Star-studded night for Philippine sports

By Robert Andaya

What do Hidilyn Diaz, Caloy Yulo, EJ Obiena, Alex Eala, Elma Muros, Scottie Thompson, Sarina Bolden, Junna Tsukii, Carlo Paalam,  Vanessa Sarno, Rubilen Amit,  Carlo Biado, Johann Chua,  Meggie Ochoa, Kimberly Annd Custodio  Jovelyn Gonzaga and Sisi Rondina and Blacklist International have in common?

Aside from being the country’s top athletes in their respective sports, they all made the Filipinos proud with their memorable performances on the world stage in 2022.

And the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA), the country’s oldest media organization, is paying tribute to these men and women during its 2022 San Miguel Corporation-PSA Awards Night on March 6 at the Diamond Hotel Grand Ballroom in Malate, Manila.

Fittingly, they will share centerstage  with Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, the country’s highest sports official, and eight veteran sports editors who chronicled their feats.

“It will be another great and memorable night in Philippine sports. The PSA is proud to bring these athletes together again,” said PSA president Rey Lachica of Tempo.

The complete list of awardees:

• Athlete of the Year – Hidilyn Diaz
• President’s Award – Alex Eala
• Hall of Fame – Lydia de Vega
• Lifetime Achievement Award – Elma Muros-Posadas
• Mr. Basketball- Scottie Thompson
• Ms. Football – Sarina Bolden
• NSA of the Year – Samahang Weightlifting Association
• Executive of the Year – POC President and Tagaytay Mayor Bambol Tolentino

Major Awards

• EJ Obiena (Athletics)
• Caloy Yulo (Gymnastics)
• Philippine women’s football team
• Carlo Paalam (Boxing)
•  Meggie Ochoa (Jiu-jitsu)
•  Kimberly Anne Custodio (Jiu-jitsu)
• Junna Tsukii (Karate)
• Rubilen Amit (Billiards)
• Carlo Biado (Billiards)
• Johann Chua (Billiards)
• Vanessa Sarno (Weightlifting)
• Jovilyn Gonzaga and Sisi   
• Rondina (Beach volleyball)
• Blacklist International (Esports)
• Jesus Guce (Jockey of the Year)
• Boss Emong  (Horse of the Year)

Citations

• Gold medal winners in the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam
• Eumir Felix Marcial (Boxing)
• Rogen Ladon (Boxing)
• Chezka Centeno (Billiards)
• Ana Nualla and Sean Aranar (Dancesports)
• Gilas Pilipinas women’s team
• Marie Antoinette San Diego (Chess)
• Efren Bagamasbad (Chess)
• Ronald Lomotos
• Philippine Navy Standard Insurance
• Philippine pencak silat team
• Letran Knights basketball team
• Joyce Reboton (Powerlifting)
• Dottie Ardina (Golf)
• Rianne Malixi (Golf)
• Kaizen dela Serna
• Andrico Mahilum
• Mark Julius Rodelas
• Sandi Abahan
• Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF)
• Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA). 

The 2022 PSA,Awards Night is presented by the  Philippine Sports Commission and Cignal TV, and supported by the Philippine Olympic Committee, Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham ‘Bambol’ Tolentino, MILO, Smart, MVP Sports Foundation, Rain or Shine, 1Pacman Rep. Mikee Romero, Philippine Basketball Association, OKBet, ICTSI and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).