Youth champs lead special awardees
Gold medalists from the Asian Youth Games and Asian Para Youth Games, former Deputy Speaker Mikee Romero, and sports patron ArenaPlus will be among those honored during the San Miguel Corporation-Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) 2025 Awards Night on Feb. 16 at Diamond Hotel Manila.
Asian track standout Pi Durden Wangkay and three-gold Para athlete Ric Daniel Pasadilla headline the list of special awardees of the country’s oldest media organization.
Wangkay captured the 100-meter title in the third edition of the Asian Youth Games in Manama, Bahrain, leading the Philippines to a best-ever seven-gold medal haul.
Also to be honored are Asian Youth and Asian Para Youth Games gold medalists Kram Airam Carpio, Charlie Ratcliff, Lyre Anie Ngina, Zeth Gabriel Bueno, Jan Brix Ramiscal, Tyron Jamborillo, Isabella Joseline Butler, RJ Brucal, John Rey Diano, Raemond Adefuin and Mary Hannah Brianna Diesto.
Romero is set to be recognized for his rise in international polo. The 53-year-old businessman and sportsman is Southeast Asia’s highest-ranked polo player and has competed in major tournaments, including the US Open Polo Championship, through his GlobalPort-Passion For Polo team. He is also the owner of former PBA franchise GlobalPort/NorthPort.
ArenaPlus will receive a citation for its sustained support of Philippine sports. The firm has backed major sporting events such as last year’s International Series Philippines, won by Miguel Tabuena, as well as Filipino athletes, including Olympic double gold medalist Carlos Yulo.
Also cited for their breakthrough performances in the Southeast Asian Games are the Philippine women’s football team and the Alas Pilipinas women’s beach volleyball team, composed of Bernadeth Pons, Sisi Rondina, DJ Rodriguez and Sunny Villapando. The Alas Pilipinas men’s volleyball team will likewise be honored following its showing in the FIVB Men’s World Championship.
