The Superbowls Of the Filipinos

Basketball, boxing, and beauty pageants are the three Bs or the local super bowl that the Philippines takes great pleasure in. Considering their enormous following and influence, these fields could be as well as our nation's trademark. Do you recall when Pacman first gained popularity? Not only domestically, but also in his big championship fights worldwide, smashing record after record? When he fights, it feels like a ghost town on EDSA as if a highway that is always congested is nowhere to be found—A Pacquiao phenomenon.

How about basketball which is the most popular sport among us Filipinos? Almost every street in our country has its basketball court or ring on it which proves how Filipinos are fond of playing basketball. Fun fact, We almost qualify to play in the London Olympics in 2012. In beauty pageant, who would forget the most historic crowning moment of our 3rd Miss Universe Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach after 42 years of title drought? These events made us proud all the time that we compete internationally which is why we Filipinos are enthusiastic in these fields.

It goes without saying that if there were a list of things that might bring a nation together, the Philippines would surely have these three on it. In fact, they might be at the top of the list. Social media have further amplified the popularity of these flamboyant events, which skyrocketed up until this day.

Filipina Beauty Slayer

It is indisputably true that Filipina beauty in the world of pageantry always prevails. From its numerous pageants from towns and local pageants, up to the national and international pageantry, the number of support and fan bases are always at high figures. Indeed, as well as when there’s a woman wearing a Philippine sash in an international competition, expect that there’s already a runner-up finish or a crown waiting for our representative. With our nation that gives 100% full support to our fellow kababayan as our flag bearer, we are the driving force as well as the key factor on why Filipinos always get a crown.

In Miss Universe way back in the 2000s, placements for our representatives are hard to find but when Binibining Pilipinas Universe 2010 Venus Raj conquered the 58th edition of Miss Universe, Filipino fans goes wild when she was able to have a placement as 4th runner up. Even if she’s only an inch closer of getting the crown, this didn’t dismay the fans as she became the so-called “the drought breaker” who broke the curse of not having a placement since the year 2000. From her edition up to this day, we still haven’t missed to get a semi finals placement or runner up finish on Miss Universe competition.

“I am confidently beautiful with a heart” these lines won the hearts of not just the entire Filipinos but also the entire universe. Everyone in our country rejoiced when Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach became our 3rd Miss Universe in 2015, breaking the 42 years title drought from the time Margie Moran won in Miss Universe 1973. Evidently our efforts from that golden year that Venus have started when she competed up to this moment where we succeed to get a crown proves that our supported is the fruit as nation who are united in supporting our pageantry.

In spite of its troubling past and debate around glorifying women, pageantry in the Philippines eventually underwent reform. Transforming from an exploitative show to a venue for bringing about change, making a difference, and shattering the glass barrier in a culture that still values gender division. Invoking the words of Miss Universe Catriona Gray, perhaps there is some good in all things.

Basketball Domination

Basketball is a sport that is played at both the amateur and professional levels. Almost everywhere in the Philippines – may it be on the streets of Manila, along the precious beaches of Boracay, or in flashes among the lush forests of Bataan - you will see young and adult Filipinos wearing the colors of their favorite teams.

Basketball is the equivalent of football of Brazilians among Filipinos. Basketball courts could be found in practically every barangay or town back then, making it as the national favorite sport. Basketball exploded in popularity after the Americans introduced it to the Philippines in 1910. Basketball has given rise to aspiring athletes who have gone on to become huge names; from Jawo and the renowned Ginebra team to Junemar Fajardo's heroic deeds, basketball has followed us through these significant developments in the country. Filipino fans like being amused and thrilled by the breath-taking games in every tournament with spectacular and unimaginable twists. The theatrical drama of every time-outs when the game is on the line, the last-second shot clock that brings the crowd gone wild...it has everything a sports fan could ever wanted, and the fast tempo is one of the key reasons it has merged so well within the culture. It also bridged the Philippines that has had a long history of success.

The sport of basketball has continued to develop and draw more young players both inside and outside the country ever since we finished fifth in the Olympic games in 1936—still the best performance of the country—and scored the first 100+ points by any country in the Olympiad. Although we are still figuring out the ideal combination to at least top that record, the Filipinos' tenacity and desire to uphold their nation's honor will keep us going.

Our Trademark Filipino Punches

When we hear the word "boxing," we usually think of one familiar face and name. That face and name are usually always referenced when we engage with foreigners. He became so well-known around the world that he could be considered the sport's face. Boxing in the Philippines has developed aspiring young men who have been part of history during the course of its over a century of progress and development in our world of Boxing.

Our “Pambansang Kamao” Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao is our infamous boxing legend. His tactical and agile attacks as he carries the Philippine flag draw the attention of the global boxing community making the entire country famous as in boxing. Everyone in the Philippines idolizes him in the sport in which he was able to inspire young athletes to become great boxer just like him. For every fight that he had before, he exhibited the Filipino never-say-die attitude regardless of the win or lose result. The fighting spirit of Filipinos in which Manny has embodied is the spark plug for our fellow boxers to excel as well in Boxing sporting events.