oleh admin | Mar 28, 2025 | female empowerment, social issues, women, women's rights, women's sports
We are the ones demonstrating to the world what women can achieve. We are the ones showing that power isn’t determined by one’s gender.
A powerful declaration made by Achrissa Maw from the University of the Philippines (UP) women’s basketball team during the Third Sunflower Run-Walk-Parade event held on March 22, 2025, at the UP Diliman campus academic oval.
“Recognition of Women, Hope for Youth” is the theme of the event during Women’s Month, which also honored UP women athletes.
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The member institutions of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) go head-to-head in 20 different sporting events. These competitions include both Men’s and Women’s categories across most sports; however, exceptions apply to certain games. Baseball involves only male athletes, whereas softball is exclusively played by female participants.
From 1938 onwards, the University of the Philippines’ female squads emerged as champions across various sports: they won 21 titles in swimming, 12 in judo, 9 in badminton, 8 in volleyball, 7 in basketball, 6 in table tennis, 5 in fencing, 3 each in softball and chess, 2 in taekwondo gyeorugi, along with one title each in football and taekwondo poomsae.
Softball competition takes place exclusively in the women’s division, which began in 1953. The University of the Philippines claimed the title four times: during Season 58 (1995–96), Season 59 (1996–97), Season 64 (2001–02), and Season 70 (2007–08).
In women’s basketball, the University of the Philippines (UP) clinched the championship title seven times: during Season 39 ([1976–77]), Season 40 (1977–78), Season 41 (1978–79), Season 43 (1980–81), Season 44 (1981–82), Season 45 (1982–83), and Season 46 (1983–84). For men’s basketball, UP secured their championship victories in 1939, 1986, 2022, and 2024.
In women’s swimming, UP claimed the championship 21 times: during Season 2 (1939–40), Season 3 (1940–41), Season 10 (1947–48), Season 27 (1964–65), Season 28 (1965–66), Season 29 (1966–67), Season 51 (1988–89), Season 54 (1991–92), Season 56 (1993–94), Season 57 (1994–95), Season 58 (1995–96), Season 60 (1997–98), Season 61 (1998–99), Season 62 (1999–00), Season 72 (2009–10), Season 73 (2010–11), Season 74 (2011–12), Season 75 (2012–13), Season 76 (2013–14), Season 79 (2016–17), and Season 86 (2023–24).
In women’s volleyball, UP claimed the championship title eight times: during Season 1 (1938–39), Season 10 (1947–48), Season 12 (1949–50), Season 14 (1951–52), Season 25 (1962–63), Season 40 (1977–78), Season 42 (1979–80), and Season 45 (1982–83).
During the inaugural season of 1938-39, female teams made their debut in volleyball, whereas male squads took to the court for the first time eight seasons later in 1946-47. The University of the Philippines emerged as victors in that initial campaign.
In basketball, female teams made their debut during Season 13 (1950-51), with University of the Philippines securing their initial victory in Season 39 (1976–77).
The UP women athletes achieved a series of wins in badminton over six seasons from 1995 to 2000, in swimming across five seasons from 2009 to 2013, in fencing during five seasons spanning 2000 to 2004, in basketball throughout four seasons between 1980 and 1983, in judo through two separate periods each covering four seasons: first from 1999 to 2002 and then from 2006 to 2009, and also in table tennis consistently over four seasons ranging from 1997 to 2000.
In Season 87, hosted by UP, the ladies’ squad has secured first place in badminton, second place in swimming, and third place in track and field so far.
The United Nations officially acknowledged International Women’s Day in 1977, which is observed annually on March 8. This day celebrates the accomplishments of women across all boundaries, including nationalities, ethnic backgrounds, languages, cultures, economics, and politics.
In March, it was proclaimed as Women’s Month following President Cory Aquino signing Proclamation Number 288 on March 17, 1988. This proclamation highlighted the significant contributions of Filipino women in various fields such as society, culture, economy, and politics over our nation’s history.
We aren’t merely typical athletes; we serve as role models and leaders,” Maw stated. “We motivate the next cohort of young women to pursue their aspirations, stand firm without backing down, and recognize their true value.
The parade participants consist of female University of the Philippines athletes from sports such as basketball, chess, fencing, judo, softball, swimming, table tennis, and track and field. Additionally, groups like the Filipiniana dancers, street dance ensemble, and varsity pep drummers will also join in.
Sunflower serves as an emblem of female empowerment during the suffrage movement.
Women in Kansas adorned themselves with sunflower pins when advocating for their voting rights back in 1867. Despite the failure of the Kansas referendum, the color yellow stayed symbolic within the suffragette movement throughout the 20th century.
Sunflowers have also turned into the emblem of the final milestones in college life.
Sunflowers represent dedication and commitment as residents cleared all academic hurdles with sleepless and turbulent days and nights.
Just like how a single sunflower within the schoolyard requires ample sunlight to thrive, each student should view every encounter at the university as essential for their personal development.
The event was spearheaded by several female-led organizations from the University of the Philippines (UP), including UP Delta Lambda Sigma Sorority, UP Portia Sorority, UP Women in Law, Women Lawyers Circle, along with UP Concert Chorus and their corresponding alumni associations such as IBP Quezon City, UP Law Class of 1985, Kontra GaPi, Maritime Law Association of the Philippines, and Celebrity Club.
We aren’t merely engaged in a game; we’re transforming the rules of engagement. We’re altering how stories get told and making an impact on society at large,” declared Maw. “We won’t remain unheard, pushed aside, or dismissed. Instead, we’ll keep expanding limits, shattering stereotypes, and etching ourselves into historical memory.
(Pey ups serves as the moniker for the University of the Philippines. Atty. Dennis R. Gorecho leads the Seafarers’ Division at the Sapalo Velez Bundang Bulilan Law Offices. For feedback, send an email.)
info@sapalovelez.com
, or call 0917-502-5808 or 0908-866-5786.)
oleh admin | Mar 28, 2025 | sports, women, women's sports
It makes sense why Karyll Miranda has spent much of her first year with Far Eastern mostly as a reserve player. She backs up Tin Ubaldo, who is among the nation’s leading amateur setters.
The Lady Tamaraws currently stand at second place in the elimination round of the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament, largely due to Ubaldo orchestrating the plays effectively. However, praise must also be shared with Miranda, who stepped up admirably when Far Eastern University’s primary setter struggled during their match on Wednesday.
In terms of skills, Miranda has nothing to be concerned about, and she can gain valuable knowledge from Lady Tamaraws’ coach, Tina Salak, one of the nation’s most distinguished setters of all time, who provided the newcomer with an opportunity during the match against University of the East.
After securing a 25-20, 25-20, 25-23 triumph against the Lady Red Warriors, Salak stated, “In every match, I inform my players that they have a chance to compete.” In this game, Miranda delivered 17 outstanding sets, guiding the Tamaraws to their sixth success out of nine matches.
“It’s their choice whether they’ll deliver or not,” stated Salak, who naturally places greater emphasis on her setters.
Taking wheel
It doesn’t imply that Miranda can unwind just because she’s the secondary setter,” Salak stated about her newcomer. “She still holds an important position since my setters carry significant responsibilities. Naturally, I push both of them quite hard.
With the break she got, Miranda has just assured Salak that she could one day be trusted to run the Morayta squad’s offense.
Out of 49 tries, Ubaldo managed only five outstanding sets before handing over the reins to Miranda, who effectively steered the Far Eastern attack.
“The chance is huge since I rarely get to play,” stated the rookie setter. “I’m excited about our potential to improve in upcoming matches.”
“I’m excited to learn more from both of them since Coach Tina mentioned that we have the opportunity to lead the team. As long as there’s still time, Tin (Ubaldo) and I assist each other with whatever we need to accomplish,” she stated.
Far Eastern anticipates continued improvement as they have five more matches ahead before reaching the Final Four stage. Securing a 1-2 standing could provide them with the benefit of advancing with just one victory.
However, the defending champions from National University await them next, and Far Eastern must remain highly cautious when facing the sharp-minded Lady Bulldogs, who will enter the match eager after suffering their initial defeat of the season.
This will be high-pressure competition, with a fierce battle since the Tamaraws are determined to stay at number two at minimum.
“Playing under pressure is inevitable since it will constantly be present,” Miranda stated. “The choice is yours to figure out how to conquer it.”
oleh admin | Mar 27, 2025 | politics, sports, tennis, tournaments, women's sports
MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala is anticipated to break into the top 100 of the WTA World Rankings as she keeps making waves at the 2025 Miami Open.
Eala, who is currently ranked 140th in the world, defeated three players with Grand Slam titles to advance to the semifinals of the Miami Open.
And the most recent top player she defeated was World No. 2 and five-time Grand Slam winner Iga Swiatek, as the 19-year-old Filipina pulled off a significant 6-2, 7-5 victory to move into the Final Four on Thursday (Manila time).
READ:
Alex Eala defeats world No. 2 Iga Swiatek at the Miami Open.
After her impressive performance at the WTA 1000 event, Eala has climbed to 75th place in the live rankings and should break into the top 100 irrespective of how she performs in this competition.
The player, who graduated from the Rafael Nadal Academy and has reached a career peak at World No. 134, is expected to receive direct entries into the main draws of Grand Slam tournaments once she breaks into the top 100.
As stated by the WTA, Eala has matched the finest outcome secured by a wildcard entry at the Miami Open since the event began in 1985.
The young Filipino tennis star became just the second wildcard entry to secure three back-to-back victories against Grand Slam winners at a single WTA tournament.
She made history as the initial Filipina to advance to the semifinals of a WTA 1000 event and defeat a competitor ranked within the top two since the inception of the WTA Tour rankings in 1975.
Alex Eala versus Jessica Pegula at the Miami Open: Where can you catch it on television?
Eala secured her initial victory at the Miami Open main draw by defeating World No. 73 Katie Volynets with scores of 6-3, 7-6(3) in the Round of 128.
She defeated the World No. 25 and 2017 French Open winner Jeļena Ostapenko from Latvia with a score of 7-6 (2), 7-5, then shocked WTA player number five Madison Keys with a 6-4, 6-2 victory in the third round. She advanced directly to the quarterfinals when Spain’s Paula Badosa had to pull out of their fourth-round game because of a lower back injury.
Eala sets her sights on the Miami Open championship after facing World No.4 Jessica Pegula in the semifinals on Friday at 8:30 a.m. Manila time.
oleh admin | Mar 27, 2025 | politics, sports, tennis, tournaments, women's sports
Alex Eala aims to prolong her remarkable journey in the 2025 Miami Open as she faces off against high-ranking competitor Jessica Pegula in the semifinals on Friday at 8:30 am Manila time.
As the world looks on, Eala has emerged as an unlikely wildcard at the WTA 1000 event following her upset victories over three Major winners—Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys, and Iga Swiatek.
READ:
Jessica Pegula gears up for a showdown against Alex Eala in the Miami Open semifinals.
Following her victory over the World No. 2 Swiatek earlier on Thursday, Eala expressed gratitude to all the Filipino supporters who remained awake late at night to catch her quarterfinals game.
“Thanks to all those who made it here today, and thank you to everyone watching from their homes,” she stated.
Here’s how Filipino fans can catch Eala as she competes in the semifinals against Pegula.
Where to catch the action on television: Miami Open semis – Alex Eala versus Jessica Pegula
The semifinal game featuring Alex Eala against Pegula will be broadcasted on both free television and cable on Friday morning.
In the Philippines, it will air on A2Z Channel, Kapamilya Channel, and ABS-CBN News Channel as well as on Premier Sports 2 which can be found on channel number 273 via Cignal.
SANGGRALOKASports will likewise offer the latest updates about the prominent Filipino tennis player across its different channels.
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oleh admin | Mar 25, 2025 | olympic sports, politics, politics and government, sports, women's sports
The most acclaimed athlete from Africa, Kirsty Coventry, seemed to value her time serving as Zimbabwe’s Sports Minister after speaking with the press following her return from Greece, where she was named the 10th president of the International Olympic Committee.
Coventry, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, holds seven of the eight Olympic medals that Zimbabwe has ever won. The sole exception is the gold medal earned by the Zimbabwean women’s hockey team, nicknamed the Golden Girls, at the 1980 Moscow Olympics in Russia.
She created history by being both the inaugural female and initial African to assume the presidency of the IOC. As she gets ready for her new position in June, her term as Zimbabwe’s Sports minister seems likely to conclude.
“I feel deeply honored to have served in this administration over the past several years. It will be difficult not to share seats with you anymore, Monica [Minister for Women’s Affairs Mutsvangwa],” Coventry stated.
I am thankful for the counsel provided by all my coworkers throughout the past several years.
She went on:
I am deeply thankful. Although I cannot meet with Dr [Thokozile] Chitepo, upon my initial visit, Doctor, your guidance and encouragement meant a great deal to me. Therefore, I sincerely appreciate what you have done. I feel accomplished regarding the efforts we have collectively put forth.
Don’t fret, I won’t be disappearing without notice come tomorrow. There’s a transitional phase for handing over responsibilities, and I am scheduled to officially assume office on June 23rd. Therefore, we still have some time ahead. Addressing the ministry, many members of my team are present here today. A big thank you goes out to the directors, deputy directors, chief directors, and interim chief directors. It has been gratifying to get acquainted with each one of you and collaborate closely these past several years.
Coventry’s link to Greece has been completed, as she earned her first gold medal in this nation and has now been chosen as the IOC president there as well.
“Greece… will always have a special spot in my heart, just like it did back in 2004 when I was elected as the 10th IOC president. Indeed, I became both the first female and the first representative from Africa to take this position—not the youngest one though,” she stated.
I might want to claim the title of being the youngest, but in reality, our founding partner Pierre de Coubertin was only 33 when he started in 1896. That means I am over a decade older than him, yet I’ve been the youngest for quite some time now.
She showed enthusiasm for her new role and the fresh challenge ahead.
“This is going to be an exciting tenure, with lots of different challenges, but also lots of opportunities. As I did in 2004, after my swimming career and winning gold, I’m coming back home. I’m excited to share this experience with everybody over the next few days and weeks,” Coventry said.
I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude once more for accompanying me throughout this voyage. Each and every one of you has made a substantial contribution to my achievements, and I view this accomplishment not solely as mine, but as a shared victory among us all.
Mutsvangwa praised Kirsty Coventry’s unwavering determination.
As we mark March, it becomes clear—especially concerning girls and women globally—that achieving their aspirations is crucial. This requires perseverance, devotion, and immense dedication. I’ve seen the journey you undertook, Kirsty, and how you shattered barriers throughout your campaign,” stated Mutsvangwa.
By putting Zimbabwe on the global platform, we are thrilled. We’ll remain steadfast beside you, backing your efforts and rejoicing in this significant moment for Zimbabwe. You’ve become like family to me within the Cabinet; I feel as though you’re my own daughter. Together, we’ve experienced countless instances together, such as those quiet mornings leading up to our Cabinet sessions. My affection for you runs deep, and regardless of what happens, I want you to know I’m always available. This accomplishment underscores that when dedicated, females across this nation can realize their aspirations and bring honor to all of us.
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