The Philippines, the Pearl of the Orient Seas, isn’t just rich in natural resources, but the country is also wealthy in terms of talented people. The ever-evolving Philippine sports history, a dynamic mosaic of talent and resilience has been woven by exceptional athletes who have left an indelible mark on the global stage. Let’s embark on a journey to unveil the 10 greatest Filipino athletes of all time, from basketball giant June Mar Fajardo to the Filipino boxing champ Manny Pacquiao.
10. Eugene Torre
There have been numerous Chess Grandmasters in recent memory, but the first one in Asia is Filipino – Eugene Torre.
In 1974, Torre became a grandmaster at just 22 years old and was taking down the best Chess players of his generation one by one. Two years later, he became known in the world after beating the reigning world champion Anatoly Karpov. Torre was one of the greatest Chess players in the ’80s and ’90s, and was considered to be best in Philippine history. In 2021, the sports icon would be inducted into the World Chess Hall of Fame, making him the first and only Asian to ever receive the honor.
9. EJ Obiena
Is it too early to say that Filipino Olympian pole vaulter EJ Obiena is already among the 10 greatest athletes from his country? You could say that. Some would also argue that Olympic boxer Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco was better. However, given Obiena’s accolades, he’s already right up there with the greatest.
After winning the gold medal in the 19th Asian Games in China, EJ Obiena has been ranked the No.2 in his sport, worldwide. His Asiad gold is also the first time for Philippine athletics since Lydia De Vega in 1986. In 10 years, the 27-year-old pole vaulter already has 7 gold medals and a couple of silver and bronze medals.
8. Hidilyn Diaz
Filipina weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz made history for the Philippines back in 2021 after winning the country’s first-ever Olympic Gold medal. She beat the odds in the 55 kg category in the 2020 Summer Olympics, after falling short in the previous Olympic tournaments.
Her path to success was a long and narrow road. Before becoming famous, Diaz was just a 17-year-old athlete who even finished second to the last in the 2008 Olympics. Slowly, she was becoming stronger and competed in many more international tournaments. Diaz, who is also an Airman for the Philippine Air Force, participated in four consecutive Olympics. She placed 12th out of 19 participants in 2012 and won Silver in 2016. But, 2021 was her year after finally capturing the coveted Olympic gold medal. Since then, Diaz’s name has become a household in power weightlifting as she continues to break barriers.
7. Francisco Bustamante
Bustamante is surprisingly still playing now, at least in exhibition games. But, throughout his career, he’s won multiple international and local events, including the 2001 World Pool Masters, 2002 Asian Games (Gold), and the 2010 World Nine-Ball Championship.
6. Lydia De Vega
“Asia’s fastest woman”. The late great Lydia De Vega will always be remembered as one of the greatest Filipina athletes. Heck, she may even go down as one of the best female athletes in the country.
Courtesy of Wikipedia
Before Hidilyn Diaz, De Vega was the first to win gold in the Asiad. She won back-to-back in 1982 and 1986 after making historic performances. Dubbed as the Asian Sprint Queen, De Vega would also win multiple gold medals in the SEA Games and Asian Athletic Championships which would cement her legacy in the track-and-field department. After retiring, she pursued a career in politics and coaching young athletes. In 2022, the iconic sprinter would unfortunately pass away after years of battling with cancer.
5. Gabriel Elorde
Before Manny Pacquiao, another Filipino was a prominent boxer in the 1950s and 1960s. The Cebuano fighter started his professional career at the age of 16 years old and more than 10 years later, he became the most celebrated boxer in the Philippines. Elorde finished his career boasting a record of 89 wins (33 came by way of knockout), 27 losses, and 2 draws. Boxing experts say that Gabriel Elorde goes down as one of the best super featherweight champions in WBC history.
4. Efren “Bata” Reyes
Efren Manalang Reyes, famous for his moniker “Bata” and “The Magician”, is the best pool player in world history. Not just the Philippines, but the world. Reyes received the nickname “Bata” due to his baby face aura but don’t get fooled by his looks. He was also named as “The Magician” after jaw-dropping performances and magical moves that left viewers in awe.
After four decades of playing the sport, Efren “Bata” Reyes has won multiple world championships, gold medals, and recognition from all over the world. He has beaten every pool champion during his prime. Shockingly, even at 66 years old, Reyes is still competing and even gives the young guys a run for their money every time he steps in.
3. June Mar Fajardo
Some would say that the best Filipino basketball player of all time was Carlos Loyzaga. Well, he was pretty dominant in his era, but it was the 60s. One name that seems to be taking over that title is the 7-time PBA MVP, June Mar Fajardo.
2. Rafael “Paeng” Nepomuceno
Six Asian championship titles, inducted into the World Bowling Hall of Fame and Philippine Sports Hall of Fame, and the first and only bowling athlete ever to receive the International Olympic Committee (IOC) President’s Trophy, Rafael “Paeng” Nepomuceno has achieved what needs to be achieved in professional bowling.
Courtesy of Team Adamson Falcons (via X)
From 1976 to 1999, Nepomuceno held the title was World Champion and was already right up there as one of the best bowlers in the world. He has an outstanding resume with gold, silver, and bronze medals between the ’80s and the ’90s.
1. And, the Greatest Filipino Athlete of all time goes to … Manny Pacquiao!
The Filipino champ, Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao receives the highest spot on our list, thanks to his fruitful boxing career. Heavily considered to be the greatest pound-for-pound fighter of his time, Pacquiao has seen his fair share of success on and off the ring. He’s even ranked in the Top 10 greatest boxers in history, joining the likes of Muhammad Ali, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Sugar Ray Robinson.
Manny is the only boxer to ever become an 8-division champion, putting him in an elite group. At 44 years old, the former champion is still fighting professionally while also holding public office in the Philippines.
