By: Waylon Galvez

They may have suited up for Team Philippines in different eras, but their remarkable achievements—particularly in numerous international competitions—have earned them a place among the newest Hall of Fame inductees. Dubbed the “Magnificent Seven,” the group was officially recognized by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.

The list includes former national team standouts Eduardo Pacheco (basketball and football), Isidro del Prado (athletics), Ramon Fernandez (basketball), Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco (boxing), Beatrice Lucero-Lhuillier (gymnastics and taekwondo), Cecil Mamiit (tennis), and para-athlete Adeline Dumapong-Ancheta (weightlifting). Their inclusion was announced by PSC and POC officials as the latest additions to the Hall of Fame.

Their selection was finalized following a thorough screening process and extensive deliberations by the Selection Committee, led by PSC chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio and POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.

The “Magnificent Seven” were formally unveiled on Monday, April 13, at the PSC Media Room in Vito Cruz, Manila. Their induction ceremony is tentatively scheduled for May 20 at the Heroes Hall of Malacañang Palace.

This latest batch marks the fifth installment of the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame, which was established by law in 2010. With these new inductees, the total number of honorees rises to 54, following previous enshrinements of 10 athletes in the inaugural class, 17 in 2016, 10 in 2018, and another 10 in 2021.

Each inductee will receive a specially crafted trophy by renowned sculptor Leandro Baldemor, along with a cash prize of P500,000.

“The Philippine Sports Hall of Fame is more than an honor roll of medals — it is a living ledger of greatness to honor those who have defined what it means to be Filipino in sport,” said Gregorio, who co-headed the selection committee with Tolentino.

“These are not just names. They are the pride and memory of a nation. The search for new enshrinees has been difficult because there are many stories of greatness in sports,” he added.

“Some are measured in medals. Many are not. And yet we undertake this task, because a nation that remembers its champions is a nation that continues to produce them.”

The process will culminate in a star-studded enshrinement ceremony, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expected to attend as the special guest.

Tolentino said the seven honorees represent the very best of Philippine sports from 1924 to 2014, joining past inductees such as Teofilo Yldefonso, Caloy Loyzaga, Miguel White, Mona Sulaiman, Felicisimo Ampon, Gabriel “Flash” Elorde, Pancho Villa, Robert Jaworski, Paeng Nepomuceno, Bong Coo, Lydia de Vega-Mercado, and Elma Muros-Posadas.

The POC chief added that the seven were selected from a pool of 75 nominees.

“Lahat naman deserving but we had to choose,” said Tolentino, who also revealed plans to amend the law governing the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame. The proposed changes include recognizing sports patrons and leaders, as well as clarifying the provision that currently limits eligibility to retired athletes and coaches.

Tolentino said congressional support would be needed to implement these amendments in time for the next batch of inductees in 2028.

“I will be the one to push for that (amendment). It is very important to have sports leaders, sports patrons and even media. We want to see them in the Hall of Fame,” said Gregorio.

Other members of the Selection Committee include Games and Amusements Board chairman Atty. Francisco Rivera, NSA representatives Jarryd Belo and Jose Malonzo, Ayala Foundation representative Xavier Virata, and MVP Sports Foundation president Al Panlilio.

The Review and Evaluation Committee, meanwhile, was composed of sports journalists Jun Lomibao, Al Mendoza, Ignacio Dee, Quinito Henson, and Dodo Catacutan.

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• Pearl Queens 49-59 Nabisunsa Girls

After falling to Angels, Nabisunsa Girls have returned to winning ways with a shocking victory against Pearl Queens.

Nabisunsa Girls secured a well-deserved 59-49 victory against Pearl Queens in the NBL encounter at YMCA Court, Wandegeya on Sunday morning.

Nabisunsa had a poor start and were limited to only six points as they trailed by 10 points (16-6) at the end of the opening period.

In the second quarter, Nabisunsa improved on the ball movement piercing through the Pearl Queens’ defence as they reduced their deficit by four points (27-31) going into the long break.

Coming from halftime break, Nabisunsa kept the foot on the gas pedal as Martha Yikuru’s long effort beyond the paint concluded the third period as they took a one-point (44-43) lead.

In the final quarter, Nabisunsa kept composed as they limited the Pearl Queens to only six points as they ran away with a 10-point victory.

Martha Yikuru (16 points), Joyce Auma (16 points) and Abigail Mpoza led Nabisunsa’s scoring chart in double digits.

Jane Chisom (18 points) and Scovia Akello (12 points) scored double digits for the Pearl Queens.

The post Nabisunsa Girls shock Pearl Queens at YMCA appeared first on Kawowo Sports.

• Angels 22-80 JT Lady Jaguars

JT Lady Jaguars (11-1) concluded the first round of the regular season with a dominant victory against Angels.

JT Lady Jaguars secured a dominant 80-22 victory against Angels in the National Basketball League encounter at YMCA Court on Sunday.

Sudi Ulanga’s troops started on the front foot imploring a full-court press as they opened a huge 17-point (21-4) lead at the end of the opening period.

In the second quarter, the Angels spent six minutes without dropping a point until Joan Namatovu converted one of the attempts from the line. Angels continued to struggle at both sides of the court trailing 30 points going into the long break.

Coming from the halftime break, Angels tried to regroup and scored 10 points but their deficit extended to 44 points going into the final quarter.

In the fourth quarter, it was a one-way traffic as the Angels were limited to only two points as the Lady Jaguars ran away with a 58-point victory.

Priscillar Nambogo (15 points), Brenda Kayaga (13 points) , Shakirah Nanvubya (12 points) and Mercy Batamuliza (10 points) led the scoring for the Lady Jaguars in double digits.

The post NBL: JT Lady Jaguars suffocate Angels to conclude first round on a high appeared first on Kawowo Sports.