“Our Mandaue City Grassroots Sports Development Program has reached around 400 kids from across 27 barangays of Mandaue. The program is not limited to children aged 12 and below but also involves parents, coaches, youth, and the wider community.” ~Mary Joy "MJ" Tabal-Jimenez
International Women's Month, observed annually in March, is a global commemoration of women's accomplishments and contributions across a range of areas. In 2025, MILO® will be proud to honor women who have not only played important roles in sports but have also cleared the way for others who aspire to be elite athletes.
These individuals, who have been recognized by MILO® as shining examples of sports inclusivity, have inspired and given back to the nation's champions regardless of their backgrounds and identities, as well as using their influence for the greater good.
Sports inclusivity through MILO® partner schools
The ongoing partnerships with different sports partners that MILO® has maintained throughout its 60-year history go hand in hand with the organization's efforts to develop the next generation of champions. These collaborations are frequently led by women who are dedicated to increasing sports inclusion by mentoring players at the grassroots level and giving them chances to succeed.
For starters, Monica Jorge is carrying on her father Nic Jorge's legacy by leading the nationally recognized basketball clinic and MILO®-backed BEST Center. As a board member of the Small Basketeers of the Philippines, Jorge supports the growth of women's basketball and has overseen the training of over 60,000 young players in basketball and volleyball.
Commissioner Bong Coo has also had an illustrious career in and out of sport. Beyond bowling, Coo has always been vocal about her plans to pay it forward, where she vowed to “help develop junior bowlers who could bring honors to the country.” True enough, Coo now works with the Philippine Sports Commission, playing a role in furthering sports excellence in the country.
Mary Joy "MJ" Tabal-Jimenez made history as the first Filipina marathoner to qualify for the Olympics, and a 6-time National MILO® Marathon Queen. Now, she heads Mandaue’s grassroots sports program.
Gathering Champions from all walks of life
Others also make diversity a central component of their work and teach sports to a wider audience. They have been able to recognize the athletic potential in every individual and keep expanding the idea that sports can be a life teacher, whether it be for Indigenous Peoples, people with disabilities, or those in remote regions.
One of them is Adeline Dumapong-Ancheta, the first Filipino to win a Paralympic medal. All these years later, she shares her victories with others.
“[I am committed to give] back as part of the national coaching staff for the para powerlifting team. I also advocate for the inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities, especially women across diverse communities.” ~Adeline Dumapong-Ancheta, the first Filipino to win a Paralympic medal
Alongside the growth of running in the country, Nicole Wuthrich-de la Cruz founded Women’s Run PH in 2023 to provide a venue for women in running and to also serve as a platform for like-minded organizations, such as those that heed to women with disabilities, cancer survivors, and kids with autism.
“One’s transformation serves as a powerful reminder of the impact we can have on individuals. Even then, their growth doesn’t end during our events as their journey transforms not only their perspectives but also their lives.” ~Nicole Wuthrich-de la Cruz, founded Women’s Run PH in 2023
Angel Otom is a living example of the strength of tenacity. She is the first Filipina para-swimmer to compete at the Paralympics and has won seven gold medals at the ASEAN Para Games despite being born without arms. Angel's journey is a testament to the perseverance, discipline, and tenacity that characterize true champions as well as to inclusivity.
With three Olympic appearances and seven gold medals from the 1987 and 1991 SEA Games, Akiko Thomson-Guevara has also made a lasting impression on Philippine history. She is currently the President and National Chairperson of the Special Olympics Pilipinas. Inspired by her experience as a mother of a child with Down syndrome, Akiko is committed to demonstrating that everyone has the potential to succeed in life. Some of her contributions include organizing Unified Sports competitions throughout Mindanao, Visayas, and Luzon (which provides a platform for individuals with and without intellectual disabilities to compete on the same team) and educating coaches and educators to strengthen grassroots inclusion initiatives.
Paving the way for the next generation of Champions
In addition to the morals it teaches, sports are an excellent way to unite people who have similar interests. The stories of other individuals who, while coming from various generations, have contributed in some manner to sport are included in this last section; once more, they place a high value on inclusivity in all that they do for the sport.
Former Olympic swimmer turned coach Jenny Guerrero has been key in shaping the future of Philippine sports, having trained over 100 young athletes.
“With my swimming background and now my coaching experience, I have reached kids in the provinces through swim clinics.” ~ Jenny Guerrero, Former Olympic Swimmer Turned Coach
Illustrating her commitment to broadening sports access to all – including athletes who have since made their way to the prestigious Palarong Pambansa and Batang Pinoy.
Another example of how champions are created with the support and enthusiasm of those around them is the story of Darlene Berberabe. As the dean of the esteemed UP College of Law and the mother of Jamie Lim, a two-time SEA Games kumite gold winner and academic achiever, Berberabe played a pivotal role in Jamie's path, from supporting her to never give up to being present in every moment. When questioned about what drives her to constantly support her daughter.
“When one wins, many people share one’s joy; but when one loses, it certainly helps when there is at least that one person who is just with you – who continues to believe in you, win or lose.” ~Darlene Berberabe
One of the top athletes of our time is Maybelline Masuda, the first Filipino to win a World Jiu-Jitsu Championship championship. Even though she is still an active athlete, she now divides her time between mentoring the upcoming generation of champions and supporting her daughter, Aielle, who is just five years old, a second-generation athlete, and the youngest world Jiu-Jitsu champion. Masuda continues to influence the sport's future through her advocacy and coaching, encouraging new players to pursue similar careers.
A little athlete named Chloe Cherish Cheng is gradually but surely making her mark in basketball, demonstrating that young girls can succeed anyplace they set their minds and hearts to. A champion both in and out of sports, Cheng is currently an academic achievement awardee, a BEST Center Sports Inc. scholar, and a MILO® ambassador. Cheng has undoubtedly inspired young athletes to follow their goals with perseverance and hard work by creating more options for young females like herself to participate in sports.
As we begin a new year, let us remember the remarkable women who have gone above and beyond their accomplishments to fervently and selflessly clear the path for others who have followed them. These women include mothers, sisters, classmates, co-athletes, and many more. Even while each of these individuals may be unique, their influence on sports is unquestionably enormous, and their contributions to sports inclusivity will be felt for years to come through today's champions who exemplify perseverance, self-control, and teamwork both inside and outside of the game.
MILO® not only serves as a proud partner of local athletes and champions, but is also one in the advocacy of providing sports opportunities for all. To keep updated on upcoming activations and events, be sure to check out the MILO® official website and the MILO® Facebook page.
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