando, a 2024 Olympian and 2025 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games weightlifting gold medalist. These athletes represent the pinnacle of excellence in their respective fields, showcasing the depth of talent emerging from Cebu.
Comprehensive List of Honorees
The awards ceremony will also recognize a wide array of athletes and teams from various sports. Key honorees include:
- Artjoy Torregosa in athletics
- The University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers and Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) Magis Eagles in basketball
- Jonathan Moses "Titing" Manalili in basketball
- Cherry Ann Rondina in beach volleyball
- Jay Bryan Baticuatro and Mark Ashley Fajardo in boxing
- Eliche Zoe Malilay and Elise Xoe Malilay in Brazilian jiu-jitsu
- Jerish John Velarde and Rico Mascariñas in chess
- Eleanor Hayco and Lloyd Bartolini in dancesport
- Franklin Ferdie Yee in duathlon
- The Sibil Women's E-sports Team
- Melvin Mendoza Angelica Bengtsson in floorball
- Mallie Ramirez and the Cebu Football Club Gentle Giants in football
- Jeremy Laurence Nopre, Alexis Nicole Villacarlos, Felix Calipusan Jr., and Kelly Alexandrei Trocio in karatedo
- Jana Lavador in kickboxing
- Christwil Villanueva in motorcycle racing
- Fritz Gerald Carsola and Jean Marie Sucalit in sepak takraw
- Jerome Bacarisas, Jasper Cabrera, and Ann Antolihao in softball
- Miranda Renner in swimming
- The University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters, Richard Gonzales, and Eljay Dan Tormis in table tennis
- Aeden Roffer Poloyapoy Cereno, Clarissa Louise Gallego, and Jose Martin Omayan in taekwondo
- Arthur Craig "Iggy" Patino in tennis
- Andrew Kim Remolino, Raven Faith Alcoseba, and Matthew Justine Hermosa in triathlon
- Jeff Leonard Hortelano in ultimate flying disc
- Raph Trinidad in wakeboarding
This extensive list underscores the diversity and richness of the sports landscape in Cebu, with athletes excelling in both traditional and emerging disciplines.
Athlete of the Year Announcement
All major awardees are also contenders for the highly anticipated Athlete of the Year title. The winner will be announced during the awarding ceremony, adding an element of suspense and excitement to the event. This recognition serves as the highest honor, celebrating the most outstanding performer among the distinguished group.
Special Citations for Additional Achievements
In addition to the major awards, the ceremony will feature special citations for other athletes and sports personalities. These acknowledgments aim to highlight exceptional contributions, perseverance, and sportsmanship that may not fall under the major categories but are equally deserving of praise. This inclusive approach ensures that a broader spectrum of achievements within the local sports community is celebrated.
The SAC-SMB Cebu Sports Awards continues to be a cornerstone event for recognizing and inspiring athletic excellence in the region. By honoring both established stars and rising talents, it fosters a culture of sportsmanship and dedication that resonates throughout Cebu and beyond.
