Cebu's Premier Sports Awards Marks Four Decades of Excellence
The sporting community of Cebu is set to gather in a grand celebration this Sunday, March 8, as the 40th SAC-SMB Cebu Sports Awards takes center stage. This milestone event, organized by the Sportswriters Association of Cebu (SAC) in partnership with San Miguel Brewery (SMB), will recognize the outstanding achievements of local athletes, coaches, officials, and sportsmen throughout 2025.
Honoring the Best of Cebu Sports
A total of 88 individuals and teams will be honored at the ceremony, highlighting the diverse talent that has brought pride to the region. Among the notable awardees is basketball legend June Mar Fajardo, a multiple-time Athlete of the Year and widely regarded as one of the greatest players the Philippines has ever produced.
In weightlifting, Elreen Ando will be recognized for her gold medal victory at the SEA Games in Bangkok and her representation of the country in both the Tokyo and Paris Olympics. Her performance on the international stage has been a source of inspiration for many Cebuanos.
Celebrating Champions Across Disciplines
The awards will also shine a spotlight on other world-class athletes. In athletics, Artjoy Torregosa stands as the lone major awardee, while in volleyball, Cherry Ann Rondina is being honored for her gold medal win in beach volleyball at the 33rd SEA Games.
Boxing champion Melvin Jerusalem continues to carry the flag proudly, and billiards star Rubilen Amit, who was named Athlete of the Year in 2025, will be recognized for her victory in Las Vegas. From tennis, Iggy Pantino, a SEA Games bronze medalist and Gentry Open champion, will also receive accolades.
Special Tributes and Awards
The ceremony will include poignant Posthumous Awards for sporting greats who have passed away: Fritz Tabura, Jun Noel, Julian Macoy, and Rep. Eddie Gullas. Their contributions to Cebu sports will be remembered with deep respect.
Additionally, the ORLACSAN Award, named after legendary sportswriter Orlando C. Sanchez, will honor three individuals—JR Quiñahan, Christian Jay Abarquez, and Elmar Tuburan—for their heroism during Typhoon Tino, showcasing selfless dedication to their community.
Distinguished Honorees and Guest of Honor
The Presidential Awardee, chosen personally by the SAC president, is Atty. Augusto Go, recognized for his unparalleled contributions. The Rico Navarro Sportsman of the Year award will be presented to Lorenzo "Chao" Sy, whose decades-long passion for basketball and boxing has significantly uplifted sports in Cebu.
The Guest of Honor for the event is Patrick "Pato" Gregorio, chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission. With deep roots in Cebu, his return is seen as a homecoming, celebrating his extensive work in promoting sports development.
The Climax: Athlete of the Year
The most anticipated moment of the evening will be the revelation of the Athlete of the Year. While the name remains a closely guarded secret, it promises to highlight an individual whose performance in 2025 has set them apart as the pinnacle of Cebu sports excellence.
The event will be held at 3 p.m. at the Activity Center of Ayala Center Cebu, inviting all sports enthusiasts to join in this celebration of athletic achievement and community spirit.
