Under the dazzling lights of the Centennial Hall of the Manila Hotel, ArenaPlus, the country’s premier 24/7 sports entertainment platform, proudly took part in celebrating the San Miguel Corporation-Philippine Sportswriters Association (SMC-PSA) Awards Night on January 28, 2025. The prestigious event gathered the nation’s top athletes, Olympians, and sports leaders, marking another milestone in Philippine sports history.
Honoring a Legacy of Excellence
With the theme “Golden Year, Golden Centenary,” the PSA Awards paid tribute to 117 outstanding athletesacross various sports disciplines. As the oldest media organization in the country, PSA continues to recognize the dedication and achievements of Filipino athletes who bring honor to the nation. This year’s special guests of honor included Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Richard “Dickie” Bachmann, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, and Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Youth and Sports.
ArenaPlus’ Role in Honoring Sports Achievements
As a strong advocate for Philippine sports, Total GameZone Xtreme Incorporated President Rafael Jasper Vicencio took the stage to present awards to some of the night’s most distinguished honorees. Among them were the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines, named National Sports Association of the Year, and Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, who was recognized as Executive of the Year. Olympian boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas were also honored with the President’s Award, further highlighting the evening’s celebration of sporting excellence.
A Historic Night for Carlos Yulo
The most anticipated moment of the night was the Athlete of the Year award, presented to ArenaPlus ambassador and Olympic gymnast Carlos Yulo. Yulo made history by securing the Philippines’ first-ever Olympic double gold in gymnastics at the Paris Games, a feat that solidified his place as one of the country’s greatest athletes. His achievement serves as an inspiration for aspiring Filipino gymnasts and a testament to the nation’s growing strength in the international sports arena.
Strengthening the Commitment to Philippine Sports
For the second consecutive year, ArenaPlus’ partnership with PSA reflects its unwavering commitment to supporting Filipino athletes and promoting sports excellence. Being part of the centennial celebration of Filipino sports reinforces the brand’s dedication to delivering an exciting and engaging sports experience to fans nationwide.
As ArenaPlus continues to champion sports entertainment and athlete recognition, the brand remains steadfast in its mission to elevate the passion for sports and inspire the next generation of Filipino champions—anytime, anywhere.