SPOTLIGHT ON BIADO, ANCAJAS, TABORA

Boxing sensation Jerwin Ancajas, bowling star Krizziah Lyn Tabora and billiards standout Carlo Biado brought sparkle back to three sports where Filipinos have been traditional heavyweights.

Rightfully, the three world champions will headline the honor roll as Athletes of the Year when the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) and San Miguel Corporation (SMC) fete the country’s top performers in an annual awards night on Tuesday at Manila Hotel.

Ancajas thrice defended his International Boxing Federation super flyweight title last year, Tabora emerged as women’s champion in the Bowling World Cup and Biado ruled World 9-Ball.

The 2023 Fiba World Cup Philippine bid team led by Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas chair emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan will receive the President’s Award.

Agriculture Sec. Manny Piñol, a former sportswriter and boxing analyst, will be the keynote speaker in the formal event also presented by Milo and Cignal TV.

SMC’s Ramon S. Ang and Standard Insurance’s Jude Echauz will be recognized as Executives of the Year, while the Triathlon Association of the Philippines will receive the National Sports Association of the Year award.

Veteran newsman and former sports editor Augusto “Gus” Villanueva will be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Special citations will be given to June Mar Fajardo (Mr. Basketball), to be co-presented by Caesar Angelo Wongchuking of Mighty Sports, and Marck Espejo and Dawn Macandili (Mr. and Ms. Volleyball).