WWE LIVE IN MANILA
Filipino wrestling fans were treated to a live WWE show in September, featuring Sheamus, Chris Jericho, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, Big Show, and John Cena. The last time a WWE event was held in the country, CM Punk was still a thing–as a professional wrestler and not a UFC fighter.
GI-NE-BRA, GI-NE-BRA!
Barangay Ginebra finally ended its eight-year title drought in 2016 in true “never say die” fashion. Down 13 at halftime of Game 6, living legend Robert Jaworksi gave a pep talk in the locker room to light a big fire under the team. An inspired Ginebra stormed out in the second half and erased the deficit. With the ballgame tied and only five seconds left, import Justin Brownlee drilled a title-clinching three-pointer at the top of the key. It was a sports moment worthy of a movie.
PERLAS PILIPINAS WINS GOLD
The Philippines’ women’s basketball team dominated the 2016 SEABA Championship for Women, bringing home a gold medal from Malaysia. The tournament ended in a 6-0 sweep for Perlas Pilipinas, which became only the second Philippine women’s team to win the SEABA title.
LA SALLE-ATENEO RIVALRY CONTINUES
2016 was the year the rivalry between the De La Salle University and the Ateneo de Manila University was renewed. In April, the La Salle Lady Spikers took the volleyball trophy by defeating the Ateneo Lady Eagles despite the heroic efforts of Alyssa Valdez. In December, the De La Salle Green Archers, led by Jeron Teng, brought the basketball trophy back to Taft by sweeping the Ateneo Blue Eagles. The series was dubbed a “dream finals” rematch eight years in the making.
What are your best local sports moments of 2016? Share them with us below!
