MANILA, Philippines — Philippine sports icons Carlos “Caloy” Yulo and Alex Eala shared the spotlight as they were named the Athletes of the Year during the prestigious Philippine Association of the Philippines (PSA) Annual Awards Night held on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
The star-studded event, organized by the country’s oldest media organization, honored the “best of the best” in Filipino sports for their historic achievements throughout the 2025 season.
Double Victory for the Nation
- Carlos Yulo: The two-time Olympic gold medalist continued his dominance in 2025 by sweeping major titles in the Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championships and securing multiple medals in the World Cup series. His consistency and role as a global ambassador for Filipino gymnastics earned him his third Athlete of the Year trophy from the PSA.
- Alex Eala: The tennis sensation received the top honor following a breakthrough 2025 season where she climbed to her highest-ever WTA ranking. Eala captured her first few WTA 125 titles and made deep runs in Grand Slam qualifying rounds, solidifying her status as the greatest female tennis player in Philippine history.
Other Major Awards and Citations:
- Executive of the Year: Awarded to Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, president of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), for his leadership in maintaining the country’s “golden era” of sports.
- National Team of the Year: The Gilas Pilipinas Men’s Basketball Team took home the trophy following their impressive performance in the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers and their rise in the world rankings.
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Given to billiards legend Efren “Bata” Reyes for his unparalleled contribution to the sport and for continuing to inspire generations of athletes even in his senior years.
During his acceptance speech, Yulo dedicated the award to his coaching staff and the Filipino people. “This isn’t just my win; it’s a win for every Filipino who dreams of making it on the world stage,” he said. Eala, who sent a video message from her training base in Spain, echoed the sentiment, thanking the PSA for recognizing the growth of tennis in the country.
The PSA Annual Awards remain the highest local accolade for Filipino athletes, celebrating the discipline, grit, and excellence that define the nation’s sporting spirit.