Stories of redemption and historic breakthroughs defined Philippine sports in 2025.
From the historic highs of 2024, Philippine sports showed no signs of slowing down for 2025. Stars led by Alex Eala continued to champion Pinoy pride on the world stage, built on historic firsts and inspiring runs throughout the year. On home soil, a Philippine basketball great continued to add to his milestones, while a storied university completed a Cinderella run for the ages.
Here are our picks for the moments that defined Philippine sports in 2025.
A storybook year for Alex Eala
Twenty-twenty-five will forever be a year to remember for Alex Eala, and could be described as a “turning point” in her path to tennis glory.
Alex started off the year with a giant-slaying run in the Miami Open, taking down former Grand Slam champions headlined by then-World No.2 Iga Świątek. Months later, Eala would turn the tables against Clara Tauson in her US Open debut, becoming the first Filipino tennis player to win in a Grand Slam event in the Open Era.
Come September, Alex became the first Filipino player to win a WTA tournament, beating Panna Udvardy from Hungary to rule the 2025 Guadalajara 125 Open. The Filipina ace also breached the Top 50 shortly before her season concluded, which marked another first in the Philippine tennis record books.
Alex capped off her banner year with a gold medal in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, winning the country’s first tennis singles gold in 26 years.
Asian Winter Games: Glory in Harbin for Philippine Curling
The Philippines may be a tropical country, but it can thrive in winter sports too.
Last February, history was made on the snow, with the Philippine curling team winning the country’s first gold medal at the Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China. Led by captain Alan Frei, Curling Pilipinas toppled China in the semifinals, before stunning Korea for the historic gold medal.
In a perfect world, the Glory in Harbin would have been followed by a qualification to next year’s Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. Nonetheless, Curling Pilipinas has written a page in the history books through their triumph in Harbin.
Manny Pacquiao nearly turns back the clock against Mario Barrios
Heading into his comeback fight against Mario Barrios, fans may have tempered their expectations for Manny Pacquiao. After all, Pacman hadn’t fought since 2021, where he lost via unanimous decision to Yordenis Ugas.
Yet when faced against a younger and lengthier Mario Barrios, Pacman proved that he still has some left in the tank, showing flashes of power and explosiveness that was met with loud cheers at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. At one point, it seemed like Pacquiao would pull off the improbable and take home Barrios’ WBC Welterweight title.
The bout ultimately ended in a draw, but for a while, it felt like the early 2000s again watching Pacman hold his ground against Barrios.
Carlo Biado’s second World Nine-Ball Championship
To be the best, you have to beat the best. And that’s exactly what Carlo Biado did last July in the 2025 World Pool Championship, when he took down then-World No.1 Fedor Gorst for his second world nine ball title.
It was the stuff of legends for the “Black Tiger”, who became the first Filipino to win the World Nine-Ball championship twice. Biado now has three world pool titles to his name, which also includes the World 10-Ball title he won in 2024.
Alas Pilipinas’ historic FIVB Worlds debut
As it was, getting to host the FIVB Men’s World Championship was already a win for the Filipino fans. After all, it meant that they would see international volleyball idols in the flesh, along with Alas Pilipinas Men making their debut on the world stage.
But when the games kicked off, it didn’t take long for Alas Men to prove that they weren’t pushovers. After dropping their debut against Tunisia, the Nationals bounced back strong, shutting down Egypt for a historic first win in the World Championship.
Alas Men even came close to a Round of 16 berth by pushing Iran to their limits, only to be denied history after Team Melli’s late challenge on Kim Malabunga’s winning block.
Though it was heartbreaking, Alas’ memorable run showed the bright future of Philippine men’s volleyball.
Miguel Tabuena’s home win for the ages
It was only right that a hometown bet, Miguel Tabuena, ruled the first-ever International Series Philippines held last October 26 at the Sta. Elena Golf Course. Miguel sealed the win with a short putt, before dropping to his knees in front of a stacked crowd watching him.
On top of carrying Philippine pride, the win gave Miguel a $360,000 purse (around PhP 21 million), along with his fourth title in the Asian Tour.
June Mar Fajardo wins unprecedented 9th PBA MVP
Twenty-twenty-five is already a landmark year for the Philippine Basketball Association, as it marked the league’s historic 50th season. As expected, they have pulled out all the stops in celebrating the icons that shaped their storied past.
On top of the league entering its golden anniversary, 2025 also saw June Mar Fajardo win his record ninth PBA Most Valuable Player award. It was a testament to the Kraken’s sustained dominance, having re-established his place after fracturing his right tibia five years ago.
As he widens his lead in the MVP tally, all that’s left for June Mar is winning as many PBA titles as he can with the San Miguel Beermen.
KarlTzy completes his MLBB trophy case
Team Liquid PH’s victory at the 2025 Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Mid Season Cup (MSC) didn’t just snap the Philippines’ three-year drought in the prestigious tourney. More than the team win, it also marked a personal milestone for star Jungler Karl “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno.
Initially nicknamed the “Young GOAT”, the MSC 2025 completed KarlTzy’s collection of the major MLBB trophies, which already includes two M-Series championships, and five titles in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League-Philippines (MPL-PH).
As the icing on the cake, KarlTzy also copped his second SEA Games gold, helping Sibol achieve a four-peat in the MLBB tournament.
DLSU reclaims UAAP Men’s Basketball throne
Down, but never out is a perfect way to describe DLSU’s UAAP Season 88 campaign, with Archers finding a higher gear whenever their backs were against the wall.
Following a rocky elimination round, DLSU eliminated top-seeded National University in the Final Four, setting up their third-straight title series against the UP Fighting Maroons — a team they had actually beaten twice in the eliminations.
In a show of championship grit, DLSU secured the title through a thrilling Game 3 victory, fueled by a monster game from captain Mike Phillips, and a finishing kick led by Vhoris Marasigan in the final three minutes.
It was a classic underdog tale for the Green Archers, who battled through injuries, suspensions, and even a slow start on their way to the Season 88 title.
Filipinas’ maiden gold at the SEA Games
Up until Wednesday, December 17, no Filipino team has won it all in football at the SEA Games. But the Filipinas changed all that in this year’s staging of the regional meet.
After a nerve-wracking penalty shootout in the final, the Filipinas secured a historic gold medal — the Philippines’ first in SEA Games football — along with denying Vietnam of a fifth-straight women’s football crown.
Jackilyn Sawicki secured the go-ahead penalty kick, before goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel sealed the crown with an epic save against Tran Thi Thu to seal the thrilling 6-5 win.
This is now the latest breakthrough for the Filipinas, who ruled the ASEAN Women’s Cup in 2022, and made their memorable FIFA Women’s World Cup debut in 2023.
Banner images from AFP, Philippine National Volleyball Federation, Manny Pacquiao, and Asian Tour on Facebook.