15 Greatest Filipino Athletes of All Time

15 Greatest Filipino Athletes of All Time

Originally published by Roseline in May 2022 Updated in February 2024 by Julius R

Sport is an important part of the lives of people worldwide, which play part in ensuring people keep themselves physically fit and active, it is also a favorite bonding activity among friends and family.  In the Philippines, sports are activities that the Filipinos are usually passionate about. 

In the Philippines, it is important to note that there is a variety of sports played, but there are, about six major sports which include; basketball, boxing, tennis, football, billiards, and volleyball. Sports such as athletics, weightlifting, aerobics, and martial arts are also popular recreation activities.

Here are the 15 greatest celebrated Filipino Athletes of all time;

1. Rafael Paeng Nepomuceno-bowler

Paeng Nepomuceno, By Dixie Puyat – Wikipedia

Rafael was a Filipino bowler and coach, he was a six-time world bowling champion. He is a world bowling Hall Famer and he is the first and only bowling athlete to be awarded International Olympic Committee (IOC) president’s Trophy. In 1999 he was named International Bowling Athlete of the Millennium by the Federation International des Quillers (FIQ)  and then later in 1998 he was inducted into the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame.

He is a four-time World Cup of Bowling Champion. He also broke his record of 118 titles which was first established in 2007. He is currently a professor and senior lecturer at the University of the Philippines and also still practices bowling.

2. Manny Pacquiao- Boxer

inboundpass, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Manny Pacquiao is a Filipino politician and former professional boxer. He was nicknamed “Pacman”. He is regarded as one of the greatest professional boxers of all time. Since 2016, he has been serving as a senator of the Philippines.

He is the only eight-division world champion in the history of boxing and has won twelve major world titles. He is also the first boxer to win the lineal championship in five different weight classes.  He announced his retirement on  September 29, 2021. He is the current pound-for-pound king of boxing.

3. Efren Manalang Reyes- pool player

Doha Stadium Plus Qatar from Doha, Qatar, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Efren Manalang Reyes is popularly known as ”Bata”. He is a professional pool player. He has won over 100 international titles. He is the first player to win the WPA World Champion in two different disciplines. 

Reyes is a 4-time World Eight-ball champion, a WPA World Nine-ball Champion, a 3-time U.s open winner, a two-time World Pool League winner, and a thirteen-time Derby City classic winner among his many titles.

4. Gabriel Elorde-boxer

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Gabriel Elorde was the most popular boxer in the Philippines. He was considered one of the best Filipino boxers of all time. He was also the most beloved in the Philippines as a sports and cultural icon for being the first Filipino international boxing champion after Ceferino Garcia.

He became the only Asian to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. He retired with a record of 88 wins, 27 losses, and 2 draws, he was therefore considered the greatest super featherweight champion of all time in WBC history. He died at the age of 49 due to lung cancer.

5. Francisco Bustamante-pool player

Francisco Bustamante, By Railbird JAM at Wikipedia 

Francisco Bustamante is a Filipino professional pool player, who was nicknamed ”Django”. He become the world’s number one billiard player in 1998. Not only has he won over 70 international titles he has approximately 34 local and international medals, which include the 2001 World Pool Masters and the 2010 World Nine-Ball Championship in Doha Qatar.

He holds the world record for having the most powerful break shot. Django still plays the professional billiard tournaments.

6. Lydia de Vega-athlete

Geourgina1, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 Lydia is a retired athlete from the Philippines, she retired after competing at the track and field event of the 1994 Manila-Fujian Games which were held in October and won the 100m event.

she was considered Asia’s fastest woman in the 1980s. She won the gold medal in the 100m dash at both the 1982 New Delhi Asiad and the 1986 Seoul Asiad.

7. Mansueto Velasco-boxer

Philippine Postal Corporation, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Mansueto ”Onyok” Velasco Jr is a Filipino retired boxer, comedian, and occasional actor. While he was competing in the 48kg category he won a gold medal at the 1994 Asian Games and a silver at the 1996 Summer Olympics.

 He retired from boxing after the government failed to support thus found a financial solution to pursuing an acting career. He later became a successful comedian appearing in several ABS-CBN sitcoms and also played the role of a boxing trainer on the TV5  comedy-drama Beki Boxer.

8. Carlos Loyzaga-basketball player

Carlos Loyzaga, By Don mar at English Wikipedia

Carlos was a Filipino basketball player and coach. he was born on 29 August 1930 and subsequently, on January 27, 2016, he died. He was not only considered to be the most dominant basketball in that era, in the Philippines but the as greatest Filipino basketball player of all time.

He was a two-time Olympian and a member of the Philippine National Team. He helped the Philippines become one of the best in the world by winning four consecutive Asian Games gold medals, and two consecutive FIBA Asia Championships. After retiring in 1964, as a player he became the head  coach of the YCO and the Manila Bank Golden Bankers in the MICAA

9. Hidilyn Diaz-weightlifter

PTV News, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Hidilyn Francisco  Diaz is a Filipino weightlifter and airwoman, she is the first Filipino to ever win an Olympic gold medal for the Philippines. She is also an Olympic weightlifting record-holder by winning the women’s 55 kg category for weightlifting at the 2020 Summer Olympics.

In 2017 she was awarded the Athlete of the Year Award of the Philippines Sportswriter Association and also received two honors from the Philippine House of Representatives that is the Congressional Medals of Distinction in 2016 and the Congressional Medal of Excellence in 2021.

10. Eugene Torre – chess player

Andreas Kontokanis from Piraeus, Greece, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Eugene is a Filipino chess player, who became Asia’s first grandmaster of chess at the age of 22years in 1974. He is therefore considered the strongest chess player in the Philippines which was produced in the 1980s and 1990s. In 1976, Torre beat the then-reigning world champion in a game that has become part of Filipino chess history.

In 2021, Eugene was inducted into the World Chess Hall of Fame, thus becoming the first male Asian chess player to be given such honor. He is currently playing for the Rizal Towers of the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines.

11. Elma Muros-Posadas – Athletics

derivative work: Jesfr (talk)Track_and_field_stadium.jpg: Eija, CC BY 1.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Elma Muros-Posadas is an extraordinary Filipino athlete, renowned for her exceptional achievements in track and field. At the Southeast Asian Games, she dominated the game by winning gold an incredible nine times. Elma excelled in various track and field events, showcasing her prowess in running, jumping, and throwing. Her impressive medal count not only made her a national treasure but also solidified her as one of the greatest Filipina athletes in history.

By breaking records and demonstrating her unwavering dedication, she became a beacon of hope, proving that with hard work and determination, anyone can achieve their dreams. Elma Muros-Posadas isn’t just a track and field champion; she’s a symbol of perseverance and empowerment. Her legacy goes beyond the medals she won – it’s about encouraging others to believe in their abilities and reach for greatness.

12. Dennis Orcollo – Billiards

Doha Stadium Plus Qatar from Doha, Qatar, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Dennis Orcollo is a Filipino billiards player who has left an indelible mark on the world of cue sports. Renowned for his exceptional skills and strategic gameplay, Orcollo has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the top players in the sport. Hailing from Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, Orcollo’s journey to billiards stardom began at a young age. He quickly rose through the ranks, showcasing an innate talent for the game.

Known for his precise ball control, strategic shot selection, and cool demeanor under pressure, Orcollo has become a force to be reckoned with on the international billiards scene. His list of achievements is impressive, including numerous tournament victories and championships. Orcollo’s success extends beyond local competitions, with notable wins in international events that have solidified his status as one of the best in the world. In addition to his technical prowess, Orcollo’s sportsmanship and dedication to his craft have earned him respect among fans and fellow players alike.

13. Alyssa Valdez – Volleyball

Paulway29, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Alyssa Valdez stands as one of the most accomplished Filipino volleyball players, leaving an indelible mark on the sport through her outstanding performances in both local and international arenas. Hailing from San Juan, Batangas, Valdez’s journey to becoming a volleyball sensation began with her passion for the game and a remarkable work ethic. In the local scene, Valdez became a dominant force in Philippine volleyball, earning numerous accolades and championships.

Her skillful plays, powerful spikes, and remarkable agility on the court set her apart as a standout player. Representing the Philippines on the international stage, Valdez showcased her talent with distinction. She became a symbol of pride for the nation, embodying the spirit of Filipino athleticism and sportsmanship. Her contributions to the national team have not only elevated Philippine volleyball but have also inspired a new generation of players to aspire for greatness.

14. Alvin Patrimonio – Basketball

KR Alipala from Muntinlupa City, Philippines, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Alvin Patrimonio, a basketball legend in the Philippines, is celebrated for his immense contributions to the sport. Born on November 17, 1966, in Quezon City, he became an iconic figure in Philippine basketball, earning the nickname “Captain Lionheart” for his leadership and prowess on the court. Patrimonio’s illustrious career unfolded primarily in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), where he played for the Purefoods franchise. Throughout his time with Purefoods, he achieved numerous milestones and garnered several accolades.

Notably, he is a four-time PBA Most Valuable Player (MVP), a testament to his exceptional skills, versatility, and impact on the game. As a power forward and center, Patrimonio showcased remarkable scoring ability, rebounding skills, and an unmatched work ethic. His dedication to the sport and his leadership qualities earned him the captaincy of the national team during various international competitions. Beyond individual accomplishments, Alvin Patrimonio played a pivotal role in leading Purefoods to multiple PBA championships, solidifying his status as one of the greatest players in the league’s history.

15. Josie Gabuco – Boxing

Josie Gabuco, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons