Whether it’s some family time or international travels, our Filipino sporting heroes definitely made the most out of their holiday break.
Just like everyone else, athletes also get a well-deserved break during the holiday season to get some me-time. For a time, the daily grind of going to the gym and sticking to strict fitness routines will be set aside to be with one’s family or to be in a dream destination abroad.
Twenty-twenty-four itself was a landmark year in Philippine sports, marked by high points on both the local and international sporting stages. And with a full 2025 yet to unfold, let’s see how some of our top Filipino athletes used the holiday break to celebrate and make the most of their much-needed R&R period.
Carlos Yulo
Months after his double gold medals in the Paris Olympics, Carlos Yulo enjoyed an intimate Christmas dinner with his girlfriend Chloe San Jose before welcoming the New Year all the way in Lotte World from Seoul, Korea.
It’s been a hectic year for Carlos Yulo, whose brilliance in Paris was followed by increased public appearances and scrutiny. Perhaps a little bout of peace and quiet with his partner was a perfect conclusion to a historic year in his gymnastics career and Philippine sports.
Alyssa Valdez
The latter half of 2024 has been kind to Alyssa Valdez, as she made her PVL comeback in November after a four-month layoff caused by a nagging knee injury. It’s been a welcome sight to see Alyssa on the taraflex as she eases herself back into game shape with the Creamline Cool Smashers.
Along with her comeback was a fruitful holiday break. The Phenom spent the first half of her break with Creamline on a team trip to Korea, enjoying the picturesque view of Nami Island, and the snow-filled peaks of Vivaldi Park Ski World in Hongcheon.
By Christmas, the Phenom was right at home for some family time with a family that now includes her ever-adorable dog and growing nieces and nephews.
“2024 has been all about the people who brought joy, support, and inspiration. The travels that helped me discover new perspectives [and] the little things that truly allowed me to get to know myself and what matters most. It’s been a year of connection, growth, and unforgettable memories,” Alyssa wrote in her year-end recap on Instagram.
Bianca Bustamante
Twenty-twenty-five will see Bianca Bustamante scale greater heights as she joins the GB3 Championship with Elite Motorsports. But while she’s already begun preseason testing in Spain, Bianca also made sure to spend some holiday downtime after a productive 2024 in her motorsports career.
Bianca was seen spending some time in Italy for the 2024 holiday season, which included stops at Milan’s Civic Archaeological Museum and the Piazza Ducane in Pavia.
“Peace out 2024, you were so loved. Thank you for being many of my firsts, you made love, cry, hate. But most of all you helped me find pieces of myself in all of the places I traveled, the tracks I raced, and the people I met. I will miss this chapter!! See you all next sunrise,” she wrote in her year-ender post on Instagram.
Jema Galanza
Along with partner Ella de Jesus, Jema Galanza spent her holidays in Korea and eventually Canada with the Cool Smashers.
In Canada, Jema and Ella were part of a Creamline group that played a series of exhibition matches with the Filipino community. In doing so, her holiday break also came with spreading her team’s “good vibes” to their kababayans longing for the Filipino way of celebrating the holidays.
With sports gradually resuming this January, here’s to hoping that our athletes have gotten enough R&R to reach even greater heights for 2025.
Banner image from Alyssa Valdez on Facebook.